All About Various Artists

Ministry of Sound, the world’s most famous superclub and dance music brand, has released their latest mix compilation album 'Anthems 1991 – 2008'. [more]

Having played host to some of the world’s key movers and shakers in the dance scene for almost 8 years, Global Gathering has made a name for itself as a worldwide event which you really ought to attend if the opportunity arises. [more]

Rockstar Games and the Grand Theft Auto series has been criticised for its violence and promoting hazy moral standards. They should be criticised for lack of imagination, especially, given the quality of the past game soundtracks have been so good. [more]

If you haven’t heard of Hed Kandi, bought one of their CDs or headed along to one of their parties, you’d have to be hiding under a damn large rock. [more]

'Verve' is a series of classic tunes remixed by some of todays biggest names. Don't be expecting your bog standard house rerubs though; this CD maintains it's chilled status with most tracks not going a single beat over 110 BPB. [more]

Ed Banger Records is one of the few labels out there that's almost as big as its artists. But the experimentation and innovation of its birth is long gone, and nothing shows it more vividly than this compilation. [more]

Strut Records is quickly building a solid rep as a reissue label to rival Soul Jazz and this excellent collection of afro-beat, highlife and afrofunk tracks will do nothing to hurt that reputation. [more]

'Global Chilling', the new 2008 release under the Pacha label with artists like Radiohead, Jose Gonzalez and Groove Armada, was set to be a winner from the start. Wrong. [more]

If you’re a dubstep fan and into the minimal side of the genre, then you’ll probably love this release. But if you’re new to the sound or just a casual listener, there are much better sets available. 'Tectonic Plates' fails to be earth shattering. [more]

First, a disclaimer: I have never had the good fortune to watch the show which spawned this angsty, tough little soundtrack, despite having every good intention of doing so. [more]

The very moment the teaser flashed up behind a jubilant MC-DV8 at the State Sports Centre last summer, I made the dogged resolution not to miss out on this one - the Q-Dance Australia Tour 2008. Insert. Turn Up Bass. Stomp. Get Fucking Wasted. [more]

Brasil! Terra do sol de brilho e da noite sensual. Sua música faz-me ansiar para um console abandonado, um cocktail do coco e o toque do ar salgado morno em minha pele… [more]

Celebrating its 20th year, uber-hip German label Unique have brought out yet another quality compilation. Swiss duo Soulinus and Pun have been given the task of putting together the album, and what an album it is. [more]

From the urban efficiency of Berlin to the warm self-indulgence of Paris, the grimy street smarts of the Midlands to the glories of Cyprus, Elektrotribe has certainly cast its net far and wide to come up with another terrific haul. [more]

The danger with any compilation series is, how many actual albums is a label able to bring out before the whole series loses its defining individuality? [more]

The Numero label continues their fine tradition of unearthing lost gems this seventeen track compilation of teenage funk and soul. [more]

Long before Katrina hit, New Orleans gave birth to jazz, which of course it is well known for. However, its healthy funk scene however seems to be underappreciated. [more]

Admittedly, when I put my hand up for this review I had no ‘real’ idea of what Jumpstyle is. Well, after 18 painful tracks over 70 odd minutes, I now know; and maybe wish I didn’t. [more]

Mark Farina's 'Fabric 40' is rather good. Actually, it's more than that, it’s quite possibly one of the best house mixes I’ve ever heard. Fabric proving they're only maturing with age. [more]

‘Tribute’ albums consisting of cover versions of well-known artists’ backcatalogues are always something of a tricky proposition – particularly when the subject in question is someone as prodigious and inimitable as Prince. [more]

Ninja Tune show off their range of excellent artists and music with a compilation that shows other record labels how it should be done. [more]

This fifth volume in the unmixed series sees Kitsune maintaining their tastemaker’s edge, with the 18 tracks assembled here taking in the well-known likes of Rex The Dog, M.I.A. and Alan Braxe alongside a brace of newer names. [more]

