The ninth volume of the Mix the Vibe series finds a Chicago house music originator, DJ/producer Lil Louis, handling mixing duties. In fact, it’s Louis’ first mixed CD. And after spending considerable time with it, one can’t help but wonder what took him so long to join the DJ-driven compilation bandwagon. Unlike the bulk of DJs who spotlight only the new and trendy in their mixed CD sets, Louis smartly peppers his landscape with classic items. This has a twofold effect: It sets the collection apart from the pack, and more important, it educates on a subliminal level. Underground classics like Dinosaur L’s “Go Bang,” Jesse Saunders’ “On & On,” and Loose Joints’ “Is It All Over My Face” (yes, the female-vocal version) are saddled alongside more recent fare, such as Kevin Yost’s “One Starry Night,” Johnick’s “Play the World,” and Latina Café’s “Power to Conquer.” Of course, the inclusion of Taana Gardner’s powerful disco nugget, the musically rich “Work That Body,” is a firm reminder that they just don’t make ’em like they used to.—MP
