Cool Million
Going Out Tonight
2008 - Expansion Records

I am sure that you were bowled over by the likes of Confection, Swade, Skalp and the like recently with their infectious, upbeat bouncy 80s influenced soulful dancers, and if so you will equally be blown away by this SUPERB set by Cool Million courtesy of Expansion Records. All cuts bar about 3 make the running for these ears, and as such can be easily recommended as one of the albums of the moment if not 2008. If you bought “Soul Togetherness 2007” then you will already be familiar with Cool Million. Cool Million are comprised of Frank Ryle and Rob Hardt from Denmark and Germany respectively. Their love and respect for 80s soul is more than apparent here. We're talking hand claps, 808 drum machines, joyful grooves and simple, good-times vibes throughout. The first song to blow me away was “Give Me My Love” featuring the brilliant C.J. Anthony on vocals – this could have been recorded in 1983 / 1984 and the man sounds right at home on this type of groove, almost like Michael Jeffries in places! The excellent Donald McCollum adds more weight to the CD with the pounding “Get Up On The Floor”; if Woody Cunningham's first Expansion set was to your liking then this will certainly spark a fire within you too.

“Damn Beautiful” with the luscious Laura Jackson is a more downtempo affair in the vein of what Juicy or even Mtume were producing in the mid 80s. Another killer is “Walk Away” featuring Eleana...the bassline and melody is unashamedly borrowed from Kleeer's “Intimate Connection” but does not detract from the fact this is a MONSTER cut some serious ass-kicking ability. The excellent Jahah pops up on the groovy “Musiq”, choc-a-bloc with 80s synths and basslines and does a wonderful job. Many of today's artists sound so much better within an 80s framework – and Jahah is very resplendent here. “Pulling Me Back” is a very strong groove and not unlike what BB&Q would have made for the Genie album, and vocalist Robert Walker is more than up to the job of plying his soulful vocals to the most delicious of 80s grooves. More tasteful elements of a borrowed 80s groove can be found with Aaron Washington's “Pride”which contains elements of Loose Ends' “Slow Down” within it's framework. There's a definite Nick Martinelli feel at any rate, so gets the thumbs up. Laura Jackson's jolly “Leave Me”is sure-fire dance floor winner and pulls us back to the good times with ease and no hesitation on my part! This album really fires on all cylinders, and should reach the parts that more dreary Y2K sounds cannot reach. More like this, please!

Barry Towler