The original version of this appeared on a white label release in 1991 alongside the original of the classic “Sweet Harmony”. Following the success of that track, “Liquid is Liquid” received a wee retouch in 1994 and it’s still one of my all time favourites.

It’s a spacey wee number with big chunky breaks and a melancholy hook line and was the lead track on Liquid’s “Future Music EP” for XL. I think I may also have been the only person in the word to pick up his “Culture” album and I still listen to it regularly to this day.

Liquid – Liquid is Liquid (rmx)

And just for reference – here’s the original version:

Today’s classic sees us dive into the back catalogue of the mighty XL Recordings. While we could probably fill a year’s worth of Friday Classics from the label’s history, today the spotlight falls on one of it’s many amazing releases from 1992.

The track came in five slightly different versions, entitled chapters, and it’s the third that always stood out as my favourite. Taking the main horn hook and chucking it down a well of tough breakbeats, monstrous sub bass and ragga vocal snippets before an eerie 303 line appears about two thirds of the way through. Amazing stuff.

Dance Conspiracy – Dub War (Chapter Three)

XL recordings were kind enough to send us a copy of the collaboration between legend Gil Scott Heron and man of the moment electronic producer Jamie XX. We have to say that the results were staggering and the whole album has been on repeat round the Labs for some time.

With the release imminent, they have kindly given out a full stream of the album to prove the sometimes you should believe the hype.

“A stunning return” – Q ****
“As striking a return as you’re likely to hear all year” – Observer Music Monthly ****
“an album of stark grandeur, replete with both beauty and sadness”- Mojo ****
“Spellbinding” – Dazed & Confused

Due for release tomorrow Gil Scott-Heron has returned with his first new album in almost 16 years, entitled “I’m New Here”. In the intervening years he’s had a rough time, including numerous brushes with the law over drugs offences, and developing a crack cocaine habit.

It looked like his recording career was finished as his downward spiral continued – until XL Recordings boss Richard Russell visited Scott-Heron (in jail for another offence) at Rikers Island Prison in 2006.

Discussions took place and and result was the recording and now subsequent release of “I’m New Here”.

It’s short, clocking in at just 28 minutes odd. But the unmistakable gravelly bourbon voice and social commentary in his lyrics give you a lot to think about in that time.
Ranging in style from from hip-hop and gospel to dubstep and blues it’s a brilliant album.

Have a listen to the first single from the album- a cover of Delta blues man Robert Johnson‘s “Me And The Devil“.

If you’d like to hear the album in its entirety for free then visit his website. The album itself is available to buy from all the usual outlets such as Itunes, Amazon & the like.

It’s been a couple of years since we heard anything from RJD2. His last album “The Third Hand” (released in 2007 on XL Recordings) featured him singing and playing virtually every instrument on every track and marked a departure from his previous, largely instrumental, sampled hip hop style. It did however receive mixed reviews……

In advance of his new album “The Colossus” which is due for release on his own label Electrical Connections in early 2010 (and being touted as a return to form) he’s released “RJD2- 2002 to 2010“, a massive 4x vinyl box set.

Boomkat writes

…Housed in a lavish checkerboard printed box are the ‘Dead Ringer’ LP, the 1st vinyl press of ‘The Horror EP’, ‘Since We Last Spoke’ and the previously unreleased seven-tracks of the ‘Tin Foil Hat EP’, besides a hand silk screened poster (autographed & numbered!) and a comprehensive download card including all mp3s. Phew. Plus the box is wide enough to take his forthcoming ‘The Colossus’ LP and a his recent-ish ‘The Third Hand’ LP. Limited to 1000 for the world, these won’t be around for long!

Unfortunately, by the looks of it, they’ve already sold out in some places- so if you’re not quick you’ll miss it.

But here’s a few clips from the Tin Foil Hat EP which features 7 previously unreleased tracks spanning his releases to date so you can hear what you’re missing……….

RJD2- The Sleepaway

RJD2- When It Wobbles

RJD2- Before Or Since