There are three albums that, in my opinion, make the best use of samples. The first is most definitely the Beastie Boys’ Paul’s Boutique, which is basically one long sample. The second is De La Soul’s Three Feet High and Rising, but the other is surprisingly not a rap record.
White Zombie’s La Sexorcisto: Devil Music Vol. 1 mixes choppy metal, weird time signatures and samples galore! While Rob Zombie is mostly known for his shocking for the sake of shock horror movies, but long before – twenty years ago – he, along with three amazing musicians, put out one of the most underrated metal albums of the 90s.
This album, more than any other, has influenced the way that I make mixes. When I get stuck trying to place a sample, I give La Sexorcisto a listen and it usually just works itself out. And now, I can listen to it on vinyl!
The reissue label Music on Vinyl just released it on limited edition white vinyl and I was lucky enough to pick up a copy. I’ve been looking for this since my friend Todd Fogel got it on glow in the dark vinyl two decades ago. I’m listening to it right now and it sounds amazing.
The music is honestly brilliant, but it’s the samples that bring it all together. A lot of them are from cult flicks or horror movies. Faster Pussycat, Kill Kill is a big one, as is Night of the Living Dead.
Funny thing is, I’ve never heard their earlier stuff or anything that came after this. For me, White Zombie exists in 1992 and that’s it. I don’t really even have a desire to hear them. I’m sure they’re great – I’ve heard a ton of good things about Astro Creep, but I think I’ll just stick with 1992′s La Sexorcisto.
If I am not mistaken “La Sexorcisto” is as early as it gets with Zombie. I remember training to that stuff and semi-awestruck at how seamlessly the samples were dubbed into the music…
Oh there’s earlier, but I’ve never heard them. Two albums and a couple EPs, I think. Maybe someday I’ll get around to it.