CHARLES WEBSTER 黑胶唱片和CD

Review: 'Unreleased Stuff Part 'I dives into the rich vault of Charles Webster, a revered name in UK house with a career spanning over three decades. This release brings out three hidden gems from his archives that capture the depth of his skill in minimal and tech house production. Side-1 kicks off with 'The Same Thing (instrumental mix)', a refined deep house track with a tasteful nod to 90s acid influences. Over on Side-2, 'Halftoo' delivers a melodic deep house vibe that feels fresh despite its 1997 origins. Rounding out the collection, 'FYU' combines smooth, classy production with that unmistakable 90s touch, creating a sound that feels timeless yet distinctly of its era.

Review: Reissue label Mint Condition has done it again with another carefully dug-out treat from the house vaults. This one is from the underrated Charles Webster in his DJ Profile guise originally put out back in 1997. 'Prove It' sounds as good today as ever - it is house with ought edges and dusty drums overlaid with an aching vocal sample and muted chord work that fills your heart with soul. Flip it over and you get something bigger and more raw but with just as many feels. 'Realization' has ragged acid lines and skipping drums while pixelated melodic rain rises and falls. It's a classic many will recognise without ever having known what it is.

Review: Charles Webster's 2020 album Decision Time, his first for decades, was widely praised for the depth, soulfulness and densely atmospheric of its hazy and tactile sound. Those with long memories pointed out that Webster has form in this regard, with the legendary British deep house producer taking a similar approach with his 2001 solo debut album, Born on the 24th July. That album was overlooked at the time, so it's fabulous to see it finally get reissued on vinyl. Shot through with woozy, soft-focus, ultra-deep soul, trip-hop and gorgeous downtempo beats, the set is not only immaculately produced and full of inventive instrumentation, but also boasts some seriously inspired guest vocals. It's genuinely an overlooked classic that deserves any belated attention it finally receives.