Cool Hunting

This is a very early heads up, I admit, but trust me, it's worth it. The Trip has been one of the best-conceived compilation series of the past couple of years, allowing as it does a choice number of DJs and musicians to let their many and varied tastes run wild over a double-album. Eclectic is an understatement.

Of the seven releases so far, Tom Middleton's has been by far the best, mainly because on paper, it looks like it just shouldn't work. Seamlessly combining rarities, oddities and obscure covers from every decade since the 60s, it was the soundtrack to my summer a couple of years ago. Now, he's set to finally mix a second volume, and I can't wait.

The label tells me it's hoping to release the record by June, but as Tom's partner's expecting a baby pretty soon, that's not completely certain. Whenever it's out though, it is sure to be utterly essential, so I'll keep you posted.

In the meantime, Joey Negro's stab at The Trip has just come out and is worth a listen. Or, check out Tom's original before the baby/follow-up arrives, safe and sound I hope.