Palms Trax presents - The Sound of Love International #006 (2LP) [Love International x Test Pressing]

Format: 2x12".

Love International and Test Pressing celebrate another memorable festival with the latest installment in their collaborative compilation series for the LIXTP label. For The Sound Of Love International #006, they chose Jay Donaldson, better known as Palms Trax, a Love International regular, as their selector.

The Berlin-based DJ, renowned for his eclectic sets and his long-running NTS show Cooking With Palms Trax, delivers a diverse selection of tracks compiled from his travels around the world.

The album opens with Linda Waterfall's "Clarity," a wonderful flight of late 70s spiritual jazz-influenced folk from the Seattle singer-songwriter who debuted on Windham Hill. Sebastian's "Follow My Heart" is soulful soft rock, featuring a seductive saxophone. In "Did It Have To Be Me," gospel-tinged backing vocals elevate Frank E. Jeffries Jr.'s elegant singing, and the mood of anyone listening.

Two tracks travel from 90s South Africa: El Pedro's "La Luna," an energetic S.A. bubblegum track, and Novidade's "Masingita," with its great guitar work and warm group vocals. Dieta Berliner & Jean Baptiste's "Paula & Kaspar" transports us to Berlin and from there to 2012, a secret B-side weapon rescued from the short-lived Pakalolo City Records.

From a cult Canadian 45 comes Angelo Mallia's "Hideaway," charming and catchy TR-808 driven synth-pop. Zardoz's brilliant "Brasilia Drums" pits Brazilian percussion against large cosmic synths, resulting in a new-age tinged journey. Danish keyboardist Gert Thrue showcases his virtuosity in "I Play The Body Electronic," saturating everything with psychedelic phasing effects and overdubbed Rhodes.

In Trance 95 is perhaps one of the most well-known acts here: the Athenian duo, compiled on Minimal Wave by Veronica Vasicka and who opened for Depeche Mode in the 2010s, contributes their 1991 single "Warm Nights Driving On Wet Streets," ideal for chill-out rooms.

Frenchman Alain Salvati, behind Flayer, delivers "Wanna Get Back Your Love," originally released in 1983 on an Italian 12". Rediscovered in the early 2000s, it has become a true modern Balearic anthem. The closing track is Jeancky's "Variations Sur Protestation," which somehow brings the album's musical journey full circle, returning to the late 70s with campfire congas, bongos, and gentle acoustic guitars.

Most of the tracks included were self-released or privately issued, and in many cases represent the only recordings by these often enigmatic artists. By bringing them together, Palms Trax has unearthed hidden gems, creating a magical and energetic journey through music.