Reviews (1)

Midney's best?
...probably, although I'll welcome arguments favoring "Beautiful Bend" and "Evita." Of Boris Midney's druggy soundscapes for the disco round, this may be his only album that must be heard to be believed, let alone appreciated! Beyond his usual rococco string crescendos and cooing disco chorines, this album better makes better use than any other of BM's secret weapon -- silence. After building for several minutes, towering arrangements abruptly vanish...and off we segue into the next theme, which may or may not explain why. Mysterious! Side One's "Come Into My Heart/Good Lovin'" was Boris' biggest hit (a 45 rpm version actually nicked the Top 40 during the peak of Disco Madness, amazing given its nearly eight-minute length, the fact that it was a pretty crummy edit, and the overall weirdness of this material). So what does it sound like? Just imagine: you're late for that connecting flight at Heathrow, you see, and you've forgotten your Thorazine (...every DAMN PILL!) Being rhythmically blessed yet none too tightly wrapped, you proceed to... OK -words may fail me, but the music doesn't - especially the climax of side one, as grand and successful as any disco record ever cut. Side 2, "Love's Comin'/Baby Love" is a cleverly arranged, weirdo riff on early 60's girl-group na-na. Somehow, a synthesized harpsichord succssfully finds its way into the mix. As Boris saw the disco floor the way Salvador Dali saw canvas, the result is delightful - and slightly disturbing. ... Read more

Album Description

Gay Happening - one of the most popular gay dance compilation series ever – proudly presents Euro Trance Chartmix, a non-stop megamix featuring 30 of the biggest and newest trance hits from Europe mixed by the red-hot JMK! Includes trance hits from Benny Benassi, Narcotic Thrust, Rank 1, Benassi Bros. feat. Dhanny, Alex B. Meets John P., Cyber X feat. Jody Watley, Mario Lopez, DJ Tom and many more.Imported from Dance Street Germany by Megahit Records, Gay Happening Presents Euro Trance Chartmix provides the perfect soundtrack for any party! ... Read more

Amazon.com

One of the better compilation series in circulation, Elevations 3 and its offspring (particularly this third volume) are very appealing samplers targeted to listeners with an appetite for world/mystic/ambient/groove music. Showcasing 15 acts, Elevations 3 is a feast of largely stellar tracks from the seductive, slow-twitch zone of the electronica spectrum. Opening with the gorgeous 1997 New Age pop hit "Love Song," by Ronan Hardiman, the disc moves from one delicious track ("Rushing" from Moby) to another (the Delerium-like "Lost" by Balligomingo. While not flawless (we could have been spared the childlike chanting of Yasue on "Peaceful Village"), the album is loaded with gems, including the beguiling, jazz-tinged throb from Soma Sonic ("Blueskies"), the subsonic stealth funk of Faithless ("The Garden"), and the whispered-in-your-ear passion of "Soul of Desire" (by Phobos). As soon as you exit, on Alkaemy's ethereal "Enchantment," you yearn for the disc to begin anew. Anyone attracted to "moods"-related samplers should investigate this one. Splendid listening. --Terry Wood ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Third In A Five Star Series
The rushing, lush "Love Song" by Ronan Hardiman opens this set with gorgeous vocals and Celtic influences over pop beats. "Rushing" by Moby is a laid-back groove with simple piano melodies on top. A sensuous female vocal is the centerpiece of Balligomingo's "Lost", and the multi-layered instrumentation over a dance beat make this a prime cut off this CD. Thomas Newman's "Lunch With The King" is taken from the "American Beauty" soundtrack, and fits the scene it was taken from perfectly. It's a differently-themed piece. Pilgramage's "Through The Seas Of Life" has some beautiful religious-themed vocals running through this up-tempo groove. Electronically cut together vocals detract from the pure danceability of Govinda's "Aspetta", especially with a lively fiddle melody that weaves in and out. "The Garden" by Faithless is a musical soundscape that combines new age, electronica and pop to create a danceable groove yet retain the new age feel. The jazzy "Blue Skies" by Soma Sonic is very trip-hop like, and includes high ethereal female vocals occasionally layered on top. Ikarus' "Bassment" almost sounds like a Fatboy Slim record with male chanting on top. This track isn't one of the better ones. "Peaceful Village" brings Japanese influences to new-age pop by way of Yasue, and does it well. A deep groove with vocals that weave in and out in a jazzy way is the trademark of Phobos' "Soul Of Desire", a simply beautiful relaxing track. The Sprit Of Eden and Davy Spillane team up on "The Sun And The Moon And The Stars", another track with an electronic beat and heavy Celtic influences. Lovely to listen to on a windy day. Dagda is electronic trance music with Celtic melodies on top, and while similar things have been done before, they do it very well. Their track, "Shades of The Otherworld" stands out here and Dagda should be a group to watch. Clair Marlo's "Celtic Groove" is exactly what it says it is, and it is also done very well. Another artist to watch. Alkaemy's "Enchantment" ends this disc, and does so in a laid-back fashion. A very subdued beat with Celtic mystic influences make this a beautiful closer for the CD. Yet another winner for Elevation.

