Rennie Pilgrem has been a major player in the UK Nu Skool Breaks scene since it became a 'movement' in the mid-nineties. His work as a DJ and (mainly) as a producer, has been instrumental in the expansion of the mid-tempo sound and "Selected Werks" is a retrospective of Rennie's released tracks to date, holding one or two new and exclusive cuts for good measure.
As an album it illustrates an open-minded approach to creating tunes as well as highlighting the music's ability to absorb various styles of music with ease. 'Rudebwoy Kingpin', an easygoing reggae/ragga hybrid gets things underway nicely and leads us into the more upbeat 'Supa', a cut which gets on an electro tip with added funky guitar action.
'Some Place Funky' is one of Rennie's more recent tunes and takes an old skool approach while 'Somewhere' is a mellifluous, d & b inspired track that nods overtly to the Good Looking school of gentle vocals and pads work. Conversely, 'Paranoia' is a much darker affair and more in line with what is perhaps Rennie's most seminal tune (and one which helped take the sound to a mass audience) 'A Place Called Acid', a record which manages to find a deft balance between dancefloor insanity and instant funkiness.
Although largely ranged at the 130-140 bpm rate, the diversity of styles on here are as wide as you could hope for and help make this an album to enjoy at home or in the clubs.
