various: 20 jahre kompakt/kollektion 2

Kompakt celebrates 20 years of tastemaking in all shapes and colors with 20 Years of Kompakt, the second entry in the Kollektion series -- a jam-packed follow-up to the hugely successful Kollektion 1. As with the first volume, the label plunged into their extensive archives and looked for personal favorites as well as certified bangers, dovetailing the new and the old, the rough stuff and the soft, funky noises and epic melodies. Although Kompakt cast a slightly wider net this time, you should consider every single track on this list a tried-and-true label classic, sounds that they think helped define what Kompakt is today. Take Closer Musik's achingly beautiful "Maria," for example: starting Kollektion 2 in this fashion means business -- Kompakt really couldn't be any clearer about the level of emotional investment and sheer musical quality they're aiming for here. Kollektion 2 is also a perfect opportunity to plug the first installment's gaping holes. Feeling a little bit like they were robbing Peter to pay Paul, Kompakt had to make some pretty tough choices when compiling Kollektion 1, such as the omission of a certain Jürgen Paape -- after all, Kompakt's reclusive giant is responsible for some of their greatest releases, such as the timeless house ballad "Wir Fliegen Soweit Wie Noch Nie" or floor juggernaut "Take That." Both tracks make a highly welcomed appearance here, alongside other fixtures in their label canon like Michael Mayer's "Pride Is Weaker Than Love," Lawrence's "Teaser," and Reinhard Voigt's "Robson Ponte." But there's more: in the secret weapons department, you'll find yourself treated to Steadycam's irresistibly tripping "Knockkneed," Shumi's epic "The Wind and the Sea" and Aril Brikha's driving "Berghain," just to name a few. The rat pack comes into the limelight, too, with Coma's "Playground Altona," Saschienne's "Grand Cru," and Walls' "Sunporch," representing those vital bouts of fresh air that every label needs in its roster. Never shy to branch out while caring for the roots, Kollektion 2 navigates 20 years of producing, releasing and dancing to electronic music. Other artists include: Terranova, Tomas Høffding, Schaeben & Voss, The Modernist, Whomadewho, Burger/Voigt, Peter Grummich, Superpitcher, Kölsch, Perc & Fractal, and Oxia.