Casual (label)
27 July 2003 (released)
31 October 2003
Being at the age I am 'Back to life (however do you want me?)' was a school disco classic (early 1990s), so when I saw this compilation style release a few weeks back I thought I would snap it up – purely for nostalgic reasons really.
More of a celebration of the early Soul II Soul years when their PA system played warehouse parties and alike (culminating with their popular Africa Centre nights), this CD has artists on it as diverse as Fun Boy Three, Tears for Fears (oh dear!) through to hip hop sample favourites such as Ripple, Roy Ayers and Ramp. Unfortunately you only get two tastes of the Soul II Soul collective themselves, titled simply 'Special #1' and 'Special #2'. I am not sure if either of these tracks has ever been released, but I for one would like to have heard a few more of these 'skits' on the album. The CD does end on a great note though, an outro audio of a live police raid, presumably on an early Soul II Soul rave/warehouse party.
This is a nicely packaged product with extensive sleeve notes and photographs chronicling the band's history. Though many critics may feel that this release is purely a money making scheme by Jazzie B and Co. I think it will bring a rye smile to many a fans face – particularly those who frequented the Africa centre.
