Amazon.com

Forget two-step, jump-up or U.K. garage, the real sound of the underground is the synapse-shredding pulse of nu-skool breaks. Melding hip-hop, electro and drum and bass into a bass-heavy amalgam, this melting pot of styles takes breakbeat as its common starting point and then deconstructs it, along with all expectations. Skillfully mixed and compiled by the undisputed king of the genre, Adam Freeland, Tectonics is the world-class DJ's homage to all things nu-skool, and it kicks like the proverbial mule. Blim's "Chronologic" quickly sets the pace, a gentle, tickling intro giving way to gilded breaks and bass as fat as butter. Further down the line, Apex's "Bangin" growls away like a famished panther, its anger and discontent mirrored by deep bottom end. Jewel in the crown, though, is Beber's "Juvenile Delinquent," the tune that almost singlehandedly kick-started the genre. Like all the culprits here, it's a malevolent beauty with fire in its belly. --Paul Tierney ... Read more

Reviews (11)

a complete journey through the sound of breakbeat
There was a time when breakbeat was all the rage, and the music- as close to rock as electronica would get- seemed a sure thing for mass acceptance. Ah, the perils of courting the mainstream; the sound quickly junked song structure exclusively for the appealing hooks and devolved into big beat. Whoever that didn't turn off quickly fled for the frenetic stylings of jungle.

So what's an artist to do, with a genre largely held in disdain? Adam Freeland has the answer, raising the flag for nu-school breaks, the hottest hybrid of the past year or so. Take two parts breakbeat, add the subterraneous basslines of drum and bass, a dash of electro for good measure, and you have a sound that packs the groove without beating it over your head.

Which brings us to Tectonics, Adam Freeland's mix of thirteen tracks by artists you've probably never heard of, that take you through the variations of nu-school style in one thorough swoop. Opening with the moody "Chronologic" and "Tectonics," the electro-tastiness of the (literal) "Pig chase" and slowly expanding to encompass old school techno with "Impulse Transmisson" and the hip-hop nod of "My Mind" and "Stich Up." Winding you down proper, he offers up the bobilicious (and too short) churning bass of "Freak Frequency" and the bluesy wonder "Deep South." In fact, the only disappointment in the set is the one artist you're likely to recognize, BT's overproduced "Hip Hop Phenomenon."

As an album it highlights the scene and makes a complete journey through sound. More important, it's an excellent mix demanding to be heard in its entirety. Grade A-.

simply a dope mix
ok, so what do you get when you take the phattest breakbeat DJ (adam freeland) and have him mix some of the rudest tracks out there (isokora, juvenile delinquent, and freak frequency)? you get a dope mix, that's what you get. the progression of the tracks, the way each song builds up the next one, along with the seamless mixing, make this album outstanding. freeland single-handedly created a new genre of music--dubbed new school breaks--and this mix album gives you a taste of what it is all about. if you like new school breaks, or if you think you might be interested, don't hesitate to get your hands on this album. freeland is truly a success story--he started playing house music in clubs, moved onto hip hop and logically progressed into breakbeat. he started his own record label, and now produces with kevin beber as "tsunami one" and does solo work as well (look out for his new full length). also, keep your eyes out for a "tectonics 2" out soon on marine parade (freeland's label). peace.

Excellent
I knew the cd and wanted this on vinyl. After searching the net I found it 'surprisingly'here at amazon.
It contains some tracks you can't gate anymore on 12"
So if you are searching for very good breakbeat tracks on very phat vinyl-> buy this

dark breaks with a bang
weather you are listening it in your car,
dancing on the floor,
adam freeland's mix has a contagious energy
that will keep you moving throughout the entire set
feel the base and drums,
if the track 'frequency' doesn't make you move, i don't know what else can make you move, cuz there is nothing like
an underground breaks with a gothic sound for a incredible euphoric journey.
my favorite track is 'bangin' by Apex.. it has a superbass charge ,full blown base , and dark drums .. All in One
Buy it.

SICKY-ICKY-BO-BICKY!!
those guys in the UK know how to throw down the dope sounds, and Adam Freeland is no different. This LP is a definitive collection of forward thinking breakbeat music. The tracks on here are a nonstop parade of talent, from ILS to BLIM, Beber, Bushwacka, and Motion Unit. This is an absolute must-have for any breakbeat DJ. Adam Freeland is set to blow up here in the states. He's already got the UK right where he wants em. Check this out!! ... Read more

Reviews (30)

Buy a Sound System First
DJ Micro's Tech-Mix Live CD will get you moovin'. Playing it in front of friends with hardcore stances of not liking dance music and dancing in general, this CD caused them to try out their various hand raving movement within minutes. If this happened in a college dorm room, I can only imagine what the crowd was like at Avaland in Boston.

The reason I feel this CD deserves four, not five stars is because only Fall Into Me (the last track) is a DJ Micro song. I'd much rather let the other respective DJ's get credit for their own work. However, DJ Micro works wonders within the tracks adding drum beats and bass lines and remixing certain tracks better than even the original, as is the case with Thrill Seekers, "Fly Away" and some would argue the Van Dyk classic, "We're Alive". But DJ Micro's skills are best shown in how beautifully the CD flows. Blasting it on my Harmon Kardon speakers the first time I heard it, there was no evidence of rough track changes, rather one song glides into the next simply perfectly.

I must also give Micro credit for his taste in dance music. Looking at the track list for Tech-Mix Live very much would resemble a personal list of my favorite dance songs. Thrill Seekers "Fly Away", "We're Alive" by Paul Van Dyck, and "Blood is Pumping" have always been personal favorite techno songs. Also, "7 Years" and "The Sun" are great non-vocal trance tracks. If you were a fan of vocals, "Ghosts" I would recommend. Very cool song.

So, I have no real complaints for Tech-Mix Live, I would highly recommend this CD for any electroncia fan to add to their collection or to pretty much anyone throwing a party in the near future.

