Fabric 52

DJ: Optimo.
Recording information: Mophonics, Los Angeles, CA.
Compared to Optimo's previous commercial mixes, Fabric 52 is straightforward. There is no concept, unless keeping a dancefloor active and packed qualifies. Issued around the same time J.D. Twitch and J.G. Wilkes ended their beloved, long-running Glasgow club night, the mix nonetheless could not have been birthed by any other duo. While the majority of the selections date from 2008-2010, Twitch and Wilkes go back as far as 30 years for the likes of Fad Gadget's "Lady Shave" (bounding, sleazy synth pop), Rheingold's "Dreiklangsdimensionen" (charming, early Talking Heads-like neue deutsche welle), Roni Griffith's "Spys" (racing electro-disco produced by Bobby Orlando), and Xex's "Look at His Heartbeat" (sloshing minimal wave). Cumbia Moderna de Soledad's "Shacalao," an interpretation of Fela Kuti's "Shakara," forms the set's least likely sequence when it links with the Tyrell Corporation's "Together Alone," driven by a low-slung bassline and moody New Romantic synth vamps. The more recent selections, highlighted by Levon Vincent's nutty acid house, Oni Ayhun's throwback IDM, and Matias Aguayo's delirious techno funk, will hold up just as well as their dustier counterparts. As usual, each track selected by duo has its own distinct character. No selection is merely a bridge or tool. ~ Andy Kellman