Comments (1) ... A few years ago, the good folks at Rapster Records decided to share with the world some of the original tracks sampled by groovemasters Daft Punk. Now, the second volume in their "Protected" series is out and it showcases the songs and beats that made Massive Attack such a huge success.

1. Wally Badarou "Mambo"
2. Lowrell "Mellow Mellow"
3. William DeVaughn "Be Thankful For What You've Got"
4. Al Green "I'm Glad You're Mine"
5. James Brown "Never Can Say Goodbye"
6. Isaac Hayes "Ike's Mood"
7. Billy Cobham "Stratus"
8. Lewin Bones Lock "Five Man Army Dub"
9. John Holt "Man Next Door"
10. The Blackbyrds "Rock Creek Park"
11. Pieces of a Dream "It's Time For Love"
12. Rufus & Chaka Khan "Any Love"

The British group spearheaded the trip-hop boom of the early 90s and albums like "Protection" and "Mezzanine" should be in everyone's collection. Along with other bands from the Bristol area, like Portishead, they took sampling into a new dimension and gave the British dance music scene something to think about.

Some of the tracks on this collection are better known than others. Most people will be familiar with "Ike's Mood" by the late, great Isaac Hayes, and "Rock Creek Park" by the Blackbyrds. Those two tunes have been regularly sampled to death by various DJs and producers over the years, and you may already have them on other releases.

Where this compilation really scores is with some of the more obscure tracks. The sparse bass of Lewin Bones Lock's "Five Man Army Dub" is an essential listen. It might be more than seven minutes long, but it never outstays its welcome. There is also room for some cheesy 80s soul. "It's Time For Love" by Pieces Of A Dream has the slinkiest of basslines. It's a retro soulfest and the guiltiest of pleasures. And lastly, dare we mention "Status" by Billy Cobham. It's an epic track and well worth investigating.

As a compilation, there are plenty of surprises and even regular record collectors will find something they have never heard of on this release.

~ Jamie Hailstone

Add a Comment