Amazon.com

You'd never guess from Human After All that these are the same guys who came up with the opulent dance grooves of 2001's Discovery. On Human After All it sounds like Daft Punk's robotic alter egos have finally gotten the upper hand and made an album that is defiantly free of emotion and personality. Instead, Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo amp up the irony and deliver a set of songs that are maddeningly repetitive, raucous and bound to test the most devoted fan's patience. But even as the French duo short-circuits it manages to captivate--the spoken-word "Technologic" and the digitized "The Prime Of Your Life" are just bananas enough to make its euphoric hit "One More Time" sound positively last century. --Aidin Vaziri ... Read more

Reviews (99)

Ratatat fused to Zongamin eating up Daft Punk's Discovery
It was a joyful night.I started with the regualr Zongamin for night, but then I got an invite from a friend into his car.He told me about this CD he has been listening to and asked me to try and figure out who it was.He and I are big fans of Interstella 5555 and Discovery, who couldn't be?Both of us enjoy Ratatat, Yip-Yip and Zongamin, but what we were listening to was like watching the Big Bang!

As we listened to Daft Punk's newest album, Human After All, we became hypnotized.Everything merged and fused together to make this.Take the energy of Discovery, throw in the guitar synth of Ratatat and the disco beats of Zongamin and you get Human After All.

The first three tracks, are some of my favorite all time songs.They are the prime time of our lives, thats for sure.I've been enjoying this album for a long time, and it will definately make it on my top 10 albums of all time, along with their other two.

You're watching, well listening, to this band emerge into something amazing.This will be one of those albums of the decade, and it should be, just like all Daft Punk stuff.

Repetitive After All
After another four-year wait, Daft Punk officially return with a relative clunker that was recorded in just 6 weeks from what I understand. The real shame is that there are still some killer riffs to be found here but they are played out with the utmost minimalism lacking any variation or increasing complexity. Songs -- or should I say vignettes? -- that would have been satifying at a neat 3 minutes are dragged out to close to 5 minutes for almost no apparent reason other than to pad this sparse album's playtime. The title track "Human After All"is the clearly shining track on the album, setting the rest of the album up for disappointment. Other singles like "Robot Rock" feature great riffs but quickly wear out their welcome when the 4-minute mark is reached and there's hardly anything to show for it. Daft Punk have always been about a certain degree of minimalism and simplicity in their own cheerfully naive way, but this time they have exposed themselves as plainly insipid.

This is not the Daft Punk I fell in love with...
The first time I played this album, I thought there was something wrong with my CD player.Seriously.Toward the end of track 2 I took the disc out and looked to make sure it wasn't scratched or damaged.I just couldn't believe that someone listened to the track all the way through and at the end said "Yep, that's perfect!"Uhhh, it's 3 minutes of a drum loop followed by 2 minutes of white noise guys.

I wouldn't even call it pretentious, because I don't feel like any real thought went into making this album.It's annoying, it's WAY too repetitive (even for electronica), and it doesn't resemble either of their other two albums that I absolutely love.

The only track that's mildly interesting to me is "Technologic", and you don't have to buy the album to hear that.Just wait for the iPod commercial to come on TV.You can't miss it.It's on about every 5 seconds.

Daft Punk must be mad at Virgin Records!!!
After loving both Homework and Discovery and heralding Daft Punk as one of the finest French exports in recent years, I had high expectations of Human After All as being the album which decisively puts these guys in the pantheon of most influential electronic artists.

Unfortunately this album falls so flat that anyone else who is fooling themselves into seeing genius in this work is simply doing that....fooling themselves!

To think that DP could have possibly spent more than two days to record, produce and deliver this album to Virgin Records would be unimaginable.The only thing that I can think of is that they are deperately trying to get out of their contract and by delivering this crap, they hope to fulfill their responsibilities with their label.

I bought this CD used for $5, at that price I'm not mad but just disappointed.If I would have paid (...)for this CD I would be mad, insulted and definitely trying my best to get my money back!

By releasing this album, DP are giving fans an excellent reason to download their songs in the future instead of buying them.

If DP are laughing all the way to the bank, I hope they enjoy it because this is the last time that it will happen!

I smell a new Daft Punk Movie!
Daft Punk is always trying to do something more innovative and creative than its prior release. They started out with big beats in
'Homework', and then moved on to trance and a LOT of samples in
'Discovery'. Now, with 'Human After All' out in stores everywhere, most people don't like it. Why? Because it wasn't like Discovery.

Daft Punk tried to do a 6-week experiment to see what was the best they could do in such a short time. They did good. "Human After All" is an electro-filled song with a bunch of vocoders and guitars...which isn't a very common combination, but it was a good one. "Prime Time Of Your Life" added a little bit of swing into the mix, a very risky decision, but it paid off. "Robot Rock", the album's first single, is a head-bopping romp of pure fun...to say the least. "Steam Machine" is a heavier, slower sort of song. It's okay, but not my favorite by far. "Make Love", while soft, is not as emotional (or explicit, mind you) as the title suggests. Not nessecarily a bad song, but more of a 5/10.

"The Brainwasher" is another hard, heavy song with a sort-of annoying voice screaming "I AM THE BRAINWASHER". Is that really nessecary? I'm not going to review "On/Off", as it's just a bunch of television channels. "Television Rules the Nation" is a nice, rock song that I really enjoyed. Filled with vocoders and guitars , it was a neat song to bob my head to. "Technologic", while being called the next 'Around The World', doesn't appeal to me that way. It's alright, but it's more of a meh song. I don't like kid voices...And for the end, "Emotion", it's a nice song to chill out to after "BRAINWASHER!!!" and "STEEEEEEM MACHIIIIINE!!"

Overall, it was a nice CD. One I'm not used to, but it's good. Pick it up, 'cuz it's reccomended. ... Read more

Album Description

A masterful DJ, John Digweed has been playing in nightclubs since the age of 16.With a succesful career and consistent US tour dates, John is undoubtedly one of the most popular names in dance music. In addition, he’s a broadcaster, a producer, a promoter, and an active A&R executive, working hard to give new artists their first break, on his decks or on vinyl.

Together with Fabric Records, John presents Fabric 20, featuring tracks and remixes by Pete Moss, Martin Solveig, Angel Alanis, Michael Mayer, DJ Rasoul, Josh Wink, Slam, and many more. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Arguably Digweed's best work.
This CD answers right back to Sasha's most impressive solo album Involver, innovating new styles for himself as Sasha did, but in totally different directions.I have never heard Digweed be so electronical, it's very acid synth in a lot of places and much less dark than most of Digweed.There is also more female singing and lyrics compared to his previous productions, and while I am usually not a fan of actual song type electronica, I love every second of this album.My choice for top track is Venom, an amazing piece of synth mastery by one of the best DJs in the world, I recommend this CD for anyone who loves good music, it's as good or better than his Hong Kong GU set, and pure innovation for the new age.

okay.....maybe
I love digweed and essentially everything he has done.I also love the way progressive has been going.What I don't like is this boring album.It lacks feeling.Okay for a mix, but not what I would expect from the man on a major release.His KISS 100 show is generally better than this.

DIgweed is sick sick sick....absolutely flawless
john digweed is the master , proven with his yet another dubbed out cd in fabric 20...i just want to imagine what his 5 hr set would be like....

It's time
Well I have had enough.I have had enough of the people who keep listening to music that they must not even like the genre of, and rating the album on their own tastefulness.You have no idea how many times I am looking to purchase a new album and I read a review that scares me away.Well later on the down the road I'll read another review from a different album so it will steer me back and I will end up buying it.Who are these people, noone knows, but apprently they have terrible taste in music.One of the reviews for this album is "average".OK OK now to the album.The farthest from average you could ever possibly imagine.This reviewer couldn't be further from the truth.Thank god later reviewers showed me the light and allowed me to purchase this album.The first three reviews should be deleted.This album is 5 stars bottom line.I don't know what it is.Maybe they have dated ears and can't hear good music.It's sad.

