Since 1990, Hull’s Dave ‘Man’ McSherry and Steve Cobby have quietly produced a string of gems over ten albums as Fila Brazillia. Their ultra-cool excursions and explorations have rode out all the passing fads and haven’t dated a bit. This collection progresses album by album, starting with ‘The Sheriff’, where they were obviously influenced by the US deep house on labels like Strictly and Nu Groove. Then it’s 13 further selections, moving through the albums and nodding to anything from jazz-funk to Norman Whitfield on the way. Subtle grooves, chilled pads and lush embroidery never shout to make their point, although they won’t baulk at adding a sitar if it helps. ‘Nuty Slack’ reminds me of the incidental music on ‘Kojak’ [a major compliment]. Fila Brazillia have been here all the time, making some of the coolest music in the world. If you haven’t heard them shame on you, but this is a good place to start.
5 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: Kris Needs