UNKLE is a group that needs no introduction, but I shall try to introduce them any how. A British musical outfit founded in 1994 by James Lavelle and Tim Goldsworthy. Their line up once included super producer DJ Shadow. UNKLE’s 1998 critically acclaimed ‘Psyence Fiction’ featured a plethora of gust artists, like Richard Ashcroft, Thom Yorke, Badly Drawn Boy & Kool G Rap. The group has remixed everyone from Beck and Blur to The Verve.
‘War Stories’ is the groups first full length release since their 2004 ‘Never, Never, Land’ which employed Pulp’s Jarvis Crocker on one of the tracks. This release guest vocalists include Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age), Ian Ashbury (The Cult), 3D (Massive Attack), The Duke Spirit, Autolux and Gavin Clark (Clayhill).
MP3: UNKLE - Keys to the Kingdom (feat. Gavin Clark)
MP3: UNKLE - Restless (feat. Josh Homme)
MP3: UNKLE - May Day (feat. The Duke Spirit)
& for old time sake:
MP3: UNKLE - Rabbit In Your Headlights (feat. Thom Yorke)
The CD was released stateside on July 24th and there is a 2 CD limited edition version available which comes beautifully designed slipcase and 50 page booklet featuring specially commissioned paintings by Massive Attack’s 3D. You can get your copy here
Restless is a slammin ass track! It’s funny to see it on here just now because I wore that shit out for the pas month 1/2. I seriously respect Lavelle and the rest of the U.N.K.L.E crew. Been hooked since Psyence Fiction
@ Grayvz:
I went to the Psyence Fiction release party at Tower Records in L.A. That was fun. James Lavelle has long been a personal hero of mine (perhaps even more than DJ Shadow).
I collect UNKLE (and Mo’ Wax/Toys Factory) crap compulsively. If people respond to this post I’ll post some super rare tunes.
I was surprised to see Richard File still on the new record. I thought that went against what the UNKLE project was all about.
Good none the less, but I was surprised! I expected new blood.
Psyence Fiction was definitely a better album. I think it had a lot to do with the time it came out also. For the late 90’s that shit was incredible. And about Shadow, his live performances are top notch, but I will have to say I was a little disappointed in his latest album. Really not what I was expecting from a guy who had yet to disappoint me. Guess it has to come sooner or later though.
I would love to check out some of the rare stuff you are talking about.