House

Various Artists," Sixteen F**king Years of G-Stone Recordings"
G-Stone Recordings

Reviewed by Cheryl Thompson

Ok so it’s been sixteen f**king years of G-Stone Recordings. That likely means something to a lot of people, but perhaps it’s a tad pretentious an album title for what it is. Not to say that this compilation isn’t good, it’s just not fully able to live up to its title. It’s not until track three on disc one “Coming Home (Makossa & Megablast featuring Hubert Tubbs)” do you finally get a vibe for what this label has to offer. With its heavy synth beat and enticing chord changes, it’s eerily interesting. While disc one contains original and remixed tracks, disc two is largely comprised of tracks taken from other G-Stone Recordings’ albums such as Stereotyp’s “Keepin’ Me,” taken from the album Keeping Me (2006) and Marsmobil’s “Magnetizing,” taken from the album Minx (2006). Often when you have a double disc CD you end up listening to one or the other, in this case, the more interesting songs are on disc two. Sixteen f**king years probably could have been condensed into one, disc that is. 2/5

Michael Fakesch, "Exchange"
Musik Auustrom

Reviewed by Cheryl Thompson

Calling all techno house heads, there’s a new remix album for you, and it’s called Exchange. Featuring seventeen of Fakesch’s remixes from artists like Mr. Oizo, Scaffolding, Raz Ohara, Hexstatic, Notwist, and many more, if this is your genre, you’ll be in heaven. From the electro-robotic beat of “D-Tron” to the alluring transient sound of “The Burning Desire” to the rocking beat of “Freak Me,” Exchange has all the right components to appease a diverse array of electronic music lovers. Towards the disc’s end, the songs begin to get a tad funkier, like “My Bad Habit (by Her Bad Habit)” with its synth-beat and electro melody your head will be shaking for sure, and then on “Paint it Blue (by The Broadway Project)” it slows right down to a chill-out disc. The monotonic electronic vibe is not everyone’s cup of tea so this album will likely be the sort that appeases the diehards, but if you’re into experimenting, as Fakesch clearly does, you’ll appreciate this contribution. 3/5

Various Artists, "Drumpoems Verse 2"
Compost Records

Reviewed by Cheryl Thompson

Drumpoems Verse 2 is a collection of tracks created by Zurich’s Drumpoet Community. The disc is compiled by Alex Dallas and Ron Shiller. Founded in 2005, the Drumpoet Community has sort of made it their aim to continually push the boundaries of electronic music without the inclusion or interruption of the music’s beat by unnecessary vocals. On this compilation, vocals are minimal, yet the disc somehow manages to maintain a high level of energy, and a diversity of sounds. On certain tracks, like “Feelin’ It” (Kawabata), you’ll hear a little Chicago house vibe, then on others, like “Deviate” (Manuel Tur & Dplay) you’ll hear a little of Detroit. While albums such as this can sometimes run the risk of sounding repetitive and drone, Drumpoems is nothing like that. Each track is funky, enticing, and a definite showcase of all that’s awesome about electronic music. Your love for this album will really depend on your love (or not) for vocals. The middle section of this disc is perhaps where hardcore tech-house heads will be in their comfort zone, but if that’s not your slice of cake, you might find yourself skipping ahead. Tracks like “The Deeper You Get” (Cavalier) and “Even Love” (Langenberg) towards the album’s end, however, resolve any displeasure you might feel with the middle section. Drumpoems Verse 2 is a solid compilation. 4/5

Stee Downes, “All In A Day”
Sonar Kollektiv

Reviewed by Cheryl Thompson

All In A Day is the kind of album that doesn’t speak to you at first. But after a few listens, you realize that Stee Downes is an absolute genius. The way he melds and blends the melodic sounds of house music to the smooth beats of hip-hop and the infectious rhythms of jazz is just brilliant. As a debut recording, it makes you wonder what took this longtime DJ so long to cut an album. He was probably perfecting his game, and on this disc, it really all comes together. At the start, you’re not quite sure what to think of All In A Day. The first two tracks, “Asunder” and “What’s Wrong with Groovin’” aren’t exactly the most inspiring of tunes. But, by track four, Downes brings out the big hitters with “Disciples,” a funky track that’s led by a heavy high hat. On “Obviously,” the tempo is slowed down a bit but it’s the lyrics of the track that stay with you. Downes is a hopeless romantic, you can just tell. “When I’m Feeling” is another track that integrates multiple genres of music, however, the most predominant sound is the Bossanova beat, which carries this tune throughout. Overall, All In A Day, is a solid debut and leaves you wanting more. 4/5

