Back catalogue: Funky/Club House

Review: Jersey's veterans 280 West make a big-time return to Phuture Soul with this powerful three-track EP of soulful, garagey vocal house. "I Never Knew" is classic Jersey, a big-time male vocal with some chunky drums and disco horns blasting away on the hypnotic, catchy soulful groove - the A-side "West" mix is a stormer for the clubs. On the flip you've got a super-fat dub mix and the beatless reprise mix to do some DJing damage with. Fans of DJ Spen and the East Coast sound will be all over this big time release.

Review: US label Prescription Classics serve up the fourth part in the From The Vaults series. Taking timeless beauties from the archives, Ron Trent's label is now re-issuing these deep dance gems. Part 4 kicks off with Abacus's "My Brazilian Love". Raw chords, delicate swinging hi-hats and perfectly executed percussive sections give it pure soul and groove. Last Session's "Sometimes I Feel" is fuelled by a strong kick that's kept in check by a bassline to die for and sultry vocal snippets. Label boss Ron Trent is up on the flip with "Morning Fever"; its epic guitar riff and chord patterns get as deep and funky as they come, garnished with tinny percussion and low slung momentum. Lastly, "Love Is The Message" from Ani is the "For Those Who Didn't Hear It The First Time" version from 1994. Riding off its tribal percussion and sharp drum taps, the sexy vocals ooze with allure over the constantly driving groove. Essential.

Review: Whilst all the vinyl samplers for this DJ History curated Trax Re-edit compilation are worth investigating, it's perhaps this third volume that screams essential the most by virtue of the presence of JD Twitch, Andy Blake, Richard Sen, Toby Tobias and Hardway Bros as the resident re-editors. Nor do they disappoint either as Hardway Bros team up with Rekids type Tobias and introduce some driving energetic synth patterns into Adonis' "We're Rocking Down This House" as well as embellishing the bottom end for a modern day warehouse thumper. Equally good is Cave Painter Andy Blake teasing out the rubbery off kilter undertones to Willy Wonka's spoken word drum machine thriller "What Is House" whilst retaining the raw, stuttering core. On the flip, Richard Sen goes deep on the signature synth stabs to Ron Hardy's "Sensation" which will destroy the more discerning dancefloors out there. Finally JD Twitch strips Mr. Lee's "Pump Up Chicago" of its really quite silly overtones and twists the track into a brilliantly hypnotic and menacing acid tinged late night jacker

Review: Remixes of Atjazz's 'Love Someone' on Mantis by Sonar Kollektiv's Slope.

Review: Adam Unsworth and Graham Lord are the DJ and production duo the Audiowhores. Hailing from Manchester, having first crossed paths in 2000, the pair's main musical influences stem from, among others, Dave Lee, Masters At Work, Full Intention and Jazz-N-Groove. Since 2003 their consistently quality output of original tracks and remixes has been housed by renowned labels including Soulfuric, Z, Gossip and Milk N 2 Sugars. Now Defected bring "I'm Inspired".

Review: Adam Unsworth and Graham Lord are the DJ and production duo the Audiowhores. Hailing from Manchester, having first crossed paths in 2000, the pair's main musical influences stem from, among others, Dave Lee, Masters At Work, Full Intention and Jazz-N-Groove. Since 2003 their consistently quality output of original tracks and remixes has been housed by renowned labels including Soulfuric, Z, Gossip and Milk N 2 Sugars. Now Defected bring "I'm Inspired".

Review: The biggest New York City dance flavour directly from NYC's biggest dance scene names: Peter Bailey and Richie Santana. From his base in Stanton Island, Peter has been delivering good vibes to the scene for over ten years. Likewise, Richie Santana has been hypnotizing audiences with his fat grooving basslines and big tribal beats.

Review: After the successful introduction of the old school sounds by Rootz masters Basoski & Romano, it's time to let the real New Generation be heard. On this second EP from this ongoing concept, Olav Basoski introduces Remaniax and Disfunktion. These two new talented duos bring you the old school filter flavour we all love so much. The third track and finishing touch is by master Basoski himself, and has the mysterious title "George".

