Reviews (7)

Nu-jazz at its best...
A great journey on a MUZIK train that starts with you leaving your favorite chair at home to taking a sit on a train speeding away to the new horizons...

1. Allow time. Listen to the recording straight from the beginning to the end without interruption. Its 42:19 should tolerate you to take the break.
2. Be open-minded. Imagine. Some may hear a train approaching and passing by, others may picture a starship. This much depends whether you enjoy the current moment or are up to the future.
3. Second half of the recording is a bit too over-electronics'ed which you may like or don't..
4. The recording is not well-rounded at the end and stops neither with a question nor with an open end.
5. This recording will definitely not be background music. It can also hardly be listened to in a random mode.
6. You are lucky if you listen to Miles_Gurtu on an advanced audio as you will be able to grasp all those small details that add to the music and create its atmosphere.
7. What kind of music is Miles_Gurtu by genre? That is not another blend of Anglo- sax (Roberto Concina is from Italy) and Indian music (Trilok Gurtu is a famous percussionist originating from Indian).It is nicely put in the linear notes: "Improvised? Partly. A new kind of jazz? Maybe. The sound of surprise? Most definitely." To me, the recording is a logically developed creative nu-muzik.
8. Sit in your chair and enjoy.

A truly moving, provocative, Electronica / Percussion fusion
A slightly bizarre pairing of two regarded musicians, in the form of pianist turned electronic composer "Robert Miles", and celebrated percussionist "Trilok Gurtu", have (on paper at least) nothing in common with each other musically. But here they are collaborating on a joint effort that encompasses everything from creative Jazz, to melodic electronic breakbeat. The dynamics behind this are relatively simple.....Miles provides the musician soundspaces, keyboards, melodies, breaks and string arrangments, and Gurtu provides his quite staggeringly array of tabla, snare, drums, clay pot & percussive beats either, over the top or subtly texturing the sound with compelling rhythms. (with the help of various artists such as 'Nitin Sawhney' on guitar & 'Adrian Bradbury' on Cello).

First track "Golden Rust" eases the listener in with deep cello grooves and a sensual keyboard arrangement, not unlike something that'd be heard in a smoky late night live jazz club. It's late night feel and seductive jazz tones feels more akin to Gurtu's multicultural arrangements, and although it doesn't sound like a radical electronic/ Percussion crossover, its still highly accomplished nonetheless, that bodes incredibly well for the rest of the album.

"Wearing Masks" is more relative to the work of Robert Miles, and his trance-like melodic passages are given ample room to morph into something more electronic and expansive sounding, negating thudding beats in favour of something more organic and contemplative, with a prominent piano arrangement the focal instrument in this track. Gurtu's percussion is subdued and understated, and focuses more on Miles' contribution to the track. And thus it's a strangely earthy sound that feels like a loose electronic arrangement, but stunningly beautiful in composition.

"Languages of Conscious Thought" is something that could have been lifted directly from Trilok's own "Glimpse" album, it's the rhythmic tabla that he made his name by, with the improvisational & Worldbeat influence jazz that earmarks his best albums. Complex tabla and clay pot rhythms are the order of the day here, and its hard not to be impressed, at how proficiently Trilok makes the execution of his playing, so superbly compelling. Miles' contribution here, is to subtly texture the music with keyboard hums & gentle samples, and appears to be helped with an additional musician that lends slight bass guitar.

"Inductive" is interesting for it use of warm synthesizers & samples, that evoke memories of prime era 'Brian Eno'. Its a lush melodic effort that impresses with beautifully integrating the electronic and percussive elements of the two main artists involved, which has that balance of beautiful tension and organic percussion, all in one, that although nothing new, is brilliantly implemented and essentially taken the rich and time-honoured tradition of the tabla, and fused it with contemporary electronic studio wizardry, which feels like an reinterpretation of hypnotic Indian classical music, and more than justifies the (slightly unexpected) collaboration between these two artists.

It should also be noted that between the majority of these incredibly worthwhile tracks, these are punctuated with some truly gorgeous instrumental pieces that range from neo-classical, to soothingly detached ambient moments that are so good that it's feels incredibly short sighted not the flesh these interludes into full compositions. (Think: "Harold Budd/Brain Eno's - The Pearl").

This is a record that although having the cross over appeal to incite fans of both musicians is neither entrenched firmly with either musician. Instead its more of a even contribution from both artists, so those expecting an album or just electronica or India fusion persuccion will be disappointed, as it has its foot in both camps and makes no concession to either. What you should realise is this is an album of beautifully realised compositions and songs of undulating space and sophistication, its an album that in theory isn't restricted to musical trends, and therefore has the potential for substantial longevity. (provided you give ample time between listens), it works as elegant mood/seductive chilli music to have playing whilst you work or study. Or music that you can really lose yourself in, whilst listened to uninterrupted. Fans familiar with both artists should seek this out immediately, and those that aren't, should be aware that this is geared towards an eclectic listening audience, although it has to power to seduce new audiences.

Jazz tabla percussion meets understated electronica
Got this one on spec being familiar with both Miles and Gurtu though only owning some Miles albums.

First things first though. This is not a Robert Miles album per se. Trilok Gurtu plays a big role here in terms of his presence and influence. His favoured percussive instruments and musical style have coloured Miles often simplistic but intense melodies.

In the end it is much more a jazz style with Indian/Asian flavour. The electronic component is well buried within the mix and works mainly to support the percussion and double bass which form the backbone of the tracks. Samples are almost absent from this album but when they're used they're far from intrusive.

At times very musical, at other times quite jarring and discordant, even at times quite laid back (even sleepy, perhaps a bit boring)it is an album that might not appeal to many especially Miles fans from way back. If you couldn't get "Organik" then forget about this one and if you don't favour jazz styles then walk away.

But for the rest of us, this is a quiet triumph for variety by a pair of established artists

Tabla Beat Science meets Pink Floyd meets The Headhunters
I have never heard any of Robert Miles' stuff, but I am a Trilok fan, seeing him play live many times. This album jams. The whole thing is like one long piece. I think this is a very original album and the music really does not fall into any classification. There is a lot of electronic stuff going on, but the live bass and drums give the record a very organic feel.

A whole new level
Once again, Robert Miles has transformed into an even more amazing artist and musician. This album is the natural progession of a true talent. The first track, "Golden Rust" is evidence enough that two artists from different times with different backgrounds can collaborate to create something truly inventive and original. For those of you who think Robert Miles is just about dance music, think again and definitely buy this album. You will not be let down... ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Pretty good but the mixing could have been better
I'm not really a fan of any of the compilations that Ultra Records put out anymore, at least the Ultra Chilled. I haven't really heard the other compilations like Ultra Dance and the first Ultra Trance but judging by the track list, they are pretty generic mixed cds. I bought Ultra Trance 2 on a whim. I was fortunate enough to find a used copy as opposed to shelling out {money} for a new copy. I can't comment on the bonus DVD since I don't own a dvd player so I will comment on the first disc. My major problem with disc 1 is the botched mixing job provided by David Waxman. The songs so not flows well together. I think the reason for that is the songs that David Waxman used. Somehow Duncan Sheik's "On a High" is the last song I would think of remixing. It wasn't bad as a trance song but it just did not fit with the songs it was stuck in between. The songs started to sound like one repetitive loop in the middle of the cd and I found myself literally bored to tears. I hated the way Sylver's Livin' My Life" ended and where Plummet's "Damaged 03" began. That just goes to show me what little skills Dave Waxman has as a dj. I may not be a dj, let alone know how to mix songs but I wouldn't do a botched job like he did between those two songs. Still I adored songs like 4 Strings' "let It Rain", Sylver's "Livin' My life", and "Never" by The Roc Project feat. Tina Arena. The female vocals and infectious melodies is what I find irresistable about trance music, especially with those songs. I would have given this cd 3 stars but I loved those songs and the last three songs so much that I decided to be generous. As far as mixed cds goes, "Ultra Trance 2" was not one of the best mixed cds I have ever heard but not one of the best. The series needs a dj who can actually make the music flow as one cohesive unit.