Almost Elevated
This being my first of the Elevation series I found myself pleased by some but a little un-drawn from others. The charming, light spirited "Love Song" by Ronan Hardiman was a perfect way of starting off the compilation, giving the album a playful, warm-hearted spray of mysticism, as does the Japanese pop hit "Peaceful Village" by Yasue, while others leave their seductive mark with slow rhythmic electronic numbers such as the Delerium-like "Lost" by Balligomingo, the passionate ambient grooves of Phobos' "Soul Of Desire" and female choir singing with Pilgrimages' "Through The Seas Of Time." The eloquence of Moby's piano playing on "Rushing" and the ethereal feel on Alkaemy's "Enchanted" will do just that. On the down side, though, there are some bumps and turns on this digital soundscape of moods. The jazzy "Blueskies" from Soma Sonic is too predictable and boring while the unadorned callings on Ikarus' "Bassment" are like a bad replication of Govinda's Shane O' Madden and at times annoying. More on the positive side, though, the Celtic dance tune "Aspetta" by Govinda and "The Garden" by Faithless are just more additions to make this a truly enlightening experience. Elevation may not be as good as the "Moods" series but is nothing short of a spectacule.

Elevation, Vol I
I think they picked the worst of the various artists.

Third times a charm
I still remember how excited I was when I browsed Amazon.com and finding out that a third Elevation CD was coming out and it was worth the excitement. While this CD is my least favorite of the Elevation series it still is beyond five stars. Unlike the wintery Celtic sound of the first Elevation CD or the more world pop sound of the second Elevation CD this album has a more DJ with a brighter and more pop sound that some rave fans could enjoy.

Love Song by Ronan Hardiman is a beautiful new age pop hit that has a danceable drum loop, pianos, and voices that Enya fans could enjoy. Moby's Rushing is a jazzy haunting groove with a haunting chant with a sort of DJ oriented beat. Truly a marvelous song. Moby is very talented and I might get his Play CD in the near future. Lost by Balligomingo is spectacular. It's a very haunting song with enchanting echoing vocals, a slight Asian sound and a very rich mournful atmosphere. Lunch With The King by Thomas Newman is taken from the American Beauty soundtrack. It's a short but stunning instrumental with pianos and cool bass hooks. Throught The Seas Of Life by Pilgrimage is the winner on this CD. It's a jazzy ambient song with beautiful airy sounds and what I guess are female Gregorian Chants. This is what makes me love new age music. Aspetta by Govinda is a strongly Middle Eastern track with haunting chants and a danceable beat. The Garden by Faithless is a DJ oriented song with a rave beat and is like New Age and Rave music intertwining. A truly must hear. Blueskies by Soma Sonic is a jazzy song with a hip hop beat and it works. I love this song a lot. Bassment by Ikarus is a funky song with danceable and some chants. I must admit I first hated this song but now it's one of my favorites. Peaceful Village by Yasue is a cheerful song with Japanese chanting. I don't like the vocals very much and it kind of detracts from the song. Soul Of Desire is incredible. It starts off with haunting chants and chimes. Then at about a minute into the track the actual song begins and is a wonderful song with amazing chants, and sensual spoken words. This is one sexy track. A must hear. The Sun & The Moon & The Stars by Spirit Of Eden is a strongly Celtic groovy with a cool drum loop and some chants here and there. Shades Of The Otherworld by Dagda is a strongly Celtic song with a misty grey feel. Celtic Groove by Clair Marlo is a Celtic pop song with amazing vocals and enchanting harps. Enchantment by Alkaemy is what the title says. It's a very sad song with a jazzy laid back feel. A very sad but beautiful closer to this disc that will make you want to play this entire CD all over again.

As like the first two Elevation CDs this is a great New Age compilation.

This CD is very unique compared to most New Age compilation CDs because it has a more DJ oriented sound that maybe even people who don't like new age could enjoy. Some of the songs could,ve even made a dent on the pop charts. I strongly recommend this CD to all fans of music.

And although the next Elevation CD is quite different it has some of the DJ influence of this CD on it.

Go out and buy this CD as well as the other Elevation CDs.

I hope I didn't use too many words.

Tee!Hee!

The Elevation series is much better than any pure moods CD
I bought this CD after the dynamite Elevations 1 and 2 and I once again am impressed with the sheer quality of the music. This CD focuses on more DJish material. Examples are Mobys 'Rushing', the funk jazz vibe of Soma Sonics 'Blue Skies' and the pure jazz funk of Ikarus ' Bassment'. The real treat on here is Balligomingos 'Lost'. The chants are like echoes of your best dreams. Go and get this CD. You'll be amazed by this CD series. Get and get Elevation 4 too. It's even better. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

I Could Vomit A Better Song!
These are ALL fake artists doing REALLY, REALLY bad imitations of the originals. It's so embarrasing. The only real song is "More, More, More" by The Andrea True Connection, so I guess she must have been hurting for some residuals. Ouch!

