UNKLE - Never, Never, Land @ 320l

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UNKLE's Never, Never, Land: A Trip Hop Masterpiece

UNKLE is a musical project founded by James Lavelle, a DJ and producer who also runs the influential label Mo Wax. In 2003, UNKLE released their second album, Never, Never, Land, which was a departure from their debut Psyence Fiction, which featured collaborations with various vocalists and musicians such as Thom Yorke, Richard Ashcroft and DJ Shadow.

Never, Never, Land is a more cohesive and personal album, with Lavelle and his new partner Richard File handling most of the production and vocals. The album also features guest appearances by Josh Homme, Ian Brown, Jarvis Cocker and Brian Eno, among others. The album blends elements of trip hop, rock, electronica and orchestral music, creating a rich and diverse sonic landscape that takes the listener on a journey through different moods and emotions.

The album opens with Back And Forth, a short instrumental that sets the tone for the rest of the album. The track features a sample of Robert Alan Weiser's poem \"The End\", which Lavelle discovered on a cassette tape in a thrift store. The poem speaks of the end of the world and the need to find peace within oneself. The track then segues into Eye For An Eye, a powerful track that samples Edwin Starr's soul classic War and features a string arrangement by Chris Elliot. The track is a statement of defiance and resistance against the injustices and violence of the world.

The album continues with In A State, a melancholic and introspective track that features vocals by File and Cocker. The track deals with the feelings of confusion and alienation that come with living in a modern society. The track also features a synth line by Cocker that was inspired by Pink Floyd's Shine On You Crazy Diamond. The track is followed by Safe In Mind (Please Get This Gun From Out My Face), a dark and menacing track that features vocals by Homme. The track is about the fear and paranoia that come with living in a dangerous world.

The album then shifts to a more upbeat and optimistic mood with I Need Something Stronger, a track that features vocals by Eno and Cocker. The track is about the need to find something meaningful and fulfilling in life. The track also features a sample of John Fiddy's Wavesheets, an obscure library music track from the 1970s. The track is followed by What Are You To Me, a romantic and soulful track that features vocals by File. The track is about the love and connection that can be found in a relationship.

The album then returns to a darker and more aggressive mood with Panic Attack, a track that features vocals by File and Lavelle. The track is about the anxiety and stress that come with living in a chaotic world. The track also features a sample of David Axelrod's Holy Thursday, a jazz-funk track from the 1960s. The track is followed by Invasion, a track that features vocals by Robert Del Naja of Massive Attack. The track is about the invasion of Iraq and the consequences of war.

The album then reaches its climax with Reign, a majestic and epic track that features vocals by Brown. The track is about finding hope and strength in oneself and overcoming adversity. The track also features a sample of 24 Carat Black's Ghetto: Misfortune's Wealth, a soul-funk track from the 1970s. The track is followed by Glow, an instrumental track that features guitar by Jimmy Hogarth. The track is a soothing and uplifting piece that reflects the light at the end of the tunnel.

The album closes with Inside, a serene and ambient track that features vocals by File and Lavelle. The track is about finding inner peace and harmony within oneself and with others. The track also features samples of Brian Eno's An Ending (Ascent) and Harold Budd's Bismillahi 'Rrahman 'Rrahim, two ambient tracks from the 1980s.

Never, Never, Land is an album that showcases UNKLE's artistic vision and musical versatility. It is an album that explores various themes and emotions that are relevant to the contemporary world. It is an album that transcends genres and boundaries and creates its own unique sound. It is an album that deserves to be heard in its entirety and aa16f39245