Who Made Who, “The Plot”
GOMMA

Reviewed by Cheryl Thompson

Who Made Who must be jokers in real life, because the titles of the songs on this album are just hilarious, like “TV Friend,” “Small Town City” and “Office Clerk” to name a few. They just seem so random. But, after listening to the album in its entirety you realize that there’s nothing random to this group at all. They are electro-pop personified, with their electro beats paired to playful lyrics, The Plot is the kind of disc you just put on and forget it’s even playing. Songs like “Trickster” and “Keep Me In My Plane” have great beats but you’ll appreciate the interesting observations these guys sing about. It’s like what Seinfeld would sound like if the show had been set to music. Overall, if you’re big into the electro-pop sound, you’ll like this album for its undeniable creativity, but if that’s not really your genre I would stay away. As a non-fan, you just won’t get it. 3/5

Buy It: Amazon

Recloose, “Perfect Timing”
Sonar Kollektiv

Reviewed by Cheryl Thompson

It’s gotten to the point where anytime you see or hear of a Sonar Kollektiv release, it’s not a matter of asking whether it will be good, but how good will it be. Perfect Timing is another one of those perfectly timed releases. On the 10-track disc, Matthew Chicoine aka Recloose lays down an electro-funk album filled with banging beats and jamming vocals. Off the top on “Catch a Leaf (feat. Rachel Frasier),” we’re hit with a very funky house track that sets the album’s tone in a very good way. On Robop, the electro-funk vibe is in full effect mode but so too is Recloose’s impeccable mixing talents. The beat layering on this track is stellar. A little further down on the disc, tracks like “So Cool (feat. Tyna)” and “Emotional Funk (feat. Tyna)” take the tempo up a few notches to an insane pitch that probably won't translate well at home as a chill backdrop sound, but in a club, both will undoubtedly quickly flood the dance floor. Nestled towards the album’s end is the single “Deeper Waters (feat. Joe Dukie of Fat Freddy’s Drop),” a wonderfully placed down tempo song led by a vocal that’s forlorn yet somehow at peace. Perfect Timing is just that and more. 4/5

Buy It

Various Artists, “Freshly Composted Vol. 3”
Compost

Reviewed by Cheryl Thompson

Just when you think there’s no way Compost Records can get any better, they drop another volume of their freshly composted series and take it to a whole other level. In celebration of 300 releases, this compilation is simply the best of the best of the label's house and jazz tracks. Off the top, Marbert Rocel sets the album's tone with “The Pack (remix from Part Time Heroes)" a jazzy high tempo tune with a killer instrumental section. Next, Alif Tree’s “Mai” (previously unreleased) is the perfect prelude to Sistars’ “Inspirations (Innocent Sorcerers remix)," a solid track with a killer drum intro and equally funky vocal. If your head ain’t nodding yet, something is terribly wrong. Another notable mention is Sepalot’s “Go Get It (featuring Ladi6)," a Rhianna-like tune with a melodic, handclapping rhythm. From thereon, this disc features previous unreleased and remixed tracks from Eddy Meets Yannah (“Solid Ground”), Ben Mono (“Jesus Was a B-Boy” TJ Kong & Nuno Dos Santos remix), Robert Owens (“Never Give Up”) and Alex Attias pres. Mustang (featuring Colonel Red “Everchanging Time” Beanfield remix). This is a brilliant compilation sure to be on many ‘must have’ lists. 5/5

Frost & Wagner, “Remixes”
Sonar Kollektiv

Reviewed by Cheryl Thompson

Oliver Frost and Adrian Maria Wagner are two German producers who have wonderfully managed to merge reggae, jazz, hip-hop, house and soul into one impressive and entertaining set. The usual Sonar Kollektiv suspects, like Clara Hill, Eva Be, Re:Jazz, and Ben Westbeech, are found on this disc, but its what Frost & Wagner do with their tracks that give life to this album. For instance, Westbeech’s “So Good Today,” the club hit of the year, is turned upside in what can best be described as a dub meets house mix. At first it throws you for a loop but within seconds you realize that the mix is a nice compliment to this already fantastic song. Eva Be’s “She Walks Alone (feat. Pegah Ferydoni)” is another stand-out tune. With Be’s effortless vocals paired to a downtempo house beat, it’s the perfect backdrop to a chill night at home. Re:Jazz’s “Torch of Freedom (feat. Joy Denalane)” is the album’s first tune, and it sets the perfect tone with its reggae beat and beautifully subtle vocals. And finally, what can you say about Clara Hill? She is one of house music’s best talents and on “Everything” her honest vocals accompany a very funky beat, bringing the album to a close and solidifying the absolute genius that is Frost & Wagner. 5/5

Soulphiction, “Do You Overstand?!”
Sonar Kollektiv

Reviewed by Cheryl Thompson

Michel Baumann is the man behind Soulphiction. And on this disc, the follow-up to State of Euphoria, he’s taken his artistry into more of an improvisational space. This time around, it’s a little less house and more orchestral elements, like “Ghana Wadada” featuring Phlegmatic. On “Touch From The Past,” Baumann takes the tempo down a notch with a funky tech-house instrumental that’s the perfect change of pace to what precedes it, and then on “Cargo,” a jazz-inspired track with a dominant high hat, he takes the tempo up a little higher until “Sun Children,” when you’re taken a bit for a loop by it’s myriad of rhythms and sounds that don’t really seem to match anything. “Prison Song” is another standout track, just for the simple fact that a cocked gun is essentially the main focus of the song. While that seems a tad violent, it somehow works. “Dark Berry” is also a song that will draw your attention, as it starts off like a jazz song then it slowly begins to morph into a serious house tune. The build up is what makes this tune so stellar. Overall, you’ll “overstand” this Soulphiction just fine. 4/5

