VA - Out of the Blue (Compiled by Phil Mison) (2017)

Out of the Blue is arguably a more personal collection than many of Phil Mison's previous compilations. It was inspired by his first few trips to the White Isle of Ibiza, and specifically the unlikely set of circumstances that led to him filling in for the legendary Jose Padilla at the Cafe Del Mar. Musically, the track list is reflective of the story, joining the dots between impossible-to-find rarities (see the loved-up jazz-rock of "Jelly" by the Cactus Rose Project and the life-affirming fusion business of Christoph Spendel Group's "Forever"), huggable Balearic synth-pop, flamenco-inspired sunset gems and a smattering of head-in-the-clouds Italian dream house gems. Given Mison's heritage and status within the Balearic scene, it's little surprise to find that Out of the Blue is utterly brilliant.