Reviews (13)

essential elements-dj icey presents
alright this is my first review, but by no means my first house/breakbeat cd. all i can say is when i paw throught the reviews posted on amazon, i am always a bit sceptical. sometimes people will say: it's "hard," and it, "kicks ass," when really it's weak and it [not good]; however, with this cd, it is very different...it'll kick your [rear body part] six ways from sunday, with skillful mixing, most excellent breaks and hard, hard beats...it's downright beautiful, man. buy it. you will not regret it!

Ravers Beware
In this age of Epic Trance and Hard House, it's refreshing to hear some quality New School and Progressive Breaks. Don't buy this CD if you're expecting droning synthesizers, 4 x 4 beats, and lovey-dovey vocals. If you're looking for a good place to start your pilgrimage to some techy, hard-hitting Electronica, then DJ Icey's Essential Elements is the place to do it. But, like I said, Ravers Beware, this might put a sour taste in your mouth at the thought of going to your favorite local club for a night of Zombie Nation and System F. And all you Breaks fans, this is a must have. Enjoy!

Rocks
This album represents a lot of differing genres. I liked it.

This is NOT Essential Elements...trust me!
DJ Icey returns to the scene mixing his second compilation in the Essential Series. Other DJ's releasing Essential Mixes have ranged from UK's Radio 1 Pete Tong to former Culture Club front man Boy George. MTV's DJ Skribble has even gotten in on the act. Icey, arguably the U.S.'s best known breakbeat DJ, lays down 20 tracks in just over 75 minutes. This provides the listener with a wide range of music, which on the surface would appear to be a delight, but unfortunately, ends up to be the demise of the album. The mix overall had some great cuts that got my head shaking (Orbital's Funny Break, and Meat Katie's Rotten Dot Com were my favorites), but the mix seemed too hurried. Icey's first mix in the Essential series released last year was in my opinion, his finest work, but could have also led to my high expectations for this mix. Having seen Icey live many times, this album does the man and his legend no justice. Don't worry Icey, we all have our days.

Sorry Icey
while his "essential mix" was worth a listen or two,
this one is monotonous, same breaks over breaks.. this album sounds like a little kid having fun scratching the turntable for the first time.
how can someone listen this for 65-70 min straight?
truly and madly disapointed because i know how good DJ Icey is live.. ... Read more

Album Description

Following a split from their former label Concrete, Death In Vegas release their fourth full length album on their own imprint Drone. Doing away with the guest vocals that have dominated their previous releases, Richard Fearless and Tim Holmes strip back the Vegas sound incorporating just drums, bass and electronics. Includes the first single 'Ein Fur Die Damen'. This limited edition includes a bonus disc of 12 live tracks at Brixton. Drone. 2004. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Finally
Death In Vegas has always been one of my favorite bands. They started out as this hiphop band with samples, then they were this cool electro group with angry vocals, and they would occasionally rock out. They were a live band too. They had recorded with Iggy Pop and Liam Gallagher and so many others. It was hard to keep up with the ever changing and morphing shape of the band. I spoke to them on the phone a while back and it seemed that a change was brewing. The members of Death In Vegas are Richard Fearless and Tim Holmes. After ten years they have created a mostly instrumental album that harkens back to German minimalist techno. Whereas many dance and techno pioneers like The Prodigy and Fatboy Slim have put out records that add nothing new and are now forgotten, Death In Vegas have really done a radical album. This is a shock to the system. They have created an underground masterpiece. Every song spits and sputters like a great DIV track. It's totally them. It's totally fearless and unsentimental. This collection also includes the Live at Brixton CD, which chronicles their live show in 2003. This shows how they sounded as a live act. It includes some cool songs like "Rekkit" and "Scorpio Rising" and "Hands Around My Throat." They were an actual band of musicians and not two dudes behind some gear. Death In Vegas are one of the most innovative artists of this time and they continue to be relevant.

The Vegas masterpiece....
It's not like Death in Vegas had any dismissable albums behind them. Not even close. All their previous efforts had attracted considerable attention from those that truly understand and recognise great music. Plus, their progress had been geometric from album to album.

Because of reasons such as these many had anticipated a seriously grand album coming from this band. And sure enough it came.
"Satans Circus" is an absolutely masterful album. It might be different than previous DIV lps but it's also so much more mature and multilayered. An element that's missing is the bombast which prevailent in the past, but that has been more than compensated for with some very intriguing melodies and a stunningly crafted atmosphere that keeps up on a high quality level throughout.

As many reviewers have correctly pointed out the influences of the album are to be found in 70s Krautrock for the most part. Exactly this fact might be responsible for the album having received some not so welcoming reviews. Krautrock was and is difficult music to appreciate. It's meant for the seasoned and intelligent listener. To have it as a main influence on your album only means you're aiming at such listeners. By definition then you're not aiming at the masses.

I'm greatful that DIV defied the commercial advantages they would have had having stayed on their so far laid path and instead went on ahead and boldly did what they're truly capable of: very intelligent timeless music.

This double limited edition CD comes with a live CD. Normally live cds dont exactly rock my world. But this is in another league again. It's one of those few and rare cases where it pays to rush and get the limited version because of something like a live CD. It's a great show that has been saved in this recording, a great selection of songs and an execution which will surprise even the knowledgeful Vegas fans.

One of the very best albums not only of the year but in recent time as well.

It's a love/hate situation this album
There've been quite a number of bad reviews for this for some reason or another. There have been some praising this as a more interesting and intriguing entry from DIV so you'll either see this as genius or god-awful rubbish. I think it's rather good actually, perhaps this is due to liking/owning some Krautrock albums and on some of these they nail it perfectly without sounding like a bunch of imitators. Some of it does border on imitation, Zugaga being a rather almost perfect rendering of Kraftwerk's Trans Europe Express and Heil Xanax and Sons of Rother being rather Neu/La Dusseldorf influenced. But that doesn't detract from the album in my opinion - it's only helpful to show that they're not stabbing around in the dark - they know what they're doing. The live album that comes with this though is rather pointless.....although if it were a DVD I would probably tell you otherwise but I can't. It is good but why need it is all I ask. Most electronica live albums are sheer lunacy and a prime example of bloodless music even if you do like them. Regardless of that, this album is well worth the effort although maybe you might want to question the price first....although I'd say you should get it right away

A good news/ bad news story
I'm a diehard DIV fan so I was pretty stoke to see a new release.
The disc of the new material is pretty weak sauce, nowhere near the content of the previous three.Maybe I'll grow to like it's minimalist content after a few more spins but really I can't be bothered at the moment.

