It is clear a lot of thought and imagination goes in to Soul Jazz compilations, and it’s great to report a sequel to Deutsche Electronische Musik, their look at Krautrock and electronica largely from the 1970s and 1980s. As with the first, it’s really well put together, cleverly sequenced, and a thoroughly invigorating listen. Diehards will almost certainly have new music to discover, while those new to the game will find themselves entranced by the likes of Roedelius’ ‘Le Jardin’, which is an oasis of calm, or You’s ‘Electric Day’, which zips along at quite a rate. To be honest though I could have pulled out any track as an example, because Soul Jazz show that there is room for great variety here, and Popol Vuh, NEU! And the mighty Faust deliver handsomely. Two more worth isolating are Niagara’s ‘Gibli’, which sounds like two drummers competing in the blast of an incredibly strong wind, or Conrad Schnitzler & Wolf Sequenza’s ‘Fata Morgana’, where the influences of the East are at play. A typically colourful release that celebrates the diversity of music, and doesn’t think it odd to go completely stupid at times. Go buy!
5 out of 5
Reviewed By Ben Hogwood