Standard Trance Compilation With a Half-Decent DVD.
The followup to 2002's "Ultra Trance" compilation has David Waxman resuming his duties as the mixer, compiling 16 tracks of trance hits on the 73-minute disc one. They make up a collection of standard fare trance, with many enjoyable moments but few surprises. I did like the opener "Never" by the Roc Project, as well as "Let it Rain" by 4 Strings. But there's something I'm also beginning to notice about David Waxman, and that he's not exactly the world's best mixer. Too often the songs crash into each other without any real flow. This is especially true of the first half of the disc, which had no clear focus or direction. The second disc is a DVD containing a picture gallery of the scantily clad cover model and a series of 8 music videos. Half of these videos can be heard on the first disc. To be certain, these clips aren't big budget, high-concept MTV videos by any stretch of the imagination, but they have a certain cheesiness that still makes them appealing. I particularly liked 4 Strings' "Diving" and Armin van Buuren's "Yet Another Day." The other videos are fine for what they are, but, again, they're not MTV material. All in all, there are worse compilations than "Ultra Trance 2," but it's a slightly disappointing followup to its predecessor. It has a few nice moments, but it overall lacks a much-needed urgency. You can live with or without this CD.

Excellent DVD!
I bought this, and I was kinda disappointed with the CD, but the DVD made up for it. If they did this again with their upcoming Ultra Trance CDs, I'd buy them. KEEP THE DVDs COMING!

Plain music....But cd 2 with the videos is a good add
I always liked cd's by Johnny Vicious, Louie DeVito, The Riddler, etc. But I never had heard of a mixer named David Waxman. This is a first. The only reason I bought this record is because it was an Ultra Records's cd and I have them all, so i had to get this one. The 1st CD which is the mixed cd stinks! The 2nd CD (DVD) is good because it has videos of some pretty good Belgian singers. Heres a rundown on how I felt of CD 1.

1.) The Roc Project F/Tina Arena~ Never (Past Tense)~ It's a good song....but not this version.

2.) Duncan Sheik~ On A High~ This song is so horrible, I sometimes fall asleep listening to it.

3.) 4 Strings~ Let It Rain~ I liked the song "Take Me Away" From them, but come on now everyone of their songs has the same beat and same similar Melody, not to mention the horrible vocals.

4.) Sylver~ Livin' My Life~ An ok song....I always liked Sylver, until this song and her second album came out...This is the first ok track on the cd so far.

5.) Plummet~ Damaged~ It's a good track, but again it is a boring mix and its older than the others.

6.) Kira~ I'll Be Your Angel~ Yes this is the BEST SONG on the cd!!!!! I love Belgian singers, and I think this is the only really good song on the cd. (This cd also includes the video on the second cd)

7.) Oxygen F/Andrea Britton~ Am I On Your Mind~ boring.....boring.....boring.....next......

8.) Groove Coverage~ God Is A Girl~ This is the 2nd best song on the cd. It is a weird song as are all of Groove Coverage's songs, the video on the second cd [sticks] tho.

9.) DJ Icey~ Dreams~ Boring, Next!!!!!

10.) DJ Spud~ Set It Off~ Come On now can u really fool me this song is a remake of an older dance song, and this one [stinks]!

11.) Nalin And Kane~ Beachball~ Possibly the worst song on the cd, it was also made in 1997, pretty old for a new generation trance cd. The video really [stinks] on the second cd.

12.) Weekend Players~ Into The Sun~ I never heard the regular version of this song, but I know this one really stinks. Riva is the Remixer of it and all of Riva's remixes have the same beat so its pretty boring for me.

13.) Armin Van Buuren~ Sunburn~ Thank God this songs only 3 and a half minutes long. zzzzzzzzzzzzz

By now everyone who bought this cd at this point should be asleep

14.) Oakenfold vs DJ Judas~ The Prophet~ This song is a rock/trance song, yea ur probably thinking thats weird huh, and it is!!!! Paul Oakebfold is soooo disappointing to me because I cant believe with a song like this, he could be the number 1 dj in the world. Are you kidding ME!!!!

15.) Paul Van Dyk~ Nothing But You~ Another stupid song, with arabian frikin voices, and a boorrr....zzzzzzzz...

16.) Jason Nevins F/Holly~ I'm IN Heaven~ Yes its a bad way to end the cd, because the song [stinks] in the 1st place and now i gotta listen to the 6 and a half minute dub mix, super boring....by now my cd player is even sleeping???

So u can tell the cd [stinks]. I should have givin it a 1 or a 0 but the second cd(DVD) is not that bad, because it has some ok videos. From Jessy and Kira. I give it 1 point for the cd's and I give it 1 point for being and Ultra Record Compilation, but next time if its like this, I am not buying it, and I will purely hate Ultra Records. ULtra Dance 03, is another story, which im not going to get into. So dont buy this cd unless your a real deep, trance listener.

Pretty good
I agree with some of the others as far as the mixing is involved. There doesn't seem to be a flow of music. The other is I don't own a DVD player and my Mac won't play it so for me it would have been better if a 2nd cd was included with just music. ... Read more

Reviews (18)

AtomDream
I first became familiar with William Orbit's name when he produced one of my personal favorite Madonna cds "Ray of Light". His experimental production style breathed new life into Madonna's music. Although I was disappointed that he only produced a couple of tracks on the follow up to "Ray of Light" for Madonna, I still enjoyed what he could bring to the table for the Queen of Pop as a producer. As a solo artist, "Pieces in a Modern Style" was my first William Orbit cd. His interpretations of various baroque classics were simply breathtaking, especially his interpretation of Samuel Barber's "Adagio For Strings". I briefly owned the first volume of "Strange Cargos" but to be honest, I wasn't really wild about it and eventually sold it a couple of years ago. I recently decided that I needed to hear what Orbit has done as an artist because it has been awhile since I have heard anything from him as an artist (not as a producer). I recently found a used copy of "The Best of Strange Cargos" and of course I bought it right away. Compared to "Pieces in a Modern Style", Orbit's work on the "Strange Cargos" series isn't nearly as mellow and downtempo. This is something I would hear from legendary techno acts The Orb and Orbital. I found "The Best of Strange Cargos" quite compelling to say the very least. I particularly enjoyed "Water From a Vine Leaf", with vocals from Beth Orton. A stunning masterpiece IMO. Just when the listener is completely relaxed while listening to this cd, in comes a rude awakening with the aggressive guitars and the sounds of broken glass on "Fire and Mercy". I enjoyed "The Best of Strange Cargos" a lot. I am anxiously waiting to hear more music from William Orbit as an artist.

The best mix of William Orbits earlier hits
I had previously listened to SC III and SC I...so was very delighted to hear all the great hits on this release. However...if you havent picked up "Strange Cargo:Hinterland" you must. It is quite simply William Orbits best work. Truly mezmerizing...and hypnotic. I cant get enough of his music...it seems like i keep wearing grooves in those cd's. Keep up the great work Mr. Orbit...i'm looking forward to your interactive CD and other musical journeys.

