Reviews (15)

Electronic at it's finest
First let me say this - The artists and tracks that Urb magazine has pulled together on this compilation are definitely good music. But I would not call this a definitive guide to electronic music. There are definitely other bands that put out good electronic music at the time. But I guess you can only fit so much good music on an 80 minute CD (76:43 to be exact). That being said, let me give a short run down of the awesome tracks on this CD:
1. The Prodigy - Poison: gets better with age - Prodigy is definitely an essential - powerful lead in track for this CD
2. DJ Icey - Big Ditch: Icey is nice and dicey on this track
3. The Chemical Brothers - Block Rockin Beats: might have been played one too many times but it rocks every time you here it
4. Future Sound of London - We Have Explosive: the original is a good track and this remix is even better
5. Rabbit in the Moon - O.B.E.: This is how down tempo is done
6. Wink - Higher State of Consciousness: I would call it the anthem of acid funk - my favorite track
7. Keoki - Caterpillar: the driving beat and guitar sounds make it worth listening to twice
8. Underworld - Born Slippery: a sticky tune with a beat that makes you move to the music
9. CJ Bolland - Sugar is Sweeter: a very surprising track with some nice lyrics
10. Orbital - The Saint: shows the best side of Orbital with airy flute sounds and a nice bass line
11. The Orb - Toxygene: the comeback of the orb - a good ambient dub
12. Goldie - Inner City Life: good ambience - nice vocals
13. Reprazent - Share The Fall: the airy flute at the beginning leads to a good beat
14. Portishead - Sour Times: another good ambient dub
15. Everything But The Girl - Before Today: the best vocals on the CD with a hint of drum and bass
16. Crystal Method - Busy Child: one of the most played by the crystal method, but makes for a good driving last track

Hope this helps in making your choice to add this CD to your electronic collection. Now that I own Urbal Beats Vol. 1, 2, & 3, I can say that Vol. 1 is probably the best.

It opens the door to more!
The CD was great, not only do I listen to it but it opened up the door for me. I went out a bought the CD's of the Artist that where on it. I am new to this music but it is great! I love it! Prodigy, Chemical Brothers, Rabbit in the Moon, The Orb, Goldie, Ronie Size, and Crystal Method are real good CD's to look into if you like this too.

Electronica 101?
Obviously these 16 songs aren't all you need to know about electronica. I could think of another 16 right off the top of my head. BUT, this all good, and one of the better collections to come out of 1997. You got your big names like "Chemical Brothers", "Prodigy", and "Crystal Method", along side some more unknowns which is nice. Three of my favorites are the tracks by "DJ Keoki", "Underworld", and "CJ Bolland". All are excellent. I could have dropped a few of these myself, but I'll let you decide which ones. Though no compilation is gonna be perfect, I would say this is almost there. By not having it, you might find yourself in "Sour Times".

Tecno Heaven
This CD is a mixture of songs from various artists. If you just started listening to techno, you'll really be hooked after hearing this one. Out of the three urbal beat CD's, This one is the best. Because of all the different artists. Highly reccomended. ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Excellent Introduction To Techno/Ambient
This CD contains some of my favorite tracks of the genre, including 'Block Rockin Beats', 'Rabbit In The Moon', 'Sour Times' and 'Busy Child'. Probably the best overall mix that I have encountered. A very few of the tracks are a bit grating/overly repetitive, so it doesn't quite deserve five stars (maybe 4 1/2). If you like the samples, you will like the rest of the disc! ... Read more

Album Description

In this sequel to one of Six Degrees' best selling compilations, the label once again documents the extraordinary power and far-reaching influence of music from the Near and Middle East, and North Africa.Arabian Travels 2 explores the mesmerizing sounds of Arabic music and its influence on electronic, ambient, dance and dub music.

Critical praise for the first volume of Arabian Travels:

"While albums of a similar nature fall into a clichéd Eastern trip, Arabian Travels is genuine in its approach without over-producing songs to an unrecognizable level. Gorgeous and decadent."-Ottawa X-Press

"[This album] is a collection of studio-made dance tracks that mesh Middle Eastern elements with a synthetic dance-floor pulse... The hybrids find a middle ground where neither side is stifled - the kind of collaboration that could now be threatened by a new xenophobia."-New York Times ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Arabian Travels
The regions represented on this latest installment of the Six Degrees Travel Series - France, Canada, Germany, Japan, Ireland, Turkey, Egypt - read like a cross-section of the world map. But isn't this Arabian Travels 2? If there is one thing you cannot say about a Six Degrees release is that it is geographically constrained. For someone whose ears have not been exposed to Arabic/Middle Eastern music beyond that of Chebs Khaled and Mami, this was a great (albeit, electronic) primer to the diverse melodies that modern 'Arabian' music exponents can create. Its a shame I missed the first volume. A blunder I will soon make up for.

