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Formed: 1987
Official Site: test
iSound Site: www.isound.com/massive_attack
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| The pioneering force behind the rise of { rip-hop}, {$Massive Attack} were among the most innovative and influential groups of their generation; their hypnotic sound -- a darkly sensual and cinematic fusion of {hip-hop} rhythms, soulful melodies, {dub} grooves, and choice sa |
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 | Collected
Released: 2006 |
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The pioneering force behind the rise of { rip-hop}, {$Massive Attack} were among the most innovative and influential groups of their generation; their hypnotic sound -- a darkly sensual and cinematic fusion of {hip-hop} rhythms, soulful melodies, {dub} grooves, and choice samples -- set the pace for much of the dance music to emerge throughout the 1990s, paving the way for such acclaimed artists as {$Portishead}, {$Sneaker Pimps}, {$Beth Orton}, and {$Tricky}, himself a {$Massive Attack} alumnus. Their history dates back to 1983 and the formation of {$the Wild Bunch}, one of the earliest and most successful sound-system/DJ collectives to arrive on the U.K. music scene; renowned for their seamless integration of a wide range of musical styles, from {punk} to {
eggae} to {R&B}, the group's parties quickly became can't-miss events for the Bristol club crowd, and at the peak of their popularity they drew crowds so enormous that the local live music scene essentially ground to a halt.
When {$the Wild Bunch} folded during the mid-'80s, two of its members -- {$Andrew "Mushroom" Vowles} and {$Grant "Daddy G" Marshall} -- teamed with local graffiti artist {$3D} (born {$Robert del Naja}) to form {$Massive Attack} in 1987; another {$Wild Bunch} alum, {$Nellee Hooper}, split his time between the new group and his other project, {$Soul II Soul}. The group's first single, {&"Daydreaming,"} appeared in 1990; it featured the sultry vocals of singer {$Shara Nelson} and raps by {$Tricky}, another onetime {$Wild Bunch} collaborator. The classic {&"Unfinished Sympathy"} followed, as did another compelling effort, {&"Safe From Harm."} Finally, in 1991 {$Massive Attack} issued their debut LP, {^Blue Lines}; while by no means a huge commercial success, the record was met with major critical praise, and was dubbed an instant classic in many quarters. {$Nelson}, featured on many of the album's most memorable tracks, exited for a solo career soon after, and the group then confusingly changed their name to simply "{$Massive}" to avoid any implication of approval for the U.N.'s policy towards Iraq; in the wake of the disastrous U.S. tour that followed, many were quick to write the band off right then and there.
After a three-year layoff, {$Massive Attack} -- their full name now properly reinstated -- resurfaced with {^Protection}; again working with {$Hooper} and {$Tricky}, they also brought into the fold vocalist {$Nicolette}, as well as {$Everything but the Girl}'s {$Tracey Thorn}. Three singles -- {&"Karmacoma,"} {&"Sly,"} and the title track -- were released from the LP, which was also remixed in its entirety by {$Mad Professor} and issued as {^No Protection}. A lengthy tour followed, and over the next several years, {$Massive Attack}'s solo work was primarily confined to remixes for artists including {$Garbage}; they also worked with {$Madonna} on a track for a {$Marvin Gaye} tribute album. Finally, to promote their appearance at the annual Glastonbury music festival, the group issued a new EP, {^Risingson}, during the summer of 1997. The third full-length {$Massive Attack} effort, {^Mezzanine}, appeared in mid-1998; in addition to {
eggae} singer {$Horace Andy}, making his third consecutive LP appearance with the group, vocal chores were handled by {$the Cocteau Twins}' {$Elizabeth Fraser} and newcomer {$Sara Jay}. {^Mezzanine} became a cult hit among critics, clubs, and the college crowds, spinning successful singles such as {&"Teardrop"} and {&"Inertia Creeps."} A tour of America and Europe followed, but {$Vowles} left the band after disagreeing with the artistic direction of {^Mezzanine}. {$Del Naja} and {$Marshall} continued as a duo, later working with the likes of {$David Bowie} and {$the Dandy Warhols}, but {$Marshall} later took a leave of absence to raise his family; producer {$Neil Davidge} took up the slack. In February 2003, after a five-year wait, {$Massive Attack} released their fourth album, {^100th Window}, including collaborations with mainstay {$Horace Andy} as well as {$Sinéad O'Connor}. {^Danny the Dog} from 2004 marked the group's entry into the world of soundtracks. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guides
Bio written by: Jason Ankeny |
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Discussion Topic
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Creator
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Massive on this disc
Having a problem relaxing in the craziness of
this world? “Drift deeper into the sound”, of
The Ultimate Chillout 04. The fourth
installment of this project involves a
variety of remixes from artists such as
Radiohead, Massive Attack, IIO, and Bjork to
name a few. All these songs will have you
breathing just a little deeper into the sound
of life. While you may know most of the
titles, that does not necessarily mean you’ll
recognize them off the bat. The entire album
consists of small changes made to each song
in the name of relaxation, providing a
perfect element for chill out.
