by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

Canadian label Definitive goes back a long way in house music. Founded in 1992 by John Acquaviva, Richie Hawtin, and Karl Kowalski, it has now been looking back via a series of ‘Classics’ EPs, and a Disco House for All compilation. The Definitive Selection is another journey into the catalogue, described as “a perfectly ageless collection of floor-friendly house grooves that make a maximal impact from minimal elements”.

Acquaviva has curated the selection, with a fresh set of edits to knit together nicely.

What’s the music like?

There are some house music gems here, and Acquaviva clearly had a lot of fun pulling them together.

Right from the start, House For All by Blunted Dummies has a spring in its step in Acquaviva’s remix, while Omega Man‘s Freejack gets a really good percussive workout. Future Legend‘s The Music has a really good combination of rolling bass, cool keys and treble percussion, while Metal Detector has a lot of fun with flicks and bleeps in Eduardo Rossell‘s remix.

There are a couple of nagging riffs about, the Ring Tone remaster of Acquaviva’s own At Midnight and Chuck Phulasole‘s Manik Sax both making their mark. The latter goes off on a really satisfying freestyle tip.

Does it all work?

It does – though a couple of those nagging treble riffs are definitely better in a club than on headphones!

Is it recommended?

It is indeed – quality house music reflecting just how durable the genre has been. Well worth a visit.

Listen / Buy

Published post no.2,606 – Friday 25 July 2025