Latest CD releases reviewed

MR SCRUFF
Keep It Solid Steel Ninja Tune
***

Disco-jockeys like Andy "Mr Scruff" Carthy come along once in a blue moon. Eclectic without having to rely on Bavarian harmonica music and enthusiastic without being simply overbearing, he has the records to suit every occasion. Scruff's hook-up with Coldcut's Solid Steel radio show is a perfect match for both parties, giving the DJ an opportunity to dust off illicit grooves and pulling the radio station down a different set of tracks. Scruff's set bounces to the sound of many delights, pulling in Erykah Badu's Back in the Day, borrowing some ragga hip-hop dimes from Just Ice and providing old-school flavour thanks to the Ultramagnetic MCs, the Demon Boyz and Lords of the Underground. Best of all, he signs off with Pharoah Sanders's You've Got to Have Freedom, leaving you licking your lips for more. www.ninjatune.com

Jim Carroll