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33⅓ Main Series #24
DJ Shadow's 'Endtroducing. . .'
What resonated about Endtroducing when it was released in 1996, and what makes it still resonate today, is the way in which it loosens itself from the mooring of the known and sails off into an uncharted territory that seems to exist both in and out of time. Josh Davis is not only a master sampler and turntablist supreme, he is also a serious archeologist with a world-thirsty passion (what Cut Chemist refers to as Josh's "spidey sense") for seeking out, uncovering and then ripping apart the discarded graces of some other generation - that "pile of broken dreams" - and weaving them back together into a tapestry of chronic bleakness and beauty.
Over the course of several long conversations with Josh Davis (DJ Shadow), we learn about his early years in California, the friends and mentors who helped him along the way, his relationship with Mo'Wax and James Lavelle, and the genesis and creation of his widely acknowledged masterpiece, Endtroducing.
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First published August 19, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
September 18, 2015
Disappointing. A long intro from the author, in which he recounts his formative Beatles experiences (seriously the most abominably uninteresting critic origin story) then straight into an interview with Shadow aka Josh Davis himself, which is all interesting enough. But as far as a book about about Endtroducing..., this is hopeless. Compared to, say Drew-from-Matmos' book on Throbbing Gristle's 20 Jazz Funk Greats, which broke the album down by track and blended interview, analysis, historical context, and personal recollection all quite fascinatingly, there's just nothing here. Many tracks go entirely unmentioned (and my favorite, Mutual Slump, a formative music experience while listening to the local college radio on really low after my parents were asleep -- Mutual Slump appears only once in a list with four other tracks. Thanks for the insight.) So. A couple stars for Josh Davis discussing his life, but nothing much beyond.
January 28, 2019
Okay, so the good part of this contribution to the 33 1/3 series is that it's done in an interview format. I really like first-hand accounts so I like that DJ Shadow was involved and it was all a question-answer vibe.
The bad part of this contribution to the 33 1/3 series, was that the interview segment was boring.
I wanted a certain level of introspection out of a question-answer situation and maybe that's not what this was intended to be, but real talks, why not? I think that would have been notable. All I got was dry facts that detailed Shadow's process to create Entroducing and some super-dry facts about his upbringing with a small sneak-peek into his anxiety. I would have liked WAY more of that last part. Weird, I know, that I would want to hear him talk more about anxiety, etc., but I really was hoping for more analysis of his mental state at the time of Endtroducing's creation. I wanted all of that in addition to the technical aspects of the record's creation. He gets a little into talking about his mental health towards the end when he speaks about the reception to the record but not so much re the inspiration of the record.
For such a dope, inventive album that has levels of cerebral complexity, Shadow's description of its creation was basic and way too every day for me. Like what were you feeling b? I felt like he reserved the passion, that shit was missing in action. Which is weird because it's there in heavy doses on the record from the first cut to the last. I'm sad to say that this was kinda mundane, but I was looking for introspection, self-examination.
I actually really loved the movement through the writer Eliot Wilder's childhood exploration of music in the Introduction. I liked it more than it's follow-up question-answer segment. Eliot Wilder's expressions on his venture into The Beatles and growing up listening to his radio's offerings was charming. It reminded me that the joy of music and music discovery is one of the most necessary agents of socialization for young minds. It opens up your whole world. It cannot be understated and Eliot Wilder tastefully shared his experiences, which I appreciated.
I'm working my way through the 33 1/3 series, so I'm gonna keep it pushing to the next one.
The bad part of this contribution to the 33 1/3 series, was that the interview segment was boring.
I wanted a certain level of introspection out of a question-answer situation and maybe that's not what this was intended to be, but real talks, why not? I think that would have been notable. All I got was dry facts that detailed Shadow's process to create Entroducing and some super-dry facts about his upbringing with a small sneak-peek into his anxiety. I would have liked WAY more of that last part. Weird, I know, that I would want to hear him talk more about anxiety, etc., but I really was hoping for more analysis of his mental state at the time of Endtroducing's creation. I wanted all of that in addition to the technical aspects of the record's creation. He gets a little into talking about his mental health towards the end when he speaks about the reception to the record but not so much re the inspiration of the record.
