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Review: Since the early 90s, Ministry of Sound's yearly Annual compilations have done an excellent job in chronicling crossover dance hits, mainstream dancefloor killers, and popular underground workouts that make their way into the wider public consciousness. This year's edition (confusingly dated 2024, despite being released in late 2023) continues the successful franchise via two unmixed discs of radio-friendly dance favourites. It naturally ticks all of the usual boxes, contrasting breakout big room hits by underground heroes (Young Marco, Adelphi Music Factory, Ewan McVicar) and sizable tracks from established dance heavyweights (Chemical Brothers, Sub Focus and Dimensions, Rudimental, MK), with gigantic EDM works (Calvin Harris & Ellie Goulding) and the odd out and out dance-pop hit (Kylie Minogue).

Review: It's difficult to ignore the sobering realisation that the swan song LP from French robo-duo Daft Punk is already celebrating its ten year anniversary. Although divisive amongst their fan base, the organic instrumentation and compositional homage to retro disco still feels like an artistic endeavour the pair of Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo needed to add to their back-catalogue before graciously bowing out (or powering down) on their own terms. Following an expansive deluxe edition released earlier in the year, this drumless version strips away any and all notable percussion to offer the velvety basslines, glistening synths and lush grooves a chance to take centre-stage. With re-imagined approaches to hits such as 'Instant Crush' (featuring The Strokes' Julian Casablancas) as well as the plethora of Pharrell Williams collaborative bangers from 'Lose Yourself To Dance' to the once inescapable 'Get Lucky' (also featuring Nile Rodgers of Chic), this project is a unique and vital addition for lifers, newcomers and boogie enthusiasts alike.

Review: The Milk & Sugar label has been responsible for plenty of house's most fun and funky moments over the years. Now it looks back over another 12 months with its Milk & Sugar Winter sessions across two unmixed CDs that are perfect for those who like a big hook and singalong vocal with their beats. These 30 tunes are all remixes, edits or extended versions of radio friendly dance pumpers like Freuds' 'Why I'm Here', Michael Cleis & Toto La Momposina's 'La Mezcla' which becomes an Afro workout from AMEME and a new take on an acid classic from Josh Wink by Damian Lazarus.