Various

Played by: Juno Recommends Dubstep, Luun (Locus Sound), Tik&Borrow

Review: For us, there is no denying that N-Type's legendary Wheel & Deal imprint has become one of the true benchmarks for quality within dubstep, celebrating their 100th official release with a face melting compilation. Featuring an array of top class guests, including Solidstates & Riko Dan, Roklem & Sebalo, Sepia, Lost, Grawinkel and more, this jumps straight into the top dubstep drops of the year category for us. With so many heavy hitting originals featured across this 22 track landscape, it's hard to pick our highlights, but the sumptuous sub & drift work of Kampah's 'Ryder' and the system-smashing bass notation of 'Chained' from Azotix would be the two immediate front runners. Congratulations to N Type and all involved on such an awesome achievement.

Played by: Flash Atkins, Juno Recommends Deep House

Review: Volume 7 in the series but for once we can't really say "you should know what to expect by now" because what this compilation really goes to show is just what an eclectic and diverse camp the long-running Manchester label has become, with tracks on 'Paper Cuts #7' ranging from the near-ambient Balearica of Aniso Tropics' opener 'Apricot Memorex' to the self-explanatory synth-y stylings of La Guardia de la Luz's 'Trance Aleman de los 90s' via the uptempo strut of Jahn Solo's 'Disco'. So all we can really do is point you in the direction of some standout cuts, which for this reviewer would include D.S.D's luscious 'Just Can't Stop' and Benny Pitcher's 'Transatlantic Motion', which is like a little musical nod to the days when Paper comps were called 'Splinter'.

Played by: Juno Recommends Experimental

Review: The Hague's bussin' BAKK label is back again with a hug and kiss in Xoxo - drawing in some 11 tracks featuring numbers from friends and cohorts like Legowelt, Aurora Halal, Ocean and Dont DJ! Furthermore you have intrepid cuts from Antenna with the some heavy break beats in "Spiral" alongside some warm and classic deep house from SFV Acid in "Urbanfury". Checkout those squat rave beats from Tala Drum Corps' "Gargoyle" - plus that acid - next to compilation closer "De Papaverparade" that brings that Miami Rhodes feeling to the floor with some extra heat - those kicks bro! As a concluding release to what's be a wonderful label we don't wanna say goodbye to - Xoxo, BAKK says, is a mighty thank you to the artists that helped the label find its place in Holland's rich musical heritage.

Played by: Local Suicide

Review: Two years ago, Luv Shack celebrated turning ten with the release of 'Retroscope', a killer collection of reworks of classic cuts from the catalogue. This sequel repeats the formula, delivering five more fresh revisions of Luv Shack classics. Polish cosmic disco superhero Das Komplex steps up first with a typically trippy, dubbed-flecked nu-disco take on Jakobin's 'See Me Through', before Rosa Red reaches for psychedelic TB-303 lines and hot-stepping beats on a pitched-up revision of 'If You' by Ken Hayakawa and Lee Stevens. The latter's LeSale hook-up 'LuvSick' is then re-imagined as a dark Italo throbber by Tomasz Guiddo. To round things off, Stevens joins forces with Local Suicide on an Italo-meets-deep synth-pop revision of Burnin' Tears' 'Permanent Midnite' before Local Suicide delivers a moodier and sleazier solo take on the same track.

Played by: Kraak & Smaak, Irregular Disco Workers, Juno Recommends Disco

Review: In keeping with the approach of its predecessors, the fourth annual Boogie Angst compilation brings together "cool cuts" from the past year and a smattering of exclusives and previously unreleased gems. As you'd expect from a label helmed by Kraak & Smaak, it's a genuinely joyous and celebratory affair, packed to the rafters with party-starting workouts. For proof, check the revivalist disco-boogie cheeriness of Titeknots' 'Feels Good 2 Me', the future soul shuffle of 'Treat U Good' by Moods, Noah Slee, Lyriya & Meron, the summery electrofunk sunshine that is Art of Tones' kaleidoscopic rework of LUXXURY's 'Just Like It Was Before', the Rhodes-laden warmth of Kraak & Smaak's nostalgic 'All I Need' and the spiritually-enriching Latin deep house shuffle of Osunlade's Yoruba Soul rework of his Casbah 73 collaboration, 'Let's Invade The Amazon'.

Played by: Kraak & Smaak, Juno Recommends Deep House, Juno Recommends Techno, Yoshi Horino(UNKNOWN season)

Review: Nu Groove Records delivers another gem with "Nu Groove Edits, Vol. 4," a compilation that breathes new life into classic tracks from the label's illustrious history. This release spotlights the artists who shaped the legendary NYC label, offering re-interpretations by leading selectors of today. It kicks off with "Tonight's The Night" by NYC favorites How & Little (The Sound Vandals), given a fresh treatment by Italian duo NiCe7. The track retains its original charm while incorporating contemporary production elements, setting the tone for the rest of the journey. N.Y. House'n Authority's seminal "APT. 2A" gets reworked by UK deep tech aficionado Hugo Massien, resulting in a deeper, more introspective version that retains the groove of the original. The collection also features a remix of The Utopia Project's "File #3" by Mak & Pasteman, showcasing their signature blend of soulful vocals and driving basslines. Then it closes with a bang with the duo Honey Dijon & Luke Solomon re-imagining A.B.T.'s "Luv 2 Luv U." Their edit infuses the track with irresistible energy, making it a guaranteed dance floor mover.

