Performer Notes:

• Rae & Christian: Mark Rae, Steve Christian.
• Additional personnel: Veba (vocals); Jungle Brothers, Jeru The Damaja, Q Ball, Curt Cazal, YZ (rap vocals); Mark Parker, Peter Parker (DJ); Mark One (vinyl scratches); Texas.
• Includes liner notes by Mark Rae.
• Rae & Christian-Mark Rae, co-founder of Grand Central Records, Steve Christian, and vocalist Veba-was the first act to emerge from the Manchester label. With an emphasis on collaboration in writing, recording, and live performance, Rae & Christian attracted attention with their early singles, contributions to compilations, and production work for Texas before delivering NORTHERN SULPHURIC SOUL. Texas' Sharleen Spiteri returns the favor here, providing vocals on "The Hush," a plush groove that subsequently appeared as the title track of a Texas album.
• The cool swagger of the singles "Spellbound" and "All I Ask" and Veba's assured delivery echo the classy, classic soul of Shara Nelson's solo work. Rae & Christian's broad appreciation of hip-hop's diverse flavors does justice to the respected rap talent called upon. The pair provides a playful shuffle for Jungle Brothers and menacing strings for Jeru the Damaja. Such qualities give NORTHERN SULPHURIC SOUL an edge over other late-'90s exhibitions of sampling, displaying a confidence and individuality not traditionally associated with British hip-hop.

Professional Reviews: Q (2/04, p.116) - 4 stars out of 5 - "[A]n album that possesses a rare sense of cohesion and balance."

Uncut (3/04, p.112) - 4 stars out of 5 - "[T]he album reveals itself as deserving a place alongside Massive Attack's BLUE LINES for all fans of flawless British nu-soul and effortlessly funky beats."

Uncut (3/04, p.112) - 4 stars out of 5 - "[T]he album reveals itself as deserving a place alongside Massive Attack's BLUE LINES for all fans of flawless British nu-soul and effortlessly funky beats."

Mixmag (1/99, p.49) - Included in Mixmag's "Ten Best Albums of 98" - "Fat City's hip hop and soul soundclashes bear fruit with this stunning artist album"

CMJ (11/9/98, p.22) - "...By marrying a U.K. musical mindset with an American hip-hop/R&B aesthetic, Rae & Christian are poised to set both worlds ablaze with a fresh, innovative sound."

Mojo (Publisher) (2/04, p.110) - 3 stars out of 5 - "[Certain tracks] still retain the power to surprise and delight."

Format: CD (1 Disc); Stereo

Country: USA

Studio/Live: Studio

Guest Artist: Jeru The Damaja; YZ; Jungle Brothers; Q-Ball; Curt Cazal; Texas

Release Date: 19 October, 1998

Label: MSI Music (import)

Dimensions: 12.7 x 14 x 1.3 centimeters (0.06 kg)