It's been 20 years since Matt Black and Jon More originally sparked the Ninja Tune flame. While first making music as Coldcut and unhappy with options from the majors, the duo rebelliously activated their vision of an indie label for eclectic, boundary-pushing dance music. Ninja Tune XX confirms the label is still kicking, with raw commitment to innovative production that follows no trend. The abundant package deal contains six CDs, six seven-inches, two posters and a hardback biographical book. This is not a greatest hits collection, instead focusing on current songs and remixes by both new and long-running Ninja Tune acts. Highlights roll in from the label's hip-hop imprint, Big Dada; Antipop Consortium weaves a web of dreamy electronica and brainy, free-flow rapping. Plus, Metronomy's version of "Newsflash" by Diplo (with Sandra Melody) straight oout rocks, with funky tuba and electro horns. Flying Lotus's take on Andreya Triana's "Lost Where I Belong" gets the offbeat on, leading a common pattern of informed remixes devising brand new songs from the originals.
(Ninja Tune)Various
Ninja Tune XX
BY Sarah FergusonPublished Oct 18, 2010