Few labels have been so proficiently efficient as XL Recordings, in terms of turning our consistently quality work from such a small roster of performers. The label-which currently counts Adele, Radiohead and Tyler, The Creator as members-is releasing a 25th anniversary compilation, titled Pay Close Attention, that features music from throughout its existence. The title is a reference to a Kool Keith sample used by label member The Prodigy for the track "Out of Space."
The collection will either come as a two-CD set or a four-LP set, the latter of which also includes a poster and a DVD. Even if you don't plan on investing in either compilation, the website for the set features a detailed history of the label plus a timeline detailing when each album dropped. Richard Russell, the head of XL, gave a statement on the new release. Particular telling was his description of the label's classification.
"Whilst XL has never had any outside ownership, Gil Scott-Heron advised me not to even consider XL an "independent", because everything is connected," he said.
Check out the tracklist for the CD below:
01) "DJs Take Control" by SL2
02) "Out Of Space" by The Prodigy
03) "Don't Go (Kicks Like A Mule Mix)" by Awesome 3
04) "Sweet Harmony" by Liquid
05) "Piper" by Jonny L
06) "Gabriel (Live Garage Version)" by Roy Davis Jr. ft. Peven Everett
07) "Destiny" by Dem 2
08) "Anytime" by Nu-Birth
09) "Jump N'Shout" by Basement Jaxx
10) "I Luv U" by Dizzee Rascal
11) "Igloo" by Wiley
12) "Hater" by Various
13) "Talkin The Hardest" by Giggs
14) "Wildfire [ft. Little Dragon]" by SBTRKT
15) "All Under One Roof Raving" by Jamie xx
DISC II
01) "Firestarter" by The Prodigy
02) "Fuck The Pain Away" by Peaches
03) "Seven Nation Army" by The White Stripes
04) "I Feel Just Like A Child" by Devendra Banhart
05) "Seventeen Years" by Ratatat
06) "Paper Planes" by M.I.A.
07) "The Eraser" by Thom Yorke
08) "New York Is Killing Me" by Gil Scott-Heron
09) "Weird Fishes / Arpeggi" by Radiohead
10) "Yonkers" by Tyler, The Creator
11) "Sea Within A Sea" by The Horrors
12) "BTSTU (demo)" by Jai Paul
13) "Please Forgive My Heart" by Bobby Womack
14) "Angels" by The xx
15) "Too Much" by Samphra
16) "Step" by Vampire Weekend
17) "Easy Easy" by King Krule
18) "Rolling In The Deep" by Adele