Track one “As the rush comes” originally
composed by Motorcycle, this tune takes on
the task of being the intro trance track to a
very diverse CD. Air compressions, beautiful
beats and a soothing female voice to ease you
into the setting. Track 2 is a bit of a step
in the same direction only its done by
instrumentalist gods, Radiohead. Originally
recorded and released on “Kid A”, “Everything
in its right place” combines the beauty of
trance, and the simple complexity of
Radiohead. Being a large fan of the band, but
not particularly fond of Kid A myself, I can
say there is no other song in the catalog
more perfect for this project.
Track three features BT, who most of you
might recognize via his largely popular hit
“Never gonna come back down”, which was
featured in several major motion pictures
(i.e.; “Gone in Sixty Seconds” ). The
existence of a beat is still present but just
a bit toned down for “The Great Escape”,
mixed by Carmen Rizzo. Massive Attack is up
next, and secretly or not, we’ve all been an
MA fan for years. Originally released on
"100th window”, “Butterfly Caught” has
been justified by one Paul Daley, and placed
neatly on a disc in which you can appreciate
its speed and simplicity.
Track five was probably one of the most
natural choices that could have been made for
this disc. Remember a few years back when
U.N.K.L.E. was formed? Thom Yorke
(Radiohead), and DJ Shadow invited a slew of
other guests stars like Kirk Hammet amongst
others. The initial single and video, “Rabbit
in your headlights” is back for another round
of vehicular abuse (remember that
video??!!??!). Dubbed as the 3D mix (reverse
light), this track encompasses the overall
feel of the entire project. Far off the bunny
trails of pop culture, but still rhythmic and
moody by any standard set of intelligible
ears.
Ah yes , its time for the surprise of the
disc. Indeed my favorite track was track six,
“Provider”, originally recorded for
N.E.R.D.'s, “In search of…” LP, this
Neptune’s produced track takes the art of
trance and twists it into the mold of Jazzy
Blues and Hip Hop. Perhaps what puts this
track a bit further into the spotlight is the
accompanying lyrics. The story being told is
the perfect bleeding of emotion for such a
disc. "I refuse to be a bum,
especially coming where I'm from, I'm a
provider girl, and I love you”. Vocally
bi-polar, this track may solidify the
purchase alone. But there’s more….
Track seven is Delerium and their club hit,
“Magic” featuring Julee Cruise. Subtle
acoustic guitar additions, and the bottom
line beat make for a perfectly soothing
session of relaxed settings. Track eight, is
techno legends Chemical Brothers, and their
single “One too man mornings”. Contagiously
upbeat in comparison with the rest of the
album, this track sits atop a mountain of
cold darkness and spits on its world of
negativity finding a hybrid of different
melodies and keyboard creations. Intertwining
is the soothing voice and inviting drum
rhythms.
Track nine , and ten are sail away type
pieces. Engagingly upbeat and perfectly
timed, as the disc was just about hitting the
TOO RELAXED stage. Anyone here who involved
themselves in the rave and party days will
enjoy the next track. Just as your starting
to fall fast asleep, and your eyes are slowly
closing, Sat and Lee Howler come whipping in
with their reprise of IIO's hit,“At the
end”. Not like the club versions'
infectious bottom line beat, just pure vocal
emotion, breaking you form the monotony of
wavy beats.
Now that you’re paying attention again its
time to hit the stretch of the disc,
beautifully arranged is Amillionsons,
"Misti Blue”. Soulfully bound, this
track takes on a new spirit of life as it
reforms on Chillout 04.
So here we go, you’re done showering, and its
time to come back up to the world of bouncy
rhythms as you head out for the club or
party. The Streets “Weak become heroes” is
the perfect selection for such a moment.
"We were just standin there mindin our
own, and it went on and on. We all smile we
all sing, the weak become heroes then the
stars align. We all sing, we all sing all
sing”.
Who else to end a diverse project of HipHop,
Trance, Techno, Rock, Dance and R&B, but
Bjork? "It’s in our hands" is
the funky representative song laid upon the
table gently. The raw emotion which we’ve all
become accustomed to in Bjorks hands is fully
at work in this Arcade Remix. Almost like the
long lost soundtrack single of the Atari
console, this track brings the entire album
to a roaring ending.
Perfectly placed waves of beats and curves
makes as advertised “The Ultimate Chillout”
worth every penny. Easy on the ears, this
album can be used as a harness for positive
energy, upbeat, getting ready to go out, or
just chillin at home with a bottle of wine
and a bag of green type listening enjoyment.
----
I apologize if Italics and Bolding is a
mess... this site could really benefit from a
new bolding and ital. system
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hstisgod |
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