Massive Attack – Collected

Wetting the Palate

With recorded work responsible for many acclaimed artists that followed (Portishead, Tricky, Beth Orton, etc.), Massive Attack’s legendary status is undeniable. For those seeking further proof, Collected is a perfect start. While documenting most of their best material, plus the unreleased “Live With Me,” this compilation will leave newcomers in a fever for more. The prescription: the albums.Massive Attack have made some of the darkest music this side of Nick Cave as immediately evidenced in “Safe From Harm,” the opening scorcher from their mind-blowing debut, Blue Lines. With lyrics like “If you hurt what’s mine / I’ll sure as hell retaliate” nestled in a spiraling bass groove, a force to be reckoned with is revealed. “Karmacoma” shifts the vibe from blaxploitation to reggae-injected carnival music featuring Tricky on the microphone. Moving further into the dark side is “Angel,” a delicate but intense lover’s lament scored by an emotional earthquake. “Teardrop” strips away the dreaminess that normally surrounds the Cocteau Twins’ Elizabeth Fraser with amazing results.

Collected bursts at the seams with great moments such as the thunderous “Risingson,” the brooding “Sly,” and “Five Man Army” featuring members 3D and Daddy G trading raps with Tricky. Of course, Massive Attack doesn’t forget their two most enduring songs, “Protection” (sung by Everything But the Girl’s Tracey Thorn) and “Unfinished Sympathy” featuring Shara Nelson showing off Aretha Franklin-like vocal talent.

Massive Attack fans may have complaints about the omissions of “Blue Lines,” “Spying Glass,” and “Hymn of the Big Wheel,” as well as any of the fine Mad Professor collaborations from No Protection. However, this compilation is definitely for explorers who, after listening, will go searching for whatever’s missing. That’s the true purpose of retrospectives.