TRICKY A RUFF GUIDE COMPILATION ALBUM ISLAND, UNIVERSAL RELEASE: MAY 27, 2002 REVIEW: JULY 16, 2002

Tricky's departure as guest vocalist with UK group Massive Attack is where this compilation starts with his solo recordings at Island Records. A traveller's guide through the world of famous English trip hop mongrel Tricky. 17 singles and edits from "Maxinquaye" (1995) to "Angels with Dirty Faces" (1998) and including a smattering of the "Juxtapose" CD (1999) with Cypress Hill's DJ Muggs and DMX's Grease. This track listing also includes guest vocals of PJ Harvey, Terry Hall, Alison Goldfrapp and the aforementioned rappers. As much as Tricky is a vocalist it is also a band including the talented Martina Topley-Bird on vocals and a variety of guitarists and drummers throughout the sessions.
Tricky's "A Ruff Guide" 14-track DVD is a just released companion disc and a bonus tracks audio CD version is also available.
For a man on a mission to piss off the recording industry, Tricky's done a great job by silencing his critics by reversing and reinventing himself. His physical move to NYC and labels Epitaph and Hollywood Records hasn't garnered the creativity we'd been accustomed to. Because of this, songs from "Blowback" are not included here. "Evolution Revolution Love" was not a favourite of mine anyway. Tricky is best left focused on the experimental non-commercial product. Tracks "Aftermath", "For Real", "Tricky Kid", "Christiansands", "Makes Me Wanna Die" and "Hell Is Around The Corner" are all classic full sounding movements. Some tracks are slower than most in your collection but the smooth brooding power heightens the listener's senses.
Any collection of an artist's compendium should be the elite of the bunch. This is by no doubt a great bunch of atmospheric grooves. Even better as a 'cheeba soundtrack and likely meant as such showing Tricky's reefer madness over these five years. This might not be for all tastes but if your listening extends to the consumption of some pop break sounds or ethereal and trance then this collection is for you. A nice easy stab into Tricky's world in case you missed it the first time around. Tricky himself always seems better on record than live so this is a great pick!

ALEX VERONAC