The beat don't stop!!!
A wonderful CD, filled with electro/techy tracks that feed the ear with a new progressive sound. Breaking all former bounders, this CD displays a new sound that is distinctly John Digweed. Masterfully mixed and complied, with breakdowns that kill. Peak performance by the master of progressive!!!!
... Read more

Album Description

Renaissance and Dave Seaman return with the second installment of The Therapy Sessions two-CD mix set.This year budding Australian DJ/producer Luke Chable handles the bonus guest disc honors with a tough, breaks-fuelled extravaganza that draws heavily on his fellow Melbourne compatriots, alongside some of his own acclaimed tracks and remixes. Dave’s disc takes him in a new distinct new musical direction.Taking cue from his Group Therapy moniker – featured here with an exclusive reprise and remix of new wave stars Tears for Fears ‘Closest Thing to Heaven’ – Dave drops a fresh-faced blend of electro-tinged funk with rock elements that will take your breath away. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Back to Therapy
While I did like the first Therapy Sessions with Seaman and Phil K, it didn't exactly blow my mind. It was good by all means, but I just didn't enjoy it as much as previous Seaman efforts.The second trip to Therapy proved to be much more therapeutic.With Seaman and Luke Chable providing class tracks on two discs, this is a compilation that needs to be picked up. Seaman is on disc one and brings a bit of everything to the table. It's progressive, it's housey, it's electro, it's brilliant. Top tracks are hard to pick cause everything is good, but I would have to say Mellow's "Drifting out of Sight", Holden & Thompson's "Come to Me"(My personal favorite, the vocal is amazing!)& Stel & Elliott's "Finding Time".
Now Luke Chable on disc two. For those who don't know the name Chable, he is a phenomenal dj and producer. He is responsible for "Melburn" which appeared on the first Therapy Session. Chable's disc is a breaks trip that borders on funk,tech,& progressive. Although most tracks are breaks, there are some 4/4 tracks that blend in perfectly with everything else. Just like Seaman's track listing, it's hard to pick favorites, but Rene Amesz "Fragile", Uberzone's "2kool4school"
(old school Uberzone...Quality),& Luke's own "Skyline Road"(A perfect closer to a great disc).
Honeslty, pick this up. Seaman and Chable do no wrong on this one. Therapy is a wonderful thing.

Another Winner
Dave Seaman again shows why many consider him the king of progressive Trance. Luke Chable's set is one of a kind with awesome breaks. Must Have! ... Read more

Amazon.com

The manipulation of classic jazz tracks has been part of DJ club culturesince the '80s, as artists have continually scratched, looped, and sampled beatsand phrases. Verve Remixed has been in the planning stages for years,with in-house producers inviting an international cast of remix artists toselect songs from the label's vaults. The results are often tremendouslysuccessful, as the remix artists have picked up and expanded upon elementsalready present in the original. The funky Latin beat ofWillie Bobo's "SpanishGrease" gets new life fromRichard Dorfmeister,along with a prominent new bass line. Similarly, King Britt pumps up the Indianelements of Tony Scott's"Hare Krishna."dZihan and Kamien'strance remix (with tabla drums) ofBillie Holiday's "Don'tExplain" is among the most arresting tracks, creating psychodrama betweenHoliday's original vocal and the new environment.Nina Simone's voiceseems tailor-made for this approach, as if it has always cried out for thelayered rhythmic emphasis.Masters at Work's takeon her "See-Line Woman" is electric in its intensity--cool flute sonorities andmetallic percussion embrace and catapult the original vocal into a new presence.--Stuart Broomer ... Read more

Reviews (58)

Nueva Verve
After listeninig and comparing this dj project to the original recording on the Verve Unmixed LP--- I've got to absolutely declare... Verve Remixed is Amazing!! This astonishing dj project takes some of the hottest house producers and victoriously salutes the art of verve culture! The first and most amazing track has got to be the opening track--- the Willie Bobo remix is incredible. This track is completely uplifting! Mj Cole gives the How Long Has This Been Going On classic a new theme with his poppy almost playful beat. This is no longer a sad song-- but it is still the voice and the notes you have grown to love from this soulful singer. You get the picture. Verve Remixed continues... If you are a jazz lover, a deep house, or lounge music lover --- you have to check this cd. You will love it! Verve Remixed is a CD for the new breed of jazz lovers. Once you bring the legendary voices of coveted jazz singers Astrud Gilberto, Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald, and others into your cypher you wont want their voices to leave! You'll be off curiously buying the Verve Unmixed and then you'll be in search of other Desert Island Discs. This upbeat CD puts a new swing on the classic jazz style. A Must Buy-No Doubt!

A Cosmopolitan, a few friends and just kick back
Loving most of these tracks in the original form I approached this CD with anticipation but at the same time with trepidation. Too often we hear the classics remixed but to what purpose. However, this CD seems to add a layer to the tracks that not only maintains the purity of the original but lifts them into a different sphere.

Nina Simone's See-Line Woman (remixed by Masters at Work) and Dinah Washington's Is You Or Is You Ain't My Baby (remixed by Rae & Christian) enter a whole new dimension of electronica and beats whilst maintaining the integrity of the diva's vocals and nuances. The amazing pair of Rob Garza and Eric Hilton from Thievery Corporation have always defined cool for me and with their remix of Astrud Gilberto they don't disappoint. Joe Clausell's remix of Nina Simone singing Feelin' Good would have to be the funkiest chilled track of the year. That haunting piano remains with a backing of electonic funk. This is a great album for chill out Sunday's, friends for brunch, coming down from Saturday night or just you at home alone with a Cosmopolitan. A must have for fans of Verve and some of todays masters of remix.

Balance
It seems that there are three types of people who purchased this CD.

1. The Jazz fanatic who ends up hating it because the work is not in tack or the artist vocals where rewroked.

2. The uneducated "Techno" (Its a genre of edm not a generalization of edm folks) fan who doesn't get or appreciate the beauty of the classic jazz tracks.

3. The heads who get jazz and understand the mantra like qualities of EDM.

The remixes on this album are mostly fantastic, some are creative and dont hold to a pop format which makes them more uncomfortable than the standard "song"

If you are someone who read Kerouac in high school or university, dug nina and ella and monk and davis and mingus and then discovered the New Jazz (EDM and IDM) then buy this CD. If you are in either of the 2 catagories of uneducated techno fan or old school jazz purist you may have to open you mind to get the beauty of this piece.

Awesome
This is a great album. House meets old jazz. Great energy but also mellow. Get it, it's great!!!

JAMMIN @$$ CD!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Verve Remixed Volume 1 is the BOMB!!! I bought Volume 2 first and thought it was the shiz-nit, but Volume 1 is just as good if not better. I absolutely love the the blend of [nice] vocals from the legendary Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Carmen McRae, Dinah Washington and Nina Simone with the electronica (if you will) of today's contemps like MJ Cole, The Dorfmeister, Thievery Corporation, De-Phazz, Rae and Christian, Tricky, Joe Clausell and others. This is a very ambitious series that I doubt will end soon, and may even generate other compilations of its ilk. Well done mixing from all involved! ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Like riding the subway...
It's taken me some time to warm up to this.I'm used to the other big names in techno which has kind of caused me to limit my thinking.Rather than a whip smart ride through the electronic universe, this one takes its time.

