Search - Various Artists :: Back to Mine: Mj Cole

A collector's triumph

Dasha | Brookyln, NY USA | 04/16/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"A true DJ, MJ Cole's sophomore release contains not only the tracks he himself produced, but mostly tracks he would spin at a posh-hence-remote location somewhere on the fringes of West End London. The "Back to Mine" series ninth release, MJ Cole's collection reaches into many styles of music, combining them seamlessly into a continuous steady groove of the afterparty.
Starting out with a light beat in "For Louise" by Lee Curtis, the album gets into the rhythm setting of any other MJ Cole record. But that pattern is quickly broken by the next track, "Diabolous", jazzy and soulful, with a strong element of ambience. The album then goes deeper with Outkast's "Spottieottiedopalicious." The track, which darkly ventures into the hip-hop beat, is slowed down with a decidedly Southern drawl, but keeping it dynamic are the trumpets, which lead their independent theme throughout the song. A mellow reggae beat of the Burning Spear follows, and the mood is continued with MJ Cole's breakout hit, "Sincere," which is smoothed out with a more melodic remix.
What follows is a gorgeous track, which would be unexpected and unfitting on any other DJ's album, but is perfectly apt on his compilation. Classicaly trained MJ Cole, who loves to use strings in his own tracks, adds an excerpt from Ravel's F Major Quartet, performed by the Borodin String Quartet. On the back of the album jacket, where he explains the reasons he picked each song, MJ Cole recommends listening to this one in the jacuzzi. Quite appropriate for an afterparty, especially when the following track, without breaking the string sound, launches into the next twist of the spiral, with Omar's "Tell Me". Omar, a purveyor of British Neo-Soul, as those who thought soul was dead like to call it, has influenced many US singers, such as D'Angelo. With "Tell Me" MJ Cole starts an unbreaking pattern of strings, that subtly threads all through the rest of the album. after a more funky beat of "Strategy", a song comes on, that not everyone would recognize, and that's when the entire scope of MJ Cole's compilation idea becomes known: it's a vintage Commodores track, entitled "Zoom". An instrumental track from John Ellis follows the Lionel Richie flashback, rounding off this segment of the album, which goes on with "Love Lady", Damage's signature Drum'n'Bass groove.
The rhythm then slows down (a lot) with Zero 7's "Destiny" featuring Sia Furler. Described by MJ Cole as "Smoother than the smoothest on a smooth day" this track is right for keeping up with the slightly lyrical mood of the collection. Next track is an essential dub, The Handsome Boy Modeling School track, "Sunshine" in a Groove Armada mix. This beat complements the album immensely, never giving up intensity, which is Groove Armada's specialty. Another vintage, this time the drum and bass "Music", follows "Sunshine". The strings make an appearance one again, this time popping up from the background of this cult classic remix.
The album signs off nicely with an MJ Cole remix, Goldie's "Believe". As light and almost as carefree as the first track of the album, this track gives the listener a chance to see MJ Cole as a DJ, besides as a producer or a collector, thus rounding off the compilation.
Overall, this is one of those albums that should be recorded during a DJ's session at a club, and then sold as memorabilia of the evening, because it sets up an extremely realistic atmosphere. With it's ups and downs in rhythm, the stylistic range of the songs used, and the masterful hand of MJ Cole at the dubbing table, this album may become an underground after hours staple for years to come."

This is Brilliant

gosling83 | New York, New York USA | 07/08/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This cd is fantastic. It is one of my new favourite albums. The mixing is great and the selection of songs range from hip hop to drum and base, funk to mellow electronic, and reggae. It works as background music, party music, workout music, anything. I especially love to listen to it when I ride the NYC subway. Outkast's "Spottieottiedopaliscious" is fantastic as well as Zero 7's "Destiny". What amazes me is how MJ Cole is able to blend such a wide range of music so seamlessly and make it work so well. Get this cd, there is something for everyone, and it is a great introduction to a variety of groups and genres."

Clarification

Jamie K. Browning | Eau Claire, WI United States | 03/08/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Just wanted to respond to the previous review. This CD does not, in fact, contain any original music by MJ Cole. The excellent "Back to Mine" series are mixed cds selected by the artist. So what you've discovered here is sadly not an excellent second outing by MJ Cole, but instead happily that MJ Cole has great taste in music by other artists."