The Best Of William Orbit...
If you are going to buy a William Orbit CD - this should be the one.

It covers his talents well...very relaxing, and moving.

I would also recommend looking into Madonna's 'Ray of Light' if you like the best of William Orbit.

His style doesn't change often, which is his one draw back - so if you have this CD, in my opinion, you have just about all of them...

Think Again
My friend told me this Dj was off the hook but never told me he spun ambient trance, allthou it is not my style of music I have herd much better sets of ambient trance and would not recomend this Dj at all. I ended up selling it to a friend who thought it was good to go to sleep too.

William's the Master of the Electronic Music Soundscape
I visited a local record store about 4 years ago, and stumbled upon the works of William Orbit. I liked his music so much, that I bought a used copy of it, which was being played in the store. The sales clerk had been playing it in the store, because he was a huge William Orbit fan. If you're into elctronic, synth-pop music...then this is the album for you.

"The Best of Strange Cargos" was one of the first techno CDs I ever bought. I've listened to a lot of Depeche Mode, Erasure and New Order, before I ever heard of William Orbit. His work is "mind-blowing." It's so well-structured and complex. (I wish he got more airplay on the radio.)

I like to refer to him as "The Master of the Electronic Music Soundscape," whose musical style can be compared to the likes of Peter Gabriel: with the "ethereal, trance-like approach" to some of his music. I'm pleased with the composition of the matierial.
He's so brilliant.

I enjoyed listening to Madonna's album "Ray of Light" in which William brought to the surface, his dynamic-sequencing of "electronic-riffs" and "drum & bass." It's too bad, he didn't do very much work on Madonna's follow up album "Music." He has this special-way of captivating the listener with each song on the album.

"Water From A Vine Leaf" transports you on this magical journey through space and time, (using your imagination) with the haunting-vocals of Beth Orton, and the beautiful sound-layering techniques; it starts-out real mellow - and then all of a sudden - it blows you away with it's mystical charm.

"Dark Eyed Kid" has got some of the best bass-lines I've ever heard.

"Via Caliente" has this sort of spanish-style twang to the song; it's so relaxing.

This is like listening to Barry White with the deep, resonant-sounding voice of Divine Bashim on "Time To Get Wize."

I could go on and on about this artist's music; filling up a couple pages. You have to take a listen to all of the other songs to appreciate the skillful-mastery and song-writing efforts put into this great compilation. I give this 5 stars for a job well done. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The latest installment in the Six Degrees globe-trotting travelcompilation series--which also includesLatin Travels,Asian Travels, and therecent AfricanTravels--Arabian Travels delivers 10 essential tracks that fuse the best ofcontemporary dance music with traditional North African and Middle Easternmusic. A mix of danced- and tranced-up tracks by both native-born musicians andthose that travel via studio (mostly Europeans), this disc offers nothing buthighlights.

Global groove pioneers Bancode Gaia showcase the previously unreleased "Sakarya," a fabulously unfoldinggroove set against a wailing Islamic vocal track and other ghostly voices. TheAustrian duo dZihan &Kamien contribute the bass-heavy "Just You & I," with rock-steady beatstrumped by the shrill drone of a Middle Eastern orchestra. Arabic Breakbeats'churning "Blue Turban" blends a high-flying flute melody over funky bass, whilethe long-standing nomadic German trioDissidenten's "TelephoneArab" (remixed by Shantel) is a shifting blend of percussion, processed voices,violin, and orchestra.

Other tracks by Acid Queen, Euphoria, Fifth Sun, Karsh Kale, Dahmane elHarrachi, and Ekova all help fill in the picture of an enormously complex andrich musical and cultural part of the world. From Turkey through Morocco, withstops in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and all parts in between, the 10 artists onArabian Travels gracefully groove together, proving along the way thatmusic overcomes all barriers. --Carl Hanni ... Read more

Reviews (10)

New Wave of Arabian sounds
My latest acquisition ....actually Khamterie (Fifth Sun) gets 5 stars but the rest are pretty heavy going ..techno fusion trance. Good driving beat . Definitely from the "World Music" category. I've decided that I like it after all.
I think this is the sort of music you might use for a function
....not as candyfloss popular stuff.... but to set a certain Modern Progressive kinda mood .... more Trance-y but with a rhythmic bite.

Exactly what I was looking for...
I love all things Egyptian and so it is no wonder that I love this CD. It is the perfect blend of traditional ancient Arabic music with modern techno remixing. It is a diverse collection of Arabic instruments, voices, and sounds that thumps your soul and taps your toes. It's a perfect amalgamation of the modern electronic and the ancient traditional. Great for groove trancing, great for spiritual relaxing, and great for Egyptian bellydancing. I never tire of this CD. It takes me back to ancient Egypt and forward to an Egyptian future. Buy this CD!

Modern Mid-East beats that hit you just right...
"Arabian Travels" comp is chock full of modern Mid-East beats that hit you just right... "Blue Turban - Arabic Breakbeats" is my favorite trakk on this one... If you're a nu world music dj (especially lounge), like me, you must pick this cd up... As well if you are a nu world music fan... Amor y Paz - DJ Dakini-NYC...

Marcy R.
I pretty much like all the songs on this CD. I would enjoy it more if it had more indian influence vs. the elecrtric/thundering bass sounds...but I am definately not complaining! The songs here stand on their own and are uplifing, goovin' and hypnotic. I listen to it a lot & liked all the songs right away. Maybe some of the songs go on a bit and are repetitious in the beat somewhat, but still it's something I haven't heard before. Most traditional Indian CD's I've heard have songs that are too boring and way too long for me--by the way, if anyone knows any other indian-like-upbeat cd's like this one I'd love to know what they are.

Wow...This is a Caravan!
This one is a good one, oh yeah! Basically tracks # 2, 3, 4 and 8 are amazing. Maybe the other songs aren't as good but this ones make up for the rest.

This music makes you feel alive, motivated, and anxious to go out and play the game of life... ... Read more

Amazon.com

It's hard to imagine Aphex Twin having a more appropriately named label (Warp); fitting also that 26 Mixes for Cash should have such an honest title. Having passed off a random gabba track as a Lemonheads remix and not bothering to hear the Nine Inch Nails originals before handing over his mixes, Aphex Twin has historically proved a little wayward in his methods. Not so much remixing as recycling, Richard D James's method is not unlike flinging tracks into a garbage crusher just long enough so only the bare bones of melody and structure survive. Covering a decade's work, this stunning eclectic mix effortlessly flicks from cinematic ambience (Nine Inch Nails--"At the Heart of It All") and industrial pandemonium (Mescalinum United's "We Have Arrived") to squelching acid trance (his own previously unreleased acid edit of "Windowlicker").The disparate range of artists remixed is as remarkable as the music, with Mike Flowers Pops and Wagon Christ making unlikely bedfellows. Improbable yet inspired highlights come in the form of his haunting interpretation of David Bowie's "Heroes" symphony conducted by Philip Glass and the breathtakingly ethereal transformation of Curve's "Falling Free." --Christopher Barrett ... Read more

Reviews (40)

An instant classic 13 years in the making
Like house demigod (and fellow curmudgeon) Armand Van Helden, no examination of Aphex Twin's body of work is complete without considering his extensive remix work. This double CD compiles not all, but most of the best of that work. Obsessive Aphex completists like myself will lament the absence of this elusive jewel or that (or perhaps sigh with relief that the extravagant price they paid for it wasn't for naught), but I give this compilation a perfect 5 stars anyway because the album itself makes up such a stunning single piece.