Roland Appel, “Talk To Your Angel”
Sonar Kollektiv

Reviewed by Cheryl Thompson

With vocals by Araba Walton, Talk to Your Angel is saying a lot without trying. This is a great deep house set with a lot of variety and tempo changes to keep things interesting. Off the top, “Inner Soul (Slow Version)” is a tender mix of tech-house and trance, but it’s on “Secrets” that Appel takes this delicate blending to the next level. Walton’s vocals are near perfect here and set the tone for what’s yet to come on this nu-jazz inspired disc. “Changes” and “New Love” are definitely two standout tracks, with their funky beats and simple production, you begin to understand why Appel has been in the house game for over a decade. After a few missteps “Dark Soldier” brings the tempo up a few notches enough to make you want to dance or clap your hands, which ever works for you. Finally, “Child Song” closes out this 9-track album; with its techy beat matched quite nicely to soft and subtle vocals, it is the perfect way to end Talk to Your Angel, which is a very fair disc. 3/5

Karen P, “Broadcasting”
Sonar Kollektiv

Reviewed by Cheryl Thompson

This album starts out on a very weird tip with Pikku Myyn Laulu’s “Mooming Voice,” a downtempo track that can best be described as a folk song matched to an eclectic rhythmic beat. But then, a few tracks in, “Robots” by WOON adds a bit of depth and complexity to this compilation with its downtempo vibe and earnest vocals, this is the kind of track you play over and over again and never tired of hearing. The best moments on this album are really the slow tracks, like “Don’t Get Up Again” by Damon Aaron and “Short Stories” by Quite Sane. Both are well produced and each respective vocal grabs at your emotions. “Space & Time” by Skymark featuring Black Spade is an interesting tune, mostly because of its unusual beat. While it might drive some crazy, others will like its unusualness. Towards the album’s end, tracks like “Unite (Oone)" by TettoryBad featuring Fatima and “Scrabble” by Rene Costy add further dimensions to Karen P’s set. You just never know where this album is going to take you, and the jazz-funk inspired tune, “Sunshine Star” by Open Sky Unit, and “Brighter Days” by Aaron Jerome are perfect examples of just that. This is a stellar disc with more than a few memorable tracks. 4/5

4hero….mixing
Sonar Kollektiv

Reviewed by Cheryl Thompson

Compiled and mixed by Dennis McFarlane (aka Dego) of 4hero, this is the third installment in the …mixing compilations, with the first two being compilations from Jazzanova and Âme. With his partner Mark Clair (aka Mark Mac), anyone who knows anything about house music knows how instrumental these two have been over the past few years taking the genre to the next level. This disc is a complete musical journey into the past, present and future of soul, reggae, hip-hop and jazz. We begin with Bootsy Collins’ “Fat Cat,” an old school funk tune with sexy vocals. Then, a couple tracks later we’re in Detroit with Dabrye’s “Game Over” and J-Dilla’s "Over The Breaks", taken from his posthumous album The Shining. There are a few totally random tracks, like “Lightworks” (Raymond Scott), but by the time you get to the reggae portion of the collection, and Scientist’s “Blood On His Lips” and The Skatalites’ “Roots Dub”, you being to realize just how diverse black music is and what an amazing journey 4hero is taking you on. The classic rare tunes of the disc are Patrice Rushen’s “Message In The Music” and Roy Hargrove’s “On The One”, you just don’t hear them too often. Closing things off are Little Brother’s “Nightmare Maneuvers” and Waajeed’s “Make Doe”, a perfect way to appease true hip-hop heads. This is definitely the most eclectic and adventurous release of the year. 5/5

MUNK, “Cloudbuster”
Gomma

Reviewed by Cheryl Thompson

Mothias Modica is the head of Germany’s Gomma label; he’s also the producer behind this album. And hands down, he really understands the whole electro-funk thing. Off the top, “Live Fast! Die Old,” sets the tone with its catchy hook and uptempo beat. The shout out to Christopher Walken is totally random, but that’s what you expect on an album like this. With vocals from Asia Argento on the lead off track, “No Milk” and “Il Gatto”, not to mention Klaus Lemke on “The Rat Race,” there’s a wonderfully diverse sound to this album, which is refreshing since that’s often the criticism people have towards electronica. “Under Kontrol” is also a stand out tune. With its funky tech beat and jazzy instrumental, it’ll have your head bobbing for sure. Towards the album’s end, tracks like “Monopteros” and “PsychoMagic” manage to keep the ball rolling but they are slightly less interesting than earlier tunes. 3/5

