Courtesy of Jon Freer from mosoul.co.uk here are three reviews of just released and upcoming Various Artists compilations (sorry no cover shots or tracklistings this time):

V/A – The Original House Selection (The Original Selection)

Put together Ian ‘Mastercuts’ Dewhurst, ‘The Original Selection’ is a collection of classy well-known and obscure House tracks from yesteryear. With Dewhurst at the helm, there’s no need to doubt the quality of the music on show, however, generally, the rejigs of Disco numbers on disc one aren’t quite of the same standard as the classic House material. Highlights of the first CD include Mr. Fingers’ life-enriching synth addled “Can You Feel It” and of the discoid material, Mousse T & Boris Dlugosch’s desirable guitar bassed refix of First Choice’s “The Player” is the finest. Disc two is the deeper of the pair, with celebrated breath-catching cuts appearing alongside a tribute to Todd Terry, (the Brooklyn sample don weighs in with six tracks), and a few slightly bland cuts. Ace deep numbers include the arresting “Your Love” from Franke Knuckles, and Todd’s prime offering is Black Riot’s “A Day in The Life”, where pseudo-rave synths and warmth filling keys are battered by thumped percussion and squealing whistles. Masterful.

V/A – Africa Remix (Milan)

This is not a compilation of remixes of tracks from the beleaguered continent, but in fact a top quality CD accompaniment to a contemporary afrocentric art exhibition of the same name. The tracks come from a variety of African artists and represent the diversity of the landmass, showcasing those who make traditionally inspired and cutting-edge music. Tatouages presents us with “Silence, on rêve”, where summery guitars are joined by a chorus of melodious vocals. On the Remix of Oumou Sangare’s “Djarolen”, a graceful stringed instrument is draped over mournful sounding vocals and headnodding hopped beats. There is a tangible brightness to the guitar and drums on Manecas Coasta’s “Paraiso di Gumbe”, despite the fact that the vocals deal with a difficult subject matter; the death of Costa’s sister. Perhaps Geldof should have listened to these voices, before planning the musical travesty that was Live 8, where primarily aged white musicians patted each other on the back for putting on such a ‘worthy’ series of concerts.

V/A – DJ Sneak: House of Om (Om)

Bumpin’ groovesome House is the flavour of this Mix CD from Carlos Sosa, once king of abusively filtered and cut up diskoid House grooves. Sneak has somewhat refined his sound over the years, and this comp represents what housey flavours are currently pushing his buttons. Lawnchair Generals “The Truth” as remixed by DJ Sneak himself is an energetic cut, with nervous keys, floor-gazing synths and an athletic bassline. No Assembly Firm bring us “Acid Attack”, where a pressurized bass and rough beats fight the obstacles in their path. Mike’s Garage mix of “This Belongs To You” by the Inland Knights loops up a dejected sounding sax over rolling synths, shocked strings and opn point beats. Butt shakin’ stuff…