Defected, one of my favorite labels for great house music, has just released a special three-CD mixed compilation called Defected-In The House-Miami 2006. They sectioned each CD into sets called Sunset, Sundown, and Sunrise. With that in mind, it really reflects the style of music each CD will have. Although the title says Miami 2006, you don't need to be in Miami to appreciate it. The minute I put the first CD in I felt as if I were at the Winter Music Conference in Miami (one of my favorite places to visit, although I was really driving 70mph on my way to work) because of the many different styles of house music on this compilation just like you would hear if attending the conference.
Sunset has lots of filtered disco-style songs that definitely set the pace, and begins to raise your energy level. Highlights on this CD include: Jay-J feat. Charlene Moore "With Him," Ian Pooley "Samo Iluzija," Monique Bingham's "Poor People" (wish they used the vocal and not the dub mix), and DJ Spinna feat. Tricia Angus "Living My Life." My favorites are Ron Hall & The MuthaFunkaz feat. Marc Evans "The Way You Love Me", and "Living My Life."
Sundown, of the three CDs, happens to be my favorite because it has songs like The MuthaFunkaz feat. Marc Evans "I Don't Want You Anymore," Jamie Lewis feat. Michael Watford "It's Over," Blaze feat. Barbara Tucker "Most Precious Love," and Byron Stingily's "Hate Won't Change Me" to name a few. This CD has plenty of male vocals, which have always been a favorite of mine. There's a strong, direct energy when you have male vocals versus diva vocals, so it was great to have a change from the usual. I have to make a personal note that there's a song from Sybil, an artist from the early 90s who had a hit cover of "Don't Make Me Over" (I remember it well from the time when I was a regular on Dance Party USA, she had picked me to dance on stage with her during the performance of that song). She has a hot new dance song called "Don't Give Up" that fits perfectly into the blend of this CD.
Sunrise has more of a late night vibe to it with a more level tempo. With predominately tracks (very few vocals), this CD of the compilation didn't really appeal to me, being that the first two were so much stronger with their song selections. I became bored with it. The major drawback was that it became too repetitive for me. I think if this were a two-CD set, with Sunset and Sundown only, I would have rated it a 5, but I'll give it 4 .5 stars because of the Sunrise CD.
I feel it's still worth buying because of the first two CDs and the vibe it brings. Defected has always been a label that releases great dance music, and I look forward to more from them.
