Seriously the only things that I thought came from Montreal were top quality crystal meth, Vladimir Guererro and poutine (which I've learned to love even though I'm pretty brand-loyal to Cheez-Wiz). Little did I know that the Canadian version of The Hill That's Real has bred some dope talent on the turntables - namely in the form of the Skratch Bastid. The Bastid is known as being a world class turntablist and battle DJ, but the homie has some serious party rocking skills to boot. He turned in this full length mix CD that runs the line from classic and new hip-hop, funk and R&B classics, breakbeats, scratch routines, originals, remixes... shit, you know a DJ is good when he's got you dancing to a Consequence song. Seriously this is a very smart, well thought-out and perfectly executed mix CD that you can pop into the deck at a party and have everyone moving within 90 seconds. Easily in the running for CD of the year in my book, especially because it has a very timeless quality to it. This mix will still be relevant in years to come.

reviewed by Cosmo Baker