Cologne’s Ada caused a mighty flurry with her Blondie albumand since then has concentrated on remixing, DJing and knocking together dynamite mix-tapes, a principle she uses here to give the old remix album a new twist by bringing in mates, faves and even a previously-unheard version of her ‘Blindhouse’ recorded with International Pony’s Cosmic D. The overall result is an evocative, emotional journey with never a dull moment as great, heart-stroking moments follow in quick succession. Kicking off with Tracey Thorn’s inimitable mournfulness on Ada’s mix of ‘Grand Canyon’, the set then leaps into the first pinned-against-the-wall moment with Dee Pulse’s remix of her ‘Fizzmann’ – all shimmering, twittering sonic curtains flaming into the soul and her mix of Booka Shade’s ‘Vertigo Vs. Cha’. So it goes on, further highlights including the twinkling loveliness of the Thomas/Mayer remix of Ada’s ‘Maps’, her mix of Alex Smoke’s ‘Never Want To See You Again’, the soaringly monumental ‘Living It Up’ and a cheeky take on the Supremes’ ‘Stoned Love’ with Raz Ohara called ‘Lovestoned’. There’s a magical atmosphere afoot here, all stemming from Ada’s contagious personality which shines through the whole set in all its different moods, even with other’s people’s work. Definitely one of the compilations of the year, no contest.
5 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: KRIS NEEDS
