DJ Vadim: USSR Reconstruction
Ninja Tune, 1998
If you like so-called experimental hip-hop, chances are you’ve already heard of DJ Vadim. Recently, Ninja Tune released a Vadim remix album, USSR Reconstruction. There are some sweet, dark beats on this CD. Jamie Hodge’s remix of “The Schematics (Part Mie)” starts the album off with a jazzy bassline and an intoxicating beat. Next, the Prunes’ remix of “Theme from Conquest of the Irrational” features speedy scratchwork over a brooding breakbeat. Remixes by Kid Koala, Jupiter Jam, and DJ Krush round out the collection, and innovative remixing keeps multiple versions of “Variations in U.S.S.R.” from being repetitive. If you like Coldcut or DJ Shadow’s work, you should definitely consider checking out DJ Vadim. Each cut on this album is a rare treat.