Review: Deep Explorer Brings you 'Psychopark EP'. A special ep that celebrates the 10th release on vinyl, making a special tribute to two Detroit based labels: FerrisPark and Psychostasia. With a side for each label, this record opens with soul singer Marvin Belton and his 'Back to Africa', a percussive vocal tune that grows step by step among a sea of Detroit atmospheres. Next up on the A side, the owner of Ferris Park. With 'Dancing in circles”', Scott Ferguson uses his weapons mixing disco, funky horns and deep chords The B side walks in another way of the deep. The techno deep-fire is opened with 'Transformation' by Reggie Dokes, the mind behind Psychostasia, the cult label from Detroit, and known too for his releases on Detroit beat-down and Sound Signature, offering a mix between percussive house and melodic techno. To complete the circle Juju and Jordash (Psychostasia, Real Soon, Underground Quality) smoky jazzy flavoured house track.

Review: Dutch imprint 100 Pure hit their 60s in style but show no sign of retiring with Riva Starr holding hands with Butch on PURE 061. Butch goes for the deep bass crunch on the A Side, teasing us for several minutes before the XTC vocals drop. Riva Starr goes for the peaktime jugular on the flipside, cutting up the vocals from the off.

Review: Smashing return from this Parisian label. Fat production from Ceeryl & Romain Curtis (producer of the monster hit "Losing" on Discoball 04). The original mix is already a must-have and the remix takes you higher. Philippe B. remix is simply amazing. Piano riff sounds pretty much like his previous hit on Paintball, "Can you feel Hit". One of this summer’s anthems.

Review: They don't call him the Stevie Wonder of house music for nothing: Kerri Chandler brings musicality and unbridled joy to everything he does. For this one, there is even more of a celebratory and raptors feeling than normal because of the appearance of Rev F. L. Brown. His impassioned, gravelly toned sermons are cut up and dropped into one of Kerri's timeless house beats, and the results are exceptional. HIs famous kicks punk as heavily as always, the chords are simple but effective, and the whole thing is sure to become a classic that can always be reached for to make a dance floor erupt. Take your pick of the different versions, because they all hit home.

Review: Following last week's Tiger Stripes joint comes this very special 4 track sampler from the guys at Slip N Slide. This limited edition 12" features four of the best mixes on the "Slip N Slide Ibiza 3" album, including the massive Zone Mix of Kerri Chandler "Out To The Boonies".

Review: Coldcut return with the stand-out single from their critically-acclaimed album, "Sound Mirrors". The pioneering duo take Joe South's classic 70s hit "Walk A Mile In My Shoes" and re-work it in the tradition which started with their own "Autumn Leaves" and incorporates Massive Attack's "Unfinished Sympathy" amongst others. And, as usual, Coldcut know how to pick a collaborator. Robert Owens should need no introduction. One of the true legends of house music, his career as a musical innovator (as well as the possessor of an all-time great voice) runs from pioneer days as one half of Fingers Inc in Chicago in the 80s right up to collaborations with Photek and London Elektricity, via any number of classic tunes including "Tears", "I'll Be Your Friend" and "Ordinary Son". The version of the tune included on the single ties the epic nature of Coldcut's production to a skipping, swinging house rhythm and the kind of anthemic build that leaves you exhausted. It's a truly beautiful piece of music, the contrast between the delicacy of Owens' voice and the weight of the orchestration perfectly realised. And that's before you've even reached the mixes. Tiga takes the original, strips out the music and replaces it with technoid pulses and a harder dancefloor rhythm, with the sweetness of Owens' voice cutting through the intensity. Henrik Schwarz (of Berlin-based Sonar Kollektiv) builds the original into a melancholy, jazzy number which still sets the foot tapping. Tom Belton goes straight for the disco-funk hands-in-the-air jugular, before Timo Garcia hardens up the kick for a full-on club odyssey.