Disappointing
I had bought this somewhere else and didn't realize that the songs are performed by a random group...NOT the original artists. They did a fairly good job, but it's just not the same as hearing the original artists. I was very disappointed.

Bogus Misrepresentation CD.
This thing was terrible. I thought I was buying a compilation of cool disco tunes by the original artists. I wasn't. It was BAD cover music. If I had wanted to hear someone else sing these songs, I could have listened to myself sing them in the shower for free, and it would have been better. You should have some kind of warning that even though, the original artists' name is indicated next to the song on the outside package of the disc, that definitely isn't who is singing it. It was a pretty flagrant misrepresentation.

DO NOT BUY THIS!
This collection sucks! It is not the original artists... it sounds like garbage. What a waste of money.

STUPID!!! BAD!!!!!!! THE WORST!!!!!!
This set just plain out sucked. The songs had no rythymm to them and were performed by people that it made it seem like they were singing the words off of a screen. This set is junkyard material. Stayin Alive was too flat and alot of the other songs were also flat. Dont buy this CD at all. ... Read more

Album Description

Summer 1999 edition of the hugely successful UK dance series. 36 tracks including, Carl Cox-'Phuture 2000', Hybrid-'Finished Symphony', Matt Darey-'Liberation', Lustral-'Everytime', Blank & Jones-'Cream', Chicane-'Saltwater', ATB-'9PM Till I Come', York-'The Awakening' and many more. Seamlessly mixed, this package is a journey through the ever shifting streams of club culture. 2 CD gatefold digipak with 18 page color booklet. ... Read more

Reviews (41)

Awesome compilation of house techno!
If you really enjoy grooving to house aka. garage, trance etc this CD is excellent! I especially love the tracks by 'The Thrillseekers' and 'Salt Tank'. If you can catch Gatecrasher on their world tour I'd highly recommend that you go.

Well its Gatecrasher what more can i say?....
CD1: After the warm up with Carl cox, we follow a very good cd wih Recognisable Trance less Diverse compared to CD 2, although there are some here that have only been released at the time of me writing this! (oh has anyone seen Skyscraper -'The Hymn' anywhere yet? )We have some soft Trance or "nice" Trance with Lustral 'Everytime', Hybrid, Thrillseeker's "Synthanesia", Matt dareys "Liberation" (Ferry Corsten Remix)and not forgetting Chicane's "Saltwater" (Disco Citizens Remix)

CD2: On here more hardcore tech/Trance than the first CD and Ultimately this CD is the best of the two! The tracks are all great on this side, giving an excellent mix.

IN GENERAL: This is a CD that no Trance fan should be without! It is one of the best because of the number of fresh new tracks that no other CD compliation were using, making it worth your money even if you have other Trance Compliations! The only complaint is the heavy use of editing to fit the compliation, making many tracks short and sweet, leaving you wanting more. But anyway I reckon this CD is one of the best compilations you can buy and get value and enjoyment out of it. Non - Clubbers should keep clear of it though.

The best trance album I have ever heard
After a friend recommended this, i bought it straight away. I was amazed. I have never been able to discover an album where every song is good, and mixing has been so dreamy! Now mine is scratched badly and finding it again has been a nightmare, I recommend this to any trance bunny. And listen to track 11 on disc 2, "I believe" by Lange, its a classic. Thank u amazon for having it in stock!

Electronic Aficionado finds this a CLASSIC!
I have all the Gatecrasher cd's and tons of electronic compilations, and this is by far the best. This was my first electronic cd and it has been impossible to find any to match it. The songs are extremely beautiful and danceable. The cd never gets boring or repetitive. There is a mix of beautiful and dreamy tracks to the hard and pumping ones.

You cannot go wrong with this compilation. It is absolutely perfect.

This one was crispy¿
I loved this CD to death. I couldnt stop listening to it. Its a great song to drive to. ... Read more

