Choice: A Collection of Classics
The third release in a series already made noteworthy by legendary DJs Frankie Knuckles andFrancois K,Choiceconcentrates on the classics. Perhaps no DJ on Earth is better equipped to decide what deserves that status than Danny Tenaglia. As the extensive and fascinating liner notes for this two-CD collection make clear, his breadth of knowledge sweeps up electro, soul, Afrobeat, and everything else under the sun that falls under house music's broad domain. The history lesson is taught against the background of Tenaglia's early memories: first hearingCat Stevens's "Was Dog a Doughnut" on a Larry Levan mix tape, having his mind blown at 10 years old by African trumpeterHugh Masekela. But Tenaglia has limited use for pointy-headed name dropping, and so succeeds brilliantly with the task at hand using a mix of wide-ranging moods, textures, and genres. He may just be cleaning out his closets, but a man of Tenaglia's exceptional taste leaves few scraps for the local Goodwill.--Matthew Cooke