DJ Koze – DJ-Kicks (2xLP)

The DJ-Kicks album by DJ Koze is a unique entry in the DJ-Kicks series, celebrated for its home-listening quality rather than a club set feel. Stefan Kozalla, aka DJ Koze, is known for his eclectic sound that blends psychedelic elements, humor, and functionality, transitioning smoothly between hip-hop, house, and pop. His 50th installment of DJ-Kicks is described as more of a playlist than a traditional DJ mix, showcasing his skill in subtly editing tracks to draw out unexpected similarities between diverse materials. The album starts with Koze’s original "I Haven't Been Everywhere But It's On My List," setting the quirky tone for the compilation. It includes tracks that fit seamlessly into Koze’s distinct musical world, such as the Boards Of Canada remix of cLOUDDEAD's "Dead Dogs Two" and Madlib's instrumental "Shame." The mix also features his edit of Mndsgn's "Camelblues" and concludes with a range of perfectly-mixed house tracks. The album's standout moment comes with William Shatner's spoken-word piece "It Hasn't Happened Yet," backed by Ben Folds, which resonates with Koze's style. DJ Koze's mixes are considered as personal and significant as his studio albums, and this DJ-Kicks album, with its unconventional transitions and flow, emphasizes the art of DJing as an experience of discovering and connecting music in unique ways.