VARIOUS ARTISTS
Fifteen Years
Ministry of Sound
· House. House music. House music all night long.
Ministry of Sound’s impact on dance music can’t be overestimated. The first superclub on the U.K. scene, it’s proven to be a prime promulgator of cutting-edge footmusic by continuing to keep its fingers on the pulse while releasing a shitstorm of quality compilations over the last 15 years. While they may not have been the bunch who’ve broken the ground for new sounds, their savvy sensibilities have been responsible for bringing most burgeoning underground styles to a broader audience.
As a birthday present, MoS has corralled three discs mixed by some of the greats who have graced their decks, each representing a five-year period. Starting with old skool stalwart CJ Mackintosh, classic gospel and soul-flavoured garage get a rinsing with 17 titanic tracks from MAW, R Sanchez, M People, David Morales, Cajmere, Inner City and the kitchen sink. Without a duff choon in the bunch, think Arena or Deluxe Lounge way back in the day. The second is overseen by Jazzy M with a considerably eclectic set. Covering the bases of filter funk, tech-house, progressive, tribal and even Detroit techno, his selection pretty much sums up the MPD situation that made up the bulk of ’90s nightlife. Although every track is a classic in its own right and the mix is deep ‘n’ soulful throughout, there are few who’ll find a connection beyond nostalgia to all of the tunes.
Finally, Marc Hughes brings us to the post-millennial party sound with disco rearing its head again amongst elctroclash, schranz and a rock ’n’ roll esthetic. With current darlings like Eric Prydz, Chicken Lips, Alex Neri and Roman Flugel on board, it’s a stompin’ romp through today’s hedonistic pump-fests and definitely delivers the superclub sound. Hardcore house heads will devour this package with delight and some old skoolers will get a kick out of the recollections it evokes, but the casual consumer of club culture will likely find it to be a case of overkill.
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