The long-running Late Night Tales series—originally launched back in 2001 under the Another Late Night billing and currently celebrating its 20th anniversary—has constantly mined a rich seam of fascinating artists and asked them to curate and concoct compilations of songs and artists that interpret the title of the series. The most recent artist to be invited to curate the collection is Jordan Rakei, who sets about assembling a downbeat set of tunes that showcase an array of artists that he (mostly) considers underappreciated friends.
It is, as you might expect given the brief, a fairly one-paced set of tunes, but there are enough moments of beauty to see it settle into its role with some aplomb. Broadly speaking, the songs occupy the spot where soul, jazz and subtle electronica collide and are pulled from the last four years or so. Among the recent work of the artists Rakei has selected lurk some exclusive tracks that feature him and they are strong additions to the proceedings.
The first half shines a little brighter than the second thanks, largely, due to a run of three songs that begins with Alfa Mist. The ever-impressive Londoner lends “Mulago” to the compilation and it shines as bright as it did on 2019’s Structuralism. This is followed up with Charlotte Day Wilson’s gem “Mountains,” which ends with a gospel-style section of vocal arrangement. The trio is completed by Moreton (with Rakei on vocal sharing duties) and the lovelorn “Count A Heart.” There is a Perfume Genius quality to the song as it soars at its zenith.
Elsewhere, Connan Mockasin’s “Momo’s” and “He Came From The Sun” by C Duncan keep the quality ratio high, particularly the second half of the latter that is beautiful. Lying towards the end of the selection is one of Rakei’s own songs, but this is a cover version that would strike fear into the heart of many an artist.
Rakei tackles Jeff Buckley’s “Lover, You Should’ve Come Over,” but wisely chooses to abandon any notion of competing with his electric voice and impassioned delivery. Here, on top of a bed of Rhodes piano/keys, Rakei injects the song with a less furious but no less maudlin quality that qualifies as a success—a hugely positive result given the stature of the original.
Notable Tracks: “Count A Heart” (Moreton) | “He Came From The Sun” (C Duncan) | “Love You Should’ve Come Over” (Jordan Rakei) | “Mulago” (Alfa Mist)
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