*** PLASTIC COMPILATION VOLUME 02

(Nettwerk)

Violating the basic rule of successful dance-music programming, this 11-track compilation wanders all over the stylistic universe, from jungle beats, balladry, and trip-hop to Eurohaus, sleaze, and pub rock. Few listeners will tolerate such a circuitous route to the land of bliss, but those who do will find several treats awaiting them. There's the Europop delirium of Delerium's "Silence," sung by Sarah McLachlan with less than her usual unctuousness. William Orbit's even dreamier "Water from a Vine Leaf," which quotes the riff form Li'l Louis's house hit "French Kiss" atop a usefully lazy sleepy vocal by Beth Orton. "Sur tes pas," a Europop dance fantasy by the rock band Autour de Lucie. And, best of the best, Cornershop's transcendent "Brimful of Asha," a joyous anthem that praises the act of smoking just for the fun of giving the anti-smoking police a whole lot of grief.

-- Michael Freedberg