Coldcut presents Journeys by VJ

The Guardian?s Alexis Petridis calls them ?dance producers at the top of their game? – quite a feat when you consider they?ve been at it twenty years. The Times reckons their most recent release ?recalls Massive Attack at their distant peak?, but Coldcut represent something considerably more eclectic. Matt Black and Jonathan More, in collaboration with a host of artistes across the years, have made and continue to make music which is deep, funky and clever – music for your head and your feet in equal measure.

It began for Coldcut back in 1987. The guys were both DJ-ing at warehouse parties and Jon was working at London?s Reckless Records. They met over a love of US scratch records, and together helped pioneer a UK version, starting with ?Say Kids, What Time Is It?, the first UK single to be built primarily out of samples. The same year they produced a remix of Eric B and Rakim?s ?Paid in Full,? famously splicing in vocals from Israeli singer Ofra Haza. Their debut album went silver.

Sound Mirrors is their fourth album, which might not sound like a high number in two decades, but the boys have not exactly been idle. They?ve set up three record labels, released sampling software, produced a play for Radio 3, produced art installations across a range of galleries, and run award-winning club nights.

Coldcut have pulled in contributions from a huge range of musicians across the years. The latest album alone features performances from Jon Spencer, Robert Owens, Saul Williams, Soweto Kinch and Roots Manuva. What?s more, to celebrate twenty years as a duo, Coldcut are releasing the unmixed stems from each of the tracks on Sound Mirrors for any have-a-go mixing heroes to have a go at – with a prize for the best efforts. ?Let the data be free!? says Matt.

Whichever way you slice them, Coldcut meat with our approval [Ed: sack our copywriter, NOW].