VARIOUS ARTISTS
MASSIVE CLASSICS VOL ONE
DIRTY SOUTH

Massive Attack, often listed as one of the most influential UK bands in recent times, are the subject of this collection. The theory presumably being that, behind every great band and / or album, lie a heap of other artists, albums, singles, films, books and general cultural ephemera that may have influenced and informed the band to create their own vision of the world. So it is with Massive Attack. Conceived and compiled by DJ Cam, it offers up seminal original recordings which had a direct bearing on Massive Attack sound. Either referenced, borrowed from or sampled, the music herein will be instantly familiar to fans of the Bristol sound, proving that it was a global sound after all. Lowrell, Tom Scott, Billy Cobham (the backbone for “Safe From Harm”), William Devaughn, Wally Badarou, Al Green, Isaac Hayes, and more – it’s like meeting old friends, and will make you want to revisit the Massive Attack of old. Sleeve notes are sadly lacking (would have been nice to see some thought on the creation of two undeniably classic albums) but, even so, this is required listening for anyone with a passing interest in modern icons.

5 Out Of 5

Reviewed By: Darren Wall