Live (def.) = AWESOME
The reason this mix kicks so much butt is because, well, it was done live before a real clubgoing audience in a nightclub! Micro is one of the best trance DJ's out there and is always a treat to see, so therefore a live mix is the true DJ-icing on the mix-cake (sorry about that metaphor). The crowd cheering makes the mix more exciting to listen to since I'm cheering in my head (vocally when dancing alone in my room with this cd on full blast) And Micro couldn't have picked any better songs- his style ranges from pumping hard house and progressive trance to emotional but still hard-kicking epic trance. Plus he is able to smoothly blend them into a perfect-flowing mix. A review of each track:
1.Voodoo & Serano - "Blood Is Pumpin'" Hard trance classic that def. gets the crowd's blood flowing to kick off a magnificent mix.
2. Barthezz - "On The Move (Dumonde Remix)" Big-room trancer with throbbing bass and a melody that moves you itself. I love hearing the hands clap when everything but the bass is dropped mid-song.
3. Nick Sentience & Phil Reynolds - (Instru)Mental" a track from one of the gods of hard house. A hard and pulsing track that blew me away with it's vicious melody, def. one of the best songs on this record.
4. Paul van Dyk - "We Are Alive (Breathless Mix)" Paul van Dyk is dance-gold as is this track, which happens to be my favorite version of the song. It's a bit more harder than the original "We Are Alive" and fits in with Micro's style.
5. Thrillseekers f/ Sheryl Deane - "Synaethesia (Fly Away)" One of my favorite vocal trance tunes with its hypnotic melody and beautiful vocals. An uplifting trance tune. Love it.
6. Vincent de Moor p/ Emerald - "Fly Away (Generation-X Remix)" A sharp-edged trancer that keeps the mix flying (I loved Micro's idea to mix two consecutive tracks titled "Fly Away").
7. Incisions - "Amorak" A pumping tune that has more of house-like rhythm. Includes a skipping vocal sample that makes songs like this pure fun.
8. Chac - "7 Years" A deep and bassey epic trancer that lifts the mix back up to a new emotional peak.
9. Tenth Planet - "Ghosts" another vocal trance classic with beautiful vocals and a melody that emotionally pierces into your mind.
10. Gouryella - "Tenshi (Transa Mix)" One of my favorite epic tunes of all time. An emotional masterpiece that lifts the crowd into a roaring cheer while pounding out a hard and pumping beat.
11. Marc Aurel - "The Sun (Dominator Remix)" One of the best tracks on this mix. Starts off with hard beat and breaks down with a soft pad and the haunting chant of another language. It then kicks into high-gear when a pulsing progressive melody jumps in, similar to the style of "Blood Is Pumpin'" at the beginning. The song turns epic after the haunting vocals sing again and the melody becomes more of that of an emotional trancer.
12. Micro - "Fall Into Me" Some say it was egotistical of Micro to add a song of his on his mix (and even denied him a much-earned 5th star) but I personally see nothing wrong with adding his signature to the end of a well-done mix. This song closes it well with the progressive and epic styles that have been heard throughout the entire mix. The roar of the crowd proceeding the chilling vocals of the beautiful voice saying "I can feel you... breathe" at the end of the mix sent chills up my spine.
Overall, this cd is awesome and made complete with the 2000 people cheering in the background. I wish I was one of them who got to witness my hero Micro execute it. I def. recommend this to anyone just getting into trance/electronic dance music/ rave & DJ culture or to any long-time fans of the sort such as myself.

YES YES YES
Great uplifting live mix,w/ alotta energy,very well mixed ,not quite as good as the earlier tech mixes though ..if ur a true fan .get it its worth the money and sure to arouse any trance addict!

considering this? just get it and listen for yourself
I went out shopping for dj micro cds... this one came heavily recommended by other users. I thought I'd add another 5/5 star... this cd is so good it's unreal. Throw it on in your car with the volume up and you won't take it out for weeks. Absolutely the best mix of techno songs you could ever ask for. There might be a few songs you don't love, but even then, the other 8 tracks will keep you bumpin for days.

Micro, Simply the best trace has to offer
Dj Micro has done it again. His follow up album to his "Tech Mix" cd is quite simply the best display of trance the world has ever seen. The four-teen body moving tracks on the album are seemlessly melted together as only Dj Micro can. From beggining to end you won't be able to stop dancing.
The cd is recorded live giving the album much more energy than your regular trance session. Listen to Dj Micro build up the tracks and setting them off with the crowds enthusiastic cheering laced into the background, you definately feel as if he is spinning live from your cd player. The beats are matched perfectly and every track on this cd flows with the groove of the album. It is almost as if these tracks were created to be spun on this cd.
Micro has put all of todays best trance selections on this cd. Beggining with the heart racing track of "Blood is Pumpin" all the way to the final electricity charged finale of "Fall into Me", this cd is sure to disappoint none.
If you are looking for the best trance cd out there today, then look no further than "Tech Mix Live". The best Dj, playing the best tracks, and putting them on the best cd. Dj Micro has raised the bar for other trance Dj's yet again. ... Read more

Reviews (36)

kicking tune!!!!!
I love the Rockafeller Skank. It kicks a**!! This is a major party song, and it's always being played no matter where I go. I also like his 'Praise You' song and video. He's just proving that he's multi-talented. He doesn't stick to just one type of music. Way to go!!!

Rockafeller Skank still kicks
This single has been around awhile now, but I still love it. I like the tune in the background of the music and of course the funky beat. I haven't seen the video yet (they cancelled MTV here) but I would love to. The song is great!

Great!
This song is so Awesome! The first time I ever heard it was on the movie "She's All That" and I've loved it ever since then. It is my favorite part of the whole movie.

It has a great beat and thats always important.
A really great song has great lyrics and it really gets me going.

A great dance song
This is really like on of my favorite songs that fat boy slim has. It makes me want to dance. I think that it will remain in history as one of the greatest songs in history. It will be like the Village People "YMCA" song. I think that everyone should listen to it and make their own opinion about this song. It's the best! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Mobile Urban Centers
"Moving Cities" by FAZE ACTION is an interesting experience. It has a couple of vocal tracks, nothing too annoying. The rest are instrumentals for the eclectic crowd.

The biggest thing that grabbed me is the use of orchestration with electronic music, which adds more organic textures to the sound. It sways and swoops through a variety of tracks. Some with a definitive latin flavour and some with a more house/dance overtone.

The album, to me, starts to hit its stride after Track 4 (Heartbeat), and includes "In The Trees" and "Turn The Point", which is on the PLANS & DESIGN CD they released earlier.

