Luke McKeehan / Various

Laidback, chill and full of positive vibrations, this record hits the spot for grindingly soulful music. Luke McKeehan is the label head of paramount Vancouver-based house label Nordic Trax, and as much a proven hero behind the decks as in the industry. The label has licensed tracks to Ministry of Sound, Nike, Om and Fox, to name a few. And since its reputedly legendary recent tenth anniversary jam, Trax is continuing its journey, delivering house music synchronously with solidity and invention. The tracks selected for Many Shades of House fit together beautifully, each carrying a genuinely individual style. The collective beat of the record has a low down feel that’s upbeat, gritty, optimistic and electronic. One sweet key track ("Believe En Me” by Alexander East) was licensed by Mark Farina for the Fabric: 40 CD, and with representation by Jay Tripwire, Hipp-E, Fred Everything, LawnChair Generals and Latenight Society, this house music is not to be mistaken for anything else.