It’s not often the compilation of the week accolade is such a comprehensive walkover, even in this week’s crowded release schedule. In celebrating two decades at the forefront of electronic music exploration, Ninja Tune have decided not to look back on their past achievements, something the ZEN compilation series has already done, but have instead opted to look forward. The decision pays off handsomely, whether you opt for the two double CD packages the label are offering, or if you go for the big mother, the massive box set that contains six CDs of mostly unreleased and exclusive material, a book, free downloads, posters and 12” cuts. If your bank manager won’t stretch to that then head for the double packages, where you will find upfront anthems in the making such as Toddla T’s ‘Want U Now’, with Ms Dynamite back on form, Zomby’s weird and wonderful ‘The Forest’, and some remixes that will surprise and delight, none more so than Autechre’s recent take on The Bug’s ‘Skeng’, or the Kronos Quartet taking on Amon Tobin’s ‘Foley Room’. In truth there is hardly a dud among all these delights, so hours of discovery await, as well as marvelling at the label’s achievements over the years. Two decades old and still champing at the bit for new treasures, Ninja Tune really is a British institution.
5 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: Ben Hogwood