Played by: DJ Mau Mau, Domenic Cappello, Juno Recommends Techno, Juno Recommends Minimal Tech, Rave Energy

Review: Laurent Garnier, Scan X, and Oliver Way's COD3 QR label remains fresh as ever with a new various artist release that brings eleven hand picked cuts from the likes of Bel Air Ltd., Tal Fussman and Jules Wells to Alex Troniq, Fanu, Voltaire, Carlos Nilmmns and Inner Ray! Lead cut "City Lights" kicks off with some deep and melancholic bassline house next to some moody techno reminiscent of early Ben Klock in "10247". "The Clap" delivers some footwork inspirations next to some spookier electro wares in "Neophile" - banging. "Pisecean" gets all breakbeat and new age in the mix alongside some warehouse techno in "Regular Disturbances" alongside some melodic 'Mathew Johnson' inspired sounds in "Old Paris". Closing out the EP is "What" - a British Murder Boys-esque slice of Middle Eastern themed gothic EBM.

Played by: ROMANTO (YSR / DISCO MACHINE), Juno Recommends Downtempo

Review: Volume 14 in the series, so regular buyers should know what to expect by now. For the uninitiated through, the 'Playa D'en Bossa' series harks back to an earlier era of 'Balearic', before the term became synonymous with ethereal chill-out grooves, whale song and fluttering Spanish guitars, and when it referred instead to an electic, open-minded approach to programming DJ sets. Accordingly, the 23 tracks here range from house and nu-disco (see cuts from Dis-Connection, Alex Twitchy and Dr Basement) to trance and EDM (see, eg, Tom-E Project's 'Shine' or Little Madam's 'Yeah Uh Uh Ah'), much of it served with a distinct Europop twist, with Joma's 'Space Virus' and Nick Saley's 'Bengal' among the highlights.

Played by: Juno Recommends Broken Beat Nu Jazz

Review: IRMA are among the longest-running labels in the game - there was a time, in the early 90s, when this writer would buy any vinyl bearing their logo without even hearing it first - but they've excelled even their own high standards with this superb collection, which embraces a range of jazz- and funk-informed styles and is programmed to perfection. The album starts out in dancefloor-friendly jazz-funk territory, gets closer and closer to straight-up jazz and jazz-fusion in the mid-section, then ventures into slightly more experimental and/or electronic pastures as it nears its close. The quality meter's in the red throughout, making picking standouts almost redundant, but if pushed then opener 'P-Lainz' and Papik & Fly Bruna's 'Don't Ever Let It Go' are particularly deserving of your attention.

Played by: Juno Recommends Funky House, Juno Recommends UK Garage, Juno Recommends Bass, Dan Speed

Review: Remixes for days in the haus with Pre-Rolled Joints Vol 2: Remix Collection, Pt. 2 by Unknown To The Unknown. Kicking of with a sultry Kelis vibe in Ludwig A.F's remix of "Sweat It Out", other highlights include Hashman Deejay doing the business on a Ruf Dug number, Andras turning over some proto-techno on Bell Towers, with Shed going all time on UTTU boss man's "Bit Too Deep". Willie Burns drops a spooky remake of Max's D's legendary "High Life", next to some reliable Legowelt wares, a Roza Terenzi rework of Assembler Code and final dose of Fantastic Man who goes deep with a luscious mix of DJ Shark's "Closer".

Played by: FINGERMAN, Juno Recommends Disco, Rayko, Andy Buchan

Review: Clocking it at just under 2.5 hours long, you certainly can't fault this Rare Wiri year-end label comp on the value for money front! With 23 tracks on offer there's no room here to go into them all individually, and you probably have a pretty good idea of the label's particular electronic, 80s-leaning flavour of nu-disco anyway. Suffice to say, then, that Rare Wiri's many existing fans will be more than satisfied while newbies - if there are any left! - should start with AINZ's chunky, sleazy 'Hangover', the Italo strut of From Beyond's 'Non Analogue', MR Gee's throbbing 'Gravity', Rune Lindbaek's sci-fi refix of Ilya Santana's 'Cosmos Rising' or, a personal fave, Kelton Prime's 'Disco Arpeggio', wherein nu-disco meets garage vox...

Played by: Smoove, Qdup, Jayl Funk, Juno Recommends Funk, Max Sedgley

Review: Jalapeno bring us their latest V/A collection rounding up the cream of the label's recent releases. The line-up features all the usual suspects (The Allergies, Ivo FitzRoy, Flevans, Smoove & Turrell and label bosses Skeewiff) as well as a handful of newer names, and if you're a fan of the label's trademark blend of funk, soul, breaks and hip-hop - with the emphasis this time out firmly on the soul side - then it's hard to see how you'd end up dissatisfied here. Standouts for yours truly include Wolfgang Valbrun's 'Cyclone', with its big, cavernous production redolent of 60s/northern soul, and Mr Doris & D-Funk's rapped homage to UK childhood 'Back In The Day', but you'll doubtless find your own favourites...

