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I trumpet the virtues of Fabric's line of DJ mix CDs all the time for their
diversity, celebrating the myriad of electronic music styles. But let's give
credit where its due: !K7's DJ Kicks series really kickstarted the idea. The
talent that's mixed these compilations (which are correspondingly released
with killer vinyl packs of the unmixed tracks - are we paying attention
here, Fabric?) is amazing: Smith & Mighty, Tiga, Nightmares on Wax and
Andrea Parker to name but an oh-so select few. The whole series was started
off by CJ Bolland in 1995, so DJ Kicks: The Exclusives sort of marks an
anniversary of sorts, collecting together 14 tracks from past compilations
that have helped make the series an institution. And one that doesn't play
favorites, either. There's a little something on this unmixed CD (go DJ!)
for everyone. For downtempo, check out work by Kruder & Dorfmeister (see the
murky jazz of "Black Baby"), Terranova and D.C.'s Thievery Corporation, with
the laidback and sundrenched funkiness of "It Takes a Thief." For a little
touched by the ‚80s pop, check Tiga's now classic cover of Nelly with "Hot
in Herre," some two-step from Vikter Duplaix, mysterious Playgroup
electrofunk, synthetic pleasures from Erlend Oye, indie-rocktronic style
from the Glimmers, Annie's Scandinavian pop and good ‚ol techno from Detroit
legend Carl Craig. Thanks !K7; I think we all needed that reminder of just
how hard your compilations do kick. www.k7.com-- review by Yuri Wuensch
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