What a great compilation this is in every way. Before you even get to the music Soul Jazz have put together a wonderful package, with colourful artwork including a specially commissioned graphic novel. The music is similarly spectacular, with forward thinking digital takes on dancehall, funk, hip hop and music that evades description. In many ways, a typical Soul Jazz collection that has no rules, and which invites originality on the part of the artists involved. The Bug and Stuart Baker excel in their track selection, the former bringing in Diplo, Harmonic 313, Roots Manuva and Stereotyp as part of a set that often hints at dubstep but evades typecasting through inclusion of African and Caribbean influences. Stuart Baker adds a collector’s perspective, with King Tubby’s ‘Fat Thing’ and South Rakkas Crew’s ‘Red Alert’ two of many bassbin bothering highlights, and a more dubby and soulful element is catered for in his mix. As a document for carnival season this is essential – a summer album intent on having a good time that succeeds the whole way through!
5 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: Ben Hogwood
