Reviews (5)

Richard Kleiderman disco or East European disco?
I don't really know what to make of this album. On one hand you have at times melodies reminiscent of monumental pianist Richard Kleiderman (in "Do Me Good" for example); on the other, we sometimes hear distinct East European tunes cloacked with disco arrangements. No doubt, this is the weirdest musical mixture I have ever encountered, and I don't mean it to be read as being bashful or critical.

I enjoy "Join The Dance" and "Do Me Good" (the former in particular, which is a better track than the latter). At the 3 minute mark of the former, the lushful, excessively fresh, youthful singing is discarded at once and the song's melody structure changes to a repetitive East European routine, demonstrating what I said in the previous paragraph.
"Do Me Good" employs enjoyable tunes, however strange they might be. "There's A Way..." is of roughly the same caliber as "Do Me Good". "I'd Like To Get Closer" has a pretty good tune and melody, its beat is darn good too and it has very intense string arrangements - to a higher degree than the degree of the string arrangements on the other tracks, which is pretty high anyway.

As with virtually every Midney project, the lyrics are pretty shallow, not to mention being cartoony, childish and the schoolgirly singing. Unfortunately Midney seems to accentuate this charecteristic of Eurodisco more than any other producer of his niche.

Midney's most typical
Not as inspired than the companion "USA European Connection," this strikes me as the producer's most typical album. And it's as enjoyable as any of them in its cracked, giddy way.

It's Disney World on acid!

Frenzied as they are, the string/rhythm arrangements are beyond reproach, surpassing those of Chic and any other string-nutty disco producers I can think of, except for Celso Valli and Ashford & Simpson (if you've read this far, you probably know who they are. Your booty certainly does).

As for the much-criticized schoolgirly chorus - love 'em or leave 'em, I say, but dig this: These records are so certain in conceptualization, they might not have worked at all without them.

Side A, "I'd Like To Get Closer/Do Me Good" is the better twirl... however, "Join The Dance/There's a Way Into My Heart" is the circuit "classic," caned to death in recent years by my fave circuit dj's (AHEM, SUSANNNN ????)

The Midney Factory
Clearly influenced by the Star Wars movies of his time, Midney was fond of taking bittersweet European-style string melodies and overlaying them with electronic sci-fi burbles, then arranging the songs in dramatic, soundtrack fashion. The results could be beautiful, histrionic, or peculiar. This second USA-European Connection album is better than the boppier, bubblegum first lp, but suffers from third-grade lyrics and Saturday morning cartoon singing.

la creme de la creme
Boris Midney epitomizes sophistication and subtlety in dance music. His records transcend the medium and were years ahead of their time...in fact they are timeless for there has never been another producer remotely like him. Even Cerrone, Costandinos, Moroder and Chantereau of Voyage cannot touch him. Additionally Midney plays all keyboards and horns himself and does all the arrangements as well as mixing and cover art. His rigorous training as a classical musician in the Soviet Union is displayed in his unusual structural form as well as his Rachmaninoff-like melodies. Highly reccomended also is his album entitled Beatiful Bend which contains the masterpiece "Make That Feeling Come Again".

Boris Midney's record of the 70's on CD
I've been waiting a long time for Boris Midney's records to come out on CD. This CD has the original songs of "I'd like to get closer" and "there's a way into my heart". I learned to dance the Hustle to this music when the original record went to #1 in the days of Disco. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Love House Music From the Early 90s!
This CD is great if you, like me, love house music from the early 90s. It includes some popular tracks that were once played on the radio, such as Dangerous on the Dance Floor by Musto & Bones. I was so excited to find this song on this CD because I couldn't find it anywhere else. The CD also contains popular tracks from DJ mixes. For me, it just brought back memories from the early 90s when all I did was listen to House music. It is a great buy! ... Read more

Album Description

French only collection, strictly for fans of the Claude Challe 'Buddha Bar' series, red wine, beautiful people etc al. Highlights include, Pink Martini 'Sympathique', Femi Kuti 'Sorry Sorry', Mr. Scruff 'Get A Move On', 45 Dip/Hed Kandi Artist 'Lizzie's Ballon', Mo' Horizons 'Flying Away' and many, many more. Digipak. 2000 release. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

The best lounge music ever! Stephane Pompougnac is a genius
I must congratulate hotel Costes on choosing an amazing DJ, Pompougnac is truly a genius! The music chosen for this CD is ultra funky, chilled and simply fabulous. Everyone who has heard it, loved it! This is the first out of the hotel costes CD series, the other 3 are just as good, I look fwd to the 5th. Definitely worth buying!

Groovin' On
When I listen to this exquisite cd I get that I'm-hipper-than-most feeling. Its so chic and so of the moment and groovey and intelligent. I like each and every single track. This diety of a mix master Stephane Pompougnac has a style and a rhythm that's just courageous. There are samples thrown on top of songs, on top of other samples that have no business being on the same cd, let alone the same track. However it all works very well. Costes: La Suite has reeled in music from so many cultures and eras it very nearly becomes sublimely subliminal in expanding one's musical horizons. There's French, African, Latin, American, new, retro and some really retro stuff. Its all here in this great mix. I love it!