All in all, a very solid, listenable dance album that bounces around yet is very relaxing. Out of 12 tracks, I enjoyed 10.

Moving Thoughts
Soft and glare, deep blue beets running down a wave...The ache of the painful sound of the violins with the smoothness of the fast clouds running from the air! ..Very Good ... Read more

Amazon.com

Richard Fearless has earned his name. Death in Vegas's 1997 debut, Dead Elvis, established him as a defiant DJ, mixing techno with weird dub, rock, and industrial. Despite itself, the disc spawned a hit ("Dirt"), an experience he may have wished to replicate here, though Contino pushes even harder in multiple directions. Many high-profile guests add to the blend of smooth grooves, noisy ambience, and raucous rock rhythms. Primal Scream's Bobby Gillespie conjures a laid-back hip-hop posture for "Soul Auctioneer," while Jim Reid makes "Broken Little Sister" sound a lot like his own band, Jesus and Mary Chain. On "Aisha," Iggy Pop's wicked monologue could rival Nick Cave's creep-factor were it not for Fearless's musical playfulness. From gospel choirs and organs to Americana twang, deep bass rumblings to spacey sci-fi sounds, The Contino Sessions is a psychedelic trip with bravery and grit. --Liisa Ladouceur ... Read more

Reviews (28)

The great 1999 sleeper
Most ambitious projects tend to be misunderstood upon their release. As I read the first reviews in Amazon, I realized it wasn't different with "The Contino Sessions". How can someone define this record as techno? There's great guitar work, a wonderful bass and powerful drums. Oh, sure, there are all these different kinds of electronic noises, but really, where do you think the future in music lay? The sheer quality of the guest stars should have attracted more attention to this record, but don't be fooled by the reviews that state that their songs are the only good ones. The real star is Richard Fearless! Iggy Pop could scream his lungs out, but if it weren't for the Midas touch of Fearless, the track would be lost in Pop's anger. Everybody is raving about "XTRMNTR", but Bobby Gillespie (who appers on the wonderful "Soul Auctioneer") certainly wouldn't have conceived such a noisy and angry record without the help of Richard Fearless. "Death Threat" reminds me of an obscure french band called View, while "Flying" has a hint of Spacemen 3. Jim Reid keeps Jesus & Mary Chain alive with "Broken Little Sister", and the album concludes with "Neptune City", in the best Spiritualized tradition. Prelude to the future.

The Darkest So-Called Dance C.D.
The second c.d. from Richard Fearless and Tim Holmes(a.k.a.Death In Vegas) is an excellent follow up to Dead Elvis,it is also a new departure for dance music as it must be the darkest so called dance c.d. I've ever heard. I bought this c.d. last year and a testament to its high quality is the fact I still listen to it regularly. I don't know how people are fitting this into the dance or techno category,because in my opinion it's a million miles from this sort of music. The album features a high calibre guest list-with Bobby Gillsepie(Primal Scream),Iggy Pop And Jim Reid(Jesus And Mary Chain)featuring on 3 of the 9 tracks. Most of the tracks are well over 5 minutes long and it becomes obvious after track one that this c.d. is dark ,loud and fairly heavy in it's musical content.Sometimes it's quite like Leftfield's last c.d. and yet some of the tracks sound a bit like the instrumental tracks of Nine Inch Nails -The Fragile. Fearless and Holmes have put together an excellent band to enhance their techno background.Gillespie sings in his usual 'somewhere out there' manner on track 2 'Soul Auctioneer'.The Iggy Pop song Aisha is excellent with Pop perfectly suited to his off the wall narrative where he tells the story of a serial killer-see I told you it was dark!Jim Reid's welcome return on Track 8 is one of the many highlights on this album. The Contino Sessions have deservedly just been nominated as one of the c.d.'s in line for the Mercury Music Prize-my only question would be how can it win the prize for the year 2000 when it came out in 1999! However this c.d. is well worth the listen!

Dark Without the Death
This album is a rare example of that music which manages to be dark and moody without causing involuntary wrist slitting or head-bang whiplash. The opening track, "Dirge", is representative of everything that is great about modern American rock music. The track contains simple, effective riffs obscured by gritty overdrives and thundering bass beats that are utterly addictive. The track also reveals the band's knack for increasing the tension and power in a song without advertising the fact. The result is a song which swells and pumps along, carrying the listener on a musical waterslide until the instruments seem to crash into the pool at the bottom leaving said listener both exhilarated and exhausted.
Try not to feel like a member of the trenchcoat mafia as the album's pivotal track 'Aisha' proclaims: "I think there's something you aughta know. I'm a murderer." The agressive rhythm combines with the sinister lyrics to provoke a sense of latent 'cool' in the listener.
Not all the tracks are stand out. Neither are they all heavy and dark. 'Flying' is one of the best tracks on the album but contains only feelings of airy joy as the various electronic rhythms swoop and, well, fly.
Death in Vegas are a rare breed of artist. They belong to a movement arguably started by the Velvet Underground but now frequented by the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Nine Inch Nails, and others. These are the bands that will save the world from hyper-conformist pop. Vive le Death.

dark , luscious and fun
This one sounds a lot better to me than what I've heard of the dubby DEAD ELVIS. Richer. Darker. A good mix of instruments and trippy electronics. Most of the tracks here are instrumental, "Death Threat" being the trippiest of them - a real head spinner. Most of the instrumentals actually display a more positive mood than the oneÂ's with featured vocalists.

"Dirge" is a slow build with a haunting quality (an overused term but it's true) - layers of guitar, then "la la la" little girl style vocals (actually, it's not a turn-off), then drums, then bass is added until the whole thing builds up to a screeching frenzy.

"Aisha" is a twisted little nugget featuring Iggy Pop playing a sicko to a groovy beat. My favorite track is "Broken Little Sister" with Jim Reid of Jesus and Mary Chain. It actually sounds quite a bit like that group - same kind of darkness and distortion - very luscious and gloomy. Then the final instrumental finishes the set with a more hopeful tone. A worthy vacation for the brain.

One Of A Kind
There's a reason why Ed Simons of the Chemical Brothers is such a huge fan of this disc (besides the obvious one that Richard Fearless is a pal of theirs). It is quite simply one of the most creative and endearing discs to be released in the past few years.

