DJ Spooky

The Secret Song

 

 

 

Released: October 6, 2009
Label: Thirsty Ear
Website: http://djspooky.com/the-secret-song/

By: Shawn Dullye

On his latest effort, DC-born DJ Spooky (aka That Subliminal Kid aka Paul D. Miller) lives up to his name. Using ambient samples mixed with haunted-house sound effects, The Secret Song attempts to blur the line between dance floor jams and spacey experiments.

DJ Spooky kicks the album off with the hip-hop, funky, synth of “5 Million Ways To Kill A CEO,” arguably the best song on the record. “Multiphonic” is the next track and is dub-rock meets the Halloween sound track. If this blending of sounds seems strange, that’s because it is, and that sets the tone for most of the album.

The title of “Dazed And Confused Dub” says it all. Take the Zep classic, strip it down but then add echoing drums and melancholy violins.

When Spooky adds an MC to the mix, things turn out for the better. “Where I’m At” (featuring Mike G of The Jungle Brothers) is a jazzy dance number with some slick flows from MC Zimbabwe Legit. “Known Unknowns” is reminiscent of dark Atmosphere cuts and features Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth and MC Mike Ladd.