- I Like It 2 is the second release in a series by Compost Records that invites select producers and DJ’s to pick their favourite or most unique tracks and show the world. It more then invites, it challenges. The first volume garnered praise and many are drooling over the 2nd release with curious anticipation. With the likes of Richard Dorfmeister, Trevor Jackson, Trickski and Pole selecting the tracks, the anticipation could well be justified.
Concept albums are based on fun more so then world domination, and can boom or fail depending on their target audience. In this case, with a literal worldwide fan base for Compost Records releases and stable artists, it seems a no-brainer. The concept of grabbing the ear of some of your favourite artists for a few minutes, to intimately play you some of their favourite tracks isn’t too hard to tap into many a fans imaginings. To package it immaculately, with removable “collectors cards” that double as artist interview dossier, and to even offer it on vinyl shows the kind of faith Compost have in the concept.
The choice of tracks from Trevor Jackson sets a rather dub-crentric mood with “Baby I love you so” by Colourbox. It’s almost a futile act reviewing or exploring the tracks on a one by one basis, as the true value of each is explored on the collector cards which offer the artists own insight on their attachment to the tracks.
Pole certainly shows his sense of fun with a choice of tracks ranging from accordion avant-garde through to theatrical hiphop, ending the brief glimpse into his head with the rather beautiful “Crasping Claw” from Headset. The same “oddly beautiful” descriptions could be carried over into Richard Dorfmeister’s selections which begin with an airy solo jazz piano piece before inviting Allez Allez to the party with the faintly disco “African Queen”. A patriotic selection from Can hits the turntable and like a flash, we’re off into the world of Trickski.
The humour of Trickski rounds the compilation out nicely with some vintage Detroit minimal techno from Walt J that they warn is “nerdy” but “charming”. Compost must be putting some love into the Trickski camp as their own tune “Hormony” closes off the CD with a dose of flanged hihats and retro synth stabs that for the most parts are endearing but tend to plod through 7 minutes without making much of a lasting impact.
Given the over-abundance of themed compilations one might be forgiven for writing this off as too obscure. Far from being inaccessible, I Like It 2 takes a certain attention and curiosity to reach its potential, albeit with considerably less music then the first release. There is no shame in the realisation that for the most part this music will be unfamiliar to most listeners. Therein lies the fun. For music lovers that are especially into the acts involved, this is a worthy listen with more then immediate appeal and if anything the only downside is wanting more!