It's kind of like riding the subway.When you first get on, you're kind of anxious, in a hurry, can't wait to get where you're going.Then you ease into the ride, the rumble of the rails hypnotizing you, lulling you into the ride.Once in the groove, you begin to notice the sounds.You hear the screeching of the rails, the people talking (when they talk) and the obvious sounds.Then you begin to notice the little sounds; the newspapers ruffling, the music from someone's headphones, the shuffling of feet.You are present, you are aware and you cease the anxiety of hurrying.

This mix is like that.It's a steady trip through some low rumbling bass lines and some subtle sounds arising from within.There is no hurry and it is so nice.Instead of the trance anthems and the building crescendo to a predictable, albeit nice, climax, this mix just carries you along.There are some pleasant surprises along the way but nothing that derails the ride.It's a great mix.Over time, I may give it five stars.

Dramatic & melodic -chunky & progressive..just excellent
OK - I 'll keep this short - but if you dig your house with slices of melody, basslines that make you move, and overall outstanding production values - then just stop reading this, add it to your cart, and checkout. The mixing is flawless as well and I can't wait to see him when he comes around here. I had always heard about this guy and finally picked up this newest compilation of his. I've been addicted to this one ever since.
GET IT

Best Progressive Compilation of the Year
The first melodic, spacey, trance journey compilation I've experienced in quite some time. Awesome stuff. The perfect mix of white label unknown gems and standout (Quivver) production magic. Great flow, great mixing, just a few mediocre tracks. Have been disappointed with recent releases (GU:027 Miami) but was presently surprised with this set. Orders of magnitued better than Hernan Cattaneo's first Renaissance: The Masters Series release. This made my Thursday night!
- B

THIS S IT!
THIS IS THE MOST PROGESSIVE SOUND GOING THE DAVE SEAMAN OF SOUTH AMERICA HERNAN MIXES LIKE NO OTHER FORGET ALL THESE TRANCE GUYS !
THIS MUSIC ROCKS YOU TO FEET ! ITS AWESOME ! PITY I MIISSED HIM AT WMC MIAMI AS I LIVE HERE EX UK TO MANY PEOPLE TO MANY PARTIES !
HERNAN PLEASE COME BACK GRACIAS

The Electronic Enlightenment Grows Brighter
Most of you may know of Hernan Cattaneo from the set he performed in Mooonpark in 2002 with Sasha.Many people hadn't heard of him then, and were awed with his technical proficiency and dark, progressive Latin tribal.He immediately vaulted onto the international stage, and became recognized as one of the premier House and tribal DJ's.

If you haven't heard any of Cattaneo's sets yet, his primary influences of set construction and effectual tonality would be: GU's Danny Tenaglia, Godfather: Juan Atkins, and even Underworld's Darren Emerson.Modern Artists to compare him to would be Matthew Dekay, Chris Micali, Satoshi Tomeii, Sander Kleidenberg, Deepdish, and Jon Digweed.Odds are if you dig their sets, you'll really get into Cattaneo.

Now, this collection is phenomenal.It's the best straight house set I've ever heard, by far; even though I really like some of the Balance contributions (more progressive), and some of the Nubreed projects from GU...

Anyway, Hernan really goes Underground with CD 1.Pole Folder is a strong opener, but other than that, the rest of the artists (Azad Rizvi and Tom Middleton excluded) were fairly unknown to me.I love that.Very little things make me more happy than the presence of white labels and unknowns mixed with cream into a set.Track 2 is a great neo disco move, with pleasing new millennia threads woven into the aural tapestry.Real interesting tempo and mood transition from the darker first track.Hernan glides into the 3rd track with beat matching precision, and picks up the bpm with a funky tribal tone.
Then something happens that really flies me back to my home city.Deep Chicago house.Precursed with shadowed-pounding bass, a mournful, elegiac saxophone speaks, its appearance like a mythological Greek ship floating from wispy synthesized echoes.
The rest of CD 1 keeps true to its foundations and holds a dark/funk/disco tone with plenty of creative quirks and seamless mixing.

CD 2, however is what will flip you like a flapjack in a pan.

1st track.Say hello to your old friend Quivver, and a newer friend, Space Manouvers.Beat picks up from song one, and keeps a deep house bass line with constant high shakes.
2nd track.Enter Graham and Blades.Funky punches of bass and snare, complimentary high snips and sweeping synth; you're suddenly in a four seater plane flying over rugged Cuba.
3rd & 4th tracks.Jeff Bennet emerged with his 'Swapping' vinyl in 2003, and Avantages, Direction Changes, Untertaken, and doubting faces E.P.s in 2004, punching into the house fans hearts with authentic beats and quirky use of engineering equip.Cattaneo uses his vinyl here with respect and potentcy.

It's about dam time Snake Sedrick got recognized and used in a major set.His dark tribal and 2004 vinyl works with Andro, i.e. "She is my Destiny", "Solid & Liquid State", and his other lone works have gone severely unnoticed.Here, "Fields" gets an overhaul by Blue Haze, a darker more monotonous polish from the original.

Dousk and Micah have strong shows here, the John Dalagelis unreleased vocal vinyl being a gem for me.Hernan showcases here serious international talent and connections.For you that are deep in the scene, you know that the Greeks with Dousk, Nikola Gala, Kosmas Epsilon, G-Pal, The Greek, and many others, are just dominating the progressive house scene.Hernan, a native to Argentina, I believe, expands previously held ethnic boundaries and pushes the limits of house into a gloriously appetizing multi-hemisphere aural brew.

On the topic of mixing styles, Cattaneo bit ch slaps the listener with breaks around 59 minutes in.I love, love, love progressive breaks, and I love them even more with haunting female vocals.
The second CD closes out with powerful reminisces of Dave Seaman's Therapy sessions and a heavy pulsing undertow that is the heart of evolving progressive electronica.

This is a phenomenal mix, worth every penny you can spend on any commercial house purchased on Amazon.Cattaneo provides four or five different genres of house, breakbeat, and progressive trance/tribal in this masterful compilation.I truly feel that he is one of the fathers that is going to push electronica to where it should go, and consequently should be heard by every person who is serious about the music.

Highest Recommendation ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Great Trance
I just want to start out by saying that Markus Schulz was completely unknown to me about two weeks ago.I was looking for some new trance and stumbled across these reviews.I had some high hopes for this cd and it sure didn't let me down.It is definetly a new style of trance that i'm not too familier with.I am enjoying it alot more than some of the newer releases from tiesto and armin.Miami '05 lacks the big epic trance tracks, but it never ceases to keep my attention.The cd has a great feel to it and portrays deep emotion which is perfect for me since i listen to trance while driving or reading.I don't think this cd is good for people looking for dance music.Anyways, i can't wait to get more Markus Schulz cds in the future.

I believe you will like this cd if u like...
1. DJ TiestoISOS 1 and/or Nyana
2. AVBBoundaries of Imagination

zzz....
Too slow for my taste. I think Cold Harbour was better. 1st cd starts good, the 1st 3-4 songs are hot but then it just fails to keep the same feeling and Cd 2 is even worse. What happened?

Great prog mix.
I like all types of trance and tend to lean more toward epic trance.However I am really enjoying what some trance has evolved to lately.I still love the more epic/big room/symphonic type trance.But I am loving this earthy progressive blend just as much.One note for Coldharbour Sessions fans.He made this with a club type atmosphere in mind, where as on his Sessions it is a radio show for people to listen to and relax to at home.Big difference, but either way, this is the deeper prog stuff that he's known for live, and it is definitely an essential CD to own.

