Mark Riva Presents Sungrooves

A CD such as this needs be reviewed from two perspectives- the upfront, music-loving hipster & the fellow, tech-savvy, DJing audiophile. This is important because both types of listeners will appreciate different qualities on vastly different levels than the other type of listener. Depending on which camp you fall into, you could love this CD, or you could not like it all. Therefore, I have written two reviews from two different perspectives, so please read the review best suited for your tastes. (Read both if you’re an upfront, music-loving, tech-savvy, DJ audiophile hipster.)

IF YOU ARE AN UPFRONT, MUSIC-LOVING HIPSTER, you would immediately be drawn in by the alluring, glistening, clothing-challenged seductress on the cover. You would savor the lush, seductive sounds of these jazz-influenced deep house gems while reminiscing about being an exclusive guest at the party atop a grand hotel overlooking Collins Avenue, grinding amongst legions of sun-bronzed bodies as they writhe to the incessant, rhythmic pulse that envelopes your entire being.

You would instantly be transported back to memories of being poolside at The Fountainbleu as you sip a delightful, fruity concoction named after a sexual position while taking in a breathtaking sunset. If you are purchasing based solely on those respects, this mix CD is right on the money, and you should not hesitate before adding this slice of quality to your music collection.

HOWEVER, IF YOU ARE A FELLOW, TECH-SAVVY, DJING AUDIOPHILE, you would instantly notice a few other, more subtle qualities upon first listen. Your interest would be peaked quickly after reading over a tracklisting that includes treasures from Kevin Yost, Francois K, John Beltran, P’taah, and Afro-Mystik with remixes by Needs, Swag, S.U.M.O. and Kaskade. But after taking a listen, the mix was obviously recorded “live” to minidisc (or some other inferior recording medium) without any further studio trickery. The overall sound quality is a bit bland, with the high-hats sounding very lo-fi & crunchy throughout. A few of the mixes are slightly off & out of key which inevitably detracts from the listening experience in a way. To Mr.

Riva’s credit, these tunes are characterised by their live, dynamic percussion, which makes perfect beat mixes nearly impossible.

Mark Riva has been turning out the deep, disco house jams all over the world for many years, and he’s constructed a very fine mix featuring some of best moments in deep house. Now all you have to do is decide which review applies to you.

Hipster’s rating: ****
Audiophile’s rating: **


Audio Samples
1. Staring at the Sun (Atjazz Remix) - P'taah WMA / RA
2. Isabella Sunshine - Cassady WMA / RA
3. Shine On - Dave Warrin WMA / RA
4. Awakening (Needs Remix) - Francois K WMA / RA
5. Feeling - Kevin Yost WMA / RA