Jay Shepheard, “Compost Blacklabel Series, Vol 3”
Compost Records

Reviewed by Cheryl Thompson

Blacklabel is turning into one of those compilations that never disappoint. And on this release, they’re once again showing us how deep the house rabbit hole goes. This non-stop flow starts off with Phreek Plus One’s “Bikini,” a wonderful tune that is the perfect start. By the time you get to Muallem’s “Houseworx Pt 1: Came To Jack,” Manuel Tur & Dplay’s “Conchord,” and Motor City Drum Ensemble’s “Get Slapped Up”, the tech-house vibe is in full-effect mode. The mixing on this album is so solid you’ll feel transported to the dance floor with each listen. Wagon Cookin’s “Start To Play” and Matt Flores’ “Solar Winds” deserve honorable mention as well. They’re two funky tracks with no lyrics but a lot of tech-soul. Last but not least, Jay Shepheard closes things out with “Pipes N Sneakers,” an uptempo trance-like tune with very few cord changes but a lot of energy. After listening to this disc, you’ll be eagerly awaiting Vol. 4. 4/5

Martin Eyerer, “Word of Mouth”
Kling Klong Records

Reviewed by Cheryl Thompson

Martin Eyerer’s sound can only be described as truly unique. It’s hard-core techno: very repetitive beats with minimal lyrics. If that’s not your thing, you definitely won’t like this album, but if it is, you get exactly what you want. Tracks like “Memento (It’s Hot)” and “Decent Track” really draw you into Eyerer’s vortex of mindless rhythms. The good thing about an album like this is that all the tracks blend nicely into each other, so you can put it on and just let the music play. “Azul” and “Barber’s Pole” also deserve honorable mention for their enticing beats and improvisational vibe. Again though, unless you’re a hardcore techno fan, Word of Mouth, won’t be your cup of tea. It also includes a best of Kling Klong bonus disc mixed by Eyerer. 2/5

Seiji, "DJ Tools"
Sonar Kollektiv

Reviewed by Martin John

Seiji, aka Paul Doby, is a member of UK DJ collective Bugz in the Attic. With a list of remixes miles long, a plethora of 12 inches, and a hatful of production credits, DJ Tools is Seiji's third solo effort. This album is a sickening show of how talented and diverse Seiji is; he dips effortlessly into genres pulling from R&B, Jazz, Blues, Reggae and Brazilian funk grooves and playfully mixing elements of these into the world of break beats. Bossa Nova switches into powdered-up samba in "Funny That", eighties-soaked "Sweatband" ends only too quickly, "Dribbler" takes a classic break and makes it explode; almost every track is fresh. However, this disc is meant to be piled into a mix during an extended DJ set; there are twenty-one choice cuts ready to hit the decks and burn up the dance floor. DJ Tools is just what the title says it is, a set of songs meant for DJs - to make them jealous of Seiji's sick skills! 3.5/5

Eva Be, "Moving Without Traveling"
Sonar Kollektiv

Reviewed by Martin John

German upstart Eva Bernahrd aka Eva Be starts her album "Moving Without Traveling" with the sounds of a plane taking flight, and continues to take the listener on a whimsical trip on Air Lounge Music. The album's slick production weaves short and long songs together with stunning dexterity; fifteen second tracks segue into longer tracks effortlessly. Simultaneously, Dub and Reggae are interspersed with French New Wave on tracks like "Come into My Blues" and "Trippkin' off Eva Be". More impressive still are tracks like "No Memory of Time" an R&B infused Everything But The Gir,l and RQM laying down some milk-soft rhymes over top of finger-snapping, organ sampling, and splendidly confused blips on "Speakeasy." Although this album appeals to fans of off-kilter sounds and electonic beat-play, the album is suprisingly fit for mainstream consumption in a lounge atmosphere; you could easily listen to this album while sipping dry martinis. "Moving" is highly reccomended as a chillout CD and for fans of Boozoo Bajou. 4/5

Kittin, "Batbox"
Groove Attack

Reviewed by Martin John

Kittin is back again with her dry Francais-tinged vocals and electro-swagger with the album Batbox. You might recognize Kittin from electroclash standard "Frank Sinatra". Like her first album "Icom", Batbox flows with sexual innuendo like red wine at a bachelorette party, but where the first album "Beat that Bitch with a hit" her second studio album has her kicking some ass...barefoot. Producer and co-writer, Gabriel Pascal seems to like working with attractive women with interesting voices (Deborah Harry from Blondie, Kylie Minogue, Dido), but his pop past does not interfere; Kittin sticks with what works for her, electroclash. The title track "Batbox" and "Kittin is High" only skim what Kittin has to offer here, but the gothic tracks full of Vampires and Witches and Bats are sure to please fans of Emily the Strange, whose creator contributes cover art for the album. Listening to Kittin is like seeing a flash of multi-coloured underwear on the dance floor, understately erotic. Tracks "Playmate of the Century," and "Metalhead" highlight this fact well. "Barefoot tonight" is a standout track, all hand claps, crunchy guitar samples, howling vocals and cocky feminist lyrics like, "I'm proud to be a modern girl who's not ashamed in guitar shops/walking down the street in a leopard raincoat/no mercy for your ears, I'm ready to kick some ass...barefoot." Kittin's voice, however, does become monotonous, the breathy sighs, and hollow echoes are good in small doses, which makes you wonder why she doesn't perform with guests. Overall, a good electro effort from someone who has been in the scene since it broke. 3/5