Played by: Kraak & Smaak, Qdup, Johnnypluse, Juno Recommends Breakbeat, Andy Buchan, Max Sedgley

Review: No prizes for guessing what's going on here, as Leeds based Bomb Strikes label round up some of the best bits from their 2023 catalogue. The Niceguys' distinctly Prince-esque opener 'Strip It' sets the tone for a collection that draws mostly on hip-hop, funk and breaks for inspiration, with the emphasis firmly on uptempo, party-hearty vibes - see the fast 'n' furious rapping on Boca 45's '45s', the fat, squelchy funk of Tom Booze's 'T-Funk' (a track that wears its influences proudly in its title), or Nat Tate's charmingy, organic take on Gala classic 'Freed From Desire'. But there's room, too, for Bazza Ranks, Turnstyle & Venessa Jackson's cheesy-but-irresistible disco-houser 'Back To You', as well as Kraak & Smaak's driving, euphoric 'Get Live, Get Down', making for a strong, varied package overall.

Played by: Juno Recommends Downtempo

Review: In 2023, Music From Memory celebrates its remarkable decade-long journey with 10 - a captivating anniversary compilation that encapsulates the label's groundbreaking archival releases, cross-generational collaborations, and enduring creative partnerships. Inviting artists from their roster to contribute, the compilation weaves together a diverse tapestry of sound, featuring contributions from both foundational figures like Gigi Masin and emerging talents like The Zenmenn. Mirroring the label's ethos, 10 transcends temporal and spatial boundaries, spanning from Vito Ricci's "Da Hamptons" (1985) to Yu Su & J. Wilson's "Mitti Atar" (2023) - representing 10 countries across 17 tracks. This immersive musical journey, flowing seamlessly from start to finish, serves as a poignant reflection on Music From Memory's evolution. The compilation also becomes a significant tribute as it coincides with the passing of label co-owner Jamie Tiller during the finalisation of MFM066 - making 10 an emotionally resonant testament to the collective journey of the team.

Played by: Juno Recommends Bass

Review: CEE is an artist collective that unites musicians with designers, digital creators and researchers and uses technology to empower 'creativity, critical thinking, research and independence'. On
PRIMARY FOREST 01, the collective's first compilation, that free-spirited creativity shines through. It's audible on the glitchy, abstract tones of Ma Sha's "Are They Back" and the frenetic breaks that power AFM's "Tons Of Stuff I Can't Breathe". It also fuels Pepe's rolling techno contribution, "Hard", and the avant-garde rhythm at the heart of An Avrin's "I-find-U". Fans of bass-heavy dance music will also find much to love here, with DJ Fucci's "Romance Intergalactico" delivering bruising sub-bass and system-levelling drums.

Played by: Chris Coco, Juno Recommends Downtempo

Review: 14 months on from the release of its predecessor, Chris Coco offers up the third volume in his ongoing Balearic Classics series. OK, so the 'classics' in question all come from the archives of his sun-soaked, chill out-inspired DSPPR label, but there's no denying the quality of the warming, mostly slow-motion music on show. Check first the gorgeous slow-motion Balearic boogie of Antonio Prosper's 'Electro Balear', before admiring the dubbed-out Balearic pop exotica of Coyoye & Florecer's 'The Biggest', the dubby Balearic house shuffle of Coco Steel & Lovebomb's 'La Isla', the head-nodding Mediterranean hip-hop of Sadeedo's 'Asafeer Portixol' and the almost overwhelming beauty of LOVA's 'Madre Padre (To The End Edit)'.

Played by: Juno Recommends Deep House, Dam Swindle

Review: In 2003, amid a shifting landscape of closing record stores and evolving electronic music genres, Phonica Records emerged as a haven for dance and electronic music enthusiasts. Founded by Simon Rigg, Tom Relleen, and Heidi Van Den Amstel with backing from The Vinyl Factory - Phonica aimed to be a welcoming hub for all genres. Starting quietly, the shop gradually gained a strong reputation, fueled by the founders' ties to Koobla Records. Phonica thrived in its early years by championing emerging genres like electro house and minimal-micro house from labels like Kompakt and Perlon. In 2007, the Phonica record label was born, evolving into a platform for both staff and emerging talents, featuring early releases by now-established artists such as Peggy Gou and Four Tet. In 2023, celebrating its 20th anniversary, Phonica showcases its journey with 20 Years Of Phonica - a compilation boasting 18 exclusive tracks from established and rising artists across the label's diverse musical spectrum. Hot tips include tracks by Willow, Dorisburg, Ron Basejam, Roman Flugel and more!

Played by: Juno Recommends Downtempo, Kenneth Bager // Musicfordreams

Review: It's a First World Problem, but pity the poor reviewer who has to find something new to say about a Music For Dreams compilation: with Bager's label now in the game for well over 20 years, and with the 'Music For Mindfulness' series itself reaching its seventh instalment, you really should know what you're getting by now! Still, it's a formula that works - clearly, or they wouldn't be into their third decade - and if you're a fan of the label's mix of ambient, Balearic and downtempo vibes then 'Music For Mindfulness Vol 7' should more than satisfy, with some of the more notable tracks including the fragile beauty of Valentin Huedo's 'Wonderful Piano', Hess Is More's haunting, indie/psych-tinged 'You & Me & Them' and Willie Graff & Darren Eboli's dubby 'Pink Hotel'.

