A true partnership is worth more than the sum of its parts, and for me, this has never been more evident than with Paradise Soul.

While both Mike and Stretch were decent but uninspiring producers in their own right, their combined talents were amazing. Notice that I write in the past tense; it seems as if the project has been retired for good.

Paradise Soul's sound was unique, instantly recognisable and yet varied immensely from track to track. Most producers with a clearly recognisable sound risk becoming boring and making too many similar songs, but Mike and Stretch never seemed to struggle with this.

Each track had a progressive, happy feel, consisting of almost vintage-sounding bass lines reminiscent of Orbital's "Chime" or Frankie Knuckles "The Whistle Song", and usually overlaid with thin, euphoric strings.

Whether with vocals such as in "Wake Up", without such as in "Spirit Of The Turning Tables", laid-back as in "Moscow Rendezvous" or positively thumping and uplifting as in the "Lotta Lovin'" Remix, Paradise Soul's productions were always incredible unique, well-considered and enjoyable listens, somehow being deep and intellectual yet fun and catchy at the same time.

It's a real shame that the project has been laid to rest.