You simply won't find a better testimonial to Richard James' musical genius, or the dizzying pace of its evolution, wrapped up in one package. It flows with inner logic and authority, taking the listener on a voyage of imagination from ambient to acid-tech to industrial to drill 'n' bass and back again. Not since Selected Ambient Works Volume II has Richard realized such a musical journey so completely, which is an even greater feat since it's a compilation of material dating back to 1990.

If you're not an Aphex fan, this album could well make one out of you. If you are an Aphex fan, meet your next desert island album.

varied, innovative and unique
This album is a catalogue of experiments in electronic sound, remixing WIDELY various artists and sonic textures to make a completely origional sound. This fine double disc (his most ambitious to date) showcases Aphex Twin's penchant for absurdity (Mescalinum United - We Have Arrived), drama (David Bowie & Philip Glass - Heroes), and sublime beauty (Seefeel - Time to Find Me, and The Gentle People - Journey). The music is at once scary, funny, numbing, exhiliritang, relaxing, irritating, beautiful, ugly, simple and utterly complex.
Interestingly, Aphex Twin has been known to pass off unrelated music as a remix, and critics have often pointed to this as a symptom of the inaccessable and intractable nature of electronic music. After all, if a 'remix' doesn't have to be made in co-operation with the origional artist, and it doesnt have to sound as much like the origional recording as a cover of a pop song would, then where can you draw the line at where one piece of music ends and another begins? And who gets credited for this music? How much do you have to change to call it a remix? How much can you change and still call it a remix?
26 Mixes for Cash is Aphex Twin's response to these questions; for no matter the source material, from pop songwriters like Jesus Jones and David Bowie, to electronic noodlers like Meat Beat Manifesto and Wagon Christ, ALL these remixes sound unmistakably like APHEX TWIN.
favorite track: (Gentle People - Journey)
*****
5/5

a little twisted
Just great. I am a fan of his music for quite a while and all of his records are special in their own way. Tracks with a little twist only RDJ can add. Sometimes a bit sinister, but thats ok for me! Most of his tracks are sertainly refreshing and energy boosting. A philosopher teacher once said: "to enjoy and appreciate the quality of sertain aspects (of whatsoever) you have to have rotten spots besides it". In case of some of the tracks ("ventolin" (medicine for asthmatic patiens) for example in which you hear a sample of a person hyperventilating), annoying bleeps, cracks and sounds are added in such way that when they fade away in a track you almost feel a releef....a contrast between serenety and rotten (no offence)

26 mixes for cash
The latest aphex twin release "26 mixes for cash" demonstrates that Richard James fans will pick up anything he releases regardless of the quality of the work.

Having already cemented his financial future, James questions the intergrity of any artist whom releases music for profit. It would appear that he believes that music, like art, should be created in hopes of the evolution the genre. James seems conflicted over his ascencion to near deity of electronic music. Being the reclusive genius that he is I feel that the title of this album is a joke that he finds very funny. Furthermore, I can't help but wonder what songs James has created and will never release to his frothing public as they may be much more dear to him than anything he recieved financial consideration for.

Aphex has not really pushed the boundaries since the Richard D. James album, and this album is no different. After finding out that NIN was going to be involved with this project my excitement quickly reached fever pitched as I immediatly purchased it. My excitement was quickly subdued as I began listening. While I was able to find a couple of tracks that I really liked, they did nothing to justify the price of a double album.

Different than his other stuff, but equally good
It took me quite a while to get used to this album, and for a long time it was my least favorite aphex twin album - but no longer. The reason I say its different than his others is that the tracks tend to be fairly long and relativley repetitive - also, some of them are just weird and/or obnoxious (Heroes, We Have Arrived). Lastly, since they are all remixes, they abound with melodies, voices, and sounds that didint come from Aphex Twin, giving the album a really unique flavor.

In my opinion, the best aphex twin album is selected ambient works 85 - 92 ... but now that i've lisened to 26 mixes for cash enough, i say its just as good or better than any of his other albums besides SAW 85-92, and it contains some of the most beautiful electronic music i've ever heard (Seefel - Time to Find Me, The Gentle People - Journey, Nav Katze - Ziggy, and The Beatnicks - Une Femme N'Est Pas un Homme all stand out to me as utterly gorgeous peices of music). ... Read more

Reviews (1)

One of the BEST TRANCE cd's
This is by far a DAMN great trance album. If you like DJ Tiesto, Sasha, Emerson, and DJ of the like, this will blow you away. The smooth transition from song to song, from beginning to end, its just amazing. Simply it lets your body and mind roll along with the music. From the 1st song to a fan favorite "Strange World" by Push, to the last song, it has you moving. Definetely a must buy!! ... Read more

Album Description

Ultra Records and trance music are an unstoppable duo andUltra Trance 01 is sure to connect with the trance masses.Featuring tracks form all the biggest names in radio andclub world included Amber, Paul Oakenfold, Underworld,Sasha and DJ Sammy. 2002. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Energetic
I picked up this album for Groove Coverage's "Moonlight Shadow" & was quite satisfied with what I received. Though the mixing is very badly done (Ultra hasn't released a single well-mixed disc anyhow), it's a small price to pay for a great energetic selection of poppy trance tunes.

Disc 1 is comprised of 12 vocal club & radio hits. First up is Resource's cover of "I Just Died In Your Arms." Ultra has a knack for breaking the ice with a few universally-known tracks. This is a great way to unite fans of the genre and casual listeners at once. Track 2, "Because The Night" is a superb song, despite the horrible transitions between it. Club favorite "Shooting Star" is, of course, tossed in the mix (and when isn't it?) along with "Tremble," a song that any clubber should know all too well. "Beautiful" could be skipped, as could "Driving," but they work well as filler tracks. Surprisingly, the mixing improves as the disc progresses. If bad mixing is a pet peeve, skip through the first six or seven tracks before it drives you batty. Most interesting number of Disc 1 goes to the Sean Tyas remix of "Broken Wings." I would have figured it to be just another club hit if i hadn't noticed the artist -- Mr. Mister -- printed next to the title.

Disc 2 opens with "Punk," a raspy-voiced tune that would probably feel more at home remixed by Felix Da Housecat & relocated to an electro comp. The songs that follow are pure, unadulterated hard trance sans vocals. I would have preferred the trance beats sandwiched between catchy, vocalized tracks, but Ultra seems to have a system of segregating the mainstream from the refined. "Tic Toc" picks up where Disc 1 left off, with the breathy vocals of Klea. Marcella Woods lends her strong diva voice on "Beautiful." Towards the end there's a remix of Sinead O'Connor's "Troy," which throws an interesting spin on the track. However, the best song of Disc 2 is, without a doubt, the dreamy "Energy 52" by Cafe Del Mar.

As for this being a compilation of pop garbage (as many trance fans have dubbed it), I cannot agree. Perhaps this selection would have fared better as a part of the Ultra Dance series. In any case, I find it to be a very uplifting set (though Disc 2 isn't as successful at getting me moving as the first disc is), well worth the money and absolutely perfect for workouts or long drives.

just pop
if you're into real trance such as paul van dyk or tiesto or any of those, dont buy this cd.. it's more like the pop music of trance.. i havent even heard the 2nd cd cuz of how pissed i was by the first but i hear its supposed to be a little better at least

I like this one
almost as much as the ultra trance 2.