Played by: Juno Recommends Experimental

Review: Platform 23 reunites once more with Vox Man Records to dig deep into their archives and shine a new light on. In the past they have done some mega well loved Alternative Funk compilations which got the label off to a fine start and now they dig into an array of cult cassette releases to bring us treasure from Audiologie N-4 - The Independant Psychedelic Trip and Audiologie 5 et 6 - Ethniques Urbaines. This is music from the avant-garde and post punk scenes that draws on wave, spoken word, dark dub and industrial for its eerie yet alluring charms, all with a real edge. Ethnic, idiosyncratic and psyched out, this is another great overview.

Played by: Juno Recommends Downtempo

Review: As previously mentioned on these pages, Timewarp Music's latest compilation comes in four volumes. This week, following #funk, #disco and #tropicaldub installments, we're in a #downtempo mood as label boss Timewarp Inc gathers together 16 very fine jams from the lower-paced side of the street. Highlights for yours truly include the hazy, driftaway neo-psych of Niles Philips' 'Hidden In A Starfield', the simple reggae groove of Groove Monkz's 'Promised Land' and Zamali's Massive Attack-like 'Zamali' but with influences spanning Balearica, trip-hop, jazz fusion and more, there's plenty to enjoy here for those that are watching their BPMs...

Played by: DJ Mau Mau, Juno Recommends Deep House, Juno Recommends Progressive House, Juno Recommends Minimal Tech, Juno Recommends Experimental

Review: Henry Saiz reaches a creative zenith with "Balance 032," a meticulously crafted journey that reflects two years of dedication and artistic exploration. This marks Saiz's third contribution to the revered compilation series, and the 18 tracks here showcase his ability to weave a captivating odyssey shaped by influences ranging from artificial intelligence to his recent ADHD diagnosis. The expansive mix serves as a testament to Saiz's commitment, with nearly 75% of the content comprising exclusive, unreleased tracks-- a blend of his own creations and contributions from both revered collaborators and emerging talents. Saiz 'em up!

Played by: FINGERMAN, Rayko, Kongisto, FRAN DEEPER

Review: Fran Deeper's Spa in Disco label is now 11 years old. To celebrate, the popular nu-disco imprint has unveiled this celebratory compilation. Andy Buchan gets things going in fine style via the mid-tempo nu-disco-meets-classic-house flex of 'House Party (Disco Version)', before Chewy Rubs drops some Soundstream-esque loopy disco-house ('Feel Good Factor') and Frank Virgilo takes a similar tack on 'Never Too Late'. From then on, it's a joyous sprint to the finish, with hands-aloft outings courtesy of Funk Hunk and others being joined by killer cuts courtesy of Juan Laya & Jorge Montiel (the rubbery bass guitar-propelled 'Funk Supreme'), Hiva & Funky Junkie (the hard-wired disco-funk of 'Hola') and Shakavoy (the party-starting 'Get Funky').

Played by: DJ LAUREL, Juno Recommends Funk

Review: Timewarp Music's 'Freestyle 4 Funk' series reaches its ninth installment, which (somewhat confusingly) comes in four volumes, subtitled #funk, #disco, #tropicaldub and #downtempo. This is the #tropicaldub selection, for which you can essentially read 'reggae and dub' as label regulars like Prosper & Stabfinger, DJ Laurel, Vito Lalinga, Funky Destination and of course head honcho Timewarp Inc step up to pay tribute to the sound of JA - while still allowing, as with the #funk volume, plenty of scope for fusions with other styles, be they Latin (see DJ Laurel's 'Sambafunk'), Afro (see Lalinga's 'Vrye Denke') or hip-hop and breaks (see P&S's 'Popping The Clutch'), not to mention one fine slab of straight-up funk (Zamali's 'Kings & Queens') and, in the form of 'Simoon', the obligatory weirded-out closer...

Review: Ahoy there, fellow groove explorers! Step aboard the Yacht Soul cruise once more, and this time, we're diving even deeper into the smooth waters of soulful cover versions. Welcome to "Yacht Soul - The Cover Versions 2," a sonic voyage that promises to be a never-ending source of delight. These artists weren't just covering songs for the sake of it; these tracks were carefully chosen to cast a new light on some already fantastic tunes. It's like turning an exquisite gem to see it sparkle from a different angle. The result? A captivating collection of soulful renditions that are as groovy as they are intriguing. We're talking Patti Labelle, Chaka Khan, Keni Burke, and The Isley Brothers, each showcasing their lesser-known contributions to the music world. These tracks aren't just accidents; they're commissioned masterpieces, carefully curated by the puppeteers behind the scenes. In the end, this compilation is like an auditory time machine, taking you on a soulful journey through the past, where the artists, the songs, and the stories behind them come together in perfect harmony. Enjoy the ride, fellow travellers, and may the Yacht Soul cruise never end!

Played by: Jayl Funk, Umbo

Review: Volume 9 in the series, so regular buyers should have a pretty good idea what to expect by now! For the uninitiated, it's perhaps worth stressing the 'freestyle' part of the title: no mere slavish pastiches of 70s-style funk, the 16 tracks here expand that original blueprint to encompass influences from hip-hop, house, breaks, Afrobeat, reggae and jazz. Highlights for this reviewer include the stuttered jazz-hop of Djazz.OrgOnite's 'Yo Sco', Umbo's fast and furious 'Foolin' Around' and label boss Timewarp Inc's own 'Not Bad Disco' - ironically one the album's most trad-style offerings - but you'll find your own for sure.