The first two tracks are pretty mellow and exotic excursions into dub and ambient territory. Montreal DJ Arkin Allen who records under the name Mercan Dede mixes Sufi mysticism with strings and electronic flourishes on "Nar I Ney." Next up is "Tender" which just bubbles with deep bass grooves and Middle Eastern strings to give us seven minutes of pure laidback chillout bliss, all courtesy of Stefan Müller (DJ Eastenders) who brought us the equally excellent Orientation 1 & 2. According to the label website, Makyo's "Shalale" was written with belly dancers in mind and once the percussion starts getting desperate at 5:09, all you wanna do is follow along to the handclaps that close out the gorgeous tune. Things do get a little more uptempo from the next track onwards which features the masterful percussion of Reda Darwish. Ever since Advent reviewed his album, I've been feenin' for a listen of Christophe Goze and I sure-as-hell was not disappointed. dZihan & Kamien now have major competition, at least in my book. Middle Eastern electronica at its finest.

The party doesn't stop on this one. One listen to this set of tunes and you'll be convinced that the Arabian Massive is giving its Asian counterpart a run for its money. Play this way loud at your next global jet set gathering and don't forget to take a toke...of the sheesha, that is. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This sprawling trance-techno collection could be dubbed "Ultimate House Party for Dummies," as these two hit-packed discs create a rave atmosphere that would make a metalhead seem impossibly hip among the kids. Recent outings by vegan pitchman Moby, Amber, DJ Tiesto, and bedsit pop enthusiast Daniel Bedingfield, to name but four, are radically reworked into pulsing set pieces. Mary J. Blige and Kosheen are also tweaked, but it's the seamlessness of the mixes--thanks to Spain's tech-mad DJ Sammy, a star in Europe--that makes Annual 2003 America a mainstream dance floor gem. --Kim Hughes ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Deja Vu.
DJ Sammy's "The Annual 2003 America" gave me the strangest sense of deja vu, and that's not a good thing. It seems that Ministry of Sound is falling into a rut and is faithfully following a tired formula: take a handful of the year's most overplayed dance hits, condense them to 3 minutes or less, add a few filler tracks, and toss in 2 or 3 really good songs, and--voila!--it's a "new" compilation. "The Annual 2003 America" sounds cheap and recycled, re-compiling tracks that already appeared on other MoS comps such as "The Annual 2002," "The Clubber's Guide to 2002," and "The Clubber's Guide to Ibiza 2002." Iio's "Rapture," Hex Hector's remix of Amber's "Yes," DB Boulevard's "Point of View," and Ian Van Dahl's "Will I" have surfaced on so many other compilations that they add nothing new or exciting on this disc. And while "The Annual America 2002" is danceable and energetic, it isn't particularly soulful or gritty, except for the house remix of Mary J. Blige's "Family Affair." If this is your first Ministry of Sound compilation, and you want to buy a disc of dance hits that have a "six-months-ago" stamp, then get this. Otherwise, pass on this one.

Ministry Of Sound- Annual 2003 America (feat. DJ Sammy)
First of all, STOP WHINING ABOUT THE PLAYLIST. I'm talking about the other people's opinions; apparently when they buy an already 6 month old CD, they want magically delicious 1 week old songs.
Ok, so the songs are what; 6-12 months old? At least DJ Sammy did an above mediocre job mixing them. If you want to see a truly bad MOS compilation, take a look at Trance Nation 2003.

Now, the music; it has been mixed well by none other than the smashing hit DJ Sammy himself, but none of the songs are his. Oh well, most of these songs are worldwide hits so a newcomer to dance won't likely get bored by this.

The trance audiophile, however, wouldn't buy this in the first place. But if he/she did, she would be dissapointed bcz
1. Old songs
2. Whine whine, they're too mainstream, whine whine.

Big deal, they're mainstream; honestly what do YOU expect from Ministry of Sound? For the beginner of dance music, this CD is perfect, bcz it shows them the mainstream before getting into the alternative and freaky Goa Trance models.

It's a good compilation and remember,
The Annuals sum up LAST year, not last week.