Album Description

Giant Step Records is a worldwide music pioneer that'sreleased critically acclaimed titles such as NuyoricanSoul's 1997 groundbreaking release. Giant Steps alsopromote a successful weekly club in New York featuringresident DJ Ron Trent, & world's top dance DJs such asGilles Peterson, King Britt & Louie Vega. Tracklisting,Hipnotic - Naima, Blaze - Elevation (Shelter Late NightVocal), Jiva - Stars (Tauriva Mix), Richard Worth -Rise(Sentinel Dome Mix), Kalawang - Jingo (Aquamarine Mix),Jody Watley - Saturday Night Experience (Ron Trent Mix),Amel Larrieux - Get Up (Ron Trent Mix), Nathan Haines -Earth Is The Place, Erro - Don't Change, Jeymes Samuel -When It Rains (Restless Soul Remix), Atlantis feat. NaomiNsombi - Future Love, Carl Hancock Rux - Lamentations (You, Son), Nickodemus & Osiris - Free Souls (Pt 2 Main Mix),Donnie - Holiday (DJ Deep/Original), Donnie -Do You Know? A ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Ron Trent: Excellent Choice For Vol 1
I can't think of a better choice to mix Vol 1 that Ron Trent. He has the knack of making wallflowers MOVE. This cd shows how. Deep, smooth, and earthy vocals combined with a bit of Afro-Funk make this cd stand out. It is a very accurate representation of Ron's production style (if you listen closely you'll be reminded of some Prescription projects). The tracks that grab me are 1, 2, 7, 9, 10 , 12, and 14. The entire cd is very nicely mixed. I hope that Ron Trent is chosen to mix Vol 2, Vol 3, Vol 4...

Ron Trent is da mannn...
Chi-Town to NYC, Ron Trent's the master of the game...
Only thing not allowing me to give it a perfect 5 is the ever-present and annoying "Earth is the Place", Dj's have killed that track... why Ron why??? Dig in dem crates my brotha!

Cuba
I love the selections here! The cd is blended so well and I'm very much feeling the Amel remix! Ron Trent NEVER disappoints his listners! This is yet again another winner and one to add to the collection in my view!

Cubankisses/Brenda
Wonderful blends of deep soulful house. Ron Trent is spectacular at blending each track carefully into another. The selections are incredible and it makes for a wonderful house cd collection. A MUST HAVE!

Nice Mix
I like this mix. The only thing is the mix starts of a little slow to me, but I have noticed the Ron has away of building up to a climax...I equate a good house mix to sex. You have the foreplay, then you really get into it and them the climax. As much as I love Amel, Ron's remix sounds a bit out of place. Other than that the mix will get you moving. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Upbeat clean songs you will let your kids listen to.
This C.D. takes some of Disney's best songs and makes them into an upbeat disco sound.I teach using these songs. I use them in my P.E. class for running, jumping and performing sport skills. The students can sing with them while they jump rope or run around the gym. They love to dribble the ball while listening to Number 10 (Lion King.)The first song sets the tone for the C.D. with Donna Summer singing someday.I searched high and wide for songs suitable for elementary students that are clean and free from profanity. It is hard to find these type of songs. I enjoy using this C.D. hour after hour and find myself playing the songs for my own pleasure. It makes the time go faster for the student's as well. I would recomend this C.D. for any elementary teacher, pre-school teacher or family that would like Disney songs with a beat.

A VERY GOOD BUY FOR THOSE WHO LOVE DISNEY!
IF YOU LOVE DISNEY SONGS, AND YOU LIKE REMIXES, THIS IS THE CD FOR YOU. THE SONGS ARE UPBEAT VERSIONS OF DISNEY MOVIE FAVORITES. I LOVE THIS CD. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

AMAZING!
HAVE YOU GOT A SICK TWIST IN YOUR MIND? DO YOU LAUGH WHEN OTHERS CRY? IF SO THEN THIS IS THE CD FOR YOU! HARDCORE MASTER, LENNY DEE, HAS PICKED THE FINEST FROM HIS MANY LABELS AND MIXED THEM UP IN HIS USUAL PERFECT STYLE TO TAKE YOU ON A JOURNEY INTO THE WORLD OF DARKNESS FROM WHERE YOU MAY NEVER RETURN!

If you like hard core techno, this is the cd for you
It is hard to find a compelation cd with the hardest, loudest, hard core techno, until now. If you like hard thumping bass, this is the cd for you. The best thing is that not only do you get one whole cd full of differnt artists, but then you get an another cd with two outstanding dj mixes of hard core. This is a must have for the hard core fans. If you like this, check out Delta 9, Disco Inferno. ... Read more

Reviews (23)

Guidance by name, guidance by nature...
Not content with dropping the deepest, funkiest house around Guidance seem to have set their sights on cornering the market in leftfield downtempo compilations and using their own releases as a benchmark. It was always odds on that this selection would be the proverbial bomb! They ease you in with the breathy vibes of 'Slowdown' courtesy of Flywheel before Louise Vertigo drops dreamy vocals for those clear days that draw the past into forever on 'Ou Est La Femme?'. Masters of the sublime Thievery Corporation entice with'Lebanese Blonde' while Extended Spirit's 'Solid Water' gets the RainerTruby treatment for a smoking, early-hours groove. The Funky Lowlives bring the Balearic flavour with 'Notabossa', a solar-infused number to while away a lazy day and Bobby Hughes drops the sleazy gut-bucket funk of 'Bye Bye Blues'. Marschmellows up the tempo via the slinky Jazzanova remix of'Soulpower' and At Jazz work the elements with 'Wind & Sea', an uplifting,funky paean to the forces of nature. With Guidance themselves sealing thedeal with 'Paul's Pal' a tough little brassy number from the ubiquitous Paul Hunter it just goes to show that their taste isn't definable by genre. Guidance by name, guidance by nature - they're showing us the way right across the spectrum. - Mat Anthony (straight no chaser magazine)

Truly Acid Jazz
This mix has no hint of smooth jazz, and I love it. Some of the Acid Jazz compilations I have listened to recently have sounded like Kenny G at his best. And I HATE Kenny G.

