Ministry Of Sound 黑胶唱片和CD

Review: In his recent book Major Labels, a history of popular music in seven genres, Kelefa Sanneh argues that pop is now so free of defined boundaries that's it's "barely a genre at all". Listening to LA rapper, singer and producer Doja Cat's third album, it's hard to disagree. Polished, professional and ear-catching, Planet Her is a hugely enjoyable romp whose hybrid, kaleidoscopic constructions variously synthesize elements of R&B, synth0heavy Afro-pop, dancehall, hip-hop, hyperpop, trap, 21st century bass music and much more besides. Throw in guest spots from the likes of Young Thug, Ariana Grande and JD, and you have an on-point pop album that will resonate far longer than most similarly framed sets.

Review: After hitting on something of a formula with 'Only Human', this A-side banger is further proof that Four Tet is onto a rich vein of side hustle action with his KH alter ego. 'Looking At Your Pager' is a cheeky slice of '90s throwback-ism in jackin' house form, and in a heuristically Hebden-esque style, makes deft use of the hilariously autotuned opening verse heard in 3LW's girl band hit, 'No More'. It's a very clever tune; just as no-one uses pagers anymore, nor do people use the kind of dubstep wobbles heard underneath the track's clacking groove... Mr. KH makes them cool again!

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).