The second disc, a live recording of one of their shows totally kicks ass!!! It's amazing and I can only hope they decide to come to Canada @ some point becasue I'd love to see them. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Amp is, of course, the late night MTV program that's helped turn America onto "that electronica stuff," and this is the sequel to 1997's commercially successful Amp collection. Amp 2 gets things started off right with a house-rockin' unreleased track from Fatboy Slim, but can't sustain such sheer energy throughout, courtesy of flaccid beats from the likes of Prodigy and Adam F. Nevertheless, Amp 2 spins an educational emphasis, stressing the link between new and old schools, with varied collaborations between hip-hoppers and electronic artists. The most successful tracks go back to the funk from which both musics borrow--particularly Pigeonhead with Lo-Fidelity All-Stars, a Jungle Brothers remix, and Roni Size/Reprazent's "Brown Paper Bag," which sees the future in the past all by itself. --Mike McGonigal ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Great CD, it may not be "electronica to u but it is to me!
It seems like all the losers who think electronica isnt the compilation of ALL music hate this CD. Wake-up! music critics! MTV Amp 2 is one of the greatest Rap-techno-rave combo's yet.... from the amazing KRS-1, to the great Chemical Brothers this Cd's got it all, for the electronic lovers swinging more towards rap.. or people new to the electronic genre, this is a great introduction to tecno/trip-hop! Buy it! its worth it!

Regular
Did you ever stop to think that even if you're 1,000,000 times better than regular, that still makes you irregular? Well, my little philosophy could easily apply to this CD; it's got a few exceptional tracks but the others are so bad that it almost isn't worth buying.

See, some of it is good. Sexy Boy is one of the funkiest, most original songs to come out in a long time (check out the video!), and you can always count on the Jungle Brothers to meet your expectations. A special surprise (at least for me) was the Method Man track, which makes me feel instantly aggressive and makes me want to kick something. It's very empowering. A couple of the other songs are good to shout along to (shout- not sing), but some of it is absolutly horrendous. "War" is one of the worst songs I've heard in a long time, and songs like "Rockefellar Skank" and "Battleflag" are so mainstream that they don't seem to fit in.

I would recommend buying this CD for someone between the ages of 12-21 in your household, then stealing it and listening to it yourself. You can't justifying buying a CD when I've told you the truth (that only two or three tracks are really good), but if it's a gift then it's okay!

Buy this cd
I definitely think this cd is a must have. Of course on all cds, you have two or three cruddy songs, but on the whole, there are some bangin tunes on this cd. My personal favorite would have to be the KRS1 and Goldie joint. Sure the fatboy slim song is played out, but 5 years from now, I wouldnt mind rockin to it again. Just check out the list of artists on the cd. You cant possibly go wrong with that much talent. Big A in the Hiz-A

No Good
Well, I have to agree with the last few reviews in that MTV sure does want to make a buck and ruin another part of our culture. Well we won't let them. First Amp was ok, I own both, but the only attractive song on here is Fatboy Slim and if you like that song you should already own You've come a long way, Baby, so don't waste your money and buy some real electronic music, moonsine records, or uc music if you like hard house. Let's hope they don't make Amp 3.

do not buy this cd
do not support this cd, it is another attempt at turning a youth culture into something marketable. mtv does not care about the music, the culture, or anything else. if you are looking for a dance music compilation, check out something put out by moonshine, sm:)e, or any of the other dozens of small independent labels that actually care about the music and culture, and are not in it simply for the money. if we work together, we can destroy mtv. we've got the power. ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Phat breaks
The king of the Funky Breaks scene has produced a genuinely satisfying dance album, with tight beats, acid loops, and disistorted riffs. Unfortunately, it is inconsistent and some tracks are much better than others. "Not a Test", "City of Groove", Cant stop this track", and "the air is full of sound" are standouts, while "take the time", "N-Space", and "Wave Drop" sputter around without aim or rhythm. But all in all, DJ Icey succeeds in his goal to make you move. If you're looking for something fresh and funky, hunt down this disc.

icey's full length comes up short
a respectable dj, remixer, and producer, icey has a cult following in the florida scene and all over the world. i wasn't really disappointed by this album, since i didn't think it was going to be any good in the first place. i'm not too into the florida breaks type of music, and that hasn't changed. there are a few good tracks on here, but they pretty much all sound the same. the drum beats and breaks are almost all identical, and that gets a little boring. if you like icey's style, buy this release. if you don't, buy adam freeland's tectonics, and thank me later!

the bomb, for dancing fools
I was at a rave in N.O. a few years ago and rabbit, icey and many others were, but Icey tore up the Palace. He was by far the best. No one else has such and ear for the funkiest beats. He brought the Palace back on their feet. And "Eased the Roll Back Up" if you dont have it get it. If you havent herd it hear it. If you love to house, ROLL the album.

Gotta roll? Gotta have it!
A raver's classic! My friends and I go clubbing all the time and hear the latest trance and techno. But when we continue the party at home, this is always the CD we break out to get us back up! Just when you think you're 'done' for the night-throw this in and get ready to bring the beat back up til it hits ya!

This Sums It Up For Ya!
Well, I have don't know how I can explain Icey's sound. He is the only DJ out there with this type of sound. He has the best beats I've ever heard. Maybe his girl Baby Anne is the only other DJ kinda like him. You've just gotta get it. It's like no other. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

It just keeps going around and around...
I bought this album for one song: Krupa. One of the best purchases I've ever made. I love every other track on the album: Carrera Rapida, Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Dub and Tears Of The Gods being especially memorable. The songs are really engaging. This album has great replayability, its a rare album that can go into the CD player in the morning and leave me wondering at the end "has that been in there all day?". And the cover artwork is fantastic!

It's No "Getting High", but I'm Glad I Got It
I bought Getting High on Your Own Supply after I heard an interview with the band during "Transmissions" on WEQX here in DC. I really loved that album.

I wasn't enthralled with Electro Glide as I was with Getting High, but it's a really cool album.

-Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Dub is awesome driving music.

-Carrera Rapida is from some Playstation game, and it's kind of a neat song.

-Krupa is a little like dueling bongos. To me though, it also sounds like an early ancestor of "Stop the Rock" - start with one or two samples, add two more, add two more, and suddenly you've got the whole beat. Great beat to dance to.

-Stealth Mass in FM sounds a bit like something Enya would do.

-Stealth Overture I like much better than Stealth Mass, but it's based on the same sample which can get confusing. I would have left one or the other off this cd.

-Tears of the Gods has a great beat, and the samples always make me smile ("What's that?" "The tears of the Gods").

I took a chance on Electro Glide in Blue and stuck it on my wishlist. I was glad to see it under the tree Christmas morning.

Forgotten, but still great
Apollo four forty got my attention after the exelent track "Ain't Talkin''Bout Dub" which is a awesome dance track with some awesome samples from Van Halen. Really that kind of song that makes you feel in a good mood. They are a british dance group, i would say a new-wave dance group, cause they aren't afraid tom mix genres and add cool samples with their music. After hearing "Dub" i decided to take a look at the whole album. Their second single "Raw power" had a cool sound too, but was far from as good as the first one, but could there perhaps be others that was?. "Altamont Super-Highway Revisited" Drum and beats songs that somehow reminded me of Kraftwerk. "Electro Glide In Blue" The title track is slower but it got a nice sound, that kept me interested. "Vanishing Point" is powerful. Some slow beats and someone screaming of joy. It somehow gives me a picture, I can imagine how the video would look like only by hearing it and that what's so good with music sometimes. "Krupa" which got the name after a band member, is one of many highlights of this album. Also a Drum and beat song with some cool glad catchy sample's. "Pain In Any Language" could have been the beginning of a rock ballad. I have relized that this album is a million times better then i though. THey never got that much attention and you heard mor of the single's then the album itself. But in the other hadn this is no commercial stuff. If you like electronica music then you're gonna love this weither it sells a million copies or not. I just feel that they never got the same status as Basement Jaxx and the Chemical Brothers eventhough this album is on par with their best. Go and get it to find out yourself!