I will admit that it took me some time to come around to it. Its dark, at times disturbing... if you are looking for pop-friendly hooks or accesable melodies, this is not the place to go. But if you are in the mood for a richly dense album that will yield great rewards for repeat listenings, this is for you.

There are a few stand-out tracks: Dirge is a comparitively quiet intro to the album, a slow-building jazz stomper that acts as a kind of thesis statemtn for the album as a whole. Lever Street is a simple tune, consisting primarily of what sounds to be a Hammond organ - one of the saddest songs I can remember, supremely evocative of heartbreak and despair. Neptune City closes the album - it's one of my very favorite songs, a euphoric capstone to an emotionally draining experience.

All in all, I consider this an essential album. It takes your preconceived notions of what electronic dance music can or should be and stretches them like taffy. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent single to their Singles 93-03 Album.
The "Get Yourself High" CD-Single proves that The Chemical Brothers can keep you up and dancing to the acid house beats to this small RAP track that features K-os. Combined with a simple house beat and added various effects, Get Yourself High is a song that will keep you "high" on the song forever. The Extended Version and the Switches rely On Dub were some of the best in the single along with The Golden Path. Nude Night had to have been one of the worst songs I've heard coming from The Chemical Brothers...It was on the verge of being successful and on the other side, being one of the worst...I'm not sure if that song is a B Side track though...I'll have to find out sometime. The Video of Get Yourself High was quite hilarious as it's a Japanese martial-arts movie with the main characters saying parts of the song as they go about their parts. I thought the single could've used a couple more mixes of the song...like maybe a couple of rare mixes perhaps. The single is at the top of my list though. GET IT!

That's my review, thanks ... Read more

Amazon.com

Keeping with the hard-hitting breakbeat and bassline combos that landed previous records like We Rock Hard on dancefloor turntables worldwide, Pressure Point offers up plenty more sampladelic funk food from Freestylers. The opening cut, "Now Is the Time," and speaker-shaking tracks like "Bass Odyssey" are a prime example of the urgent, rump-shaking sound the duo are capable of creating alone, though for most of the album they make use of the raggafied vocals of Petra, TenorFly, and Navigator. Overall, there's a constant breakbeat pressure maintained throughout, though the duo has included a few downtempo hip-hop and reggae moods to break things up. If it's surprises or genre-busting experimentation you're looking for, you won't find it here. But if it's block-rocking party sounds you crave, this is a damn good place to visit. --Paul Sullivan ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Put something good on!
Its a question, either this record or the gorrilaz. They are playing for that same party fan base, this fits perfectly into frat party atmosphere. The thing that differentiates this from that other record is that while you can sit and listen to the gorillaz, this record makes you want to get up and dance. With the seventh track "calling" the urgency of the invitation to rumpshaking is undeniable and inevitable. You make space, move a couch, find a girl/guy, and then dance like its going out of style. But thats not all, this is cleaning your room without the certain chemical substance music (starts with a m, coffee ultra we will call it) Thers even a song that your hook-singing passenger can sing in the car with 'told you so'. Its the next logical step from norman cook, you can say that its uniteresting, but its damn good. These tracks woudnt be strangers in a fatboy slim set, but theres that ultra modern feeling, the breaks continuissly try to invade the record, but it becomes an accent that keeps the volume on 12. I reccomend this record just becuase this one fills that 2 pm party music slot in my repetoire, when not a lot else does.

Two Blokes Hit the Spot Again
Self-described as "two blokes twisting knobs," the Freestylers return with another hard-hitting set, mixing break beats, techno, and reggae with an old school hip-hop sensibility. Pressure Point is also heavily layered with featured MCs and vocalists, most notably Tenor Fly, Navigator, and Petra.

ItÕs a good listen from start to finish, but one is sure to single out favorite s---the most infectious being Phenomenon One, London Sound, Weekend Song, and the surprising down-tempo dub-ish track Signs.

Pressure Point will probably not be considered as unique as the FreestylerÕs debut We Rock Hard nor will it illicit the same novel excitement, but that should not detract from its worthiness. Body-moving beats and undeniable energy make listening to Pressure Point a satisfying habit.

This album is highly recommended, though if youÕre new to the Freestylers, start with We Rock Hard. ... Read more

Amazon.com

If you had to explain dance music to someone from another planet, you couldsimply play On the Floor at the Boutique for the curious creature.Besides being a great party album, this Lo Fidelity Allstars DJ remix disc islike a crash course in late-20th-century grooves.Hip-hop, techno, R&B,house, big beat, go-go, and more are all part of this expansive set.Evena couple of late-'60s soul tracks wind up on the CD. When the band'seerie, atmospheric intro, "You're Never Alone with a Clone," segues into theinfectious '90s R&B of Blackstreet's "No Diggity," you know the album isgoing to hop genres with abandon.Rather than crafting a finely contoured,ever-building DJ set, the British big-beat group goes for broke: the CD is anunrelenting rush from one energy peak to another.Amazingly, the Allstarsactually manage to pull off this take-no-prisoners approach without dullingthe senses. Boutique is a 73-minute olio of fever-pitched dance mania. --Fred Cisterna ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Rap and Techno and The Whole Chuch Should Get Drunk
What I like best about the On the Floor at the Boutique series is how they have a great mix of techno and non-techno songs. Although this is only the 2nd in the series, The Lo-Fidelity Allstars have shown that they can pick the right songs for the party. It starts of with "No Diggity" by Blackstreet which is pretty run o the mill, but "Stand Clear" by Indian Ropeman is a direct departure from American R & B with its sitar sounds and rumbling bass. The next song is the worst by far on the cd which is a shame. I found myself starting at track 4 "You Must Learn" by BDP and taking it from there. The Hip Hop flava runs throughout and is highlighted on the Jungle Brother's "Black is Black". The Allstars are adequete with the segues, but could have done a bit more. Overall a very enjoyable cd, and what mix that has "Funk Phenomena" isn't fun?

