Lucky for Some is a terrific new compilation of 13 dance tracks on Boy George's own record label, More Protein Ltd. The smooth, soulful nature of the house and trance numbers here are desirable for anyone interested in soulful dance music. This is a fun collection of new and (new to me) songs; six of the thirteen tracks are dated 2001, the other seven span all the way back to More Protein's first release in 1989.
Lucky for Some starts off with an interesting minute-long intro that sounds like we're traveling simultaneously through time and radio waves, landing in the present when the needle hits the record. Suddenly you're steeped in the cool, acid-jazz-flavored Aquarius by Freddy & Herman. Sumptuous and sensual, this song was a hit in Ibiza this summer. Its smooth, uplifting, ambient groove just seems to float around you. Appropriately, it samples the romantic 70's hit Float On by The Floaters: "Take my hand / Come with me baby to love land / Let me show you how sweet it can be / Sharing loving with me..." This is a beautiful song that deserves a few rewinds.
The next number, Doors To Manual by RAG seems out of place here - like a cross between James Bond and The Hawaii Five-O Theme. Fast & disjointed, at two minutes in length it is an interesting piece but one I would have excluded. Having crossed this hurdle, the next two numbers feature George's smooth vocals; See Through and A Kind of Loving. Run De Dance by RudeBoy and Liberation by Lippy Lou are funky, uptempo numbers with a Caribbean flair. Some songs mix seamlessly into the next, while others end naturally. These interesting variances will keep your attention throughout.
Other gems from 2001 include a spirited disco-house tune called Zing by Yo2Go, and the Theme From Belleville by Belleville has an infectious tribal beat that mixes in an exotic Middle-Eastern vocal. I was extremely impressed with Generations of Love by Jesus Loves You. Although originally released in 1990, this song was new to me. The last song here to feature George's soulful vocals, this is a hauntingly beautiful deep house piece that works on the dance floor, but is as likeable as a warm snuggly chair by the fireplace.
Next there's 1989's Everything Starts With An E by Ezee Posse. A song whose controversial subject matter - the drug known as Ecstasy - reportedly eclipsed the actual song itself. Although Everything... does sound a bit dated here, it's funky break-beat and vocals are enjoyable, and since it was the label's first release its inclusion here is fitting. There are then two delicious trance numbers, each performed by former backup vocalists for Culture Club; Dreamtime by Zee and Let Love Come Down by The Colein - featuring vocals by Linda Duggan. The final track, Freedom by The Armchair Resistance is worth the price of admission alone. Freedom borrows lyrics from the classic spiritual Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child then stretches it out across a progressive trance landscape with rhythm guitars and searing vocals by Amanda Ghost. This song rocks!
Bravo, George! This is one of the best CD's I've heard in a while. Only available in the U.S., the first 10,000 copies come with a bonus disc of acapella tracks.
