Artist Spotlight - DJ Shadow

Josh Davis, or DJ Shadow, was born and raised in the Bay Area, California. His blend of mean samples, huge beats and killer scratching made for a musical revolution.


"Endtroducing", his first album, appeared like a beacon of talent in 1996. From slow, mellow trip hop ("Midnight in a Perfect World") to uptempo madness ("Stem/Long Stem"), this album defined a generation. This CD was played anytime Myself & friends got together, whether in London, New York or San Francisco, it came along and fitted in everywhere. Turned up loud it was shouty, strong and intense. Played quietly it was relaxed chilled and subtle. Anyone who claims they love music HAS to listen to this album at least once. "Building Steam With A Grain Of Salt" is the standout moment, closely followed by "The Number Song" and "Organ Donor".


Next came "The Private Press" in 2002.
This marked a slight change in the style of Shadow. The sample focus was still there, but this album was cleaner sounding, not as rough around the edges as "Endtroducing". There were a lot more instruments throughout the record. Again it had dynamics, "Walkie Talkie" is strong and loud, a huge beat with scratched in quotes proclaiming Shadow as "A Bad Mutha fucking DJ" and he's right ! There is a softer side too, "Blood on the Motorway". It's Shadow's Purple Rain, his Stairway To Heaven. It's long, epic, sad and I'd almost say beautiful. My 2 faves from this album are"Fixed Income", which is bass pounding instrumental with some fantastic guitar samples, the other is "You Can't Go Home Again", which is fun, frantic and euphoric.


His last and latest solo album was "The Outsider", in 2006. This record was another turn in the road for Shadow. This album had vocals on nearly every track and it took a raw, harder rap edge. "3 Freaks" is insane, rough and manic. The beat alone is worth buying the album for. "Seein' Thangs" goes the same way. A really grimey rap track. "Backstage Girl" brings the tempo down and is a classy hip hop slice. My final mention is "You Made It" which is a dream state!! Love it.

So this was a breakdown of DJ Shadow's solo records. He's worked with some AMAZING acts such as Jurassic 5, UNKLE and the Quannum Projects crew!!. Not to mention the Solesides album (Check that out for hardcore!!)

for more details on the legend , go here

2 vids below (both unofficial, but you can still hear the awesome tracks)

1 - Building Steam With A Grain Of Salt


2 - Blood On The Motorway