Manchester has got to be one of the hippest cities on earth – or at least it would seem that way, because the folks at the city's Fat City record shop keep turning out excellent funky compilations like this one! The set's like the best ones on the label in the past – a genre-blending mixture of hip hop, classic funk, and oddball grooves from unusual sources. All very well put together – with an eye for quality, and those elusive tunes that the blokes at Fat City always get asked for across the counter! Titles include "I'm Gonna Love You Just A Little More" by Richard McDonald, "Wild & Peaceful (Kenny Dope mix)" by Incognito, "The Spectacle (Mr Scruff rmx)" by Yam Yam, "Jerk Anthem" by Five Deez, "Sure Shot Goin On (Danmass 12" mix)" by Multiscreen, "Make Way For The Originals" by Izit, "I Can Break It Down" by Deadbeats, "Drop The Beat" by Martin Brew, "Underground Run" by People Under The Stairs, "Strollin" by Sunburst Band, and "Winterland" by Bamboo Soul. (Funky Compilations, Hip Hop) CD

Seasonal, largely instrumental freshness from Oddisee for the always interesting Mello Music Group label – a pretty ambitious set that's groups tracks by season. It may indeed be music for Autumn, Spring, Summer and Winter, but we're thinking it'll sound good for years to come. Includes "The Supplier", "Almost A Year Since", "Theatre", "Tell The Truth", "In Your Eyes", "Silgo Creek", "The Blooming", "I'm From PG", "Frostbit", "Winds From The North", "It's Over" and more. CD