Shut Up And Dance - How The East Was Won 1989-2009

Growing from the illegal party scene back in the late ’80s, Smiley and PJ, set up Shut Up And Dance as an outlet for their own material.

Fast-forward twenty years and ‘How The East Was Won’ documents the pair’s amazing ride across three discs spanning the tracks, artists and movements that have made up Shut Up And Dance Music, the label. Also featuring Ragga Twins, Nicolette, Peter Bouncer and Rum And Black, anyone of a certain age will be transported back in time, as the roots of many subsequent scenes unfold over the set.

An essential history lesson.

7/10

Words by Nick Annan