Twenty years ago, Jon More and Matt Black, the hip-hop/electronic duo better known as Coldcut, formed Ninja Tune. The idea was to release progressive, twisted trip-hop, jazz and anything else that couldn't be easily categorized. Were they successful? Undoubtedly. And on this six-CD/six seven-inch singles collection, you get dozens of reasons why.
While there is music from the label's past (archive tracks from The Cinematic Orchestra and Roots Manuva), the emphasis on Ninja Tune XX's discs is on new and/or previously unreleased cuts, all of which are exclusive to this collection. Mr Scruff, Toddla T, Kid Koala, Wagon Christ, Jaga Jazzist, King Geedorah, DJ Food, Kyle Hall, The Heavy, The Qemists, King Cannibal and Blockhead are just some of the names represented.
If that weren't enough, there's also new remixes by from Modeselektor, Cut Chemist, Zomby, Scuba, Dorian Concept, EL-P, The Bug, King Jammy, Matthew Herbert, Rustie, Prefuse 73, cLOUDDEAD, 808 State and others. And you even get some posters, stickers and a hardback book that chronicles the label's history.
Not into Phil Spector or The Rat Pack? Bust out these tunes on Christmas morning for a whole different kind of Yuletide experience.