A Few Hits; Mostly Misses
If you like hip hop, old school rap, soul, funk, electronica, and everything in between, then you'll probably like this "On the Floor at the Boutique" remix compilation. I thought I would, but--wow--what a mistake. When I bought it (at a clearance sale--and now I see why), I kept punching around the tracks, looking for something to just blow me away. And you would think there'd be several hits with so many tracks (21 of them--though I wouldn't consider #21 a song; it's not even 1 minute long), but there's not. Don't get me wrong: there are some good mixes on here (like my favorites: "No Diggity" by Blackstreet featuring Dr. Dre, "Stand Clear" by Indian Ropeman, "(Hey You) What's That Sound?" by Les Rythmes Digitales, "Funk Phenomena" by Armand Van Helden--though I prefer the original version--and "Out of Space" by Prodigy). But a lot of the songs I didn't like anyway, so no amount of remixing could change my mind. Not to mention, as one reviewer did before me, several of the tracks were very racially charged (black against white), which is another reason why I wasn't won over by this CD. So, unless you're a diehard Lo Fidelity Allstars fans--or just really like hip hop/techno/etc. thrown together--I'd skip this one and just go with the other "On the Floor at the Boutique" CD by Fatboy Slim.

Disappointing, but depends on frame of reference.
I had recently bought Fatboy Slim's On The Floor at the Boutique. That really was a fantastic album, and I keep coming back to it. I wanted to hear more of the series (and 'The Boutique' is a large series), and made this my second selection.

I was pretty disappointed. Where Fatboy Slim had a lethal plate of beats and 303's, this album has a lot of remixed old hip-hop songs (Jungle Brothers and Blackstreet). This isn't really bad in and of itself, but it detracts from the main theme of the record: Big Beat. It is, afterall, the Big Beat Boutique, isn't it?

So, that having been said, I liked the blackstreet remix. I even liked the Jungle Brothers remix. But I find that I feel "strange" listening to an album that preaches on and on about "blackness," as a white person. Perhaps if the All Stars had focused on the music instead of skin color, the album would have seemed brighter and a little more coherent.

Buy used, if at all.

Some great tracks, but uneven overall...
This disc seems to be part of a small, but growing trend: DJ's who eschew traditional perfectly beat-matched sets of identical music for a more eclectic approach. It's much more interesting, especially to those of us who have grown weary of DJ's who will not mix music that won't blend in perfectly with all of their other records, but this set still comes off as a bit uneven.

The problem with this disc is that it also seems to fall into another small, but definite trend: DJ's who want to "educate the crowd." There's no doubt that most people who like electronica also like all other forms of rhythmic music: funk, hip-hop, techno, etc. But unfortunately, this set seems to come off as "OK, we've got 70 minutes here, we need to show everyone how well-versed and sophisticated our musical taste is." It's fine if you want to show off all of your influences, but the fact is that a lot of this music doesn't really go together. The Motown tunes (which I am not at all a fan of) seem particularly awkward when thrown together with the Prodigy's "Out of Space". Perhaps if this had been a three or four hour set, with a gradual progression in the different types of musical styles, it would've come off as a lot cleaner. But as it stands, it can be a bit grating in its desire to "educate the audience." Most people who have been into funk, hip hop, or techno for a while will have already heard most of these songs anyway.

That being said, it's great to have the acid-house classic "Humanoid" on CD, and "20 Seconds to Comply" gets my vote as one of the best hip hop songs I've heard in the last year (but I'm not a huge hip hop fan.) It's a good party disc, but it could've been a great one if such a conscious effort to be eclectic wasn't its driving factor.

Uneven indeed
Gotta agree with many of the reviews before me. Not the greatest setflow I've ever witnessed. And some of the segueways are extremely dodgy. On the other hand, there are some great tracks: the KoolKeithesque "Levitation", "What's That Sound" (so you dont have to waste yer cash on the whole Digitalis record, the Berzerk-sampling "Humanoid", "I Need the Disco Doktor" (which actually seems leaner and funkier bookended the way it is). The only other complaint is that, if the track listing above is correct, it looks like due to some licensing issues, the US edition swaps out Felice Taylor's I Can Feel Your Love for a DanMass track. Not an even trade, in my opinion. ... Read more

Album Details

These British big beat stylists blew up in '99 with their unique brand of lyrical wittiness, hip dance beats and overall originality. Part one of this CD single features the original version of 'Battle Flag' & a remix of it, plus the non-LP track 'Pony Pressure'. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

A top song of the year!
Battle Flag is one of the best I have heard all year. I could listen to the song all day long and never get sick of it. Be sure to watch the video too.

Thanks, ER!
Add me to the folks who discovered this song and group from the ER airing of it during Carter's shooting. I remember sitting there trying to catch some of the words so I could find the song, having no success, and waiting for MONTHS until I finally heard it again by chance. Love it!

Another ER watcher who looked up this song today
I had ER on yesterday also and that song came on. i was amazed because just last week that song popped into my head outta nowhere... cuz i heard it a long time ago i guess. i had no idea the name or any lyrics and then within a week the song comes on TV at the ER VD party i grabbed a pen and wrote down two lines
....tell me is it time to get down.... & we aim to please

and i did a search on yahoo with the lyrics and ER episode "be still my heart" (from TNT's website)

C'mon baby tell me, yes we aim to please...
I'm not usually a big fan of this genre of music, but I make an exception for "Battleflag". I've been a fan ever since I heard it on the Valentine's Day episode of "ER."
"Battleflag" rocks.

A Classic Great
As an older "rocker" I must be added to the list of people who obviously feel this song. It appeals to all age groups who feel anger and feel the beat, but also identify with the song in their own personal way. It is very emotional. It is one of those songs you play in your vehicle on blast off. If anyone uses music as an outlet of any kind, put this on your list! ... Read more

Album Description

The Freestylers are Matt Cantor and Aston Harvey.They have made over 50 records, sold half a million copies worldwide, topped the charts with "Push Up" and "B-Boy Stance," opened for Lenny Kravitz, crisscrossed the world touring their legendary band and have now teamed up with Fabric Records to bring you their latest mix CD, Fabric Live 19.

