Urbal Beats 2
This compilation, offered by LA'sUrb Magazine, is only deceptively straightforward: it explores the current state of electronica, with dance-floor stalwarts DJ Icey, Uberzone, and Rabbit in the Moon butting heads with neo-pop stars like the Crystal Method, Goldie, and Portishead. One might suspect this to be yet another cash-in "electronica" compilation, a mere licensing scheme intended to separate you from the contents of your wallet. But this ain't no scam: not only is the track selection topnotch and accessible, with an equal dose of well-known hits and underappreciated gems, but the compilation also offers an entertaining education. On disc two, New York's Liquid Todd throws down a set of classics, tracks like Rhythim Is Rhythim's "Strings of Life," Orbital's "Chime," and Dubtribe's "Mother Earth," giving an insight as to what today's electronica stars were hearing whilst in their nappies. As an introduction to the overhyped and confusing world of "electronica," this compilation can't be beat.--Matthew Corwine