For such a dope, inventive album that has levels of cerebral complexity, Shadow's description of its creation was basic and way too every day for me. Like what were you feeling b? I felt like he reserved the passion, that shit was missing in action. Which is weird because it's there in heavy doses on the record from the first cut to the last. I'm sad to say that this was kinda mundane, but I was looking for introspection, self-examination.
I actually really loved the movement through the writer Eliot Wilder's childhood exploration of music in the Introduction. I liked it more than it's follow-up question-answer segment. Eliot Wilder's expressions on his venture into The Beatles and growing up listening to his radio's offerings was charming. It reminded me that the joy of music and music discovery is one of the most necessary agents of socialization for young minds. It opens up your whole world. It cannot be understated and Eliot Wilder tastefully shared his experiences, which I appreciated.
I'm working my way through the 33 1/3 series, so I'm gonna keep it pushing to the next one.
Read
February 20, 2023And i'd like to just continue to be able to express myself
As best as i can with this instrument
And i feel like i have a lot of work to do
Still, i'm a student - of the drums
And i'm also a teacher of the drums too
As best as i can with this instrument
And i feel like i have a lot of work to do
Still, i'm a student - of the drums
And i'm also a teacher of the drums too
September 13, 2016
There's always a danger lingering in the background for 33 1/3 releases. While it's great that each book is written by a different author, I feel there's a lack of cohesion from album to album. Obviously I don't expect one music journalist to write every single entry, but the genres often differ wildly with each book. Add that some people can be hopelessly devoted to an album (I'm looking at you, OK Computer) and you can have a series that generates anything from one star to five in a matter of two or three books.
As it happens, I'm hopelessly devoted to Endtroducing - it's been one of my favourite albums for years and years. When I first laid ears on it, I barely recognised any samples. Now, ten years on, I've picked up on a lot from simply going through life and hearing music. What this does is add a layer that has already been there from the beginning. It's like being given a piece to a puzzle with an ever-changing end result. The more things change, the more it stays exactly the same. I was excited to read this because I had hoped the author shared my opinions.
Do they? I'm not sure. Probably? This 33 1/3 book is particularly interesting because it may as well be one long interview, as opposed to a critical collage of perspectives. As with all 33 1/3 books, this is saturated with personal bias, something which draws a lot of negative acclaim but something I don't think you can avoid when it comes to talking about music. Usually when an author writes for 33 1/3, they're already a fan of the album so of course there's going to be bias. If I was to be let rip on an album I loved, you'd be sick of me by the tenth page. I would also expect somebody to be a fan when they decide to read it, or else, what's the point? So long as it doesn't detract too much, I don't have a problem. This doesn't go as far as some books, which can be obnoxious quite frankly.
The interview approach is refreshing, for sure. I've heard from others than some books in the 33 1/3 series are nothing more than ego trips from music journalists. This book at least gives DJ Shadow room to talk and breathe, adding perspective to an album already rich in narrative and history. The samples skip about, paying no attention to the decades that may divide them. You can tell DJ Shadow clearly loves music, so much so that he used what already exists to create something fresh and pioneering. If you've read 33 1/3 books that came across as heavy, this will be a welcome change. It feels more like a chat rather than a lecture, and that's what something as subjective as music should be handled as.
As it happens, I'm hopelessly devoted to Endtroducing - it's been one of my favourite albums for years and years. When I first laid ears on it, I barely recognised any samples. Now, ten years on, I've picked up on a lot from simply going through life and hearing music. What this does is add a layer that has already been there from the beginning. It's like being given a piece to a puzzle with an ever-changing end result. The more things change, the more it stays exactly the same. I was excited to read this because I had hoped the author shared my opinions.
