Satoshi Tomiie - ES-B (2005)

ES-B is the second in a two-part series of discs by the celebrated house DJ Satoshi Tomiie, marking his return to the mix CD marketplace. Compared to the more progressive sound of ES, ES-B offers more of a lighthearted, summertime groove, but also a slightly higher ratio of unremarkable tracks to great ones. Still, the highlights are very impressive, from the infectiously bumping opening track (Star You Star Me's "Sweet Things") to the deeply funky "Man:Machine" by M1 Presents, which features a fun bass solo interlude, and from there to Dan Berkson and Syntho's brilliant "Concept." On the less compelling side are Chab's less-than-thrilling song "Closer to Me" (subsequently presented in a dub version cleverly, but misleadingly, titled "Death Cab for Bootsie") and Metro Area's by-the-numbers "Proton Candy." Even the less interesting material is perfectly functional, though, and will work just fine as accompaniment to a late-night summer drive or early-evening patio party.
Review by Rick Anderson