Defected

Despite delivering a choice debut of originals in 1996's "Sacrebleu," Dimitri from Paris is best-known for his DJ mixes, especially 2000's well-received "A Night at the Playboy Mansion." The fancy Frenchman now follows up that effort with the twice-as-long but not twice-as-great "Return to the Playboy Mansion."

"Return" segregates its mixes into two distinct flavors: "Partytime" on the first disc, "Sexytime" on the second. As expected, that largely means the up-tempo numbers get things started before the entire affair downshifts, with Teddy Pendergrass and his call for some "cold, cold wine" serving as a bridge.

Since "Partytime" is more house-oriented and clubby, it's the more soulful, laid-back "Sexytime" that tweaks my knobs. Its lineup includes Barry White, Marvin Gaye and The Brand New Heavies for its between-the-sheets sound track. However, Jamiroquai and a Masters at Work remix of Incognito provide first-disc highlights, to say nothing of the bunny-rific cover art.

"”Rod Lott