Theo Parrish – Parallel Dimensions (Ubiquity Records)

Sometimes politicised (“Major Moments of Instant Insanity”), distressingly weird (“Dellwood II”) or intensely hypnotising (His re-rub of a neo soul damsel’s “Slowly, Surely”), Theo Parrish’s music sets him apart as a true maverick. Theo operates under his own rules, pushing the boundaries so far back on themselves that they snap.

This outstanding collection, at home on the innovative Ubiquity label, got a super-limited outing on Mr. Parrish’s much fabled Sound Signature imprint, back in 2000. The tracks, which represent the less eccentric side of Theo’s repertoire, exude a timelessness characteristic of compositions from musical genii. “Serengeti Echoes” pays tribute to the plains of a natural beauty, courtesy of casually bounced afroid percussion, a shadowing bass and confident chords. “Reaction To Plastic” is a sickening yet strangely captivating bass rumbler, with jabbing synthetics that pollute your mind and vicious striking beats. “Summertime Is Here” encapsulates the spirit-lifting dawn of the warmest season, as angelic vocals exclaim, a beautiful brass section harmonizes as one and vivid keys twinkle.

Mr. Parrish is a truly innovative producer in a modern electronic music scene whose strength is subdued by copycats, posers and fakers. Whilst some represent the exterior, tasteless crust of the musical pie, Theo is one of those who symbolize the nourishing meat. JF

The Classic Music Company presents…Business As Usual (Mixed by Brett Johnson) (Classic)

As the imprint hurtles dangerously close towards their one hundredth single release and rumoured self-combustion, Brett reminds us why the label is held in such esteem. Splicing the oddities alongside their more straightforward dancefloor assaults of recent times “Business As Usual” is a fitting moniker. Brett’s own “Jiffy Pop” just about defines the sound of the imprint, with its ear-catching quirky keys, dancing beats and bass fuzz. Luke Solomon’s ‘Reedmix’ of Tiefschwarz’s “Nix” shows us what would have happened if the Freaks remixed the spiritual house set, as a spiritual flute gets cut to smithereens over a bad-tempered bass and sprayed beats. Pepe Bradock’s ‘Brad Peep’s Remix For Friends’ is still as hypnotising as the day it was first committed to dancefloor, courtesy of levitating keys, a crushing jazz-synth and human-made beats. Classic by name, Classic by nature! JF

The Rurals – Messages (Pêng)

Despite a cut back in the number of 12’s put out on Pêng year, the Rurals give us hope they’ve not given up on music completely, with this luscious longplayer. As usual, it emanates the soul-invigorating vibe we’ve come to expect from Devon’s deepest. “Do it For Love” a rough broken outing, with sultry keys, devoted vocals and bass loveliness. The vocals on “Rebel” display a feeling of alienation, whilst the rising keys and hard jacking beats show a more dancefloor conscious side the group’s output. “Mainbreak” is a gorgeous instrumental slice of pure deepness, with a submerged bass, Balearic guitars and a star gazing electric guitar. Another wonderful album from the duo, as expected! JF

Sandboy – Wanderlust (Hinterland Records)

The personnel on this album encompass a wide variety of musicians and vocalists, who line up alongside the producer, a former member of Compost’s Beanfield. An upshot of the assorted workforce is a patchy album, with flashes of brilliance alongside equal moments of dreariness. “Viver” gives life from its serene strings, strong chords, pattering percussion and twinkling keys. The wonderful Nanar Vorperian from Break Reform guests on “Written In Leaves”, where her devoted vocals sit alongside heavy handed keys and a cool liquid bass. “Lua Nua” is a nice enough final cut, with vivid keys, thinking percussion and wonderful flugal horn. At least worth a listen… JF

Foolish & Sly - Come a Little Closer (Cynic)

Bumping (no really...) deep house here from Brixton's Foolish & Sly; with a nice slow tempo a la the best US releases, a dubby treacle bassline and some well placed toms and subtle percussion. Kyle "Sly" Chandlers vocals sound good and honest, flowing effortlessly with the current of the heavy bass. The "Acid Mix" takes the original adding some "acid" (no) and bongos but doesn't quite reach the original mix's highs. Apparently well liked by Chicken Lips and Daniel Wang; I'd expect to hear this on a dance floor near you soon.