Review: Coldcut return with the stand-out single from their critically-acclaimed album, "Sound Mirrors". The pioneering duo take Joe South's classic 70s hit "Walk A Mile In My Shoes" and re-work it in the tradition which started with their own "Autumn Leaves" and incorporates Massive Attack's "Unfinished Sympathy" amongst others. And, as usual, Coldcut know how to pick a collaborator. Robert Owens should need no introduction. One of the true legends of house music, his career as a musical innovator (as well as the possessor of an all-time great voice) runs from pioneer days as one half of Fingers Inc in Chicago in the 80s right up to collaborations with Photek and London Elektricity, via any number of classic tunes including "Tears", "I'll Be Your Friend" and "Ordinary Son". The version of the tune included on the single ties the epic nature of Coldcut's production to a skipping, swinging house rhythm and the kind of anthemic build that leaves you exhausted. It's a truly beautiful piece of music, the contrast between the delicacy of Owens' voice and the weight of the orchestration perfectly realised. And that's before you've even reached the mixes. Tiga takes the original, strips out the music and replaces it with technoid pulses and a harder dancefloor rhythm, with the sweetness of Owens' voice cutting through the intensity. Henrik Schwarz (of Berlin-based Sonar Kollektiv) builds the original into a melancholy, jazzy number which still sets the foot tapping. Tom Belton goes straight for the disco-funk hands-in-the-air jugular, before Timo Garcia hardens up the kick for a full-on club odyssey.

Review: Coldcut return with the stand-out single from their critically-acclaimed album, "Sound Mirrors". The pioneering duo take Joe South's classic 70s hit "Walk A Mile In My Shoes" and re-work it in the tradition which started with their own "Autumn Leaves" and incorporates Massive Attack's "Unfinished Sympathy" amongst others. And, as usual, Coldcut know how to pick a collaborator. Robert Owens should need no introduction. One of the true legends of house music, his career as a musical innovator (as well as the possessor of an all-time great voice) runs from pioneer days as one half of Fingers Inc in Chicago in the 80s right up to collaborations with Photek and London Elektricity, via any number of classic tunes including "Tears", "I'll Be Your Friend" and "Ordinary Son". The version of the tune included on the single ties the epic nature of Coldcut's production to a skipping, swinging house rhythm and the kind of anthemic build that leaves you exhausted. It's a truly beautiful piece of music, the contrast between the delicacy of Owens' voice and the weight of the orchestration perfectly realised. And that's before you've even reached the mixes. Tiga takes the original, strips out the music and replaces it with technoid pulses and a harder dancefloor rhythm, with the sweetness of Owens' voice cutting through the intensity. Henrik Schwarz (of Berlin-based Sonar Kollektiv) builds the original into a melancholy, jazzy number which still sets the foot tapping. Tom Belton goes straight for the disco-funk hands-in-the-air jugular, before Timo Garcia hardens up the kick for a full-on club odyssey.

Review: Motor City label Upstairs Asylum celebrates its roots in 313 with this new Dance Detroit EP featuring a wealth of American house innovators. First up, Reggie Dokes and Steve Crawford join forces on 'Fear Of Failure', a house track steeped in Detroit soul. Marvin Prather's 'Until' follows on with his stylish and soul-drenched grooves. Steve Crawford then goes it alone and turns up the drums on his potent 'Let You Go' (feat Tony B) and then get deeply emotional on 'Love Is Here' this time with help from featured artist Anthony Poteat. Prather and then label regular and Atlanta man Reggie Dokes closes down with his 'Not Ready.'

Review: Denmark's DJ Noir is Decaff, and this time around he's drafted in house supremo Roland Clark to deliver some of his distinctive vocals. "Helpless" rides on driving percussive rhythms with D Train styled key stabs & spiraling effects, creating a new take on the old school, leading to Roland's conscious lyrics. "Helpless" is a new take on the 'back in the day' house sermon. Supported by key DJs such as Danny Tenaglia, Seamus Haji, Stonebridge, Nick Warren, Trophy Twins, Tall Paul and many more... Hott 22 does the business on remix duty.

