Review: Crate digging in the Northern Soul scene is the gift that keeps on giving - an endless quest for rarer and rarer gems. Here Beatnik present a new collection that features nine classic Motown and Northern Soul cuts which have been sensitively retouched by some contemporary talent. Highlights include the celebratory, fizzy soul jam "Soul On Fire" by Shaka Loves You (yes, the one sampled by Beyonce), a Junkie XL-style makeover of Martha & The Vandellas on "Nowhere To Go" and Mak & Mr Bristow's muscled up take on The Rascals - "Olympic Lovin".
Review: Destination 60s as Beatnik City follow up last year's breakthrough compendium "The Rio District" with an exploration of pop roots, contemporised by swinging breakbeats and premium party signatures. Instantly recognisable jams include the ill behaviour of Ree Keen's take on "Louie Louie" and the ongoing beat mischief of Fab Samperi's homage to Sonny & Cher but the slightly less obvious versions shouldn't be overlooked either... The frenetic harmonica-snapping of Leygo's "Loose Wheel" and the lounge-writhing slipper jazz of Mad Doc's "Nori's Gem". Authentic big beat business.
Review: The Dirty Dubster crew return with a bumper seventh volume of their ragga party jams, and true to form, they mash up ragga with other contemporary styles with considerable style. F-Block's "Jah Bone" combines all manner of echo-laden dub guitar with filthy dubstep bass, while Wood N Soo's "Smoke 2 Joints" is a contemporary update on The Toyes' classic, filling it with rolling snares and powerful low end. Subtifuge's "Love 4 U" is a slightly more skanking effort, with rolling D&B rhythms completely at odds with its laid back mood, while DJ Tzinas' "Wicked" combines a horn sectiona and tropical acoustic guitar with some serious dub airhorn - big stuff all round!
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