Do they? I'm not sure. Probably? This 33 1/3 book is particularly interesting because it may as well be one long interview, as opposed to a critical collage of perspectives. As with all 33 1/3 books, this is saturated with personal bias, something which draws a lot of negative acclaim but something I don't think you can avoid when it comes to talking about music. Usually when an author writes for 33 1/3, they're already a fan of the album so of course there's going to be bias. If I was to be let rip on an album I loved, you'd be sick of me by the tenth page. I would also expect somebody to be a fan when they decide to read it, or else, what's the point? So long as it doesn't detract too much, I don't have a problem. This doesn't go as far as some books, which can be obnoxious quite frankly.
The interview approach is refreshing, for sure. I've heard from others than some books in the 33 1/3 series are nothing more than ego trips from music journalists. This book at least gives DJ Shadow room to talk and breathe, adding perspective to an album already rich in narrative and history. The samples skip about, paying no attention to the decades that may divide them. You can tell DJ Shadow clearly loves music, so much so that he used what already exists to create something fresh and pioneering. If you've read 33 1/3 books that came across as heavy, this will be a welcome change. It feels more like a chat rather than a lecture, and that's what something as subjective as music should be handled as.
March 7, 2015
Must-read for any fans of the album, DJ Shadow, or hip-hop in general. The introduction is a nice backdrop for the material that follows which, though in interview form, is almost entirely Shadow's words. He talks about growing up, recounts each step of the journey, sets Endtroducing... in its historical context and gives insights into how it came together. He recalls everything with incredible detail and offers plenty of nuggets which answer some of the "how"s and "why"s. This is a real behind-the-curtain look at one of the most important and inimitable albums ever made, told through the words of the creator himself. Thoroughly enjoyable read that will make you want to revisit every bit of early Shadow you can get hold of.
September 8, 2007
This book is a ~100 page interview with the DJ himself, as opposed to the more typical 33 1/3 entry, which serves as abbreviated band history and New Historical exegesis of a specific album. Not that there's anything wrong with that (see: The Village Green Preservation Society for a good one), and in fact, I would've liked a little more of it. It's still illuminating, but less so on the album itself, moreso on the development of a talented young collagist.
These books are all a bit silly, though.
These books are all a bit silly, though.
August 2, 2011
Its still a great album after almost 15 years. It doesnt sound dated in any way and I still listen to it on a regular basis.
But I wish I could say the same for the book. Its the worst I have read in this series. Its basically a decent interview with Shadow and then there is a pointless long intro where the author writes about himself. There is no indepth info about the songs or anything. Its too bad that such a great album gets such a crap book. Read the book about Reign in blood instead, a fantastic read.
But I wish I could say the same for the book. Its the worst I have read in this series. Its basically a decent interview with Shadow and then there is a pointless long intro where the author writes about himself. There is no indepth info about the songs or anything. Its too bad that such a great album gets such a crap book. Read the book about Reign in blood instead, a fantastic read.
March 7, 2018
Good long form interview with DJ Shadow. Could've been more focused on the album in question, though.
July 19, 2023
This should not have been a book. At best, Eliot Wilder introduces the album through a 20-page, self-indulgent personal essay about how much he loves the album, described through sentimentalism more than the music itself. It’s pretty bland because he essentially references parallels to Shadow in other genres that have no connection to his sound. The rest of the book is just a Q&A with DJ Shadow; it’s the book equivalent of a podcast, and I would have preferred to listen to the podcast.
Even so, DJ Shadow’s ‘Endtroducing’ is a seminal sound collage and the most influential feat in scratching/turntabilism since Grandmaster Flash & 2 Live Crew. The way Shadow speaks about his music is gripping and the way he conveys building musical landscapes from the depths of his own self-esteem and self-doubt is beautiful. His scratches speak for him, whether it be through melancholy or innate technique.
Even so, DJ Shadow’s ‘Endtroducing’ is a seminal sound collage and the most influential feat in scratching/turntabilism since Grandmaster Flash & 2 Live Crew. The way Shadow speaks about his music is gripping and the way he conveys building musical landscapes from the depths of his own self-esteem and self-doubt is beautiful. His scratches speak for him, whether it be through melancholy or innate technique.