Review: Decaff is probably better known by his Noir alias on labels like Toolroom Trax where he has wrecked many a dancefloor. He hooks up with house supremo Roland Clarke who lends his distinctive voice to this booming electro house joint. Also features an equally massive remix from Dub Deluxe.

Review: We welcome the third part of the legendary "City Of God" series. The very first release made quite some heads turn (and nod) when it was released shortly after the cult movie. We now have a series of upcoming Brazilian artist's who present another funk filled EP with stunning Latin-fuelled floor fillers! The whole idea is based on taking various parts, atmospheres and soundtracks from the stunning movie, which are crafted into house and techno tunes.

Review: Ohh yeah. High quality sampler for DJs and clubbers. Find the latest hits together in one massive EP,
Royal Flush's 'Sampler 26' from Dubfire/Rio/Dualton. Unbeatable price/quality. The ultimate weapon for DJs.

Review: "Dansolution", by Blockheadz, has support from Claude Monnet, Joe Claussell, Dennis Ferrer, Jeff Mills, Loco Dice, DJ Deep and many more.

Review: DJ Fudge Pack remix of 'Fight For Love' on Tejal, delivering us these two wonderful remixes, already played
& supported by every major DJ. Produced, arranged, mixed, and all instruments performed by DJ Fudge.

Review: Dj Fudge and a slew of other French house deep soldiers have a shot at remixing Blaze & Catalan FC & Sven Love's "All About Love". Released on Kif, Dj Fudge's mix is a typically soulful excursion featuring all the heartfelt vocals over deep beats and beautifully manicured melodies and musicianship. Abstract Soul provide an equally deep and soulful rub on the Franck Roger tip. Qalomota's Rufuss and Joyful Noise both provide some slick deep house rubs as well.

Review: Superstar presents 'Everybody's Free', Global Deejays' uber-cool follow-up to their smash hit 'Get Up'. Features
original vocals by 90s dancing queen & darling, Rozalla, and hot mixes by Klaas, 2Elements and DJ Markito.

Review: Mark Grant re-ignites the Suburban imprint with "Guessing Again", a soulful vocal joint which features Russoul delivering a performance which sounds a lot like Stevie Wonder over a classy deep house groove. Mark's "Soul Bounce" mix has a deeper more underground vibe with a heavier analog bass groove and swinging beats. Check it out.

Review: Green Velvet returns on Cajual with 'Walk' and his trademark sound, featuring mixes by Gant-Man. Bangers.

Review: Richard Grey has done it again, but this time with one of house music's living legends, Ron Carrol. The a-side, "Come Into My Life", is a phat piano track while the flip is an electro mash-up.

Review: Hypnotic uplifting house bomb. Swedish style in the vain of Angello or Prydz!

