MASSIVE ATTACK / VARIOUS ARTISTS Protected: Massive Samples (2009 UK 12-track CD album - Since exploding into the mainstream with their album 'Blue Lines' in 1991, Massive Attack have come to define the sound of Bristol with their unique, smoldering mix of downtempo soul, dub and atmospherics. Their music has always been underpinned by a deep understanding of classic grooves informed by their early '80s experiences in the fabled Wild Bunch sound system mixing early hip hop, soul, funkand reggae. 'Protected' reveals some of the secrets of the Massive Attack motherlode, bringing together for the first time many of the original samples and covers that have contributed vital sonic juice to the band's sound. You'll hear rare groove favorites like Lowrell's 'Mellow Mellow', Reggae gems from John Holt and Lewin Bones Lock, familiar anthems that were given a whole new Bristol twist. We feature tracks that leant the band some spacey atmospherics with Wally Badarou's cavernous electro-dub 'Mambo' and Billy Cobham's majestic cosmic opus, 'Stratus'. And we include some classic breaks [Isaac Hayes' 'Ike's Mood', The Blackbyrds 'Rock Creek Park'] alongside the original of their hit 'Be Thankful' by William De Vaughn.)