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Massive Attack - 100th Window - 15-Dec-06 04:40 AM
Based on the mixed opinions this record had received at the time of its release, I hesitated to purchase "100th Window" for a long time until I recently spotted it at a discount.

As measured by the high standards set by its consummate predecessor, "100th Window" seemed doomed to fail. Nonetheless, the production struck me as clean and detailed from the beginning, evoking an atmosphere similar to that of "Mezzanine". The wealth of dark soundscapes make this a recommended headphone experience.

After more in-depth listening, however, there seems to be something lacking. Whereas earlier Massive Attack albums had a certain warmth in their overall sound, this one rarely breaks the cold prevailing mood.

I consider the tracks featuring Sinéad OConnor to be real album highlights - yet, my favourite tracks remain those without guest appearances (for instance, the hypnotic opener "Future Proof" or the superbly produced "Butterfly Caught", which are both reminiscent of the bands finest moments on "Mezzanine").

One can hardly expect Massive Attack to reinvent themselves with each new record; therefore, their qualitative consistency (after 15 years of band history) should be applauded."