Mint Condition .
A dance music institution, with their own label, club, and a vast roster of contributing artists to choose from, Ministry of Sound is able to draw from a deep well of resources. But instead of showing off a mix that ranges as far as their own DJ universe, their 2004 Annual compilation stays focused, concentrating on a slick, pretty blend. When it works, falling just barely toward the light before leaning over into shadow, the effect is dreamland dance, yielding subtle surprises and nonchalant mood swings. Deepest Blue starts the two-disc set off with just such a delicate gap, contrasting a cheesy vocal against a thick, electro baseline. Robbie Riveras "Girlfriend" also baits-and-switches, pummeling guest vocalist Keylimes swirling chorus with a fat verse of dark beats. The collection does push its luck sometimes: Angel Citys take on Ready for the Worlds "Oh Sheila" is one of the more unnecessary remakes. On the other hand, Tigas version of "Hot In Herre" injects white-boy electroclash into Nellys booty shaker, producing a bizarre, but fun musical marriage. Skilled at helping DJs blossom, the good people at MOS find lots of good soil in the cracks between rhythms. --Matthew Cooke
Track Listings
Disc: 1
1Deepest Blue - Deepest Blue
2Just The Way You Are (Original Extended) - Milky
3Stars - Marjac
4Gia (DJ Gregory Remix) - Despina Vandi
5Girlfriend (Juicy Mix) - Robbie Rivera
6Manila (Ewan Pearson Remix) - Seelenluft
7Hot In Herre (Extended Version) - Tiga
8(I Just Want To Be A) Drummer - Heavy Rock
9Short Skirts (Club Mix) - M@d Production
10Able To Love (Sfaction Remix) - Benny Benassi
11I Begin To Wonder (Dead Or Alive Remix) - Dannii Minogue
12Are You Ready For Love? (Linus Loves Strobelight Mix) - Elton John
Disc: 2
1Cruising (Denis The Menace Extended Mix) - N&K Vs. Denis The Menace
2Love Me Right (Oh Sheila) (Extended Mix) - Angel City
3If You Come Back (Chris Cox Club) - Calanit
4Give It Up (Tony Moran Mix) - Kevin Aviance
5Kiss My Eyes (Menimal Mix) - Bob Sinclar
6Appreciate Me (NYC Roxy Mix) - Amuka
7Journey Of Love (Extended Mix) - Liv
8I Try (Pter Rauhofer Future Mix) - Made By Monkeys
9As The Rush Comes (Sweeping Strings Remix) - Motorcycle
10Burned With desire (Rising Star Remix) - Armin Van Buuren
11Sunrise (Extended Original) - Ashiva
12Pretty Green Eyes (CJ Stone Radio Edit) - Ultrabeat
