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There are certain signs in nature indicating spring is near. Bare tree branches disappear in a fuzz of green buds, the sky turns an incrementally deeper shade of blue, flowers pop up, smiles reappear on serious winter faces. If any doubt remains in your mind Defected is on hand to ring in the approaching season with Miami 2008.

The Winter Music Conference is not only a brilliant excuse for party people around the world to shake out their limbs, blow clean the cobwebs in their head and catch a few early rays; it's their chance to remind themselves just how amazing music can sound on a fat system beneath the sunshine. It is an appetiser for a summer of parties to come and the UK's premier house label once again celebrates it in traditional style.

Whether it's a reminder of the good times in Miami, or a budget alternative to those pricy return flights, Defected In The House - Miami 2008 has everything you need on it to evoke a pool-party atmosphere. First up in the massive three-disc mix is Aaron Ross who ladles up American-size portions of bubbling funky house. Riddled with a cappellas, this is pure happy-go-lucky sing-along music from the likes of Jimpster, Joey Negro, Copyright, Marlon D and more. Definitely one to get the positive feelings flowing as the afternoon rolls towards evening.

Defected boss Simon Dunmore takes over for the next segment, a blast of upbeat classic house with a hint of electro edge. Groove Armada, Son Of Raw, Kings Of Tomorrow… the hits keep coming. Miguel Migs' Let Me Be is a particular favourite, as is Hardsoul's Self Religion (Believe In Me). Martin Solveig, Fedde Le Grand and recent Defected signings Shapeshifters take the latter part of the mix towards a more peaktime sound, where ATFC picks up on the third disc.

Kicking off with ATFC vs Armand Van Helden's New York Style it quickly spins through top cuts from Tim Deluxe (You Got The Touch), Funkerman, Quentin Harris and ATFC exclusives like his remix of Bob Sinclar's Together. In fact, there are 17 exclusive tracks on here in total, which is a whole CD worth of fresh new music! If that doesn't get you in the mood for summer dancing, what will?