Man, I have worn the record out!! Proper..

An absolutely top rate release! Why releases like this remain undiscovered by so many for so long is beyond me. If there was any justice in the world, this album would have gotten considerably more coverage upon its release. Unfortunately, as it transpired, Outlaw was itself, 'outlawed' and consequently outshined by the lesser talents of a certain Mike Skinner aka The Streets. In fact, references to Skinners originality and source of influences are made on a number of occasions on this long player. Rumours suggest, that Skinner spent a good deal of time working with LSK during the time leading up to his own success with 'Has it come to this' in 2001. It would seem that the unique sound Skinner delivered was, in fact, cultivated jointly with LSK. Whatever the history, the fact remains, Outlaw is a considerably looser and rawer album than Original Pirate Material. While this slight differentiation on Skinners part may have been designed to appeal to a broader audience, intentional or otherwise, the fact remains that LSK's sound was never going to appeal to the WASP audience that jumped all over Pirate Material. All the tracks are good but a couple; The Takeover, 70's 80's, are really good. Gritty yet honest, raw edged but (at times) soft centred, Outlaw represents quality urban UK street music in ways which the likes of, say, Roni Size could ever replicate. While Outlaw fuses some distinct and obvious influential elements (reggae, dub etc) it does so with such individualism that it is hard not to sit up and take notice of this inspiring Northern sound (Leeds by the way). By far and away the best track here is Rap Starr. An up-lifting and humorous number that manages to convey astutely the two things LSK obviously holds dearest; reggae and rap. It's this honest and humble approach that makes LSK so endearing. While this album didn't get the credit it most definitely deserves, I take pride in the fact that in my home town of Bristol at least, it was very well received. Small consolation I know, but this is a town that is renowned for its musical fickleness. If you are genuinely serious about acquiring good music, especially that that leans toward the urban/reggae side of things, then make sure you track this Outlaw down.