And so the House Music story continues, develops and thankfully becomes more nuanced with the arrival of another piece of the 1980’s Chicago jigsaw. Like any city it has its own story to tell with many interweaving parts existing beyond the clique, which if you look reveals the weird and wonderful in all its glory. Yam Who’s Midnight Riot supply an insight into the Hot Mix 5 episode via this nineteen track compilation of mainly new reworks. It’s always good to hear fresh interpretations of timely music and this is done to a greater, although thankfully mostly lesser degree with most remixers keeping faithful to the classic machine sound. For example Kiko Navarro’s take on Kenny “Jammin” Jason, ‘Can U Dance’ retains the originals fiery essence while adding a few extra touches, while Pete Herbert’s excellent version of Ralphi Rosario ‘In The Night’ works that supreme bassline into oblivion all over again. Remixes/ re-edits also feature from Ashely Beedle, Ron Basejam, Leo Zero and more besides. Plus, it is good to note the essential place vocals had in the music then too, that and funky use of electronics which always feel/ felt exhilarating rather purely functional and somewhat uninspiring.
5 out of 5
Reviewed by Greg Fenton
{http://soundcloud.com/midnight-riot-records/mg2-electric-house-sandrobianchi-re-edit-teaser}