With the rise of the indie-electronic cross-genre band (think Bloc Party, Klaxons and The Presets who all feature on this CD), we've seen an increasing presence of electronic selections in Triple J's yearly package. [more]

Hed Kandi may not have a reputation for being the most cutting edge or underground of labels. In fact, most house fans probably smirk at the mention of it, long binned as a commercial house label to be tolerated and maybe even secretly indulged in. [more]

This collection glides in next to other compilations like Stones Throw Funky 16 Corners and Cold Heat releases, or the Numero Group's Eccentric Soul series. All these tunes sound like unearthed gems from the soul era. [more]

East London pirate station Rinse started up over a decade ago, by belting out a playlist leaning towards jungle and drum n' bass. But this first mix under the Rinse brandname features the finest in grime, dub-step and house. [more]

The 4-CD compilation box set features artists from all over the spectrum, with names like Jazzanova, Mo' Horizons, Stephane Pompougnac and Thievery Corparation who are all well worth a mention. [more]

Hamburg record label Légère Recordings is back with a follow up to Come On Soul! Compiled by purveyors of all things soul, both old and new, the album matches original soul from the late 60s and 70s with modern numbers. [more]

One of the most beautiful things about jazz is that there are so many different ways that it can be interpreted. [more]

Hot on the heels of 2006’s 'Box of Dub', Soul Jazz returns with the sequel to the label’s showcase of dub and dubstep. [more]

Do you like it hard? Like it fast? Do you want your music pumping to a furious and frenetic pace? Then the triple offering of 'Hard, Fast and Furious' mixed by Mark Eg, Anna Savage and Force may well be high on this year’s xmas wish list. [more]

The compilation that is set to build-up your saliva reserves, even before Field Day hits the domain for 2008. [more]

If you have any interest in dub or reggae whatsoever, I have one piece of advice for you: get this album. [more]

Taking a shotgun approach is a tactic employed in many areas, not just shooting. In taking this avenue the subject is casting their nets far and wide, with the logic that the bigger spread of the launch the more likely reward. [more]

For almost 20 years, Frankie Knuckles, Satoshi Tomiie, David Morales and Hector Romero have been a driving force in house music, and under the Def Mix banner they have remixed everyone from Loleatta Holloway through to U2. [more]

This album is a collection of soulful reggae originals and reggae versions of classic soul tracks, that yet again proves that Soul Jazz Records have their shit together. [more]

Brighton based label Tru Thoughts, self confessed 'jazzbreakshiphopsoulfunkbeatsounds' specialists, are back with a new release, 'Shapes 07:02 - All New Amazing Sounds'. [more]

‘Tropicalia’ describes a movement in arts culture starting in Brazil during the height of dictatorial political oppression in 1968: it encompasses art, poetry and music. [more]

For the first time in a while the listener feels as if they are actually listening to the future of happy hardcore. The title ‘Rebooted’ could not have been more appropriate. Happy hardcore is most definitely not dead - it’s evolving. [more]

From a time when the phrase dubstep was barely a blip in the contemporary soundscape, Hot Flush’s early reconfigurations of breakstep and garage have left an indelible mark and provided a launch pad for some of the sound’s most creative talents. [more]

If you're like me and don’t buy vinyl, then this is a good collection of (some of) the biggest tracks from the past 5 years. It’s not a comprehensive collection, but nevertheless it's enjoyable. And yes, it’s heavyyy! [more]

As its title more or less blatantly suggests, this sprawling 3-disc collection from UK-based compilation label Resist offers up an instant stack of recent tracks culled from London’s thriving dubstep, grime and bass scenes. [more]

I've never been a big fan of the _Chillout_ series from MOS, but this for me changes that. While there is a significant difference between the two CDs, it is welcomed, and offers a greater level of diversity, as well as some red-hot tracks. [more]

Does this compilation have every track it should have on it? I‘d have to say no. But it does have a great variety of tracks that do cover off on a lot of different aspects of house music, including some of the best tracks from the last few years. [more]

