Mix and compilation albums are usually a relatively mundane type of record these days.
With the rise of the good ol' internet and downloading, the very point of having Now compilations is destroyed as people already own their favourite songs and do not need to get their fave 'hits' on one handy double CD.
Because of this, this writer may not be the only one who would squirm when they see a compilation land through my letterbox.
However, there is a strong sense of purpose with Strut Records' Disco Not Disco mix, as it is a compilation of 'lost' classics through across a decade of music defined by disco, heavy metal, punk and new romanticism. This CD is an alternative look at those times – a secret history if you will.
The beauty of this record is that it opens up modern music fans to the fact that their favourite new music of now, well, isn't so new. A lot of familiar sounds jump out on this record that make celebrated recent acts seem almost copyist.
Take the rather excellent Contort Yourself by James White & The Blacks. As soon as the hi-hat and cowbell-infused drum groove begins, you'd swear you've just switched on the first LP by The Rapture.
Another highlight, Mind Your Own Business by Delta 5, evokes another couple of artists of recent times. The vocal styling on the record, including the refrain of 'Can I have a taste of your ice-cream', unsurprisingly bring New York Pony Club to mind. In addition, the tune's deliciously funky bass line evokes Scissor Sisters at their Filthy/Gorgeous high.
Other great tunes featured on the LP include Vivien Goldman's Launderette, which has hints of Lily Allen in the kitchen sink drama of the lyrics, Shriekback's New Order-esque My Spine is the Bassline and the sheer strangeness of Liasons Dangereuses by Los Ninos Del Parque. The album closer, Maximum Joy's Silent Street/Silent Dub, is also hauntingly excellent.
However, not all the tracks work, with many suggesting that the album's core audience are the kind of people who sit at a club stroking their beardy chins and nodding in approval over a song's use of synthesiser.
So while it may not always be the ideal album to get a party started, it's a great listen and may just open a few people's ears to the forgotten sounds of a time period they've never really investigated before. Curious but delightful stuff.