The artists on High Fidelity Lounge keep the music cool, but funky. Something to chill out to. Notobossa, by the Funky Lowlives mixes some killer flute and a great bassline to make for one of my favorite songs on the disc. The Marshmellows track, soulpower is another great one.

This CD shows that Acid Jazz will have nothing to do with the smooth jazz junk that somehow makes its way into the category. Keep it that way and give this CD a listen.

Good CD, but lacks something
I was really feeling the beginning of this CD but felt that it lost its way in the middle. It has some great tracks on it but I would recommend an ESL compilation over one of these hi fidelity ones.

sweet !
If you like slow jazzy beats, this cd won't dissapoint you...

It' s Vol 1 but also Number One !!
Yes this it's a real five stars CD. I love every tracks, so different and so beautiful, you can pass trought Luis Vertigo to Thievery Corporation (Lebanese Blonde it's a song that alone give already the five stars) to Marshmellow without any shock (and pls don't miss Season). The sequence of every traks it's the real masterpiece of the CD.
Well you understand that i like this Cd but i'am sure that this Cd it's very good also for who would like to came across to this kind of music..because when the music it's good...it's good for everyone! ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Gatecrasher Thrills Again
For the American Clubbers, Gatecrasher is a legendary club in England. We are fortunate enough to buy snippets of the eargasmic music in their few compilations. If you have Red, Wet and Disko Tech, then you probably know very well what I am writing about. This disk, Global Sound System, has great beats and seems like it is breaking out a new world of trance. With heavy bass laced with light heavenly voices, we are indulged with a taste of the UK's hottest club. Eventhough he isn't on the compilation, the vibes of Mauro Picotto fill disk 2, known as Latitude. Of course, Gatecrasher, keeps us happy with the best names in the biz. You will find Paul van Dyk, Moby and my favorite, BT all have some of their best songs mixed on disk 1, aptly names Longitude. My assesment, Global Sound System blows away all of the other Gatecrasher Disks. You are missing some serious beats if you don't buy this NOW!

Top Club Anthems????
I'm no stranger to the world of Gatecrasher, with two previous releases to my collection plus the latest "National Anthems" double CD. And the recent "Global Sound System Tour". I can honestly say that GSS is a suberb outing. As for being referred to as a collection of chart topping anthems, I really don't know where people this idea from. Yes, both discs do boast the likes of trance gods Paul van Dyk, BT, Moby, VDM, Terra Ferma and a list of others. As well as containing two excellent tracks from Afterburn (which true trance enthusiasts will recognize as Agnelli & Nelson under a different guise). But the general feel of this (both CD's) is dark, progressive and storming. Featuring many tracks that are just now starting to get reviewed in columns from "Mixmag, Muzik, and Ministry" magazines. Just to name a few.

Gatecrasher's success in this field does not rely on supplying people with the "Superstar DJ", but instead...giving the listener the general idea (a tour if you will) of what it sounds and feels like to be at Gatecrasher. The world's best superclub is at top notch with thier "Global Sound System" release, cashing in the the vibe, the pulse, the true spirit of the clubworld...THE MUSIC...not the DJ. If it wasn't for the music, and a place to play this music, the DJ would be forgotten. If you want to experience the party...then buy any one the six compilations from Gatecrasher.

Insert, Raise Volume to Highest Setting, Play
Having owned almost all of the gatecrasher CDs, I must share that this is among the top three. The BPMs are perfect, as are the synthesizers, vocals, and melodies. Sure, some of these tracks are on other CDs, but then again, there is only one Gatecrasher sound. Enjoy...

Pretty good set
4 stars should say it all. Not a bad set at all, especially after a few disappointments like Digital/Black, and Experience 2002. Very nice selection of tracks, especially on CD #1. Mixing as always very precise. Second CD deserves a 3 star rating, as it gets a bit boring and heavy at the end. Overall a very decent compilation. Don't expect to be blown away by it, but nevertheless very enjoyable experience overall.

