Influences
Below is a list of some of my favorite mix compilations:
Danny Howells 24:7
A two CD compilation, with a "Day" disc, and a "Night" disc. "Day" is a big favorite of mine. Howells showed me that downtempo music doesn't necessarily have to be jazz or hip-hop influnced to be good.
I was actually disappointed the first time I heard this mix, but after quite a few listens, I have grown to truly appreciate it.
Miguel Migs: Nude Tempo One
'Irresistably Cheesy' are the two best words to describe this excellent compilation. A nonstop mix of soulful, deep, House music at its best.
Tom Middleton: The Sound of the Cosmos
A wonderful 3 disc compilation. Disc one is eclectic breaks. Disc two is deep house. Disc three is downtempo.
On many occasions, I've had this mix on in the background or during poker games, and received great responses about it from people who traditionally don't like electronic music.
Lazy Dog
A two-disc compilation based on a now-defunct London deep house night. Disc one is mixed by Ben Watt (of 'Everything but the Girl'), and it's the only one I listen to. His brand of deep house has a little less soul than the US stuff, but is much more musical.
Danny Howells: Nocturnal Frequences Vol. 3
More Howells, with another two-disc compilation, and again, disc one is my favorite. This is more of a traditional house/progressive house mix. The final mix on disc one (ie: the transition from the 2nd to last song to the last song) is probably my favorite mix of all time.