Words by Justin Turford
Who doesn’t love a great compilation? A smartly curated collection of songs from a specific era/country/genre/artist/record label becomes a gateway to a new way of hearing the world. As a kid, it’s the cheapest way to learn and build up your collection, and in some cases, compilations become classic releases in their own right. 2025 is heating up with some incredible compilations so here’s a bunch well worth getting your hands on!
Spiritual Jazz 18: Behind The Iron Curtain Part 1 & 2 (Jazzman Records)
Jazzman’s ‘Spiritual jazz’ series has consistently been of the highest quality with editions focussed on a variety of labels and countries but it is quite possible that this new two-parter exploring rare tracks from Cold war-era eastern European jazz may well be their best yet. With exceptional notes from Kevin Le Gendre and stunningly beautiful gatefold sleeves, these are a must for jazz heads.
‘Sweet Rebels – The Golden Era of Algerian Pop-Raï’. THE ECSTATIC ELECTRO SOUND OF ORIGINAL RAΪ CASSETTES 1986-91 (WEWANTSOUNDS)
With most of these raw electro-tinged tracks getting their vinyl debut after being released originally only as cassettes, this collection is a masterly history of the origins of the Algerian genre that became a smash across North Africa in the late 80s and 90s. Compiled expertly by the Parisian DJ Cheb Gero, ‘Sweet Rebels’ is a trip!
‘Club Coco - New Dimensions in Latin Music’ (Club Coco)
The acclaimed Mexican DJ, broadcaster and musician Coco Maria has form when it comes to pulling together special collections (previously for Bongo Joe records) of contemporary Latinx music so it’s a natural step for her new imprint to debut with another killer selection that she’s uncovered on her travels. From dubby digi-cumbia to psychey dancers and champeta boilers, this is muy muy bien.
‘Edna Martinez Presents Picó: Sound System Culture From The Colombian Caribbean’ (Strut Records)
Based in Berlin, DJ and broadcaster Edna Martinez has become the unofficial ambassador for the sound of Colombia’s picó sound system culture in Europe and further afield. Her sets and radio shows exemplify the dancing power of champeta, highlife, rumba, zouk and more contemporary sounds that fizz up the crowds at these brightly painted pop-up parties on the Colombian Caribbean coast. Trippy rare grooves from West Africa, the Caribbean and a handful of Edna’s own edits bring the heightened joy of Cartagena and Barranquilla’s communal party vibes into our own homes.
If Music presents: You Need This! A Journey Into Deep Jazz Vol. 4 compiled by Jean-Claude (BBE)
Volume 4 in Jean-Claude’s excellent series of deep international jazz is as good as he has ever previously curated. From the UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra to the short-lived Belgian outfit Eko Kuango, every track is either an unheard delight or a welcome return visit such as Sathima Bea Benjamin’s epic Afro-jazz anthem ‘Africa’.
Mizik Maladi: Disques Debs International Vol. 3 (Strut Records)
The third volume in the Disques Debs International series is as good as the previous two. The Guadeloupean label Disques Debs, was an extraordinary venture set up by Henri Debs, releasing over 300 brilliant 7” singles and 200 LPs over 50 years. Compiled by Hugo Mendez and Emile Omar, this volume takes a deep look at the label’s 80s output, the recordings may be shinier but crucially, they haven’t lost their Caribbean identity as zouk, gwoka and cadence are brought into the electronic age. Brilliant.
Gabriele Poso presents Ritmo Italiano - Unspoken Sounds of Italian Tamburo (Mr Bongo)
The Sardinian producer and multi-instrumentalist Gabriele Poso knows a thing or two about percussion. His own productions meld classy dancefloor dynamics and heavy use of drums so who better to pull together a compilation of globally-inspired tunes from Italy? From the 60s to the 90s, he swerves from the Milton Nascimento channelling ‘Volando Con Milton’ by Naco to Tullio De Piscopo’s interstellar disco classic ‘Temptation’. From samba to jazz-funk, this is a beast of a collection.
Wagadu Grooves Vol.2 - The Hypnotic Sound of Camara 1991 - 2014 (Hot Mule)
A superlative label set up in Paris by Gaye Mody Camara in the late 70s, Camara showcased West African musical traditions allied with rich, progressive productions. This second collection of label highlights sees the Malian diaspora embracing the digital landscape, every track on this brilliant collection exuding life force and soul refreshment.