Played by: Juno Recommends Downtempo

Review: UwU dust bath returns with UWU002 that follows up the label's inaugural release with a solid 11-track compilation. Featuring a roster of talented artists like Simisea, Millia, Plebeian, Roza Terenzi & D. Tiffany - this collection delves deeper into braindance territory yet. The result is a lush and mischievous blend of glistening dub, bubbly breakbeats, techy workouts and effervescent electronica. Get your ambient dub numbers from Maara's 7-minute opener "Messaging feat Miss Hannie" with Blu:sh closing the comp with deconstructions of dubstep, house, jungle and sparse electro elements.

Played by: Juno Recommends Bass

Review: It's no secret that the team at Exit have a legendary catalogue, which they have decided to celebrate for their 100th official drop. This Part One of the "EXIT100" compilation series features some serious heavyweights, including Itoa, Dolenz, Sertone & Addison Groove to name a few. The pure range that we get is also awesome to take in, from Fixate's stunning drum production work in "Dead End", to the skippy, juke-inspired skips of "Tell Me Something" from Sun People and the acidic adventure we are taken on in Borderlandstate_the Best Kisser In L.a.'s "Minimal Input". We couldn?t round off without discussing "Wasted" however, as Dub Phizix dive down a truly unique avenue for them, unveiling a mind-melting soundscape that would leave a tear in the eye of the staunchest electronic music fan. Top quality stuff!

Played by: Juno Recommends Downtempo, Kenneth Bager // Musicfordreams, Benjamin Ferreira

Review: The concept behind Bill Brewster's latest 'After Dark' compilation - his first for eight years fact fans - is "low and slow", with the author, DJ and record collector utilising this loose but logical theme to deliver an undeniably eclectic selection of high-grade cuts. The quality threshold remains high from start to finish, as Brewster variously serves up twinkling, jazz-flecked electronica (T.O.E), synth-laden proto-Balearic dreaminess (Island Band), Weatherall-esque dark disco psychedelia (Brewster's Hotel Motel project remixing Jeb Loy Nichols), squelchy nu-disco deepness (Ray Mang dubbing out Khruangbin), acid-flecked revivalist proto-house (Rhythm Plate), little-known, 80s soul era synth-pop (Debbie & The Code), future Balearic anthems (Naill re-editing Gilbert O'Sullivan), saucer-eyed, piano-sporting space house (Gus Patterson) and ultra-deep electro (Carl Finlow).

Review: Berlin label Vitus' Curse delivers another fine, diverse compilation. Hedchef's "Defeaning Silence" is a tough electro roller, powered by tight claps and a low-slung rhythm. Mr Dello's "Dizziness" and Aethernal's "Lazarus" inhabit a similar space. In both instances, the sound is cleaner. Mr Dello's track features hypnotic vocals unfolding over a lithe rhythm, while "Lazarus" revolves around a swaggering low end. There are other flavours on offer: Not Modest ventures into drum'n'bass on the atmospheric, break beat-led "Pathos", while Katnada's "The Last Day" is an epic techno track, full of blustering chords. If you're looking for a compilation that offers many different interpretations of electronic music, your search is over.

Played by: Juno Recommends Broken Beat Nu Jazz

Review: Bangers equal: Bass X Changers. For this latest EP, in various artist form, Ashyl goes all out with "Black Out", a track that takes your from dub, rude boi ragga and bass house that somehow morphs into synth-driven, progressive tech house! Agon keeps it deep and mysterious with that deadly low end in "FWD" with the trance and rave elements going to Tim Karbon's "Caimen". And watch out for that timesless crackle, dub and drop on Axone & X_1 - "In Ur Eyz (Blazing Sun)". Inhale, exhale. Wickedly fresh ep curating dub across all genres.

Review: For a full 20 years, Tobias Kirmayer's Tramp label have been serving up a mix of reissues and fresh material spanning the worlds of funk, soul, jazz, Afrobeat and folk, with much of their output coming on ultra-limited seven-inch vinyl. Thankfully, though, much of it also gets gathered up on digital collections such as this latest offering, which brings together gems as diverse as The Echomen's 'Talk Is Cheap' (a cert for the Mod floors), Dianne Elliott's Dusty-esque 'The Ring', the soulful blues of Van Buren's 'Bronco Queen' from 1983 ,the wigged-out soul-jazz of Frederic Raboid Crew's 'Open House', Earl Turner's late 70s funk-meets-boogie jam 'S'Port City Rock', the brass-tastic jazz of New Lucky Seven's 'Woodhead' and, last but not least, a couple of doses of Afrobeat courtesy of contemporary torch-bearers The KutiMangoes.

Played by: FINGERMAN, Juno Recommends Disco, Rayko, Ilya Santana, Discoholic Ken, BRENDON P, Kongisto, FRAN DEEPER, Warriors of the Dystotheque, Saint-Loup-en-Bray

Review: Born back in 2008, Rayko's Rare Wiri mark their 200th release with an album-length compilation featuring 12 brand new cuts from what the man himself describes simply as "some of my favourite artists out there". The album starts out in laidback, Balearic mode with Secret Soul Society's 'Draw Of The Cards' and ends up back there with Manolo's 'By The Moon', but in-between you'll find the looping, funked-up deep house of Fran Deeper's 'Lost Baby', the shape-throwing 80s Faltermeyer-isms of Kelton Prima's 'The Beggining', Ilya Santana's floor-friendly cover of Vangelis's 'Dervish D', the electro nouveau of From Beyond's 'Star Slip' and more besides. Here's to 200 more!

