Kitsuné Rocks The Maison

Volume One had it all: Italian X-Rays, Popular Computer, Tom Vek, VHS or Beta and of course Digitalism's "Zdarlight". French label Kitsuné Music have proven their relevance time and time again, either by continuously releasing monster dance hits on vinyl, or by the extremely high quality of their various compilations: Love, Maison, Midnight and X.


Kitsuné return this month with another edition of their Maison series, their first compilation to be graced with the expectation connected with the ill-omened "Volume Two" subtitle. Don't worry though, 'cause Kitsuné deliver the goods once more and in ample quantity.

First, Digitalism are back with another original killer track, "Jupiter Room", which is almost as vibrant as "Zdarlight" was when it first came out. Plus, it's named after the Montréal club of the same name. How cool is that?

Fellow blogger and electro-expert LetNoManJack coined the term "Neo-ghetto-tech" a few months ago in honor of Simian Mobile Disco's "Hustler", a track which is well worth its own label, as well as all the attention it's getting. With its wicked booty-bass beat and its "Yeah, I'm a hustler baby, that's what my daddy's made me" chorus, Simian Mobile Disco's contribution to Maison 2 is worth the price of the record by itself.

Mr. Christopher "I'm a Disco Dancer" Just and brother Raphael finally get their catchy "Popper" track on CD, in all its Funky-towned cowbell madness. Sadly, the version included is lacking Fox N' Wolf's recently added vocals. In a similar manner, Joakim's "I Wish You Were Gone" is also presented vox-less.

Plus, since Kitsuné is in essence a dance music label you don't just get the hit bands, you also get the hit remixers: MSTRKRFT's reworking of Wolfmother's Woman, and Boys Noize brilliant remix of Bloc Party's "Banquet". Both tracks are basically the album's corner stones: two sure-fire crossover party hits and dance floor fillers.

Rounding out the compilation are worthy inclusions by Adam X, Azzido Da Bass, Cazals, Fox N'Wolf, Kaos, Jenny Wilson & Popular Computer.

So, what's the bottom line on Kitsuné Maison 2? It's rock, it's electro, it's funk and it sure as hell is getting a lot of play right now on my home stereo. Get it now or die trying, or risk being uncool at school.

You're likely to hear most of these tracks and more at Friday's I Love Neon Saint-Jean Baptiste event, featuring Kitsuné label heads Gildas & Masaya, Cajuan and Montréal's own Jordan Dare. The party takes place at Montréal's Société des Arts Technologiques.