Massive Attack vs. Burial Four Walls/Paradise Circus

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user ratings (46)

Tracklist:
1. Four Walls
2. Paradise Circus

Ranking: #143 for 2011

user rating

3.9
excellent

Chart.

recommended by reviewer

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On 13 Lists

4.0
excellent

Andy Okuneff USER (24 Reviews)

December 9th, 2011 | 95 replies | 3,960 views

Summary: Two of the most talented artists in the industry further demonstrate exactly why they’re two of the most talented artists in the industry

17 of 17 thought this review was well written

With their unique and separate styles of dark and brooding beats, the 24 minute collaboration between Massive Attack and Burial would bother most casual music fans. Additionally, many pundits have said that because this showcases nothing new or truly innovative for two of the most influential trip-hop and dubstep artists ever, it is not a worthwhile release. Yet the astonishing amount of rapport developed so quickly between the two artists is so palpable, the mood so real that it doesn’t really matter.

Hope Sandoval (of Mazzy Star) lends her stunning voice to both tracks. And in ‘Four Walls,’ her hypnotic vocals rise above the musty atmosphere, bemoaning that “they know that I can't settle down / they know but they won't keep me in line, in line.” These very human emotions – feeling subdued to such a simple existence without any guiding voice as to how or why – play into the tone of the song. In such a state we cannot yell, we cannot shout, we simply are. And this dark yet resigned, simplistic atmosphere engulfs its listener to a place where it feels ok to be confined.

The fourth incantation of ‘Paradise Circus’ transforms the dark and seductive original (released: 8.Feb.2010) into a darker and subtler atmospheric piece. After a house rendition by Gui Boratto and a hard hitting dubstep rendition by Zeds Dead, ‘Paradise Circus’ has become one of the most successfully remixed songs in recent times, and it isn’t surprising that Burial is able to have his way with the passionate track. Rather than bringing you along for the circus ride as others have done, Burial lets the track walk next to you, winking at you instead of grabbing at you. In doing so, he manages to evoke an even deeper layer of the song that has never been seen before.

While this two-track collaboration isn’t going to be the one to turn you onto the fascinating and perplexing minds of Will Bevan or 3D and company, it does add another peg to each artist’s respective portfolios. And with portfolios like these, the limited edition 12” vinyl is sure to be displayed quite prominently in record collections in the years to come.

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