With his new album “The Outsiders” Josh steers away from the entirely sample-layered format of his debut and draws upon new influences. The show at Commodore managed to synchronize these elements into the experience.

Before Shadow hit the stage label mate Lateef The Truth Speaker took the reigns. Lateef has an exuberant stage presence that set the tone for the main event.

It was a personal dream to have witnessed this show considering how far back my memories go with Shadow’s creations. He has an affable character expressed by his modest recognition of the crazed audience. It was exactly what you would expect from an international DJ show: eclectic light arrangements, 4 turntables, a powerbook and a large screen conveying a full media plethora.

Part of a top end DJ set requires fluidity, variety and crowd control. DJ Shadow started the show off with the familiar funk breaks that we all know and love.

He sifted through old cornerstones such as “Organ Donor” and “The Number Song.” The music would lock in place with urban landscapes and bizarre cartoon backdrops.

Shadow covered in dark hues flexed his clout over the sound system. He worked through his new “Hyphy” style beats--a bay area Hip Hop movement.

Stateless’ front man, Chris James, made a sudden guest appearance showing a major change in the new music. The unconventional beats matched with rock vocals seemed to deflate some of the steam from the show. Thankfully a reunion of Lateef and Shadow for the end of the show revived things. His new album isn’t for everyone but branches out from his previous work.

A decade after his landmark “Endtroducing” DJ Shadow showed once again his versatility as a performer and a producer. His live show touched on new ground of which reaches new audiences.