DAMN GOOD
If you like ecclectic chill/house grooves, this CD is for you. My personal favorite of the series, although to fully appreciate the disc, you should own all four. Worth the price.

Ultra Jazzy Lounge Music for the New Millenium!
My friend let me borrow this CD, and from the begining, I fell in love with it! Take of your shoes, make a martini and relax with this incredible mix of world-beat jazzy lounge music! From Brazilian carnival-esque beats to Pink Martini's
Parisian upper-crust lament "Sympathique", this CD is worth every penny! Sure to be a hit a your next cocktail party!! Also check out Hotel Costes 3! Also very good! I haven't yet heard the other two, but can only imagine they are just as good.

Make your reservation now
After a good dose of partying earlier in the weekend that would make even Tommy Lee proud you want to take it down a notch, but yet still maintain that Euro-hipster edge. So you chill by the pool or you fire up the grill. Heck, Bacci Ball anyone? You get the picture. Hotel Costes: La Suite is a great sampling of chic Paris electronica. A infectious and persistent album, the end result is quite captivating without being overbearing. Suggested compliments: red wine, sunglasses, a no-worries attitude. While you may not recognize all the artists, this continuously mixed elegant compilation will not disappoint. Total time - 78 minutes.
- Daz ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Winter Has Begun!
Folks, it's time to grab the thermals and dust off that space heater that's been hibernating in your basement all summer long. On Hed Kandi's debut Winter Chill compilation, we get over two dozen unmixed songs specifically chosen for the months of winter. I prefer Hed Kandi's collections because they don't copy other labels' formulas and include the same artists time after time. Unlike most downtempo collections I've heard, this one has a decidedly more soulful slant, as evidenced on Disc 2 with cuts like the respectable cover of "People Make the World Go Round" by Carl Craig, A Man Called Adam's groovilicious 8-minute excursion "Wouldn't She," and the jazzy "The Sensual Woman" by the Herbaliser. Disc 1 is a little less soulful but just as effective, featuring notables such as Aim's arctic "Cold Water Music," the funky "We Be the Crew" by Wiseguys, "Survival" by Nightmares on Wax, and the seductive "Moonbeat" by LTJ Experience. While I still think Volume 2 is the best of the Winter Chill series (so far), I dig this one enough for me to recommend.

You need to buy this CD!!! It is Excellent!!!
I picked this CD up when I was in Italy and haven't stop listening to it yet. The first CD is smooth Jazz with a very eccentric beat. The second CD is very laid back with lyric vocals and an eclectic mix of cool fun music. I would recommend this CD for parties or lounging with freinds. Everyone has been begging to borrow this CD for parties, but I just can't stop listening to it yet.

looking for peace of mind
Hi all, as you must guess the hunt for new sounds got me here, the name hedkandi a brit import, that got into my hands from a friend who cross the pound a few weeks ago. The veredict, well... I hate to be the one that tells things in this case, I love the first cd do not get me wrong, it is just too jazzy for me (listen to cd 2 to hear my point), my fav song has to be Santessa which really does the trick this time, I honestly would head first to the Real Ibiza, or the same Serve chilled by hedkandi first, that is assuming your concept of after night is kind of the one I have, the invest in this cd is well done but I still keep wandering for less jazzy noises and some nice house/d & b/ambient with smooth and intriguing voices strong vocals, not be missed the aim track and the herbaliser, happy trip.

Ultimate Chillout CD
It is 5am, all is winding down or up depending on who you are with. Regardless of your late night/early morning activity of choice this CD sets the greatest chill out mood I have ever experienced. Super smooth big beats are intertwined over incredibly diverse rythmes. The vocals on all of these tracks are 100% smooth, from beatiful female icelandic melodies to eclectic trendy blues lyrics there are few tracks to be missed on either CD. To cook up the proper recipe I suggest the following; 1) a good bottle of wine, 2) a beatiful women (or what ever you prefer), 3) a soft couch, 4) no inhibitions.

very chilly
okay, i'm german so please excuse my language. but all i want to say is (and i do not need many words for this) that this cd is a must for every chillOut freak or fan or whatever. long, cold and dark winternights( does this word exist?) are forgotten by listening to this 2CD compilation....... so take your headphones and relax ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great Party Disc
I DJ at a bar called the Tombs in Georgetown. Virtually evey song on this disc gets a great reaction from the crowd. Tunes like "Lean on Me" and "Bust a Move" are real crowd favorites, and its always fun to toss on "Day-O" or "I'm Too Sexy" and hear the crowd groan and sing along. I think that its a good buy. ... Read more

Album Description

This compilation is an introduction to the many styles and sounds of synthpop, nu-electro, and electronic pop music in general, with a focus on futuristic and sci-fi themes.

Since synthpop's birth in the late 70's and early 80's, it has often been thought of as "futuristic", using the electronic bleeps and pulses, then later computer programing and samplers, to create pop music that breaks the typical boundaries of rock-n-roll or other more mainstream genres.

