Refried Food Vol.1 : Ninja Tune - Refried Not Rehashed

So called because it collects a variety of remix singles, Refried Food is both a nice peek into the world of DJ Food as well as a reasonable showcase for the slew of remixers featured throughout. Though a few Ninja Tune standbys are featured as remixers, the group wisely brought in other outside voices as well to create a varied, intriguing release. The disc begins and ends with DJ Food straight-up: "Strange Taste" and its counterpart, "Taste Strange," from the Recipe for Disaster album. As might be guessed, both are seriously funky breakbeat classics, with some groovy wah-wah and off-kilter samples for further effect. The group also serves as its own remixer with another Recipe for Disaster cut, "Spiral," presented in a dub version with all the appropriate echo one could want while keeping the same brisk, funky beats. Beyond that, it's up to the outside remixers to do whatever they want with the originals. Highlights include the Fila Brazillia mix of "Freedom," with a lovely, smoky late-night pace to it, like walking down a busy city street as it finally starts to wind down just a touch, and (from the Ninja Tune stable itself), the Herbaliser's menacing, relentless "drive faster" mix of "Mella." From farther afield, things get even more inventive. Autechre touch down with the "Ae9V" mix of "Sexy Bits," which keeps the shuffling breakbeat of the original while adding just enough distance and chill to things as well -- subtle but well-done. Squarepusher justifies his existence for once with his reasonably exciting mix for "Scratch Yer Hed," clattering jungle rhythms running riot, while Wagon Christ has his own funky fun with "Turtle Soup." Other strong remixes include Skint Records main man Damien Harris' moody drive with "Dark Lady" and the Angel's agreeably down-beat take on "Dark River." [A two-disc incarnation, released six years later, compiled everything that had appeared on the several volumes of 12" issues, adding remixes by jazz junglist Lemon D, British house don Ashley Beedle, and NTone regular Neotropic, plus a bonus Mr. Scruff Ninja Tune megamix.] ~ Ned Raggett|