On this latest Fabric Live mix, the Freestylers mix up the best of current British urban breakbeat – featuring some of the scene’s youngest and freshest talents, all regularly championed by the duo in their DJ sets. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Recorded for Howie B's Pussyfoot label (and featuring a guest appearance by him on "Buggin' & Breakin'"), the Headrillaz' debut has a simple goal: to get you out on the dance floor. To this end, the trio mixes live guitar, bass, and drums with programmed break beats, dub effects, and Saul's fluid rapping to produce a punk rock-techno-hip-hop hybrid not unlike Prodigy's, but with even more adrenaline. The Headrillaz proudly list the beats per minute for each of the eight tracks on the album--"Trepanning" clocks in at an amazing 155 b.p.m.--but they're smart enough to know that all that energy would be wasted if the grooves weren't paired with melodic bass lines and cool synth and sax samples that will keep you listening even after you're too exhausted to move any more. --Jim Derogatis ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Headrillaz....so good =)
I bought this CD a couple years ago when I first got into techno and it was MOST DEF a great CD. I just thought about it today as I listening to the blade 2 soundtrack. I just cant seem to find the CD anywhere on Morpheus or Kaaza tho which really chaps me cuz I wanna hear it. Oh well, just wanted to say this CD is great and well worth a listen.

pretty good
half the songs are really good half are somewhat bland. the best song is scraming headz-it is one of the best songs out. the others are either very good or just OK. the only downside to this album is some tracks are bland

not too shabby
I like lots of so-called "techno" music, and Headrillaz ranks up at the top of my list. Like Crystal Method, this CD is great, I've had it since the dawn of time, and I'm still egarly awaiting Headrillaz's newest CD (if they make one). Things like this, when great bands don't make more CDs is what had FSOL win me over- they have a new CD almost every six months (okay, not really, but each one will hold your interest at least that long).Overall, Headrillaz is a winner. Just beware: after the first twenty-or-so times of listening to Screaming Headz, it gives you a headache.... [ yes, from headbanging too long :-) ]

Prodigy & Chem. Bros. in a wreck fighting the Beastie Boys..
Move over Prodigy and Chemical Bros. here's something 'meaner!' I mean ferocious beats galor implicating hints of a post-industrial, break-beat, trip-hop, funk album; w/ all that said and done add a dash of the Beasties on hallucinagens and you feel what I mean!!!...

This CD kicks butt!!!!!!!!!!
Since I received the WOOF electronica complication, and heard the track "Spacefunk," I was taken away by this chaotic, funky music. I had to buy the whole Headrillaz album. I loved all of the songs, which are very upbeat, fast, and exciting to listen to. Headrillaz literally drills into your head. It's a perfect mix of techno, funk, and electronica. However, the only bad thing about this album is that it's too short, having only nine songs. Get it, you won't be sorry! ... Read more

Amazon.com

On Beanfield's impressive self-titled debut, this German trio reaches back to push their music forward. The history they recall is, not surprisingly, the rich tradition of German electronic music--groups the likes of Can, Neu!, Faust, and Kraftwerk. Beanfield allow their grooves to slowly build on a foundation of old-school synth, groovy stereo effects, and laid-back dub rhythms. They also add a few modern updates: a lightly placed sampler, an occasional layer of drum & bass, the odd breakbeat thrown in to keep things interesting. What finally shakes out of this record is a batch of songs that are sly and sophisticated but also funky and familiar. --S. Duda ... Read more

Reviews (2)

much enjoyment
Where some tracks are a bit too techy for my liking, everyhting is very playable. Beanfield consistantly evokes emotion in music, and provides a subliminal groove orf relaxation. Instrumentation is exellent;along with musicalityNot they strongest all arround cd in my collection, but it gets listened to 2-3 times a week.

Die, Prodigy, die!
Usually, vocals destroy a good trance track, but these Germans make it work.

Fortifies my dislike of the Chemical Brothers.

Check them out on the awesome Future Sounds of Jazz 2 ... Read more

Reviews (6)

THE TIME IS NOW!!!!
to pick up this fantastically groovy CD! If Dmitri from Paris and Lady Miss Kier of Dee-Lite had a child, Ursula 1000 would be it!!! A Courreges clad model from the 60s graces the cover indicating what awaits inside: fashionably chic, hipster cool tracks with an incredible array of samples culled from 60s music and movies like James Coburn's OUR MAN FLINT(PLEASURE UNIT)which is also one of the inspirations for Mike Myers' AUSTIN POWERS movies and Peter Sellers THE PARTY(MR HRUNDI'S HOLIDAY)which in my opinion is one of the funniest movies ever made. The tracks are held together by lazy, sometimes jumping house beats. The breaks are at times sloppy or jarring but the overall effect is a fantastic soundscape like the soundtrack to a futuristic 60s film. I'M GOING TO SHOCK YOU DADDY conjures up images of mini skirt clad girls go-go dancing on tables in smoky nightclubs. It'S definitely a song that you cannot sit still to. THE SHAKE starts off with a nice lesiurely beat layered with sampled keyboards that then veer off into some strange spacy jazz universe. I swear some of the samples are straight from my father's jazz record collection. Is that a sample of Mancini's BABY ELEPHANT WALK I hear in there? Who knows but the outcome is scrumptious. PLEASURE UNIT is also a fun little dance track with a spoken break in the middle: a luscious Swedish girl repeating "I AM NOT A PLEASURE UNIT" over and over. Yummy!! Overall, this CD isn't anything new or exciting. Check out Dmitri From Paris, Towa Tei or Tipsy for something like that. However, it's great party music. Nothing serious, nothing new but a load of fun alone or with a group of your most freaked out wacky friends.

Okay, I guess
I bought this CD based on a mix of mr. hrundi's holiday and was expecting something more "contemporary." Some of the tracks are good, but most of them consist of retro 60s noise. Not that I don't like that some of the time, but here it's annoying for some reason...it's not AWFUL, but not what I was expecting. Be sure to sample all of the songs first to make sure it suites your taste.

Unique sound wins out over disc's flaws
Miami DJ Ursula 1000 perfectly fits the Eighteenth Street Lounge mold. But where artists like ESL's founders Thievery Corporation are known for their sonic subtlety, Ursula 1000 puts his blissful, body-rocking beats right your face. The end result is a pastiche of mambo cut-ups, spy flick guitar riffs and mod swagger over a big beat foundation--imagine if Dmitri from Paris collaborated with Fatboy Slim. However, the pop genius behind this approach only produces sporadically. The slick buzz of "Mambo 1000" and "Hip Length" dissipates into pointless groove exercises like "Funky Bikini" and "Pleasure Unit." But, so what. Ursula 1000 is lousy with potential, a DJ with his own sound, and that's enough to make the disc's shortcomings forgivable. Those looking for a different kind of big beat--one that doesn't try to bite off of Fatboy Slim's or The Chemical Brothers' styles--will get the most out of this one.

