Of course, few songs could become as part of the mainstream as "Connected" did and still remain credible. I bring that up not because there is another song as catchy as that one on Deep Down & Dirty, the new disc by U.K. alterna-hip-hop band Stereo MC's, but rather because that song is, to some extent, a perfect example of their career in microcosm.

They remained out of the spotlight for a while, starting a record label, remixing other people's songs, but in spite of their supposed absence, they were still around, still working. And that shows on the new disc. This wonderful set is a non-stop, bass-driven funk machine. Though on the surface it could be the party album of the year, Deep Down & Dirty works because it is so much more than that. It is a rather dark disc that relies on strong bass lines and backing vocals reminiscent of those found on 70s R&B classics.

"We Belong In This World Together" is a perfect example of what happens when these disparate elements come together in a song that demands that the listener turn the volume to 11 and hit the dance floor. Check out the horns on "Graffiti (Part I)," then close your eyes as the group evokes the sounds that one heard back in the day when funk ruled the planet. Now combine that sound with some hip-hop lyrics and a strong beat and you can start to understand why this disc feels so much like magic.