Ryukyu Underground “Ryukyu Remixed” (Respect Records) 2004

“Respect Records” perfectly fits a music label of Okinawan, calypso, Hawaiian, and Irish music. Clearly, the folks at Respect are unusually dedicated. However, their recent release, “Ryukyu Remixed,” is poised to gain recognition far beyond the bounds of their eclectic, and respectable, specialties.

Ryukyu Underground’s earlier releases brought Okinawa’s bifurcated culture together in unexpected ways. Two years ago, samples of Okinawan traditional vocals and “island songs” mixed with the urban DJ sensibilities of the two members, Keith Gordon and Jon Taylor. Last year, they interacted with local Okinawan musicians, such as the ethereal vocalist Mika Uchizato.

This time out, they bring in heavy-hitting mix-masters like Bill Laswell and Karsh Kale to work their remixing magic. The different tonalities of Ryukyu folk music soar above the new rhythm tracks built around Gordon and Taylor’s earlier recordings. While those looking for the sharp, unfiltered sound of snake skin banjos at all-night Okinawan parties may feel confused by the ambient or dub backing, the disparate cultural blend boggles the mind, and ear.

After turning down the volume, though, don’t forget to check out Respect Records full discography, too.