Josh One - Midnight Samba (Rhythm Recordings)

More L.A. based goodness, this time from Josh One, who's "Midnight Samba" is an exemplary piece of soulful broken beat action with punchy production and decent vocals from Kandice Lindsey. On remix duty is Bristol's very own Up Bustle and Out who have turned in some surprisingly good latin styled numbers, each one of the three versions they provide containing its own particular charm. Recommended.

Dark Globe Feat. Amanda Ghost - Break My World (Island)

Inconsequential, overly fast, faux-deep house remixes from Wally Lopez. Though to be fair to Wally the original tune is pretty bad falling somewhere between Olive and Dido...

V/A – Ennio Morricone Remixes Vol. 2 (Compost Records)

Coinciding with the 75th birthday of the inspirational composer, this second remix selection comprehensively revisits Ennio’s music again. Not an easy task, Compost has brought in a wonderful selection of beat technician’s, who have sensitively re-strung Ennio’s original bows.

Hird’s version of the timeless “Il Buono, Il Bruto, Il Cattivo” (The Good, The Bad, The Ugly) inspires a similar dramatic atmosphere that was so prevalent in the original, courtesy of remarkably calm brass, heavy presence bass, distinctive whistles and destructive gunshots. Eddy & Dus’s ‘Adria Mix’ of “Dal Madre” floats along peacefully, with flashing synths, buoyant guitar and fractured yet 4:4 edged percussion. Dan Curtin’s ‘Viaggio Alle Stelle Mix’ of “La Ragazza Del Padre” is simply stunning, as a feeling of warmth emanates from supple pads, contemplative keys and a frosted bass. It is obvious that today’s producers on show understand how talented Mr. Morricone is. JF

Various – Abstract Afro Journey (Nite Grooves)

Afro-house don Ron Trent mainly revisits Nite Grooves & King Steet’s percussive and deep gems, on this 19 track mix. Obviously the selection is a little restricted, as the cuts have mostly been plucked from a couple of imprints, but with such impressive rosters, Ron was bound to be able to come up with a commendable array of tracks. Joe Claussell’s mind-blowing ‘Real Live Version’ of T.P.O.’s “Hiroshi’s Dub” is easily the highlight of the CD, with its throbbing bass, stargazing synths and majestic flute. The ‘Detroit Dub’ of Alton Miller’s “Love Inside” is another delightfully musically adept and super deep offering, where wonder keys and a heavenly flute dwell. From Ron’s own contributions, his ‘Rockers Extended’ version of “Welcome Sire” is the pick, courtesy of its sunshine-kissed synths, locked in the groove keys and bass hushing. An excellent rhythmic selection. JF

Dubloner - Foreign Sway/Ryan Craig - Believe (Headinghome Recordings)

Decent couple here from L.A.'s Headinghome Recordings. Dubloner brings 3 tracks of solid dub-house, with some nice subtle off kilter edits, good sounds and smooth production. Well worth a listen.

Ryan Craig's effort bears similar fruit, but this time with vocals from Belinda Kazanci who does a sterling job and the remix skills of Premature Wig, adding some superior tech-house stylings. Hotlips and Hawkeye, dispite their appalling choice of names take a darker approach in their "futurehouse edit" and carry it off, giving a Trackmode/Larry Heard type feel which can't be bad...

