A few golden moments aside ('Good Luck', 'Where’s Your Head At', 'Just One Kiss'), it seems the more Basement Jaxx try to move away from their upfront/soulful house sounds of their debut 'Remedy', the less in touch with what actually works on the dancefloor they become. So, it comes as a relief that this compilation sees the London duo getting back to basics, selecting the choicest cuts from their label including sixx (well, if they can use two ‘x’s, so can we) nuggets of their own.Picking up where volume 1 left off, fiesta vibes abound, from the Jaxx’s own immense 'City People' and the insistent vocal track 'Betta Daze' to the funky chanting of Brazil X Plosian’s 'Berimbal'. But it’s not all samba-fied fun – Housebreakerz’ 'Help Myself' is a 'Kish Kash'-esque clunking chunk of hooligan house while 'We R Computa' shows that the electroclash movement didn’t pass by without Felix and Simon taking note.
Unfortunately, some of the solo artists’ tracks let the side (2) down badly. 'I Love You Baby' by Gwyn Jay Allen and 'Don’t Stop' by Phil Linton are piss-weak soul grooves; the latter in particular sounding like something Luther Vandross would have left in the vaults. Elsewhere, if listened to in the wrong mood, the constant plonking of Brazilian piano and clattering of carnival drums can leave the listener feeling like they’ve been trapped in some kind of Bacardi ad hell.
You can keep up to date with all the latest news from Gigwise by following us on Twitter and liking us on Facebook.
Katy B - 'On A Mission' (Rinse) Released: 04/04/11
Chromeo - 'Business Casual' (Back Yard Recordings) Released: 27/09/10 
Herve 'Cheap Thrills Volume 1' (Cheap Thrills) Released 21/09/09 
Zero 7 - 'Yeah Ghost' (Atlantic) Released 07/09/09
Basement Jaxx Take Scars To The O2 Arena, London
Basement Jaxx: 'We Wouldn't Be Surprised If Record Label Dropped Us' - Exclusive
The 15 Best B-Sides Of All Time
M.I.A Demands Women In Burkas: Ridiculous Rock Star Riders!
Dry The River, All The Young Play Manchester Ritz
