Preemptive Strike

DJ Shadow just wrapped up recording on his new album "The Outsider" and he's speaking out about rumors that he's taken the hyphy route this time around:

"The album is very diverse, and reflects the fact that I don't fit comfortably in any one genre. My critics see that as a problem, but I don't...it's simply the way things are. I've never really fit into any one clique. That's why the album is called 'The Outsider'.

"In some ways it's a risky record. It's going to turn some people off. And I think I'll lose some fans. On the other hand, I know I'll gain some new ones. That's a fair trade in my mind. Besides I can't see playing it safe at this point in my life."

He added that the record contains no samples and "there's songs on this album that I think blow away almost anything else I've ever done".

: Also if you happen to be outside the London offices of Island Records about the time this posts Shadow is doing a listening party with a discman for any fans hardcore enough to stalk him.