With a cheeky flair for symbolism that's entirely in character, Boy George kicked off his inaugural U.S. DJ tour on Valentine's Day, headlining at clubs around the country to promote his latest persona as showcased in his new record, Essential Mix. He's long since come back from his druggy, dark post-Culture Club days with a Peter Pan-like rebound, dropping one needle for another. It's a return to roots in a way: the dance music club scene is practically amniotic for Boy George, the milieu where he cut his teeth. So there's less of a leap than might be assumed to find the sister following in the formidable footsteps of Fatboy Slim and Paul Oakenfold (who contributed an earlier volume to London/Sire's essential mix series). And--exactly as you'd expect--Boy George indulges his decidedly idiosyncratic taste for beats with a totally unpredictable, unorthodox mad science. He's not afraid to risk jolting the crowd with some unexpected speed bumps in his flow, moving from ragga or diva house to full-on techno throb and ghosting out a voice here and there to pinch the energy's pitch. He brings on several artists from More Protein projects, including Kinky Roland (who contributes an irresistible retro-disco highlight, "Born Funky"). The Boy's mix is like moving from one club theme room into another, whether it's rave anthem ("Let Me Be Your Fantasy") or ethereal trance chilling ("Spreading the Light," with the Boy as "The Colein"). The resurrected Culture Club itself makes an appearance as "Cultural Diversion" in "See Thru" (also featuring the BG's vocals and his personal favorite, the "sexy" two-step). Boy George has said he thinks of his mix as the kind of music you might listen to while getting ready to leave for the party--but once you have it on, you're already there. --Tom May

17 tracks mixed by the man himself. Included is a funky reworking of 'Girl From Ipanema' and 'Let Me Be Your Fantasy'. Boy George even sings on a few of the tracks. Over 60 minutesof essential dance music. Standard jewel case. 2001 release.