Played by: DJ LAUREL, FINGERMAN, Juno Recommends Disco, Rayko, Discoholic Ken, Dave Mathmos, BRENDON P, That Needs an Edit/Pete Le Freq, Kongisto, Andy Buchan, Ben Jamin

Review: Arriving just in time for the summer season, Hot Digits delivers a compilation that is tailor made to soundtrack lazy, hazy days. Even Funkier's "Feel So Good Inside" is an irresistible, funk-fuelled disco groove, while Ben Jamin's "Handle" inhabits a similar space. Soaked in wailing guitar and soulful vocals, it's a wonderfully infectious track. Both Andy Buchan and P-Sol raise the tempo with string-filled disco workouts, while Fray Bentos' "Danced To Death" offers a more electronic take on this sound. The compilation does veer towards house on occasion - most impressively with the subtle drum builds and chord progressions on Down Under Disco's "On My Mind". In the main though, Year Nine impresses most when it draws on disco and funk influences, such as the raucous party jam that is label owner Fingerman's collaboration with Chewy Rubs, "Block Party Bad Boy".

Played by: Juno Recommends Bass

Review: This latest compilation drop from the Early Reflex crew sees the collective dive into one of the most exciting arrays of electronic music's farthest clutches, exploring nine original heaters. From the steadily glitching synthetic bubbles of Naco's 'Puzlz' and the metallic chiming melodies of 'Drive Me' from Coe, to the high tempo drum rattles of Ani Klang's 'Power Of 100' and the heavily syncopated rhythmic twitches of 'Sulky Slug' from Ophelie, we see a seriously exciting depth of range throughout the project. Alongside heaters from Scalymoth, Alec Pace & Sonia Calico, our highlights would include Kinkaid's jittering epic in 'Caphalopod' and the mind-melting abstraction of Laenz' 'Fugue'. Awesome stuff

Played by: Juno Recommends Funky House, Juno Recommends Progressive House, Juno Recommends Trance

Review: Armada Music 20 Years Classics pays homage to dance music's rich history and aims to educate a new generation of fans about the artists who shaped the genre. There's classics galore on this one as you'd expect, with several bangers by label chief Armin Van Burren, in addition to seminal anthems such as Joe Smooth's "Promised Land", Inner City's "Good Life" (remastered), Chez Damier's "Can You Feel It" (New York extended dub) and Olav Basoski's "Waterman" (extended mix), as well as appearances by newer artists like ANOTR, Patrick Topping and Jan Blomquist.

Played by: FINGERMAN, Juno Recommends Deep House, Iner

Review: DOBRO's 'Tape' series of compilations is always worth checking, in part because the imprint uses it as a vehicle to showcase an eclectic mix of productions from new artists, rising stars and label regulars. Predictably, volume four in the series is another doozy, with plenty of hits and very few misses. Our picks of a very strong bunch include the hard-to-pigeonhole sample-house brilliance of Eloi's 'Life Is a Long Fleuve Tranquille', the tactile deep house warmth of Will Buck's 'Fine China', the languid Balearic disco bagginess of Mandalus's 'Come Closer', the synth-heavy squelch of Adham Zahran's 'Walking With You', the two step-goes-jazz-funk flex of Fred Aster's 'Strung Out', and the throbbing Italo-disco-goes-Hi-NRG pulse of 'The Happiest Track' by DJYesyes.

Played by: Juno Recommends Downtempo

Review: Berliner Glenn Astro presents a compilation of original productions titled 'Nothing Is Real'. The album celebrates the joy of discovering new music and draws inspiration from iconic mix albums like X-Mix and DJ Kicks. Featuring 13 tracks, the album moves between downtempo, ambient techno, broken beat and other chill-out room genres. Astro uses fictional artist names like DJ 1999, Mental Trance and Eye Soul8r to experiment with varied production styles. The album's four singles ("The Growl"/"Autumn Subs"/"Steppers Worldwide Unite"/"Jaque") explore classic breakbeat, trip hop, dubstep and beatless Detroit-influenced machine funk. The album pays homage to the experimental spirit of the 90s and early 00s while blending ambiguity and fresh sounds.

Played by: Juno Recommends Techno, Juno Recommends Electro, Juno Recommends Experimental

Review: Celebrating its 350th release, Tresor delivers a compilation with a difference. Instead of the steely techno that has defined the club and label, Yet is all about left of centre sounds. There's the ethnic chants of Nandele & A-Tweed's "Deserto", while on "Lovesong" Nadia Struiwigh combines woozy sub-bass with mid-tempo drums. Ryan James Ford's "Totes (Bath mix)" does steer the compilation back towards the dance floor, but it's with a twist, as clattering break beats provide the backdrop for introspective synths. It's only a temporary divergence though - "No Longer Human" is a moody stepper, while DJ Sotofett and Kavadi's "Kandhan Karunai" sees the pair drop a frenetic, fragmented rhythm that defies categorisation.

