(Island/Universal)

Those who know Josh Davis would know that this country boy (Sacramento, California to be exact) searched out the music he heard on the radio, finding appeal in its raw and uncompromising nature. Among numerous other releases and a reputation for blistering live shows, he released Entroducing in 1996 to critical acclaim. Songs like Midnight in a Perfect World garnered him so much attention and fame, yet his philospohy remained the same – produce good music that people can listen to, relate to and appreciate.

So after numerous releases and tours in between, 2005 sees the release of the Deluxe 2 CD Edition of one of urban music’s most celebrated releases. The first disc features remastered material from the original Entroducing – so if you have it – you can give it to your sister. The second disc features edits and remixes from Peshay – What does your soul look like, to Cut Chemist – The Number Song – others reworks of the original material feature, to give it a new take. Also present are some original demos and ideas that served as blueprints for the original album as well as rare singles issued only on 12” at the time of the 1996 release.

In all, the new version is a fresh, new and a superb interpretation of an original masterpiece that bridged the cultural divide between kids from the block, DJz and posers alike. This then, remains as obscurely brilliant and remarkably innovative as it did on its release some 10 years ago. Far from the sort of thing you listen to just once, its beauty is in its ability to remain on repeat eternally. There is also talk of a new artist album slated for release sometime in the near future – the time frame of course, is anyone’s guess. In the meantime, you have this to listen to – one of urban music’s most luminous, immortal releases, made even fresher.