Five Years of dirtybird • Various Artists • Dirtybird
As one might expect, DJs get a buncha quirky fun on this triple-disc set. Of course, Claude VonStroke’s terrific, leftfield club hits—“Deep Throat,” “Who’s Afraid of Detroit?” and “The Whistler”—are all here. Also, check Justin Martin’s “5 Year Dirtybird Mix” on CD2—a real thrill ride.
– Jim Tremayne

“Walking Naked in the City” • Kuniyuki Takahashi • Mule Musiq
A comprehensive effort oozing sophistication and class, while blurring the lines between improvisational jazz, tech, lounge and house. Choice cuts: “Once Again,” with rolling pianos and tribal rhythms, and “Deliverance” with Kristina Tuomi’s bewitching vocals.
– Shawn Christopher

“Feels So Right” • Delano • SODA
Based around the enormous piano riff from Victor Simonelli’s classic “Solution,” this is, purely and simply, fun house music from the Soul Avengerz’ imprint.
– Curtis Zack

“Burning Hot” • Peven Everett • Studio Confession/Tribe Records
Everett belts out his signature, soulful vocals, while Shelter legend Timmy Regisford hits the mix with his groovy, deep and polished house sound. The “Future Pop Rework” lends a funky “Philly International” disco flavor to the mix and gives a bit more bounce. House at its finest.
– Shawn Christopher

“Stronger” • Raul Rincon • EEEAR
After the success of “Sometimes,” Rincon repeats the formula by again teaming up with
Terri B— and it works. You get trademark piano, first-rate percussion and great vocals all
thrown into the melting pot.
– Curtis Zack

“On My Own” • Blame feat. Ruff Sqwad • New State
The original—a soulful, polished stormer—cries out for radio play and, with alternative mixes from Ruffloaderz, this one should be huge.
– Curtis Zack

“Deep, Down & Discofied” • Lovebirds • Knee Deep
The Lovebirds do exactly what the title suggests on this new EP. Three tracks to pick with Mandrill and the Christopher Cross sampling getting the early plaudits.
– Curtis Zack

“Dancin’” • Ron Carroll vs. Mona Lisa • Sneaker Pimpz
Overlooked by many on its original market entry, “Dancin’” now gets a well-deserved re-release. Carroll’s “Acid Disco” is the mix to pick with a great vibe to match its devastating rap.
– Curtis Zack

“Beachball” (Remixes) • Nalin & Kane • Supraton
Nice updated mixes here, including one from Joris Voorn who delivers a slinky synth hook that builds into a full-bodied groove. Also, check David Keno’s two efforts, both of which bring a darker, more proggy vibe.
– Phil Turnipseed

“Living Easy” • Beauville • Ospina Digital
Perfect for summer, “Living Easy” is another classy offering from Davidson Ospina’s imprint. The strongest mix comes from German Damien Carter, who delivers live bass and great keys.
– Curtis Zack

“Dopamine” EP • Jubilee • Hidden Recordings
Dig the deep, dark tech-house vibe on the original mixes of “Dopamine” and “Histamine.” But also check the smoldering techno grooves on Noah Pred’s remix of the former. Blazing.
– Phil Turnipseed

“Love Is a Miracle” • Redsoul & Rashaan Houston • Playmore
Beginning life as a vocal over Vincent Montana’s “Feel Like Love”—and still containing some pretty obvious nods to the track—this is one of Redsoul’s best offerings of late.
– Curtis Zack

“Old Friend” • Stephanie Cooke • Gotta Keep Faith
Cooke returns with a wicked cut aimed firmly at the soulful heads. A stack of mixes deliver here, including those from Tony Loreto and Gregory Del Piero.
– Curtis Zack