Xpress-2 formed out of the 1988 acid house explosion as Rocky, Diesel and Ashley Beedle used their dancefloor-demolition skills as DJs to start making singles in the early 90s. Roof-raising monsters like ‘London Xpress’ and ‘Rock 2 House’ knew exactly what buttons to push while the trio backed up their knack for mayhem with a record collecting obsession and knowledge which brought in elements from outside house music’s confines. Their debut album, 2001’s Muzikizum, broadened the scope, bringing in Talking Heads’ David Byrne on their number two hit ‘Lazy’. All along the boys continued DJing, remixing the biggest names and pursuing their illustrious solo projects. The Three Musketeers of house music carnage now consolidate 15 years of sonic mischief and success with this greatest hits set. CD1 is a non-stop euphoric barrage starting at the first single and working through selected highlights, plus a previously-unreleased collaboration with Afrika Bambaataa called Fire and the sought-after Richie Hawtin acid mix of ‘Rock 2 House’. CD2 showcases remixes like Carl Craig’s epic take on ‘Kill100’ plus some they’ve done for others like Missy Elliot and Fatboy Slim. Only gripe is the absence of classics like The Sound and Yello-collaboration I Want You Back but this is a great way to consolidate their immortality in the annals of dance music pioneers.
5 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: Kris Needs