With the number of trance compilations, collections and 'Best Of' CDs appearing on shelves in recent months, you could think one of two things... [more]

I'm generally suspicious of comps claiming to be the 'Best Of' or the 'Definitive Guide To', as it implies that this it's the most important CD of music from an artist or a genre, when usually it's actually a collection of what the label could clear. [more]

'The World’s Greatest Funky House Mix' is a great compilation for all those who love house music, no matter the sub-genre. It covers the many faces of house music very well, with both very well known and less well known tracks to inspire listeners. [more]

All up, this is Hed Kandi sticking to a tried and tested formula, and doing what they have done so well in years gone by. While there is nothing too controversial, there is plenty to keep the masses happy. [more]

A cool group of artists offer their intepretations of the blurring of dance and rock. [more]

The Armada brand is firmly entrenched on the clubbing island Ibiza, playing throughout the Euro summer of 2007 on a regular Tuesday timeslot. The 2 CD mix features some of the latest tracks released by the Dutch label. [more]

Underground Loop is a ground-breaking mentorship program which has facilitated collaborations between leading Australian hip hop artists and young males within Victoria’s Juvenile Justice System. [more]

Around the mid-1930s the traditional jazz of yesteryear was shaken up with a new groove that would prove to be the popular sound for the next decade. We are of course talking about swing. [more]

Oversized sunglasses? Check. Fleuro singlet? Check. Headband? Check. General awareness about the multitude of performers? Nope? Well go no further, as the 2007 Parklife album gives us a snapshot of 19 of the biggest names performing at Parklife. [more]

The early rock/dance crossover releases from the mighty Kitsune Maison label were stupendously and outrageously off the wall, but as thius compilation demonstrates, they're now walking the fine line between cool and contrived. [more]

Compilation albums are usually hit and miss, but there are always exceptions to the rule. Bringing together tantalizing offerings from Creative Vibes, 'Funky & Some More' is a mean compilation of mammoth proportions. [more]

Dub Anthology provides a diverse selection of the more traditional as well as more contemporary dub flavours that have evolved since the genre emerged via reggae music from Jamaica around 40 years ago. [more]

Intended to act as a snapshot of the current UK scene, this first volume in DMC’s ongoing ‘Neon Nights Mixtape’ series concentrates on drawing its tracklisting from unsigned and up-and-coming acts [more]

Originally established to put Munich's Compost label, which had been typically focused in the soul/jazz vein, into the dance floor realm by taking a more tech-house and disco direction, the offshoot Black Label series has become an entity unto itself [more]

Transmitting over the airwaves on the frequency of 92.7 FM is Fresh FM. Being the only radio station dedicated to the youth of South Australia, Fresh FM is well established in the local radio landscape. [more]

Ho hum, just another top quality 'Studio One' compilation from England's Soul Jazz Records. Volume 2 showcases a dub style that doesn't rely on effects too heavily, and for the most part brings the horns to the fore. [more]

Out now on Global Underground is compilation 'Isst' from Kevin Griffiths & Boney M, inspired by the legendary underground electro parties in London. The duo have served up a selection of music so cutting edge it is likely to cut your ears off. [more]

From electro to trance, the latest addition to the Wild Weekend series, 'Wild Weekends Vol 4', will suffice your aural hunger and keep you in the party mood all night long! [more]

Well respected west coast house label *Om* brings us the second installment in their _Summer Session_ series, and this time we have Chi-town goddess DJ Heather and NY tech/house junkie Onionz taking over the duties. [more]

Broken Tooth Entertainment is a collective of Australian hip hop artists formed in 2002, and Dental Records Vol. 1 is the first in a series that is designed to showcase and represent talent on this label, of which there is plenty. [more]

Seamless Recordings have thrown together a comprehensive collection of tracks that start from hip hop’s humble beginnings on a 2 disc set, Old School Hip Hop Volume 1. [more]

