Ninja Cuts Vol. 3: funkungfusion

Amazon.com
Ninja Tune is one of the few labels that still appreciate the meaning of the scratch and the funk: mixing things up with vehemence and style. That's not to say that the label's music hasn't grown increasingly loungy, as evidenced on this uniformly fine, if slightly anonymous, 30-track, 2-CD compilation. Or it could merely mean that the language of hip-hop no longer causes psychic confusion so much as nostalgic memories. Certainly the sound of a typewriter in Kid Koala & Money Mark's "Carpal Tunnel" is as antiquated as a Run-DMC album. Tracks from recent signings Dynamique and Roots Manuva, among others, are brand new and, for the moment, exclusive, while many (including "Body Lockers," Chocolate Weasel's Jaco Pastorius imitation) can be found elsewhere, so research before spending. --D. Strauss

URB
Funkungfusion is the first collection from the Ninja Tune camp in quite some time and boy, is it a whopper! A double-disc set compiling tracks from ... Mixmaster Morris ... Irresistible Force ... DJ Food, Funki Porcini, DJ Vadim, and Herbaliser. The new school offers up some infectious grooves from the likes of Chocolate Weasel ... Kid Koala and Money Mark. Plus, there is Luke Vibert.... As an indie dance label ... Ninja Tune's Funkungfusion is testament to the label's future-forward vision.

Ninja Cuts Vol. 3: funkungfusion

Tracks:

Music For Body Lockers - Chocolate Weasel
Sordid - Amon Tobin
Melody Infringement - Amon Tobin
Carpel Tunnel Syndrome - Kid Koala & Money Mark
It's Just For You - The Herbaliser
Anger (Rare Force 2 Meg Mix) - Ryuichi Sakamoto
More Beats & Pieces - Coldcut
Slipped Disc - Luke Vibert
Clockwork - Roots Manuva
Theme From Conquest Of The Irrational - DJ Vadim
Emerald Alley (Indian Morning Theme) - Up, Bustle & Out
No Qualms - Dynamic Syncopation
Independent Introduction - Fink
Humerous Counterpoint - Cabbageboy
River Of Smack - Funki Porcini

Tracks:

Fish - Mr Scruff
Flagstaff's Abstract (Linus' Theme) - The Clifford Gilberto Rhythm Combination
Vacetious Blooms - Neotropic
Goatee Part 1 - J Swinscoe
Surge - Funki Porcini
Soluble Ducks - Animals On Wheels
The Crow - DJ Food
Extua Textua - Omnium
Kickin' Back - Wild Palms
Pac 3 - Override
The Lie-In King - The Irresistible Force
Spy - Journeyman
I Wish I Was A Motown Star - The Clifford Gilberto Rhythm Combination
Worldwide Watchdog Peepshow - Burnt Friedman & The Nu Dub Players
Mrs. Chombee Takes The Plunge - The Herbaliser

Amazon.com

Ninja Tune is one of the few labels that still appreciate the meaning of the scratch and the funk: mixing things up with vehemence and style. That's not to say that the label's music hasn't grown increasingly loungy, as evidenced on this uniformly fine, if slightly anonymous, 30-track, 2-CD compilation. Or it could merely mean that the language of hip-hop no longer causes psychic confusion so much as nostalgic memories. Certainly the sound of a typewriter in Kid Koala & Money Mark's "Carpal Tunnel" is as antiquated as a Run-DMC album. Tracks from recent signings Dynamique and Roots Manuva, among others, are brand new and, for the moment, exclusive, while many (including "Body Lockers," Chocolate Weasel's Jaco Pastorius imitation) can be found elsewhere, so research before spending. --D. Strauss

Customer Reviews:

the arrangements are killer.......2005-05-25

this is a cool and obscure collection that is great fun. it has techno grooves that are pretty tight, the heaviest being on disc one. disc two is milder, but no less good. If you dig techno electronica stuff that isn't cheesy, and you want to round out your collection with a few obscure works, than this is the perfect fit. If you want an eclectic cd collection, this will definitely fit the bill. It is terrific and evocative music that rules all the time. I hope more people stumble across it somehow.

oh sweet heaven...........2001-08-22

With a cd like this, you'll soon forget friends and family. Amon tobins "melody infringement" has got me in the knees, on the floor, lost forever.

THIS CD IS AN EARGASM.......2000-11-17

I love this compilation. It is so rich in jazzy horn lines and mind boggling rhythms for beat-lovers. There isn't as much hip-hop on this compilation as Ninja Tune really has to offer, but there great jazz and trip-hop is masterfully compiled on this album with great artists like Amon Tobin, Kid Koala, Luke Vibert, Up, Bustle and Out, and many others. Anyone who wants to expand into an advanced realm of beats, supplied by the talents of Luke Vibert and others and dark Jazzy horn riffs,supplied by Amon Tobin, J. Swinscoe and others, you're in for a tasty treat. However, be warned. If you are into the trance scene, or into house beats, this might be a gap you may want to refrain from bridging, but otherwise, go for it. buy this CD now, and I'll guarantee that the snares will be crisp and the symbols will ring.

.....and I thought electronica was all about dancing!.......2000-04-17

If you want to hear full quality, intelligent electronica, this is the label to turn to. The 'Ninjatune' label has a lot of good music to offer. I really did not appreciate this album on first listen, but as i kept listening, it became interesting, and fun to listen to: especially if you like jazz music. This is trippy jazz, though! I would also recommend (highly over this one) "Cold Krush Cuts". That one is a good album, but this has a better variety of the Ninja. You might not get it if you are into dance, trance, or whatever, and are not willing to try something new! ....so be warned!

A great overview of the Ninja Tune label.......2000-03-25

A must-own if you're a fan of the Ninja Tune sound! You'd be better-off getting the full albums from some of the featured artists (Clifford Gilberto, Mr. Scruff, Roots Manuva). However, for many (ie Up Bustle and Out) this compilation represents the only good songs from their albums - so you save some cash by getting the meat and cutting out the fat. Overall, an excellent sampling of the talent Ninja Tune has to offer.