This collection puts together songs that span from synthpop's lost underground of the mid 1990's to the recent explosion of new bands and great new songs that is fueling new interest in synthpop (even if it's called by different names, like "electroclash", "nu-electro", "tech-pop", etc.). Any fan of great catchy pop songs with a lot of creativity and personality will enjoy hearing this collection.If you're a fan of sci-fi, a computer geek, an anime fan, a late-night club addict, or whatever, you may find that this is a music genre that can appeal directly to your tastes. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

SPACE AGE ELECTRO POP
Another winner of a compilation from Todd at A Different Drum. I have never failed to find new music to get into with one of ADD's compilation and this one is no exception.

All tracks are keepers but I am most partial to the Neuropa, B! Machine, Moulin Noir and Blue October tracks. Good for dancing, driving, hanging out or riding on the train.

Buy it and it will enhance your life. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

The Full Experience
This is the first House CD I ever bought, just when it first came out. Three years later I still haven't found a CD, that can make me feel like this one. I've heard Dan live many times and this is a close as it get's. This CD still has yet to be surpassed, not even by the creator!

Dan's Best
Positively Dan's best cd cut! If you haven't had the chance to see him mix live this will be about as close as you can get.

Great CD! Keeps you moving throughout...
I bought this based on the other recommendations and from listening to the samples included here. It was a great decision! There's a blend of techno, some break beat, a little trance action, etc. I haven't stopped listening since I bought it.

A must have CD for anyone who loves House Music.
Plain and simple, this is one great CD.

Unbelievable textures and grooves
This installment by one of the finest groovemasters in the DJ world begins with a happy Spanish/African feel and uplifts listeners into another world of bass line grooves, and happy housey lyrics. Also, notice the hip hop that sounds like it is at +8 on the 1200's. A sure party mover...and lesson for aspriring DJ's. Don't copy Dan note for note, but take notice of his masterful mixing. There are plenty of great ideas and nuances within this CD. You will hear something new on every listen. Buy it and enjoy it! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Soulful!
This CD is a favorite of mine... It has a great flow to it, with some stellar tracks. I currently own Vols. 2,3 and 5, and two of my favorite tracks in the series (A Cool Wind is Blowing by Djivan Gasparyan and Lovelorn by Iky Levy) are on this CD. They are two of the most heart-wrenching, beautiful instrumentals I have ever heard.

I do massage to this CD and half the benefit of the massage is listening to this music!

Buy it!

the other reviewer got the wrong CD, this is Trance Planet
My favorite of the excellent series. NOT DANCE MUSIC with the exception of track 1. NOT TRANCE TECHNO. This is primarily very mellow ambient style international music.

Produced by KCRW's Tom Schnabel, who brings us the nightly electronic/dance Cafe LA show, this series explores the mellow side of world music. A great starting point for those who are looking beyond Afropop and trendy beatbox treated international artists.

Trance vol 3
I first heard this CD in Cancun at LA Boom. I could not stop dancing. The beats kept me dancing all night as the rythm put me into another world. If you are a rookie Tekno fan or an addict like me, I highly recomend picking this C.D. up. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Good for a listen.
My friend gave me this CD, and I've enjoyed it. I'm not much into any type of house/trance/rave/techno/syntho-whatever music so I didn't know if I'd really enjoy it, but I like it. Looking at some of the other reviews, it's probably not your best choice if you're a hardcore House music fan, but then, if you're hardcore, you probably shouldn't be listening to compilation CDs anyway ;-)
This is a good CD to put on when you're doing something, but I'm just not into this music for the sake of listening to, except track number 2, Castles in the Sky. All in all, if you can get this from a friend, do it, but I wouldn't jump out to buy it unless you had extra money.

Well, at least Tracks 2, 3 & 5 are good.
What's up with the first track anyway. Anytime a progressive hosue album tries to build itself up with an "In the beginning. . ." track...well, that's bad news.
This album is off-kilter at most points. If this really is "The Best of House", then maybe I should crawl back under a rock. Definitely not the house music that I enjoy listening too.
On the other hand, tracks 2, 3 & 5 tell you that there are at least 3 artists worth exploring more. Darude can be quite fun, and Kernkraft is a classic for you NHL fans.

Marusha? Nope.
I just noticed that Track 2, Castles in the Sky is supposedly by Marusha. However, I think you will find that it's by Ian Van Dahl.

Marusha does not make music like that, she makes rave, not commercial trance.

ummm...no
This CD is terrific! The uses i have found for it so far include: a Coaster, a Frisbee, and a pen holder...unfortunately, due to the fact that it is a commercialized CD for trance newbies, it has no true value as a music CD.

still new to the scene
but there are some good songs here for dancing that I have heard at the club that I go too. A good fun cd... ... Read more

Reviews (5)

A good intro to the world of hybrid soul/jazz music
The rebirth of cool collection is a series of albums that include music that is not easily defined in one musical category. The music on rebirt of cool is what I'd like to call hybrid soul/jazz music, vol. 1 in this collection of tracks is a wonderful good to ,music that can't easily be boxed into one particular category. The Rebirth start off with Chameleon by the Jazz warriors, a lush, vibrant take on the Herbie Hancock classic. This version sounds quite different from the original.

