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Music Reviews

Show: New reviews | Artists beginning with: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 0-9 | Compilations

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Trojan Document / DJ Andy Smith Presents DJ Andy Smith Presents - Trojan Document
Trojan Records
Some labels get slated for churning out compilation after compilation of their back catalogue, putting new names to the compilations and different spins on the themes. With the results still ending in the same old tunes just shuffled into a different order. Trojan, however, manage to avoid this process. Perhaps it's because the Trojan archive is so extensive it's almost impossible to churns out the same old songs. For this next chapter in Trojan's 'mixtape' venture they have drafted in Portishead DJ, Andy Smith. This experienced DJ and self confessed vinyl addict has compiled his own 'Document' series over the last few years which mainly focused on the sounds of soul, funk and hip hop. This 'Trojan Document' glides through some of Trojan's best, rarest and most popular releases. It's rocksteady, it's reggae, it's dancehall, it's very good. There are tracks from The Upsetters, Hopetown Lewis, john Holt plus loads of other top notch reggae producers. Reggae heads will have heard the tunes and riddums before no doubt, but Andy Smith glides them all together to suit the summer vibe down to a tee. Bless up!

Jax, 07/06
Holidays in the Shade / DJ Bootsie DJ Bootsie - Holidays in the Shade
BBE Records
On his second full length release, DJ Bootsie taps into his Hungarian roots and delivers an impressive album steeped with cinematic soundscapes with classical and folk influences. One listen and it’s clear that Bootsie is adept at creating beats for hip-hop heads as well as composing potential film scores. Among the standouts is the haunting “Lieutenant Chrome”. “Ballad of the Space Ship Rigger Pt.1”, complete with searing electric guitar riffs is another banger. “Neil And Vincent” is a peaceful atmospheric down-tempo gem.  As impressive as Bootsie’s debut “The Silent Partner” was, this new release has a bolder and more refined sound. This should be the record that propels Bootsie to the recognition his talents deserve.

Reg Dancy, 01/10
City to City 02 / DJ Deep presents DJ Deep presents - City to City 02
BBE Records
Since the beginning of house music there has always been compilations that try to capture the early days and as time goes by some tracks do sound dated, but maybe it's a "you had to be there" kind of attitude that makes sense. DJ Deep's series started in early 2005 with some downright house classics and I'm glad to say the quality continues with Vol.2. Some of the big producers are on here but thankfully nothing too obvious: these include Mr Fingers, Jovonn, the underrated Romanthony, Mike Dunn, Pleasure Control and Risque 3. If some of these don't mean much to you, you should definitely give this a listen. Vinyl junkies will be pleased that 3x vinyl package is in the shops now.

Simon Harrison, 06/06
1 Real / DJ Delores DJ Delores - 1 Real
Ziriguiboom/Crammed Discs
Third album and he just keeps getting better. Brazil provides the source with the mix bringing in a varied selection of dance friendly influences . Behind this infectious dance music though DJ Delores addresses issues like capitalism (Proletariado) and idealism (Cala Cala) as well as on a lighter note looking at relationship. Regulars joining him include Maestro Forró, Gabriel Melo, Fernando Catatau, vocalists Isaar and Maciel Salu, and guest appearances by Silvério Pessoa and by Marion. Excellent.

Graham Radley, 02/08
Sweet Memory Sounds / DJ Derek Presents DJ Derek Presents - Sweet Memory Sounds
Trojan Records
Who the hell is DJ Derek and how comes he gets to do a compilation for one the World's best reggae label's? If this is what your thinking then here is the answers. Derek is in his late 60's, used to be in a skiffle band, used to be an accountant and has a phenomenal collection of waistcoats. But this surely doesn't qualify him to be compiling for Trojan does it? Well, he's also got a monstrous collection of over 25,000 reggae and ska tracks spanning over 4 decades and has been spinning them to punters for over 30 years the world over. He's not just a DJ, he's a performer! So what's he chosen as his favourite tracks? Well it ranges from roots, to rocksteady through to classic reggae vibes. There are tracks by Toots, John Holt, Johnny Clarke and Dennis Brown. There's also compilation fave 'Police And Thieves' by Junior Murvin plus two classics from Max Romeo. If it's solid classics you're after along with the odd forgotten gem then DJ Derek's selection will be your cup o' cha. The CD is unmixed (always a bonus with reggae compilations) and contains 22 tracks full of reggae goodness. More splendid vibes from the ever trust worthy Trojan stable.

