The Outsider (Deluxe)

The ever-unpredictable DJ Shadow wrong-foots everyone again with The Outsider, as he swaps his signature instrumental hip-hop for a more eclectic collection of sounds. The funky “This Time (I’m Gonna Try It My Way)” looks to ‘70s R&B for inspiration, while the frenetic drums, haunting instrumentation and otherworldly vocals of “Erase You” nod to renowned Shadow disciples Radiohead. Elsewhere, the rolling hi-hats and grim synths of “Seein’ Thangs” offer a trip to the Dirty South with gruff rapper David Banner.