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Deep Dish – George is On
Bonnier
One of the most famous DJ and producer duos
finally release their second album “George Is On”. This is the first album
from Deep Dish (Sharam Tayebi and Ali “Dubfire” Shirazinia) since their
1998's release of “Junk Science”. The new album features 14 new studio
tracks and includes their massive dancefloor hit “Flashdance”. The album is
a splendid mixture of styles ranging from rock, dance, electro to fantastic
soundscapes that has all the Deep Dish quality trademarks. The sound and
production quality is perfect. Deep Dish has worked with long time
collaborator Richard Morel on the deep driving tracks “Sacramento” and
“Everybody’s Wearing My Head” and on the album’s final track “No Stopping
For Nicotine”. Besides the collaboration with Anousheh Khalili on
“Flashdance” she also features on the new smash hit “Say Hello”. No doubt
that Deep Dish is on top of things and also has found space to reinterpret
Fleetwood Mac’s classic “Dreams” featuring Stevie Nicks herself to
perfection. This is a must album for your collection. (CA)
Rating: 9 / 10
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Sander Kleinenberg & Lee Burridge – Everybody On..
Little Mountain Recordings
The third instalment of Sander
Kleinenberg´s Everybody mix compilation features fellow DJ and producer Lee
Burridge know for his involvement in Tyrant that he founded with Sasha and
Craig Richards. The compilation takes you further into the electro fuelled
house music that at the moment is very popular. Lee Burridge mix features
tracks from Soul Mekanik “Wanna Get Wet (Buick Project remix), Dinky “Acid
In My Fridge”, Ada “Livedriver”, Tresca “Easy Ride” and Yoshimoto “Du What U
Du” (trentenøller remix) just naming a few. Sander Kleinenberg mix features
tracks from likes of; Mylo “Muscle Car”, Chris Lake “Untill She Rise”, Armin
Van Buuren & DJ Remy “Bounce Back”, MV “Mr. Roboto” and the Hamel & Jamieson
remix of Bit Pie “Nobody Never”. If electro house is your cup of tea then
this is an album for you. (CA)
Rating: 7 / 10
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Luke Fair - Original Series 3
Bedrock
The third instalment of the Bedrock
Original Series features Canadian producer and DJ Luke Fair. Luke Fair has
been releasing tracks on Bedrock, Yoshitoshi and Precient and has mixed the
likes of Piece Process, Satoshi Tomiie and Max Graham just to name a few. As
a DJ his skills have been recognised by Sasha and John Digweed that here
with OS_3 gives him a chance to step up to the plate. Luke Fair delivers a
funky and melodic mix and from the start you know you are in for something
special. The tracklist features two Sebastien Leger tracks “Mooguno” and “Electric”,
Skylar “When in Rome” and Rowan Blads and Chris Lake “Malteser Greezer” just
name a few of the 14 tracks that completes his first outing on a mix album.
Luke Fair has with this mix completed the task and passed with flying
colours – no doubt that Luke Fair is man to watch for in the future.
Rating: 8 / 10
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Conjure One
- Extraordinary Ways
Nettwerk Records
The second album under the Conjure One
guise Rhys Fulber once more proves that he has a fantastic musical touch.
Rhys Fulber is perhaps best known for his work with Bill Leeb in the
pioneering industrial rock outfit Frontline Assembly and highly acclaimed
Delerium. His new album “Extraordinary Ways” once more merges ambient
electronic elements, pop and dance music to perfections with haunting
melodies and lush textures. Rhys Fulber is no stranger in working with
different singers. Two singers from the first Conjure One album returns; Poe
(“Endless Dream”, “One Word” and “Extraordinary Way”) and Chemda Kalili (“Forever
Lost”), and new vocalist collaborators are Tiff Lacey (“Face The Music”) and
Joanna Stevens (“Dying Light”). Rhys Fulber is also featured for the first
time on vocal on the cover track the Buzzcocks classic “I Belive”. This
album is a fantastic journey and I can strongly recommend this album for a
lazy Sunday afternoon. (CA)
Rating: 8 / 10
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James
Zabiela – Utilities
Renaissance
With his second release on the renowned
Renaissance label James Zabiela once more prove he is at the forefront of
DJing. On CD One he uses Ableton technology mixed entirely via computer and
CD two mixed live using 3 CD decks, samplers and EFX. The tracklist includes
two new James Zabiela tracks “EyeAmComputer” and “Robophobia” taken from his
debut EP “The Utilities EP”. CD One also features Infusion’s remix of Will
Saul “Mbira”, Lee Coomb “Outta My Mind” and a Kriece remix of Aphex Twin´s “Windowlicker”.
