The Annual 2004

A dance music institution, with their own label, club, and a vast roster of contributing artists to choose from, Ministry of Sound is able to draw from a deep well of resources. But instead of showing off a mix that ranges as far as their own DJ universe, their 2004 Annual compilation stays focused, concentrating on a slick, pretty blend. When it works, falling just barely toward the light before leaning over into shadow, the effect is dreamland dance, yielding subtle surprises and nonchalant mood swings. Deepest Blue starts the two-disc set off with just such a delicate gap, contrasting a cheesy vocal against a thick, electro baseline. Robbie Rivera’s "Girlfriend" also baits-and-switches, pummeling guest vocalist Keylime’s swirling chorus with a fat verse of dark beats. The collection does push its luck sometimes: Angel City’s take on Ready for the World’s "Oh Sheila" is one of the more unnecessary remakes. On the other hand, Tiga’s version of "Hot In Herre" injects white-boy electroclash into Nelly’s booty shaker, producing a bizarre, but fun musical marriage. Skilled at helping DJs blossom, the good people at MOS find lots of good soil in the cracks between rhythms. --Matthew Cooke