Listen. Dance. Listen while dancing?
Wow. Still sound good after all this years.

Not what I expected
I heard "Stop the Rock" on the radio, and thought it had potential. I was going to buy the album it is on. Then I read all the Amazon reviews which said that "Electro Glide in Blue" was the best Apollo 440 CD. Well if that's the case, I can't imagine how terrible "Getting High On Your Own Supply" must be.

I strongly recommend against buying this CD. It's not good. It's not even OK. There are no redeeming songs. There's nothing but mundane, trite and overdone beats. The lyrics are dumb and senseless, but not "good" dumb and senseless. The samples are repeated so much that one wonders if there's anything else to the songs.

All in all it's terrible.

The CD was a waste of $... and 1 hour of my life.

I've never reviewed anything here (or elsewhere for that matter) before, but I felt this was worth saving someone else from. ... Read more

Amazon.com

For a few hours one scorching July day, Brighton Beach became the venue for the Big Beach Boutique II, one of the biggest parties the UK has ever seen. Thanks to the city's star resident, one Mr. Cook (a.k.a. Fatboy Slim), 250,000 revelers were able to forget a decade of shindig-stifling legislation and party for free while perfecting that great move "the pebble shuffle." Predictably, a wave of negative press followed, but for anyone who was there, it was one of the most memorable events since the sun set on the Summer of Love. It's nearly impossible to bottle that kind of atmosphere, but Big Beach Boutique II is a good attempt to bring the sun to your speakers. While excerpts from support DJ sets such as Groove Armada's midpaced "Superstylin'" and the Lo Fidelity Allstars' feisty "Tied to the Mast" create a carnival feel, it's only when Cook kicks off with Tim Deluxe's "It Just Won't Do (dub)" that things really get going. If not the most eclectic mix album ever made, it has enough superb moments, like Cook's magnificent mix of X Press 2's "Lazy," to make BBB II a great slice of nostalgia. --Christopher Barrett ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Get the DVD Instead
This disc is only half fatboy slim and is NOT an exact live version of what happened. Geth the DVD and copy it to your computer.

The first half of this CD is Midfield general (the not-really-mixed stuff), the second half is kind of a mix of the mix that actually took place.

I LOVE the DVD truly live mix though. The commentary is pretty funny too. The DVD shows why fatboy is THE DJ to beat.

Fatboy Slim Does It Again
This is definatly one of Fatboy Slim's best mix records. It doesn't have all the "You've Come A Long Way, Baby" antics of big-beats and stupid lyrics, its much more House/Progressive House oriented. Think more "Halfway Between The Gutter And Stars." With that said, lets get onto the songs.

~~~

1] Midfield General Feat. Linda Lewis - Reach Out
This track is definatly a good opener. Theres no real steady danceable beat to it, but it definatly sets the pace for this awesome album. Linda Lewis has really nice vocals, so the song isn't a total wreck.

2] Fatboy Slim - Talking 'Bout My Baby (Midfield General's Disco Reshuffle)
This track was one of those hit or miss tracks from "Halfway Between The Gutter And The Stars," but here, it sets a nice pace. Once again, this isn't a real danceable track, like #1, but its not bad at all.

3] Groove Armada - Superstylin'
Now this is where the album starts to get goin with those danceable riffs that Fatboy Slim is known for. Groove Armada are one of my other favourite artists, and this song is really good. The mixing from track #2 to this one isn't the best, but once you hit the beat, you forget all about it.

4] Danmass - Haze
The shortest track on the album, but still a pretty good one. A nice chugging bass line, and some cool synths make this one a nice short little ditty. Nothing too amazing, but it was just a fun track.

5] Lo Fidelity Allstars - Tied To The Mast
This was a pretty cool track, although I don't really like the "roughness" of it. It didn't really appeal to me, but it doesn't mean you won't like it. It has a nice big-beat sound to it, with drums a'blazin.

6] Tim Deluxe - It Just Won't Do (Dub)
Now HERE is where the album really picks up. Quite posible the saver of the whole album, just because of its great placement, and awesome beat. Fatboy Slim has a thing for picking great tracks that make you just wanna get up and shake ya butt, and this one is no exception.

7] Kurtis Mantronik Presents Chamonix - 77 Strings
Another really good track that just plays off of #6's great beat and pacing. The track has a nice violin line that goes great with the awesome beat and a great dancing atmosphere. Definatly a keeper.

8] Space Cowboy - Crazy Talk (Dub)
This track is one of the fun ones. It has a great bouncy rhythm which is always good when you're in the middle of an album (basically what this track is). Nothing too special about the track, but its pretty good.

9] Mint Royale - Sexiest Man In Jamaica
The song is a pretty good track. One of those songs that'll make you go "I've never heard that before, but I love it." Not a real album highlight, but I enjoy it lots. A nice tropical-ish rhythm with some Jamaican vocals. Overall a good track.

10] Glen Masters - Hi Jackers
Definatly not one of my favourite tracks. It is just a mediocre big-beat track, with no real standout things to it. I normally memorise what tracks are coming next, but this one I just can't seem to remember - And thats an idication that its pretty much just an okay track.

11] X Press 2 - Lazy (Fatboy Slim Dub Mix)
This is definatly a really great track. Fatboy Slim has always done great re-mixes, and this one is really fun. It has a great rhythm, and fits perfectly with the rest of the album. The beat is great, and has a distinction from the rest of the tracks. I like it.

12] Camisra - Let Me Show You[/b]
"Let me show you what I'm capable of." Well, Fatboy Slim certainly is capable of picking kick-butt tracks, because this one rocks so much! The track makes you just want to pump your fist in the air and jump up and down. Its an all out beat fest, with the great pounding bass and just awesome atmosphere. Definatly my favourite track on the album. Greatness.

13] Static Revenger Feat. The Mullet Men - Long Time
One of the most "summery" feeling tracks on it, it has a great pulse-pounding beat, with some nice vocals. One of the most House/Progressive House sounding songs on the album, its definatly a keeper. Fatboy Slim sure does know how to select his tracks.

14] Cylone - Lord Of The Land
A mediocre track at best. Nothing to distinguish it from the rest of the crowd, its just there to keep the flow going, and the beat up. Its not technically a bad track, some might like it, but Its just not really that great.

15] Fusion Orchestra - Farfisa
Now THIS is what I call a nice unique track with some awesome beats, and just a pulse-pounding energy to it its just fun. The synths add a sort of "outer space" feeling to the track, and it works really well to distinguish it from the rest of the tracks, definatly making it one of the highlight track from the album that you just have to hear.

16] Mighty Dub Katz - Let The Drums Speak
A nice chugging bass, with some great danceable rhythms make this a pretty good track. Although, I'd say its a hit or miss one. Not bad, but definatly nothing too amazing about it. Just an okay song.

17] All Saints - Pure Shores (Norman Cook Re-Edit)
This is definatly not a way I'd end an awesome album so far. Its basically just teen-pop music with some danceableness to it. Fatboy Slim has always known how to make his albums go out with a "bang," but this one was just... not a good closer. Not a bad track by any means, its just too slow and "groovy" for this album.

