Mark E Smith? Slacker! Zomby? Work-shy Fop! Your so-called prolific output doesn’t hold a candle to Syrian musician Omar Souleyman, who since 1994 has released approximately (completists look away now) 500 albums! Which in that timeframe roughly equates to an album every eleven-and-a-half days. So whilst your “typical” musician is wasting their time with unproductive pursuits like eating, sleeping and blinking Omar is keeping the owner of the cassette duplication factory’s children in college.

Jazeera Nights is a collection of his material from the last sixteen years. Serving as a perfect toe in the water for anyone wanting to understand what all those people were tweeting in such excitement about during his recent UK appearances. The nine tracks included here begin with a high-energy vibe and rarely pause for breath. With frantic musicianship exhibiting the intensity of teenage wasps attending an illegal rave in a bucket; all overseen by Souleyman’s gleefull yelps and boisterous singing. He is the conductor and controller of this harmonious-hot-rod, unafraid to travel at breakneck speed through the winding mountain paths.

Whilst his live set is a bass heavy affair, this does not translate onto these recordings. Granted there is a certain charm in the simplicity of what has been laid down, but it’s missing that kick to the guts to really finish the job. Those expecting a home-listening version of what they experienced in the flesh may well be disappointed.

Any of these tracks could be thrown into a party mix to get the room moving and that’s where its strength really lies. It’s an essential pic ‘n’ mix disc from a vibrant and unique musician fuelled by relentless enthusiasm. But attempting to plough through this selection box of indulgent delights in a single sitting might leave you with a tummy ache.