Cool 90's early doors suggestions please

[musicology]

Have taken a booking for a house party at very nice large, modern gaff for the booker's wife's 40th birthday. He described his guests as " We're not really rock and pop. More clubby and ravey". It sounds like they are a well off crowd who have stayed with the 90's/00's house/Ibiza sound.
Anyway he's asked for "cool" background as guests arrive for Champagne and canapes so I'm looking for your ideas for this part of the evening.
I know there were stacks of "chill" mix albums at the time but don't know them very well and want to make sure I play some of the better stuff as they may well be quite discerning. And any individual cool, early doors tracks you know are really good to create a nice vibe for these 40somethings as they sup their champers!
If you were a club jock in this period you will know exactly what I need!

[stormproductions]

Well done for asking on here if you're not sure, but be aware that not everyone on here is keen on people taking on gigs for 'specialised' music without knowing their stuff. You'll be fine, it looks like you're old enough to know the 90s reasonably!

As long as you play Electribe 101 'Talking with myself' I'll be happy.

But it may be worth checking what the clients mean by 'cool' - there's a lot of difference between chill out and The Bucketheads for example.

Have a quick glance on ebay at the listings on old Ministry of Sound or Cream compilations. There are loads available and last time I looked they sell for next to nothing.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Enigma - Return To Innocence might be a good starting point?

Liquid - Sweet Harmony

Maybe some CeCe Peniston - Finally?

[funkymook]

Well done for asking on here if you're not sure, but be aware that not everyone on here is keen on people taking on gigs for 'specialised' music without knowing their stuff. .

To be fair there are also countless shared playlists, top 10 genres, music advice etc on the forum in answer to similar questions...the practical help offered far outweighs the 'pass it to a specialist' comments....

[Ryu]

I would look for album tracks by acts like Air, Rae and Christian, Groove Armada and such like. Maybe even things like Arrested Development, Soul ii Soul, Young Disciples, Beats International....

Neil - Sweet Harmony? Really? That would be part of my glowsticks, hands in the air, ravey high point of the night

[DeckstarDeluxe]

I would look for album tracks by acts like Air, Rae and Christian, Groove Armada and such like. Maybe even things like Arrested Development, Soul ii Soul, Young Disciples, Beats International....

Neil - Sweet Harmony? Really? That would be part of my glowsticks, hands in the air, ravey high point of the night

Opps you're right I was getting confused with this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHC7Q5_SAbE

[DJ Jules]

Maybe even things like Arrested Development, Soul ii Soul, Young Disciples, Beats International....

I agree - there was some great Rap/Soul kicking around in the 90's. Possibly also worth checking out some of the more abstract dance acts like Robert Miles, Chicane, BBE and possibly the down beat "dance" acts like Everything But the Girl, Olive and Massive Attack - but be careful not to kill the mood!!

Julian

[musicology]

Marvellous help. Thank you all very much!