Randolph, “Lonely Eden”
Groove Attack

Reviewed by Cheryl Thompson

Detroit’s own Paul Randolph is back with his second solo album, Lonely Eden. Randolph, a singer and bass player, has laid down a solid set of funky, multi-layered tracks that are truly a breath of fresh air. The disc begins with “Soul Brutha,” a tune that’s in the same vein as James Brown’s “Funky Drummer.” It’s followed by “Broken aka Warnings (feat. Stephanie McKay),” a chilled out ballad, and just before you get too relaxed, Randolph then hits you with “Golden Days,” a track with a soul-stirring guitar melody that’s paired to conscious lyrics about the roots of soul music; it’s a standout tune for sure. From start to finish, the instrumentation on Lonely Eden is what sets Randolph apart from his contemporaries. Not that he needs it but the album also features guest appearances from Amp Fiddler (“Claim”) and Waajeed (“Lonely Eden"). It’s refreshing to know that there are artists out there who are pushing boundaries of their craft. 4/5

Clara Hill, “Folkwaves: Sideways”
Sonar Kollektiv

Reviewed by Cheryl Thompson

It’s only been a little over a year since Clara Hill’s last release, All I Can Provide, and while that album was very heavily on the house-tip, Folkwaves is a clear change of pace. If you’re a fan of Hill's style to this point, you may not be able to get into this disc, but having said that, she definitely has an exceptional ability to re-create herself with every release. This time around, she’s merging jazz and house together in a way that we’ve never heard before. For example, on “Be Like That” and “Everything,” her silky smooth voice is nicely paired to a downtempo rhythmic beat. There’s really nothing wrong with this album, and in a way, Hill is to be applauded for stepping out of her usual house vibe, but for long-time fans of the young German, the departure might not be a welcomed one. 3/5

Alpha, “The Sky Is Mine”
Cat ‘n Roof Records

Reviewed by Cheryl Thompson

The Sky Is Mine is the kind of album that will likely only appeal to fans of this group. You really have to be in their world to appreciate its artistry, if not, you’ll likely find it to be one hell of a downer. The whole thing is sort of what happens when solitudes collides with Massive Attack. While disc two is the bonus disc with remixes, you’ll probably find that it adds a little more life to the project than the first one, but be forewarned that it’s only a slight improvement. Don’t get me wrong, it’s nice to listen to a chilled out disc every now and again, but on this one, it’s hard to understand the concept behind the album. It’s a collection of ambient beats, sombre vocals, and remixes that do nothing to improve or at least add to their original versions. The only good thing about this two-disc set is that it’s at least consistent in its boredom. 1/5

Robert Owens, “Night-Time Stories”
Compost Records

Reviewed by Cheryl Thompson

Robert Owens has been doing the house music thing for over 20 years; most associate him with Chicago’s golden house era in the late-‘80s. Formerly a part of the classic house duo, Fingers Inc., he’s definitely a legend in the game. Unfortunately, Night-Time Stories is a decent album, but it’s not a great one. While guest producers like Ian Pooley (“I’m Chained”), Atjazz (“Now I Know”), and Wahoo (“Happy”), definitely bring their recognizable flare to the disc, there’s no track that stands out as an instant classic, or even a formidable close second. It’s hard to tell really if it’s the vocals or beat production that’s off here, but whatever is to blame is beside the point. I think people really want to hear house music that takes it to the next level, something beyond what we’ve already heard for the past 20 years. 2/5

Various Artists, “Ten Years, Who Cares?”
Sonar Kollektiv

Reviewed by Cheryl Thompson

Sonar Kollektiv was founded in 1997 by DJ/producer Jazzanova and since then, artists such as Alex Barck, Claas Brieler, Axel Reinemer, Markus Enochson, Georg Levin and Clara Hill have been taking the house music world by storm. Anyone who has been a fan of this label knows that the thing that keeps you coming back to its artists is the diversity and eclectic sounds that maintain a nice balance between underground electronica and more mainstream house music. Disc one is packed with 20 tracks that highlight the breadth and depth of the Sonar Kollektiv family. From the enticing vocals of “Midnight Marauders” (Joe Dukie and DJ Fitchie) to the funky beat of “Used” (Soulphiction) to the deep house-reggae vibe of “Me And Me Princess” (Lightening Head), there’s not a moment of dullness here. Disc two is essentially a wicked non-stop DJ set by Jazzanova that solidifies why this label is at the forefront of dance music. It includes such tracks “That Night (Wahoo Remix)” by Jazzanova, “Sarari” (Ame), “Sweet City (Soulphiction Remix)” (Platnum), and Markus Enochson’s “For You To See (Tiger Stripes Remix)”. This disc is definitely a must have, and is sure to be on several top ten lists for 2008. 5/5

