The Prodigy: The Dirtchamber Sessions Vol One

THE PRODIGY
THE DIRTCHAMBER SESSIONS VOLUME ONE
ALBUM XL RELEASE: FEBRUARY 22, 1999 REVIEW: MAY 22, 1999

Does anyone remember late eighties collage hits like M/A/R/R/S' "Pump up the Volume" and Bomb the Bass' "Beat Dis"? This is the late nineties version, and it is laced in barbed wire and fuelled with PCP. "The Dirtchamber Sessions Volume One" sees Prodigy mastermind Liam Howlett barricading himself in his Dirtchamber studio, accompanied only by his favourite records, two record players, and a DAT. The result is a fifty minute DJ set, where he ties together bits of songs by a mass of artists that ranges from Bomb the Bass, Ultramagnetic MC's, and Meat Beat Manifesto, to The Charlatans, The Sex Pistols and Jane's Addiction. It is extremely funky throughout, and also surprisingly listenable. After listening to the whole album, your head will buzz worse than a flickering light bulb, but it is worth it.

KRISTOFFER NOHEDEN