Review: Hardsoul are brothers Roog and Greg Van Bueren, and have teamed up with legendary Chicago vocalist Ron Carroll in 2003 to create a track which is seen by many as THE soulful house anthem of the past years. "Back Together", which scored worldwide hits as a single (released on Soulfuric and Defected), was hugely successful in the compilation market too, being quickly snapped up by top organizations such as Defected, Ministry of Sound, Hed Kandi and many more globally. The track was DJ Mag's Hype Chart Track of the Year in 2003 and also scooped the Outstanding Vocal Award at the 2004 House Music Awards. "My Life" is the follow up and is set for great things as well. The magical partnership of Hardsoul and Ron Carroll evident once again created a major buzz with the cream of the world's house jocks...Sergio Flores "Lovely tune & a great package. I am going to chart it!"; Shapeshifters "Played the Knee Deep dub on our Essential Mix"; Audiowhores "Been loving the Knee Deep dub for sometime now, still doing the biz for us!"; Christian Alvarez "This is the Hardsoul that I know and have always loved. What a classy, beautiful, timeless gem we have here"; CJ Mackintosh "Aaaah yes! This is a tune!"; Deli G (Vibe FM) "Love it! Played the Knee Deep dub on the show (man, this needs a full vocal)... loving the classic mix too"; DJ Meme "It's been almost 1 year that I was waiting for this release since I've heard a clip, really worth the wait ! I'm in love with this track"; Frankie Knuckles "This is great!!! You were right-I absolutely couldn't do without these mixes"; Ian Carey "This has my full support!"; Joan Ribas / Milesart Orchestra "Thanks for this amazing track. Soulful house at it best!"; John Julius Knight "Yes finally the bomb track!!!. Knee Deep "Simply Saw dub did it for me at MN2S WMC party...simply gorgeous"; Kaskade "I am really feeling the Knee Deep dub! This will be in heavy rotation for me"; Ken N "Totally awesome Classic mix by R&G, joined by a phat Knee Deep dub & a superb new RC interpretation. The perfect "Back Together" follow up is getting my full support - My new #1!"; Kid Massive "Lovin the original version. F**kin Massive Soulful anthem No Doubt. Will do major damage this summer!"; Lynda Phoenix (House FM) "Its all about the Knee Deep mix for me! Firmly in the wallet for Ibiza!"; Micky More "Hot Production.. like the classic mix a lot!"; Ralf Gum (Go Go Music) "Big tune-The original is my fave. Played it since month now and it will not get out of my bag for quite a while more"; Richard Earnshaw "Quality vocal and production as one would expect. All the remixes are good"; Radio FG (France) "Really cool summer vibe on this track. On top of my list for this weekend"; Ruben Alvarez "What I say... Hardsoul + Ron Carroll = Always cool!"; Sandro Panevino "Wow... this is just HOT!!"; Staf (Staf Productions) "This is the best tune I heard for a long time. In my opinion, "My Life" is actually a bit stronger than "Back Together"."; Tokoto (Cyberjapan) "This track is simply the greatest soulful track of the year for me"

Review: Prescription Classics continue their sterling effort to reissue Chicago's House music heritage - launching the first in a series of what we hope is many From The Vaults EPs. Originally released way back in 1998, "Coming Back" is a fine example of US Garage from Kurt Harmon, adding a soulful holler that rides the deep bumping rhythms of what was originally Ron Trent's "Pop, Dip and Spin" with natural aplomb. On the flip it's Mr Trent in full effect with the 1995 gem "Piano Track" that swiftly locks into a heavily percussive groove, with swathes of looped piano flourishes and the ever present vocal lead vying for attention amidst some energy driven chord washes.

Review: DJ Mes' mighty Guest House back on top form with this mega-hot 4-track sampler of underground goods. Some new names and familiar faces teaming up on this one, with the Honest Cars duo setting it off with a hot squiggler of bouncy, stripped-down jacking goods. Ricardo Rae follows up with a smooth groover for the Troydon and Inland Knights heads, while the mighty Vernon and DaCosta just blister the floor with a loopy piano number that is perfect Heather/Farina gear. Totally tasty stuff from one of the best underground house labels out there.

Review: Two absolutely amazing Chicago house classics produced by the masters of the masters... and out of print since 1987 (almost 20 years!!!). House To House (featuring Kim Mazelle) is actually Marshall Jefferson with one of the greatest tracks he ever made! A deep driving vocal house track that couldn't be better. The soulful vocals are performed by a young Kim Mazelle and make you shiver!! On the flip there is another masterpiece by no one else then Farley Jackmaster Funk (joined by Reggie The Movemaker). He produced a jacking house track for Reggie (but we are not really sure if this Reggie really exists). This track still creates a stir on the dance floors and makes the hands go in the air when the bassline kicks in! A piece of forgotten music history. Must have!

Review: The Hoxton Whores have used a cool spoken sample, laid perfectly over another very energetic and bouncy electro groove with various effects on the bass.

