Beyond the Spectrum: The Creamy Spy Chronicles [PA] [Remaster]

Performer: Digable Planets
Engineer: Dave Darlington; Dr. Shane Faber; Mike Mangini; Shane
Producer: Dave Darlington; Dr. Shane Faber; Mike Mangini; Digable Planets
Distributor: EMI Music Distribution

Notes: Personnel: Afu the True, Trim Ken Slim, Davey Chalice (vocals); Huey Cox (guitar); Donald Harrison (flute, tenor saxophone); Dave Darlington (keyboards, fretless bass); Bill Lounge, Shi Reltub (vibraphone). Recording information: Bass Hits Recording Studio, New York, NY; Sound Doctor Studio & Resort, North Bergen, NJ. Unknown Contributor Role: Sara Webb. Though Digable Planets only released two albums, 1993's REACHIN' (A NEW REFUTATION OF TIME AND SPACE) and 1994's BLOWOUT COMB, they still established themselves as one of the most unique and sophisticated alternative hip-hop acts of the '90s. For some reason, however, the DPs never got their propers. A 2005 reunion tour and BEYOND THE SPECTRUM: THE CREAMY SPY CHRONICLES, Blue Note's well-packaged compilation of the group's output, should help to remedy that oversight. Comprising tracks from the trio's two studio albums--including hits like "Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat)"--as well as two B-sides and two remixes, BEYOND THE SPECTRUM is the perfect introduction to the Planets' laid-back, jazz-fueled vibe. All the things that made their albums great sound as fresh and appealing as ever: the funky, head-nodding beats, the samples of Art Blakey and Lonnie Liston Smith, the witty hipster double-speak, and the mellifluous voices and flow of the three MCs (with Ladybug's sultry delivery adding perfect counterpoint). The set should help rescue them from obscurity and place them rightfully alongside such luminaries as Tribe Called Quest and De La Soul.

With the release of their 1993 debut, REACHIN': A NEW REFUTATION OF TIME AND SPACE, New York City's Digable Planets attempted one last infusion of positivity and enlightened conciseness into mainstream hip-hop before gangsta rap took over for good. The group's mix of Native Tongues-style Afrocentrism with classic jazz samples and a thoughtful approach to issues in the black community won them a Grammy in 1994. Unfortunately, the Planets' sophomore album, BLOWOUT COMB, though critically acclaimed, wasn't nearly as successful as their debut, and it effectively marked the band's end. The three members went on to various side projects, but in 2004 they reunited and began touring and working on a new album.

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