V/A - Universal Vibes Compilation

It's not surprising to learn that Universal Vibes began life as an internet radio station: like all good radio programmes, this works just as well as background music as something to pay attention to. With tracks with names such as Slow Burner and Latin Shades, it seems obvious what to expect with this release - deep, smooth and jazz-like grooves. There are moments when songs are worryingly close to being inoffensive coffee-table music, and a few drag on for maybe a little too long - notably Jafar & Andy's Don't Rush To Find Love - but the majority of this album is solid stuff. Perfect for listening to both on a sunny Sunday morning or as an early warm-up for a club, there's enough funk and variation to separate this release from similar, less vibrant compilations. [Scott Ramage]