Famous When Dead #3

The Playhouse label was on a roll in 2003. During the year, they released roughly a dozen 12" singles -- most of which were of a high quality -- and they also doubled their number of full-lengths, all of which were remarkable (and in Ricardo Villalobos' case, astounding). Considering all of that, the label would've been foolish to not put together a third volume of their Famous When Dead series. The previous volume was a little disappointing in that its assembler, DJ Ata, chose to compile a set of tracks that originated on other labels, shutting out Playhouse's then recent releases in the process. Famous When Dead III rectifies this issue with 11 of Playhouse's best moments of late, most of which were released during 2003. Those who have picked up everything on vinyl won't find anything new here; this is an anthology in the strictest sense. Each inclusion is worthy of being singled out, making the disc as strong as the first Famous When Dead -- and thus any house label's best-of sampler. The inclusion of Villalobos' burbling "Easy Lee" is redundant, given that it's already been on a number of DJ mixes; otherwise, there's nothing to gripe about. Isolée's demented "Can't Sleep at Night," Glove's attitudinal "Wunderbar," the Visitors' loose-limbed "No Under on the Ground," and International Pony vs. Losoul's lurching "International Snootleg" all show how Playhouse's roster has helped lead left-field house into pop-friendly territory, with thicker basslines and increased mobility. The oldest track, Losoul's remix of Khan and Julee Cruise's "Say Goodbye," serves two purposes: it fittingly finishes off the set, and it reminds a number of people that Pluramon didn't exactly rescue the Twin Peaks siren from oblivion when he worked with her on Dreams Top Rock. Several years on, Playhouse remain true to their name as a vital, productive label. ~ Andy Kellman|

堅くて深いのが好きな方御用達、ドイツのディープ・ハウス・レーベル、プレイハウスのコンピ・シリーズ第3弾。昨年リリースされた12インチを中心に選曲され、エレクトロクラッシュを壊して簡素にしたトラックが満載です。なかでもヒットしたヴィラロボスの“Easy Lee”はその究極型といえるでしょう。同レーベルでは異色のグルーヴィーさを見せるグローヴfeat.ジュリアWの“Underbar”にも注目したいところ。
bounce (C)池田 謙司