Stray, “Here to Stray”
Little League Productions

Reviewed by Cheryl Thompson

Sweden’s own Stray (Mattias Axelsson) can best be described as an artist whose music is a little bit of everything. On Here to Stray, he’s managed to wonderfully blend electronic music with pop, hip-hop and soul. Undoubtedly, this guy has been influenced by the diverse artists that he touts as some of his favourites, from J Dilla to The Gap Band to Dwele. From the disco groove of “Heatbeat” to the hip-hop styling of “Never Free” and downtempo tunes like “You Seem So Far Away,” Stray keeps you guessing from track to track. The electro-soul vibe to this album is its most alluring quality. It’s mostly comprised of slow to mid-tempo tracks but his vocals brilliantly match equally dope beats. As a producer, singer, and songwriter it is glaringly obvious that Stray will indeed be here to stay. 4/5

Up, Bustle & Out, “Istanbul’s Secrets”
Collision (Cause of Chapter 3)

Reviewed by Cheryl Thompson

This album requires you to have some appreciation for the sounds of Istanbul. As its title suggests, it is an eclectic mix of sounds from this geographic region. But, it also features many international sounds from Rob Garza (Thievery Corporation) to Benjamin Escoriza of Radio Tarifa, Marina Celeste (Nouvelle Vague, France), Kalaf of Buraka Som Sistema (Portugal), and Jim Barr (Portishead Band). If the vocal styling of disc one doesn’t do it for you, disc two is comprised of the dub cuts from disc one. There is a distinctly Turkish vibe to this album, and if it’s your thing you’ll appreciate it. If not, you'll probably find it difficult to get into. 3/5

Eddy meets Yannah, “Once In a While”
Compost Records

Reviewed by Cheryl Thompson

Eddy meets Yannah begins on such a promising note with the title track, an easy listening, carefree tune with a memorable hook that draws you in. And from thereon, the duos sophomore effort just keeps getting better. In particular, “Bad Fairy” (featuring Earl Zinger), “Solid Ground,” Losing Wings” (featuring Capital A) and “Baby’s Got It’s Own Way” are four tracks in a row that wonderfully meld jazzy broken beats with soulful house vocals. Not only will you feel like dancing but these tunes make you want to sing too! What you’ll love about this album is its creativity in terms of beats and its production. There is honestly not one track that sounds just like the next. “No One’s Gonna Love You” for example, has a soft vocal that is nicely paired to a downtempo broken beat, and then on “Who Is It?” (featuring Amalia) they drop a tech-house beat to a very snarky yet somehow satiable vocal. Towards the end of Once In a While things become quite techno-like – could be a problem if that’s not your cup of tea – but it’s otherwise a great second effort for this Croatian pair. 4/5

Coburn, “Coburn”
Great Stuff

Reviewed by Cheryl Thompson

This self-titled disc, which is best described as a fusion of house, techno and rock, is the debut of UK producers Pete Martin and Tim Healey. There is definitely an experimental vibe on this album most noticeable on tracks like “Razorblade” (featuring Heidrun), and “Matured Sinner” that are just plain fun. “We Interrupt This Programme” is also a fun techno track that cuts up the album just enough that you think things are starting to get interesting but after that it becomes a collection of tracks that are too focused on sonic beats without much personality. Named after the famous actor, James Coburn, this duo unfortunately doesn’t have that kind of charisma that draws you in. While there are some interesting beat combinations on Coburn, it is not enough to make the album interesting in its totality. “Stay Alive in ‘85” is a nice through back, however, to the broken beat scene of eighties but again, it’s an interlude that would have been better served as a full-length track. 2/5

Jazzanova & Dirk Rumpff, “…broad casting from OFFtrack radio”
Sonar Kollektiv

Reviewed by Cheryl Thompson

Jazzanova has got to be the hardest working musical family in the music biz. They put out a new compilation it seems almost every season and just like prior releases, they almost never disappoint. Featuring Dirk Rumpff, a DJ, radio presenter and producer, …broad casting from Offtrack radio is an eclectic disc with a variety of songs (most are previously unreleased) that keep you guessing. “The Other Side” (Season feat. Mimi Terris) is a soul-house track led by a funky drummer. It’s followed by “Play” (Soultourist feat. Ovasoul7), a soulful experimental track that will make your head nod. After a few early missteps, the album picks up again with “How It Should Be Done” (Outlines) and “Turn It On” (Mark Pritchard and Steve Spacek). Finally, “Suddenly (a Coffeebreak)” (Slope and Clara Hill) epitomizes tech house at its finest – inventive beats paired perfectly to sincere lyrics. Overall, this is a strong compilation. 4/5

