Message In The Music: The Ashley Beedle Re-edits CD

Given his reputation as a tireless re-editor, it's something of a surprise that this is Ashley Beedle's first official, licensed compilation of scalpel jobs (previous Beedle edit releases have largely been of the sneaky, illicit 12" variety). Unsurprisingly, there's a celebratory feel to proceedings, something intensified by the presence of a bonus DVD including a lengthy interview with Beedle by DJ Magazine's Ben Murphy. Musically, it's largely what you'd expect, flitting between classic soul, righteous funk, wide-eyed Balearica, groovy underground disco, with a side-order of sumptuous '80s soul (a delicious version of Switch's "Keeping Secrets") and a smattering of curveballs (a riotous version of The Fall's "Touch Sensitive" and the funk-rock brilliance of Panama's cover of "Long Train Running").

Manu Archeo, Craig Charles Funk And Soul, Kim Koch / Beat And Melody, Pete On The Corner, Pontchartrain