Foundation. Crucial cuts from Incredible Bongo Band's highly influential 1973 album, reissued as a limited edition 45 boxset with rarities and alternate versions! Bongo Rock is the epitome of a classic record, an essential building block for hip-hop and popular music, as sampled by everyone from Nas, Kanye West, Sugar Hill Gang, Aphex Twin, DJ Shadow, Goldie, Diamond D... the list goes on (I guess the real question is who didn't sample this?). Most of the key cuts here don't really need my introduction, but you get the essential b-boy anthem "Apache," the cover of Iron Butterfly's "In-A-Gadda-Vida," 7" staples "Bongolia and "Bongo Rock," and famous break track "Last Bongo In Belgium" (presented here in a rare alternate version). But listening to this all the way through, it made me realize what a freak of nature the IBB was. It was if Michael Viner foresaw the future beat digger taste set and created this album to fit that profile, but with bongos! For the less obvious stuff, check "Let There Be Drums," a dark wicked version of break-infused rock. This 2016 RSD special edition features 10 track across five 7"s, complete with detailed liner note booklet and housed in a reflective mirror board box. This is the kind of record that will never fade. 

• ltd edition 5 x 7" set
• housed in reflective mirror board box
• printed booklet insert w/ detailed history of the band
• Record Store Day 2016 exclusive release
• music label: Mr Bongo 2016

reviewed by the mgmnt 10/2018