- If Ubiquity carry on like this, their Rewind compilation series will become an essential part of the record-buying calendar. If you're new to the concept, it's very simple and the results are intriguing. Take a bunch of songs, well known or otherwise, let them loose on purveyors of fine funk, soul and jazz and arrange the results in a coherent fashion.
The fourth volume offers an even more diverse selection than the last, with the original artists ranging from Sly and The Family Stone to the White Stripes. Indeed, 'Seven Nation Army' is one of the most successful versions here - you'll barely recognise it in the guise of Nostalgia 77, a slow, dirt-funk number. Also working well is Joni Mitchell's 'Help Me', a big ask for Nicole Kramer but one her lilting voice carries off effortlessly. The Rebirth contribute a glorious choral version of Mighty Ryeders' 'Evil Vibrations', some serious funk going on in the background, while Shawn Lee's 'River Man' is an expansive take on the Nick Drake original.
Most controversial is Willis' cover of Cameo's 'Word Up', which will divide opinion with its pronunciation of 'dance' and 'romance' in an old English sense. It sounds odd, and mars an otherwise imaginative version - the lady has a superb voice. Also deserving of a mention is Sharon Lee and Lee Fields, with a brassy soul version of Woody Guthrie's 'This Land Is Our Land', which opens proceedings.
Rewind 4 is a compilation that provokes reaction - always a good thing - and offers the chance to see a few old friends in a new light. Ubiquity should be congratulated on such a bold and interesting selection, making a set of tracks with which to spring a surprise or two on your friends.