~~~

Phew, that was alot of typing! Anyways, I hope you enjoyed my review of the great mix CD by the master of beats Fatboy Slim. Its definatly a diverse selections of songs that anyone could find one that they just love. I'd definatly recommend buying this great album. You won't be disappointed!

Not his Best Work...
Fatboy Slim reminds me of just about every techno artist nowadays. Given, his music is much better, his use of soul in his songs is good despite his complains of constant droning by many of his fans. But his attempts are really going in the gutter, and it gets to the point where sometimes you have to be stoned just to tolerate him. Don't get me wrong, it's not all bad; Track 1 in this song definitely gives this record a big boost, a really great song, but from there it tends to go downhill. After about track five, you are left with a bunch of songs that don't give you much but a beat, which you could get anywhere. Glen Masters (track 10) is just TERRIBLE, and the last song (by All Saints) sounds like it just came out of Radio Disney. But the first few songs are really good, and if you like the fatboy, you might want to think about getting this CD. Hopefully he'll stop taking so much acid, however, because he's just getting sloppier with each effort.

Our Boy Norman Is Losing His Touch
I have to say, I was extremely disappointed with this release. I am a true Fatboy HEAD, so I was dying to get my hands on this CD when it came out. I think Fatboy Slim (Norman Cook) is the more innovative DJ and producer in the scene. I could go on for days about the importance and influence of Fatboy Slim. Unfortunately, in this case, the first 30% of the CD isn't even beatmixed. Just picks faded on top of each other. Secondly, the "big beat" style you'd expect from Fatboy Slim with massive overdubs and multiple cuts and playfulness in the mix is completely missing. This is more in line with what appears to be the new philosophy of DJ compilations: Why mix it, why be creative? Anyone will buy it anyway. The industry seems to expect DJ mix fans are lazy minded and will purchase anything, regardless of talent, energy, or effort. Save yourself the heartache and pick up the "Big Beat Boutique" instead... You'll still enjoy the sound and will hear a DEFINITIVE big beat mix. This is really just a compilation of favorites with crowd noise mixed over it to give it a live "sound". A complete let down. I'd give less that 1 star if Amazon allowed. Very very very disappointed in our boy on this one.

Don't be Fooled
I read the good reviews, and was badly fooled. I like Fatboy Slim very much, but this was one of the most tedious albums I have ever purchased. The voice of Linda Lewis is very nice, but the first ten tracks nearly put me to sleep. "Lazy - X Press 2" is the first barely-tasty track (#11) but wasn't nearly enough to rescue this disc from my trade-in pile.

I think you had to be there. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Although David Holmes's Bow Down to the Exit Sign is intended to be the soundtrack of an as-yet-to-be-made film, the closest stylistic cousin in the Holmes canon is not the work he did for the film Out of Sight, nor is it his sweepingly cinematic debut or the New York City-on-acid travelogue that was his big commercial breakthrough. The most seemingly obvious predecessor is actually the U.K. release Essential Mix 98/01. The spirit of Holmes's super-eclectic DJ work (a world in which Brigitte Bardot, Plaid, Rare Earth, and Skylab all happily cohabitate) is here again on his latest outing, along with the additional element of more than a few outstanding vocal performances. Bobby Gillespie lends his hip sneer to the punky-fuzzy "Sick City" and "Slip Your Skin." Jon Spencer unleashes his afflicted-soul howl over the furiously fuming organ of "Bad Things." Tricky cohort Martina Topley-Bird is radiant amid the claustrophobic pulse of "Outrun," and Carl Hancock-Rux is nothing less than rock god-legendary, especially on the stunningly funky "Living Room." Holmes of course offers up a few instrumental treats as well, most notably "Hey Lisa," which is quietly pretty, and "69 Police," which immediately catapults itself into the realm of bouncy-fun classics such as Primal Scream's Loaded. --Bob Michaels ... Read more

Reviews (9)

scramble to your feet
well, i'm not much for analyzing music either, just for enjoying or being moved by it as much as you, and normally i couldn't care less about writing a review, but had to, just to rectify this horrendous misrepresentation: this album rocks! i admit it starts somehow mannered, matter of fact, omit the first three tracks, the feeble 'Compared to what' with the forgettable line 'try to make it real', the Bobby Gillespie track 'Sick city', and the lamentable Jon Spencer affectation 'Bad thing'. doesn't sound this album deserves the four stars, does it? but then suddenly all changes.
once 'voices, siren, rain' kicks in, this album 'starts fighting back, striking back, kicking ass!' 'Incite a riot', '69 police' and 'Living room' (with Hancock-Rux) are one jammin' psychedalic funkfest. Primal Scream's Bobby Gillespie's second outing 'Slip your skin' also rocks, but despite the big names on the guest list, as far as the vocals go, Martina (Tricky's muse, or vice versa) really steals the show on the brooding 'Outrun' and the tight 'Zero tolerance'.
git-on-down, but don't slip, better trip - tracks 6 to 15 are forty minutes of pure punk payback.

Heynoose
Yuck. I'm not one for analyzing music, just for enjoying it or being moved by it. This album frustrates on both counts. Junk.

"Bow Down" is right
Oh, good Lord, I love this album. I can see why some people might find it repetitive or directionless, but I'm convinced that these people aren't allowing themselves to be engulfed by this cd. It's an absolutely visceral experience when heard from beginning to end. Maybe I'm exaggerating by giving it 5 stars, but it's only because I rarely get drawn into albums this much, and I don't think there are many DJs out there who push themselves as much as Holmes. And though I still contend this album should be heard straight through from beginning to end, "Bad Thing", "69 Police" and "Living Room" have got to be the best tracks on here. It's really wonderful, and I think the fact that it can't be classified in a specific genre is a testament to Holmes' daring and appreciation of all kinds of music. He's the kind of person who SHOULD be making albums.

I think it's the Best Holmes album yet
Let's Get Killed was the Taxi Driver for the ears (or so Spin said), Bow Down to the Exit Sign is better. It's mood is thicker than Let's Get Killed and its got a lot of ear candy. Its good to see Martina Topley-Byrd doing something with her off time with Tricky.

Directionless and repetitive
David Holmes is now three discs into his discography, and I'm still not sure he's made a compelling argument why anyone should buy his music. Personally, I thought a lot of Holmes' earlier work seemed an awful lot like the stylings of an amateur ACID user, and while technically his work has improved, it's still a long way from actually being rewarding to listen to.

Much of my problem with David Holmes' latest offering, Bow Down To The Exit Sign, has to do with the album's utter lack of direction. At times it wants to be rock, and at others it's more straightforward electronic music, but it never marries the two genres successfully and doesn't succeed as either genre separately. Right from the beginning, the album starts with this cute little sound bite: "It's time to go to the peppermint store." And while I've listened to the album half a dozen times, I still have no idea why it's there; I doubt even David Holmes knows.