November 18, 2014
Overall, this is pretty good, but it definitely serves as a prime example of Jason Guriel's argument that critics need to stop getting personal in their critical pieces. (you can check out Guriel's piece here: https://thewalrus.ca/i-dont-care-abou...) Wilder spends 15 pages rambling about his own life before he finally mentions the album that ostensibly serves as the subject of this book. From there, he dives into the interview with DJ Shadow, which is interesting, but again I wish there was more of a focus on Endtroducing..., which is sort of given short shrift until about the last third of the book. All in all, I found this to be a fairly interesting read, but I wish it had been more along the lines of the volume on Paul's Boutique, with more attention paid to the titular album.
July 10, 2009
This is a great book about one of my favorite albums.
It's a very long interview between Wilder, an obviously knowledgeable music critic, and DJ Shadow. They must have corresponded for months over email. Don't expect a blow-by-blow dissection of the tracks, though, as I did. It's actually mostly about Shadow's growth as a musician and an artist... which is of course also a worthy topic. There's a bit of "oh I sampled that funk record here" or "those drums are from the old track by ____" but I would have liked a little more. It was a great and inspiring read either way.
I'd definitely ready any other book in this series though I didn't see any other albums as awesome as this one.
It's a very long interview between Wilder, an obviously knowledgeable music critic, and DJ Shadow. They must have corresponded for months over email. Don't expect a blow-by-blow dissection of the tracks, though, as I did. It's actually mostly about Shadow's growth as a musician and an artist... which is of course also a worthy topic. There's a bit of "oh I sampled that funk record here" or "those drums are from the old track by ____" but I would have liked a little more. It was a great and inspiring read either way.
I'd definitely ready any other book in this series though I didn't see any other albums as awesome as this one.
September 17, 2019
As a part of the 33 1/3 series it was terrible compared to the others I have read. Tedious introduction by the author talking about his own life and then an interview with Josh Davis. The interview was great and I liked everything he had to say about the album and the times surrounding it.
May 3, 2020
When sampling was king, DJ Shadow was emperor.
February 17, 2021
You never know what you are going to get in a 33 1/3. The series allows authors to forge there own formats. In this case the author opens with a broad appraisal of "Endtroducing . . ." set in the context of a bit of autobiography, then transitions to an extended interview with DJ Shadow. This works because Shadow reveals a relatable biography and offers meaningful insights into his process. He's every lonely teenager who found refuge burying himself in the best music he can find, except a little more obsessed and talented. He created "Endroducing . . ." as he was just getting started with some independent outfits, working on little more than a handshake. The interview goes into acceptable depth -- not quite track by track but does give light to some of the most interesting tracks on the disc.
I don't think anyone reads one of these without being familiar with the subject work, but just in case, don't with this one. You won't get much useful description of the music. But "Endtroducing . . ." is a masterpiece and worth picking up.
I don't think anyone reads one of these without being familiar with the subject work, but just in case, don't with this one. You won't get much useful description of the music. But "Endtroducing . . ." is a masterpiece and worth picking up.
December 9, 2023
This book was really the music equivalent of an EP, it's really just one brief history of DJ Shadow and an interesting long form interview format for the balance of the book. Not a criticism, it worked for this artist/album combination.
I learned some things, including Dj Shadow being born in San Jose. Happy to read he haunted the same Tower Records I did growing up; hell, he mighta been there trainspotting while I was looking for 45s. I had been hoping for some nod to Star Records, but it didn't make the book, but I betcha Shadow creeped that space too.
I learned some things, including Dj Shadow being born in San Jose. Happy to read he haunted the same Tower Records I did growing up; hell, he mighta been there trainspotting while I was looking for 45s. I had been hoping for some nod to Star Records, but it didn't make the book, but I betcha Shadow creeped that space too.
