Hot 'N' Spycy : The Album (UK Import)

Angel Moraes is probably best known for his anthem Heaven Knows (remixed by Phil Faversham as the classic Galvatron Dub, Deep Deep Down) but his real metier is stripped down US garage music. The classic Welcome to the Factory is present and correct - a brilliant, hypnotic chunk of house - and is representative of the album as a whole. Looping, soaring vocals, allied to pared-down beats and basslines, make this a great example of mid-90s US house music. Not a floor-stomper, but it's not trying to be. This is dance music for the connossieur, or (like me) the 90s refugee who can't work out why everything has to sound trancy these days. A gem.

This guy rocks and this album rocks. The album may be over 10 years old but it's way ahead of its time. I must have played this album hundreds of times over the last 12 years and have never tired of it and never thought it sounded dated - the sound is always so fresh. It's almost like the guy looked into a crystal ball, saw what the dance music future held and managed to add all the ingredients to make this the classic keeper it is. For me, it's the album of choice for any pre-party outing to get me in the zone. The problem with it is that if you like house music, you end up thinking that anything else you hear in the clubs is a poorer offering. You end up pining for the deep chunky basslines and hypnotic beats that Angel provides in spades. This really is something quite special and something quite different. Deep dark dirty sexy house (especially courtesy of Sally Cortes on lyrics in Welcome to the Factory - an utterly mind-blowing track by the way) and THE album for any US house lover. If you don't own it, you're not in my club. You have to own this. Angel is the best. And I've met him so I know.

One of the best dance albums I've ever listened, and I've listened to a lot. The last five tracks are still classic clubbing material. Would love to hear these at a club, but now I am knocking on 30 and DJ's have gone all minimal or nu-rave (whats that about?), I doubt I will. Guess I'll have to buy a big #*#* off amp and speakers to make up for it.You gettin me?