An overall pretty good job
Just 3 points:
-DJ sammy chose the (right titles) even if they were a little old but i guess that's what you do when you do the biggest dance hits of the year.
-He put them in the (right places)too.
-He used some (wrong mixes)ie. rapture, gotta get thru this, family affair, murder on the dance floor mixes could have been better

An overall pretty good job
all i have to say is these points:
-DJ sammy chose the (right titles) even if they were a little old but i guess that's what you do when you do the biggest dance hits of the year.
-He put them in the (right places)too.
-He used some (wrong mixes)ie. rapture, gotta get thru this, family affair, murder on the dance floor mixes could have been better

Ugh...
It is such a shame that this CD is composed of poor songs. A few, such as Will I seem to have an uplifting beat, but generally, this CD is not all that good. As a tip, i would advise you download the songs on [local website] and see if thay are even worth your money to buy. Why pay for a CD with like 25 songs, when only 3 or so are even worth your time!? ... Read more

Album Details

Here's the Famed Album from USA'S Premier Trance Producer...and Album Not to Be Missed! ... Read more

Reviews (7)

One of BT's best, Import version is superior...
I own both the Import and US versions of MISL, and I must say that this version (Import, yellow cover) is by far the superior of the two. I have written a review of the US version hoping to point people to get this version instead :) You can see what I think about it there. But overall, this is probably BT's best album so far. Emotional Technology is real good and I love it, but I have a weak spot for his trancey beats, which is used in full effect on this album. It's a great mix of breakbeat, full-on trance, dream house, and chillout tracks, and BT in his classic fashion sequences and mixes the track seamlessly, beautifully even. The version of Godspeed in this album is the best I've heard so far.

I heard that there is a 2-CD version of this album which includes bonus tracks and remixes, would love to get my hands of them if I can find it.

I just want to close off by saying that many people (including so-called 'dance music experts') call BT a DJ. While it's easy to think that way given BT's choice of music, BT as far as I know is the God of all electronic music producers, but he is NOT a DJ. Maybe by the time you read this he is learning to spin the wheelz of steel, but for now, I hope people give him the respect he deserves as a top-rate producer and not label him as a DJ simply because of the type of music he makes :) (No disrecpect to DJs cos I'm an aspiring DJ myself :P)

Enjoy!

"Movement" stole my life.
This cover is yellow. I have a full orange cover on mine and i think there are a few different traxx -- it also says Version 1.01.

However i honestly reccomend this general album to ANYONE!!! BT begins to take you on a journey first from a phone call:"Uh i got your number right, dude told me you do some traxx right - i wanna be like you and make some beats" to stutters, samples, hi and lo BPMs, high-spirited vocals, booming bass and beats to bring you down from elation with the slow-dance "satellite". Here is the gold bit - the end of satellite begins his latest album "Emotional Technology". ;0)

I've been loving this album since stumbling upon it. this is an album worth having. :o)

Transcendent version
As this is written there are 117 Amazon listener reviews of the American release of "Movement In Still Life". For this European release there are 5. There are a number of reasons for this, including the fact that this is clearly the superior of the two by a wide measure, if quality is measured by the ability of the music to transcend it's various clear genres to communicate an intense, personal, deeply reflective, and intelligent set of ideas and emotions about life. Despite having many of the same songs, the American mix fails to accomplish this in any way. Naturally the European release is the less popular of the two. And isn't it sad that the public and the recording industry have this intimate symbiosis towards the insubstantial? Even the cover of the European release is transcendent with its elegant imagery, while the American cover is banal and superficial.

Again, this is a recording that transcends the limited aims of its various dance sub genres. In doing so it becomes a unified, cohesive statement, not the least because, unlike the American version, it contains a continuous mix of songs that flow as an organic, carefully modulated whole. The value of this accomplishment shouldn't be underestimated, because the listener is immersed and absorbed in this encompassing environment for the entire length of the recording, rather than bounced discontinuously from song to consecutive song. This is an immaculately engineered and produced recording. Often this can be a surface veneer that simply confines the product, but again this version rises to transcendence. There's an intense personal commitment that surges with compelling energy behind every second of this music. This is obviously not the rule, or the expectation, for most dance music, which has different, more limited goals for the emotional involvement of its listeners. There's no judgment here, just the observation that BT has risen high above that level of engagement to craft a unified statement that says something more for those who are fashioned to hear. The craft in these songs is unending, and the control of means, from the beats, to the instrumentation, to the orchestrations and arrangements, rides a perfect edge between control and expression. There's an emotional journey here, and the ride ebbs and flows with passion and conviction and endless satisfaction. Thus is this version a very high water mark of this genre, and a lofty recording by any measure.

Superior Version of MISL
This is the UK/European version of BT's Movement in Still Life. I have been a huge fan of BT since 98, and randomly stumbled upon this cd in a record store's import section... i was very happily surprised, considering the fact that i didn't even know one of my favorite artists had a new cd coming out.

