Leftism
Meet Neil Barnes and Paul Daley, the two crafty Englishmen that comprise Leftfield. Their debut,Leftism, is amazingly diverse, ranging from chunky electro, complex textures of beats, to radio-friendly accessibility. The album's 1995 US release helped open up the states for techno-electronic music: The classic single "Open Up," which features ex-Sex Pistol/PIL ranter John Lydon, was one of the first dance singles to push popular radio barriers with its high energy beats and b-line hooks. "Original," with a guest vocal from Curve's moody crooner, Toni Halliday, delves deep into breakbeat territory with purging lyricism and rhythms. --Daniel Shumate