Throwback Thursday: DJ Shadow Essential Mix

Image: DJ Shadow

During the opening of DJ Shadow's Essential Mix from 2003, the late John Peel wasn't lying when his vocals were cut and pasted to the words 'mix of the year'. His perfectly choreographed speech presented one legend from another in what preceded a thunderous blend of wizardry by the man less commonly known as Josh Davis.

DJ Shadow Essential Mix 30/03/2003 by Bbcessentialmix on Mixcloud

First introduced to our ears by James Lavelle's iconic Mo Wax Records in 1993, Davis blew the sock offs of music listeners world wide, showcasing instrumental hip hop, infused with funk, blues and masterful sampling. His early work gathered significant plaudits including the release of his now groundbreaking debut album Entroducing in 1996.

Seven years on, the master of mystery sat down to record two hours of turntablism, garage and psychedelics. With ingenious snippets of Frank Zappa and Led Zeppelin to celebrated 80s hip hop heavyweights including Citi Heet and Robert S. There's been few Essential Mixes that are in receipt of such deserved acclaim.

Coming in at an astounding 80 plus records in two hours, it's a mix with such a diverse track listing that Radio 1 themselves have never been able to complete it. That hasn't deterred many from trying over the years mind. Headphones ready, it's a showstopper. 

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