Somethings never tire
Three words to sum it all up: BUY THIS ALBUM. Both of these CD's became permanent fixtures in my car stereo. Nothing else was allowed to be played, until now. Check out Ultra Trance 2.

Seeking "ultra" trance? Keep looking.
Because I was pleased with Ultra's downtempo release of Chilled 1, I gave this set a whirl, to sample their trance offering. I'm sorry I did. In all fairness, if you're looking for pop songs with identical beats behind them, you actually might enjoy Disc 1 of this set. I almost gagged. Hardly in line with Van Dyke, Digweed, Sasha, Nick Warren or Christopher Lawrence, or any of the highly recommended Tranceport/Transport series.

However, like Ultra Chilled 2, as indigestible as I found the first disc, the second holds its own. Especially noteworthy on the second disc are offerings like: DJ Triesto's "Lethal Industry," Trance Allstars' lovely "Go," Ralphie B's alternatingly thrumming and ethereal "Massive," and a haunting rendition of Sinead O'Connor's "Troy" that I was ready to hate but wound up thoroughly enjoying. Ending the disc with Sasha's delicate and dreamy "Wavy Gravy" let me forgive Ultra for spilling Klea's "Tic Toc" over from the first disc.

I love trance music's capacity to take one on a journey, whether that be a fast-paced race to a great climax, or a mellow and thoughtful winding trip through many moods. This compilation's first disc would have my hand stabbing to change the radio station if I heard any of it on the air. The second disc redeems the set but still leaves me unable to recommend it to anyone, since the price for one fairly decent CD is too steep. My advice is for Ultra to do more homework on what "trance" is and let the buyer look elsewhere. ... Read more

Album Description

Following up the hugely successful 01, Ultra Dance 02 willno doubt be the soundtrack to your summer clubbingexperience. Featuring a collection of the biggestdance-radio tracks around. Featuring Dido 'Thank You',Chemical Brothers 'Star Guitar', ATB 'You're Not Alone',Moby 'We Are All Made Of Stars' (DJ Tiesto vocal), Omnibus'Laut Sprecher' (extended mix) and many more! Slipcase.2002. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Nice Follow Up To Ultra Dance 01!
This volume two of the Ultra Dance series is more great dance music for those who enjoy mixed cd's. The mixing is good, but there are a few rough transitions between songs (track 7 to 8 as an example). The songs on disc one are a mix of house and trance focusing more on the trance side. You've got big hits such as DJ Encore's own "I See Right Thru To You" (special Pulsar remix which I've never heard until now),Moby's "We Are All Made Of Stars", "Heaven" by DJ Sammy & Yanou,etc. Disc two is also nice with the songs more trance with more house songs towards the end of the disc. Again there are some big hits here as well such as "Take Me Away" by 4 Strings, "Like A Prayer" by Mad' House, and Barthezz's "Infected". This compilation is one of the better two cd collections released here in the U.S., but it isn't quite as good as The Ministry 2-cd compilations from England. Great stuff! Highly recommended!

Awesome remixes!
I have to say it is probably the best ultra dance out there. The remixes for "I See Right Through To You" by DJ Encore, and "They Say Vision" by Res were very impressive. Sunglasses at Night wasn't quite going along with the hard dance genre...though. Perpetuous Dreamer's "Sound of Goodbye" Robbie Rivera Remix was a very great track, along with Jam & Spoon's "Be.Angled" Paul Van Dyk Club Mix. DJs@Work's "Someday..." was a more "trancy" track, but it went perfectly into the CD.

Lots of 'Average' Songs/Mixes. May Find One/Two 'Good'
This is a very average 'Dance' CD with very laid back mixes for the most part... Average is not necessarily bad and surely some will grow on you, but nothing will likely give you that 'feeling' you are looking for... maybe 1 or two songs after repeated listenings will grow to become good/very good. While tagging these 2 CD's I did not give any 5/5, a couple received 4/5, several 3/3, and many were not worth ripping at all (I use lossless APE compression and J Rivers Media Center)... I found the least amount of likeable songs on Ultradance 02 as compared to others on the Ultradance series. Ultradance 01 has a lot more classic dance songs, but also very average and not the best Johnny Viscous can do (probably because he was limited to material available for the label). None of these songs are as good as the better Louis Devito and Johnny Vicious's material, although they have their share of duds also. I reccomend this CD, but put it much further down the list than others such as the vastly superior NYC Underground Party series.

The best brings together the best
At this very time, I'm listening to this CD. It hasn't left my CD in 2 weeks and love every minute of it. It's a great CD set jam packed with the best songs from around the world. I've always been a fan of DJ Encore and he shows that he has great taste in music. Since I have the first CD in, I'll give you a song by song review (first CD only).

1) Thank You (Deep Dish Vocal Remix) - Dido
Rating: 4/5 - A good intro to the CD, not much variation in the song but still offers a good remix. There's one part that has this wierd effect and it hurts my ears.

2) They Say Vision (DJ Encore Remix) - Res
Rating: 5/5 - Not until today did I give this song a full listening to and I'm happy I did. The vocals match great with the beat making it one of the best on the CD.

3) We Are All Made of Stars (DJ Tiesto Vocal) - Moby
Rating: 3/5 - I've never been a fan of Tiesto and I can't say this song changed my opinion. I liked the song to begin with, but this version seems bland.

4) Heaven (Extended Mix) - DJ Sammy & Yanou feat. Do
Rating: 3/5 - This is a good song but it was played so often when it was popular that it seems old now.

5) I See Right Through to You (Pulser Remix) - Dj Encore
Rating: 4/5 - The beginning seems to last forever but gets into a good mix. I think it could be improved a little but still worth a listen from time to time.

6) Who Will Love Me (Radio Edit) - Riva feat. Dannii Minogue
Rating: 5/5 - Great song! Fast paced with great beat and vocals. I listen to it every time. The song seems so forceful that you can't stop listening to it!

7) Wanna Be With Me - Da Buzz
Rating: 2/5 - Granted it has a good chorus, the rest seems pop-ish. A little disappointing. I listen to it every once and a while.

8) Omnibus - Laut Sprecher feat. Katie Skate
Rating: 5/5 - My favorite overall. The chorus is amazing and the beat keeps you dancing. The voice does get annoying but is tolerable. I loved German music and this gives me more reason to do so.

9) Fire (Orange Factory Vocal) - Dolce
Rating: 2/5 - One word...."DISCO". I felt like I was in the 70's again. It's decent but nothing more.

10) The Sound of Goodbye (Robbie Rivera Vocal) - Perpetuous Dancer
Rating: 2/5 - I had heard the regular mix of this song and this version does not do it justice. I recommend the original.

11) Safe from Harm - Narcotic Thrust feat. Yvonne John Lewis
Rating: 3/5 - Decent song. Seems almost Caribbean at the beginning. It's a good song but doesn't fit my taste.

12) Sunglasses at Night (Extended) - Tiga & Zyntherius
Rating: 2/5 - Repetitive and bland. The first time I listened to it, I kept wondering when it was going to end.

Well that's it for CD #1! The first CD is alone worth the price so go for it! You'll love it!

