Drum & Bass - Advise a n00b

TechnoFreek

Hi,
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I've never really listened to drum & bass before, not for any particular reason other than indifference. Anyway, I want to try change that*so instead of trawling multiple forums and online stores, I thought I'd come to the ultimate knowledge source - boards.ie!
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Can*members start recommending "must listen to" artist albums and mix compilations to help me build up a collection and knowledge.
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I'm probably more interested in the stuff from the 90s and early 2000s as opposed to recent releases but exceptions can be made!

Thanks in advance

Android 666

Start with the Metalheadz Platinum Breakz Vol.1:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Metalheadz-Platinum-Breakz-Various-Artists/dp/B00000724O

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=el1y1Ik9y1I

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNO7-OYLI9U

Logical Progression vol 1 is another classic compilation:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxcMPPoZI7s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8d9Zg1sAhls

Adam F - Colours is a timeless album

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4LQSiSXsMw

The Moving Shadow label has some great stuff as well. More on the jazzier end of things:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0y53pXbyQPo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KFxV4fo9Uw

Dj Hype and Ganja Kru's Super Sharp Shooter EP is a must buy:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hype-Presents-Ganja-Kru-P/dp/B00000B352/ref=pd_sxp_grid_pt_1_0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2KZoWLot0g

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hszeEUWRsg4

DJ Hype done all that kind of jump up stuff along with Aphrodite:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UYsLW9W53o

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hn2GUnLrtcA

And my favourite d'n'b tune of all time:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSaWCBBeO3g

Anima

Was just listening to a load of Konflict stuff there, I'd say give them a listen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UAUDbWrVhA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXwRoW9a_Hg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIZNDOEZPNY

Photek has some good stuff. His essential mix in 97 was what got me listening to him.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IPvs70qifE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bh3yDyqjTtc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zz7YafLHpfM

TechnoFreek

Thanks guys. Are these just tracks eps from record labels?

I was hoping more for thoughts on artist albums and mix comps. Plan is to pick them over next while. Don't mean to sound ungrateful!

Will give above links a listen regardless though. Thanks again

Android 666

TechnoFreek wrote: »

Thanks guys. Are these just tracks eps from record labels?

I was hoping more for thoughts on artist albums and mix comps. Plan is to pick them over next while. Don't mean to sound ungrateful!

Will give above links a listen regardless though. Thanks again

Well I mentioned some compilations and albums in my post:

Metalheadz Platinum Breakz Vol 1
Logical Progression Vol 1
Ganja Kru - Super Sharp Shooter EP
Adam F - Circles


You can try these as well:
MSX001 Moving Shadow Special Edition
Blueprint: the Definitive Moving Shadow Album
EZ Rollers - Weekend World
Planet V Compilation
Photek - Form and Function
T.Power - The Self Evident Truth Of An Intuitive Mind + Chronology

TechnoFreek

Thanks Android.

Like I said earlier, didn't mean to sound ungrateful, just trying to differentiate between single releases and actual albums and comps. YouTube links confusing me!

EarlERizer

Cant fault anything Android has advised, first choice (metal headz) is an absolute killer release, basically anything on Metal headz,Ram,Moving Shadows,Razors Edge,.....fook it , go to discogs n write in drum n bass lol it'll give ya the lot!

Ok , so this is a very commercial orientated release but it does however capture the feel of DnB over the years and is a great addition to a collection, it'll give you a good idea of what you might prefer, the mixing is savage on all 3 CD's (again mixed by DnB legend Andy C) .......

http://www.discogs.com/Various-Drum-Bass-Arena-Anthology/release/2422347

also you wouldnt go far wrong having a delve into Youtube start here www.youtube.com/earlerizer73 (not exlcusively DnB) but from there (see subscriptions & friends lists) there are some serious DnB channels on YT, you'll get your fix n then some!!

"It's ruff inda jungle massif with d'drum n d'bass" :cool:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7vZn1EE2o8

TechnoFreek

thanks EarlERizer

that drum and bass anthology sounds like a good place for a crash course.

i'll get copies of stuff android mentioned as well, then load up my ipod!

