(Columbia/Sony BMG)

No music collection should be without a copy of Leftfield’s seminal 1995 debut album “Leftism”. Taking influences from hip hop to ragga to acid house, techno and more, it’s still talked about my many as the greatest dance music album of all time. From ambient and downbeat to pounding and minimal, it’s sound rung true with more than 700,000 fans in the UK alone. A sound characterised by the richly produced percussive beats and deep bass of percussionists Paul Daley and Neil Barnes. It was whilst touring “Leftism” that Leftfield achieved further notoriety for “the loudest gig ever” at London’s Brixton Academy, resulting in evacuations due to plaster falling from the ceiling. 1999’s “Rhythm & Stealth” had the impossible task of trying to follow up a legend. Whilst reaping praise of it’s own, it would never achieve the same status.

“A Final Hit” is a Leftfield retrospective. A bit cheeky after just two albums and additional few singles/soundtrack appearances? Probably so, but at the same time an apt reminder of the brilliance at hand for the unconverted. Further more there’s a couple of pre-leftism gems that may excite those not around in 91 to pick them up on vinyl.

All the classics are there. Half of “Leftism” makes it on, including the seminal crossover collaboration with John Lydon (Sex Pistols, PIL) “Open Up” and the simmering “Original” with Tony Halliday”. Along with “Release the Pressure”, “Afro Left”, “Song of Life” and “Storm 3000”. “Rhythm & Stealth” had some impressive collaborations of it’s own on the singles “Afrika Shox” (Afrika Bambatta) and Dusted (Roots Manuva). Though thanks to a certain Guinness commercial and a kick ass rumbling bass line, perhaps the most well known of all the Rhthym & Stealth tracks is “Afrika Shox” b-side “Phat Planet”.

This album’s title track “A Final Hit” is from a collaboration for the Danny Boyle film Trainspotting, a strung out and sublime electronic journey. “Shallow Grave” features in Boyle’s film of the same name, whilst “Rhythm & Stealth’s” third single “Swords” also appeared in Boyles adaptation of “The Beach”.

Of most interest is listening to the 1991 tracks “More Than I Know” and “Not Forgotten”. Whether it be production techniques of the time or not yet realising their full potential, they definitely sound more dated than the rest of compilation, much of which retains a timeless feel to it. Which brings us back to the charm of that magical album Leftism. This is a worthy compilation to bring you up to speed, but if you’ve not already done so, go buy yourself a copy of this magical album and relive it in all it’s glory.