Pop Quiz: Massive Attack

Pop Quiz: Massive Attack

Aidin Vaziri | Even though Massive Attack has managed to put out only a handful of albums since making its stellar debut in 1991 with the classic "Blue Lines," each one has blown all other pop music to pieces. The British trio not only invented trip-hop but it also introduced the world to Tricky and gave new life to forgotten singers such as Horace Andy and Elizabeth Fraser of the Cocteau Twins. For those who missed out, the group has just released a best-of set called "Collected" and is returning to the United States for the first time in eight years for a personal refresher course. We spoke with the group's brainchild, Robert "3D" del Naja.

Robert '3D' Del Naja of Massive Attack
Q: How many babies do you think were born as a direct result of your work?
A: People tell me that happens, that either they fall in love, conceive or have a mad, wonderful night with a complete stranger with our music. That's a recurring theme.
Q: How many terrible Massive Attack rip-off bands have you heard?
A: Oh, man. It's hard. At one point, every A&R man in the country came to Bristol. There were a lot of local bands and a few national bands and international bands. Some things were complimentary and flattering. I suppose a lot of bands have that problem. Trying to get a sound that is identifiably yours and keep it for 15 years is an achievement, I guess. The flattery has been welcome. The thing that pissed us off most is watching movies and television where people have ripped things off blatantly. You lash yourself, thinking, "Man, someone got paid."
Q: How many drugs went into the making of "Collected"?
A: To be honest, most of the psychedelic input was directed at the sleeve and putting the second disc together. In terms of the history of all the records, I wouldn't like to think. It's a terrifying thought, what I could have done with