Logical Fallacy

I would suggest listening to Second Sun by Calibre as well.

cheesemaker

This mix and this mix is all you will ever need.

Scubadevils

Logical Progression as mentioned by Android is without doubt one of my favourite compilations, I've had it since it came out and still often listen.

Some others that I love -

LTJ Bukem - Earth Volume One

http://www.discogs.com/LTJ-Bukem-Earth-Volume-One/master/32087

A few great examples...

Doc Scott - Tokyo Dawn

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ny3kf1A-86s

Appaloosa - Travelling

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrd8dCUQsPw

PHD & The Funky Technicians - Above & Beyond

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1sjsZsEqB8

'Black Secret Technology' by A Guy Called Gerald is a great album...

http://www.discogs.com/A-Guy-Called-Gerald-Black-Secret-Technology/master/25248

A Guy Called Gerald - Hekkle & Koch

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pz3rYMAXP40

A Guy Called Gerald - The Nile

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_D5X_KttPoU

Another great album - Jacob's Optical Stairway (4 Hero)

http://www.discogs.com/Jacobs-Optical-Stairway-Jacobs-Optical-Stairway/master/20454

Jacob's Optical Stairway - Fragments of a Lost Language

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoZR8UXSRDA

Jacob's Optical Stairway - The Chase The Escape

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZpnIT3glUI

Only really listened to this one recently, spectacular album...

Roni Size / Reprazent - New Forms

http://www.discogs.com/Roni-Size-Reprazent-New-Forms/master/73148

Brown Paper Bag

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzjolHvOAOE

New Forms

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFiAK4fD6Mk

Destination

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jthxuoPLt3E

And finally for now this amazing compilation from 1993 - a lot tougher than others I've mentioned here but bloody good...

Various - Hard Leaders 4 (Into the Jungle)

http://www.discogs.com/Various-Hard-Leaders-4-Into-The-Jungle/master/99715

This first is just absolutely brilliant, a huge favourite for me in electronic music in general.

Skanna - Heaven

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19QoXzSpyZk

Flat 47 - Hideaway

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0d_DaNRmME

Android 666

Skanna was absolutely class. My absolute favourite by him:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfqNnkxdjvA

jonnny68

IMO the best Jungle / Drum & Bass tune of all time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8u7MNG-ug8

jonnny68

http://www.breakbeat.co.uk/

look no further

EarlERizer

Wrap your lugs round this gem from 2002 ......a late classic!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_k-2Sd-m-qI

Plumpynutt

EarlERizer wrote: »

"It's ruff inda jungle massif with d'drum n d'bass" :cool:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7vZn1EE2o8

huge huge huge tune!

TechnoFreek

EarlERizer wrote: »

Wrap your lugs round this gem from 2002 ......a late classic!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_k-2Sd-m-qI

nice and dark in places. I like!

Setun

Photek has been mentioned already but his album Modus Operandi is an absolute classic. This is the first track I heard of his that really put me onto his music:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_A1M4S0IZnQ

Terry Cotta

Some recent stuff...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBMEqgZMBuA

Nebula - Encounters

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qfzW3J_8ms

Some oldskool

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CAeIhUQOOc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzH2xqefqfg

Executive Steve

TechnoFreek wrote: »

Hi,

I'm probably more interested in the stuff from the 90s and early 2000s as opposed to recent releases but exceptions can be made!

Why?

TechnoFreek

Executive Steve wrote: »

Why?

No real reason, just wanted to build up on the roots of the sound first.
Then take on the new stuff knowing what went before it.

EarlERizer

TechnoFreek wrote: »

No real reason, just wanted to build up on the roots of the sound first.
Then take on the new stuff knowing what went before it.

Good call, so be sure to go right back through the Jungle scene, back into the realms of hardcore , breakbeat , ragga

..... and check this out too (A kinda "origin of the species" )

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SaFTm2bcac

N-Joi the vibe!

marziepan

All great choices here, particularly feeling all the Guy Called Gerald, Bukem, Doc Scott love.

