DJ-Kicks

Various Artists - Dance & DJ - Disco, Playgroup

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 3, 2002)
• Original Release Date: 2002
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: K7
• ASIN: B000067UU3
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #202,837 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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  Music > Dance & Electronic > Compilations > Disco

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Trevor Jackson, formerly known as hip-hop producer the Underdog, has built up some serious beat credentials over the years--the kind that would make most "underground" artists look like manufactured boy bands. Even his recent Playgroup project--by far his most accessible and "poppy" work to date--retained a keep-it-real feel amid the shiny, feel-good blend of punk, hip-hop, funk, and disco. Here, he presents the next installment of K7's esteemed DJ Kicks series. With over two decades of involvement with music under his belt and no associations to any fixed genre, Jackson must have had a nightmare trying to slim his options down to album length. He's done it, though, and with skill and aplomb, stringing together 23 tracks that range from the '70s-'80s era of Human League ("Do or Die") and Flying Lizards ("House of Jealous Lovers") to more modern offerings like Metro Area's "Caught Up" and I:Cube's reworking of Ana Rago's "You're God." On the whole, the mix feels both retro and contemporary, its subtle asperity fitting in nicely with the current revival in '80s electro. An entertaining and educational mix from one of Britain's longest-serving electronic talents. --Paul Sullivan

Product Description
The DJ Kicks series is very proud to present - 'DJ Kicks - Playgroup'. The stunning mix was produced by London's Trevor Jackson, the mastermind behind the highly acclaimed Playgroup project. For it, Trevor Jackson came up with a selection that reflects many of his musical influences from the past years. You'll find all time heroes like the Human League or KC Flightt as well as current hotsters like Smith 'N' Hack or Metro Area. There's New Yorks no-wave revivalists The Rapture close to original punk funksters The Flying Lizards, Manchester's Jay Walk & the great I Cube Mix of Ana Rago. Trevor Jackson blends music from more than two decades of club & dance culture into a superbly funked up mix. No doubt, the 'DJ-Kicks - Playgroup' will boost Mr. Jackson into orbit. K7. 2002.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Electro heaven!, December 19, 2002

By A Customer

I have a few electro compilations that feature Trevor Jackson's (Playgroup) work and liked that stuff tremendously. Also, I am very critical and picky about my music and what I rave about. I have to say this is probably my favorite album of the year. Inherently dance-y, '80's influenced, but not entirely of that era, if you weep sofly with glee when you hear Yaz in a club, then look no further. Songs don't last long enough for you to get bored with them and some of the segues are phenomenal. And I haven't heard of practically all the artists on the CD, so it opened me up to some real hip stuff as well. Just awesome.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars sleazy and fun., November 26, 2003

By	Andrew M. Schirmer "violist/student" (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Having been so enraptured of this guy's "Party Mix V.1" that I promptly made copies for all of my friends, purchasing Jackson's "DJ-Kicks" installment was a no-brainer, despite some overlap in the tracklisting ("Tainted Love," "Broken Mirror").

It's a slow-burner that simply grooves right along, gradually picking up speed. When Adam Goldstone's "The Sky is Not Crying" started to filter in, I just about leapt out of the chair. This has been one of my favourite dance tracks over the years; lots of mood, a bit sleazy without being tasteless...an apt description of this mix, if I may resort to cliche.

Starting with CJ Bolland and Carl Craig, then to K&D et al and now back to 'techno' all over again, it's been interesting to see the DJ-Kicks series and Studio !K7 evolve over the years.