Week 29: Massive Attack - Angel

Trip-hop may not have made the global impact that some thought it would. Launched out of Bristol as a dark, brooding response to the 90s rave culture, it did have a strong and lasting impact on the UK music world, but not so much Stateside. Kings of trip-hop, Massive Attack, put out a string of increasingly acclaimed albums (both Mezzanine and Blue Lines feature in Rolling Stones 500 Greatest Albums of All Time) which still resonate to this day.

There is no question that 1998 single Teardrop is their calling card. A beautiful song start to finish. In fact, the entire Mezzanine album is unsettlingly beautiful. A great album to fall asleep to, to relax on a bus with, to cry in the dark to or listen to during 'quality' romance time (all those steady, pulsating, erotic rhythms). If you don't own it - get it immediately. Of the 12 songs offered up by Mezzanine, my favourite has always been and will always be Angel. The album opener never ceases to evoke some sort of emotion in me. Amazing considering it's just a couple of guys from Bristol (named '3D' and 'Daddy G' no less).

So take a moment out of your busy day. Get out of the sun. Maybe get in a nice air-conditioned room or cool basement and just take a few minutes and transport yourself.

Massive Attack - Angel