Mr Scruff DJ-Kicks

Mr. Scruffs contribution to !K7s DJ-Kicks, released 25 years after the lauded mix CD series initiation, is every bit as playful and eclectic as one would expect from the Mancunian producer, selector, and cartoonist, famed for his bubbly stick-figure artwork as well as his whimsical, offbeat tracks. Like Scruffs other mixes, this one swiftly moves through various styles (including dancehall reggae, neo-soul, house, old-school electro, and Afro-beat) without drastically shifting the mood. In his hands, early-90s ragga (Tiger), 2010s folk-R&B (Sudan Archives), and vintage samba (Emilio Santiago, Rosa Maria) all melt into each other seamlessly, feeling like variations on the same easygoing, joyous groove. The tracks are mixed in quick succession, and hell often loop and extend elements of one while another is playing, making it seem like the cuts were somehow intended to be used together. The tunes are sometimes rousing but never aggressive, and the whole mix is offbeat enough to remain constantly amusing, yet not so weird as to drive any slightly inebriated party guests away from your living room. Released six years after Scruffs previous studio album (2014s electro-influenced Friendly Bacteria) and long after his most prolific period (the mid-90s to late 2000s), DJ-Kicks is simply a masterful mix from a veteran party-bringer unconcerned with staying on top of trends, and forever dedicated to providing good vibes. ~ Paul Simpson