Heat alert! Another mysterious record procured by the guys at our Manhattan shop. I believe the original Paul Winley series (the contemporary of Ultimate Breaks and Beats) ended around volume 6 or 7, but this unnamed compiler has taken upon himself to extend the tradition. However, not only is the selection impeccable, all the tracks have been expertly edited. There's 6 tracks with half of them known quantities. Firstly, there's an extended mix of the Mighty Ryeders "Evil Vibrations" (aka De La Soul's "Saturdays"). Are those vocal harmonies incredible or what? Next up, there's an edit(2) of African Music Machine's funk tour de force "Black Water Gold." Close your eyes and you'll feel like it was 2001 again. Lastly, there's a ridiculous cover version(3) of Chackakas "Jungle Fever." A little snooping around the interweb, and it may be a ultra-rare Brazilian cover. The female vocals and opening break are not to be missed! Ok, like I said those are the known quantities. The other 3 tracks, I won't even stab at, but I can tell you that they are quite incredible: the wicked drum break of "La Gabbia(4)," foreign space funk of "Dancer(5)," and the high-power disco funk of "Koke(6)." Plus, there's excellent sound (unlike the original series). Highly recommended.

reviewed by the mgmnt