Another song that is a favoriteon this album is the revival by Martine Girault. It's a classic club type of song with some serious vocals. My third favorite track is the innercity boundaries by the freestyle fellowship featuring daddy-o .(stetsasonic) Inner city boundaries sounds like someone reading slam poetry over a smooth jazz track. These tracks are very hard to define, because they really don't fit into any particular music category, hence the term hybrid soul/jazz. The other tracks are equally just as good as the ones i mentioned. If you are interested in music that isn't easily categorized pick up the rebirth of cool collection. On the whole

This is where it starts...
Amazing, turned me to probe deeper into my own being. Colorful blasts of poetry and rhythm, funk, soul, brother.....

Masterpeice
This cd is fantasic! It's takes the funk and jazz greats, and puts an intresting new twist on them. Amazing! I love it! Buy! Buy!Buy!Buy!Buy!

Grrrrrrreat!
I love this CD! Since my friend Kim turned me on to this CD series, I can't get enough. From the moment I bought #1, it quickly became one of my favorites. From there, I bought #2 and am on my way to acquiring the whole lot. I have Ronny Jordan's "Light to Dark," another favorite, if you don't have it, and you like your jazz funky, GET IT. The Rebirth of Cool series will round out any acid jazz collection nicely. If you like gettin' into a groove, than this is for you. This music is a voyage. Enjoy!

I sincere comment about Opaz work...
I've been trying to follow Opazr work since 1st Rebirth of Cool, and I get very frustated when I don't find anything new from them. You've got to play it again...Sam ! By the way, the quality of the "sample" doesn't sound a bit what you are - do something to sound it better; more people will buy it. Good Luck and God Bless you all. I'm Brazilian and I just love your work - you've got to come to Brazil and feel our rhythm. It will enrich your song. Bye !!! Take care...

Cris Pizzato ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Fantastic Mix of Music that will Touch your Heart and Soul!
Centaur Entertainment and DJ Julian Marsh have done it again! Dances with Angels features artists who have not only shaped the dance music arena, but who have a strong sense of social responsiblity. With 100% of the proceeds of CD sales going to AIDS service organizations, it's clear why Modonna, Janet Jackson and others became involved in the project. The songs have been carefully selected and all send a message about loving yourself and loving those you choose to include in your life. Let Your Soul be Your Guide, Heaven's What I Feel and Something to Believe in are just a few of the titles that show the depth of heart of those involved in the Dances With Angeles Project. Do yourself a favor and give this one a try - you will not be disappointed.

Credit for a good cause...but not 5 stars.
This CD gets two stars for the good intentions and two for a couple good songs, but not worthy of five stars. I hate to be critical of charity efforts, but it just doesn't have that extra spark. None of the mixes especially strike me as really creative or original. I do love the dance version of Barry Manilow's "Could It Be Magic" and Sting's "Let Your Soul Be Your Pilot", and a couple other songs are worth a listen, but there are other CD's that I like better. For a great CD with some cool mixes that just blend together like you wouldn't believe, try Fire Island Classics (I like #1 best). For party music, the oddly-titled "Gay Dancing" is a really great mix of familiar songs. Dance with Angels is all well-known names and some great songs, but again, the mix just doesn't do much for me as a dance mix.

Awesome mix
My partner had the CD for a while; just popped it in the player, and it's awesome! Some of the songs aren't sung by the original artist, but it sounds 99% like it was! Totally worth the purchase even 4 years after its been released!

The BEST dance CD!!!
GREAT GREAT GREAT!!!! LOVE this CD! Puts a smile on ones face :)

Jerry -Bay Area~ California
A GREAT CD FOR A VALUED CAUSE.......the tunes are great for working, driving or etc..... around the house.

Give it a chance....it will grow on you! it did on me!

Peace! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

One of the best, most varied 80s compilations available
Having both graduated high school and college in the 1980s, my husband and I became fans of 80s music for life--in fact, our recent wedding was all 80s! We own at least 10 different 80s compilation CDs, and this is definitely one of the best. The album is very diverse: it includes the expected 80s pop hits such as "Mickey" by Toni Basil and "Walking on Sunshine" by Katrina and the Waves, but it also offers some great, lesser-know tunes, namely "Mary's Prayer" by Danny Wilson and "Don't Shed a Tear" by Paul Carrack. Similarly, not only does the CD feature big 80s rock bands such as J. Geils and Steve Miller, but also there are some one-hit wonder groups, including Johnny Hates Jazz and Cutting Crew. A wonderful blend of various styles from that great decade of music. ... Read more

Album Details

Compiled by Rainer Truby. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Summer on CD!!!
Probably the most consistent in the series. This album was great at showcasing modern nuggets with a couple of oldies for points of reference. And while a plethora of Brazilian compilations came out to bank as much money off the genre, this series is one of the few that do properly. While there are two tracks that are shared with the Guidance "Mundial Muzique" compilation each of the two tracks respectively fits. Guidance had a broad Pan-Latin focus while this is strictly Brazilian. Highlights include Da Lata's then-"Songs From the Tin" teaser single "Pra Manha", Boozoo Bajou's "Night Over Manaus", Tab Two, Evaldo Montenovo. Aw hell!! The Compost label is one of the most innovative labels to come out in years and push fusion recordings!The whole thing is the bomb!! Just buy it!!!