Bow Down's best tracks, the deliciously French "69 Police" and the charming "Hey Lisa," work because they actually have a sense of direction which is otherwise sorely missing from the rest of the album. After all, there's quite a few guest vocalists here, but with the exception of Tricky collaborator Martina Toppley-Bird's vocals on "Outrun," Holmes doesn't seem to have much for them to do. The remainder of the album is fairly interchangeable, with Phil Mossman's uninventive bass lines and Holmes' cookie cutter production values stamping out one forgettable track after another. And some of the tracks really stick out like a sore thumb, like the Bobby Gillespie-fronted "Sick City," which makes me wonder what audience Holmes wants to play to in the first place. Somehow I can't see the dubheads appreciating it, and as rock it's pretty pathetic.

Keep your eye on David Holmes, but keep your money as well. ... Read more

Reviews (33)

WOW
WOW is the appropiate way to describe the selections on this cd. Any reviewer who thinks this cd does not deliver the best in electronica really doesn't know anything about music and is not allowed to read ANY of my reviews.

Prodigy's "No Good" and "Choose Life" featuring Ewan McGregor are the songs I use to pack the dance floor as well as BT's "Flaming June", Atomic Babies "Smiles" and The Propellaheadz "Take California".

I can never get enough of "Fat Boy Slim's" BIG BEAT. "Going Out Of My Head" delivers big time with a sample reference to The Who's "Can't Explain". And definilty check out Doormouse's "414". It is the most hardcore dance track I have ever heard.

Also this cd's pacing is very good meaning it doesn't drag like most techno, dance & electro cd's.

This is one of BoBo's "Required Listening" and is the beginning of an awesome collection of music for you. Digital Empire II & III deliver the same type of diversiry as this cd. Try this one first

BiBi from BoBo

Superb 2-Disc Compilation
"Digital Empire: Electronica's Best" is, overall, a superb 2-disc compilation of mainstream electronica/techno songs from the late 1990s ('95 - '98). With so many popular bands/artists featured on here, it's easy to please most listeners.

Disc One starts off with one of my favorite songs and bands on here: "No Good (Start the Dance)" by The Prodigy. It's an almost un-Prodigy-like track--particularly if you're used to their songs like "Firestarter" and "Smack My B*tch Up"--mainly because of the female vocals.

A few of my other favorites on Disc One are pretty much the obvious choices: "Busy Child" by The Crystal Method, "Roots" by Mark Verbos (ok, not so obvious), and "Choose Life" by PF Project featuring Ewan McGregor from the movie "Trainspotting" (no f-ing four-letter UK swears here, though; it's all censored). In my opinion, this latter track (#11) should have traded places with the last track on Disc One: "Shnowed In" by Hawke. Number 12's ok (though I tend to forget it and turn the CD off after 11), but 11 would have made a better finale.

Disc Two, as well, opens with another good song: "Block Rockin' Beats" by The Chemical Brothers. Like Disc One, it's full of mainstream, high-energy songs (like a few of my faves: "Going Out of My Head" by Fatboy Slim, "One 4 Da Head" by Buzz Fiend, "414" by Doormouse, and "Born Slippy" by Underworld--yet another track off the "Trainspotting" soundtrack), as well as some slower, more mellower tracks, such as two gems that come to mind: "Subconscious" by Rabbit in the Moon and "Flaming June" by BT.

Together, these two CDs provide well over two hours of mostly high-energy electronica music. If you're a fan of more than a handful of bands/artists on here, then "Digital Empire: Electronica's Best" is definitely a must-have. You'll love it. Also recommended: all the other "Digital Empire" CDs.

Best CD ever
As the subject says, this is the best cd ever. I am a techno junkie, and have always bought cds like this, but most end up pretty bad. Then I got this one, and was blown away. There is not *one* bad track on the entire 2 CD set! I highly, highly reccomend Digital Empire. You won't be dissapointed.

Electronica at its finest!
Every aspect of electronica is covered in this beautiful 2 cd set, and covered well. Each song is a new dream. Both CD's take you deep into the mystic land of music especially hipgnosis on the second cd, flaming june by BT, and of course the Rabbit in the Moon track. I have used these CD's at raves, basketball games, and to relax entering a trance that allows me to sleep in the realm of the unkown. Heh.

Blah - Buy something else
There are a couple of "classics" in this 2-disc set but unfortunately, it spends a lot more time on the shelf collecting dust than it does in my cd player. I say, keep looking...save your money. There's better dance/electronica out there. ... Read more

Album Description

When you enter a DJ-ing competition, having never DJ’d before, and get to the finals, you know you must have chosen the right career path. By the late 1990s, Krafty Kuts, Martin Reeves had both defined his own distinctive sound and become an integral part of the Finger Lickin’ family.

Krafty Kuts has DJ’d extensively alongside the likes of Norman Cook, Jungle Bros, Plump DJs, Scratch Perverts, Roni Size and DJ Rap. It’s not surprising that DJ magazine readers have voted him into their Top 100 DJs in the World, and more specifically in the top 10 breakbeat maestros for the last 3 years.

This double CD package is crammed full of names to get you on the dancefloor - LiL Kim, Busta Rhymes, Black Eyed Peas, Royksopp,X-Press 2, Plump DJ's, Benny Benassi, Freq Nasty Feat Rodney P, and Dead Prez. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

blue print for summer fun
it's summer now and all i wanna do is listen to this cd because it makes me happy, even the hip hop stuff that i wouldn't usually like. it's also a bargain for the number of dirty funky tracks and i am going to see the man on january 10th, already in deep preparation :) ... Read more

Amazon.com

Released as a tribute to the fact that Coldcut's legendary Ninja Tune imprint had been releasing records for a decade, this collection showcases the label's rich array of artists. Though assembled in the same spirit as the seminal Ninja Cuts series, comprising a mixture of back catalog and material exclusive to the compilation, a crafty alteration of the title acts as a nod to the 10 years since Bogus Order's "Zen Brakes" first fought its way onto a turntable. From the Steinski intro, the track listing of the first of two compact discs has a distinct hip-hop leaning. It slinks through lyrical activity from the likes of the Dynamic Syncopation before flipping a skit from Roots Manuva over Amon Tobin's "Saboteur" and dropping down to the sultry vocals of Sarah Jones, which parallel the Gil Scott-Heron standard in their declaration that the "revolution will not be between these thighs." Flip to the second disc for a demonstration of Ninja's recent foray into cinematic funk, whether through the raging percussion of Chris Bowden or breathtaking orchestration of Clifford Gilberto's "Restless," the resultant experience is nothing if not widescreen. Settle down and reset your ears for two hours of cross-dressing, genre-bending bliss from one of the U.K.'s most innovative record labels. --Kingsley Marshall ... Read more

Reviews (21)

Disappointing to be perfectly honest
Yeah i know, (the price) for 3 cds (just under 50 songs) is great, the packaging is real nice and the names performing are top notch.

The problem is that i was expecting something really mindblowing and there where some great touches but overall i wasn't that impressed. Maybe its because i had most of the best songs because i had at least 10 of the artists individual albums.