In typical BT fashion, he explored new territory on this cd. During the first listen i was really surprised by some of the songs... the first 4 tracks didn't feel like BT at all. The progressive house of IMA and the new age posturing of ESCM seemed to have been thrown out the window, only to be replaced by harder-hitting beats in a techno-hip-hip hybrid. But as soon as track #5 came around, Mercury and Solace (easily one of my all-time fave BT tracks now), i knew BT had retained some of those early roots. The rest of the album will not disappoint fans of BT's first two albums at all. 'Dreaming' is amazing, and 'Running Down the Way Up' is also one of his best songs, in my opinion.

Overall, i would say this CD is right up there with his earlier works. The opening of the cd is refreshing, funky, and you can dance your ass off to it. The latter half is gorgeous, familiar, but also new and exciting. It is obvious that BT's producing skills are getting sharper and sharper with this album.

A few months later, i saw that the US version had been released... i was surprised to see that the tracklisting had been completely changed, with 4 songs completely replaced by 4 new ones. After hearing this version (one of my friends got it) i didn't even buy it. The new songs (smartbomb, shame, etc.) were alright, but not worth buying a whole new cd for. The cd had a totally new feel to it. Its a lot more mainstream / radio friendly. The songs are broken up, and no longer flow into one another, like on this version. Not that this is a bad thing, I'm very happy BT is breaking into the mainstream hear in the US, and this is definitely the way to do it. 'Never Gonna Come Back Down' is an great song, and a great single for the US (its still gettin played regularly in LA), but if you're gonna by this cd, i recommend you download that song and buy this version of the cd... it's better.

Great music but two CDs with same name?
I bought "Movement in Still Life" about a year ago. It has BT on the cover. Then I discover this CD with the same name but different covers. I then checked the song list and noticed they have MOSTLY the same songs but they're not identical CDs. What gives?...

I also notice the label for the one I bought is BT's usual Nettwerk but this is some label called Zyx? Is this release an excuse to get more money? Did BT even give his "blessing" for this release?

All that aside, the songs that are on this CD that are ALSO on the one I bought are FANTASTIC. The range of BT's repertoire is amazing. Buy all of his CDs!!! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Beautiful music
This album was my introduction to the whole Chill music phenomenon. Since then, I have listened to quite a few Chill albums, ranging from jazz to world beat to the sounds found here, downtempo electronica. I have become quite enthusiastic about Chill...not a style of music so much as a mood that can be exemplified in a number of genres of music. The mood is relaxing, but with a gentle beat. Unlike New Age or ambient smooth relaxing music, most Chill is something you could dance to late at night when you're mellowed out, or early in the evening when you're just kind of warming up; or, you can just sit back in your recliner and drift off to music pleasureland.

Some albums pull off the Chill mood better than others. This is one of my favorites. I especially like tracks #5 through #9...this set of 5 songs is 5-star material and exquisite sequencing--sheer perfection in beautiful electronic sounds and a gentle beat that rocks you like a sensual lullaby.

While #5-#9 are the pinnacle of the album for me, tracks #4-#10 all fit together superbly. I don't like Moby's "In This World"--it just doesn't seem to fit on this album, so that's why I say the good sequence starts at #4. The first song seems to be a bit different too. While most of the album is more like evening music, Delerium's "Love" seems like sunny music to me. It's still smooth and beautiful, but the acoustic guitars and female vocals sound more like summer sun music to me, rather than the other songs' "evening" sounds.

I have three versions of "Tears From The Moon" by Conjure One. While this is my least favorite in itself, the mix on this album fits the album to a tee. After this song, the beautiful, smooth, rich electronics give way to a song with lowkey rapping, so the mood is lost. The lyrics in "North Pole" are offensive and thus do not contribute to the beauty found on the rest of the album. Fischerspooner's and New Order's songs sound like something straight out of 1982 (Depeche Mode or Yazoo of that era, for example); I like that kind of music and these songs have a gentle slow beat, but still, the 1982 sound doesn't mix well with the 2003 sounds. These are the reasons I say songs #4 to #10 are the prime sequence of this album and the other songs, well, just don't fit so well.

I picked up this album because of the artists I knew, Moby and New Order. Ironically, I dislike the song by Moby and think the New Order song doesn't fit. But I have been introduced to a new mode of music, Chill, which I am now quite crazy about, and among Chill albums I've heard, the middle of this album, particularly tracks 5 through 9, is quintessential Chill. So beautiful...