Ups he did it again
Im proud of Markus Schulz, for me the best dj at Armada's record label, yes even better than the great AVB. I remember shaking hands with Markus when he was not as well known, back in 2001, at club Quench in Miami. He wasn't even in the top 1000 djs. But I really liked his sessions even back then. Then he started his own radio broadcast which I think this cd is a copilation of. I like this cd from top to bottom really good. I was wondering how could he come back from the Coldharbour Sessions release, que si lo hizo. Representing .. MIami Markus Schulz hell yeaaahhhh

Absolute Bliss
Markus Schulz is yet to dissapoint, especially with Miami 05. Miami 05 is a a great sequel to Coldharbour Sessions 2004. The beautiful melodies, lush chords, and deep feel send the listener in perpetual bliss. Markus is the next big thing and with his radio show GDJB growing at a staggering rate he is bound to make DJ MAG's top 10 this year. Markus has a deeper more calmer feel towards music and thats what got people turning heads! This CD is absolutely spectacular. If you enjoyed Coldharbour Sessions 2004 you'll absolutely love this one too! Miami 05 is Colharbour Sessions 2004 continued with a Miami feel to it instead of the London feel. ... Read more

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

The French twosome behind Daft Punk, Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel De Homem-Christo, get away with an awful lot. They go around impersonating aliens and robots in their interviews, they put records out only once every three years, and they make music that evokes a million other artists--while not really sounding like any of them. The keyboard noodlings of Jean-Michel Jarre are in there somewhere, along with the otherworldly imagery and giant hooks of '70s rock icons like Boston or even Electric Light Orchestra. There are dashes of 1999-era Prince and oodles of new wave and disco cheese, from Harold Faltermeyer and Gary Numan to the Bee Gees, all set off with efficient house beats. So how have they managed to position themselves as electronic music's next great crossover artists? OnDiscovery, the follow-up to the 1998 worldwide smash Homework, the answer is obvious: they have no shame, and they know how to make us dance.

Starting off with the irresistibly hummable "One More Time," the record blows through a head-spinning array of styles and samples, creating a pop-culture stew of funky loops and dance-floor anthems. "Aerodynamic" eschews breakbeats for an Yngwie Malmsteen-ish guitar interlude that somehow ends up meshing in a crazy blend of stomping bass lines and hyped-up harmonics. "Digital Love" starts off silly and gets sillier, but the monosyllabic lyrics lull the senses just right, allowing the song's summery groove to grab hold with authority. "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger" is a resounding standout amidst the retro/Vocoder deluge that transpired after Cher's Believe turned the kitchy disco device into a worldwide pop music trend, spinning a clever groove around an ever-escalating string of computerized seduction. Everywhere on the record, gigantic beats are dropped with pinpoint precision, giving songs a momentum that transforms repetitive melodies into sudden revelations. The record's only misstep, the aptly named "Short Circuit" utilizes a keyboard riff that is nails-on-a-chalkboard awful, but it can't keep this from being one of the best records of 2001. --Matthew Cooke ... Read more

Reviews (259)

Best Produced Album of 2001
Maybe cheesy 80's electro should have ended with the Reagan administration, but the French duo add fabulous hooks, incredible production, and a poinancy to make this album the choice for dance music fans. "Discovery" starts out with "One More Time." A fitting title to start a Daft Punk album. It's one more time to take a delicious pop hook, apply a beat, cover it with a luscious vocal and let it loose upon the world. The song speaks of celebration; a good song for these times. "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger" is my pick for best produced song. The vocals are chopped up and mapped onto keyboards and guitars. You hear the instruments, but you also hear the words. It's mind bending. "Digital Love" and "Something About Us" track to the romantic side. Cheesy, yes, but completely addictive.

I Made A Nice Little "Discovery"...
I like all types of music so I wasn't afraid to venture into the field of techno with "Discovery". I wasn't disappointed. The first song that drew me to Daft Punk is the Stardust song "The Music Sounds Better With You". And then I saw an extended anime video on Cartoon Network containing the first 4 "Discovery" tracks. I mean, I loved "One More Time", but those videos made me wanna run out and get the album. I never heard or owned "Homework", so I can't make value judgements. Maybe that's a good thing, cuz this album made a fan outta me. Of course it's a throw-back to the 80's ("Short Circuit") and the 70's ("High Life") [two annoying tracks that are still pretty good], but you have to admit that this album is so varied, that you can't a slap a category on it if you tried. It may be cheesy, but it's infectious. You have your dance numbers and even some slow ones ("Nightvision" is short, but trancy. I wish they would've extended it and added a beat to it). My top 5 are "One More Time" (the horns and Romanthony's "ah!" got me), "H.B.F.S." (this is a funky, robotic number), "Crescendolls" (a party number with the clichéd "Hey!"), "Superheroes" (a valiant comic book-esque number where they could've restrained overusing the sample!), and "Voyager" (My favorite track. It's dark, yet dancy. I still think it could've used a bridge.). An honarable mention to "Something About You" (the song that Jamiroquai never made) and "Face To Face" (the song that the 80's wished they could call their own). The only complaints I have is the repetitiveness, the fact that "One More Time" and "Digital Love" evoke pointless commercials in my head (Think "Victoria's Secret" & "The Gap"!), and the last track "Too Long" is, well... TOO LONG! It should've been 4:30 rather than 10:00. That would've been perfect because it still is a rather catchy song. Oh, yah, and that vocal sample in "High Life". They could've did without that. WAIT, I'm not done complaining... "Veridis Quo" could've been shorter and used more instruments. Okay, I'm done. All in all, you'll either like or loathe these guys. They may be weird, but they keep it fresh (for a couple of French guys).

maybe 4 1/2, just a few weak spots
I got this before I got Homework, an in spite of hearing One More Time on the radio (I say in spite of because the vocal work on this album by what's his name sucks). Daft Punk still like tweaking compressors, but they've graduated from modwheels to vocoders and a much more layered sound that starts out just too perfect to hold up for too long.

Aerodynamic is great at being funky and having that totally shameless guitar thing in the middle. Digital Love is the corniest piece of dancefloor magic I ever listened to over and over, and Harder Better Faster Stronger has enough vocoder tricks for an entire decade and and irresistible beat to match. Even Superheroes, a bass heavy song where a one bar vocal sample fades out for some arpeggiation of some interesting chords, has enough disco magic for miles. Short Circuit is pretty cool as long as you keep imagining Herbie Hancock's early 80s hit Rockit (this is a total ripoff of Rockit). Even Voyager is fun in a kind of moody way, and Face to Face is pretty trippy until some idiot starts singing and I have to skip to the next track.

In short, Crescendolls, Night Vision, Verdis Quo, and Too Long should never have been attempted. Okay, Too Long is cool about five minutes when that guy's voice disappears for a while, but Daft Punk smelled themselves a little too much on Discovery. The disco fun time thing gets out of hand when it is mixed with Bach or broken up by half-a** interludes, and vocal work is only admissible under cover of vocoder and in limited doses. But the songs that work, work incredibly well, which is what makes Daft Punk so great. It is kind of surprising to hear how much they've grown since Homework, but they don't control things as well.

And remember what I said: it's all fun and games until someone stops using a vocoder.

accomplished, enjoyable...but not perfect
Daft Punk are clearly talented, ever since the irristbly infectious 'Homework' album they have quite rightfully taken their place among the dancehall/electronica elite. Suffice to say, their latest offering 'Discovery' does not disappoint. The album kicks off with the now classic 'one more time' incorporating a flowing beat with great computed generated vocals (like that's a suprise!) this is followed up by the sublime 'aerodynamics' with its powerfull electro-guitar solo. The sound quality does not decrease as we are then presented with the already well known 'Digital Love'- this is a fanatstic track with a very clever vocal floating accross a tinny, yet head nodding beat. The proceeding track 'Harder, Better, Stronger, Faster' is by far and away the best song on the album, the song consists of three main parts - each more funkier than the last - the beats are excellent and our computerised protaganist is, well...damn funky!
Unfortunately after this point the quality detriorates...rapidly, the few highlights remaining include 'Too Long'and 'Cescendolls' although if you are not an avid fan these are certainly nothing to get excited about - especially when they are found alongside abominations such as the pathetic 'night vision'or the charmless 'face to face'- overall accomplished, enjoyable but ultimately flawed.