lifting the mood and raising a smile
the name for the series of the compilations is a great idea. [for those who don't know... not that i am posh; glücklich in german=happy]. "glücklich III" features cheering fusion of dance jazz of any dimension. so there is a strong brazilian rythm plus extremly spacey music. it is just a mix of sounds and noises that is ideal for any dancefloors, at any place on this universe. ... Read more

Album Description

New York City’s top drag performers gather to sing their favorite ABBA songs in a way that you have never heard them before in ABBAlicious!From the Go-Go version of "Waterloo" to the country western take on "Dancing Queen" or the R&B inspired "Knowing Me Knowing You", each ABBA tune that we grew up with is performed with a new energy and vitality that is unparalleled. FIGJAM RECORDS is proud to present: Betzy, Cashetta, the Chixie Dix, Connie Cat, Edie, Hedda Lettuce, Joie Starr, June Bug, Sade Pendarvis and Yolanda reinterpreting the ABBA classics for our times in a wide variety of musical styles. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Good sampler of diverse world music
"Trance Planet Volume 1" is one of those rare world music compilations that you can leave in your CD player from beginning to end. The range of cultures brought together here is pretty impressive: from Cape Verde to Tahiti, Mozambique to Argentina.

One of the standout tracks is the very first one: "Nwahulwana" by Orchestra Marrabenta Star de Mocambique, fading in with a simple guitar melody before the rich solo vocal begins. Other favorites of mine include "Two Lovers" by sitar virtuoso Ali Akbar Khan (a song which takes its time to build momentum, just like sitar playing itself), the melancholy acoustic guitar-driven Portuguese-sung "Sodade" by the 'Verdean Barefoot Diva' Caesaria Evora, and the outstanding oud-playing in Hassan Erraji's "Hammouda."

There are other tracks which I don't really care for and are too hackneyed in the "world fusion" genre for my taste, such as "Petition To Ram" by Jai Uttal, and the over-produced "The Game" by the late Pakistani qawwali maestro Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan (this track in true essence should be credited to the studio producer, since Khan's voice is completely underutilized and taken completely out of any true qawwali or raag context).

That said, even the lesser songs somehow work when the CD is played altogether on a rainy Sunday afternoon while you're reading the newspaper. It flows pretty well, which must be credited to Tom Schnabel for having a great ear to patch so many disparate sounds into one listenable disc.

Before world music compilations kicked it up a notch with the Putamayo and Buddha Bar series (and similar albums), Trance Planet was the best thing around. "Volume 1" isn't really anything you'd hear playing at any trendy "multi-culti lounge", but something you'd probably hear at the coffeehouse down the street. Definitely give this disc a shot if the global journey you want to take is a smooth and mellow one.

Pleasantly surprised
I bought this by mistake thinking it was something else (a similarly-titled psytrance comp), but ended up enjoying it enough to keep. Even if the music isn't trance in the sense that most people think of the genre, it certainly serves a similar calming, centering function. Also a good look at the forms trancey music takes in various parts of the world. Track 2 is haunting and beautifully done.

The world on a disk
If this selection of world music is typical of what Tom Schnabel (the compiler) plays on his radio station in Santa Monica then I'm sorry that I can't tune in. I am glad however that there are other volumes of this excellent collection, and that they are readily available.

The selections in Vol. 1 are varied. Go on a magical music journey through Africa, Central Asia, the Indian Sub-continent, the Americas and the Pacific Islands. It's not just beautiful, melodic sounds from exotic countries, it's various musical instruments, such as the Sarod, the Arabic lute and clarinet and tubular harps accompanying different cultural styles of singing or alone as instrumentals.

Listen to the unusual ululation as used by Vox, the throat singing of Sainkho and the qawalli or 'utterances' on 'The Game' and you will quickly appreciate what a wonerful world of music is out there. Perhaps the best selections though are the ones showcasing the vocal talents. From Orchestra Marrabenta, Mother Tongue and the Tahitian Choir to Cesaria Evora's 'Sodade' and Jai Uttal's 'Petition to Ram' we get the full range of plaintive and haunting yet soothing and relaxing sounds. The album closes with the strongest vocals of all and the most stirring track - a live performance of Mercedes Sosa singing 'Gracias a la Vida'. Gracias indeed.

EXCELLENT
I love this cd..the variety of world songs, carefully chosen to create a collection both soothing and energizing. I do yoga to this CD, and chose this one to play as I gave birth to my daughter.

Leaves techno in the pixie dust
Agreed, there is no techno-style music here. But since when did the 1990s techno subculture become owners of the concept "trance"? This is a wonderful collection of gorgeous music aged over many centuries and from many different cultures. It spans soft East Indian drums played at the speed of butterfly wings to the rich polytonal harmonies of Pacific Island choirs. You will find yourself returning to this favorite over and over-- perfect during massage sessions, while relaxing in a hot bath, or any time you want a gentle journey through the world's music before it was trademarked as such. Namaste! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Combining the talents of the internationally renowned DJ John Digweed and the lesser-known but formidable producer Nick Muir, Bedrock broke wide open with the massive 1999 trance anthem Heaven Scent. This collection starts with a glorious, remixed version of that song and doesn't let up, launching into an impressive array of energetic trance. Bedrock doubles as the name for Digweed's U.K. club as well as the pair's label, so much of the record is given over to other like-minded DJ's and producers associated with the twosome. Each gets a chance to spin their finest wax. Danny Howells, who released a fine contribution to Global Underground's "Nu-Breed" series last year, gets his licks in early, mixing up the second track, "Repercussion" with a typically lithe touch. The great New York DJ Jimmy Van M and Austin Leeds make appearances as well, with Leeds giving a graceful feel to the second disc's more ambient leanings. --Matthew Cooke ... Read more

