Franchise Player 02 – Various (mixed by Joey Youngman) – Franchise Player (US)
Just 24 years old, Joey Youngman had already done more than most twice his age. This mix set features 16 tracks of chunky, compelling, soulful house with entries from Miles Maeda, Troydon, Bryan Jones and several originals and remixes from Youngman himself. Quality set from a true rising star.
*** (3 of 5)
Perceptions of Pacha – Kiko Navarro – Swank Recordings (US)
One of the residents at Pacha in Ibiza, Kiko Navarro shows his talents transcend the DJ booth, as he effortlessly presents originals with a variety of influences from Disco, to Latin, Deep House, Garage and Afro rhythms. More like the work of a seasoned pro, than a debut release, this is a solid release.
**** (4 of 5)
Audio Tour – Volume Two – Various (mixed by Royal Sapien) – Fade Records (US)
Chris Fortier started Fade back in 1994, as a means to get his own productions out to the world. Over time, he expanded its mission, adding productions from fantastic young talents like Steve Porter, Chris Micali, and Tonepushers. This release features two discs of new and previously released material – mixed by Royal Sapien, and a bonus mix from 40oz. With more than three hours of quality progressive and tech house – this is an album to look out for, and clearly a worthy addition to your collection.
*** (3 of 5)
From Home with Love – Various (mixed by DJ Diz) – Loveslap (US)
Unlike many in today’s game, Diz rose to prominence on the basis of his DJing skills, and this is ever evident on this mix. His tracks selections (Jimpster, Greenskeepers, LDOE, and Mario Fabriana to name a few) and overall programming are truly brilliant and the vibe is thick enough to cut with a knife. Being a good producer is one thing – but very few producers have the skills to rock the dance floor like Diz. Love live the DJ.
***** (5 of 5)
Body Language 4 – Various (mixed by DJ Dixon) – Get Physical Music (DE)
Yet another cog in the Get Physical machine, Dixon proves a selector extraordinaire on this newest in the Body Language series. Tracks from Timo Maas, Marie Boine, Larry Heard, and Herbert come together with grace and elegance. More for the living room than the dance floor, this is an exquisite compilation that is in heavy rotation on my Ipod.
**** (4 of 5)
Fabric Live 33 – Various (mixed by Spank Rock) – Fabric (UK)
Before I received this disc, I knew very little about Spank Rock. After dropping it a few dozen times, I can safely say one thing – they know how to rock it in the most eclectic way. From “The Breaks by Curtis Blow”, to Chicks On Speed, Hot Chip, and “Talking In Your Sleep by The Romantics”, this was the soundtrack to a brilliant after party in my suite during WMC. And as the Chairman of the Board used to say, “if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere.”
**** (4 of 5)
Balance 011 – Various (mixed by Luke Fair) – EQ Recordings (AU)
Firmly established as one of the most consistent outlets for quality EDM, the Balance series continues with another young gun of prominence, Toronto’s Luke Fair. From the opening strains of “Vampire Song” by Vroom Vroom, through the bouncy vibe of “KTB” by Robag Wruhme, and the trancy techno of “Curious” by Humate – Fair delivers two discs reminiscent of his DJ sets. Strong house, compelling techno, lovely progressive – all done extremely well.
**** (4 of 5)
Fabric 33 - Various (mixed by Ralph Lawson) – Fabric (UK)
Chunky, funky and full of soul, the latest in the Fabric series features20/20 Vision and long time UK scene stalwart, Ralph Lawson. Featuring cuts from Marc Romboy, Brett Johnson, Swag and Lawson’s own 20/20 Soundsystem, – this mix goes from strength to strength, taking hold of your mind and body and never letting go.
**** (4 of 5)
Singles
The New Yorker – The New Yorker – New York Acid (US)
Four tracks of retro flavored, 303 infused acid house from Tyrone Jackson (aka The New Yorker). No new ground is broken here, in fact – these tracks could have easily come from a forgotten reel, in a dusty box in the back of DJ Pierre or Josh Wink’s studio. But if you are looking for solid, thick, analog, acid house bombs for your next set – this is right up your alley.** (2 of 5)