Not quite the ultimate chill out but still good
I guess after hearing the fifth volume in the Buddha Bar series, my expectations of chill out compilations have been raised. I have been spoiled by the diversity of the well-knowned chill out series. So when I bought Nettwerk's "Chillout 2003: The Ultimate Chillout", I thought it could have been better and less predictable. As much as I love Moby and his song "In This World" and Sasha's "Wavy Gravy", I thought those two songs could have easily been left off this cd. On the other hand hearing a new song from "Delerium ("Love") and a remix of my favorite Conjure One song "Tears From the Moon" made it well worth buying the cd, which I found a used copy in the used bins at my favorite record store. The Delerium song "Love" was nothing I have ever heard before from my favorite ambient act. Faithless' Zoe Johnston lends her stunning vocals to the beautiful song. I also loved Kirsty Hawkshaw's "Fine Day [Frakker Mix]". I remember hearing samples of that song on an old Orbital song. Of course what is a Nettwerk compilation without a Sarah McLachlan track? To be honest, I actually enjoyed the William Orbit mix of "Black". I am nowhere tired of that song as I am with Delerium's "Silence". I wasn't too wild about the Telepopmusik or Fischerspooner tracks. Both groups I find vastly overrated. I loved Ihb's "Olivia Newton Christ" and FC Kahuna's "North Pole Transmission". Hooligan's "Hear Me Now" and New Order's "Your Silent Face". With all its imperfections, "Chillout 2003" is quite good but it isn't the ultimate chill out as the title say. I leave that title to my favorite chill out compilation "Buddha Bar V".

Best Chillout CD of 2003
As the title states - this is the Ultimate Chillout CD. I love the way it starts out with Delerium - they are one of the best Chillout groups ever. Can't wait for a new CD by them. Chillout 2003 also does a nice job of mixing it up. The Conjure One track is perfect and even the older stuff like New Order fit in well.

has its moments...
nettwerk does a decent job here. its seems they did with their previous CHILLOUT 2002 too. if i hadn't already owned most of the full lengths by the artists featured; i'm sure i'd picked that one up also.
back to 2003.
1)Delerium. the title is how you'll feel of the song. good intro song...that continues w/ 2)LHB...has that Air-"kelly watch the stars", Zero 7-"salt water sound", Vertigo Deluxe-"everything is", Solar Twins-astral hymn" vibe goin on...you get the picture...if you like that kraftwerk like sound...
3)Moby-you get your soulful/gospel church singer/sample w/ a good backbeat...
3 for 3...
4)Telepop will be another good one for newbies but i've since grown tired of their genetic world cd so i skip...
sidenote: The "genetic world" cd is a good mixture of genres for those who may be interested. Litte bit of trip hop/hip hop, pop/rock, light rap/dance...
5)Kirsty w/her OPUS III "fine day" track. i never really cared much for this song to begin w/ so...i skip but....for those who do like it....its mixed pretty good.
6)Sasha-instrumental track. skip
7)Hooligan-"hear me now" ...light drum intro/outro with the female vocoder sound in between...this is a nice track;)
8)Sarah McLachlan-mr orbits mix is a little too slow for me here. skip.
9)SOUNDS FROM THE GROUND-"LEAN ON ME". beautiful...beautiful...
10)Conjure One-this mix is a little too slow too...skip
11)1 Giant Leap-"my culture". i'm not a big rap fan but...the rappin is very smooth here. its not in yer face nor too cheezy...just right. you'll enjoy this one;) almost tone-locish but not as deep...
skip the last 3...they have hints of 80s/synthpop sounds...you know what your getting w/ New Order...
for the trip hoppers out there...you may wind up liking a little more or less than me but assure you...you won't feel cheated.
of course...get it used if possible. ... Read more

Amazon.com

What do you get when you mix tablas and turntables? One answer isTabla Beat Science. Thisdouble-CD live effort proves that Indian classical and modern electronic-basedmusic can cohabitate, particularly when the talented likes of tabla greatZakir Hussain and sarangiplayerUstad Sultan Khan (bothexponents of Indian classical music) combine with bassistBill Laswell, drummerKarsh Kale (both involved inmodern world music fusions), and several other guests. Laswell is an expert atorganizing these kinds of musical mash-ups, but he's done something specialhere: his dubby bass lines sound great next tohyperpercussive tabla beats, and the voices of Khan and rising Ethiopian sirenGigi meld together particularlywell on such tracks as "Nafeken" and "Mengedege." The tunes here are morejam-oriented than on the group's studio albumTala Matrix, but thisonly further illuminates the trancelike quality that brings these differentschools together. Live in San Francisco at Stern Grove is a prime exampleof what can be accomplished with an open mind and formidable musical skills.--Tad Hendrickson ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Some great stuff, some filler
I love Table Beat Science. Their first CD was excelent. This CD is essentially a live jam to the ideas created on the first album. Sometimes it works, the segue from the first to the 2nd tune is amazing, but quite often the music seems to just "be there" instead of "going somewhere". The track with the mysteriously named "DJ Disk" is 8 minutes of nothing. I was burned out with people scratching records back in the 80's, this song didn't change my mind.