CD two features Trentemøller´s “Rykketid”, Buick Project “At The Rave” and
Elite Force mix of PMT´s “Gyromancer”, just to name a few of the tracks that
has been specially selected by James. (CA)
Rating: 7 / 10
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Oscar G –
Made In Miami
Star 69 Records
One of the hottest producers and DJ´s
coming out of Miami is Oscar G. With his new mix CD, “Made In Miami”,
released on Star 69 Records you can experience Oscar’s special vibe he puts
into sets fused with sexy house tunes and awesome electro. “Made In Miami”
includes tracks from the likes of The Basement Jaxx, Steve Lawler, Sammy
Peralta & DJ Rooster, Carl Kennedy and a few of Oscar G. and Ralph Falcon’s
own classics. Highlights are Steve Lawler’s super mix of Funky Green Dogs
“Reach For Me” and Murk’s “Miami Heat” mix of Lee Coombs’ “Shiver”. Oscar G
also just won BEST DJ and BEST PRODUCER at the first annual Miami DJ Music
Awards. (CA)
Rating: 8 / 10
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Alcyone -
The Stars Are Real
System Recording
Rarely an album comes along that appeals to
home listening as well to the dancefloor. Clearly drawing on influences of
Orbital, The Orb and William Orbit San Francisco based Alcyone (producer /
keyboards Alex Newman and vocalist/composer Suzanne Sterling) have crafted
their debut album “The Stars Are Real” spanning the genres of ambient, dub,
trance, breaks and deep house. Alcyone is Alex Newman (known from Medicine
Drum and his composition, “Prayer for Peace”) and Suzanne Sterling (also
part of Medicine Drum and acclaimed composer for theatre, film and video). (CA)
Rating: 7 / 10
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Three –
Hallucienda
System Recordings / Hallucination
Hallucienda are New York-based DJ/producer
Three and the Hallucination label first “official” DJ-mix CD. Three are also
known for Second-Hand Satellites (working with Sean Q6) and the remix
project Three A.M. (with Rabbit in the Moon's David Christophere). The CD
features tracks from Rabbit In The moon, Terry Frabcis and Sean Q6 just to
name a few. The release also includes Enhanced CD access to a downloadable
bonus mix of Limited and Hallucination Recordings catalog releases mixed by
Three. (CA)
Rating: 6 / 10
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Balance
Electric vol.1 – Gavin Keitel
EQ / Stomp
A new mix series as emerged from the highly
acclaimed Australian EQ label that brought us The Balance series. The new
offspring “Electric” ventures into at the moment very popular electro house
sound. Volume One features the Australian DJ talent Gavin Keitel and he
kicks off the album with Inaqui Marin “Six” and your path down the electric
avenue has been set. The album also features tracks from Osulande, Drama
Society, Robert Babicz, Einmusik, Hugg & Pepp, Further, Sasse, DJ T, Dirk
Leyers, Broker/Dealer and Superpitcher. I must confess that the electro
house that is around at the moment isn’t my cup of tea and I have had a hard
time finding the rating for this album, I feel it’s nicely put together and
some of the tracks like Double X “City Lights” get me rocking – so here goes
– don’t be mad. (CA)
Rating: 6 / 10
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Pole Folder - Zero Gold
Bedrock Records
The debut album by Pole Folder has been one of the most expected and after I
have had the opportunity to listen to it – I can say – it’s out of this world.
Benoit Franquet aka. Pole Folder has here created an album that takes you on a
wonderful journey into intriguing soundscapes that will mesmerise you. He has
worked with the vocal talents of Shelley Harland, Sandra Ferretti and Kirsty
Hawkshaw and their voices fit perfectly into his atmospheric blend of melodic
downbeat and breakbeat. The tracks of the album are merged into each other and
give the whole one hour journey a fantastic fluent feel into different emotions
that is underlined by the insightful lyrics. It has taken Benoit Franquet almost
two years to produce and fine tune this album and it has been all worth it, what
you get isn’t “Zero Gold” but “Pure Gold” – so far one of the best albums of the
year. (CA) Rating: 10 / 10
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Andy Moor
- In Session vol.2
Baroque
The second instalment of Baroque “In
Session” mix compilation features one of the hottest producer and DJ at the
moment Andy Moor. He is also know as part of Tilt (Parks and Wilson),
Whiteroom and as Leama & Moor. The mix consist of 10 tracks taken from
Baroque’s massive back catalogue and one brand new track by Jose Zamora &
Damian DP - Transatlantic (Andy Moor Mix) concludes the mix. The mix really
shows off the style, diversity and the splendour of Baroque releases. In the
mix you will find Espen & Stian – Comatoast, Buds Not Bombs - Deleido
(Infusion Exorcism Dub), Ryukyu Underground - Seragaki (Junkie XL
Mix),Ridgewalkers - Find (Andy Moor Mix), Duran & Aytek - Searching
(Evolution Mix), Presslaboys – Electrobeat, Martin H & Tony Price Present
Spin 33 – Believe, Quivver - Boz Boz (Central Rush Mix), Central Rush - End
Of The Tunnel. As a bonus you will get an un-mixed CD 2 that includes Shiloh
- Latex (Benz & MD Mix),Tkac & Haverlik – Synthia, Fretwell - Silky Dirty (Pole
Folder & CP Mix), SDM Soundclash - Scream 2B Heard, Minilogue – Leloo,
Incidental & Espen - Oblivion (Descent Mix), Central Rush - Out Of Focus (Illegally
Blind Mix), Benz & MD – Spiagia. (CA)
Rating: 8 / 10
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Second Sun
– Inside Out
System Recordings
The buzz around Second Sun has been
huge since they had a big success with the collaboration with Paul Van Dyk on
the track “Crush”. The track was a massive hit last year and was also the
opening track on Paul van Dyk´s “Reflections” album. Second Sun (Adam Covaluzi
and Antoine Toupin) debut album “Inside Out” shows a diverse and multitalented
production, spanning many different music styles; trance, break beat,
progressive, rock elements and even hints of commercial pop elements comes into
play. For me Second Sun really shines with the tracks “Everything” – it’s a
great melodic track and “The Spell” is another big hit for the boys on the trance
dance floors – a massive vocal track with a pulsating beat. Besides “Crush”
tracks like “Playground”, “Love Simulation” and “He Said She Said” are the
ones that stand out. They have also taken on the classic M track “Pop Muzik”.
Overall a very strong debut by Second Sun. (CA)
Rating: 8 / 10
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Across
Borders – Greece
Therapy Music
The international DJ Dave Seaman from
Australian has with his Audio Therapy label created a foundation for up and
coming produces and has with his new album series “Across Borders” extended
this platform. The first destination is Greece where we over the last few
years have seen a lot of new talents emerging. Dave Seaman has here
collected the finest releases from artist like G-Pal “Within”, Dousk “Bummer”,
Christian Cambas “Paramount”, Stel & Good Newz “Exactly What You Wanted” and
Kosmas Epsilon “Ill Ssa”. The great thing with this compilation is its
unmixed and you can enjoy each track separately and you can use them in your
own mix. The album will also be released as a limited 2 x vinyl samplers
that will feature 2 exclusive versions not available on the CD. (CA)
Rating: 8 / 10
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Chris
Fortier - Balance 007
EQ / Stomp
Chris Fortier has accepted the challenge in
making part 7 of the highly acclaimed Balance mix series from Australia.
This is not your typical progressive compilation that you think that the man
behind Fade/FDS records and the “Compiled and Mixed by vol.3” will make.