January 30, 2022
Mmm.. Tough one to review, because it's not a bad book, it's more of a lost opportunity. It's a long at and at times really good interview with DJ Shadow, but it goes into little depth about the actual album for a book like this. I enjoyed it, and would have given it a 4 star, of not for having thought it would be more on point to what it was supposed to be about. The actual album.. and I think there is still a lot to be said about a classic like this.
July 10, 2022
El “Endtroducing…” de DJ Shadow fue para muchos nuestro primer acercamiento a la electrónica en general y al hip hop en particular. Este libro tiene dos partes: una breve narración que el autor hace sobre su relación con el álbum (esta parte me gustó mucho) y una larga entrevista con DJ Shadow (que está padre pero no es lo que esperaría leer en un libro sobre un álbum). Sugiero leer la primera parte pensando que es un artículo largo y ya.
July 29, 2022
Cool! I’m super into this album right now, and given that every 33 1/3 is different, I appreciated that this one was a straight up interview with DJ Shadow (after 22 pages of the writer being self-indulgent and giving backstory about them which I got super bored of and ended up skipping, that is). Shadows approach to creating is fascinating to me and resonated a lot with certain ideas I’ve had about collage and found writing; I think his album—and this book—found me at a good time :)
I also learned a bit about how I read nonfiction differently from fiction, the main difference being that I allow myself to SKIP THINGS when reading NF, and with F, read every last letter. Why? Not sure. I think I do hold F in higher regard for my own personal reasons, as a writer of it and therefore-biased reader. I guess what I’m enjoying lately with the nonfiction I’ve been reading is not being hard on myself if I come to a section that’s super dull or just not what I’m about, and letting myself skip to a more engaging part. It’s important to not be too hard on ourselves as readers, it’s different for everyone, we all come up with our own terms of what is “acceptable” or “respectful” to the work, but idk, as someone who comes into reading with a lot of discipline, feels good to find times/texts when I can let go. 🌬
I also learned a bit about how I read nonfiction differently from fiction, the main difference being that I allow myself to SKIP THINGS when reading NF, and with F, read every last letter. Why? Not sure. I think I do hold F in higher regard for my own personal reasons, as a writer of it and therefore-biased reader. I guess what I’m enjoying lately with the nonfiction I’ve been reading is not being hard on myself if I come to a section that’s super dull or just not what I’m about, and letting myself skip to a more engaging part. It’s important to not be too hard on ourselves as readers, it’s different for everyone, we all come up with our own terms of what is “acceptable” or “respectful” to the work, but idk, as someone who comes into reading with a lot of discipline, feels good to find times/texts when I can let go. 🌬
October 12, 2018
this is fine, but is basically just a longform interview with dj shadow covering his career to the point of private press, with little actual focus on endtroducing, the album that this is supposed to be a critical analysis/history of. shadow is an interesting musical figure and so the interview itself is compelling, but there's honestly just not much to it.
March 5, 2024
Interesting subject matter but presented with less vivant than a Wikipedia article. Honestly was expecting a lot more from the author. I don't think the interview format lent itself well to this exploration at all.
June 30, 2026
DJ Shadow’s Endtroducing turns 30 in September and remains a classic. This short book is an extended Q&A with Shadow about his early career and the gestation of the album. It doesn’t dive as deep as I’d have liked, but it’s an interesting read.
April 4, 2018
A fascinating interview with everyone's favorite DJ savior.
May 22, 2019
Good Overview
I was not familiar with DJ Shadow and this release. The interview and essay was a great intro to the album.
I was not familiar with DJ Shadow and this release. The interview and essay was a great intro to the album.
February 12, 2021
One star for the introduction, five stars for the interview. Meet in the middle.
February 21, 2022
More of an in-depth interview with the creator of an S tier sampling masterpiece.
January 26, 2023
All time favorite album so naturally the story behind it is enjoyable, nice quick one
December 19, 2024
Fun read
January 22, 2025
Mostly a 76-page interview that is equal parts interesting stuff and surface level stuff.
December 30, 2025
great insights and interviews, there is a balance to be struck here that I felt was a little weak, but overall enjoyed this read lots.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews