FuturePrimitive

DJ Krush- “Stepping Stones: The Self-Remixed Best- Lyricism/Soundscapes” With output spanning over a ten year period, DJ Krush has amassed quite a back catalogue. A greatest hits was inevitable at this stage. He ups the ante of the Greatest Hits package by remixing his back catalogue. What is unique about Krush is that he never released singles per say, so his work has been based on quality albums and a devoted fan base that understand his significance to the global music scene. Not one to fall into the stereotypical cliches’ of Hip Hop, it’s attitude and essence conveyed through productions that has gained him respect from artists and collaborators alike. The 'Soundscapes' disc boasts fresh interpretations from yesteryear (excluding Ki- Oku with Toshinoro Kondo) and while these mixes are superb its the subtleties that have always made his productions interesting. Songs are re-imagined so well it makes you want to hear the originals. Krush is also smart enough to know when to back off and enhance the mix ever so slightly on classics like “Kemuri” from Strictly Turntabalized. ‘Lyricsm’ falls a little short comparatively. All the collaborations are first rate but there is always the compromise of laying off the detailed production for the guest to rhyme or sing over. The more successful tracks that are improved upon include 'Vision of Art' with its switched up tempo responding on command to Company Flow’s decrees and 'Nosferatu' featuring Mr. Lif has overt electronic squelches between sedate beats. Anticon’s contribution 'Song for John Walker' boasts old school breaks backing their frank dissemination on corporate government and skull and bones conspiracies. 'Meiso' is flipped into a more energetic abstract electronic number. It’s a great compilation. I only take issue with one track being left off. The Eri Ohno remake of John Lennon’s ‘Mind Games’ from ‘MiLight’ would have been a stellar addition. Aside from it’s political implications, it was a great interpretation authored by one of history’s most loved and missed peace rockers. If this would be your first Krush album it’s not a bad place to start and it’s a pretty good deal considering your your getting two albums for the price of one. It’s also a great springboard for you to delve into his back catalogue.