Chris Fortier has here compiled a mixture of techno, house, breaks and
electro and has created 3 CD´s full of tracks from known artist and some up
and coming. In the mix you will find established artist like; Rabbit In The
Moon, Carl Craig, Bent, Hardfloor, Slam, Pascal FEOS, Anthony Rother &
Agoria. Listen to the mixes – no doubt that Chris Fortier knows what he is
doing and its refreshing to listen to a compilation not full of the “tune of
the moment”, but here to endeavour into some different, something new and
refreshing. Chris has passed the challenge and the Balance series will keep
on even stronger than before. (CA)
Rating: 8 / 10
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John
Digweed – Choice
Azuil
A splendid collection of classics tracks from
late 80’ and 90’ all mixed together by the Bedrock master himself John
Digweed. It’s great to hear all these golden oldies in this mix context, and
you get a sensation that John Digweed really has had a great time setting
this album together. Some of my own favourites has also found its way in the
mix, just to name the massive The Grid “Flotation” and Underworld “Mmhhh
Skyscraper I love You” – they don’t make tracks like that anymore. Also in
mix you can find; Propaganda “Your Wildlife”, Inxs “Disappear”, St. Etienne
“Cool Kids Of Death” (Underworld remix) and The Cure “A Forrest”. (CA)
Rating: 8 / 10
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Timo Maas -
Pictures
Warner
“Pictures” is the second artist album from
German super DJ and producer Timo Maas. His debut album “Loud” was a
combination of techno and big beat. On the new album Timo Maas is trying
something a bit different with more emphasis on song structure and
arrangements than big hooks and big beats. Placebo’s Brian Molko, Neneh
Cherry and long-time collaborator Kelis creates the vocal foundation of the
album that has this nostalgic feel to it with the sounds of old space
invaders soundtracks that also was featured on “Help Me” track from the
“Loud” album. The dark and twisted electronic musical universe that Timo
Maas here is exploring are taking you to the max with intermezzos and
driving instrumental tracks. Overall a strong second release from this down
and dirty German – well done. (CA)
Rating: 7 / 10
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Martin H –
Another Download
Invent Recordings
From Sweden comes an album that I have been
waiting for with high expectation. Martin H (Halinowski) has been making a
name for himself on the progressive / tribal house scene the last few years
and with his debut album “Another Download” he emphasises this with 10
tracks reaching the fare corners of slow and building tracks like the title
track “Another Download” and “Know It’s You” to his slamming “Red Rose Black
Rose”. He also incorporates electro house elements into his tracks, but it’s
done in his own special noisy way. On the album Martin H has also included
his massive “Believe” that was released on Baroque Records. To conclude –
the album didn’t exactly reach my expectations – I have hoped more for
tracks like “Believe” and his super remix of Inkfish “How Can I Believe”,
but I will still rate it a bit high (CA)
Rating: 7 / 10
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Röyksopp –
The Understanding
Wall Of Sound / EMI
From Tromsø in Norway, where the long and
dark winter nights rule, come Torbjørn Brundtland and Svein Berge. Together
they were one of the most exciting new bands to emerge on the electronic in
2002 with their critical acclaimed debut album “Melody A.M.” that spun the
hits like “Eple” and “Poor Leno”. Now they are back with “The Understanding”
and they have build their tracks on the same recipe and you are left with a
feeling that what was magic with Röyksopp isn’t their anymore. Now you have
a band that had made a well polished popy album. “The Understanding” isn’t
that bad – it’s a nice relaxed album for a lazy afternoon in the sun and it
has its moments. (CA)
Rating: 7 / 10
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Damian
Lazarus – Suck My Deck
Bugged Out / Resist
Damian Lazarus has a fresh and unique sound
best described as dirty & deep, electro house and he received a djing major
break in 2002 when he was invited to play at Barcelona's Sonar Festival and
at We Love Sunday's at Space in Ibiza. Since then, he has played in clubs
all over the world. Damian Lazarus is behind the latest instalment in the
Bugged Out! Series. He has here created an electro ride with track from
Thomas Dolby “One Of Our Submarines” (Ricardo Villalobos remix), System 7-
Planet 7 (James Holden remix), an exclusive track from James Holden “Lump”
and the wicked M83 “Don’t Save Us” to name a few of the tracks that Damian
has included. (CA)
Rating: 7 / 10
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Swamy +
Astro & Glyde – Le Souk Sunday Sessions
E03 Records
In the East Village at the hart of New York,
the restaurant / lounge Le Souk has been making a name for itself drawing a
big crowd and many big DJs for their Sunday Sessions. Founder Swamy takes on
disc one and delivers a flawless funky and soulful house mix, with tracks
from Pashka, DJ T., Dublex Inc., Rodney Hunter just to name a few. The
