Om: Miami (CD - 2006)

The average house compilation is more about function than art: the beats are simple and straightforward, and are all about compelling you onto the floor, while the lyrics (if there are any) stick with tried and true clichés about getting one's love into motion and feeling the sunshine and putting it out there, etc. But the Om label has shown a remarkably consistent ability to put together club compilations that manage to offer both the mindless, bouncy pleasure of house music and actual songs that are worth listening to. With Om: Miami they've done it again, and delivered what may well turn out to be the single most fun and engaging house album of 2006. Amazingly, out of 13 tracks there is not a single piece of filler or fluff: Andy Caldwell's "Don't You Love Me" is sexy and sweet, the "Main Room Madness Mix" of Groove Junkies' "Just Groovin'" is a funky delight, and Justin Martin's mix of Colette's version of "I Didn't Mean to Turn You On" just offers further evidence that this is a song meant to be sung by a beautiful blonde woman, rather than by Robert Palmer. Best of all is the final track, a wonderful new remix of Samantha James' irresistible house anthem "Rise." Guaranteed to kick even the lamest party into high gear. ~ Rick Anderson minimize