60's Industrial
Fantastic drums, basslines. Groovy tunes. From electronic mambo to dreamy instrumentals - and all with pounding drumbeat. You've got to try this. If you don't like it, a friend will.

best album at the moment
I bought this cd in London and first i thought that this is the newest London sound from a fresh London underground label. To see that it came from Washington DC was really surprising. I never expected to get such an innovative, groovy, modern, relaxing and dancable sound coming from this city. I'm really looking forward in getting more of this mixture of funky breaking house, latin breakbeat, hippop or whatever we should call this great stuff. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Cardiff-based DJ-producer Lincoln Barrett (a.k.a. High Contrast) builds new beats and pieces into the once majestic style known as drum and bass, combining color-saturated technique, warm studio technology, and clever samples for a spectacular two-disc debut. Many producers try to bring a more song-oriented approach to drum and bass, but Barrett pulls a few old-school tricks with a new-school view that beats them all silly. The warp-speed "Make It Tonight" sounds like Mary J. Blige time-stretched and tipsy. "True Colors" fuses bracing math rock with warm R&B sensibilities, while "Passion" combines corny atmospherics with breathy females and smooth-jazz sonics. "Return of Forever" is full-on sleaze funk, with a groove as deep and sweaty as a Brazilian street parade. With his magician's programming skills and dazzling tune sense, Barrett ups the ante for drum and bass wannabes the world over. Disc No. 2 includes alternate mixes and two additional tracks, "Remember When" and "Full Intention." --Ken Micallef ... Read more

Reviews (9)

The Souful Side to Drum and Bass, brought by High contrast
When I picked up High Contrast's 'True Colors,' I was very skeptical of what I would hear, since I am an active listener to all sorts of Drum and Bass forms. High Contrast seems to take this 'DnB' genre to another level of fast pace breakbeats, into goovin' tunes. His style is very unique and very addictive, I must say. You catch yourself listening to the whole CD over and over and enjoying its Light, Jazzy, Techstep, Intelligent way of mixing drum and bass with modern phrased vocals or the next chord that strikes. Personally, I think High Contrast(Lincoln Barrett) is a creative man in making drum and bass take a 'lighter' note than its fellow competitors(usually 'dark' drum and bass producers). Overall, this album 'True Colors' is one of those cd's that should be in your drum and bass collection of all time. With its soulful and addictive beats, you shouldnt pass up this offer of not buying it, or at least listen to it.

-djfaulk

Great
This album is great, High Contrast is one of my fav drum&bass producers :)

Personal ratings:
Return of forever - 10/10 my fav on the album
Music is everything - 10/10
True colours - 8/10
Global Love - 9/10
Expose - 8/10
Passion - 8/10
Make it tonight - 10/10
Remember when - 9/10
Savoir Faire - 9/10
Fools good - 10/10
Mermaid Scar - 10/10

Original... good
I had to change what I wrote before because I hadn't listened to the album enough to give it a fair review. Here's what I'm writing now:
High Contrast is getting crazy reviews because he's completely original, and because he's good. Now the album as a whole isn't hit after hit, but high contrast is good. There are at least 4 songs I have to keep hearing over and over again. He has a lot of talent and he's only going to get better. He has mad skills with a drum machine, and using music producing equipment/software in general... and I would love to know what he uses. Anyway, he's flawless at it. The songs can get kind of repetetive, but many are very good. My only major criticism that remains is that the mix cd isn't mixed right, the song doesn't end before the next track begins.

the best d & b producer of our time
while i have never heard the cd, i have heard the record compilation while spinning at my friend's house and it contains all of the same songs. its a commendable effort from a meticulous producer that makes drum & bass that is innoffensive and danceable. definately a more mature approach to the entire genre i feel that this is something that will appeal to older drum & bass loving adults that couldn't get over the fact that jump-up fizzled out and jungle became subdued by years of darkness.

Good, not great
I have to say I don't totally understand why this album has been so hyped. It has some outstanding tracks (2, 3, and 11 stand out) but it's very uneven. There's really no theme running throughout; it's either eclectic or disjointed depending on how one feels about abrupt transitions from one genre to another. I'm impressed Barrett was able to pull off the mixed cd relatively smoothly.

Not bad, I'm rounding 3.5 stars up to 4, but there are better out there. DJ Marky's Movement: The Brazillian Job is one I'd recommend. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Taken from the primo party starter You've Come a Long Way, Baby, Fatboy Slim's "Praise You" is based on a vocal and piano sample from Camille Yarbrough. The sample has a distinctively gospel-influenced, "churchy" flavor, and singer and children's book author Yarbrough's infectious voice is the focus of the song throughout. (Listeners who wish to hear the original tune, "Take Yo' Praise," can find it on the compilation Loose & Juicy.) "Praise You" is much more than its parts: the vocal sample; the baggy, Happy Mondays-ish chord progression; the subtly built-up crescendo; and the delirious combination of early-'70s, mid-'80s, and early-'90s flourishes. These retro sounds curiously blend to create a modern sound. Completists will enjoy the previously unreleased "Sho Nuff," a whimsical track reminiscent of Mike Paradinas's Gary Moscheles recording, with the exception that the rhythms are decidedly less complex--why do you think they call it "big beat"? The third and final tune is "Mulder's Urban Takeover Mix" of Slim's 1998 hit "The Rockafeller Skank," a stripped-down and silly mix that's notably the first time another artist has remixed a Fatboy Slim tune. --Mike McGonigal ... Read more

Reviews (24)

Praise you is awful.. but..
Well.. Praise You makes me violently ill.. really not one of his better efforts... ick.. and the Rockafeller Skank remix on here is nothing like the original song... basically a loop from the song that is good for the first 20sec... but it keeps going forever... gets on your nerves.. I bought this single just for Sho Nuff.. which is a great song.. should have been on the album... but then I wouldn't have bought this single.. hehe.. it's a great track though... an upbeat happy song.... check it out...

great single to dance with
The beats are just plain catchy and while I'm normally not a fan of repetetive music, I love this single. All three songs are better than a lot I've been hearing. Rockfeller Skank is my favorite, but Praise You is just as good. A great single to buy and get your money's worth. Good for in the car and getting moving in the morning ;)

Praise You Rocks!
Thought I bought this CD awhile ago, it just doesn't stop comming back into my diskman. I absolutly LOVE these tracks! It's Fatboy Slim at his very best.

