The Less You Know, The Better

The Less You Know, The Better review

DJ Shadow and the circle of samples

American musician DJ Shadow does not have to be introduced. One of the founders of the legendary band UNKLE, one of the pioneers of trip-hop genre, which is popular nowadays, Josh Davis can be also proud of the world record. His debut studio attempt of 1996 titled Endtroducing..... got into the Guinness World Records as the first album that consisted of samples only. Created out of the parts of someone’s songs, the album turned out to be so recognizable and distinctive that numerous music issues added it into the list of the best records of the decade. No wonder that DJ Shadow’s tracks covered such a variety of genres, because the artist found his inspiration in works of different bands and performers. It is worth mentioning that DJ Shadow worked a lot with his colleagues and took part in creation of their albums, EPs and singles. However he did not release so many solo records – the hit Endtroducing..... was followed only six years later by The Private Press, and four years later the musician’s discography was enlarged by The Outsider. Not so many, especially considering the fact that the performer completely dedicated his life to art. But he works with the quality, not quantity. Fans of electronica were looking forward to DJ Shadow’s brand new studio attempt, and the release of his fourth album, titled The Less You Know, The Better, finally took place.

Quality work

So, here it is. The new full length solo album of the respected master of DJ art and musical integrations. That impressive long play starts with the track Back To Front (Circular Logic), which can sound off with its rememberable beat. Samples, moments from movies and various songs manage to create atmosphere in an astonishing way and prepare music lovers for listening that immense album – not every record last more than an hour. The second composition will probably become a surprise to many people: it seems that heavy guitar riffs can exist in harmony with energetic drum ‘n’ bass. However there was enough room on the album for the acoustic guitars: I've Been Trying sounds the way softer and calmer than Border Crossing. And on the contrary, the song Warning Call got absolutely another mood – its energy thrills and will not give anyone a chance to feel bored. Also The Less You Know The Better included a well-known to listeners track I Gotta Rokk, created in DJ Shadow’s best traditions. Well, the musician got his reputation of an excellent composer and arranger for a good reason and every single song from his new album proves that.

The Less You Know, The Better – uniting quality and quantity

DJ Shadow made up his mind to please fans with high quality compositions and with their diversity. Any listener will be able to choose a track for his or her mood, and that may be quite slow Give Me Back The Nights, melodic Scale It Back or drive Let's Get It. Traditionally DJ Shadow’s studio work absorbed elements of various styles, from hip-hop and drum ‘n’ bass to rock. However it is not a surprise that the cocktail proved to be rather harmonic - DJ Shadow is the right person to prepare such elaborated cocktails, which consist of a great number of complicated ingredients. Nineteen songs of The Less You Know The Better may be an ideal soundtrack for someone’s day, or they may easily become an official soundtrack for some movie. The point is that these compositions transmit various moods and emotions, and is not it the main thing in the art?