The groups best
This is hands down Daft Punk's best CD. Where else can you find techno music that contains elements of Supertramp, Eddie Van Halen and a creative Barry Manelow sample? This really isn't techno, it really isn't dance, it's just really good music. A must buy.

Oh and as requested, I want to recommend another instrumental CD, a killer instrumental CD, by Mr.Deviant called "Techno Obsession". It's a killer mix of power rock and hard dance music. Check it out if you don't fear any conspiracies. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Of all the genres within electronic music, trance probably gets the worst rap. The music is guilty by association with the hippies that worship it with a religious-like fervor. And if executed poorly, its dramatic crescendos sound like pretentious, pompous pap. But a good trance DJ can save a string of the genre's records from falling down the drain of all-too-common gargantuan breakdowns and endless wind-ups. Paul Oakenfold might be the DJ to rescue trance from itself; Tranceport features a veritable who's who of trance records and producers--Sasha's remix of Gus Gus's "Purple," a few tracks from seminal trance producer Paul van Dyk, and the driving, impenetrable "Enervate" by Transa. Oakenfold's mixing is impeccably suited to trance: long, drawn-out bleeds of sound seep from one transcendent track to the next. --Tricia Romano ... Read more

Reviews (281)

the definition of trance
this is the first trance or dj album i ever bought. when i first plugged it in, i hadn't even heard trance before. my mind was soon blown away. this album is perfection, taking the biggest records of 97-98 and churning them all out into a continous line of some of the highest quality, most banging trance money can buy. whenever i'm shocked at some of the horrible trance there is in the world (cough...tiesto...) i can always turn back to this album and learn that it IS possible to make epic trance. Every single track is great and there's absoulutely no filler. when each track reaches their climax, it's always breathtaking. even though Oakey is not known for his incredible mixing skills, the mixing on this album is just fine even though it's usually simple. and one last thing, if you are a newbie reading this and you haven't heard Oakey or trance yet, DON'T TRUST THE SAMPLES! they sound very bad. trust me, the disk is a lot better. Don't think about it, just go buy this CD. you'll love it, I swear.

One of Oakey's great works
Love him or hate him, no dispute exists about Oakey's significant presence in the trance landscape. Personally, I admire much of his work (Tranceport was the CD that initially got me into the genre), although I do not place him above other equally talented DJ's like Digweed, Sasha, Tiesto, and PvD. Having said that, I do believe that Tranceport is one of the finest trance works ever made. I think Oakey's greatest strength is in his track selection and sequence, and this is on display with Tranceport. Oakey takes you on a journey, beginning with the Dream Traveler, which is a terrific opening track. He continues with Rendezvous, and in the middle of the CD, gives you a nice refreshing break from all the beautiful madness with Someone, with the wonderful vocals. Oakey continues with favorites Cafe Del Mar, and 1998. Any great trance CD always reaches its highest point at the end, and this one does not disappoint with Gamemaster (somewhat cheesy vocals but it works), and Enervate. Yes, most if not all of these tracks were popular at the time, which no doubt lends to Tranceport's popularity. Yes, Oakey does a good, if not great, job mixing on this CD. But all the criticism put aside, it is a great album for its track selection and sequence. Just a shame that Oakey has seemed to have burned out (or sold out?) in more recent times with Swordfish and Bunkka.

A classic of the genre...
In the trance world this is arguabley Paul Oakenfold's first and last great work. Released around 1997/98 this album is still sought today and likely to be the hardest Oakenfold album to find. I usunally only see one copy (if at all) under his name at the record stores. If you are just getting in to the genre today this album is a must.

Top Flight
Tranceport is just an incredible cd, true if you take a bunch of the best trance tracks around and make a cd, you'll end up with a damn good one. But not this good...after listening to this cd I can't imagine hearing these tracks out of order again, they are blended and mixed to perfection. If you want to sit back and relax, go on a long drive on a nice day, or just play something at work...this is it...This is a trance cd..but you will not find a better cd in any genre than Tranceport. And to qualify my review, I am an avid clubber and listen to all kinds of electronic music, but trance isn't usually one of my favorites..that is how good this cd is.

#1 trance album
when i was introduced to trance this is the cd that sold me. in my mind this is the best trance cd ever created. paul oakenfold is a turntable genius. seeing him live is also one of the best things you can do for yourself. ... Read more

Album Description

Following the ULTRA.DANCE series tradition, ULTRA.DANCE 06 contains the biggestclub and radio dance tracks mixed by two of the hottest DJs in the US - VIC LATINO and THE RIDDLER of WKTU-NY.Both Ultra and the mixers have an incredible saleshistory.This volume's monster track is a remix of Kevin Lyttle's "Turn Me On".Get ready for a dynamite double disc with bonus ringtones and the hot new Eric Prydz video - "Call On Me". Be one of the first 10,000 people to purchase the album and receive free ringtones from Shape UK and Eric Prydz.Also included in the package is the steamy hot video for "Call On Me".Pick yours up today. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

i think Ultra.Dance 06's ego is bigger than the album itself
i've mostly been into the ultra.trance series, but eventually moved away from it when i started hearing songs that were so 'ghetto' that they couldn't possibly be categorized as trance in the first place, let alone wind up on an album who's main sales pitch is trance music.

the same thing has happened with the ultra.dance series....and for some strange reason more trance tracks have appeared on this album, which probably means the dj's that compile these selections don't really know what they're doing. typically in the ultra series collections, you don't see the really good dj's compiling the stuff (like oakenfold/van buuren/tiesto). instead we get wannabe disc jockeys like the riddler, vic latino, johnny vicious, etc...that seem to all want to get mad props/recognition, and in the process of striving for fame, they lose thier credibility by intermixing generes/going off on a tangent of music on an album that's supposed to feature only one genere of music. for ultra.dance 06 i can cite 3 or 4 different generes of music that this album touches. and for those that like dance but not hip-hop/r&b, they will have put up with it, because these "amazing" dj's felt those songs had to be on the playlist.

but when looking at new compilations that come from these 'big time' dj's, including Louie DeVito (who's compilations i gave up on at least 2 years ago), the trend i've noticed is how they have this magic ability to select songs that just sound real bad. for example, 'Out Of Touch' (disc 1) sounds like it was compiled in a garage using a 386 and compiled twice over using mp3 encoding. seriously, some of these songs cannot be played loud on a high end system because they sound like trash. but if you people keep on buying into it, then you support the garbage.

despite all this bashing, there were a few good songs on this album. but i've basically had enough of the ultra series. i would say if you like this album, you would like the 'trip in house' series of albums better.

Just Alright....
Not one of the greatest Ultra CD's and I love most of them. The first CD sounds like something from the 70's with the girl vocals. Kinda disco. Its just OK.

Till There was this CD!
No Matter how 'mediocore' the other songs/mixes on this cd may be, buying this album just for rachael starr's 'till there was you' was worth the $17!! This is one of the greatest prog/ house tracks i've heard in a long time, and i just found out rachael produced the song herself from an interview she did. the vocal melody is very different from others i've heard, and she really treats her voice like a finley tuned instrument. a girl who produces and sings?? get your hands on this one however you can.. vinyl or cd

Like the cd but...
Outside of me purchasing the album for its music, i also wanted to see this 10,000 free ringtone giveaway...and to my surprise it's quite a little lie. when you open the booklet it tells you that you need to have certain cell phone service - and verizon is not on the list. So therefore you can't even get the ringtones. Oh and you can only download 2 of them - and 10,000 can do this until they all run out. But you yourself do not get to choose out of 10,000. One is eric prydes and the other is UK lola's theme.
Cell phone providers accepted:
AT&T
Cingular
T-Mobile
Nextel
Boost Mobile
I wish they'd say that somewhere on the back b4 i bought the cd. I feel dissapointed and feel i too deserve free rintones not just people with those cell phone services.