Not the best not the worst
3 stars in comparison with Gatecrasher Discotech set. 2 CD's in this one. First one is not too bad, I would give it a 4 stars. Not a bad compilation of tracks, almost bo boring fillers. The second CD is way below par. I would give it 2 stars. Boring, getting hard-tek and techno-like at times. The last few tracks, are especially boring, more of a tek-trance sprinkled with hard techno. If you don't own a Discotech set yet, go for that one instead. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

ambient groove--the best in the series
i own the whole series of "journey into ambient groove," and this is by far my favorite. in fact, this is one of my favorite discs of all time, from a collection of nearly 1,000 cd's. i love the genre, and the choice of cuts and artists is superb. excellent for people who feel overstimulated or live in a noisy place and want to calm themselves. has nice grooves & beats for those moments when strictly ambient is too mellow. excellent all the way around.

True ambient grooves as promised
For those quiet times when you want the world to just fade into the background but need the music to massage your battered psyche, look to this collection to fill that need. I found all tracks to be melodic and enjoyable and some downright hypnotizing. This is my first exposure to the series and I am anxious to explore other CDs in the collection.

The World Meets Ambient
With titles like "Viens Dormir Avec Moi" and "Violins - Sleepy Mix," you know what you're in for. Music from around the world blends with the ambient groove of the New York studio to produce a compilation of stunningly high quality. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

John Digweed's double-disc set in the Global Underground mix series showcases the British DJ's unique ability to seamlessly fuse trance and techno into a lush slipstream that works well, whatever the hour. Recorded in Sydney, Australia, in 1998, Digweed's mix envelops a multitude of dance styles and coats them all with his effortless, lengthy, pace-building method. Few DJs could move so smoothly from the sunrise tranquillity of Fortunato & Montresor's "Imagine" to the busyness of Danny Tenaglia's "Elements," let alone Fatma Morgana's "Apache Spur" to the franticness of Crystal Method's "Keep Hope Alive." Yet Digweed makes it all seem so natural, the warmth and mobility of the mix inviting listeners to stop whatever they're doing, shut up, and dance. --Steffan Chirazi ... Read more

Reviews (40)

Digweed's best CD so far!
-Taken from

"I recently had the opportunity while traveling to Paris, France, to stop over in Heathrow airport in London, England. While I was there I picked up a great John Digweed CD titled "John Digweed Global Underground 006 Sydney". This CD is very phat. I recommend it to anyone. I believe there are few CDs in my collection that get a 10 rating. This CD is a 10!

The CD starts out with some ambient dub, transitions into some faster progressive house, climaxes with hard trance and finally returns to some progressive house. But, it is not only the track listing that gets me. Better yet, Digweed really mixes this CD well. The tracks are blended beautifully from one onto another and yet another. Just when you think the CD is going to die down and get into some slow ass track, Digweed blends power back into it. Pick this CD up at all costs!"

-Ricardo Cortes

digger strikes again
i just want to starts things off saying that John Digweed is the most underated dj. This compilation truly shows why he is a true pioneer of trance.Cd1 starts off mellow then it gets really dark and trippy typical digweed style it ends with a mellow version of albion-air.Cd2 starts of slow on track one then it picks up from there and every track just grabs at you keeps you on your feet you just cant stop listening to it.His mixes are flawless, track selection very good expecially cd2.1st cd sets up the mood perfectly for cd2. I personally was disapointed with the bedrock album but this album definitely made up for those flaws.Great album you should definitely buy if your a digweed fan or even a fan of darker more trippy type trance.I also recommend his hong kong album another great one.

Well...
Maybe the problem is I'm not just a huge Digweed fan, but this cd really didn't do it for me. It's not awful, don't get me wrong, but I just didn't care for the tracks he chose to include.

In general the cd is fairly fragmented; he'll butt a slowish song up against a more hard hitting one and the overall effect is you're constantly waiting for him to get to the point and he just never does.

If you're a fan of his stuff, then this cd is probably one of his better ones, and if you like a more harsh, more sparse type of trance, give this a try as well. Otherwise, don't waste your money.

more than excellent
This CD continues to prove its worth to me. I've had it for quite some time now and it hasn't gotten old yet. The two CDs in this set converge, yet are distinct from each other at the same time and this set serves (I feel) as a milestone and measuring stick for the Global Underground series, as well as mixCDs in general.

Disc one is the more adventurous of the two. It begins with an ethereal tone, floating inward from silence with "Imagine" before exploding into straight out trance with "Blu Savannah" only for Digweed to take the mix and ground it in a much grittier, heavier style of music. I am hesitant to label the tracks sandwiched between the Liquid Language track and the closer by Albion with a style. They don't quite seem to be trance. Nor deep house. Nor hard house. A deep techy hard melodic housey trance...? Regardless, the mix is expert and bold and for as much throttling of the ears and the soul that the middle portion does, he lets everyone off easy with a club classic: "Air" by Albion.

