Released in limited quantities back in 1996 and reissued to quell the screaming demands of manic beat-freaks, Grand Central's Central Heating showcases the UK's class of sulfuric soulheadz. On first pass, I'm struck at how current the tunes on this double disc set are. What does that say about the current state of instrumental hip-hop? That it's been stagnant for five years? Or that the Grand Central massive were five years ahead of their time?

I'm disposed to think the latter. While other labels were scurrying about for the next Portishead or Tricky and settling for Mulu, Earthling and Hooverphonic, Steve Christian and Marc Rae were working the Manchester beat science scene and releasing freaky wonders. Most of the original roster is included here, all of whom have gone on to achieve laurels in downtempo circles.

Central Heating begins with label boss Mark Rae kicking it with Ninja Tune's Mr. Scruff on "How Sweet It Is," which meshes Stax horn blasts with head-bobbing beats and the title's slinky vocal snippet. It's the signature sound of this label.

Rae hooks up with partner Marc Christian to keep the torch of Northern Soul aflame with "Spellbound," a collaboration with the gutsy-lunged Veba. But this isn't throwaway diva-lite; Veba's a moving performer and Rae and Christian do nothing to detract from that. A delicate flute line briefly ushers in another bravura blast from Veba, and they keep the turntablism wankery to a bare minimum. Superb!

It's the work with vocalists that stands out on these discs. It's when guest rappers join the fray (on Funky Fresh Few's "Through These Veins," for example) that this collection sags. While the instrumental tracks are chilling enough, the rappers exchange generic bragging, contributing all verbiage and no science to these mediocre, RZA-inspired joints.

But remixes by Aim heap relevance and distinction on more lackluster tracks (Aim's remix of Ian Brown's sloppy "Love like a Fountain" springs instantly to mind), and Central Heating offers three examples of Aim's low-end sleights. "Loopdreams" and "Souldive" will satisfy the most discerning Adidas-sporting moonwalkers, but it's "Original Stuntmaster" that truly sparks of genuine skill. The track embellishes an Evel Knievel monologue (on the subjects of his Snake River Canyon jump, mortality, and other philosophical inquiries) with hillbilly guitar and jeep beats. A novelty for sure, but a neat way to complete the first disc of this compilation.

Grand Central's obvious peer/rival is Ninja Tune, though there shouldn't be much competition between the two. Grand Central's technicians are less enamored of carpel tunnel trickery and more of heart-ringing soul. If you need proof, check Andy Votel and Clita Johnrose's quaking version of Black Sabbath's "Hand of Doom." Who'd have thought Ozzy's warriors could be transformed into Nina Simone fronting a Nembutal'd Amon Tobin? I can't image James Lavelle's po'-faced, way-too-West-London Mo'Wax roster mixing it like this, or even sounding this relaxed and fresh. Bring on Volume Two, I've warm feelings inside.

-Paul Cooper