Trust The Dj:essential Selection

While Pete Tongs unshakeable position in the U.K. and Euro-dance firmament holds fast, his association with Trust The DJ was a clear move to broaden his global listenership via the labels well-trafficked website. Surveying a blend of little-known and newborn labels, Tongs first Trust the DJ mix is a composite of the funkier, techno side of house. Leading off with the insistent bassline of Aural Distortions "Fragmented 100%" (released on the posh Spanish Luxury Grooves imprint), Tong instantly reaffirms his love for the extended groove. But his affinity for more pop-oriented material is made evident by the selection of tracks: Playgroups "Make It Happen," as re-worked by Ewan Pearson, and M Factors "Come Together." Other than the slightly worldbeat-influenced "Hear What Was Said," by Mooncat, there are few stylistic surprises here. And Tongs desire to stay as close to the forefront of the pack (as well as the standard problems with licensing the many white label tracks he regularly plays on the air), probably preclude the inclusion of any the obvious dancefloor anthems. Well-rounded and tasteful, Tongs efforts once again display how he manages to remain a forward-thinking and populist tastemaker. ~ Joe Silva