Played by: Juno Recommends Dubstep

Review: There is no escaping the majesty of the Dank N Dirty Dubz team in 2023 it would seem, as they continue their rampage in fantastic fashion, delivering a mind-melting compilation drop in celebration of 4/20. Nothing but the most bulbous dubstep heat is included, with the likes of heavyweights such as L-Wiz, Khromi, Nightmare & Oni, SubtleMind and more all delivering face-melting originals. As always, we get to enjoy a wide range of original steppers' heat, from Legend4ry's percussive-driven roller in 'Closer', to the system-smashing subs and dubwise marches of 'Connected Through The Sound' from CONTRA'. Our highlight however, would of course be the marvellous return of The Widdler, who delivers a sublime sweep through swampy sweetness in 'Dem Boy'.

Review: With 30 tracks to choose from, you certainly can't fault this latest collection of re-edits from Manolo Brigante's Vienna-based WE MEAN DISCO!! stable on the value for money front. You might, admittedly, question whether a collection that packs reworkings of Chic's 'Good Times', Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On', James Brown's 'Sex Machine' and Peter Gabriel's 'Sledgehammer', among others, can really set sail under the 'deep disco' flag and keep a straight face. But never mind that, because there are some very playable remakes on offer here for sure, ranging from the lightly beefed-up to the truly transformational - as well as plenty of less obvious sources to keep the 'spotters happy.

Played by: Juno Recommends Breakbeat, Juno Recommends Funk

Review: Like its predecessor, 'Urban Grooves 2' takes a deep dive into the vast vaults of IRMA Records, resurfacing with a 30-track set of "urban funk breaks dub hip-hop beats". In practice, that means a mix of head-nodding, slow-motion disco-funk (see the various contributions by hypno-disco king LTJ Xperience), rubbery jazz-funk-goes-dub disco workouts (Vito Lalinga), toe-tapping, sample-heavy instrumental hip-hop (Ice One), Latin-flecked downtempo grooves (Lo Greco Bros and Flow Bop), sumptuous neo-soul (Orange Factory), and wah-wah guitar sporting deep funk (The Smoke Orchestra). Equal parts club-ready and sofa-friendly, 'Urban Grooves 2' is a uniformly entertaining and life-affirming compilation.

Played by: Juno Recommends Reggae, Ted Ganung

Review: Emotional Rescue is delighted to debut a first. Rather than a straight reissue of an (obscure) classic or a collection of music by an artist or label, here is a compilation of various artists centered around a sound and movement - reggae-tinged music and how it influenced and spread from the Caribbean and diaspora. Drawn from the off kilter digging of archivist, DJ and collector Bruno (perfectliv.es), Nowhere Like Here is not a follow up, but a sideways accompaniment, to his recent and already cult like 'Perfect Motion' collection of left field pop and new wave, recently self-released with Flo Dill (NTS). This is a special release to celebrate the label's 10th year and beyond, offering a treasure trove of lo-fi and often pop inspired reggae cuts, mixing heartfelt Lovers Rock style paeans and quirky private press oddities, all guaranteed to 'make-a-move and tap', these are, in the main ridiculously rare or impossible to find alternative bombs, that are just as sound system rocking and massive bass line quaking showcases of the enduring legacy of this Jamaican music phenomenon. As with much of the early 80s period, the music community was in the throes of a do-it-yourself cultural renaissance as small labels, where crazy limited, one-off White Label Only's came and went. Songs like Avalanche's Your Love Is Such A Good Thing or Warp Speed's Take It To The Night were part of the claiming the means of production in to their own hands, pressing up the records and self-distributing. This raw, naive exuberance can be heard in the songs themselves. This is not reggae or Lovers as known, but something more expressive. Musical, simply produced, but with intelligible and uplifting optimism that is just superlatively catchy. While Paul Thompson's Can I Take You Home and Ras Ibuna's Black Beauty are more straight-ahead Lover's style cuts, there is the parallel dance pop private pressing vibrations of the two Keith Robinson songs and Majority's Caroline included - all part of a thread; a joining of the dots that Nowhere Like Here is at its most basic, a warmth the whole album exudes. This is not a Lovers Rock Hits of some, but a left-of-center versioning, fitting the ethos of Emotional Rescue by presenting something most will not have heard before and all the better for it.

Played by: Faze Action, DJ Daniel W. Best, Juno Recommends Downtempo, Gledd

Review: Faze Action Records bring us what's technically a V/A comp, though only one track - 'Les Vacances...' by Brazilian veteran Micky Milan - has actually come out of anyone's studio other than Robin Lee's, be that with brother Simon as Faze Action or in solo mode as Andromeda Orchestra/Rudy's Midnight Machine. Still, that does at least ensure a certain consistency in both tone and quality as the album moves inexorably from the near-ambient 'Crystal Dragonfly' and the hazy, lazy 'Floating World', via the phat 'n' squelchy 'Kano Line Dance', to the (early/proto) house-isms of 'Reach Backless' and 'Magic Touch', before 'Mangwana' (feat Zeke Manyika) plays us out on an energetic, uplifting note.