Cd 1 is strictly for the hip-hop headz. Roots Manuva kills it of on track 2 while the Herbaliser and Latryrx show just why i think they are the most gifted writers in the scene on track 5. Roots Manuva strikes again on Tobins brilliant Saboteur (track 9), and Quannum MC (track 15) is real hot. This is probably the best cd in this collection with Mr Scruff and Kid Koala making decent apperances. Track 7 is my least favourite (by Neotropic?).

Cd 2 is probably the worst cd. Clifford Gilberto saves it from the dustbin with the amazing Restless and the 10th victim.
Funki Porcini and Arc are above par with decent tracks as is Amon Tobin. Dj Food has the worst song on this whole album with 'The Ageing Young Rebel' (tRACK 10).

Cd 3 is decent with Eastflatbush project (Track 11) and my main man Roots Manuva on (track 10). Funki Porcini gets it right again with (track 2), Porcini's 'Ultimately empty million dollars lp' was real poor so this shows he is decent. Finally (track 12) by DJ Food is brilliant. CD3 has many decent but uninspiring songs on aswell as the ones mentioned.

In conclusion, the is a must get purchase for any Ninja Tune fans and since i purchased a cd recorder i have made a one disc compilation which is great, i advise you to do the same.

(...) To be honest when i started this review i gave it 3 stars but it deserves 4.
DJ Krush vs Coldcut, Funkungfusion and DK and DJ Food compilations are also banging but Funkjazztical Tricknology should be avoided. Laters

Everything Xen
So Ninja Tune decides to release a huge, mega-compilation (3 CDs, 46 tracks) ... I then decided to take a chance (going simply on the label's reputation and a few tracks I'd heard). And I'm glad I did. There's so much here, and the amazing part is how much of it is outstanding.

Disc One concentrates on hip-hop. The general theme here is decent MCs dropping above-average lyrics over phenomenal beats. It's probably the most consistently high-quality disc here.

Standouts: Amon Tobin - "Saboteur"; Big Dada Sound - "Showtime"; Kid Koala - "Emperor's Main Course"; Luke Vibert - "I Hear The Drummmer"; Up, Bustle & Out - "Hip Hop Barrio"

Disc Two emphasizes the more chilled, jazzy, trip-hop stuff. There are some moments that don't work (Loka, Animals on Wheels, Flanger) because of off-tempo programming, but the vast majority of the disc is excellent.

Standouts: both Clifford Gilberto tracks, Funki Porcini, Amon Tobin, Up, Bustle & Out

Disc Three is less cohesive as a single unit, but is equally fun. The winners here (out of a huge batch of winners) are Saul Williams, DJ Vadim, DJ Food, and Roots Manuva.

All in all, a great compilation of innovative hip-hop/techno/trip-hop. The only drawback is there's so much here it may be overwhelming!

If you're going to get your feet wet, you may as well swim.
Lets rate the label not the tracks. The label, as it stands, is on the up and up, introducing the best aritsts that jazz-core and hip hop (REAL HIP HOP, NOT LUDACRIS) have to offer. The problem, is that this compilation only lets you get your feet wet in the ocean that this label has to offer. Tracks by Amon Tobin, Saul Williams, Kid Koala KILL the rest of the cd. I would honestly reccommend this compilation to those who are ready to dive into some deeper music, it's the perfect introduction into the world of electrojazz and tru hip hop heads. Heavy and hard, this one carries. Just know that this compilation is mearly a cliff note in the world of the tunes of the ninja. Ninja tune reprazent.

Xen Superstar
Xen Cuts is basically a compilation of music from different musicians from the Big Dada and Ninjatune label. It's a great showcase of all the labels have to offer and is almost like like gourmet dish of different foods to sample before you decide to buy them on your own. The tracks range from trip hop to hard acid jazz (I love Clifford Gilberto's tracks) and some lyrically sound hip hop tracks. With as many musicians as they have, a lot of the tracks are well done. Granted, I would be hard pressed to find all the tracks appealing, the ones that are give birth to a sense of style that each of the musicians have thoroughly developed through the years and deserve the recognition that they get for their respective genres.
The hip hop tracks are nicely done, the Big Dada Sound track is a highlight just because it features some big name (well, relatively speaking) that all collaborate on one track. It's the perfect high-bass track for any bloke rolling out on the town one evening. The acid jazz tracks are spectacular, especially the clifford gilberto. The tracks leave you drenched in saturation, and push you towards the epiphany of "This is *real* acid jazz". The drum n bass tracks are alright, besides Amon Tobin, it's not really a genre that the labels are known for producing, but some of the d n b tracks are enjoyable. Overall, there are some tracks that pale, while others that embody their respective genre in full. But for the price, it's all good.

Must have
Live kid Koala cuts! Rare 'Revelution won't happen bwt these thighs' track and many others. Dude, get it. You gotta. ... Read more

Album Details

Includeins the Exclusive Tracks Loops of Fury, and Chemical Beats (Dave Clark Mix). ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Chemical Brothers - Setting Sun
Setting Sun

Review
Taken from the album "Dig Your Own Hole" includes a radio edit, instrumental and a B -side Buzz Tracks.

1. Setting Sun (Full Length Version) 5:22 Taken from "Dig Your Own Hole", a brilliant song with Noel Gallagher singing. 10/10

2. Setting Sun (Radio Edit) 4:00 Similar to Full Length Version but with 1:22 cut off it. 10/10

3. Buzz Tracks 4:11 A brilliant B - side with a cool beat, it get better as it speeds up. 10/10

4. Setting Sun (Instrumental) 7:00 A longer version of Track 1 but with no singing. 10/10

Improvements that could have been made

Another B - side
More tracks

Good things
A good B-side "Buzz Tracks"
Impressive instrumental
Cool Cd cover

Overall Score 10/10 Ideal for a Chemical Brothers fan such as myself or a collector of Chemical Brothers merchandise. A great addition amongst the other Chemical Brothers singles.

Awesome
This EP is awesome. I got it yesterday and I loved it. It only has 4 songs and is only 20 minutes long but it still kicks...! Setting Sun (Full Length Version) is awesome.
Setting Sun (Radio Edit) is kind of short but I still like it.
Buzz Tracks is the best song on this EP as the "Dig Your Own Hole" Setting Sun version isn't on here. I love all the synthesizers mixed with the drums and everything else.
Setting Sun (Instrumental) is a beautiful song. It shows what the song is like from Tom Rowlands and Ed Simons's point of view.

My worship
If I had to got to war this would be my warship, because I worship this cd!

cd rocks
I love this cd it has 4 songs only. #1 Setting Sun Full lengh #2 Setting Sun Radio Edit #3 Buzz Tracks #4 Setting Sun Instrumental

This cd is great!

