Solid Steel Presents: Listen & Learn cover

Solid Steel Presents: Listen & Learn

Hexstatic · 2003

57 min · 19 tracks · electronica

A vibrant collage of eclectic samples and live mixes that encapsulates the spirit of turntablism and electronic experimentation.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Streetcrawler — This track exemplifies Hexstatic's ability to fuse catchy hooks with a dynamic rhythm, making it a standout example of their playful yet intricate production style.
  • →
    Funky Mule — With its infectious groove and clever sampling, 'Funky Mule' highlights Hexstatic's knack for transforming familiar sounds into something fresh and captivating.
  • →
    The Message — This track showcases a seamless integration of hip-hop elements with electronic music, illustrating Hexstatic's versatility and creativity in genre blending.
  • →
    Know How — 'Know How' features an engaging interplay of rhythm and melody, reflecting the duo's skill in crafting tracks that are both danceable and innovative.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
57 /100
Foothills
Higher than 48% of albums we've rated

The album excels in its cohesive blending of samples and live mixes, establishing a unique sound within electronica.

What we noticed

  • The album features a continuous mix of tracks that blend seamlessly into one another, creating an uninterrupted flow.
  • Several tracks utilize live mixing techniques, with turntablism elements prominently featured throughout the record.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • eclectic sound collage exploration
  • short bursts of infectious energy
  • playful transitions and surprises
  • for creative environments
  • engaging mixes for active listening

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward song structures
  • seek long, uninterrupted tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in January 2003, 'Listen & Learn' marked Hexstatic's first full-length album since their debut, 'Master View' in 1999. By this time, the duo had established themselves within the UK electronica scene, particularly through their association with Ninja Tune and their innovative use of visual and audio sampling in performances.
Stylistic neighbors
Amon Tobin· The Chemical Brothers· Plump DJs

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Telemetron (Hexstatic Intro Dub) 3:19
  • 2 Streetcrawler 2:23
  • 3 Mr. Scruffs Ninja Tune Megamix (Hexstatic edit) / No, No, No 5:00
  • 4 Solid Steel Scratch School 1:20
  • 5 The Message 2:47
  • 6 Funky Mule 3:35
  • 7 Rip Rip 2:43
  • 8 Funky Kingston 1:51
  • 9 Jazzy Johns Dub 1:53
  • 10 Solid Steel on the Rocks 1:03
  • 11 Chrome Jam / I’m Wild About That Thing 1:47
  • 12 Aquarius 4:28
  • 13 Easy Thing to Do (Nightmares on Wax mix) 3:28
  • 14 Daily Intake / Hexstatic Electro Rewind Section 7:30
  • 15 Wildstyle / Hip Hop Be Bop / Boogie Down Dub / Walking on Sunshine (a cappella) 4:03
  • 16 Apache 0:52
  • 17 Know How 3:56
  • 18 Do Your Thing 3:18
  • 19 Home Shopping 2:22

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata