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"We Love You" is a new imprint from Wall of Sound for releasing alternative and
experimental bands. This eighteen track compilation has been put together by
the label to showcase the labels" first signings (Shawn Lee, 10c and the Bees)
and some of their favourite releases of recent times. Right from the start, Manchester"s
I Am Kloot, this album shows that there is still a wealth of healthy, creative
and uncommercial talent out there. The term "indie" has been diluted by Major
labels buying into the independents, ridiculous chart regulations that allow
major labels in and exclude many genuine independents ( the rules are based on
distribution) and by the fact that many of the popular "indie" bands are dire,
middle of the road, unoriginal and plodding dinosaurs. This album is real excitement
for lovers of the underground because it is bursting with obscure yet brilliant
bands. Most of the talent here defies pigeon-holing and categories. Bands like
Clinic, Skylab, Sirconical (from Manchester"s top-notch Twisted Nerve label)
and OP:L Bastards silence any gloomy arguments about the decline of music. If
you say that you don"t like today"s music, then you are not trying hard enough
to seek out the gems. Shut up, stop whinging and buy this, compilations like
this only come about through love
The arrival of this on the shelves will cause a serious stir amongst all those
who own the first two of this series. Volume 3 continues the series tradition
of offering a wonderfully mixed bag of rare, danceable classics from the vaults
of Blue Note and Capitol records. Highlights include Bobby Womack doing a breathtaking
cover of "California Dreamin", Latin piano legend Eddie Palmier with a funky
version of his classic "Harlem River Drive", avant garde experimentalists Art
Ensemble Of Chicago joined by "Rescue Me"-sampled vocalist Fontella Bass, the
list is endless. Some maniac even covers "Shortin Bread" and beggars belief
by turning into a groovy little floor filler! In short, a bloody wonderful
compilation that proves dancefloors existed before acid house.
I remember the first time I discovered FatCat records. I was a fan of Icelandic
singer Emiliana Torrini and FatCat put out an ultra rare series of remix 7"s
of her tracks. Her own label had put out some really dull dance mixes of her
tracks, so I just bought one 7" to begin with. FatCat took her lovely album
(somewhere between Bjork and Dido) and exploded it into a multitude of mind-bending,
genre-defying excursions, much to her delight. I was smitten and tracked down
every damn one of those 7's.
Now FatCat are celebrating 6 years of unique output with a
specially priced double CD compilation. The star attraction
is an exclusive track from Icelandic wonder gods Sigur Ros
(whose album 'Agaetis Bryjun' recently went Silver in the UK,
impressive work when you consider no-one over here can even
pronounce it). I say star because Sigur Ros are the biggest
act on FatCat in terms of sales, but there isn't anything on
this compilation that isn't a treat. Stromba and Drowsy also
provide exclusive tracks and the rest of the album is a trip
through FatCat's back catalogue and forthcoming releases.
There's everything here that you can't pin down. There's experimental
techno, post-rock, nu-folk and even classical on here. There's
Funkstorung's bold reworking of Bjork's 'All Is Full Of Love'
and a couple of those elusive Emiliana Torrini remixes on CD
for the first time. It's a magical assortment box of extraordinary
treats. It's also a solid testament to the people behind FatCat
for bringing such excellent music to the public eye. Music
compilations don't get any better than this.
It is a great day for hip-hop and beats when Manchester"s Grand Central records
not only release the long-awaited Central Heating 2 but re-issue the rare as
beans first volume. The label is best known probably for Rae & Christian,
also the labels owners. They are present on both these volumes with top notch
exclusives (check the amazing version of "Spellbound" on volume 1). Rising
star Aim makes sterling contributions, showing why he is so in demand for remixing
the likes of Ian Brown. There is not a single stinker on either of these gems. The time is surely ripe for Grand Central to take their place alongside Ninja
Tune and Mo Wax in the Premier League of British dope beats and hip-hop. If
you have the Ninja Cuts series and the Headz series in your collection, then
you would have to be mad not to get these.
 A bold title, but a very aptly named compilation. 3 CDs of the best rock songs of all time. Do you know who's on this? Deep breath - Queen, ZZ Top, Deep Purple, Van Halen, Alice Cooper, Judas Priest, the Darkness, Thin Lizzy, Free, Faith No More, Bad Company, Dvaid Lee Roth, Motorhead, Ted Nugent, the Cult, Steppenwolf, Black Sabbath and even more. This is one of those albums that every pub jukebox should own. It is a non-stop rock 'n' roll party. This album spans the decades to collect all those rock songs that make you sing along. Some of the big legends even appear more than once. Getting a repeat helping are Van Halen, Gary Moore, ZZ Top, Motorhead and Alice Cooper. About the only complaint I could make is that there is only one recent track on here ("I Believe In A Thing Called Love") and the compilation could have benefited a little from the presence of Queens Of the Stone Age and System Of A Down, but that aside, this is a perfect hard rock party album.
 VARIOUS ARTISTS - "HELP: A DAY IN the LIFE"
 This album is one of the most important albums of the year for 3 very good reasons. Firstly, it's a who's who of the wonderful world of modern music. 22 active bands demonstrating why the music scene of 2005 is so vibrant and vital. 22 explanations as to why every tour seems to be sold out well in advance these days. 22 reasons why record sales are increasing. The full list is Babyshambles, Belle & Sebastian, Bloc Party, Coldplay, the Coral, Damien Rice, Elbow, Emmanuel Jal, George & Antony (Boy George and Antony Hegarty from Antony & the Johnsons), Gorillaz, the Go! Team, Hard-Fi, Kaiser Chiefs, Keane & Faultline, the Magic Numbers, Manic Street Preachers, Maximo Park, Mylo, Radiohead, Razorlight, Tinariwen, the Zutons.
Secondly, it's all for a very good cause - War Child. In the last decade at least 1.6 million children have been killed as a result of wars, and a further 4 million disabled. War Child tries to help those children.
Thirdly, it is the bright dawn of the digital age. The songs were available to download on a Friday teatime. The songs were meant to be recorded the day before. However, some of them were still finishing their work of on the Friday morning. The fastest album ever. To find yourself sitting down with music, some of which had only been finished that morning felt like a narrowing between artists and listeners. Also, this was the first digital album to be available as MP3, AAC and WMA. If you wonder that means, essentially it means it can be played on any computer or MP3 player. If you're wondering why this hasn't been done before on every digital release - join the club!
Emmanuel Jal is probably the most powerful contributor. A former child soldier, he delivers a rap straight from the heart filled with hope and honesty. Gorillaz probably deliver the most beautiful song, with Hard-Fi coming a surprise second with an extremely vulnerable ballad that sounds utterly unlike anything on their "Stars Of CCTV" album. Razor Light give the album its best rocking number, while the Zutons deliver the best 'indie' moment. Mylo is left to fly the flag for dance music but does it so damn well, you know that dance music is not dead.
VARIOUS - "LATIN VIBES volume one: lounge selection" (Mettle Music)
 Here comes the Summer! This is a lush, deep, warm, gorgeous collection of downtempo Latin flavoured tracks. Exquisitely chilled, intelligently crafted and then lovingly picked by the boys at Mettle Music, this is a connoisseur's choice of gentle rhythms, heavy basslines and the sunshine-soaked atmosphere of Latin music. All linked by this concurrent theme, the album still manages to take in a diverse range. Not only that, but a lot of the tracks on this album are previously unreleased.
There's the Stereolab go Latin track "Brigid" by Orgatronics, the extremely soulful Malena, Tetris and a Da Lata remix of Reel People. Some of the tracks, like the rather nice "Made For You" by Deep Solution veer towards the deep house end of the spectrum, while others are more on the jazz, live percussion tip. This is a cracking little compilation, full of rhythm and sunshine.
This is a disco compilation. Still there? Good, because disco has always had
a funny effect on people. To some, it"s an infectious groove that forces
them to dance, to others it"s the work of the devil. In America, such was
the fear that inspired, that whole stadiums were filled with rednecks keen
to attend a disco record bonfire. They would wave Klu Klux Klan banners and
scream "Disco sucks". All a little worrying, really. There have been plenty
of disco compilations over the years, so you may be wondering why should
I buy this one? Well, this is no cash-in, "few well known tracks cobbled
together" type money-grabbing nonsense. The tracks squeezed into these 2
CD"s ( they really are, no space is spared) showcase where disco came from
and where it went. Tracks like Roy Ayers "Running Away" (sampled by A Tribe
Called Quest) and Maceo & the Macks "Cross the Track" show how disco
emerged from the well-loved funk and jazz underground. When you hear Gary
Bird & the GB Experience"s contribution and Shannon"s you can"t ignore
how rap and electro emerged from disco.
One of the things that really distinguishes this compilation is their insistence
in using the extended 12" versions of these tracks which is, after all, what
would have been played in the clubs. Everyone may have Donna Summer"s "I Feel
Love" (or should have) but how many people have the Patrick Cowley 15 minute
mix, which is the definitive version. At the end of the day, this compilation
is as educational as it is entertaining and should be of appeal to disco bunnies,
music historians and anyone who loves a groove. A surprising and essential
little package.
A low key mini-album from Manchester"s Twisted Nerve showcasing the label"s
acts. The label has a well-earned reputation for left-field sounds in electonica
and guitar music. The obvious suspects are here. Label bosses Andy Votel and
Badly Drawn Boy both contribute sterling new tracks. Mellow favourites Dakota
Oak pop up twice. Recent signings Alfie and Mum & Dad both show originality
and spirit. A strange little treat.
Chill-out albums are an increasingly devalued currency. When
you see a major advertising campaign for a chill-out compilation
mixed by Dave Pearce, you know the genre is suffering some
insufferable cash-ins. However, this release is way too intriguing
to be dismissed as another tired compromise. You see, alongside
obvious underground classics such as Fila Brazillia"s mix of U.N.K.L.E.
and DJ Premier"s take on Howie B"s "Take Your Partner By the Hand" are less
obvious but equally effective tracks by John Martyn, Scott Walker and, erm,
Tears For Fears (don"t worry - it"s a nice, chilled instrumental).
It"s the bold, eclectic nature of this compilation that makes it stand out
from the pack. There are plenty of people on this album that I have never heard
off and I consider myself quite enlightened as regards to the International
downbeat underground. Anyone with a taste for quality relaxed sounds should
enjoy this and it definitely got the seal of approval from my little circle
when I gave it a post-club airing. A genuinely educational album.
 Oh
god, a mix album from a superclub subtitled "Desire". Just an excuse for putting a page 3 girl
in a leather bikini on the cover of a dodgy compilation of piss-poor clubby
pop records mixed by some over-hyped, over-paid and definitely over-rated
turd of a DJ, isn"t it? Erm, well for a change, it isn"t. You see, firstly
this has been mixed by Dave Seaman, who deserves every column inch he gets,
has earnt his international reputation and I couldn"t really comment on
the paid bit. Secondly, there are NO dodgy, commercial, weak tracks on
here. Thirdly, and most surprisingly, the album actually lives up to it"s
name. Yes, it"s not a cheap excuse for a dubious marketing campaign (Although
I haven"t seen the artwork) but is actually a genuine sexy album. There"s
nothing in-your-face sexual about it, it"s just very sexy, deep dance music
that would suit a bedroom as much as a living room.
It kicks off with Ashley Beedle"s frankly edible mix of A Guy Called Gerald.
After that, it"s no surprise to find contributions from the likes of Francois
K, Pete Heller, Pappa & Gilby, Way Out West and X-Press 2. Dave reckons
that this is the best thing he"s ever done. Frankly, I agree whole-heartedly
and recommend this to all lovers of serious house. Variety, quality and quantity.
Fair enough, Dave!
Everybody loves DJ Shadow. Ever since his debut album "Entroducing" came out
back in 1996, he has been a firm favourite with laid-back beat lovers who like
their sounds fat and smoky. However, not everybody realises his history. Solesides
was a hip-hop indie label formed by Shadow and some like-minded friends. These
friends being hip-hop crews Blackalicious and Latyrx. This brings together
their finest moments such as DJ Shadows "Entropy" as sampled by Fatboy Slim
on "Gangster Trippin" and some truly classic, timeless hip-hop. While there
is no understating the formidable rhyming skills of Blackalicious and Latyrx,
it"s Shadow who dominates here, producing many of their finest moments. Some
tracks are really funky, but many have that unmistakable Shadow atmosphere.
An essential history lesson.
Richard Moonboots serves up the fourth instalment in X:tremes
highly acclaimed annual Soundcolours series. Richard has
taken over from Phil Mison, This compilation features 12
cuts of lush organic house music, this is a genuine tonic,
very relaxed. Track 3 "Inner Feelings" is a jazz house number with a nice vibe,
the album features drums, trumpets, guitar licks & much more, in fact most
of the tracks on this compilation leave you with a sense of contentment. Some
of the later tracks are chilled beyond house, making this more of an album
for a chill-out session rather than for a dance on the tables party, but definitely
a quality compilation,
Funky - def. Adjective communicating approval, esp. music. To rate
something. Also indicative of something's ability to make someone
dance.
Underground - def. See the double CD compilation 'Taster - Sounds From the
Funky Underground Volume 2'.
I'm not kidding, this is the real definition of underground.
This is not released on a major label. This is not released
on a major label sub-label. This is not released on a famous
club DJ's record label. This is not released on a celebrated
independent dance label. This is not released on a Radio 1
DJ's dance label. This CD does not feature any press darlings.
This CD does not feature any people who've sucked up to the
right in-crowd to get the right music biz portfolio. This is
not a fashion statement, this is a music compilation.
This compilation embraces a broad range of music. It features
drum 'n bass, French hip hop, cinematic jazz, funky jazz, techno,
chill beats, soul and beats. It is all underground music. This
is not a mix album. This is not advertised on television. This
is not a cash in. This can only be a labour of love. A chocolate
box of sounds filled with new treats like the Bluefoot Project's
'Soma' or Kava Kava's 'Maui'. Anyone wanting some new sounds
need this. The freshest compilation of the year, in fact the
best compilation of the year. Don't stop.
Breakbeat leaders throw an audio party for their fiftieth
release. This double CD compilation shows why their reputation
as a label makes their releases leap off the shelves. Some
of the labels finest moments past, present and future are
whipped up into two frenzied mixes. There are plenty of exclusives
here, and even if you"ve got many of the other tracks, this is still well worth snapping
up to hear DJ Tamsin and 10 Sui at work. You can hear the personal stamp of
both the DJ"s on their respective mixes and the two contrast nicely, with Tamsin
giving hers quite a futurist vibe, while 10 Sui has a slightly old skool feel,
as she invokes the spirit of illegal warehouse parties. This is an apt celebration
of a rockin" label and should be checked out by anybody with a fondness for
tough sounds.
This is the first compilation from Visions Inc label, the project of one Mr
Alex Attias. As you can imagine, it's a musical playground where anything goes
and all comes together. You can hear the distinctive influences of Detroit
techno, US house, UK garage, jazz, soul, hip-hop and ambient. Unsurprisingly,
nearly every track here features the hand of Mr.Attias, not to mention the
likes of Domu, Dego, soul diva Vanessa Freeman and Alex's brother Stephane.
However, it's easy to forgive Alex a little nepotism when the album sounds
this good. The definite highlight of this record has to be the 'Nu Mix' of
'Cascade' by Idema + co. A full brass and piano accompaniment, alongside a
chorus of voices, makes this like Rotary Connection on E. Sometimes, the 'broken
beat' sound can seem a little bland and soulless, but with a producer like
Alex at the controls, it remains crisp, fresh and vibrant. This is jazz 2002.
The global popularity of chilled grooves continues
here with another quality release from Belgium"s LEA. A sumptuous
collection of laid back tracks with a truly international line-up
(Da Lata, Plastic Buddha, Riva, Tim Love Lee for starters). The mood is mellow and the sounds take in dub, Latin, jazz,
soundtracks and some good stoned beats. The CD is given a subtle
mix which keeps it all flowing nicely, yet remains unshowy
and unobtrusive. It"s a great album and the best thing is,
now we (might) have the weather to go with it!
Let's get straight to the point. This compilation
is HUGE! Three CDs featuring three and a half hours of music
spanning a decade of classic releases from the mightiest label
in techno, Berlin's Tresor Imprint. The tracklist reads like
a who's who of classic techno, featuring the likes of Jeff
Mills, Joey Beltram, Robert Hood, Christian Vogel, Neil Landstrumm,
Marshall Jefferson and the Advent and it's jam packed with
classics, exclusives and rarities. Particularly of note to
all you anoraks out there are Jeff Mills' previously unreleased
exclusive ' the Hypnotist' and first time appearance of his
own remix of 'Late Night'. The packaging is kinda funky too, you get a digi box including a 48 page booklet
with info and history about the club, the label, artists and music. Anyone
fancy a trip to Berlin?
One of the breakbeat scenes best loved DJ"s, Tayo, gets out there with this
upfront mix album. Every bit as varied as it"s precursor ("Y3K"), this one
gets going on a surprisingly poppy number. Not that "Travellin On" by Beber & Tamra
is commercial or weak, it"s just that I can"t get the vocal out of my head
and it features some really great lyrics. Next thing you know, you"re off in
Bushwacka"s remix of Sueno Latino, which still sounds terrific. There"s some
really deep breaks on here. There"s a couple of Rennie Pilgrim collaborations,
there"s Scratch D & H Bomb"s mind-bending, the Matrix-sampling "Red Pill" and
rising stars, Plump DJ"s with "Scram". It"s a who"s who, a great introduction
to the music, an excellent driving CD and sounds great on your stereo.
 This
is a remix compilation. All the classic Sugarhill hip-hop
cuts that changed the face of music are done over by mostly
British talent. It sounds like a bad idea. It sounds brilliant.
Not one of the remixers has handed in a duff remix. They
have all given it their best shot and handled the material
with the greatest respect. It opens with John Carter giving
West Street Mob"s "Break Dance Electric Boogie" a blast into
the nineties.
It would be boring to list all the talent present on this
record. It"s a who"s
who of modern music. Roots Manuva jazzes up " the Message", both Freddy Fresh
and the Scratch Perverts have a chop with "Adventures On the Wheels Of Steel" and
Nightmares On Wax, Rae & Christian, Coldcut, 2 Lone Swordsmen all earn
particular distinctions.
The interesting thing, is that all these remixes really show
how much influence Sugarhill has had on modern music. Some
of the tracks are turned into House, some become Techno, some
Big Beat but all take on the Sugarhill element like ducks to
water. A wonderful tribute to a deeply important label.
It"s an exciting showdown. The rather Interesting
bunch (artists such as Naturalist, Lisa Carbon and Dropshadow
Disease) launch a few new tracks of their own, and also take
on equally experimental outsiders. No, don"t go away because
when I mean experimental, I do not mean tuneless drivel by
failed art students let loose in a studio. Among the remixers
are people like Plaid and Pram who can definitely appreciate
what the rather Interesting bunch are up to. It"s a great album
of genuine surprises, taking in electronic jazz, laid-back
techno and way-out ambient. There"s even a touch of humour.
How else can you explain the rather groovy " they call it donut
but it doesn"t have a hole" by Fonosandwich. It"s all wonderfully
obscure and even quite baffling but it never ceases to be a
pleasure.
 Vitalic [aka Pascal Arbez] is another one of those dance music producers. This is his debut album. Why should you care, you might ask. You should care because Vitalic has made one of the vital debut albums of 2005. You should care because Vitalic makes dance music that really rocks. Music to go mental to. Music to play at full blast until your house caves in.
Tracks off this album can (and do) work in any club - for techno purists, indie kids, eclecticists and house lovers. This is also the perfect album to play when you get in knackered on a Friday night to hype yourself up. A huge, stomping electro-techno-rock monster
VARIOUS ARTISTS - "WHAT WE ALL WANT" (Dance To the Radio)
 Musical movements come and go, but there's always going to room in anyone's collection for a well put together compilation of bands on the edge of breaking through. That's what this album is all about, 22 tracks by 22 brilliant bands all on the verge of greatness. There's plenty of angular indie and dirty punk guitars. There's the epic Nick Cave meets Divine Comedy of iLiKETRAiNS, there's the utter frenzy of Whores Whores Whores, there's Northern grime with Yes Boss and more.
The sound clash of Shut Your Eyes And You'll Burst Into Flames where early Cure crashes into classic At the Drive In. O Fracas make madness in the studio. This Et Al sound like they're about to take over the world. iForward, Russia! Let rip with more blistering sounds. The Lodger make perfect pop. I could keep going on...
Really, all you need to know is that this musical selection box is essential for anyone who likes to put their ears to good use.
Always ready with a good compilation, Obsessive once again wheel out the goods
with a compilation of very Latin house groovers. It's deep and rich, as quality
dance floor rhythms melt into the exotic Latin sounds of bossa nova, samba,
flamenco, Cuban jazz and anything else that the term 'Latin' encompasses. There's no doubting that some of these tracks are real an thems. Parisian
based Leo Cuenca brings up the first classic on here with 'No Se'. Nova Fronteira
aptly-named 'Supernova' explodes with percussive beats and soaring club sounds
before bringing in some seriously Latino vibes. Rising star Bebel Gilberto
closes it all with a Faze Action remix of her classic track 'Close Your Eyes'.
Anyone wanting some quality Latin House needs this on their shopping list,
especially as there's a double vinyl pack for anyone wanting to recreate
terrace vibes in their own living room.
It's a slightly smutty sounding title for Andy Votel's first full length LP,
and there's something cheeky about the music on it as well. If you're familiar
with Mr.Votel's work, then you won't be too surprised to hear that this album
is like a chocolate box of sounds. There's plenty of groovy drumming to work
the open-minded dance floor, but there are also some gentle little melodies. There's a new version of 'Gentleman Thief' that's a brass heavy nostalgic little
gem. Malcolm Mooney, of legendary Kraut rock group Can, gives a suitably hat
stand performance on 'Salted Tangerines'. Elbow pop up for a track, ' the Viy'
inspired by a Russian ghost story and it works just nicely. It's a thoroughly
charming album with plenty to offer any connoisseur of the leftfield.
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