Courtesy of Jon Freer from mosoul.co.uk here are four album reviews (sorry no cover shots or tracklistings this time):

V/A – Soulsearching: The Compost Radio Show Vol. 1 (Compost)

Today, web radio is not afforded the same cult status as its speech and music transmitting elder brother. However, jaw-dropping shows, such as this from Compost, are the jewel in the crown of a service that is, so far, still invisible to many music lovers. Compiled by dedicated sound explorer and show presenter Michael Rütten, this album serves as an unbelievably heart-stopping survey of lo-fi and hi-fi soul imbibed creations, taking in downbeat wonders, guitarry inclined numbers and a few housed up and jazzy leaning lovelies. The 2 Banks Of 4 Remix of Build An Ark’s “You’ve Gotta Have Freedom” sees stinging beats line up with insecure chords and a surly bassline, as mechanised vocals and piano keys from the original rise as if sprung from a captors grasp. Sleepwalker are awoken from their wandering slumber on “Into The Sun” by Bémbé Ségué, whose vocals dazzle over a radiant sax and ambitious keys. Benny Sings presents us with “Make A Rainbow”, whose righteous keys, pitter-patter percussion and charming vocals make the track an ideal singalong finale piece for a musical where children were the target audience. It is extremely rare to find a compilation like this, where every track is brilliant. See compost-records.com for details of where to find the show on the web. [note: you can listen to the Compost Radio Show on the same web radio station where you’ll find the jazz-not-jazz show: radio42.com]

King Britt – This Is…King Britt (V2/Nurture)

To go by the name King Britt, one must be rather convinced of their ways with aural textures. Britt’s self-belief is certainly not misplaced, as this assortment of proper songs and remixes show the ability of his highness to fashion engaging musical masterpieces across a range of tempos and styles. On “The Reason”, vocalist Vicki Miles tries to express the heart-warming thrill of being in love in words, backed by the ruler’s grinning keys, gold-tinted trumpet and frank percussion. Whining animal call type sounds, vivid acoustic guitar work and a vulnerable bass provide a perfect environment for Alison Crockett’s tearful vocals that recall a summer affair, on Britt’s “Seasons Change”. The remix disc has an uptempo scope, and features a satiny keyed overhauling of Michelle Shaprow’s beguiling “If I Lost You” and the synth kissed all-consuming re-rub of Soul Dharma’s “Flowers”. A selection fit for a monarch.

V/A – The Original Rare-Groove Selection (The Original Selection)

Taking in soul embracing numbers, discoish foot tapers and jazzy bouncers and funk exhibitors, this is a collection of gorgeously infectious music. The Jackson Sisters hope that everything will go according to plan on “I Believe In Miracles”, as their enrapturous vocals glide over glistening guitars and reliable drums. Maceo & The Macks drop “Across The Track”, where provocative brass teams up with business meaning drums and a sideways moving bass. “Ordinary Joe” places perky guitars and tap hit percussion under Terry Callier’s cheery vocals. One perusal of this comp should leave listeners with a beaming smile.

Kohei Mihara – Cocolotica (Grand Central)

Maybe it was Mihara’s readiness to fuse dreamy reflective ambiences with hoppy percussive techniques that got him signed up to a label not previously noted for their passion for such avant-garde electronic soundscapes. To be honest, Kohei’s music is at its most moving when he drops the head-nodding Hop styled beat pretence, and lets the affecting melodies sear over conventional electronicy percussion. “Sense of distance” creates an appreciation of space using only stirring guitars and percussion with its feet fixed firmly on the ground. The strings on “Imitatrix” will make you flinch, whilst high key sparks blind and a bass terrifies. “Agalychnis Callidryas” watches a fragile key melody weep over ensnaring percussion and a murky bass. Enchanting!