Definitive Recordings レコード& CD

Review: Not everyone 'gets' house. First, there are those who dismiss it as mindless 4x4 schlock; then, even amongst those who ostensibly enjoy the moods that the genre lays down, there are still individuals who fail to appreciate the subtleties that glue the spaces between the beats, or the musicality that holds the tunes together as opposed the lacks thereof that might make them flop. Whatever the case, Calisto's Definitive Classic (TM) 'Get House' is an ahead-of-its-time house pioneers' artifact, coming as an early example of what some might call tech house, albeit nowadays most would simply assume is acid or breakbeat. Indeed, to truly be able to appreciate the differences betweem genres, you have to just, you know, kinda, just 'get it'.

Review: Definitive Recordings was a "house" label launched by Plus 8 co-founders John Acquaviva and Richie Hawtin in 1992 as a kind of softer flipside to their main label's hard and abrasive sound. There's some genuine gems sitting in the catalogue though, as the imprint's ongoing 'classics' series of reissues proves. This one, from one-shot artist Meredith Ledger as Juicy Fruit, was initially released in 1993. In its original form, 'Liferaft' is a wide-eyed and dreamy slab of early morning deep house perfection that sits somewhere between UK deep house of the period and NJ garage-house. On the flip we get remastered versions of the two original remixes: Acquaviva's 'LFO'-goes-house interpretation (an absolute stunner) and an organ-rich garage-house style dub from Stickman.

Review: Definitive Recordings throws it back to 1994 for 'Do It' a house classic by Las Americas, which is a legendary project by David Alvarado. Newly remastered for 2024, this edition includes the original version as well as a refreshed Chuck Phulasole remix and two dynamic new takes from Italian producer St. David, who brings his vintage-inspired style in all its glory. He delivers a playful 'Big Tool Mix' with vocal flips and infectious grooves alongside a funkier 'Drum-Tool Dub' packed with sharp guitar licks. The original's hypnotic basslines and soulful vocal hook still shine, while Phulasole's deeper remix adds rich keys and Moog warmth. Lovely stuff.