Description:

The 12th instalment in their series of “the world’s finest house music mixed by the world’s finest DJs” finds the Ministry employing the services of Maidstone-based (not-so-)Happy(-now) Hammer DJ Mark Knight. Knight, who’s been a resident DJ at the Sound club since 2003, makes his Sessions debut. He’s also a producer and Ministry of Sound TV presenter.

Which means?

Picture a lady’s reticule. Visualize your home. Put the images together. And that leaves you with, Catchphrase fans, handbag house.

Is it much cop?

Although he’s wont to communicate in tiresome “having it large-esque” speak, you can’t deny Knight’s status as the knob twiddler’s knob twiddler. As well as being the phattest beat-maker, manufacturer of bleeps to send Ravy Davy into a hypnotic state, and first-class impersonator of Whoopy-Cushion-like squelches. And, apropros of nothing in particular, Knight’s face is a curious melding of Bobby Davro’s and Ryan Giggs’.

How many good tracks?

With 29 tracks over two discs, Knight risks spreading his talent thinly. The album rarely flags, though. Containing as it does dance anthems for those with the staying power of a Duracell bunny.
And the worst?

Basement Jaxx’s ‘Where’s Your Head At?” is a great track. Of that there can be no doubt. However, it’s also a ‘choon’ club-goers in particular have heard time after time after time.

Biggest disappointment?

Nominated for ‘Artist of the Year’ at last year’s House Music Awards, you can see why on tracks like ‘Susan’. Knight lets the side down, though, in including just four other originals. Perhaps he didn’t want to come across as big-headed.

Verdict:

His boss, Toolroom Records label manager, and brother Stuart Knight refers to him most often as “For fuck’s sake Mark”. After hearing this, Stu might well change his tune. To that of: “Well played, my son.”

(3½/5)