Description:
In 1997, Atlantic Jaxx, Basement Jaxx’s own label no less which was set up in 1994 in order for BJ fellas Simon and Felix to put their first records as a duo out, released A Compilation. Nine years later comes the follow-up. Which according to the liner notes "summarizes some of the material produced on the label since then." 
Which means?

A Basement Jaxx history lesson as the CD contains a pair of early BJ tracks alongside a hitherto unreleased version of ‘City People’ from the Urban Haze EP. And a timely reminder that Basement Jaxx aren’t the only band on the label’s books, although the likes of Gwyn Jay Allen and Sharlene Hector are long-term BJ collaborators. The former, for example, previously heard on Jaxx tracks ‘Set Your Body Free’ and ‘Don’t Give Up’ appears here on ‘Betta Daze’ and his very own song, the immensely soulful ‘I Love U Babe’ which will provoke an outbreak of goosebumps in all who listen to it.
Is it much cop?
Imagine Brixton on a Friday night. Multiply the police presence by a thousand. You’re still nowhere near it.

How many good tracks?
Out of the 13 on offer, a baker’s dozen. ‘Venga Chica’ from Latin-loving south Londoners Afro Fiesta is the sound of carnival abridged to six minutes and 34 seconds of glorious confusions. Basement Jaxx’s very own ‘We R Computa’ doffs a cap to Kraftwerk. Krautfunk, anyone?

And the worst?
Phil Linton, a writer whose credits include Loose Ends, offers his first and only solo recording ‘Don’t Stop’. It’s the most amateurish contribution on the album. Despite, or maybe because, of that, you connect with it like new lovers whose eyes meet across a crowded room. 
Biggest disappointment?
That’s it taken near-enough a decade to arrive. Coupled with the discovery that Phil Linton passed away soon after recording ‘Don’t Stop’. As Felix himself has commented, "He was a very talented and positive soul, and is greatly missed."

Verdict:
A dangerous purchase in that it will trigger further expenditure. Having heard Housebreakerz’ infectious ‘Help Myself’ featuring the vocal talents of Slarta John of ‘Jump and Shout’ fame, you’ll want to purchase their forthcoming debut album. As you will the recordings of felllow contributors Yen Sng and Brazil X Plozian.

(5/5)

Release Date: 27 February 2006

A Compilation - Vol 2