Review: Theo Parrish's Rotating Assembly project has always been one of his more overlooked ventures, with the series of 12"s from 2004 that make up the content of this reissued album not even fetching the usual astronomical prices people would attach on Discogs. It's surprising when this comprises some of the most focused and satisfying Parrish music going, channelling his subversive house ethic through a band of singers, players, instruments and more. It's, as you might expect, very jazzy, but it carries the beat more often than not, whether it be a drunken thump as on "Take Me", or a broken beat shuffle a la "Split Me Open".
Review: Unless you're one of those who spent copious amounts of cash on the CD version of this second Theo Parrish production compendium, the appearance of Sound Signature Sounds Vol 2 on digital download should be a cause for celebration. Parrish is, of course, one of house music's true originals, and the quality of material on this eccentric trawl through his early 2000s work never drops below outstanding. Highlights are plentiful, but standouts include an unofficial Recloose remix ("I Can Take It", a thrillingly sparse chunk of percussive dancefloor soul), the previously unreleased hip-hop/downtempo nugget "Didn't Pay Dues" and the ultra-deep Marvin Gaye rework "Instant Insanity".
Review: Despite being a devout supporter of the vinyl format, it's good to see Theo Parrish helping out his more digitally minded fans and offering up an official release of 2010's Sketches triple-pack. Incorporating a welcome handful of additional tracks including the stomping piano riffs of "Black Mist" and the growling electro tinges of "Feel Free To Be Who You Need To Be", there's surely nowhere else you would want to look for your fix of masterful Detroit house loaded with raw soul and fearless invention. From the grainy synth bugging of "Thumpasaurus" to the serene "Hope 4 Tomorrow", there's something for everyone to get lost in here.
Review: It seems that the guys at Legere are really getting into this trawling through the vaults shizzle, as here we have yet another themed compilation. It's certainly a good way to demonstrate the breadth of the label's scope, and after recent downbeat and disco orientated collections, this album explores the variety of remixes that have passed through their doors over the years. Highlights include the crunchy, breaky electro of Malente's take on "Another Man", the glorious vintage disco abandon of "Dazz (Patchworks remix)" and the lazy, retro hip-hop funk of "Interlude (Pitch & Scratch mix)".
Review: Over the last few years, the Editorial imprint - an outlet for disco, electrofunk and house-centric re-edits and reworks - has established a winning formula: expansive, compilation style EPs featuring tracks from a wide range of scalpel-wielding talents. This 33rd excursion sticks to the script, offering another quintet of floor-friendly rubs. There's a dash of heavyweight P-funk (Ed Wizard and Disco Double Dee's forthright "Saturday Night"), some cut-and-paste, sampleadelic beats (Future Feelings' Steinski-ish "Basement Jam"), a sprinkling of deep disco-house (Matt Hughes, P-Sol) and a fluid, Aim-ish trip into downtempo instrumental hip-hop territory (Riccio's electric piano-heavy "Reflections").
Review: Bootleg mash-up specialist turned funk breaks heavyweight Zamali returns with "The Rebirth", an expansive EP packed with well-crafted, floor-friendly goodies. "Funky Rotator" sets the tone, offering just the right balance between spiralling Hammond funk, shuffling drum breaks and melodic sweetness. Punchier dancefloor fare can be found in the shape of "Far Far West" and Time To Sleep", while "Loose Control" [sic] and "Is It Worth It" drop the tempo, expertly adding a welter of soul and funk instruments for added pleasure. The EP also includes a number of tasty remixes, with the sweaty funk beats, spiralling trumpets and low slung bass of Mister T's "Funk Rotator" rework standing out.
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