Leftism - Leftfield

Advantages: A truly visionary album
Disadvantages: Why the remix of Song Of Life

...to do with that sound. Leftism is based around the sounds of dub; Electro, ambience and a touch of tribal music all topped of with a hard but playful approach. The album kicks off with the stunning Release the Pressure, where a heavy dub bassline meets explosive beats and the smooth vocals of MC Cheshire Cat. The whole track reminds you of the sheer power a good bass sound can create. The album that splinters into a myriad of different directions, ...
...that is uniquely Leftfield. Leftism features many classic tracks, but the highlights for me are Original and Open Up. Both tracks feature unique vocalists with real talent. Original the more downtempo of the tracks features the angelic street vocals of Toni Halliday (Curve) who helps to create a track of dark beauty. Her vocals perfectly at place with the shuffling beats and turntable scratches the form the heart of the song. Open Up in my eyes ... Read review

Advantages: Wonderfully created beats in an area
Disadvantages: Not exactly well known.

Leftfield appear on Steve Lamacq's Evening Session on Radio 1 more times than I think about food, and this is for a good reason, they make what is fantastic music. It is dance music, but it isn't for the dancefloor, No SIR. Don't even think about it, it's not for that it's for the household, for that party. It doesn't stand out much, but has that depth that is justified in every way. Leftfield have made an album which draws a lot on Hip-hop influences ...
...you start from the top with the track 'Release The Pressure'. From there it picks up in pace, but the best tracks are 'Original' and 'Black Flute' and they appear in that order. 'Original' doesn't have the pace, but it doesn't need that, it is well known due to its use in TV adverts, and it's a fantastic chill-out record in its own right. "The film starts, the film ends, nothing is said in between. Just someone's moments from someone else's story. ... Read review

Advantages: the total package
Disadvantages: they haven't quite been able to match the spendour

...and techno the producers of Leftism were on a simple rationale....make it kick, echo and kick some more. The amazing Melt is an ideal way to start a techno house DJ set with its melancholic swells, Song of Life is a classic on its own and is worthy of heaps of praise but tracks on their own don't make magnificent albums. Every track stands out, they just stand in different areas, and that is what makes this album essential. Forget what you have heard ... Read review

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...in on an inspirational level. Leftism has a very much worldwide appeal, without it being crap world dance music. African and other cultures have obviously influenced the album, most obvious with the vocalists hired for tracks. The tracks work and build up very well and are well structured, but admittedly less diverse than those found on Rhythm and Stealth. Now that this album has been knocked down in price, I would suggest any dance fan makes a purchase. ... Read review

Advantages: longer lasting album
Disadvantages: has to end some time

...1995, mixmag says 'go buy leftism - its brilliant' and they were right. i bought the cassette as i was only a poor student at the time as opposed to being a poor working person. took it back to my cardboard box and stuck it on, i was having a pot noodle at the time but nevertheless it did exactly as it said on the tin. possibly a life-defining moment in time for me - but if you havent got it go judge for yourself. By the way, i did get the cd ...
...eh, those were the days... and it still sounds brill, Also, I met up with Paul Daley at an afterparty one night where he had been djing - almost as good a dj as a producer. 1. Release the pressure - cracker of a opening track, sets the mood perfectly (10) 2. Afro-left - at the time well ahead of its time (10) 3. Melt - hmmm hang on, time has had its toll on my mind, i have to play this one again, the name doesnt ring a bell... Right thats better, ... Read review