Waist of Money
The album is a waist of money. One song is worst than the next. Of course, it's a matter of opinion though. None of the songs have any energy. You can't workout to it, let alone "Dance" to it. "Ultra Waist." ... Read more

Amazon.com

After rocking the suburbs with the infectious and persistent "Da Funk" (with its amusingly pointless Spike Jonze video), Gallic pranksters Daft Punk unleashed Homework, an album that combined everything good about house music with everything bad about French pop and changed the face of dance music in the process. The sound of production duo Thomas Bangalter and Guy Manuel de Homem is a raw and dirty collage of cheap drum machines (wired for maximum swing) welded to endless filtered loops and embellished with everything from guitars to talk-box vocals. The beats are lifted straight from the Chicago House textbook, but the simple bass lines and catchy hooks make a listenable pop song from what would normally be a stripped-down DJ tool. Uncompromising yet totally accessible. --Matthew Corwine ... Read more

Reviews (116)

Teachings of The Old School
Daft Punk's debut Homework, is without a doubt one of the most essential albums to own in the genre of Electronica. It has undisputedly revolutionized House music and is considered one of the most influential recordings in the Techno world. The two singles here (Around The World and Da Funk) are responsible for epitomizing dance music for the mainstream audience.

Daftendirekt - 8/10 A rather strong beginning. Decent samples and beats. Leads directly into the next track.
WDPK 83.7 FM - 6/10 Extremely short. Not much purpose since "Daftendirekt" already serves as an intro.
Revolution 909 - 9/10 One of the most solid tracks in this disc. Simple, straight forward, yet effective. Genuine dance music with an emphatic base beat.
Da Funk - 10/10 This song is simply ground breaking, the peak of Homework's success. Perfect acid drops juxtaposed against an ingenious rhythm. Unquestionably Daft Punk at its best.
Phoenix - 9/10 The beats are absolutely intoxicating. The audience will be utterly lost in the enchanting baseline. One of the highlights of Homework.
Fresh - 6/10 Average. The sound of water falls tends to get a bit tedious over time.
Around The World - 10/10 The second best song on Homework. Length is a little long, a few conversions would have made it much better. Still, an unforgettable masterpiece.
Rollin' & Scratchin' - 3/10 Loud, overly repetitive, obnoxious.
Teachers - 8/10 Just as innovative and inspirational Daft Punk is considered to up and coming DJs, the guys pay tribute here to the pioneers before them. Very original, amusing, and done in good taste.
High Fidelity - 7/10 Average. A fair effort.
Rock 'N Roll - 2/10 The lowest point on this disc. Incredibly abrasive. Complete filler. Skip.
Oh Yeah - 4/10 Mediocre at best.
Burnin' - 5/10 Satisfactory. Barely acceptable.
Indo Silver Club - 9/10 One of Daft Punk's most underrated songs. Bouncy beats with club atmosphere, just as the title suggests.
Alive - 6/10 This track is reminiscent of an Adrian Sherwood (A sound engineer for Nine Inch Nails) remix. Boring, lacks progression and variety.
Funk Ad - 7/10 This should have been looped to the end of "Da Funk" with a intuitive transition. Combining both elements here would have helped catapult the song into new heights.

An important thing to keep in mind is that Daft Punk's Homework consists of a good group of songs which are immediately appealing. They tend to build up to a climax where the least bit of detail, transition, or alteration would have produced immense improvement. However, despite the above statement, do not be fooled of the quality of this cd.

For those whom dare to enter the world of House music, your Homework starts here.

- ToS.

Revolutionary
Before I start the review I must state the following -BUY THE CD.

Now,

Daftendirekt- 4/5 stars Not a bad beginning, leads straight into WDPK

WDPK 83.7- 4/5 The sound of tomorrow. the Music of today

Revolution 909- 5/5 Dance music, straight out. Not much other than a heavy bass beat but extremely good even then.

Da Funk- 5/5 Song that made Daft Punk what it is, excellent. Fast, acidy, Jimi Hendrix with a synthesizer. If you like it, I suggest you check out the Chemical Brothers remix.

Pheonix- 4/5 Good song, immediately likeable.

Fresh- 4/5 Like Pheonix, excellent also.

Around the World- 6/5 Best on the CD. Seven minutes of delirium. DO NOT LISTEN TO THE REMIX

Rollin' and Scratchin'-1/5 Skip, thats all I have to say

Teachers-4/5 Wierd, but I like it.

High Fidelity- 3/5 Solid, definetly not bad.

Rock and Roll- 0/5 Even worse than Rollin' and Scratchin', lowest point on album

Oh Yeah- 5/5 I think this song is not generally liked, however I don't see what they are talking about, awesome. One of the few songs that was fun to listen to the first time through

Burnin'- 2/5 Not extremely great, but bearable

Indo Silver Club- 5/5 Great dance song

Alive- 3/5 Ok

Funk Ad- 4/5 Why couldn't they add this on to Da Funk? Not bad, a little short

DAFT PUNK ROCKS!
When I bought this album I listened to it and was amazed. I love the songs on this album. Here is a list on a scale 1 to 10.

Daftendirekt-10/10 (Solid beginning, nice beat.)
WDPK 83.7 FM- 8/10 (Sounds good, a little short but good.)
Revolution 909- 10/10 (Awesome song. Like the beat.)
Da Funk- 10/10 (Excellent. This is probably the best.)
Phoenix- 9/10 (I like it, but it can't beat the others.)
Fresh- 9/10 (Like Phoenix, good but doesn't get 10.)
Around the World-10/10 (One of the best, it gets stuck in my head all the time, even after not listening to it for awhile, iy always finds it's way back inside my head.)
Rollin' & Scratchin'-8/10 (Some people say this one bites the dust, but I say it's only for the true DJ. I like the scratching, but this one is a little too long. Solid 8.)
Teachers- 6/10 (It was hard to rate this one. After listening to it over and over, I decided that the background sounds together deserved a 9, but the weird voices drops it 3. Still trying to get used to this one.)
High Fidelity- 8/10 (I liked this one, but I don't know what it is, this is just a little bit less than the rest.)
Rock & Roll- 8/10 (This is another one that goes a little unliked. I would say that is because it's a little too long, and a little repeative, like Rollin' & Scratchin'. I still liked it though, but it is a little long.)
Oh Yeah- 8/10 (I like the beat of this one, but those kids saying "Oh Yeah" brings it a down a couple points. I still like this one though.)
Burnin'- 7/10 (I like it, but it just doesn't quite have what the others have, so I give it a 7.)
Indo Silver Club- 9/10 (I love this one. Not exactly a 10, but it's close. Great for dance clubs.)
Alive- 10/10 (Cool song, it sounds good too like the other 10's.)
Funk Ad- 10/10 (Great way to end the album, this album starts you off with some funky ones and ends you with it too.)

Overall:
I really liked this album. I usually listen to this one when I'm sitting around doing nothing, or (like the album's name states) doing homework. I usually like listening to music that people dance to at clubs with some dj and techno. Two other Daft Punk Albums I would recommend which I own are Discovery and Daft Club. The overall grade for this album would be an 8.5. Most of the album is awesome but there is always those one or two songs that always have an effect on the album. This is from Daft Punk's earlier years, but I still say this one is really good.

