Official release of DJ Shadow's recent Private Press tour, this set includes both the DVD disc and a separate audio CD of the set. When I caught the New York leg of this tour, I remember Shadow saying at end something to the extent of "the next shit in mixing a set is that everything is in tune." For all y'all who made fun of Kevin for being a bar-counting nerd, know that Shadow took it to the next by not only doing the same thing ("On Time"), but also by making his set in tune. At the time, I didn't really think anything of it but after hearing a slew of tone-deaf mixtapes recently (mine included), the phrase proved especially prescient. This set captures Shadow mixing exclusively his own material live with the help of CDJ1000s, an MPC, and other decidedly non-turntable equipment. The result is kind of a retrospective of the man's production work as well as a "can he really do it all live without fucking up" voyeuristic experience. And he does! Standout moments include the "Reconstruction Medley," Shadow cutting in tones over "What Does Your Soul Look Like 3" DJ Krush style, a symphonic string UNKLE sample over "Blood on the Motorway," and well-placed rhythm scratching throughout. Any Shadow fan will like this. This CD/DVD set includes a bonus encore not on the LP version, with reworks of "You Can't Go Home Again," "High Noon," and "Midnight in a Perfect World." Close-watchers will get bonus points for spotting close-ups of the big breasted British chick and the crazed half-naked British dude who jumps the divider. The special features section features film trailers, "Malcom on Drums" (Malcom Catto drumming live with Shadow), and "Pushin Buttons" (with Cut Chemist and Numark).

reviewed by the Woodman