Andy Caldwell – Universal Truth (2006)

This brand-new album from a well-known house music producer features some great vocal performances and high production value. Many of the songs are more memorable remixed by other artists; others feel very cheesy and like synthesizer demo tunes. Andy Caldwell’s solo debut is okay, but simply not amazing. Grade: C+. AllMusic: Universal Truth.

House of Om: Fred Everything (2005)

Om Records delivers another incredibly hot DJ mix set by the incomparable Fred Everything. Fred spins a set of punchy, techy deep house with lots of surprises. I found myself wishing I was on a hardwood dancefloor under a mirror ball with delicious strangers every moment this astonishing CD played. Grade: A+. AllMusic: House of […]

Inhouse, vol. 2 (2002)

A superb set of deep house tracks from Germany, this unmixed CD delivers some great gems. There are far too many standout tracks on this compilation to call them out individually, but with mellow jazz chords and an electronic edge, this album has a cohesive groove that inspires many spins. Grade: A. AllMusic: Inhouse, Vol. […]

Marques Wyatt – Horizons (2004)

This CD, mixed by Marques Wyatt, is a solid set of deep house tracks from diverse artists. A few of these tracks stand out well, with funky basslines and jazzy chord progressions that evoke summer nights on hardwood dancefloors. Some of these tracks, though, seem quite disposable and forgettable. Grade: B-. AllMusic: Horizons.

Matishyahu – Live At Stubb’s (2005)

Matishyahu’s sophomore effort is much tighter and more powerful than his first release. His incredible energy comes across more clearly in concert. His religious beliefs are stated strongly but briefly – he’s vocal enough so you understand some of who he is, brief enough that it doesn’t come across as preachy. Color: Green Allmusic: Live […]

Zero 7 – When It Falls (2004)

Beautiful instrumentation, solid songwriting, and delicious vocal tracks make this follow-up to Simple Things a tighter and more mature sophomore effort. Vocal harmonies are lush with complex melodies. Fewer instrumental songs on this album give us a chance to hear Sia Furler, Sophie Barker, and newcomer Tina Dico shine. Grade: A. Allmusic: When It Falls.

Zero 7 – Simple Things (2001)

A nicely laid-back collection of instrumental and vocal downtempo songs, this album delivers a lush, soulful set of ethereal tracks that feature vocalists Mozez, Sia Furler, and Sophie Barker. Destiny, In the Waiting Line, This World, and Spinning stand out, along with the beautiful instrumental arrangements and solid songwriting. Grade: A-. Allmusic: Simple Things.

Breakbeat Era – Ultra-Obscene (1999)

A collaboration between Drum and Bass producers Roni Size and DJ Die along with singer Leonie Laws. This album blends big fat breakbeats with jazzy instrumentation and lush atmospheres. Leonie’s deep and spacy lyrics blend well to create an almost perfect DnB album. This is a classic in the genre. Grade: A-. Allmusic: Breakbeat Era.

Stevie Wonder – A Time to Love (2005)

Jan 19, 2006 by Mr. Nau Stevie Wonder gathers together a stellar group of musicians in support of his first album in a decade, including Bonnie Raitt, Prince, India.Arie, his daughter Aisha, and Paul McCartney. With the undeniable genius of this gigantic musical legend shining through every joyous note, this album is an instant classic. […]

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