Various – Headz (A Soundtrack Of Experimental Beathead Jams.)

Headz is a pivotal release that helped define the abstract beats and experimental sounds emerging in the mid-'90s, particularly within the trip-hop and downtempo genres. Released by Mo Wax on October 31, 1994, this triple LP compilation stands as a testament to the label’s innovative spirit and deep connection to the underground electronic music scene at the time.

Mo Wax, founded by James Lavelle, was instrumental in shaping the sound of '90s electronic music. Known for fostering a blend of hip hop, jazz, dub, and electronic experimentation, the label became a hub for artists who pushed the boundaries of beat-making. Headz is a perfect encapsulation of that ethos, blending genres like downtempo, breakbeats, and trip-hop in ways that felt fresh and groundbreaking.

Headz is often cited as a landmark release due to its eclectic and forward-thinking tracklist. It captures the essence of Mo Wax's sound at the time—heavy on atmosphere, head-nodding beats, and intricate sample work. It was also a gateway for many listeners into the world of trip-hop, a genre that was evolving into a dominant force thanks to acts like Massive Attack, Portishead, and Tricky.

The compilation features a range of artists who exemplify Mo Wax's unique sound. While not necessarily the most commercially successful, it was highly influential in underground scenes and for those who were looking for something beyond mainstream hip-hop and electronica.

The compilation's focus on instrumental tracks and experimental beat-making sets it apart from typical electronic or hip-hop releases of the time. It felt more meditative, atmospheric, and introspective—qualities that came to define the emerging trip-hop genre.

For many, Headz was their first exposure to this type of music, and it quickly gained a cult following. Its influence extended far beyond the UK, spreading the sound of Mo Wax globally and inspiring a generation of producers and artists. It’s also a great example of how labels like Mo Wax were pushing the boundaries of what hip-hop and electronic music could be, melding the two genres in ways that felt new and exciting.

Overall, Headz is more than just a compilation; it's a cornerstone in the development of trip-hop, abstract beats, and experimental electronic music in the '90s. It still holds up as a significant work for its innovative production techniques and the way it blended genres so seamlessly. If you’re into these styles, this album is essential listening and a perfect representation of Mo Wax's golden era.

An unheralded classic !!
Call it trip hop, shades of illbient ... whatever ... but it's not hip hop !!
Obviously inspired by it though.

Headz 2 had more extended licensing muscle both in acquiring tracks and in the release itself.
Headz came as a more directed shot acrossed the bow for I think a great many people as an introduction into abstract, down tempo into that pesky term trip hop. Jumping off the more polished point of Royalties Overdue and graphically this time 3D of Massive Attack in what I'm guessing is a respects due effort on James part. To pay homage to one of the godfathers of the street impacted graphic work we now see so so much of.
With this James neatly presented the still developing components of the down tempo sound in its varying shades and degrees from the american roots and the originally completely overlooked but by the 94 release of Headz; huge Tranquility Bass they came in peace. Early "trip hop" and earlier Bleep/Bass pioneers Nightmares on Wax, Autechre with a complete nod to detroit and electro, Palm Skin as we have come to discover, dj Shadow with two brilliant early examples of his work and more.

the 2nd compilation on mo' wax is its' most famous as it opened the ears of people to those who experimented w/ hip-hop, and pushed the boundaries further.