Zakir Hussain is an amazing tabla player. Probably one of the world's best. Some of the pieces showcase his talent quite well. Track two in particular is amazing. But others are just techno/drum & bass grooves that seem to go nowhere.

An interesting album with some great tabla playing. But the band has a lot of potential that it hasn't quite fullfilled yet.

By the way, the writing on the cover is obscured by an artistic impression of the god Shiva. But what I can see says something like "Shiva dances to the tal of the tabla". "Tal" is the beat or rhythm of the drums. The word on the right next to Shiva is the name "Shiva". The symbol with the red background is "Om" as in the meditative chant "Om ma de padme hum". The writing on the inside of the CD cover is in Urdo (Zakir's native language) and I havn't found what it means yet. If somebody knows what it says I'd be interested to hear what the translation is.

Laswell/Hussain Heaven!
On the live front Laswell unleashes the touring version of his Indian rhythm-drenched collective, Tabla Beat Science, on this double CD recorded at San Francisco's long-running summer festival at Stern Grove park. While their debut 2000 studio incarnation Tala Matrix, which was billed as 'adventures in electro-acoustic hypercussion', featured the quadraphonic tabla talents of Indian whiz Zakir Hussain, jazz-fusionist Trilok Gurtu, UK/Asian Underground producer/percussionist Talvin Singh and San Francisco beat-groover Karsh Kale, only Hussain and Kale are onboard for this live edition. But they're enough.

Also present from the original lineup are classical Indian sarangi master/ vocalist Ustad Sultan Khan and Laswell himself on bass, with added guests; the alluring Ms. Gigi, Bay area turntable-ist DJ Disk, and New Delhi-based mixing duo MIDIval Pundits. Combined they're a formidable team.

Zakir alone is worth the price of admission here. His calm demeanor belies the powerful rhythms that continually leap from his hands. A tabla player's tabla player, Hussain has an immaculate percussive pedigree (the gifted son of the late Alla Rakha, the longtime tabla partner of sitarist Ravi Shankar), with an almost unbelievable level of dexterous speed and skill at his disposal. Throw him together on 'Sacred Channel' with Laswell's thundering underwater bassline and Kale's crisp kit drumming, and you create an explosive chemical reaction which can match virtually any power rock trio for rhythmic intensity.

Gigi attempts to calm things down a bit from time to time, as on 'Nafekefi', trading subtle Ethiopian/Indian vocals with Sultan Khan, but it's a lost cause, and da boys quickly start propelling the proceedings forward again, with sub-dub beats and blistering audio assaults. With tracks ranging from 5 to 15 minutes there's plenty of time for extended solos and semi-structured jamming. Khan's energetically bowed sarangi merges whining high-pitched Indian melodies with DJ Disk's turntable technology, while Laswell's rumbling bass shakes the heavens and the percussionists go ballistic. It's loud, multi-layered exciting stuff, which will be too full-on for some tastes, but just the ticket for any self-respecting Laswell/Hussain percussion fanatic. Approach with caution and fasten your seatbelts, but if you're rhythmically brave, then definitely seek out this live, high voltage set.

well...
At first listen, anybody who enjoys percussive music will probably be pretty amazed by these guys. There is no doubt that they are some of the baddest mothers on the block when it comes to 4/4 rhythmic talent. Sadly, that appears to be all they are really very good at. Despite the mind-blowing drum work that is done on this album, the songs still encounter big problems that contribute to its failure, in my opinion, to be a very memorable experience.

Firstly, it's pretty obvious that Laswell and company have fallen into the same trap that a lot of percussive talents fall into... their drumming cannot obscure an obvious bankruptcy of MELODY. The two vocalists on the recording are amazing at what they do, but they would be truly breathtaking if they were backed up by powerful melodies as well as those insane percussive lines. I know Indian music is much more droney than Western music is, but this is supposed to be a "best of both worlds" affair, right? Let's get some memorable synth melodies instead of ambiguous ambient backwash. Squarepusher plays crazier rhythms than these, and he writes some of the most compelling melodies in electronic music as well.

In relation to that, Bill Laswell's bass lines are typically monotonic and boring. Being a bassist myself, I would have preferred a much more technical and lyrical bassist to have participated in this. There are loads of guys like that out there; Oteil Burbridge springs to mind.

One other thing that bothered me about this stuff was that it's all in typical 4/4 electronic timing, which actually makes it pretty boring to any serious percussionist after a while. The fact that Hussain and Kale can play lightning-fast snare/tabla rushes together is pretty cool, but you can only do that for so many songs before it begins to get repetitive...

All in all, I don't dislike this music. It is pretty cool when the aforementioned snare/tabla rushes go into full effect, and of course you have to give these guys credit just for being able to pull this stuff off live. But technical ability does not necessarily translate into memorable and powerful music.