I Cube & RZA - Can You Deal With That (Versatile)

Nicholas Chaix aka I Cube (not rapper Ice Cube, but it could be on a not very careful 1st read!) returns from the wilderness to partner Wu Tang production ace the RZA. 'Can You Deal With That' finds RZA confident he can deal with anything, over a dirty blunted bassline, hitting beats and electroey synths. Chris Prolificís mix shows he could be just that, as eerie strings partner confident vocals, laidback percussion and a ghosted bass. JF

Justice - Espion (Chateau Flight RMXS) (Ed Bangers)

To go with the colourful sleeve that accompanies this record, the aural painting on offer is as equally vibrant. Gorgeous singing, tingling electrified synths, clean keys and simple percussion come together on the vocal mix. There is also a sparser instrumental for minimalists everywhere! JF

Metro Area - 2 (Environ)

Repress action for the most elusive 12 in the series! 'The Art Of Hot' is a steamy fizzing synth affair, with pots and pans percussion, steady underlain beats and live bass action. 'Machine Vibes' shows that computers have feelings too, as blissful strings meet rubbed beats and pretty keys. 'Wafer' is a simple thin offering, with retro keys, relaxed synths and stepped breaks. JF

Derrick L Carter - Choice: A Collection Of Classics (Azuli)

After selections from arguably more historically seminal record spinners, a guy with his hand firmly on Houseís pulse offers his own deeply personal musical snapshot of his memories. Not an authoritative voice on the records that have moved Derrick the most due to licensing constraints, this is at least an eccentric selection of cuts that do mean a lot to him, and the listener should understand his affinity for some, if not all of the tracks featured.

Persia sidles up with 'Inch By Inch', an anticipating account of the dawn of a new love affair, with alluring keys that get nearer all the time, purring vocals and indoor firework synth action. Timmy Regisfordís ëUnreleased Mixí of Basic Blackís 'Donít Make Me Fall In Love' is a cautionary tale of how it is impossible to choose who you fall for, as a dramatic bass grooves, jubilant disco keys beam and falling chords put the listener under a spell. 'Mystery Of Love' by Mr Fingers, presented here in ëDub Mixí form, is pure unadulterated mesmerising deep house, with a haunting quick turnover bass, warped keys and crisp percussion.

It is impossible to convey the true essence of how the music has affected him, but 'Choice' does represent a (incomplete) musical bibliography and an insight into his tastes. JF

Various - Sun Ra Dedication [Kindred Spirits] (UK)

This mystical compilation of left of centre Jazziness celebrates the life of Jazz genius Sun Ra. It features ear- splitting numbers alongside some outstandingly beautiful music. Recloose hooks up with key master Jonathan Crayford on 'Paepulsariki', a cut of mind-numbing beauty, with its crazy synth warbles, morphing bass, clickety travelling beats and wind up music box type keys.

Alex Attias gives us a vision of Armageddon via 'Nuclear War', as vocalist Mustang visualizes the aftermath, over careless angry broken percussion, smooth keys, a hard as nails bass and crashing gongs. Offworld transports Vanessa Freeman to another world on 'Astro Black' where she reports of the beauty of her surroundings, alongside buttery keys, a lingering bass and FX sprinkles. The quality and diversity of artists shows the extent of Sun Raís influence on modern day producers and musicians. JF

Nathan Haines - Squire For Hire LP [Chillifunk] (UK)

Less clubfloor orientated than his debut offering for Chillifunk, 'Squire For Hire' once again exposes Nathanís talent as a multi-instrumentalist and also shows his roots as a Jazz musician. Under the watchful guidance of Phil Asher, this LP is set to break further boundaries, offering a little something for everyone. 'O Misterio' features the wonderful Guida de Palma, who craves for a special someone, over string-led theatrics, soft flute and good as gold keys.

'Doot Dude' is without doubt the standout dancefloor orientated cut, as Lyric L gets all caught up in the chance meeting with a stranger, while swooning keys, shifting beats and smudged fattened bass provide the backdrop. 'Let It Go' sees Rich Medina come on like a Gill Scott Heron for the 21st century, as his conscious soul-searching vocals link up with a true sax, cajoling trumpet and percussion that rocks back and forth.

If youíre looking for an album full of 'Earth Is The Place' style floor fillers then just buy the singles. This album is a mature genre-crossing personal offering from Nathan. JF

Kuniyuki - Precious Hall [Natural Resource] (US)

Following hot on the heels of spirited releases from the immensely talented Wayne Gardiner and John Wicks, comes this wonderful 12' from Kuniyuki Takahashi. In a similar vein to his predecessors, Kuniyuki looks to the divine power of the organic world around to amaze all, while still revelling in the power of House music that is destined to move people on the dancefloor.

