Now you may recall Swag’s ‘Version 5’ was originally released on the seminal Junior Boys Own label (see Taste The Difference Vol 1: The Very Best Of Swag) but that’s about the closest link with the two compilations of house music; well in the mixed CD version anyway, the official release comes with DJ friendly unmixed disc 2.Original boss of Afro Art, Ashley Beedle in his Black Science Orchestra guise kicks things off with ‘typical’ track apropriatel entitled ‘Start The Dancer’ followed by an extended synthy dubby ‘Save Us (the Jam)’. Whilst on the subject of Faith and Afro Art, the current copy contains an interview with a sung hero at FLY, Paul ‘Jazz Room’ Murphy on the Jazz Dance Story. And he’s coming back for more Shiftless Shuffle Xmas bizness!
Anyway, back to Terry Farley mixing JBO up. As a DJ, remixer, producer, record label boss, house music expert for the best part of 20 years and currently a third of the Faith management team, Mr. Farley knows a good tune to dance to. His Roach Motel mix of ‘B-Boy Black’ is what all-night long house music is all about; get in that groove and stay there. Like, P.L.C.’s ‘Shame’. Originally released on an EP called Jazz-Funk, there’s no more than a merest hint of Azymuth about it.Thinking about the land of Azymuth, ‘A Day In Copacabana’ is all about what a big tune is about and Joey Negro’s mix of ‘There But For The Grace Of God’ is just anthem by Fire Island (aka DJ Pete Heller and Terry Farley). Mr. Beedle turns up again late on as part of X-Pres 2 with the mighty ‘The Sound’. ‘Wild Luv’ is the biggest twist on ‘Wild Thing’ as you’re likely to ever hear and it’s all about cowbells for the ‘Rhythm Graffiti’; what a great title for such a percussive workout, I not sure if there is a co-incidence going on here but it does seem to be the longest tracks are the best. And the last 2 are long uns.Farley is co-credited for compilation and mixing with The Misterons; no idea who they are but this CD set is for those that like theisoulful House deep Latin and funky; just the thing for fans of Gilles Peterson In The House and look out for the A Boy’s Own Odyssey (Vol. 1) and there’s a Junior Boy’s Own 20 year anniversary compilation due out at the end of the year.