Reviews (7)

A solid buy for progressive DJs and hard-core Bedrock fans
The ultra-trendy progressive house label Bedrock (founded by John Digweed) released FOUNDATIONS in 2000. This two CD collection brings together many unreleased remixes of tracks features on the label, and it's a interesting release both for DJs who want to get their hands on tracks not found anywhere else and for fans of progressive who just want to hear more of their favourite producers.

FOUNDATIONS opens with Bedrock - "Heaven Scent (John Johnson Mix)". It's a great mix, even though "Heaven Scent" in all its forms has been played out since its appearance in 1999, this is one of this collection's more captivating tracks. The two remixes of Science Dept. tracks, "Repercussion (Funk Function's Future Mix)" and "Persuasion (Dominica Mix)" are slow, hypnotic songs that would be easy to build a set up with. Van M & Leeds - "More (Austin's Unreleased Mix)" is an idiosyncratic mix that regrettably sounds too dated for use today. Ditto for the two Moonface tracks here; "Futurised Fears" and "Overactive" were key tracks in the progressive house scene of two years ago, but now could be attacked as bog-standard progressive fodder. Disc 1 closes with Bedrock - "Voices", which is a track that I think has gotten better with age.

The second disc of FOUNDATIONS is a bit more anthemic. It opens with Mainline - "Narcotic." Featured one Sasha and John Digweed's COMMUNICATION collaboration, this deep and organic track is so subtle that it may only work as an opening to a set, but it's fantastic nonetheless. Austin Leeds - "Force 51" is an incredible track, featuring a slow buildup to chugging synths that still refrains from being cheesy, and it is perhaps the best track on FOUNDATIONS. Leed's other track, "Moondriver", is a less anthemic track that moves along just fine. The fourth track, Steve Lawler - "Rise 'In (Nalin & Kane Vocal Mix") is the low point of this collection, as the atrocious vocals ruin what is instrumentally a solid track. Happily, FOUNDATIONS swiftly recovers with Saints & Sinners - "Pushin Too Hard (Futureshock's Confession)", an excellent remix that keeps all the catchiness of the original but is full of added surprises. Alchemy - "Bruiser (Evolution Mix)" is a wispy, ambient remix like much of Evolution's work, but with its odd tempo jumps does something new. Revolt - "Moonlit (Room Drumland Mix)" is one of Revolt's most disappointing tracks, but a DJ might find room for it at the end of a set.

If you are just the average fan of progressive house, FOUNDATIONS isn't worth getting. This unmixed collection is really for DJs and hard-core Bedrock fans, who will find a lot to like in it.

Better than excepted
even though this CD was listed as used, it was in "mint" condition, in fact still had the manufacturer's wrapping.Also came in very quick within 2 to 3 days

Going,going,gone
Um. Where did my head go?...

Digweed & Friends Never Miss!
First of all everyone should know that this cd is not mixed but if you really appreciate the music it should not matter. Cd one starts off with a deeper mix of the Bedrock hit 'Heaven Scent' and then gets a little deeper with tracks from the Science Department and Van M & Leeds. For those who dont know Danny Howells is a key contributor to Science Department. If you like these tracks I would recomend Danny Howells 'Nubreed' it is awesome. Cd2 is like a classic rock album with all of your favorite tunes including Steve Lawler's 'Rise'In" which one of the top tracks out now. Over all Bedrock hits the nail on the head again, I would recommend this cd to anyone who is a Sasha& Digweed, Howells or Lawler fan. You will not be dissapointed!

top highlights from Global Underground, bonus mixes
First off, this is a 2-disc set, Amazon isn't posting a complete track listing, so I've included it within the review.

Trance fans of the deep and stylish, Bedrock collectors, John Digweed obssessives, yup this two-disc round-up certainly has all the groups covered and stands up as a top-notch dance label compilation and precursor to the Bedrock artist album (that'd be Digweed and Nick Muir) slated for a February 2001 release. Picking off the numerous exclusive highlights from the last half-dozen Global Underground sets and like-minded others (Danny Howells' Nocturnal Frequencies 2, Pete Tong's Essential Mix) and adding a small selection of debuting tracks, well, that sure sounds like a winning formula.