Played by: FINGERMAN, Pete Herbert, Juno Recommends Disco, LEGO EDIT, Bully Boy, Andy Buchan, Ben Jamin

Review: Act of Sedition's popular 'Perfect Pitch' compilation series returns for a third innings, this time offering up "loose grooves for lazy days". In practice, that means re-edits and light-touch reworks of laidback soul, disco and boogie gems, some with subtle new instrumental touches. There's plenty to set the pulse racing throughout, from the locked-in, delay-laden dub disco chug of 'Olhidos Coloridos' by Ben Jamin, and the breezy, morning-fresh AOR soul of Bully Boy's 'Baltimore (Refix)', to the languid but floor-friendly rework of a stone cold classic that is Mikeandtess's 'Preacher', and the carnival-ready summer samba shuffle of 'Bossa Soul (Timmy 7's Edit)' by Sucka Productions. Throw in slightly more up-tempo contributions from heavyweights DJ Steef, Lego Edit and Frank Argrario, and you have another must-check set of reworks.

Played by: Juno Recommends Deep House, MR ABSOLUTT

Review: DJ Kaos's latest offering combines reworks (many previously unheard) of tracks from his catalogue, with a variety of reworks and original productions from many of his buddies in the scene. It's an eclectic and wide-ranging selection, with highlights coming thick and fast throughout. The set begins with the chunky cosmic house throb of Softwar's 'Afterhours' and ends with a wonky, stripped-back, after-party friendly Solomun rework of Kaos's 'I Want To Be There'. Sandwiched in between you'll find such must-check gems as Luke Solomon's nine-minute 'raw mix' of Richard From Milwaukee's glassy-eyed turn-of-the-90s breakbeat house gem 'Clear Water', the Italo-goes-proto-house throb of Red Axes' 'Promo Only', and the heavily dubbed-out, effects-laden disco headiness of Napoleon's 'Love Spell'.

Played by: Flash Atkins, Juno Recommends Deep House

Review: Draw a line from boogie to Balearica, via Italo disco and deep house, and somewhere along that arc you'll find this latest V/A collection from Manchester's long-running Paper Recordings. Crazy P have been in the Paper camp since the early days so are a fitting choice to open proceedings with the gloriously hazy 'Last Knockers', after which other standouts for yours truly include the slow-building, prog-leaning acid of Anisto Tropics' 'Topaz', Natasha Kitty Katt's typically infectious remix of Diskobeistet's 'Gammal Morro' and the sunny, summery disco-house of Benny Pitcher's 'Transatlantic Motion', until finally MADe's 'You're The One' plays us out on a mellower, more downtempo note.

Played by: Craig Charles Funk And Soul, Marcel Vogel, Juno Recommends Funk

Review: Milan's Record Kicks have been championing contemporary soul and funk since way back in 2003, and now they celebrate their 20th anniversary with the release of a collection that brings together nine sought-after tracks from their back catalogue and 11 brand new cuts. Featuring contributions from well-known artists like New Mastersounds, Calibro 35 and Tamiko Jones as well as some more underground names, there's no room to go into every track but most of what's here operates in the arena known variously as 'neo' or 'new old' soul while there's room, too, for rawer funk cuts like Martha High's 'Answer To Mother Popcorn' and Calibro 35's 'Stainless Steel', as well as some surprise covers - not least a ska'd-up take on Britney's 'Toxic'.

Played by: FINGERMAN, Juno Recommends Disco, BRENDON P, Andy Buchan

Review: If dancefloor-oriented soulful/disco house and nu disco are what float your boat then this latest V/A from Midnight Riot is one you'll want to check for sure. Volume 6 opens with the beefed-up 70s groove that is Yam Who?, Jaegerossa & Suki Soul's rework of Stargard's 'Wear It Out' (as sampled on Pete Heller's 'Big Love') and closes with some pure boogie sweetness from SequenceProgram & Mishell Ivon, while in-between you'll find the hazy, lazy Balearic pianos of Luca V1's 'Take Me On', peaktime disco stompery from Natasha Kitty Katt, uptempo flute-fuelled funk from C Da Afro, the marriage of Caron Wheeler's tonsils and some killer disco stabs on 'Keep On Shining' and, well, you get the idea! Essential stuff for glittered-up groovers on mirrorball manoeuvres.

Played by: Juno Recommends Disco, Juno Recommends Techno, Benjamin Fröhlich

Review: Running Back Acid Sampler is dedicated to the twang of Roland's silver bassline box with a varied string of artists: Minneapolis' finest, DVS1, gets the hypnotic room in effect on "Lower Wacker Drive", Versatile chief I:Cube will have you trippin' down the cosmic hole on the slo-mo "Folle Noir", while there's some good ol' fashioned 303 squelch done proper on Prins Thomas' Diskomiks of Like A Tim's "Wonderline" and Katerina nails that classic Chicago acid house sound on "Meet Chu In My Dreams".

Played by: The Allergies, Craig Charles Funk And Soul, Juno Recommends Breakbeat, Morlack, Krafty Kuts

Review: Following in the footsteps of the likes of A Skillz, Beatvandals and The Allergies, Boca 45 helms the latest in Bomb Strikes' 'Funk N' Beats' compilation/mix album series, which has been running since 2013. As ever, Vol 10 features an eclectic, party-hearty mix of funk, hiphop and breaks jams, with wicky-wicky scratch sounds applied liberally. Notable inclusions this time around include two "never heard it like that before" covers of classics from the Spencer Davis Group and (sure to please footy fans) Gala, as well as Western Roots' reggae/ska-infused 'Bogus Daddy', while the bundled DJ mix version from Boca 45 showcases these sounds as they're really meant to be heard.