Wagon Cookin, “2FACES”
Compost Records

Reviewed by Cheryl Thompson

Disc one of Wagon Cookin begins on a high with the ultra-funk "Incredible" and "Ridin’ On The Wind". Both songs have a silky smooth vocal and up-tempo tech-house beat. Then, things heat up even further with "If You Love Me" an electro disco tune with a catchy hook. The great thing about 2FACES is that there are no tracks that sound the same. For example, "Mr. Sun" a funky progressive house track infused with soul is followed by "Desejo" an electro Brazilian-house song. The purpose of disc two, and the album’s title, is to showcase the two different faces of Wagon Cookin. And, there is definitely a clear difference. The second disc leans more on the progressive tech-house side. If you’re a deep house person, you’ll love the first disc; vice versa, if you’re a techno fiend, you’ll love disc two. The major problem with 2FACES is that because both discs are so different, you might end up buying the album then only ever listening to one of its faces. 3/5

DR. J presents 1LUV, “Neophilia”
Sonar Kollektiv

Reviewed by Cheryl Thompson

Neophilia is the brainchild of Canadian Jason Oculto aka Dr. J. Straight out of his house in Vancouver, Dr J. has laid down a magnificent full-length house album that’s largely aided by the stellar vocals of Amalia Townsend aka Miss Fuze. Right off the top, “Pieces of You,” with its smoothed out tech beat sets the album’s tone. Then, the album’s title track is a brilliant blending of broken beats and soul. On “The Answer,” Dr J. mixes things up a bit with a Bossa Nova style accompaniment and very chilled out vocals on Fuze’s part. “Stay” and “Crazy Waitin’ For You” are two honorable mention songs, with their funky broken beats and the feather-like half spoken word style of Fuze's voice this album is simply put the perfect blending of beats and lyrics. Finally, “Can’t Live” towards the album’s end, with its funky beat and staccato drum rhythm puts an exclamation mark on this almost perfect album. 1LUV is the kind of album that reassures you that inventive music is still being made, and if you’re Canadian, it should please you that it’s being made by one of your own. 5/5

Slope, “Slope Is Dope”
Sonar Kollektiv

From start to finish, Slope takes you on a journey through multiple genres of music picked up a notch by dope (pun intended) Slope remixes. Beginning with the funky, downtempo beat of “Fat Freddy’s Drop” (Ray Ray), “1Luv” (Daylight), with its staccato beat paired perfectly to silky smooth vocals, and then the hip-hop-infused track, “In The Mix” (Capital A), which has positive lyrics and an intelligent hook. “In The Mix” is also on CD for the first time. What you’ll love about this album is the way each track melds seamlessly into the next. While it is not a non-stop flow, it’s just brilliant producing on Slope’s (Honesty and his partner in crime Daniel Paul) part. For example, Henrik Schwarz’ mix of “Keepin’ It Up” (featuring vocals by Desney Bailey) is the perfect mid album track with its seductive beat and effortlessly delivered lyrics. Even when Slope takes the mood of the album down a level, like on the instrumental track “Brasscheck” (Forss Alternative Remix) they bring it right back up with Robag Wruhme’s “K.T.B.” a tech-house tune with very few vocals but a beat that makes you involuntarily shake your head – it’s just that good. Honorable mention also goes to the last two tracks on the album, “O-Bah” (Daniel Magg, Slope Remix) and “Find Our Love” (Slope featuring Jane Hamilton). While the former is a high tempo broken beat inspired instrumental, the latter is a down tempo love tune, and the perfect end to one of the year’s best compilation albums. 5/5

Various Artists, “Compost Black Label Series, Vol. 2”
Compost Records

Two years ago Compost Records started its Black Label Series. The focus of the series was to make it a little less jazz and soul and a little more disco and tech house. If you’re an old jazz cat into soul and funk, this is likely not the album for you. But, if you’re the progressive type with a hankering for tech house, maybe a little rock, and broken beat thrown in for good measure, then this mix set is exactly what you’ve been waiting for. For example, Shahrokh SoundofK’s “Chicago” is a funky techy tune with a heavy guitar riff paired to an industrial electronic beat. Then, Move D’s “Your Rolling Hills” takes it to another level, with its disco-inspired beat and creative use of a few 80s samples music enthusiasts are bound to recognize. Vol. 2 is not all about the tech house scene, for all you Latin house heads, on “Circus Bells” (TJ Kong and Nuno Dos Santos) you’ll get just enough of a taste of that Samba beat to quench any thirst you have for the Latin rhythm. Finally, Zwicker’s “I Get My Kicks At Nighttime” (Lexx Dub), although an instrumental, is very funky and a nice switch of pace from prior tracks. Ultimately, the only thing about this album that may not be your cup of tea is its length. Although there are twelve tracks, each song feels very long and at times, very repetitive. 3.5/5

Various Artists, “Homecooking:
Soulfood served by Jazzanova and Friends”
Sonar Kollektiv