ALIVE
I really dig this CD because it has one of my favorite techno tracks of all-time on it, "Alive", which is worth the price of the CD alone. However, extra suspicious Prodigy fans may hate this CD because every track is too repetitive, but isn't every piece of music repetitive in one way or another? Support musicians, especially independent musicians like mr.deviant, and don't trade music on the internet.

Oh and as requested, I want to recommend another instrumental CD, a killer instrumental CD, by Mr.Deviant called "Techno Obsession". It's a killer mix of power rock and hard dance music. Check it out if you don't fear any conspiracies.

The most vivid music ever
If you ever want to return to the old days when the scene used to be about music and nothing more, when all that matter was the vibe, then this is the cd to have for your collection. It will take you back to the days of old. Nothing beats this cd. They are the original house of house music. ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Jive Bunny keeps things hopping with this album
A fun mix of classic toe-tapping hits with just a dash of slow-jam, belly-rubbing music, makes this a wonderful party album...Anybody familiar with big band will appreciate the liberal use of Glenn Miller's music...The Everly Brothers, Chubby Checker, Bill Haley & His Comets, and Little Richard also make welcome appearances...This album is definitely a keeper, no matter what age you are!!

Not perfect by any means, but this is a 'must-have' CD
In 1987, club DJs Andy Pickles and Ian Morgan from Rotherham, England began releasing DJ-only mixes on their newly launched 'Music Factory' record label. Mixing hits of the day proved very worthwhile as the two budding DJs became highly respected within the music industry. Still only 'small time', Andy and Ian began experimenting with different types of music. In 1988, with a project none of them took seriously, they produced a megamix titled "Swing The Club" - a collection of classic rock n' roll tracks accompanied by the original sounds of the Glen Miller band. Not expecting anyone to take notice of this, it soon became a favourite in British night clubs. Early the following year, the duo was approached by another record label with the intent of releasing it as a single. But fearing they'd lose control of their project, the duo - with the help of Andy's dad, John Pickles - decided to release the single by themselves. The Jive Bunny phenomenon was born!

The single, which had to be re-recorded due to licensing difficulties - was re-titled as "Swing The Mood" and initially took the British charts by storm. Featuring a collection of classic oldies megamixed in such a way to give it a modern dance feel, the single went to number one (in the UK) on August 5th, 1989 and stayed there for five weeks. Because no-one expected this to be a hit, the Master Mixers had to frantically work on a follow-up single. And they did that with "Swing The Club Volume 2" which was remixed and re-titled, "That's What I Like". Similar to the previous hit in style and production, "That's What I Like" stormed into the charts on October 14th, 1989, reached number one the following week and stayed there for three weeks. With such a large interest in the Jive Bunny phenomenon sparking a new craze, an album was rush-released in time for the Christmas market. And this is that album.

"The Album" begins with the 12" extended version of "Swing The Mood". This is THE definitive version - the radio edit ruined it in my opinion. Featuring contributions from the likes of Chubby Checker, Bill Haley, Little Richard, Eddie Cochrane, The Everly Brothers, Elvis (the only sound-a-like on this megamix) and of course, Glen Miller, "Swing The Mood" is probably Jive Bunny's best-loved track. "Rock N Roll Party Mix" is basically a Chuck Berry/Little Richard tribute track that is pale in comparison to "Swing The Mood". This track, which was later remixed and repackaged as "That Sounds Good To Me", was the final megamix from this album to be released as a single (in February 1990).

"The Album" slows down with the third megamix - a beautifully compiled romantic track simply called, "Lover's Mix". Featuring classic love songs from the 50s & 60s such as, 'All I Have To Do Is Dream', 'Rhythmn Of The Rain', 'Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow' and 'Diana', "Lover's Mix" is truly a hidden gem. "Do You Wanna Rock", a megamix concentrating on the British Glam Rock days of the 70s follows. This was meant to be released as a single too, but difficulties in obtaining clearance prevented the Master Mixers from doing so (a problem that would forever haunt the producers).

"That's What I Like" also appears in the extended version, and unlike "Swing The Mood", the radio edit of this song is better. Even so, it's a brilliant dance megamix featuring most of the artists that appeared on "Swing The Mood". "The Glen Miller Medley" - which was the original b-side of the aforementioned megamix - is also included on the album. There's no denying it's an enjoyable track, but you can't help but think this was an album filler.

"Swing Sisters Swing" is another megamix devoted to the 1940s. This time, the Glen Miller band is accompanied by two of the world's biggest 'girl' groups of the WWII era: The Andrews Sisters and The Beverley Sisters, both performing such favourites as 'Chattanooga Choo Choo', 'Don't Sit Under The Apple Tree', 'Hold Tight' and 'Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy'. It is enjoyable, but at 7-minutes long, it does become a tad boring after a while. "The Album" ends with "Hopping Mad", a megamix that should've been released as a single. Focusing on the 60s more than the 50s, this track is my own favourite from the album.

There is a noteable ommission from "The Album" and that's the Christmas single "Lets Party" which also made number one in the UK. Funny, because both were released at the same time - and both reached the top of their respective charts. Still, this is a fantastic party album, and one you should own.

Jon.

Ho hum
Did you know that the 50s and 60s tunes on the jive bunny series were replicated by studio musicians. The were clearly a talented bunch, but must they use their powers for evil purposes?

BEST ALBUM EVERERER!
everyone who said this album sucked is a poor and lonley soul because jive bunny is all about having fun which no one ever has anymore so its nice for something to involve fun people have to be so rude and judge this album so badly when they could really be listein to it with some friends dancing away but no taht are dwelling on some cd they didnt like ok GET OVER IT!

Not A Patch On What Mastermix Can Do
Let it be known, the production team behind Jive Bunny -Mastermix- are among the best in their field at this type of music making. Their DJ-only mixes are fantastic, and rival anything the big players in the game produce (namely DMC & Ultimix). So why are Jive Bunny albums so terrible? Well, that can be put down to the fact strict licensing laws prevent Mastermix from using the original artists to create these megamixes for commercial release. Mastermix may get away with using Elvis Presley samples for DJ-only mixes, but not for Jive Bunny's chart releases. That's when they use the dreaded "sound-a-likes" which, more often than not, spoil the overall production quality of what's normally fantastic mixes.

Jive Bunny & The Mastermixers was the brainchild of John and Andy Pickles way back in 1988 when 'Mastermix' produced their first rock n' roll medley - a track which, surprisingly, went down well with British clubbers. Popularity was so great, a commercial release was planned and "Jive Bunny" was born. This debut album -mixed by top DJ's Andy Pickles, Ian Morgan, Les Hemstock, Rob Adlin, Martin Smith, Darren Ash, Rick Stuart and Dave Roarthy- followed suit. The first single taken from the album - a total reworking of the original club smash "Swing The Mood" - became a worldwide best-selling single because of it's unique and revolutionary production. Not a patch on the club mix, it has to be said, but this type of Megamix had never been heard before on a commercial release (DMC had scored hits with several "Sixties Mix" albums prior to this, but no-one had ever gained chart success with a 'single' mix of this quality). Sampling and mixing classic 50s rock n roll tracks, backed with a catchy drum beat, "Swing The Mood" not only brought "Mastermix" to the attention of the masses, the mix also brought rock n roll back to a new generation of music buyers (sales of rock n roll CDs greatly increased after this mix was released). The follow-up mix -Jive Bunny's second number one hit single- "That's What I Like" used the same tried and tested formula as "Swing The Mood" to create a near identical mix - with the exception of using a "Hawaii 5-0" sample to replace the 'Big Band' samples from it's predecessor.