Review: Round two of the Trax Re-Edited vinyl samplers sees the ever mysterious Popular Peoples Front, Music For Freaks boss Justin Harris, Bulgarian deity KiNK and the ever excellent Jon Daly take on some monumental classics from the Trax back catalogue. Farley Jackmaster Funk's seminal "Farley Knows House" gets doused in several textures of jack whilst Justin Harris offers a relatively cosmic tweak of Ralph Rosario's "You Used To Hold Me" that at least improves on the poorly mastered sound of the original. As per usual KiNK comes up with the goods, flipping Jack Frost's "Clap Me" to include a crazed procession of percussive layers which is likely to cause bedlam on the floor. Equally, Irish producer John Daly also excels despite having perhaps the most unenviable task of all in reshaping the all time classic Mr Fingers production "Can You Feel It?" Obviously not veering too far from Larry Heard's template, Daly does a brilliant job in imbuing some shimmer and delay to the melodic and rhythmic elements that gives the track a contemporary sheen, which was the purpose of the whole project.

Review: Jay C, a Space Ibiza resident, has reworked "Hey You", the 1983 track from New York hip-hop group Rock Steady Crew.

Review: Stealth presents 'Afterdark Vol 2'. Both discs have a large variety of massive house
cuts, some upfront, some dancefloor favourites and most of all 'Afterdark'. Prepare for
dance floor mayhem, brought to you in a duel from Spain vs. Germany, ending in equal high scores.

Review: This sampler is the fourth instalment of our rapidly expanding "Colour Series" compilations on Freerange. As with the first three compilations, we've got four exclusive tracks from our favourite producers at the moment, including Brett Johnson, Black Joy, Random Factor and Shimiko.

Review: After releases on labels like Pool E Music and Unick Chris Keaser joins the Stoney Boy Imprint with a fantastic vocal house track featuring Rita Campbell. StoneBridge himself and Mode CK signed up for the remix. A great package of tunes! Supported by StoneBridge, Sergio Flores, Mischa Daniels, Olav Basoski, Christan Alvarez, Chris Keaser etc...

Review: Justraxx are hugely excited to welcome Kid Massive's brand new release. Kid Massive and Raoul's "Island Breeze" is an amazing slice of blissed out house featuring the soar away vocals of Ijeoma. As you'd expect from the Kid, the production levels are sky high - this is a sure-fire summer classic in the making. If that wasn't enough, check out the amazing remixes on this slice of vinyl. First up the hottest producer in the dance scene at the moment, Andreas Trentemoller, works his magic using his trademark intricate drum patterns and making full use of the amazing vocal. Ali Payami then gives us two chunkier remixes to get the dancefloors really sweating!

Review: Taken from Gilles' forthcoming 'In the House' compilation, Defected bring you the third in a series of three 12"s containing exclusive house productions
commissioned by Gilles Peterson himself. Whereas the word 'exclusive' is used by almost every label on any old release these days, this is one of the few
times where it definitely is required. Every track on these 3 pieces of vinyl have never before been released and are produced specifically for this product.
Carl Craig, Karizma, DJ Sneak, Peter Kruder, Sandy Rivera, Zed Bias - the list just goes on and on. Any serious House DJ who doesn't get their hands on
these releases should hang up their headphones in shame.

Review: 'Toolroom Knights' is the new tour brand brought to you by Toolroom Records. This EP, featuring their selected 'leaders of the new-school', coincides with the launch of the club night (the opening event being held at Amsterdam's ADE), which endeavours to bring Mark Knight's distinctive underground sound of Toolroom to the overground. "Have been canning Susan over the summer and on the show great EP" - Pete Tong, "Loving This EP" - Robbie Rivera, "Thanks For This Great EP full support from me!" - Kurd Maverick, "Awesome EP all 3 tracks are winners" - Chris Lake, "This EP is on fire gonna be using all 3 tracks" - Dave Dresden (Gabriel & Dresden), "Love the "Susan" track in the wallet" - Steve Lawler.