11/5 - Bootlegs & G-Sides

The archive album is a unique object: it doesn't present itself as a logical continuation of an artistic journey, but as an assemblage of sonic remnants, a treasure trove of tracks that have escaped major catalogues. "Bootlegs & G-Sides" brings together sixteen tracks, some produced by Race, Reg, T.C., Black Diamond, or Nick Peace. The compilation is not an official retrospective in the traditional sense; it is a manifesto of rare tracks and B-sides, published by Dogday Records on April 8, 1997. The label is no longer a major player in the industry today, but it played a role as a custodian by publishing this selection of alternative recordings, while the official releases from the band followed different paths.

Bootlegs & G-Sides: A Manifesto of Rare Tracks

The term "bootlegs" immediately evokes a certain ambiguity, that of illegal copying or unauthorized recording. However, this compilation is far more than just a collection of stolen excerpts or lost demos. It is part of an archiving strategy: it brings together tracks that never made it to television or major radio stations, and which therefore constitute a direct testimony to the group's creativity outside of their contractual obligations. The "G-Sides", on the other hand, generally refer to the B-sides of a single or the B-verses of a song, these secondary versions often abandoned in favor of a more commercially successful main track. Here, the term does not only refer to a marketing label, but to an editorial choice: to prioritize what has been produced and recorded without necessarily being validated by the usual commercial channels.

Race, Reg and T.C.: the architects of an alternative sound

The production of this album is handled by a diverse team, whose work creates a distinct sonic landscape compared to the official releases of the group. Race, Reg, and T.C. are identified as the primary creators of this album; they are credited on the majority of the tracks. Other producers also contribute to the sonic architecture: The Enhancer, Black Diamond, Nick Peace, Xtra Large, and B.A.N. Productions. The production credits are often multiple per track, suggesting a collaborative effort rather than a single producer dictating the artistic direction. This diversity in production results in a variety of sounds, sometimes reminiscent of G-funk or west coast rap, but always marked by a local and underground touch. The absence of well-known national producers reinforces the idea that this album is the work of a small group of local creators.

Garcia Vega (Radio Edit): a signature track from the archives

The track "Garcia Vega (Radio Edit)" appears on the compilation, credited to Race, Reg, and T.C. It is a radio edit, which confirms its status as a B-side or alternative track. This type of track perfectly illustrates the concept of the album: shortened versions, radio edits, or secondary tracks that have never been released as official singles.

Dogday Records: the record label that preserved the group's legacy

The presence of the Dogday Records label is not insignificant. It was this label that released this compilation in 1997, at a time when traditional commercial channels seemed uninterested in this type of material. Therefore, the label acts more as a curator of archives than a career promoter. There is no indication that it is an independent or alternative label in the broad sense; it is simply the name of the company that produced and distributed this album. This is an important point, as it helps to place the album in its economic context: a release from a small structure, without the support of major labels, but with a clear desire to preserve a certain musical legacy.

Conclusion: A compilation as the ultimate testament to an alternative career

Collections: Bootlegs & G-Sides does not claim to be the complete body of work of the 11/5 band. It is also not a comprehensive or exhaustive retrospective. It is primarily a collection of tracks that the band produced outside the mainstream, with their own producers and without the usual collaborations. These are sixteen tracks, some rare, others B-sides, all brought together by a team of local producers whose collective signature is recognizable. This album remains a living testament to an alternative phase of the band, when it explored different sonic paths without being concerned with commercial imperatives.