Now it has to be said, even at the expense of turning in my gold-plated Digweed Fan Club card, that the breathtaking `Heaven Scent' original is inexcusably not included, replaced by a drab John Johnson mix that muffles the exultant hook and thus, the beauty. Getting past that, Science Department (Danny Howells and Dick Trevor) have two excellent takes on `Repercussion,' the delicious melody of Funk Function's version -- who is Lucien Foort, a quality spinner in his own right, import-hunters should seek out his 2-CD Singularity set released this year -- and the minimal elegance of Dominica afterwards. Austin Leeds and Jimmy Van M (finally given the proper stage for his sets with Ministry of Sound's Trance Nation America) don't really do much with their unreleased `More' mix, taking a full five minutes to open up. Moonface is Phil Thompson, beginning to be touted as Bedrock's next big thing with a solo album targeted for early 2001 as well. His `Futurised,' first heard on Global Underground Hong Kong, radiates a skin-crawling, trippy darkness backed with a harder, slower beat, and is simply, incredibly cool. `Overactive,' unfortunately, is a plodding DJ tool. Finally, the original `Voices' wraps up the disc, though the arguably slightly better Slacker and Freelance Icebreakers (Jimmy Van M and Sean Cusick) aren't included; probably because everyone already owns Communicate anyway.

Speaking of Communicate, it's mildly disappointing to see Mainline's `Narcotic' and Austin Leeds' `Force 51' both there and again here, though they are solid tunes, as is the mostly percussive `Moondiver.' The Nalin & Kane Vocal mix of `Rise In' will raise eyebrows for the unexpecting, but their druggy, psychedelia-clouded take is inspired and technically polished. Futureshock's rub of `Pushin Too Hard' doesn't alter enough to stand out as much as their past efforts, perhaps doesn't need to. Alchemy's energetic `Bruiser' (Evolution Mix) was picked as the last track on Pete Tong's Essential Mix, and rightly so, it's a soaring keeper.

So what's holding this back from being a great album? In unmixed format, the tracks have extended filler (Vinyl Stretch Syndrome) on each end; perfect for mixing but disruptive to continuous listening. This makes Foundations that odd case where the whole doesn't equal the sum of its parts. Grade: B+ (the tracks) B (listening experience) ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Great collection of early 80's hits.
I remember that I used to be a big fan of this kind of music when I was growing up and this CD/cassette is a good value, although I no longer have it on cassette cause my tape player ate it but I'm glad that I got to enjoy listening to this CD, my favorite songs on this CD are Blondie: Rapture, Go Go's: We Got the Beat, Laura Branigan: Self Control, Fixx: One Thing Leads to Another, Ray Parker Jr: The Other Woman, Toni Basil: Mickey, Denise Williams: Let's Hear it For the Boy, Gap Band: You Dropped a Bomb on Me and Hall and Oates: You Make My Dreams.

The only song that I don't really care for much on this album is Herbie Hancock: Rockit, it just never really appealed to me but if you love 80's pop music then this CD is a must have and I still wish that I have it.

Good coverage of an era
Nice picks here; adequate representation of that time period in dance music. Will take you back to the early 80s

Good Summary of the Time Covered
The ONLY DANCE 1980-1984 collection is part of the ONLY DANCE series that was released in the mid-1990s. Arrangement-wise, the 1980-1984 issue follows a similar blueprint as its sisters: it arranges twenty hits during the era that give a pretty good description of the range of dance at that time. That means songs that would probably have not made every club then are included in this mix. It may seem unlogical, but then again, it is clear that the compilers of ONLY DANCE did not want to appeal only to hardcore dancers (partially due to licensing restrictions, of course)- they wanted to go for the general intent; they wanted to give something to everybody, from those aforementioned dance people to, say, middle-aged people who only listen to the radio on occasion (no insult intended; I know I will probably be one of those people someday).

And this issue does its job quite well. People that grew up during this time are bound to find something good missing- there is no Madonna, Irene Cara, and Michael Jackson, among others-, but what is here is still good music. Hardcore dancers should enjoy hearing Shannon's "Let the Music Play"; the Go-Gos "We Got the Beat"; and Devo's "Whip It". Fans of punk and new wave would probably like Blondie's "Rapture" and the Talking Heads' "Burning Down the House." Disco lovers also get representation with Kool & the Gang's "Ladies Night." And casual radio fans may take a peek at Hall & Oates's "You Make My Dreams" and Toni Basil's "Mickey." Also worth a good listen is Billy Ocean's "Caribbean Queen"; Laura Branigan's "Self Control"; Rick James's "Super Freak Pt. 1"; and Deniece Williams's "Let's Hear It For the Boy."

But although the compilers may give something for everybody, this collection would probably best suit those people that do not hit the dance floor often. However, ONLY DANCE 1980-1984 is still a collection that many people who loved the dance music during this time should consider picking up.

I'm still dancing
Great album! Love the music of this era and almost every song is a winner!

Score! A good 80's compilation!
Yeeeeeess! How can you not like an album which opens with "Superfreak", has "Mickey" and "Whip it" in the middle, and ends with "Let the Music Play"?

The sounds are all crisp and well recorded, and these are fabulous dance songs. Rock this town, rock it inside out...whip it! Now whip it good! If you're not a child of the 70's, you might not remebmer these tunes. However, if you're a dedicated 80's fan as I am regardless, you'll get sentimental hearing this album. Definitely good to drive to. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Hottie with beats
I met Dj venom at a a rave in Nashua NH at club boom before he had his cd out. I remember people from all over would come to see him at club inferno. when I met him I thought he was the sweetest guy with a great attitude and great beats. whenever somebody askd me who's the best Dj I say venom go buy it, everyone that bought it love its. Im glad he has made it. I hope he keeps the cd's pumpin. I give mad props to you M...! Im from vegas and i'd hope you come here one day. You'd love it.

