Pre-Millennium Tension from Adrian Nicholas Matthews Thaws aka Tricky came out in 1996 and was the sophomore release from the trip-hop legend and Massive Attack co-founder. Tricky, an English record producer, vocalist, director, actor, and musician, actually released four more studio albums before the end of the decade.

The follow up to the classic Maxinquaye (UK Top 5), this newly remastered, freshly expanded version of Pre-Millennium Tension contains the hit singles ‘Christiansands’, ‘Makes Me Wanna Die’ and ‘Tricky Kid’, three non-album B-Sides and two classic remixes.

The album was mainly recorded in Jamaica, and other parts were recorded at Platinum Islands Studio, New York. It was recorded and mixed by Ian Caple recorded in Grove Studios, Ocho Rios, Jamaica & mixed at El Cortijo Studio in Spain. The album features longtime collaborator Martina Topley-Bird, and former Mama's Boys guitarist Pat McManus.

Packed with samples, from The Commodores and The Specials to Erik B and Doug E Fresh, the album kicks off in an interesting manner with 'Vent' where Trick vents about all things ("Don't push me because I'm close to the edge") that could, well, push him over the top ... and worse. Up next is the drum backed, croaky-vocalized 'Christiansands,' before the brilliant Kayne-esque 'Tricky Kid' is brought forth. Next up is the more fuzzy 'Bad Dreams,' complete with female vocals, it is yet another stand out track on this 1996 album.

Tricky originally said in an interview with Ray Gun in October 1996 that he wanted to make an "out-an-out punk record" to get away from the trip hop label. He said, "I thought it was going be heavier! What I wanted to do was a total fast album. Some of the tracks are fast and hard, but they didn't come out like that." In truth, that explains a lot about this album, because in no way could you associate it with being anything close to out-and-out punk!

Moving on and the calmer, storytelling of 'Makes Me Wanna Die' is next and that is backed by the the trippy 'Ghetto Youth' and then the full on criss-cross musical styles buried deep within 'Sex Drive.' The quiet room vibes of 'Bad Things' is one of the clearest vocal expressions on the album, and that is backed by the frenetic female-voiced 'Lyrics Of Fury.' 'My Evil Is Strong' comes across like a man possessed, stark alone in a room, his head fit to explode, whilst the last track on the original album, 'Piano' allows Tricky to gently rant whilst a quietly piano backs him.

This brand new expanded edition now contains the additional tracks: 'Flynn', 'Devil's Helper', 'Grass Roots', 'Makes Me Wanna Die (Tricky's Extremix),' and a quite stunning 'Piano (Green Stinky Mix)' remixed by A Guy Called Gerald. Remastered, and replete with sleeve essay from Record Collector’s Paul McGuinness, Pre-Millennium Tension was well-received by both fans and critics alike back in the day, and featuring long-time collaborator, the brilliant Martina Topley-Bird, me thinks it is surely ripe for rediscovery today.

'Pre-Millennium Tension: Expanded Edition' CD Purchase Link

www.TrickySite.com