The thinking man's hip-hop hero returns with his second proper album.

It's been six long years since Josh Davis aka DJ Shadow released his jaw-dropping debut LP Endtroducing, hailed as the best dance album ever by Muzik magazine earlier this year. It's a hard act to follow, but where some would be tempted to change direction completely, DJ Shadow is sticking to his guns.

Like Endtroducing, The Private Press is made up almost entirely of samples, in fact Monosylabik was made from just one two bar loop. Fans will recognise his trademark brooding atmospherics, live drum loops and crackling vocals but Shadow's progression in tastes is reflected in The Private Press' more varied approach. The single You Can't Go Home Again is an up-beat funkathon and Right Thing a superb electro beast.

That said, the album's variation is perhaps where some will find fault. Where Endtroducing felt like an integral piece, The Private Press is more a collection of tracks and therefore less impressive as an album.

But Josh is said to be proud of his latest offering, and who can blame him. He's progressed without losing his sound, producing a real grower with a few classic tracks; you can't ask for more than that...can you? AL 30 May 02

The Private Press released 03 June 02 on Universal Island Records.

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