Praise You Stinks! BUT....
Firstly, I love Fat Boy Slim, but Praise is not his best song. In fact, I care not for it. BUT the song Sho' Nuff is more than enough reason to buy this single. It's very nice....

Lots of Fun
I'll review each song on this single in backwards order: "Rockafeller Skank" is a great dance song. "Sho Nuff" is pretty warped in the lyrics department (although that isn't necessarily a bad thing), but the melody is irresistibly adorable. "Praise You" is, of course, a terrific song--great for car trips (actually, that's true of the entire CD), and lots of fun from beginning to end. One warning: "Praise You" is slower than they play it on the radio. However, that shouldn't stop you from getting the CD and loving it! ... Read more

Reviews (11)

First Chemicals CD I bought
I bought this when the only true "electronic" music I owned was by The Orb. I had heard of the Chemical Brothers, but didn't know enough about them to want a whole CD. This E.P. was perfect. And as soon as I heard it, I knew I had to have more.

Unlike a lot of Chemical Brothers singles (and other artists as well) this was not a collection of remixes of the same song, but a true E.P. with 4 different songs. So I figured that I would be getting a good sample of what they were about. True, "Chemical Beats" was a remix of the original "Exit Planet Dust" version, but it wasn't repeated on the same CD and I didn't even own the original at the time. The title track, "Loops of Fury", is simply huge. It makes you want to turn it way up, and once you've done that, it makes you wish you were hearing it cranked all the way up inside a club. It just sounds big.

Along with those epic early Orb albums, and a Wax Trax Records sampler that contained Underworld's "Dirty Epic", this started my love of (modern) dance music. Highly recommended to those wanting to try something a little different from the current version of "Alternative Rock" but who have no need for Top 40 radio.

Excellent, once again
I strongly recommend this on vinyl. A pleasure to listen to, for as usual the Chemical Brothers amaze me. Loops of Fury is a classic Brothers tune, as is Get Up On It Like This, so of course they make you move, but... The Best Part (Of Breaking Up) and Chemical Beats (Dave Clarke Remix) I had never heard before. And now I know I was missing out because these two songs are just as phenomenal. Get it.

great single
Loops of fury is a great four song collection of the chemical brothers. It really shows how well the band can write music. It really helped me to become a fan.

Repetitive, Short, and unimaginitive.
I'm not sure why people were willing to pay for a CD with 4 songs on it (20 minutes). It was clearly an oversight on my part.

I was looking for some more Big Beat (i've been listening to a lot of it lately, say, Propellerheads, Leftfield, Lunatic Calm, Hexstatic, and Apollo440), and Amazon's editors said that this was a good choice.

Well, I'm sorry to inform you, people with a good amount of listening experience will write this off as repetitive cookie-cutter "electronica." It has no soul, no beat, does not move me (nor will it move you).

I'm frankly baffled that people have given this record 5 stars.

amazing is an understatement
This CD is essential for any Chemical Brothers fan, and anyone who appreciates anything even quasi-techno should pick it up, too. Breaking Up is my favorite track on the CD and one of their better ones overall. Get it now. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Rabbit on Charlie
Rabbit in the Moon is an awesome act, but that is the point; you NEED to see them live to fully savour, appreciate and understand their special ectoblend of trippy/ambient/trance. I was fortunate to witness RITM at Checkpoint Charlie, which is without doubt the world's premier dance party held annually in a magical, Hobbitonesque forest outside of Wellington, New Zealand. The performance was spellbinding, leaving the forest dwellers on an incredible high - a kind of contagious wave swept thyrough the trees and filled 3000 partygoers with, um...a kinda natural sense of ecstacy. There was much love in the glade and everyone had lid-locked glazzies for each other. Having seen this act, this CD - any RITM CD - is awesome, mainly because the music opens a deluge of wonderful memories. But hey - if you are into trippy trance, buy this CD because it is as good as anything else in the genre. However, the music will be tenfold more impactful if you witness it live. Should the opportunity present itself, believe me, take it.
Enjoy - DC, NZ

I think I'm too old to like it...but I love it!
A friend's daughter was rambling on and on about RITM. On awhim I bought the CD. I didn't stop listening for threedays. Generally there is a lame track on every CD, but not this one. Every track is as good as the last.

The most beautiful music I've heard in a long time
I burned a copy of this cd from a friend after hearing the first track. When I listened to the rest of it I was in awe. Track #7 is the most beautiful song I've ever heard. I'm actually trying to learn to play it on the piano I love it so much

Simply the Best
Of all the RITM remixes, this CD single stands out in its stylization and creativity. There's drum 'n bass, overlays of trance and funky breaks. I love this CD when I need to chill out and just think. By the way, FLOORI.D.A. is available on vinyl from their web site hallucination.com. If they ever come to your area, they are definitely a must see.

Friggin' hell! this is godly!
Three words for ya: RiTM is god. With that said, all you can do now is buy this cd, cause unless your some weirdo who hates everything, your gonna love this cd... ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Gets my aproval, which doesn't come very often.
Some albums take some time to grow on you (ie. VAST), some just suck (99.9% of what's out there now), and some you love the first time you listen to it, like this one.It's very strange, and goes in many differntdirections.If that's your style, then get this album.

one of the best albums of 1998
lo-fi allstars produced an album which is a mixture of drum n' base, jungle, dub and many other influences. their unique style is maybe the new frontier of popular electro music at the end of the millenium. when i heardthis album for the first time, i was impressed with the creativity and themixture of styles it contains. another essential product of 'skint' label(along with fatboy slim and Bentley Rhythm Ace)

Fatboy Slim meets Henry Rollins
Techno brits fuse techno with spoken word and arrive at an album that really works."Battleflag," is the catchiest, musically, but I also enjoyed the rest of the album. Lost of "prose" meshed withtechno. Great if you are a fan of Fatboy Slim, Chemical Bros., orUnderworld. ... Read more