One of the Best Live Albums of Recent Times........
Tabla beat science won't be a name that's familiar to everyone, but literally a who's, who of eastern world music or percussion. The ubiquitous 'Bill Laswell', overseers the project, handling...bass, Mixing translations. "Zakir Hussain" handles the tabla, with a deft proficiency, that rivals 'Tirlok Gurtu's' performances, and with the help of their friends, tackle a multitude of genres that range from space-Dub, Jazz-rock, Indian classical, Ethiopian-pop, Funk and even westernised genres such as Hip-hop & rhythmic Drum 'n' Bass. With songs that frequently hit over 10 minutes, this is not an album for those short of patience.

It's certainly more suited to those that have already cut their teeth with the realms of Worldbeat music, as songs vary from slow burners that slowly gather pace, and envelope into stunning expressive imaginative pieces that justify the long running time over these 2 cds. Through to Immediate fast paced songs that quikckly whip the attending audience into a Rapturous applause. This is a collection of the eastern worlds finest musicians showing their considerable skills with their instruments. Every genre that is tackled is a resounding success, whether it be the Dj Disk hip-hop influenced turntable trickery over furious bass grooves, or the epic opening track "Taaruf" showing the virtuosity of 'Zakir Hussain's' tabla beats, or the dynamic vocalism displayed on "Nafekeñ", everything spans and is essentially a fusion of the ancient tradition of the tabla and various percussive instruments coupled with contemporary electroncia.

Their acoustic wizardry is beyond all doubt, and is a perfect example of artists that consistently look to push the boundaries of contemporary eastern music, that is often extremely compelling as well as innovative and a truly worthwhile union of experiential musicians that contribute something worthwhile and somehow have made their individual parts gel as a coherent unit. Those looking to make the purchase here, should be warned that.....as exceptionally brilliant as this is, this isn't really suited to people entering into the genre of Worldbeat, Experimental fusion for the first time, as this 2 Cd live album can be a daunting prospect, with the first track alone stretching into a 16 minutes, which will undoubtedly stretch the patience of first timers. But then this was never really intended for people new to this style of music, and the frequent leaping from genre to genre, will unbalance those who like their albums to not be quite so eclectic.

But anyone with a passing interest in this styles of music, this is more than worth a look, and it has the potential to rekindle peoples interest altogether. And those (like me), that can't get enough of this form of beautifully played music, this is one of the greatest live albums of recent times, that awaits your discerning ear.

overrated
way overrated, this album is relentlessly boring. i love zakir, and have heard him in various incarnations - with shakti, the grateful dead, garaj mahal, and of course on his home turf, hindustani classical music - but this one just doesnt fly. it raises its awesome wings and then falls flat like an overweight albatross. sad, but true. i was hoping to check out the studio album, but after reading one review which said the live album was better than the studio one, i dont think i will bother. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

tight Jam
this is one of those jams that just has Flavor written all over it.the coolness&Simplicity of it is what makes it so cool.anytime I hear it I always gotta get my step on. ... Read more

Album Description

Culled from the seminal Artificial Intelligence series, this was the debut release on Warp from Richard James, aka Aphex Twin. Surfing... sounds as refreshing today as it did almost a decade ago. This re-issue has two previously unreleased tracks 'Portreath Harbour' and 'Redruth School'. Standard jewel case. 2001 release. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Good, but not amazing... 3 and a half stars really...
I was in a local record shop a few weeks ago, and one of the guys working there pointed this album out to me... they had just ordered it in, and it was hidden in the back... anyways, I just HAD to buy it, cause I'm a huge fan of Richard D. James' work... My collection is small so far, but it's growing slowely... anyways, I played it, and it's ok... I love track 1, 2, 4, and others, but overall it's too dancy for me... now mind you, it's better then most dance music you'll encounter, but compared to his other releases, this is a mediocre release... I do like every song, except for Quoth (too damn annoying), but most of the songs I just like, and not love... anyways, if you're a fan of RDJ, then definately check this out if you find it somewhere, otherwise I'd suggest I Care Because You Do, or Come to Daddy to start out...

and a half stars! Another interesting one!
This is a great release from RDJ, but not as organic as his works under "Aphex Twin". This work is more like a rave, rather than an Ambient work. These you can dance to (awkwardly, at least).

The first 4 tracks are electronica bliss. Around the middle, you might become bored with it. Don't turn it off! The final two tracks recover the album as a whole.

If you don't know by now, Richard D. James (aka 'Aphex Twin, Polygon Window), is a pioneer in electronic music. He is responsible for the landmarks "Selected Ambient Works Vol. 2", and "I Care Because you do". This album is one of the last times he used self-made instruments to make techno, before switching to his "drill and bass" sound. Therefore, this work is a must have, that is if you are a collector.