Stones Throw Records, under the guise of Now-Again, has been putting out and reissuing quality funk for almost six years, the latest to come from this rarer than rare groove label is 'Re:Sounds'. [more]

One of the most influential house music labels in history, Strictly Rhythm, began releasing quality music in 1989, here MAW provide a retrospective of some of their favourite records over that time. [more]

Stones Throw have once again teamed up with late night animation network Adult Swim to release Chrome Children Vol. 2. [more]

In 1997 a new force entered the electronic music scene that would go on to shape tastes, genres and provide joyous moments to listeners worldwide. We are of course talking about Berlin's Sonar Kollectiv. [more]

Flashes of brilliance are tempered with less remarkable moments to create a set which excites and underwhelms in equal measure. Mixed results make Box of Dub a lucky dip. [more]

The fifth instalment in the New Testament of Funk series, 'Twelve Morlocks Of The Real Beat!' featuring some incredibly funky cuts ranging from fat hip hop beats, tripped out acid jazz, manic DnB and party breaks. [more]

It’s a funk and soul revival. Super Cool: California Soul II brings together a collection of some of the lost and rare tracks out of the west coast from 1966 to 1982. [more]

GUMIXED is the latest installment from the legendary Global Underground label. Revered for their GU: 0XX series, GU puts their name in the spotlight once again with one of the best compilations of the year. [more]

The Netherlands’s Rush Hour Records team up their young buck, Cinnaman, with Spacek Soundsystem’s Jay Scarlett, compiling an album dedicated to new developments in beats. [more]

Camino Blue, quite appropriately, describes themselves as “Science fiction drum and bass for the 21st century”. They are a German based label that nurtures a very distinct sound in DnB. [more]

‘Shut Up And Dance! Updated’ sees Berlin clubbing institution Berghain’s newly established Ostgut Ton label drawing together a stellar cast of global minimal techno talent together to compose music especially for the Staatsballet Berlin [more]

Lewis Recordings is a young label that’s home to an eclectic group of acts that won’t appeal to a mass audience, but rather inspire rampant fandom amongst a small cult following. [more]

As the colder months settle in, Defected come to the rescue yet again with another fine selection of warming floor-fillers in their native accapella unmixed format... [more]

Hotel Puerta America in Madrid is a concept hotel featuring 13 floors, each designed by a different architect including Norman Foster, famous for his London building affectionately known as the "Gherkin". [more]

Freerange Records launches the forth installment of the Colour Series; Green 04. [more]

Hospital Records is well known for putting out some excellent compilation albums, and their latest offering, 'The Future Sound of Tokyo', is a CD that won't do any damage to their strong reputation. [more]

Hyphy has been used as one of those words that people say to make people know that they play music other people don’t know anything about. [more]

Seventeen kings of one of the world's greatest record labels, for anyone with any interest in Jamaican music this record is an essential buy. [more]

The chaos of this genre-bending selection seems to suit the fickle nature of the fashion industry. Making its acquaintance is bound to educate your ears and stretch your understanding of modern music. [more]

Original Rave Selection is a throwback to the birth of dance music. The double-disc compilation is 24 tracks full of old school tracks, and it's a trip down memory lane for those old enough to be present at the dawn of electronic music. [more]

Whilst Daft Punk-inspired (imitation?) filtered house music was riding high in mainstream clubs, their manager Busy P (aka Pedro Winter) was hastily bringing back unpretentious fun to French dance music. [more]

QN5 has a roster full of underground artists who may be short of profile, but they're definitely not short on skill. [more]

Playloop Records is the label, and this is their latest sampler. On the whole, label samplers can sometimes be as tricky as dressing for Melbourne’s weather. [more]

Cosmic is like a wild LSD trip: Afro mixed with German electronics, percussion solos, Bolero with delay effects, 12"s on 33 instead of 45, 70s Krautrock, Industrial... [more]

‘Music and Me’ launches a new collection of concept albums focusing on high profile 'artists' in the fields of sports and film whom also have an affinity with music. [more]

