Funky House Recommendations September 2015

Review: By now, we should all know what to expect from Hed Kandi compilations. From Dusk Till Disco certainly ticks all the right boxes, gathering together an unmixed selection of breezy, cheery, unashamedly summery gems that join the dots between nu-disco, disco-house, and deep house. With contributions - either in original or remix form - from The Reflex, Tensnake, Aeroplane, Satin Jackets, Lifelike, Opolopo and the ubiquitous Purple Disco Machine, many of the scene's biggest players are represented. There are some deeper selections, too, and enough baggy vocals, shimmering synths and smooth grooves to delight any beach-going holidaymaker.

Review: Every Saturday this summer, Bob Sinclar has headlined Pascha, bringing a classic, feelgood, funk-fueled house feel to Ibiza's most legendary venue. This two-disc mix-up celebrates that residency, with a Paris By Night theme that recalls the halcyon days of the late '90s and early 2000s. The presence of a number of classics - albeit in remixed form - from Hardrive and Sinclar himself (either under that alias or the vintage Africanism All-Stars moniker) - emphasizes this fact. Of course, there are plenty of newer cuts, with belting vocals, strong melodies, big builds and even larger drops creating the kind of joyous, celebratory mood arguably lacking from much of Ibiza's 21st century nightlife. For those looking for a quick hit of smile-inducing house goodness, Sinclar's selections and mixing can't be faulted.