For completists only
Most of these tracks are available elsewhere...and the main attraction (Setting Sun) isn't one of the Chem's better tracks in my opinion. So, picking up this EP only makes sense if you are trying to have a complete Chemical Brothers collection. ... Read more

Album Description

Taken from the 2004 album 'Always Outnumbered Never Outgunned'. The title track, featuring vocals from Juliette Lewis, is b/w three non-LP tracks, 'Who U Foolin'', 'Girls' (Rex The Dog Remix), & 'Hotride' (El Batori Mix). XL. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Perhaps once you become as famous and as in demand as Tom Rowlands and Ed Simons, the world is your oyster and it's up to you to select the pearls. As the Chemical Brothers, these two DJs have turned the anonymous world of club DJ-ing into celebrity sport and ushered in the electronica wave. From Britain with love, the Brothers send this hourlong collection of remixes on which they seamlessly traverse everything from '70s soul (Willie Hutch's "Brothers Gonna Work It Out") to their own "Block Rockin' Beats" to industrial faves Meat Beat Manifesto and Renegade Soundwave, ending their trip with a treatment of Spiritualized's "Think I'm in Love." The pace is relentless, the demands of the dance floor being never-ending. And while much of their stuff is just a matter of getting devilish with the dials and juicing everything up, the CBs have managed to bring some fine taste to their party as the ultimate gift. --Rob O'Connor ... Read more

Reviews (51)

A Mixing Masterpiece (or will be one...)
Like many of the other reviewers below me, I "rode the wave" of electronica along side the CBs. I purchased Exit Planet Dust on a friend's recommendation, a full couple of years before the electronic music scene really hit in America. I have been a huge CB fan (and a studying electronica fan) since first listening to that amazing disc.

Which is why I find it strange that many are panning this album, recommending purchases of EPD or DYOH instead. I admit that I do not know a lot about the mix scene, but what I do know, and from what I've heard, this record is top notch. It blows away the mix record by the other most successful "popular" electronica group (Prodigy's Dirtchamber Sessions), and I believe is far superior to many other, lesser known mix albums I have heard.

There have also been complaints that the record is monotonous. I disagree entirely with this. I have thrown many parties in which it was simply necessary to throw on this CD and let it loop, and the sheer energy and consistency from the first minute to the seventieth is enough to keep things bouncing. Tracks 3 and 5 are the strongest on the record, with the 18-minutes of 5 being among the best in electronic music, mix or otherwise. I have listened to this album dozens of times, and always hear new things. I have yet to tire of the record.

It may not be a sweaty hardcore underground mix like you would hear in some emerging rave club in NYC or London, but for those of us with a mixture of tastes, from popular music to the alternative scenes, and with a steadfast love for anything energizing (without caring about whether or not the artists have "sold out"), this record clearly does the trick.

Five Stars - Hands Down
Ok, you like the Chemical Brothers. Great. You bought their excellent Dig your Own Hole album after hearing 'Block Rocking Beats' on MTV. Super. You loved it, right? The build of the tracks, the swell of rock-style swagger and the 'big-beat' thing, correct? Fab, really.
Now what you need to understand before tackling an album like this is that it is NOT one of the Brothers' regular albums. As they say so often in interviews, they enjoy fusing the structure of the tradititional rock album (the sequencing of tracks, the logical ebb and flow of the tune, etc.) with electronic funk gurgles and a pounding beat over the decontruted guitar-work that has become 'their particular sound'. Doesn't take a genius to figure out when they've created or remixed something. It just sounds like them. And that's no slam, just the way it is.
Now, having said this, this is NOT one of their ALBUMS. This is what they started with, cut their gums on, it's what they still do best. This is the sound of The Chems live, spinning records, taking them apart, figuring what best to do with the pieces and putting them back together in a mashed-up mural of breakbeat that is both stunning and absorbing and makes one shake their money-maker regardless of how they were feeling before-hand.
And this will give you an idea of the aural assualt that is Tom and Ed's live show, should you ever be blessed enough to see them live.
Brilliant stuff, just know how deep it is before you step into it, Eh?

The Best Electronic Album Ever Released
And that's all I have to say.

takes a couple listens until it blows your mind
At first I was thinking, "this is the chemical brothers?" It's not as pat as their other albums, yet the beat is deep and forceful and after a few listens I find it one of my fav road albums. Unlike other albums from these creative blokes, this is one CD that will get a lot of repeated play.

!nmaD
This is the best mix cd ever. .., and I like rap and reggae... This cds full of weird sounds, techno beats, weird static drums, and everything weird. When I first heard this at my ex-girlfriends house in 1998, I was like "wow, what is this?!" Electronic, techno, big beat or whatever, this cd is the [best]. So I also copped some other Chemical Brothers cds and they were ok, but not as hip hop oriented as this one. Buy this cd or else you're missing out. I hope theyre touring, I wanna see these British cats live.

Everyone likes them 50 cent mixtapes and all that; this is the best mixtape ever. ... Read more

Album Details

Downtempo. Highly Anticipated Second Full Length. 'Human Patterns' Has Found Its Way Into Many a DJ Set by the Likes of Jazzanova, Giles Patterson, Gilb-R, Rainer Truby, Yellow Productions, Kruder and Dorfmeister and Many Others. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Excellent downtempo electronica
The is something afoot in Europe. In Vienna we have Kruder & Dorfmeister and the greatly underrated dZihan & Kamien. Head West to Munich and you will find Beanfield.

Of course, we have Germany to thank for electronica in the first place, with Kraftwerk.

But now these artists, and many others are continuing to push their art to new levels and in the process produce fantastic music.

Latin beats and jazzy rhythms, new tech with old styles, dancey and mellow, experimental and yet very very listenable.

If you like K&D, Beanfield is a safe bet. In fact, you're gonna love it.

Will knock you right outta your chair! Fantastic.
It's times like this that I wish I had taken a creative writing course so that I could fully and accurately describe how FANTASTIC this CD is. And how new-sounding. There's a Roxy Music song (The Thrill of It All) that talks about "the latest sound"--man, THIS IS IT. I am so happy these guys made this music. I get excited every time I listen to it. I haven't been this excited about a new CD (album) since Bitches Brew or Mahavishnu first came out. Check it out.

HUMAN BEANS
'Faceless techno bollocks' was a tongue-in-cheek t-shirt sloganthat provoked wry amusement a decade ago. Whilst possessing more thana grain of truth, it is exactly this music that - to my ears, at least - continues to astound and break the new ground with minimal fuss. The best examples are consistently emerging from continental Europe, in the studios of Munich, Vienna and Copenhagen, where the musicians are quietly getting on with the task in hand - namely releasing material that is musically excellent, artistically challenging and almost totally hype-free. By techno, we're not talking banging 4/4 machine music either. How electronic music has moved on! BEANFIELD, from southern Germany, have succeeded in crafting an album that intrigues and beguiles, using an almost symphonic approach, with a tight ensemble juxtaposing lush orchestration with chamber-jazz arrangements featuring strings, flute, Fender Rhodes, string bass and drums. The blend of the electronic and organic has rarely worked better than on Human Patterns (Compost). Just check tracks such as 'The Great Outside' and the title track for a life-affirming breath of fresh air. On 'The Season', the evocative spoken-word vocals of Bajika, calls to mind both Ursula Rucker and Erykah Badu.

Bring The World To ME!
The infusion of afro-carribean, latin and brazillian beats into electronic music is an evolution that stirs the heart and the mind. BEANFIELD's "Human Patterns" is a perfect example of how music should be able to transcend the simple repetition of notes and chords. The ability of music to take the listener to a journey of times revisted or places yet to come.