This cd is great
The best mix of trance music i have ever heard amazing. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A solid mix of high energyand melodic trance!
Trance is evolving and FOR YOU keeps pace with the hot new sounds marking the progressive movement of today. It is, as a former reviewer said, a mixture of high energy and melodic trance, with some songs being quite eclectic (this is especially true of the 2 tracks by Mr. Gielen).

My favorite tracks are 2-4 and 9-11, with "Gravity" (by P.O.S.), "Mission 7" (by Vadik), and "Absoluum" (by Re:Locate) being the standouts.

Mr. Gielen's mixing is near perfection and he obviously has a gift for track selection as well. One can almost guarantee that all trance lovers will find this collection to be "candy for their ears." So, I will cease whetting your appetite....buy the cd and allow this sonic pleasure to gratify your senses!

Superb new trance for '05!
Go out and buy this CD right now if you are a trance fan, as it contains some of the best new tracks for 2005.Johan Gielen (one half of the big remix/DJ team Svenson & Gielen) mixes and ecclectic collection of high energy and melodic instrumental trance, with just a few vocal tracks thrown in, including the smash hit of the year thus far, Find by the Ridgewalkers featuring El.Everyone has been spinning the Andy Moor Mix, which you will find on here, but you should seek out the even better Kyau vs. Albert remix which will be on their new mix CD Positive Ways 4 released late Feb.

Johan's mixing is incredibly flawless through nearly all of the CD, as you BARELY feel that you've passed into the next track, and through a few transitions, you can't even tell.

Johan's 2 solo tracks are very good, with Flash being the standout, as it's a incredibly fast, banging track.Wait 'til you hear the track San Andreas by Miller and Fijneman (DJ Cor Fijenman that is) and get to 3:30 into it, as it literally blows up and will leave your jaw on the floor!Some great new tracks from Re: Locate, Airscape, and Solid Globe can also be found here.

One HUGE error is that track 4 IS NOT Alt+F4, but rather Surrender by Above & Beyond presents Tranquility Base, which is quite alright because I think it's a much better track!! Alt+F4 is not found on here at all!

GO out and BUY this if you want a super mix and all the latest trance!! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

DJ Tiesto does it again!
All i can say is that this is another great Magik CD.

Best parts include DJ Tiesto's own "Sparkles", Armin Van Buuren's "Communication", Loop Control's "Exceptionally Beautiful" and of course the big fat beats of Mario Picotto's "Pulsar".

I've noticed that a lot of the Magik albums have a great ending, and this one is no exception.

Another Excellent Magik Disk!
This as the second magik disk i have heard, the first being magik 6. From start to finish this cd is always emotional and uplifting (maybe with the exception "trommelmaschine"), like the magik series cds are. Let me start off by saying that tiesto was the first dj i started listening to, which was a long time ago, and to this day everything but a few exceptions he released has been pure euphoria. All the disks in the magik series are known for their near flawless mixing, seemingly perfect track selection, and something that i truly admire which is the fact that you can dance to this, OR just sit back, relax and let the sounds elevate your mind to higher level.

With that out of the way, lets get to the track specifics. This is a mix so i am not going to go over all the tracks, but just a few that i think are low or high points. The first track "Feel me" gets it started off nicely with light vocals and some cool synths. Then we move on through tracks 2-8 which are more emotional tracks rather than dance. Track nine is the classic "We Came", a unique track that tiesto somehow fits perfectly in here. Ok, then comes the only low point i can find here, "trommelmaschine". It consists of some constant drumming and an incessant baseline. It kind of helps to mix "sparkles" in, but....no. Anyways "sparkles" is a Tiesto trademark anthem that you will love to hear again and again its that good. Then comes "Communication", my favourite on magik 4 because its pure trance energy and its made by armin!! This high energy is slowed down in tracks 14 and 15, at which point tiesto comes out of nowhere to end the cd with "pulsar" probably Picotto's most noteworthy track. This is just my opinion, but this doesnt really seem like an ending track because it leaves you wanting more, but thats why there is magik 6 and 7!!

Nevertheless a near perfect Trance mix worth the money if you're into trance even the slightest bit. Tiesto strikes again!

Pretty good, but Tiesto can be soo much better !
This is one of the earlier Tiesto compilations, and although it does have a few brilliant tracks, overall it's not that great. Still, a must CD for any Tiesto fan, but for an average person who likes Trance, there are far better CDs out there(ie. Magik 6).

Cool Trance Out of this World
Tiesto at his best.
Good Very Good Trance as anyone.
Perfect for me!
Good Luck,
Hildely

Magik Tales IV: A New Adventure
"Organic" is how i'd describe this offering. My ears are very pleased with Magik IV. Very deep but not out of touch with the dance floor. Right when "your own Reality" hits home, your wisked away to that place where all is natural and "organic". That's the feeling I get when "We Came" is in full swing. After that "Trommelmaschine" is a huge glop of mud in my ice cream, but that's not a bad thing, as it paves the way for candy like "Sparkles" and the danceable "Communication" by Armin. In the end all is forgotten as "Exceptionaly Beautiful" will hypnotize the listener with soothing melody as it lays the foundation for the extended instrumental of Mox Epoque's "I feel My..." Very sharp. Like an Exacto-Knife. ... Read more

Reviews (45)

The future of music
If you are expecting a CD exactly like Dreamland, you're going to be disappointed. This CD is so much better then anything Robert Miles has done in the past, you might not realize that this is the same guy who brought us Dreamland and 23 am. Dreamland was a great dance album, but Robert Miles started to get more artistic and complex in 23 am. In this CD, he not only continues on the path he started out on with his last album, but he takes it to a completely new level. I think Robert Miles is pioneering a new type of music that will take over the industry in the future. He is ahead of his time, and you can expect to see a lot of people trying to re-create what he did with this CD.

A mastermind ahead of his time!
I think that Robert with Organik really proved and showed his talent as a producer. this CD could be the guide in music for future generations. and i don't know why people are giving Robert Miles 1 star for this CD just because it wasn't what they expected. they should just appreciate and realize what a masterpiece this production is and how much talent Robert Miles has. But of course you could only realize that if you are educated and have some real knowldge of music and electronic music.

Not what I expected
I own Robert Miles' first 2 albums and I love both of them. I don't know where this one came from. I've tried to listen to it several times but I just cannot stand the music. The only reason I haven't thrown out the cd yet is because of the money I spent for it. I'll probably throw it out though someday.

I actually thought there were 2 Robert Miles' bands out there - if you liked his first two items make sure you check out some of the songs on Organik before you buy it.

Excellent
After purchasing the CD I was indeed surprised at the difference when compared to Robert's previous albums. I did find this one more successful than some of the previous ones for several reasons. First, words and this style fo music rarely meshes well without sounding like a prophetic cartoon in some sort of NutraSweet world, the one track that does use lyrics employs them as an active piece of the compostion not an undertone. Secondly, this shows that he is experimenting and that he is making music from his need to....rather than to satisfy consumers alone. Also I find it very satisfying to work to w/out feeling like I'm at a club. As a member of the artist community I can honestly enjoy and respect an artist who will leap into a new stlye and he has obviously done so.

His best album yet.

