The Audience's Listening

's first non-mix full-length CD has been long awaited by the legions of turntable nuts and fans who think he's 's heir apparent, and while it's not the mind-blower that or are, it is a well-crafted, highly enjoyable effort that overcomes the "all samples cleared" challenge all big-label turntablist albums must face. 's diverse background -- having worked with or been a member of , , and -- pays off on this incredibly diverse album that tempers scratch-heavy feats of skill -- the robot-obsessed and the crazy which finds a sample exchanging pleasantries with Jamaicans and records from the '50s -- with more musical numbers that offer plenty of substance once the "wow" factor has played itself out. Best of the latter is the luscious, -borrowing which falls somewhere between and 's mashing. Perfect for cool backpackers, with rapper , has that catchy hook you can sing, while with , gloriously rips through the speakers with , '80s , and underground lyrics kicking it in perfect harmony. Add and the closing and you've got the tracks that warrant repeat listens for everybody, but the rest of the herky-jerky mayhem and clever, often humorous manipulation is more for the / devotee who will sit back and marvel at 's skill. Necessary if you like that wikki-wikki-scratch; recommended if you enjoy impossible from the fringe. ~ David Jeffries