Disc two is a little more predictable, a little more formatted. Easier to pin down, I'd say it's progressive trance -- but solid, building up nicely, exploding, then coming down. It kicks off well enough with that "Apache Spur" (which happens to have one of the catchiest basslines I've ever heard), peaks early with "Release", dips down and gets a bit techy for a few tracks until it blows up again with "Stargazer" and "Words" -- going off on an arguably psychedelic tip. Following "Words," the CD takes a turn as if it were headed back to the sound exhibited on the first disc, hitting you one last time with an unheard of mix of "Keep Hope Alive" and then bubbling out with "Out of It."

Overall, excellent and a good CD to keep around as a benchmark by which to measure the performance of others. Of Digweed's available mixCDs, I am undecided which to suggest above all others. If you own none, buy the "Bedrock" set first -- it's more eclectic. And when it comes down to this one versus Hong Kong -- flip a coin. You'll be equally pleased. Just remember, while Sasha often gets more hype -- Digweed is the man to watch.

And I don't even like trance...
I'm always interested by reviews that like or dislike a mix CD because of the records. I spin records myself, and I think a good DJ can make any records work within the context of the larger work of art he/she creates.

John Digweed is so smooth, and so tasteful in his composition, that I don't mind the fact that this CD set is composed entirely of trance music, which I normally can't stand.

I listen to this set frequently, just to pick up on the subtleties of how Digweed mixes. And I plan to buy more of his work, because he's just that good. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Excellent music cut short
The song selection is excellent! Every song is meant to be played in a party!I got it when I was 17, and now I'm 21, but I love it. My sister owned the original single records which are now too scratched to be played, so i was very happy to see all these songs on one cd. The downside is that the songs are cut from 5 seconds to 3 minutes. In order to fit all these songs, this was done, which makes it sound cheap. For example, Two Man Sound's "Capital tropical" is cut to 5 minutes from the original version which is around 8 minutes long. The cd liner notes are unnecessary, as I don't know what Circus Disco was and there are many spelling mistakes. All in all, a good release by Thump Records. (Try to get the 12" vinyl record)

those were the days
well im 37 now and in the early 80s we always went to circus on wed/fri after getting drunk at griffith park me,willie ernie erik,remember 3626,genos,woodys parking lot,peanuts ?wow how time flies,now im in woodland hills,10yrs with my boyfriend and always thinking of the party days,get this cd its awsome,

Love Circus Style
Well here I am, 20+ years have gone by and I still reminisce on those days. I remember my 1st time at Circus Disco, Labor Day weekend 1980... the line was almost to the corner. When I walked in and heard the music, I said "this is my place for now on". I went every Wednesday & Sunday night. I was there dancing disco, with everyone that knew how. I remember the way some of the people would dress up and all the fun I'd have... too many things to write down but yeah, those little bottles! ha ha ha! The halloween parties, marti gras parties, Christmas and all the parties Gene & Ed (rest his soul) would throw. It was like heaven but better cause we had some of the best music playing from back then.

Circus Disco 1981 thru 1984 memories
The CD was a run about of the early 80's disco scene at the ever so eminent & celebrated Circus Disco. Do you recall the barrel of peanuts, your circus card for $3.00, Danny the door man, the entrance on Lexington, the Melon Balls, Oh & of course that lethal small glass brown bottle of well you know. I was 17 and entering the disco was like simply walking into a playground. What ever happened to the New Wave room in the back, Roy, Ceasar, Jeanie R., Bianca Jagger, Eva, Martha B. Judy B. and Patty C. The life & times of Circus Disco do still linger in my mind at times.

Circus and Gino Days in Los Angeles/Hollywood
When I first got this, I was so shocked to find a lot of the old disco music, the real dance music and not the typical radio, same-o, same-o stuff, but rather only in the nightclub scene and of course if you were hip enuf for the Circus and wild enuf for Ginos or Kittys. Where you can dance alone or in a crowd and it was happening. The days of Moon Over Moscow, Romeo and Juliet and Boogie Motion,Sylvester, Cocomotion and alot of others, Lets All Chant! Hello to Alex and Wife, I tip my hat to this one, Lisa R. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A more or less decent compilation.
Most of the good tracks are ones i've already had. I was hoping that other tracks will be as good.
Alien Factory - Get the Future Started, Alien Factory - Destiny, and Drax Ltd. II - Amphetamine are very nice tracks that i've already had since a long time. Formic Acid - Eternia, Trans Motion - Pureerotomania, Charly Lownoise & Mental Theo - The Bird, Mindviper - Messiah 2000, Flex - Acid File #1, and Nature One - The Sense of Life (Hurricanmix) (an even better mix of a track i've already had) are good cool tracks.
So, in my opinion, these 9 tracks are the the good ones in this compilation. The others are really uninteresting. Therefore, i must give it 3 out of 5 stars. For me, this was not such a good buy because i've already had some of the good tracks :), for those who don't, it will be a better buy. I hope this review will be helpful for you people.

speedy
This album is awesome! If you don't want a c.d. to fall asleep to you should buy this! It's got great super funky fast beats! And not the least bit boring. It will keep you on your toes! Defidently a great addition to my collection! And yours also!!!