This album is appropriately entitled. From beginning to end, each track on this compilation is a dose of food for your soul served up by a cast of Sonar Kollektiv mainstays, like Clara Hill (“Just Paradise”) and Georg Levin (“Everything”). SoulPhiction’s “Love Thang” is the perfect intro track, with its sultry vocals and downtempo vibe. It’s followed next by Third Eye’s “Macedonia”, a classic Bossa Nova tune that’ll have you finger snapping and head nodding all the way through. Towards the album’s middle, Leon Ware’s “Nights in Brazil” is the perfect downtempo Brazilian soul track that blends nicely into Deyampert’s “Held Him First”, a rhythmic, jazzy house tune. Finally, “No More Drinks” (Benny Sings) is a light hearted and funny ballad about the end of the night. It’s also the perfect end to a wonderfully original and eclectic album. 5/5

Various Artists, “Ame…Mixing”
Sonar Kollektiv

This album starts off a little slow in that its initial tracks teeter the lines between downtempo and transient tech house, which is not necessarily a problem, but they give the impression that this non-stop compilation will be on that sort of tip. But then, Kristian Beyer and Frank Wiedemann aka Ame, drop deep house extraordinaire, Henrik Schwarz, and his wicked remix of Coldcut’s (featuring Robert Owens) “Walk A Mile In My Shoes”. This cut is funky yet subtle as it entices you into a groove. From thereon, this disc is the perfect combination of deep house and ambient soul tracks, like Atjazz’ “For Real”, Jonny L’s “This Time” (Carl Craig Remix) and Château Flight’s “Baroque”. Undeniably, Ben Westbeech’s “So Good” (Yoruba Soul Remix) is the killer track on this album. Its beat and accompanying vocals are in perfect tune with each other and as far as dance tracks go, you won’t be sitting down when this one is played. Finally, Lucien-N-Luciano’s “Stone Age” with its ambient beat takes this mix set to the next level. While there are countless number of mix CDs hitting the streets each year, this is definitely one worth picking up. 4/5

Various Artists, “Agave Nector Vol. 1:
Q Burns Abstract Message Mix”
Agave Records

As the first mix compilation by Agave Records, Q Burns Abstract Message is just that, an abstract combination of funky house beats and soulful rhythms. The first track, “How Funky” (Jay West), is reflective of just that kind of mix. Matt Shrewd’s “Need Ure Love” is the perfect follow-up track to “How Funky”, with its alluring beat and enticing lyric “deep down inside you need love”, which pulls you right into its groove. Then, with Johnny Fiasco’s “Salsanova” (Jacob London edit), you’re pulled further into the rabbit hole of deep tech house. It just doesn’t get any better than this. From thereon, some of the tracks lean more on the techno side than house side, and if that’s your thing you’ll be happy with it, but if it’s not, you might find yourself a bit bored. That said, towards the album’s end, Lettow and Ice’ “Free Your Mind” and Hanna’s “Time” (Doza’s Lawnchair Generals Remix) are exemplary of the album’s dominant theme – move your furniture and dance. 3.5/5

Various Artists, “Freshly Composted Vol. 2: Compost 250”
Compost Records

This album is in celebration of Compost Records’ 250th release, and what a celebration! From its leading track, “Tides” by Beanfield (Carl Craig Remix) to “Shanti Dance” (featuring The Droids) by Muallem to “Whistling In Tongues” (Todd Terje Remix) by Felix Laband, the disc begins on a solid foundation of eclectic tech house. One of the things about this album that sets it apart from most other compilation sets is that most of its 13 tracks are previously unreleased, so you feel as though you’re sitting on a few precious gems that haven’t been overplayed by DJs ‘round the world. Honorable mention goes to Soil & Pimp Sessions’ “Waltz For Goodness” and Koop’s “I See A Different You” (featuring Yukimi Nagano. Both of these tracks are a wonderful fusion of jazz, calypso rhythms and orchestral swing. The only knock against this album is that the middle tracks lull in comparison to the album’s beginning and end. 3.5/5

Torpedo Boyz, "Headache Music"
Sounds From The Roof

Right off the top, Torpedo Boyz drop a hard track, "Gimme A Baseline!" and you know, Headache Music is going to be just that - one big head throttling good time. This album is funky and spunky. It's got edge and subtleties. There are more than a few standout tracks on Headache Music like "Are You Talking To Me???" with its driving beat paired to feisty and humorous vocals, and "Au Jour Et A L'Heur" - even though its all in French, it's still an interesting track. This album is a little all over the place in terms of its languages and beats, like "Bokura Wa Shonen Tantei-Dan" is in a language (Japanese) Anglophones don't understand, but again, "Headache Music" is a total enigma because it somehow still works. In an era where music has become so tediously formulaic and just plain boring, it's nice to see there are still a few bad asses out there willing to take some chances. "Trust, Integrity & Pure Love" towards the album's end is exactly what Kentastic and Rollin Hard, the two DJs and producers from Berlin/Tokyo and Paris, who make up Torpedo Boyz are all about. 4/5