The original mix of 'Precious Hall' is a vigorous assault on the senses, as explosive percussion coupled with awe inspiring live drumming sets the scene, before spongy eastern keys, a fragile melodic bass and a distraught flute combine wonderfully. On listening to the 'Secret Street Mix', itís as if youíve stepped inside a wonderland fit for Alice, where feverous intense strings gaze, open topped kit percussion lays a rough trail and fizzing wind sounds bring things alive. A gazelle-like masterful piano, a tentative guitar and a travelling bass add excitement to the magical journey. JF

Femi Kuti - What Will Tomorrow Bring [Spiritual Life Music] (US)

The talented son of legendary Afro-beat King Fela Kuti gets the once over from a set of revered producers, who all serve up respectful remixes. All but one of the cuts here are reinterpretations of 'What Will Tomorrow Bring', while the other mix is a revisit of 'Blackman Know Yourself'.

The ëSLAM MODE Historical Mixí of 'Blackman Know Yourself' revisits the track with a tenderness and reverence that transports the listener back in time, into history itself. An intriguing wide-eyed synth, rough percussion, delicate chilled strings and a graceful trumpet combine superlatively, as Femiís vocals instruct. Fumi Ononaiyeís ëAfrodisiac Pt I & IIí version of 'What Will Tomorrow Bring' takes laidback live based percussion, spirited brass and compassionate keys, while a flowing guitar keeps the impetus going all the way through. The ëAfrodisiac Rhythmí strips the track to bare plodding live percussion and a bevy of shakers.

The MKL vs. SoySos Remix sees 'What Will Tomorrow Bring' taken into soft dub territory, where pillow-soft percussion, a wavy synth and a Jamaican strength bass combine with the melancholic subdued vocals. Joe Claussell & Fumi Ononaiyeís ëIntrospection Rhythmí is a live percussion track, with cutting afrocentric overtones and a barely-audible see through bass. There is also a ëIntrospection Vocal Mixí to be included on the release. Spiritual New York meets Africa, with outstanding results. JF

Sci-Clone - Close [People Records] (UK)

Known more for their tingling lush melodic D&B odes, Sci-Clone hook up with the wonderful Verna Francis for this luscious broken beat venture. The original is a feel good romantic craving vocal journey, with fractured percussion, shiver-inducing strings, rave influenced stabbing keys and a sublime sax.

The instrumental sees the keys jerk, as the percussion is fragmented, strings bewitch and a mellow digital bass acts as a sweet cushion for the ears. Mark Force remixes 'Close' in a cut and paste style, relying on shattered percussion, an abrasive bass, a drunken confused synth and Vernaís yearning vocal. Mark Forceís instrumental keeps a similar vibe, as the bass corrodes, romantic keys sigh and the slightest hint of a vocal filters through. JF

CPEN - Broken [Straylight Recordings] (US)

Los Angeles, California is an area that boasts its fair share of musical talent, and Straylight are amongst their finest. This brilliant powerful two tracker from CPEN should send them soaring even higher. 'Broken' sees hammered percussion, a sinister ëchicí bass, a beautiful synth and the title vocal line combine for an intense production to blow the rest out of the water. 'Hi-Tek' is a slippery affair, with a cut break, a doped bass and a spider like synth that draws you in and will not let you go. JF

The Rurals - Mr Comfort EP [Pêng] (Fr)

After the beautiful melodic deepness that was their 'Sweeter Sounds LP', Englandís finest farmers come in from the countryside with the first cut to be taken from their next LP. 'Sweet' is a sugary honeyed vocal number, with broken percussion, delightful heartfelt keys and a stirring bass.

