Cocoon Compilation R (Various Artists)

6x12" version; limited to 500 copies including compilation on CD. Cocoon presents R! Few other DJs embody the ability to "think outside the box" like Frankfurt's honorary citizen and Cocoon head Sven Väth, whether he's dropping Sade's version of "Why Can't We Live Together" to close out the night or ushering in Monday morning with The Bangles' "Just Another Manic Monday". Of course Sven and Cocoon are also synonymous with techno, nevertheless, it's worth looking back over the last few years of Cocoon's output to realize strict style guidelines and exaggerated pigeonholing no longer apply. It's especially true for the compilation series, which having now reached the letter R, impressively shows the arc the Frankfurt label's output continues to span. From soft and melodic with a lot of depth to highly functional and extremely crisp - there's a creative range on offer that very few labels can boast. Sven Väth: "I listen to and play everything that I like and that touches me. I always pack a genre-spanning record bag, I'm particularly interested in those special tracks." The current compilation, R, not only continues this idea, it is a prime example of the label's philosophy. The illustrious circle of artists on the latest compilation is peppered with such prominent names as Isoleé, Lusine, Pig & Dan, Inigo Kennedy, Ambivalent & Alden Tyrell, ROD, and Mano Le Tough. Label representative and Frankfurt original Ingo Boss is once again on board and with contributions from International Anything, John Heckle, Cristi Cons, and Eduardo de la Calle, promising new faces from further afield are also represented. Of course, all this doesn't say much about the actual content, but that's exactly what it's about. Known vs. Unknown, origins, discography etc., it's not important on this collection. Cocoon delivers what the label stands for and what it does best: promoting new artists, bringing celebrity names on board and above all, not building any musical walls either on or off the dancefloor. With releases like this, it's clear to us that the journey is ongoing and the wheel will continue to spin.