by Ben Hogwood
What’s the story?
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Mr Scruff’s second album, Ninja Tune are making it available as a 2LP reissue. This is excellent news for DJs and vinyl consumers, for as anyone will know the appeal of Mr Scruff lies not just in the music but in the accompanying art and package. To that end, the LPs are in blue and red vinyl, with artwork from Mr Scruff & Airside with – brilliantly – an ‘infinity peelable trouser sticker on the cover to reveal silver and gold foiled 20th anniversary trousers’.
What’s the music like?
The great thing about this reissue is that it lies wholly in the spirit of the album. Trouser Jazz was a breath of fresh air when it was released in 2002 and it remains the same today. Few tracks bring more cheer than the breezy Sweetsmoke, especially if you experience it via the video:
The vocal guests on Trouser Jazz are extremely well chosen, too – from the beautifully floated delivery of Seaming To, who graces Beyond and Valley Of The Sausages (!), to the fun rapping of Braintax on Vibrate.
There is also a winsome sense of humour running through the album. The well-chosen samples and original riffs brim with optimism, and have a brilliant sense of mischief about them. Listen to Shrimp, as its loose funk and jazzy overtones skate between the beats, or Ug, which has a bass line that is just plain weird. Shelf Wobbler is excellent, with its abundance of percussion and lithe hip hop beat, as is the vibrant sax on Champion Nibble. Scruff always gives good rhythm, but his music often carries a whiff of nostalgia, too. Come Alive wears a light melancholy, looking back towards the Style Council in its bass.
Does it all work?
It sounds as good now as it did in 2002!
Is it recommended?
If you didn’t buy it originally, what are you waiting for?
Listen
Buy
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