The brilliant Alexi Delano supplies a 'ADNY Remix', where he sends the track further towards the floor, courtesy of soul drenched keys, a poignant electric guitar and Marie ëTweekís graceful vocal. The EP is rounded off by revered musician Pete Jacobsenís own 'Mr Comfort' (he supplies live instruments on this EP), which is a peaceful keyed meanderer. JF

The Rurals - No Power (Remixes) [Pêng] (Fr)

The Rurals couldnít resist giving us a couple more choice remixes of tracks from their 'Sweeter Sounds LP', and this couple from Dino & Terry and the Cue Kids give 'No Power' a different tone. Dino & Terryís 'Crash Vocal Mix' could propel this onto floors not normally home to The Rurals, as clenched percussion, a nutritious bass and diving vocals give it lift. The Cue Kidís 'Pressure Mix' is a jazzified guitar affair, where accessible keys and sweet vocals provide the power. JF

Crazy Penis - The Wicked Is Music [Paperecordings] (UK)

After the pleasurable cleansing of 'A Nice Hot Bath WithÖ', Paperís infamous mad knob twiddlers are back again, plus or minus a few members of the band. Self proclaimed by Jim Baron as ëthe best stuff we have doneí, a bevy of live instruments, golden grooves and a definite feel good factor look set to prove this statement.

The addition of local Manc vocalist, Danielle Moore, adds another distinctive layer to the Penis sound, which adds some excitement to their productions, and could certainly help them crossover. 'Thereís A Better Place' takes cinematic strings, cold percussion, theatrical vocals and a bumping bass to produce a track which sounds more at home in Manchesterís Opera House, than Sankeyís Soap or The Music Box. 'Keep On' is a sun kissed laidback number, with a drum kit and over laid afrocentric percussive extras, a melancholic piano, a gorgeous fuzzy bass guitar and Danielleís fragile vocals.

'Give It Up' is easily the most accessible number on the album, as mellow keys, an alluring sax and dreamy strings under pin a sing-a-long vocal. 'Bad Dismount' offers an altogether uninspiring vocal hook, which unfortunately tarnishes a weird and wonderful strummed guitar, jagged percussion, dangling keys and rousing strings which lurk beneath. A summery selection of real songs and sumptuous soundscapes, that is certainly worth a listen. JF

Sepia - So Tinha De Ser Come Vocé [Lifeline] (US)

Chicago based Robert Grillo follows up the wonderful 'Last Tango In Paris' on Irma with this organic release for the revered Lifeline imprint. There are two versions of 'So Tinha De Ser Come Vocé' both which draw heavily on a fluttering flute, sleek guitar, jazzed up keys and charming vocals. However, it is 'Hatari' which is the pick, with its shaken percussion, somber solemn keys, jazzified swinging piano and loveable strings. It is in fact the remix version of 'Hatari' which shades the original, thanks to stronger, more floor orientated percussion, beautiful keys, goose pimple inducing strings and a moving guitar. JF

Marques Wyatt - For Those Who Like To Get Down [Om] (US)

Internationally, his profile may not be as high as some other acclaimed US DJs, but this mix CD should go at least someway to put this right.

With a selection that emanates quality, there is not one track that could be questioned. Most are tracks that have been released in the last couple of years, and many are hard to locate on 12", so this album will also give DJs a chance to catchup on tracks they may have missed.

Marques's own 'Deep Sunday Retro Vibe Mix' of 'For Those Who Like To Get Down' preaches musical tolerance and co-existence over a rounded disco bass and peaceful keys. Majestika's Mind Magic (Dub) is based round a spiritual Sunday morning organ,while a plodded break and matter of fact electric guitar groove underneath, without distracting too much from the wonderful melody.

Boyd Jarvis's vocal mix of Ola Jagun & His Ancestral Rhythm's 'Oda Oya' combines zoo-like animal noises with a driving guitar bass, adorable keys and firm vocals on a remarkable unconventional journey.

While Charles Websterís ëLatin Loversí reinterpretation of Doctor Rockitís 'Café De Flore' is the icing on the cake, courtesy of its cushiony break, an emotive Balearic guitar, a tear-inducing accordion and a proud trumpet. Legendary. JF

JF = Jon Freer (www.mosoul.co.uk)