The Freedom Writers soundtrack features some of the hottest names in hip-hop, past and present, plus some new tracks well worth a listen. [more]

London-based label Slip'N'Slide release their brand new series of label-led compilations, starting off with Chicago's Still Music house music imprint. This is one smooth compilation. [more]

The concept of publishing sampled tracks is a winner in my book, leading to the education of many in the origins of hip hop. [more]

There’s no questioning Hospital’s power in the scene, and there’s no doubt that the tunes released from the album will get a fair work out in clubs. [more]

Over the years we've seen many a compilation come out containing dance floor classics and best selling tracks. 'Floorfillers Anthems' is another such compilation... Three unmixed CDs span this collection. [more]

An interesting snapshot of what's happening a selection of producers from one of Australia's most exciting independent record labels. [more]

Independent French record label Wagram Music have assembled a 4 CD anthology of tasty nu jazz titbits from a selection of established and less well known artists. [more]

Wether you are an emo-kid or a superstar-wannabe-DJ, you will probably find something that will appeal to you on this double disc release. You may sulk, but you most certainly will dance... [more]

The label that was synonomous with house music in the early 1990's had returned in a haze of old school anthems and classic tunes... [more]

Following on from other legends Quentin Harris and Kerri Chandler, comes Chicago house don Ron Trent with his mix in the Coast2Coast series on NRK. [more]

...the auditory traveller may rest in the ‘lounge’ and enjoy a tasteful and elegant journey without any fear of not having the correct documentation or being subjected to a cavity search... [more]

Those blessed with the authentic ‘80s experience will recall side-stepping dance moves with delight, newbies will marvel that their current fave band has ‘borrowed’ explicitly from this era. [more]

Unlike previous releases in the heady hey day of Om's chilled out offerings, this throwaway attempt at licorice sweet lullaby music is very ‘blah’. [more]

The latest mix to come from seminal house label Defected is In The House: Miami 2007, packed full with some of the house hotness we can expect to come out from the WMC. It's a great choice for those dying for a taste of the Miami dance experience. [more]

London label Tirk has made quite the impression since it emerged from the receivership ashes of parent company Nuphonic’s previous incarnation just two short years ago [more]

Considering this album has scanned over the past 10 years worth of chillaxin tunes, for selecting the cream of the crop from such a variety of music MOS have done a pretty good job. [more]

Upon initial glance, Luftkastellet 4's arty aesthetics and conceptual cool could pass as little but the musical equivalent of Wallpaper magazine. But scratch beneath the icy surface... [more]

Why? Why? Why? Why must these multi-million dollar hotel chains continue to pummel the market with half assed compilations of rehashed ‘chill out’ tracks. [more]

Southport Weekender is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2007 with the release of a a two-disc Classics album. The Weekender only happens twice a year: this album takes you there every time its played. [more]

One of the most notable record labels in the history of Jamaican music, Studio One was a central force in the development of reggae, especially ska and rocksteady. [more]

The first thing you notice about this album, apart from the garish lime green artwork, is the description of what is inside, "Hip shaking grooves made in Germany 1967-1974". [more]

Following the success of their '12 Inches of Pleasure Part I', comes 'Part II'. This time however instead of just singles from BBE, it contains rare and unreleased tracks and remixes. [more]

Many diehard music fans will have copies of these tracks in various versions and remixes, but if you're after a nicely packaged music history lesson than 'Xtravaganza: Classics of 10 Years'. [more]

Over the past few years Azuli has become renowned for picking out future hits well before they end up smashing dancefloors across the globe. In this year’s release once again, it's highly likely they’ve sourced a few more dance floor killers. [more]

It’s that time again, a little bit of the sting has been taken out of the sun and the silly season is starting to wind down, it must be time for Good Vibrations. [more]

This is a sound, if uneven, compilation that will just breeze past comfortably without asking anything of you. [more]

Urban House you say? What is it? An attempt to identify house that is what I would call garage style house or vocal house, as opposed from the now more prevalent electro house. [more]