A band is always recognized or remembered in the minds of their fans by a signature show, event or album. The release of Transistor is their signature album. Originally intended to be a double cd, the band decided on releasing it as one disc as a treat for the fans. Twenty one songs may seem like a long record but as they take you on this journey, their intentions become very clear. The track layout is superb as the the tracks flow seemlessly from start to finish. A series of uptempo songs are interlaced with slower numbers. The classic chunky ragga/hip-hop funk themes are supplemented by a "trippy" or "spacey" feel which carries throughout the entire record.

Fans of the old and new sounds of the band will not be disappointed as you can hear where they had come from and where they might be heading. Understand that this record is AND is not a departure from the "signature" 311 sound. A band is often times praised (or mocked) for the albums that step outside the spectrum of what you expect. The watershed; the transistion. This reviewer will put it simply: if you are a fan of 311 and you do not own or at least give a listen to this album, you are doing yourself an extreme disservice.

While I can agree with Danso on most of the review, I differ in a few areas. The pure sound on this album is overwhelming. That alone is why the record is amazing. Casually listening, you can say this sounds merely like and extension of "Catch Thirty-Three". The two major differences are the presence of Tomas Haake behind his drum kit and the concise song structure and flow of songs. The critical difference is the loss of programmed drum feel. Haake provides the human feel in a record that musical sounds in-human.

The entire records drags in elements from "Contradictions Collapse", "Destroy Erase Improve", the "I" EP. Lethargica is the groove metal vein that was present all throughout "Nothing", but the gem of this record is "Pineal Gland Optics". It kicks off with a great snare downbeat feel and changes with each section so it remains one of the most enjoyable tracks on the record. Not to mention the one of the best solo offerings from Thordendal behind his parts on Internal Evidence, Cadeverous Mastication, Closed Eye Visuals, and Bleed.

Once one finally understands "obZen", musically and lyrically, the impact of this record will hit very hard. One can relate this to the impact of their 2002 masterpiece, "Nothing".

Hands down, this is one of the greatest collaborations between hip-hop producers, ever. It is simply amazing how one's beat compliments the other's rhymes. J Dilla displays tight lyricism and flow as does Madlib. One thing to note is that Madlib and Dilla were never in the same studio to record this album. Although the production style of Madlib would suggest, to some, that he had filled the miminalistic Dilla beats with abstract, background samples, only DAT tapes were sent back and forth and the original beats were left untouched. This particular release is a MUST own for any Dilla or Madlib fans. The instruementals alone are worth the purchase.

A great compliment to the 2002 release of "Nothing" for any Meshuggah fan. The biggest disappointment from the start was the use of programmed drums (Drumkit From Hell). Lest we not forget that it IS a remix. Even though Tomas Haake did the drum programming on this remix, it's still not the same as the "acoustic" feel of the original recording. This release is well worth a purchase for any fan who has not had the luxury of experiencing them live. The live videos are an excellent depiction of the intensity and power a live show that is put on by Meshuggah.

Can't say anything that hasn't already been said, but what surprises me is the level of narrow-mindedness in those bashing the record. Why would you expect your favorite artist to put out multiple albums of material that sound like the last several? Granted, this latest record is leaps and bounds different in terms of production. As far as the sonic quality that Howlett is known for, you are out of your MIND if you feel it is not on this album. 1990s Rave/breakbeat is long but dead. Times have moved more towards this new "electroclash" sort of sound and so be it. I have enjoyed every Prodigy LP for what its worth. They have forever placed their stamp on the scene and we all know this. This record is merely one end of the Prodigy spectrum (so to speak). Appreciate the change in the direction.

Please note that the track names on the box set do not necessarily correlate with the tracks on the individual volume releases of Special Herbs. Don't ask why that is because I have no idea either. Still an amazing release for beat junkies and Doom fans.

For those of you looking for the Q.B. street banger that "Hollywood Hav" and "V.I.P." have promised, this is NOT that album. This record is THE WORST of their records and you can thank Curtis Jackson and Interscope Records for destroying what once was an amazing rap duo. While there are quite a few superbly produced tracks, the lyrical content is just awful. Quite laughable at times. Only die-hard and long time Mobb Deep fans will even buy this record. There are way too many problems to even discuss here. For first time viewers, stick to their first three records (and the Free Agents Mix CD) for the true Mobb Deep.

This is a fantastic snapshot of the beginnings of reggae/ska. Some songs are just too short but the best things in life come in small packages. Very good mix by madlib.