Not one for self-promotion and baring his bottom in public, Ralph Lawson’s commitment to the original underground dance music spirit has proceeded in an unflinchingly passionate fashion since he took up residence at Leeds’ renowned Back To Basics in the early 90s. Pumping proper house music around the country led to making records, the 2020 Vision label and its Soundsystem, all this action keeping the operation on the cutting edge of electronic dance music while nurturing often stunning new talent. This mix CD of label highlights rams it home like a Viagra-crazed wildebeest as gem follows gem by names including Random Factor, Audiojack, Burnski [with the gloriously-titled ‘Nosebonker’], Simon Baker, Art Of Tones, Nick Chacona, the Youngsters, Spirit Catcher and that syrup-swivelling Mike Shannon remix of Brett Johnson & DJ Heather’s ‘Everything’s Electric’. The Soundsystem are represented by ‘Chicken’ [obviously inspired by the legendary ‘Chicken Song’ which remains in the vaults nearly 15 years on]. The label has always been something of a family with Paul ‘Bobby Peru’ Woolford latest to blow up the nest with lethal tackle like ‘Erotic Discourse’ [here plus a 2020 ‘reversion’]. Sexy grooves, aural audacity, musical mischief and that unspoken feel which inspires whole rooms to erupt together in slow motion while trying to milk imaginary goats. It can all be found and more on this testament to one of dance music’s purest visions.
5 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: Kris Needs