No the old Robert Miles..
Being a fan of Robert Miles for almost 10 years now, I have to say that I was a bit disappointed by this CD. The music is not like anything Miles did on his last 2 CD's. After a while, the music does grow on you (but I retired the CD a lot sooner than I did with 23am & Dreamland). No particular songs stand out. Let's just say that it's interesting music. ... Read more

Amazon.com

With the esteemed Nick Warren (a.k.a. Way Out West) on hand, we should know what to expect on Reykjavik, his fifth entry in the Global Underground series. However, Warren's ear has picked up new sounds, and GU 024 may surprise those seeking the usual thump. The consistency provided by John Digweed, Paul Oakenfold, and Danny Tenaglia has made Global Underground a brand in itself, one associated with the highest end of progressive trance and house. But Reykjavik often hovers around the beat, more interested in ambient crackles and Boards of Canada-like wanderings than the usual rhythmic grandeur. For much of the two-CD set, especially on disc 1, Warren spins light, sparse wax that rambles through electro and Orb-ish atmospherics and refrains from predictable peaks and valleys. Later, after the dance floor ignites on disc 2 with bouncy tracks like Aquaculture's "Don't Play the Game," it's clear that disc 1 was just the dreamy eye of a hurricane. Still, when DJs like Warren and Sasha (with his endlessly interesting Airdrawndagger) are looking forward and being creative, those who still have hope for the oft-derided trance genre should be encouraged. --Matthew Cooke ... Read more

Reviews (35)

Exquisite...
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This latest GU compilation from Nick Warren is absolutely superb. Featuring flawless mixing and an excellent track list, it nears perfection. It is an album with actual thought poured into it, featuring a well-defined beginning, middle and end.

Disc one has an exquisitely beautiful beginning. It is austere, dark and frigid -- yet with a faint and distant warmth to it. Just as one becomes enshrouded with the mellow tunes of "Dub in Time", "Firewire" (misnomer), "Compass Error", "Nobody's Home" and "Happy Cycling", Warren breaks the ice with "Tightrope Artist Tale", followed by a line of funky and enjoyable choons.

Disc two begins just as beautifully as disc one. "Awakening" is a thumping, lively tune, followed by "Aural Navigation pt2", a track that's over 12 minutes long (!!). Just as one's mind and imagination drift away towards the end of this track, Warren literally jerks you back with Vector's "Rise". Simply great. It is from here on that the energy picks up. "Rise", "Dont Play the Game" and "Headpusher" are high-energy, dance-inducing tracks. "Karma" has some cheese female vocals, but the catchy drumline and synths more than make up for it. Starkid's "Crayons" and "Strawberry Fields" slowly build down to "Last Minute Flight". A great close for a wonderful and refreshing album.

Looking back at Warren's previous GU compilations, one can notice how his style evolved. From the raw, heavy trance, to the more mature and refined house/progressive. The turning point seems to be the GU Amsterdam album, which sharply contrasts from the Prague, Budapest and Brasil CD's. One can assume that it was a prelude for this, his greatest (and presumably his last) Global Underground compilation.
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Warren creates great atmosphere
Disc one is a little on the chill side but picks up a little toward the end. The selection of breaks are terrific. Subtle, but everchanging. This is the kind of cd that makes you lose track of time. By the time you understand what Warren is doing behind the decks the set is over. Leaving you craving for more.

Disc two is the epitome of "pure" trance. The tracks are like ambient beats laced with mellow vocals combined with a "punchy" 4 on the floor sound. This formula creates a moody, dreamy, and refreshing vibe. He really captured the "eerily beautiful" aura of Reykjavik without it feeling dreary and boring. You really lose yourself on this disc.

The mixing on both cds is excellent. I prefer the mixing on disc 2 better though because the transitions are a little more fluid and not as sudden as they are on disc one.

I would recommend Reykjavik GU024 to any fan of atmospheric dance music. However, I wouldn't recommend this compiltaion for a house party, it's not that type of mix.

Another good one from Warren
Warren's GUs have yet to let me down. Brazil had some great variety, tons of energy and memorable tracks, and Amsterdam, though pretty shabby as far as mixing (fade-ins, anyone?), had wonderful track selection. Reykjavik doesn't disappoint in either mixing or set programming, and it has quite a few standout tracks, including 'Nobody's Home,' 'Yewminyst,' 'Rise,' and 'Karma.' I subtract a star for the way both discs sort of peter off instead of ending strongly, but all in all this is a great final GU for Warren. Now I hope that the upcoming Way Out West LP will equal or even surpass the beautiful Intensify.

Nick Warren, Taliesin of Bristol
Bards were travelling musicians who through their authentic experiences with the mysteries of other cultures and far off lands created epic ballads of sensationalist history and people. For centruies bards have died out replaced by whiney, obselete, or drunk singers in taverns; at best folk artists that are over looked for their inability to channel the current of emerging music.

Metaphorically, and I suspect literally, Global Underground has flown, driven, floated, and walked quite a ways across this world. A long way. Since Paul Oakenfold has sold out and started his own label, titled, 'perfecto,' Global Underground's syndicate of contracted Dj's has realized it was time to step up to the booth and fill a monster's shoes. At least, that is how the electronic pop public sees it. The truth is, apostles of electronica in its most raw, primal form: Nick Warren and Danny Tenaglia Babysat Oakenfold shaking their heads as he sipped his college can of Keystone to FM anthems such as "James Brown is Dead."

The western music world has always been fascinated with the beats, rhythemic melodies, and chord progressions of middle-eastern, indian, and far-eastern authentic musicians. Genres such as World Beat, New Age, light jazz, and Dance are suspects in a line up that attempts in vain to recreate the ethnicity of these cultures. Electronica has been no exception to this group of alleged culprits of aesthetic crimes. Until Global Underground.

In all honesty GU isnt immune from minimal cultural clichee or monotony in its artists selection of Vinyls spun in all four quadrants and both hemispheres of the globe; these are recorded live sets mixed in the throbbing pulsing depths of clubs half buried in the soil of forign concrete jungles. In light of the growing need for artists to seperate from the bulk and fuse singularily to a set of technics or eachother, One could write volumes on what Global Underground is not. I choose rather to write on what it is, specifically this "Adam and God' section of the Cistine Chapel.

This Cd is a cacophony of assorted beats that span semblances of drum and base, jungle, break beat, progressive house, and trance. Warren opts to open, and subsequently foreshadow his set in Iceland with an ecletic combo of synthetic water noises and an elusive fading and echoing female vocalist. A slow breakbeat harbinges the creamy epoch of the Set.
Ambient, Atmospheric, and subtle electronic sounds are the threads of this magnificent tapestry. Sequences and themes heard in the beginning of this set can be heard congruently through the entire aural myth that Warren spins.
Ulrich Schnauss glides into the mix via song 4 on CD 01. His arrival is much like a bullet train through cascading fog, suiting for his latest Album "far away trains passing by." Ulrich opitimizes the german electronic chill scene providing tonal supplications of longing and bardic mystery.

Later in the CD a ranting englishman can be heard, heralding the apocaplyse. His voice as his urgent speech continues rises with passion and fervor, the melodic swell in the background responding like a porche on the autobahn. No idiotic snare swell here, no multiplying of an 4th (speaking in quater second beats) into an 8th, into a 16th, etc . . .etc. . . No Tiesto-esque or Acosta beat to death B flat 6 prdictable transition in the bass, no roland synth. No no. For you quality music lovers who have been waiting for a druid, a bard, anyone to bring electronica to its current potential. Here he is.

Nick Warren has bards blood coursing through his veins and the heart of a DJ to rhythemically pump and circut the crimson essence the Jews say life is in -- through his soul.

Like many music enthusiasts I have lost count of the electronic CD's in my possesion. This boxed set is it. Being careful not to eclipse Debussy or Gustave Holst as artists- Nick Warren is perhaps my choice musical artist ever and invariably the premier DJ of this coming decade.
Aural Prophet, Bard, or just a great mother friggin dj, however you will view Nick Warren is contingent on your purchase of this cd.

