Verve Remixed 2 CD

Encouraged by the success of the first VERVE REMIXED album, the techno-friendly souls at Verve have once again opened up their vaults to electronica artists. This time around, the Funky Lowlives kick things off with Dizzy Gillespie's "Manteca," a minimal yet urgent rendition of the classic, replete with occasional synthesizer washes and driving percussion. Felix Da Housecat gives Nina Simone a fittingly decadent house treatment on "Sinnerman," while the Gotan Project takes a more subtle accordion-driven approach on Sarah Vaughan's saucy "Whatever Lola Wants." Other standout tracks include Layo & Bushwacka's dreamy remix of Ella Fitzgerald's "Angel Eyes," Fila Brazillia's sunny version of Cal Tjader's "Soul Sauce," Dan the Automator's funky side of Willie Bobo's "Fried Neckbones and Some Home Fries," and Koop's surprisingly traditional version of Astrud Gilberto's "Here's That Rainy Day." While these re-workings are obviously dance-floor oriented, the brilliance of the original recordings always manages to shine through, making the collection appealing to both club kids and jazz fans.

Felix The Housecat/Mr.Scruff/ Fila Brazilla/DJ Spinna/Jaffa