One of the most original and innovative hip-hop albums of last year, DJ Spooky’s ‘Optometry’ is given the remix treatment by a parade of leftfield and dub DJs and producers. ‘Dubometry’ sees the crisp cut’n’breaks of Spooky’s jazz-influenced tunes, get the once over from the likes of dub greats, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry and Mad Professor.

While the record kicks off with nice lazy beats and weird effects, there’s more than dub happening in the mixes. Indeed the input of Perry and Mad Professor is restricted to a few pleasant interludes. It’s the likes of J-Live and DJ Goo, whose work stands out. The latter contributes an atmospheric breakbeat mix early on, before turning the track ‘Optometry’ into an electro-funk dancefloor filler. J-Live’s excellent rap on his dark mix of ‘Optometry’ edges into downtempo, while Blend’s dreamy tribal beats mix of ‘Dementia Absentia’ is almost ambient in places.

But there should be enough dub influence to keep the head rollers happy. Though Spooky’s own specifically titled “dub version” of ‘Parachutes’, drifts off on jazz tempos, Colorform’s re-jig of ‘Sequentia Absentia’ manages to maintain a deep groove against the abstract timing of the original.

‘Dubometry’ is an engaging and interesting listen, especially if you’re familiar with the original. Though like all originals, ‘Optometry’ is the best.

words: Colm Larkin