No other megamixes from this album were used for chart releases. However, "Rock N Roll Party Mix" would later be revamped and remixed as "That Sounds Good To Me" - Jive Bunny's fourth chart single. (The Christmas Megamix "Lets Party" -their third and final number one doesn't feature on this or any Jive Bunny album). The only other megamix on this album worth mentioning is one titled "Hopping Mad". Why this was never released as a single is unclear because it's one of their best mixes under the "Jive Bunny" banner. The rest of this 45 minute album is more of a 'miss' than a 'hit' - and no better phrase than "album fillers" can be used to describe the four other mixes. "Lover's Mix" - dedicated to the schmaltzy and innocent love songs of the 1950s is a very fundamental piece of work (it gives you the impression this was 'rush' produced to cash-in on Jive Bunny's surprising popularity and get this album released in time for the Christmas market). "Do You Wanna Rock" - a Megamix dedicated to the 1970s Glam Rock scene sounds so out of place on what's really a rock n roll appreciation album.

To prove Mastermix's versatility in the field of creating mixes, there's two on this album dedicated to the Big Band sounds of the 1940s. First up is the "Glenn Miller Medley" - an elongated instrumental mix that provided the backing beat for the "Swing The Mood" Megamix. Trouble gaining the rights to use authentic Glenn Miller tracks resulted in Mastermix turning to The John Anderson Band for the Big Band arrangements (Mastermix would repay the compliment by producing an album for them the following year). "Swing Sisters Swing" is another World War II based Megamix featuring tracks -which I believe are the originals - by The Beverly and Andrews Sisters. Not worthy enough to deserve a single release, these two 1940s megamixes are a classic slice of nostalgia nonetheless and received quite a lot of airplay at many 50th Anniversary of VE/VJ Day parties back in 1995.

This is without a doubt the best Jive Bunny album available to date, but it's no where near as good as what Mastermix are better known for producing. Later Jive Bunny albums were pale in comparison to this debut effort (some were just downright awful), but it should be known "Jive Bunny" are *not* 'one' band. Instead, the Mastermixers are a group of DJ's which might go as far as explaining the decline in quality. But this is the original production team who would return nine years later for the "Hop Around The Clock" compilation - the only other Jive Bunny album worth mentioning. ... Read more

Album Description

Producer, remixer, and DJ extraordinaire Rauhofer releases his fourth volume of the wildly popular "Live @ Roxy" series straight from his residency at NYC's club Roxy. This specially priced double CD contains rare new exclusive remixes as well as Peter's own signature mixes of Madonna, David Morales, and others. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Reissuing old dance records can be dicey, because so many of them don't age well. There are exceptions, of course, like this digitally spiffed up and beautifully packaged, 3-disc Renaissance collection from Sasha and John Digweed. Released originally in 1994, it's become a milestone representing not only the celebrated duo's first recorded mix but also a snapshot of British dance at its raving, glorious peak. Disc 1 opens with a triplet of Leftfield's "Song for Life" and moves through still-potent tracks from Disco Evangelists ("De Niro") and F. Machine ("Child Bride"). The run continues on discs 2 and 3, as it lightly glides through Fluke's "Slide" and EMF's "They're Here." And what would a trip down amnesia lane be without a stop at Moby's "Go"? Nostalgia only goes so far, and some songs that sounded great at the time are a little soft now (see "Not Over Yet"). But that innocence gets at the heart of the collection's appeal, reminding us of when dance music seemed primed to take over the planet. –Matthew Cooke ... Read more

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After laying down a memorable vocal on Artful Dodger's "Re-Wind," the biggest hit to date of the latest U.K.-spawned dance craze known as two-step, Craig David's debut record carries lofty expectations. Born out of the R&B/hip-hop and U.K. garage styles of artists like Romanthony, MJ Cole, and Timbaland, with dashes of spastic drum & bass-style rhythms and DJ scratches, two-step is waiting for its first major breakthrough. On his debut full-length, Born to Do It, it's immediately obvious that this breakthrough won't be supplied by David, only because his style isn't really proper two-step at all. His smooth tenor and hip-hop-oriented, verse-chorus-verse song structures are much more in line with the urban soul and new jack swing sound of artists like R. Kelly, Sisqo, and D'Angelo. Still, for an artist who just turned 20, this is an incredibly assured record with a sweet, romantic core that only a cold cynic could deride as youthful naiveté. In addition, while only occasionally hinting at the darker passions of true two-step, the record drips with an advanced rhythmic sense that manifests itself everywhere, from the clever wordplay in the lyrics of songs like "Fill Me In" and "7 Days" to the bells-and-whistles production on the giddy "Time to Party." For those after a true introduction to two-step, there are better choices (start with MJ Cole's Sincere, the Vital 2Step collection, or just jump a plane to London and go club-hopping), but still enjoy this record for its boyish pleasures, teasing sexuality, and irresistible grooves. --Matthew Cooke ... Read more

Reviews (217)

Fine voice,but a few weak tracks
Craig David's debut CD is a good showcase for his undoubtedly fine voice,but I think his best is still to come yet. The singles Fill Me In ,Seven Days, Walking Away,and the Artful Dodger collaboration Rewind are definitely the strongest songs on this CD. This CD doesn't contain all that many garage tracks,instead posessing more of a light R&B feel to it,which I thought was a bit of a disappointment.I hope he includes some more garage-pop anthems on his next offering. Some tracks like Once In A Lifetime and You Know What can get a tad bit boring for my liking,but the brilliant Walking Away and the latin-tinged Seven Days display David's vocal dexterity at his best.Fill Me In is a catchy song with clever wordplay about how Mr.David gets it on with the girl next door. Rendezvouz is also a decent enough song showing the flexibility in David's voice. Bootyman is also a gentle track where David impresses with his vocal speed. Overall,a good album.I would actually give it 3.5 stars instead of 3.Its not hardcore R&B ,instead being an amalgam of various styles,which is just as well for me as I generally dont like R&B music that much.Not all the tracks are solid but nevertheless Craig David shows he has talent in abundance and hopefully should move on to bigger and better things.

Born To Do It..yeah!
Craig David is probably one of the finest artists they have in U.K...Born To Do It, his first album, won't certainly disappoint r&b fans..His music tackles more on relationships, parties,sex and uh, himself..(I read an article about Mel B commenting on his "Born To Do It"..She said that he always mentioned "Craig David, Craig David" on the album..He was self-centered alright, but his music counts)

So here are my fave tracks

1) Fill Me In- This is one of his nicest hits..It starts with a cool guitar playing and moves to a groovy beat.

3) Rendezvous- Sort of a slow jam..I love the chorus! Really cool track

4) Seven Days- The guitar playing is awesome..Great tune, interesting lyrics

5) Follow me- This is my fave love tune on the album

7) Walking Away- Wow, his vocal chords was impressive here.. Nice song about not minding the past and have to go on.. The track was kind of short though. (Barely 4 minutes!)

8) Time To Party- Good arrangement of the keyboards and the beat

12) Rewind- My fave track! Although at first, I can't understand the chorus, like, Ree-wind when the crowd say bo, selecta(?)...The Artful Dodger- Craig David team is a masterpiece.

UK Pride
Born to Do It is a cd you can just put on and not skip any track. His UK Garage style is finally putting that twist on R&B and the beats/melodies/instruments used in his music are SO refreshing to the usual cliche songs that are marketed in the US. I'm a huge fan and only because his style is original and unique, unlike other crooners out there. Born to Do It is definately a keeper. Check out Rendevouz, 7 Days, and Last Night-these songs will keep you wanting for more.

An R&B breath of fresh air...
I loved this album from the first spin. The is the fresh sound I have been looking for in R&B music. Too bad that his follow up CD "Slicker than your Average" isn't that great. "Born To Do It" is well worth a pick up!

Simply Excellent
It's so sad when an artist puts out an excellent cd like this one and the follow up falls short. I think Craig has the talent to go far in the music business but maybe his production is where the downfall is.You should get this cd but don't waste your money on slicker than your average. ... Read more