Buy it, burn it, whatever. This cd is transcendant

Outstanding!!
In the Era when everything looks alike, including new plastic electronic music this album is: original, powerful, thoughtfully aranged and simply magnificent. If you like brainless melodic beats with whining pink Blondie in the back - this isn't for you! If you liked the old Sasha that's more like it! This is one of my best albums so far, I'm truly impressed by your new avenues Mr. Warren keep it up! ... Read more

Album Details

Mixed Live in Brazil. ... Read more

Reviews (33)

An aural soundscape for the ages....
The first disc of this set I found to be a bit repetitive and boring.

The second disc, however - I don't think I've ever heard a CD as good as this one. Warren takes us on a journey from the first beat of the first track right up until the end, and along the way we hear everything from eastern sounding instruments on Madagascar's "Your Beautiful" to exotic chanting on Voices of Khawan's "Ya Yea Yo Yo Ma" to hard sounding synths in Forth's "Reality Detached" and gorgeous vocals in Tekara's "Breath In You". This disc has it all, the perfect build up and peaks that can make listening to this disc while driving a near hazardous experience :)

Bottom line here is that your paying for a 2CD set even though there's only one disc here that's really worth bothering with - but its sooooo unbelievably good that it makes the price very well worth it. The only thing I've heard that even comes close is Sasha's Global Underground Ibiza album.

Somewhat of a disparity in the CDs but....
CD2 is Outstanding. CD1 is mediocre at best. This said, I really appreciate Nick Warren's style. Ive been on the Oakenfold bandwagon for a while and I decided to try out Warren and I immediately noticed some differences. His mixing is somewhat more aggresive than Oakie and somewhat quicker. You dont hear the beginning of the next song like 2 minutes from the end of the prior song. I have no idea why Cafe Del Mar (or why its ALSO ON live in pargue) is on this album but the rest of the songs on CD2 are great: exciting music but not overdone. This is certainly one of my favorites in the Global Underground Set: Warren is an accessible DJ, he stays away from the really dark trance that has made, in my opinion, Sasha and Digweed somewhat unpalatable anymore. 5 stars for CD2 (Random Comment: Your Beautiful is a really fun fun song) 3for CD1. A decent album. Get it!

A Classic Trancer With Balls...
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This album is dripping with high energy, funk, bass and near flawless mixing. It is by no means for the faint of heart, and not for those who are looking for clubby, cheese-filled tracks. This is pure, unadulterated house trance devoid of anthems and cheese vocals.

CD1 immediately grabs you by the throat and doesn't let go. Each track is packed with energy and has a degree of raw grit to it. Those worth noting are "Marching Powder", "Lose It" (my favourite), "India", "Tequila Flange", and "New Sunset".

CD2 lets the listener breathe a little easier, as it isn't as intense as disc one. "Psychout (Thing)" rocks. "Your Beautiful" and "Kill City" are relatively mellow. "Reality Detached" is a favourite with its quick, heavy drum beats and gritty synths. "Ya Yae Ya Yo Yo Yo", is, as one can draw from its title, weird. O.K., who pulled Café del Mar off the shelf?! Tekara's "Breathe In You" makes up for it, though. Pink Bomb's "Indica" and POB's "Boiler" are two remaining tracks worth noting on this disc.

This Global Underground compilation is a great starter for those who want to become acquainted with Nick Warren. Sure, it's over four years old, but it still manages to sound as fresh and as different from everything else that's out there these days. Classic trance at its best.
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Energy, Style, Quality.
Global Underground has been a label known for its quality releases, and GU008 is one of the releases that helped build that reputation.

Nick Warren spins house, trance and some early progressive house tracks into a wonderful mix. CD1 starts out with a harder edge, and picks up the melodies around track 6 and never lets you down again. CD2 starts off beautifully and never stops, with the most energy featured on a GU release (IMO). There are a few tiny flaws in the mixing between a few songs, but its nothing noticeable if you're completely lost in the mix as I typically am when I have this set going.

To sum up this mix in a few words: This is a timeless mix. It still sounds good today, several years after its release. Great tracks, no cheese, no filler; Its Nick Warren. What else would you expect?

Quit my job because of Nick Warren
I was working in the visual effects industry and paid well blah blah .... Somewhere in between purchasing the Budapest & Amsterdam GU CD's (which I had to compulsively buy after hearing new Way Out West CD), I decided to leave the industry and pursue making music. Nick Warrens music fills me with inspiration and desire to want to surpass his standard which will take more than a hefty amound of work i'll tell you that no matter who you are as a muso. I purschased this CD with expectations of the standards I usually expect from Mr Warren. CD1, I havent gotten into that yet, but Im sure I will. However, CD2 is going to keep me up for the next week.

Do yourself a favor and buy this CD. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Ok, But It's Been Done Better Elsewhere.
Johnny VIcious is capable of far better than this CD suggests. Too bad, because this is probably going to be the first time many people have heard "Johnny Vicious" material, and we all know how long first impressions last. After caareful evaluation and thought, this 2CD set seems designed to appeal to older women who attend aerobics classes, and maybe to older gay men who remember the 1970's/1980's as a great time. But it sounds like a major case of underachievement compared to what else is available.

Disk #2 is great techno with a trance-feel. But Disk #1 is a couple of nice contemporary dance hits with a bunch of really queeny disco filler thrown in. If this had been a one-disc [DISK #2] set, it would easily have rated 4 stars.

Fans of Disk #2 material will find far more rewarding song and mix selections on ALTERED STATES VOL 2 (mixed by Jon Cowan & Mike Hiratzka) or POLITICS OF DANCING (mixed by Paul Van Dyk).

Fans of Disk #1 material are a different crowd, and perhaps for them this IS a great selection. But it seems to be such a throwback to the 1970's or early 1980's.

Worth getting
In my opinion, this cd offers a pretty good mix. I like how Johnny Vicious seperated the cds into Main Floor and Underground. While I get the feeling that not too many people like the Underground cd b/c it doesn't really have many words, it's still a pretty decent cd..it's more like something to unwind to after dancing up a storm. Main floor offers more of the popular songs you hear playing in the clubs, although Jerz-E clubs take a while to play songs like these (i.e. Forever by Dee-Dee). :( Many of these songs are repeated on other popular dance cds (like Louie DeVito's DanceFactory), but still its a good choice for a dance cd.

Awesome Compilation!!!!!!!!!
This compilation is incredible i bought it almost 2 years ago and i still listen to it. cd 1 is great untill about half way through it but cd 2 is so amazing that it makes up for the 2nd half of disc 1. If you love hard trance than buy this cd.

SAVE YOUR MONEY!
There's maybe one decent track on this cd. Its so not worth it. I wouldn't call it dance music either. Its more like top 40s remixed whatever. uht!

Perfect Fo Clubbin'!!!
This CD is so awesome! Songs like Amber's "Yes", Aubrey's "Stand Still", Iio's "Rapture", To be Able To Love, Resurrection, Forever, and Light A Rainbow: ROCK MY WORLD! This is one of the best techno CD's of the century. The songs I don't really like are Trippin, and La La Land. They are a discrace to music maker's everywhere! Anyway, all together, this is an awesome CD. If you like it, you have to check out DJ Encore and Engelina's award winning album "Intuition." Now that is quality listening! ... Read more