The Best in the House Blend Series
I own all the cds in the House Blend series and i have to say that is is by far the best one yet! I have not heard of DJ Venom before buying this cd but he really delivers the goods. One thing that i like about this cd is that Vemon does not use the same tracks that had been used previously, like some other H.B. cds, he brings new a new flavor and great music. Another thing I like about this cd is the Retro tech, the remixed version of "Happy Together" is off the hook! Anyways, stop wasting your time reading my review and get this cd! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

An excellent introduction to the sombre ambient
From the very outset, with the almost far-eastern sounding horn tones of Robert Rich's "The Simorgh Sleeps on Velvet Tongues", this opening volume in Asphodel Records' "Drones" trilogy proclaims itself as something out of the ordinary. Dedicated to the colder music of the chill-out rooms, this 1995 release presents a 74-minute wallow in the dark and haunting drones of the world of the ambient noir. While not really the most adventurous of the discs in this collection, "The Throne of Drones" presents a dozen tracks drawn from the nocturnal musical netherworld of the sombre ambient, the hinterland of the so-called sombient, where (to quote the sleevenotes) "classical electronic plunderphonics and the desolate, environmental tundras of isolationism" meet.

As you can probably imagine, there is not a great deal of variety on offer here, and you will either love or hate it all. The disc does progress nicely, though, with a subtle shift in character throughout its course. It has some noticeable highlights, too, such as the miniature but heavyweight sombience of "Smudgeon", from the Iso Ambient Orchestra; the ethereality of Steve Roach's "In the Catacombs (Again)"; the slowly unfolding tones of Vidna Obmana's "Equal Distance", and also the raw-edged but hypnotically potent "Sound Characters" by Maryanne Amacher. My personal favourite on this disc is probably Xopher Davidson's restless "pool of mercury", a slowly evaporating amalgam of shifting textures. David Darling's cello and synthesiser fantasia, "Etude for T.O.D." (so redolent of Tangerine Dream's early 70's masterpiece, "Zeit") is a little beauty, too.

The disc closes with a short (1 minute) additional track, "Le Segue", assembled by Naut Humon (the series' curator) as a taster for the subsequent 2-CD volume, "Swarm of Drones", which lovers of this disc will undoubtedly want, too. But that's getting rather ahead of things: this opening volume should provide lovers of the darker side of electronic music with much to immerse themselves in. Definitely recommended.

Excellent atmospheric compilation.
The Throne of Drones is a release on Sombient records, which is a division of Asphodel. Though the tracks are from artists on various other labels. Therefore you get an excellent mixture of artists which include some of the most talented and best known artists in the space/drone genre.

Included are better known artists like Steve Roach, Robert Rich, and Biosphere. There are other lesser-knowns like Ray Guillette and Rhythm and Noise. The quality on this release is top notch material, ranging from the spacious mysterious sounds of Steve Roach's "In the Catacombs" to the cello-only "Etude for T.O.D" by David Darling.

There's a couple of pure atmospheric tracks on The Throne of Drones, and there are quite a few shades of dark ambient on this CD. That's the beauty of this CD, the variety. It's an absolutely perfect starter for those interested in beatless, atmospheric, vast enviroments. Picking this up would be a great stepping stone to the artists' individual releases, and those already familiar with this field of music would certainly have this as a summary or invaluable expansion to their music collection.

Excellent, one of my favorite comps.
This disc works well as an introduction to all of the artists contained thereon, but it works even better as a cohesive listening experience in itself. This is more "sound architecture" than "music", the sounds are non-linear, three-dimensional, sometimes taking you on a journey to parts unknown, sometimes leaving you stationary but building a complete environment around you. Very highly recommended. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Outstanding Beginning of the Series
The whole Glucklich series, which right now ranges to four different CDs, started here and ends in the current/new artists in the new BOssa Nova Movement.

This first volume is great. I loved it and the Bossa Nova was nostalgic - as was the album in general. But the listener should be warned - this has a heavy jazz feel to it. Most of the tracks on this album are older - from the late 70's to early eighties. But don't expect that "seventies" sound in any of it - hard to explain. All in all, this was a very enjoyable CD and one that I still play quite often. The later Glucklich albums are also nice although I tend to play this one and the fourth the most.

Genau!
Glucklich means "happy" in German, and thus aptly describes the selection. Brazillian influenced German fusion tunes. A warm breeze of summer air. Lilting rhythms, furious sambas, ecstatic singers...this compilation has it all. Compiled by Rainer Truby, a serious vinyl junkie and founder of Compost Records, there are no standout tracks. Each track equally holds its own.

All the tunes are light fusion, and bear a strong Brazillian influence rhythmically. Songs like the title track are perfect snippets of masterful improvisation over a bossa-nova beat. Vocals occasionally add a nice touch ("Kitty Winter Gipsy Nova," "Like A Samba," among others). Though it occasionally straddles the line between easy listening and jazz, this compilation remains enjoyable to the end. Vielen dank, Rainer!

The vinyl pressing of this is also excellent; if that's your thing. ... Read more