Beats inside your brain!
Man, I Listened to this album and I really get IM PRESSED! The songs are greats,it's a kick inside your brain and soul;I can say that's the best I've ever heard!If you liked the samples of this album,You'll LOVE the other songs.If you're a rave fanatic, this must be your Bible! ... 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

Album Description

In celebration of gay pride, the label that brought you Let’s Hear It For The Boy, Circuit Boy and Trance Heaven, proudly presents Equality.Equality’s non-stop mix features the #1 international hits "You Promised Me" by In.Grid, "Gia" by Despina Vandi, "Take Me To The Clouds Above" by LMC vs. U2, plus dance mixes of current gay favorites "Love Profusion," "Toxic," "It’s My Life," "Red Blooded Woman", as well as circuit hits from Martin Solveig, Dave Armstrong, Borracha, Tagada and more.Cover artwork features a sexy shirtless model superimposed behind the rainbow colors of the gay flag.If you’re looking for a souvenir of the sound of this year’s gay pride celebrations, Equality is it! It’s this year’s ultimate gay pride compilation! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

AWESOME!
THIS is the Pride CD of the summer! Forget "Pride '04" and "GayDays 2004", this CD is one of the best mixes of the latest club hits, not just a rehash of old songs we've heard a million times. "Superstar", "Love Profusion", "Toxic" and more of the great stuff we've been dancing to lately in a non-stop mix that will keep you moving non-stop. Definitely highly recommended!!! ... 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

Reviews (4)

all around quality
This is one of my favorites. I never get sick of any of these songs. I have some other similar albums like jassanova and om lounge but this one is my treasure! very urban atmosophere to it and even a little sexy!

Nice "Best Of" sort of thing
I gave this cd three stars because it is more of a "Best Of" for the "Break N Bossa" series and I would have to recommend getting the regular "Break N Bossa" series instead of this one. I actually bought this on accident, thinking it was the first for some reason until I looked closer and saw that all of the tracks were on one of the four other BNB releases. This particular Break N Bossa you see is actually a specialty edition geared for the US market.

That said, it's pretty solid but I'm a little confused from Schema. You get an introduction to a lot of the different Schema artists like Soulstance, Nicola Conte, etc. The genre is more along the lines of "Bossa Italia", or 60's feel, martini sort of music with a Brazilian flavor. However the particular tracks on this album I think are a bit suspect - and I would certainly recommend looking into the real Break N Bossa compilations instead of this one, as the individual comps have better songs IMO. You have some extremely hard to find tracks, particularly on the latest Vol 4 of the seriesl, which features Montefiori Cocktail, Fauna Flash, S-Tone Inc. and etc.

For the record, this label, Schema, did this with Soulstance. Truth, Simplicity and Love is the same sort of deal as this album is, a "Best OF" sort of thing. And likewise, I recommend getting the second Soulstance CD as well. It's great!

Not groundbreaking, but a near spotless sampler
Arriving a bit late to the dinner party, Break N Bossa marks one more entry to the seemingly growing interest in modern lite-dance lounge, a heady mixture with roots in bossa nova, Brazilian rhythms, jazz, and house, plus a dash of kitsch.

Leading strong, Miyazawa and Rainer Truby Trio deliver with percolating, polyrhythmic "Anjos Ilmaos", followed by the ubiquitous chic cooing of "Bossa Per due" from Nicola Conte. Rainer Truby Trio ace again on Brasilia-beat sensation "Galicia", while Artless's firestorm jam, "The Chaser" spins out the set.

This quality in sound is mildly offset by safe execution; nearly every track culls from the superb Compost or Schema rosters, a no-brainer decision that leaves few surprises for genre fans to discover. Saying that, there's no denying the goodies within, as all but two pieces get high marks (Soulstance's gurgling, skat vocal "Circle" a notable downside). Not groundbreaking, but as a low-risk sampler nearly spotless, and an ideal way to grasp a who's who on the scene.

Give Bossa A Break
I'm glad that folks here in the US are catching the new bossa wave! Break 'n Bossa! - The American Chapter is a great primer containing tracks from Gerardo Frisina, Soulstance and other great new bossa artists coming mostly out of Italy. If you like this comp, then you will be dying to check out the four volumes of Schema Records Break 'n Bossa series that started it all. After that I highly recommend Gerardo Frisina's AD LIB -- also on Schema, which seems to be the label to love if you like bossa! ... Read more

Album Description

Volume 2 of this Disco Classics series features more rare disco gems that have not been previously available on CD like the Vivien Vee classic Give Me A Break, Magnifique and the full 12" version of Charo's Dance A Little Bit Closer. Also Check out volume 1 of Disco Classics, HI NRG volume 1 and the reissues of Poussez Poo-Say album and Debbie Jacobs Undercover Lover album also release by this label. ... Read more