resident DJ duo Astro & Glyde takes disc 2 into darker and more progressive
territories, but still with a funky feel to the mix with tracks from Guy
Williams, Jeso De Divina & Carlos Mareno, Paranoid Jack, Astro & GLyde
themselves and a wicked remix by John Creamer & Stephane K mix of Rachael
Starr “Till There was You” concludes the mix.. The Le Souk Suynday Sessions
is a slick and chilled compilation that get you in gear to tackle the
upcoming week. (CA)
Rating: 7 / 10
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The Human League – Original Remixes & Rarities
Virgin
In a time where electro is having its
renaissance on the dance floor as something new and fresh, I have to say
nothing compares to the original pioneers of electronic music. In the early
80´England was the main power behind new wave, new romantic and electro pop
music and Philip Oakey, Martyn Ware and Ian Craig Marsh were behind some of
the most outstanding music of the era in the form of The Human League. The
Human League has over many years influenced the club music that we know
today and on this compilation some of the rare and hard to find remixes,
only 12” releases and b-sides can be found; “Being Boiled” (their first
release) “Hard Times”, “Sound Of The Crowed”,“Non-Stop”, “Mirror Man”,
“Fascination”, “Human” and “The Lebanon”. Martyn Ware and Ian Craig Marsh
left The Human League after the first two albums and formed BEF (British
Electric Foundation) and their own band Heaven 17. (CA)
Rating: 7 / 10
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Britney
Spears – B In The Mix
SonyBMG
The Christmas season is upon us and this
normal gives us a lot of compilations from the big pop and rock stars. From
pop star Britney Spears comes a compilations of remixes, so the fans don’t
forget her in the absent of her pregnancy. “B In The Mix” features 11
remixes from some of the club culture best producers. Let me go through some
of them here; Peter Rauhofer takes on “Toxic” and Bill Hamel delivers a
super nice rolling mix of “Touch Of My Hand”. Junkie XL has done an
excellent mix of the previously unreleased “And Then We Kiss” that also is
the soundtrack for the new TV add for Elizabeth Arden perfume “Fantasy”.
“Breath On Me” is mixed by the man of the moment Jacques Lu Cont (Stuart
Price) the man behind Madonna´s new album and behind the remix of Depeche
Mode’s "A Pain That I'm Used To". (CA)
Rating: 8 / 10
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Sarah McLachlan – Bloom (Remix Album)
Sony/BMG
One of the most beautiful female voices
releases her second remix album. Sarah McLachlan is perhaps best know for
her vocal in Delerium´s “Silence” that Tiesto made into one of the biggest
trance anthems ever. Sarah McLachlan has had a long career as a solo artist
releasing her amazing “Touch” debut album back in 1998. From this album
“Vox” has been remixed by Tom Middleton. From her 1993 “Fumbling Toward
Ecstasy” release “Ice” has been remixed by Dusted (Rollo of faithless fame)
and “Fumbling Toward Ecstasy” by Junior Boys. From her latest album “Afterglow”;
“Dirty Little Secret” has been mixed by Thievery Corporation, “Stupid” by
Hyper, “Train Wreck” by Sly & Robbie, “Answer” by Talvin Singh, “Fallen” by
Gabriel & Dresden and “World Of Fire” by Junkie XL. All the remixes supports
her voice beautiful and sets her compositions and lyrics into another
perspective when you listen to how they go so well to so many different
music genres. (CA)
Rating: 8 / 10
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D:Fuse –
People 3
Moist Music
People 3 is the third installment in
D:FUSE’s popular compilation series. This new 2CD continues the concept of "both
sides of the picture" with CD1 being a club mix and CD2 as a chill mix. Both
CDs include exclusive new tracks and remixes by D:Fuse. For People 3, D:Fuse
has taken the live DJ concept to a whole new level and it features the live
recordings of D:Fuse’s new show, including a full percussion set up,
including D:Fuse's signature mix of Electronic Congas, Bongos, Tablas, and
Timbales. It also features DJ/Producer Mike Hiratzka on guitar, bass, and
keyboards and Austin’s MC Flipside. This compilation is one of the strongest
of the year so far, its fresh and you can feel the energy especially in the
club mix. (CA)
Rating: 8 / 10
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Behrouz &
Yousef – Frontiers
Renaissance
The new release from Renaissance features
two of the best DJs in each their territory. CD1 features Yousef, who is
renowned for his “Circus” Liverpool nights and his own label Carioca. He has
created a groovy house mix. CD 2 features Behrouz, known for his releases on
Shinichi and his two “In House We Trust” compilations out on Yoshitoshi.
Behrouz has here put together a super progressive mix featuring Tone Depth –
Everything, Parham & Dominic Plaza – Underwater Rivers and Sultan & Tommyboy
– You Make Me Feel Extacy, just to name a few. “Frontiers” gives a view of
the present state of scene right now, and I welcome back Renaissance to the
progressive releases after a long string of electro house influenced
releases. (CA)
Rating: 8 / 10
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