Back on wax! 2005's Capritarious #7 and Levels singles were apparently meant to be a set (notice the A,B,C,D marking on the labels), but were released as separate 12"s. I guess Theo went back to his original idea, because now he's reissued them together. "Capritarious" is Theo at his deconstructing best. The mad genius effect is totally in play here with the song reminding of the similar concepts explored by Dilla. "Out There" is equally mad, it sounds like it came from a very late night, tripped-out session in Theo's studio. "Levels" is that track that features the snippet of Samuel Jackson talking "don't touch my levels now, I got them set just how I like." It's rare that Theo gives you such a recognizable handle to hold on to, take advantage. "Dreamers Blues" is the super-mellow, beautiful shit... probably my favorite here.  "Shifting Sands" takes up the entire b-side and it's again on some weird stuff. This track is not quite dance music, more like an exercise in deconstruction. In retrospect, the double set makes a lot of sense. Recommended.

• double 12" pack
• music label: Sound Signature 2008 / 2016

reviewed by the mgmnt 07/2016