My all time faves -

Most mighty of steppers. Boom-da-boom-da-boom-boom-boom!!! Tish-tish-tish-tish!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pd345fTHpVg

Some people, ie me, reckon No U-Turn effectively scared the bejeesus out of Jungle's adventurous spirit. Can't fault the tunes tho. Tough as teak -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vVxK92vJvA

Bold and baddd as brass -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLSQUy0fUdg

From the same chaps, this time ripping Good Lookin' a new 'un. Absolutely tearing breaks..... -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=480Q_aZUcxw

The don. Also, how to sample BladeRunner's theme to devestating effect. One of the most atmospheric tunes to boot -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=el1y1Ik9y1I

The don pt II. Hugely memorable on it's own or as part of Coldcut's astounding Minutes Of Madness mix -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdJ4EKebM0U

Gorgeous, emotive, Bukemesque beats from the "Luke Skywalker of jungle" (c) Goldie '95 -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48yx8HkGnj4

Clear as Crystl -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRDLQsCjOmY

So massive you can hear these breaks in space -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_c_KN78E8_0

So much good **** from those mid-Nineties years. Plenty of it still sounds future-facing even now, which means the rest of the world is still catching up with the inventiveness and innovation. Plenty goodness, mix-wise, here and here too.

For those interested in jungle's continued transmogrification(s), check the new Autonomic stuff - Instra:Mental, D*Bridge, ASC et al are doing some pretty amazing work. Obviously there's dubstep's ongoing indebtedness to the scene but that's a whooooole other kettle of worms....... :cool:

EarlERizer

Something else that might float your boat

http://www.youtube.com/user/officialdnba

:cool:

Scubadevils

Android 666 wrote: »

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8d9Zg1sAhls

I always like to mention when Horizons comes up this track that was a couple of years before... seemingly Bukem sampled this one.

Lemon Sol - Sunflash

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwTmhAj8CSk

JCarey70

Some of my favs:

Peshay - The Nocturnal

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gg5IHudKBKg

Q Project - Champion Sound

DJ Crystal - Warpdrive (best break ever @ 3:12)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJnDB3LhPDs

Goldie - Kemistry

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNjla8BiFcE

Rugige Cru- Terminator

The Thrill Seekers - Dance among the stars

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvf9B9Cm07o

The Thrill Seekers - Keep Pumpin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNnrdnVWXEI

Run Tings - Back Again

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hj2waFheg7c

Kev Bird & The Wax Doctor - Tough but Nice

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6N5ZqsHP21M

Kev Bird & The Wax Doctor - Dark Matter

Check www.discogs.com for full discography of each artist.

es-cee

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_OIXJY9kxw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYLkuNosEnU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1A0szu3PK5U

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fd37j4ssEZ4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Z-6e3zIE2k

TechnoFreek

Hi guys,
*
Thanks for all your input so far. Lots of good suggestions.
Just to give you an update and comment on my progress!
*
I've compiled a list of recommendations on this thread so far and am working on acquiring them. Should have most of them shortly, then its time to load up the ipod!
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In the meatime I've listened to a DJ Randell Drum and Bass Arena Mix.
Also a Danny Byrd 2010 Essential Mix.
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I quite enjoyed both, but I'm not sure what that says about my tastes - good, bad or indifferent!
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I was flicking through the Sky channels last night and I see that Channel AKA does an hour of drum and bass at 10pm. I'm not sure if this is to be sneered at but it had stuff from Roni Size so it can't be that sneerworthy surely?
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They also played a London Electricity track - Pu$$y Galore. Really liked that. again not sure if the dnb elite turn their noses up at this stuff!
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Thanks again, and recommendations always welcome.*Have to*tackle the post 2000 to present stuff when I get through this lot

JBnaglfar

Hi all,

Like TechnoFreek, I have checked out some drum and bass stuff recently and am interested in finding out more. I was going to start a thread here looking for recommendations, but this thread is giving me more than enough starting points. Some fantastic stuff here. Cheers.