Jax, 03/06
Movement-Silence / DJ Devastate DJ Devastate - Movement-Silence
BBE Records
A veteran on the UK scene for over fifteen years, DJ Devastate has been a student as well as a pioneer in the hip-hop game. Devastate has followed the likes of Marly Marl, DJ Premier and Pete Rock and in the process cultivated his own sound. With his debut, Devastate has created a laidback hip-hop gem with jazzy rhythms that would make followers of the native tongues period proud. The entire disc takes you back to a time when all was well in the world of hip-hop. It’s clear that Devastate has been sharpening his production skills during his hiatus because the compositions throughout are flawless. With no mc’s on board, “Movement-Silence” is comprised sunny instrumental beat gems combined with well placed sampling. Some of the highlights include “The Motion”, a funky track with a wicked kick snare drum beat. “Don’t Sop” is a jazzy number that features a popular Common sample. “Taken it slow” is a hazy mid-tempo banger that has a simple beat but provides the right amount of samples and catchy hooks to make it shine. Kudos to DJ Devastate for crafting a soulful hip-hop treat you can chill to. While he doesn’t break any new ground here his attention to detail towards crafting quality beats will force you to add this to your cd rotation.

Reg Dancy, 12/09
A Word To The Wise / DJ Mitsu The Beats DJ Mitsu The Beats - A Word To The Wise
Jazzy Sport
Ever since he burst onto the with his solo project “A New beginning”, DJ Mitsu has made a name for himself not only as one of the premiere dj’s in Japan but worldwide. His latest full length release, “A Word to the Wise” offers a little bit of everything that adds up to an outstanding record. DJ Mitsu features some of hip-hop’s most sought after rappers like the underrated Maspyke on “Playing with Crime”, complete with clever wordplay and dope beats. One rapper whose stock continues to rise is Detroit’s own Elzhi. On “Get’em Up” he displays his lyrical prowess over a neck snapping beat. Jose James drops by to add his warm velvet voice to the wonderful “Promise In Love”. Other highlights include the funky “The Game Changer” by Wildchild and Georgia Anne Muldrow. “Dim Skyline” is an instrumental bamger that features Mark De Clive Lowe on keys. “A Word To The Wise” is that rare recording where there is nary a weak track amongst eighteen selections. As good as “A New Beginning” was, this one is significantly better. It would be very wise would be to pick this up, you won’t be disappointed.

Reg Dancy, 09/09
Intergalactic Soul / DJ Spinna DJ Spinna - Intergalactic Soul
Papa Records
I first picked up on DJ Spinna back when he was producing hip hop and it was a great surprise to me and probably the house heads: that all of a sudden he was knocking out quality house productions equal to, if not better than some of the masters of the 4/4 beat. This was strengthened by the release of "We Can Change This World" featuring Heavy, which has been blowing dancefloors apart for a few months now and set to be a massive summer hit. It's not all uptempo with guests like Little Brother's Phonte, N'Dea Davenport, Eric Roberson and Lizz Fields these tracks just ooze soul. The latter half picks up the tempo with yet more quality vocalists including Trish Angus, Christian Urich from Tortured Soul and the Free Radikalz. Spinna proves yet again his versatility with a cracking second album.

Simon Harrison, 06/06
The Soundcatcher / DJ Vadim DJ Vadim - The Soundcatcher
BBE Records
Back again with new material, and DJ Vadim has been working hard, because there are 17 tracks here, with no fillers or interludes. What's more, if you like one song, I think you'll probably like them all, for The Soundcatcher maintains a certain summery style and feel-good factor throughout that makes it a perfect head-bobbing, relaxing-on-the-beach album. The beats are generally of a Hip Hop nature, but few tracks are straight-up raps. The rest are smooth instrumentals (a la Rae & Christian), laidback, Reggae influenced vocals and all other varieties of pre-party flavours that DJ Vadim has become known for. A good album that will be loved by many.

Tom Breslin, 04/07
Soul Of Armenia / Djivan Gasparyan Djivan Gasparyan - Soul Of Armenia
Network
To celebrate one of the world's finest musicians as he approaches his 80th birthday, next year, Network put together this 2 CD package of old and new. Djivan Gasparyan gave his first public performance on the duduk (Armenian flute which was mainly played by shepherds) 60 years ago, He has gone on to tour the world , play on many film soundtracks (Gladiator etc) and win many awards including the Womex Lifetime Achievement Award. There are several exclusive new recordings here but I think my pick would have to be the 2005 recording with Michael Brook featuring Djivan plus Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan - pure magic.

Graham Radley, 12/07
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