Description:
“The Kings Of... series continues in its aim of bringing you forgotten and neglected gems from the world of music.” As the ninth title in this collection focuses on electro, Rapster Records have turned to “influential DJ/Designer/Producer & Remixer Playgroup (aka Trevor Jackson)” and “production/remix duo Alter Ego”.  “To bring you a selection of their top tracks across 2 CDs”.
Which means?
Playgroup’s CD1 is, in the main, an affectionate tribute by Jackson to old-school electro, a genre born out of Afrika Bambaata’s 1982 ‘Planet Rock’ template. Meanwhile, Alter Ego seem to have raided more recent archives for their tracks, namely the contemporary electro movement of the late ‘90s. Together, they provide a history lesson you’re going to nod your head along with rather than nod off to.
Is it much cop?
Think of Meg Ryan as Sally in When Harry Met Sally and three words spring to mind. Yes, yes, yes. If not quite groaning this mantra orgasmatically, you’ll at least be muttering it under your breath upon hearing this compilation.
How many good tracks?
Just about more on CD1 than CD2. Particularly strong are the curios TJ’s unearthed. Notably Ryuichi Sakamoto’s ‘Riot in Lagos’, the Holographic Goatee Mix of Deee Lite’s ‘What Is Love’, and Junior Wilson’s version of ‘Dock Of The Bay’.
And the worst?
Timo Maas’ remix of Azzido Da Bass’ ‘Doom Night’. ‘Fright Night’ more like. A true horror of a track.
Biggest disappointment?
That, short of becoming an Olympic champion at archery, you’re never going to have as many strings to your bow as Trevor Jackson. This is, after all, a man who Index magazine chose to headline their interview with him as “Super-Producer Trevor Jackson Does It All”. True to the rhyming-slang nickname of tradition, there’s plenty clever about this Trevor.
Verdict:
The crowns fit alright. These majesties look like they’re in for a long reign. Within the confines of your CD player.
(4½/5)