Strong rhythmic percussions are in the forefront of this very danceable album, highlighted by "The Season". A very impressive vocal track that deftly bounces on the edge of spiritual lyrics and rolling music.

This is an album that deserves to be in any serious beathead collection or anyone who is into the new jazz fusion going on in electronic music. It has gotten serious airplay from me since I obtained it.

Enchanting Signs and sounds
If you have not heard of Compost Records by now then this album is a perfect introduction to the outernational jazz sound being created by musical maverick Michael Reinboth and crew from Germany. This album spans the globe for inspiration and frequently touches down with Bossa and braziliance. Sunny sounds that have you nodding along and yearning for more. You may have to dig deep to understand where this is going but believe, evolution is not always apparent. Perfect for those who discover then spread the secret with latecomers. Essential. Not to be confused with the boring acid-jazz perpetuators of the early to mid nineties. Check the track Corso in heavy rotation with top Djs across the globe for a quick indication of the new direction in sound. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Where is Micro ?
This cd is not a djmixed album but a so-so trance compilation. People who liked micro`s techmix series, won't like this one. His breaky epic sound made him one of my favourite djs. But this cd has nothing related with micro. I don't see anything particular with mixing or the set.

2 stars for tracks. And 1 star for the respect of Micro. (First time listeners: go get tech-mix2000)

Top Quality Stuff
This is one of my favorite mixes by Micro because its full of energy and emotion.Like the Tech Mix series...he combines classic techno with trance,house,and breaks.It's a close tie between this one and tech mix 2.0 ...they are both very good.Micro is without a doubt one of the best dj's on the planet,and although his mixes of today arent nearly as good as the past,he still is a top notch dj...Go grab this mix!

wow... this is really aweful
this kind of annnoying 4 by 4 on the floor crap makes me wanna puke. i can't believe that anyone would give this cd a rating of 5 stars. DJ micro is the biggest hock of the mixing community. the day he produces something ORIGINAL himself thats worth listening to is the day that i might consider giving him some credit. the only song on this cd even worth mentioning is paul van dyk's "tell me why" and your better off buying his cd "out there and back" which is arguably one of the best self-produced trance albums ever.

oh yeah... the AK1200 "drowning" remix is a disgrace to the original version of that song... i can't even listen to it for 40 seconds without switching the track.

DJ Micro needs to mature his style and analyze trends in the progressive trance and house community without breaking down to the demands of his cheeseball 14 year-old glow-stick waving fan base... by expanding his vision and exploring outside of the realm of NRG and epic trance. Instead of being one of those pop trance DJ's that just plays the hitz and regurgetates them on to mix cds he could begin to garnish respect as an artist and a musician. This cd has the energy of Van Dyk... but none of the originality and artistic flair. i give him two stars cuz his mixing skillz are second to none but skip this one for something else unless you JUST LOVE this kind of pooh.

Magnificent
Now this is true Micro for ya.I love how he combined classic trance style with breaks,creating an ecstatic frenzy of emotions.This is the best Micro album out there.His other ones are a little different and not as good as this one.Do yourself a favor and go buy it.

**MICRO, He's the Man**
Micro took a little break from the Tech-Mix Series, but don't be fooled, he has become better than before. This CD has been in my CD Player since I bought it 4 weeks ago. Very addicting. This CD contains two of the greatest songs I have ever heard. First is "Emotions". This song contains the most beautiful Trance Breaks I've ever heard. "Cleavland Lounge::Drowning". This is Micro's own mix of the song, and oh my. If you had heard the original track before this like I did, you would see just what kind of a genious Micro really is. You know what, stop reading the reviews on this CD, and order it right now!!!! ... Read more

Album Description

Major-label debut from UK outfit blends musical influencesas diverse as soul, hip-hop, blues, garage rock, dub andbreakbeat. Maverick Records. 2002. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Excellent album from an underrated group
I don't know about many of you, but the first encounter I had with Soul Hooligan was from a commercial for HBO after a boxing match, when they were using a clip from "Algebra". I immediately ran out and got the album for "Algebra", but I am very glad I got the whole thing.

This album borrows heavily from many other genres like hip-hop, jazz, rock, club, etc, yet it makes its own style and succeeds in doing so. The best description of this CD would be a combination of Moby, De La Soul, and Massive Attack, with maybe a little Overseer thrown in for spice.

The main attraction of the album is the intro track, "Algebra", which would be at home in just about any setting. It uses an overlooked instrument, the harmonica, for its main riff, and the hook will have you nodding your head with the beat.

"Addicted" and "Psychedelic Soul" change the tempo up a bit, and bring a club sound that you would not expect from the other tracks.

The feel of "Soul Searching" will evoke feelings of uptempo jazz and smoky, back-alley clubs. Very well-done.

For the hip-hop flavor, with sounds like early 90's De La Soul or even Das EFX, try out the track "Numb in Both Lips" or "Stoop Kid".

"Who's To Say" and "Time Goes By", two slow, drum-driven tracks that let you down easy, are a fitting decrescendo for an otherwise head-bopping album.

Overall, any of the tracks from this album could easily become your favorite, and it's likely that more than a few of them will. I highly recommend this CD, as it will garner quite a bit of playing time in your stereo.

Tuuuuunes!!!
Yeah, gotta agree with all of the above: best Summer Cd to come across my path in a long time. "Algebra" just rocks!! Love "Stoop Kid" and "Start The Day" aswell. Highly recommended to those who don't mind a bit of pop mixed in with thier leftfield electronica.

Kickin
Soul Hooligan has created some of the most blastin breakbeat and hiphop sounds that I have heard since the likes of Atmosphere and some very early Wiseguys. peace out all

COOL ORIGINAL TUNES !!
ORDERED THIS US RELEASE ON THE RECCOMENDATION OF A FRIEND , WITHOUT KNOWING WHAT TO EXPECT , AND WAS GLAD I DID , SOME GREAT TRACKS IN THERE , LOVE THE HARMONICA AND SOME OF THE GROOVY BEATS.
TURN YOUR HEAD AROUND IS MY FAVOURITE TRACK

Something different
I bought this album based on hearing the first track "Algebra" at a listening staion in a record store.

The CD has a great feel to it with the two vocalists alternating per track.

By the third time through this CD I was hooked - Highlights for me are "Turn your head around", "Psychadelic Soul" and the KLF like "Night Owl"

If you are looking for something with a fresh new sound that is still accessible - Buy this! ... Read more

Album Details

Battle Flag', the raved up track from the Lo-Fi Allstars & Pigeonhead, was origianlly released on the 1998 LP 'How to Operate with a Blown Mind'. Part Two (1999) features a clean radio edit plus two alternate versions. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

It rocks! Yeah!!!
I think that this song is a musical exploration into the world of hip hop, punk, and just plain fun. The group did a great job mixing up the sounds of the 3 tracks.

Upbeat but downbeat
This CD has maybe one good uplifting song on it. Battleflag Pt. 2 is the only song on the CD that is upbeat . The rest of the songs are somewhat dark, dull and boring. Overall, the entire CD is somewhat disappointing. If the CD single of Battleflag was sold, a lot m