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From the consistent quality of its prolific output to its early championing of many a dance music star to its diverse array of sounds, it has felt like a highly accomplished offering even since its earliest days, Shir Khan's Exploited Recordings has come a long way since its humble beginnings in Berlin. Dancing & Romancing is a snapshot of the imprint from 2011 to 2016, charting its story from contender to heavyweight in stunning fashion. From breaking Claptone as an unknown artist to helping him become one of the biggest-selling names in dance music to introducing the world to other major players like Adana Twins, Doctor Dru and Joyce Muniz, he has unearthed a staggering amount of talent in such a short space of time. Browse through the label's 150+ releases and there is an impressive plethora of acclaimed names from across the house, techno and disco sphere: Metronomy, Modeselektor, Siriusmo, Munk, Julio Bashmore, Michael Mayer, Fort Romeau, John Tejada, Cosmin TRG, Locked Groove, Deetron, Acid Pauli - the list goes on and on. Dancing & Romancing showcases some of the label's high points from the last half decade, attempting to provide a summary of what Exploited is all about. From resolute club bangers to tracks that sound as good on a home stereo as they do on the dancefloor, it's a compilation that reminds us that dance music is bigger and further-reaching than it's ever been. Big vocal anthems like Claptone's "No Eyes (feat. Jaw)" and Murphy Jax's "Let's Get To It (feat. Mike Dunn)" sit alongside charismatic instrumentals such as dreamy Cocolores's "Vox" and Urulu's rolling "1991". Sample-heavy classics like Adana Twins's "Strange" and Doctor Dru's "Voice Of Dru" contrast with the cutting-edge freshness of Light Year's "Never Know" and Sirens Of Lesbos's "7 Years In Tibet". The excellent vocalists that have graced the label are represented too, from Anabel Englund's seductive tones alongside Human Life on "El Diablo" to Daudi Matsiko's haunting delivery with Kyodai on "Houston In The Blind". From nu disco to acid to melodic techno to fist-pumping house, the breadth of the label's output is neatly encapsulated in these 30 enduring tracks. Released as a double CD box. Also features: Compuphonic, Moodymanc, Homework, Audiojack, Munk, Dino Lenny, James Curd, Annabel Weston, Joyce Muniz, Bam, Kruse & Nuernberg, Brolin, Human Life, Jimmy & Fred, Karmon, Homework, Nils Penner and Marques Toliver.
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