Thirty years after its original release, Main Source's debut album Breaking Atoms has lost none of its capacity to surprise or delight. It remains a prime example of a classically styled hip-hop LP - two DJs, one MC, 11 tracks, no flab or filler. It wasn't a slow burner - it was adored on release and hasn't left the top ten of any serious rap fan ever since. What makes it so special? Perhaps it's in the group's ear for a hook and sample, with Large Professor mounting a whole, celebrated career off the back of this gem. Perhaps it's in the way he manages to balance bragging with more political, thematic tracks such as 'Just a Friendly Game of Baseball' and 'Peace is not the Word to Play' without ever coming across as preachy. Few albums of this length are able to spawn four singles - all of them must-haves - while still having material galore on the album that could have been pressed as a 12". 'Snake Eyes' 'Vamos a Rapiar' and 'He Got So Much Soul (He Don't Need No Music) could have been singles in their own rights, an embarrassment of riches. Sample-wise, it's all about the skillfully woven mixture of the obvious and the obscure, with a tapestry of samples approach that's just not legally possible anymore. So while you might recognise a snatch of Donald Byrd's 'Think Twice' on the timeless 'Looking at the Front Door', it's layered with elements from Ken Lazarus, Detroit Emeralds, The Third Guitar and more. It's an approach that pays constant dividends and rewards repeated listens. Presented in its original format, this is the essence of Breaking Atoms, one of the best albums in the long history of this genre. TracklistingSnake EyesJust Hangin' OutLookin' At The Front DoorLarge ProfessorJust A Friendly Game Of BaseballScratch & KutPeace Is Not The Word To PlayVamos A RapiarHe Got So Much Soul (he Don't Need No Music)Live At The BarbequeWatch Roger Do His Thing ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Thank you for looking at our listing, below are a few points to consider before making a purchase:- All records we sell are Brand New - pre-orders will normally come sealed but if you are purchasing in stock items, please note the copy may have been unsealed for display in the shop. Please email straight after purchase to enquire if this is of importance to you.- Orders won't ship until all items are released, so keep this in mind when purchasing multiple pre-orders or a mix of in stock and pre-order items.- The 'Product' page will show the most up to date info we have with regards to the item and its release date, but this information is subject to change so check in with us if you have any questions.- We unfortunately don't offer tax/vat outside of the UK via the website so please keep in mind that when the items arrives in your country you may be liable to pay a further charge before delivery. (all UK orders the price you see is the price you will pay). Please also note that we are unable to adjust the declared value on items sold internationally.
