Review: Jozif is part of the new wave of underground house DJs, and on this compilation he displays his ability to curate a fine range of house tracks, while always retaining a soulful touch. The selection starts with the sensuous vocals and atmospheric guitar strumming of Charles Webster's "Butterfly", before moving into the mournful pianos of Burnin' Tears' "Got a Reason" and the hissing percussion and reflective vocals of YokoO's "Blinded". There are some less esoteric contributions, in particular from Silicone Soul, whose lurching bass and heavy claps make for a welcome diversion. But in the main, this is a collection of emotional house, best embodied by the dislocated chant 'loneliness, emptiness no happiness, just sadness' on Steffi's "Sadness".
Review: In trying to put together a compilation to mark two decades, the people behind the Glasgow label have decided not to equate 'classic' with 'anthem'. Granted, there are big unit-shifting hits here like "Positive Education" and "Right On, Right On", but there are also lesser known releases that still glitter and sparkle despite the passage of time. At one end of this forgotten gem spectrum there's the epic synths and searing bass of the Heavenly mix of Funk D'Void's "Diabla" and the E-tingling, wide eyed brilliance of Slam's proto-prog "Eterna", while at the other end, there's the deep, repetitive techno of Percy X's "X-Trak 1" and the emotive melodies and complex polyrhythms of Black Dog's "Cost 2". Added to this is Daft Punk's unreleased "Drive", whose rolling snares and wild siren riffs sound like "Rolling and Scratching" jacked up on angel dust and you've got an unforgettable way to celebrate 20 years.
