Known for his on stage presence and showcasing his artistic talents on large screens during his sets, which have gone on for over three hours in some cases, Mr. Scruff has no real need for an introduction as he has etched out a piece of the electronic music scene for himself and fellow members of the Ninja Tune Cartel.

You will get a dose of what you would expect from Mr. Scruff, a barrage of jazz samples over hip hop beats colliding seamlessly, in some places, with electro that you can not help but nod your head to.

If this sounds like a bit too much to take on board and makes Ninja Tuna sound like a time wasting you are quite mistaken as Mr. Scruff pulls out all the stops to help you appreciate the fact that, well, he is Mr. Scruff.

Just when you thought that Trouser Jazz and Mrs. Cruff, the re-releases of Mr. Scruff’s debut album, was enough Mr. Scruff takes his music to another level. 

Ninja Tuna starts with ‘Test the Sound’ and is followed by a collection of instant classics that are sure to enhance this artists appeal.

His latest offering, Ninja Tuna, gives an updated set of tracks by Mr. Scruff that will pull in a whole new crowd of fans as well as provide pleasing sounds for the average chin stroking traditionalist who were there when the Ninja Tune label was a little more ‘underground.’ 

Ninja Tuna is not complete without a host of guest appearances that will make you drool and ask for tea and biscuits. 

Mentionable tracks such as ‘Nice Up The Function,’ featuring Roots Manuva, ‘Bang The Floor,’ with Danny Breaks, and ‘Music Takes Me Up,’ featuring Alice Russell [My favourite track, apart from ‘Nice Up The Function’], makes this album very much worth the buy. 

This album is a perfect example of musical talent that doesn’t need to be taken too seriously. 

By far one of the best albums I’ve listened to in 2008.

Mr. Scruff will be touring Australia in the New Year and with a registered show in Perth on Friday January nine, thanks to our friends at Artrage and the Bakery, get onto buying yourself some tickets now to avoid disappointment.

Rating: 5/5

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Tracklisting

1) Test The Sound

2) Music Takes Me Up feat. Alice Russell

3) Donkey Ride feat. Quantic

4) Hairy Bumpercress 

5) Whiplash

6) Nice Up The Function feat. Roots Manuva

7) Bang The Floor feat. Danny Breaks

8) Get On Down

9) Hold On feat. Andreya Triana

10) Give Up to get

11) Kalimba

12) This Way feat. Pete Simpson

13) Stockport Carnivol