Skylab – Skylab#1

Skylab was an electronic supergroup comprised of the UKs Matt Ducasse and Howie B. (U2, Bjork, Wim Wenders) along with the Japanese duo Tosh and Kudo (also known as Love TKO of Major Force Records/Mo Wax) A cult classic from the golden age of trip-hop, the group’s debut album Skylab#1 was released the same year as Portishead’s Dummy, Tricky’s Maxiquenye, and Massive Attack’s Protection, but explored a much more psychedelic and spaced-out sound. “Seashell” is a beautiful trip-hop tune that just gets everything right about the genre: chillout vocal sample (“I put a seashell to my ear and it all comes back”), thumping upright bass groove, twinkling Fender Rhodes, haunting scat vocals, and not too overdone scratch effects. Howie B’s magic touch is clearly evident here as all the elements, from Tosh’s guitars to Kudo’s synthesizers to Ducasse’s ace sample sources, are all masterfully blended into one psychedelic sonic tapestry that just grooves.

Recommended – Full Listen