Get Physical Vol.2 (Mixed By MANDY)

Once again mixed by M.A.N.D.Y, the duo at the heart and soul of the label, Get Physical's next anniversary label comp is another great overview of the label's upbeat, sly and often quite emotional way with techno in the early 21st century. With a wider range of artists than the previous comp, a reflection of the label's greater success and cachet over time, this edition is no less compelling as both a hit-the-dancefloor energizer and a standalone listening experience, with M.A.N.D.Y.'s skill at creating a good overall experience again evident. Pole position this time goes to the excellent Chelonis R. Jones, whose "Na Na Na" is a bit less memorable than some of his other efforts but still gets things going well, the understated vocals contrasting the immediacy of the music. Other familiar faces like DJ T and Booka Shade -- this time with three tracks to show off, the earliest in the mix being the great drone-tinged kick of "Friend for a Night," plus a fine M.A.N.D.Y. collaboration with "Body Language," the song that's become the more or less unofficial anthem of the duo. Zwicker's guitar twang squelch-funk "Monkey Mood" and the Moroder worship of Francisco's remix of M.A.N.D.Y.'s "Jah" are other highlights. However, Snax & Ianeq's "Fill Me Up" may be the off-kilter gem of the entire disc -- wonderfully crude-but-right early synth squelch burbles, sweetly desperate vocals very much in line with Jones' own work, what sounds like a sampled bit of metal on extra percussion and, of course, a perfect beat. ~ Ned Raggett