Italo house has enjoyed quite a resurgence in the last few years, with plenty of new releases popping up that sound convincingly authentic in their production and aesthetic. It's always nice to savour the real deal, though, and it doesn't get much more real than the one and only Don Carlos when it comes to direct-from-the-source dreamy 90's peninsula house.

Here, the Don compiles a comprehensive selection of classics from the genre. With shimmering pads, soulful vocals and synth-flute leads aplenty, this bygone LP is steeped in both nostalgia and not-so-subtle reminders that not too many of the more recent pretenders have added a great deal to the form. Highlights permeate the comp, from Montego Bay's 'Everything' to Kwanzaa Posse's 'Wicked Funk'.

The unabashed positivity of Golem's 'Music Sensations' makes for a welcome addition, as does the driving synth energy of Eagle Parade's 'I Believe'. In truth, the LP doesn't put a foot wrong, transporting listeners to the balmy hedonism of golden-age Rimini.

Though it's never good to generalise, the old adage 'Italians do it better' certainly seems apt here.
Article number: SEJFLP001
Artist: Various Artists
Barcode: 8018344370019
Distributor: Bengans BER
Label: Space Echo
Media: LP
Release date: 2025-01-31
Tracks:

• 1. Progetto Tribale - The Sweep
• 2. Onirico - Echo
• 3. Open Spaces - Artist In Wonderland
• 4. Alex Neri - Thewizard (Hot Funky version)
• 5. MCJ - "(To Yourself) Be Free (ft. Sima - Instrumental Mix)
• 6. Mato Grosso - Titanic
• 7. Dreamatic - I Can Feel It (Part 1)
• 8. Carol Bailey - Understand Me (Free Your Mind) (Dreams Piano Remix)
• 9. The True Underground Sound Of Rome - Secret Doctrine (ft. Stefano Di Carlo)
• 10. Don Carlos - Boy
• 11. Lady Bird - Jazzy Doll (Odyssey Dub)

Units in packaging: 2