If you are just a music fan, I suggest you look into his "Aphex" stuff first, and work your way to this one. Like all his other stuff, you may not like it at first listen. Give it time. It's really not as hard to get used to as SAW2. If you already like SAW2, this should be a piece of cake!

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)

Don't buy 'expanded'- 2 tracks shorter than non!-
I guess this is what I get for not reading the tracklists) carefully enough. The so-called 'expanded' version of this cd is missing 'portreath harbor' + 'redruth school,' both of which are found under the "normal" release. The 'expanded' version is on WARP + TVT, and the (truly) expanded version is just on WARP. Don't I just feel like a schmuck? But seriously folks, don't make the same mistake.
PS- the 3 stars is because of the -2 trax; I haven't honestly heard an ugly or beautiful second of this disc yet, so this isn't a 'true'review.I'm sure it's all in the category of "Good, but Possibly Dated Early Works of a Genius"

or something.

An Essential IDM Classic
Polygon Window is one of Richard D. James' earlier pseudonyms, but more importantly, Surfing on Sinewaves is one of the first great IDM albums to be put out by Warp Records. Polygon Window is very different from Apex Twin's current output; it's a raw, moody, bleepy, and dark analogue bubblebath you'll want to soak in for hours. This album has influenced many artists such as Mu-Ziq, David Kristian, and Boards of Canada. If you loved Aphex Twin's Selected Ambient Works Vol. I and II, you will definitely find a place for Surfing on Sinewaves in your collection. ... Read more

Reviews (56)

Evolution of a Sound...
Trance in general is designed to be more of an experience than a sound bite. Trance is the Pink Floyd of my generation. With artists like Robert Miles, Brian Torseau (BT), and Moby creating experiences more than simple pieces of music.

It's inevitable that 23 AM will be compared to Dreamland, Mile's previous work. To do so is both foolish and unfair to the artist. Dreamland was a brilliant piece of work when it was released. It was never intended to be a Rave album. Robert so much as said so. And 23 AM is a continuation of the evolution of music. With one track blending seamlessly into another this CD should be considered as a whole, not as parts.

A new flower is a journey through sound with various pieces merging to form a cohesive whole, setting the scene for Everyday Life. Everyday life contains one of my favorite lines from any Trance song, "Maybe this world isn't broken. Reality in reverse. Maybe it's just a shadow, of a parallel universe."

If you are looking for an experience, I highly suggest you grab this CD. If you're looking for something to rock your next block party, you're already in the wrong genre. Anyone who's into the Trance scene knows Robert's reputation. Find out how he earned it.

Different from Dreamland, but excellent.
This CD is very different from Dreamland, but it does give an in depth look at the more mellow and creative side of Robert Miles. He uses an excellent array of horn and guitar solos that just wouldn't be expected from him. He mixes them is such a way that it sounds awesome. I'm not a real big fan of mellow trance music, which 23AM is, but this album is excellent. There is one track, Full Moon, that is killer. I feel that Robert Miles should make all of his music like this track, but it's his diversity that makes him such a unique artist. I highly recommend this album to all Robert Miles fans who are open to change.

23 AM - Time to dance!
After the success of "Dreamland", Robert Miles was big but this album didn't work out as well as his debut, but it's still a pretty good album even if it isn't as artistic and unique as "Dreamland".The best song is probably "Freedom" which remind me of his best moments, a great dream-dance song with nice melody. "Textures" is simular but with heavier drums in the backround. "Maresias" is another great song with paino sound and saxophone(?)."23 AM" is pleasant and it will grove on, the songs are beautiful and well made, a deja vu feeling though. If you liked his previous album, you like this too but there is nothing revolutionary about 23 AM either, just a hell of a dance record.

Weaver of Profound Sensations
One thing I really love about Robert Miles is how one album never sounds similar to another he's done. He's constantly reinventing himself and trying new things, fully aware of the fact that not everyone is going to like it. He's a risk taker and I've always appreciated that in a musician.

Many consider 'Dreamland' to be his masterpiece thus far but '23 AM' has grown on me considerably since I first got it over a year ago and I personally feel that this is his best and most diverse work yet. The songs take a while to get going sometimes but it's recommended that you lay back and simply immerse yourself in the music, and without any distractions to effectively increase your enjoyment. Of course it's completely safe to drive with this blaring in your car stereo as well for it will hardly put you to sleep... Albeit many of the melodies start out melodically slow with soft female cooing, the pace is very well-balanced between trancy upbeat tempos and lulling rhythms that flow like the gentle lapping of waves against the shore.

I myself prefer the hypnotic beats of "Everyday Life" and "Full Moon" with the ethereal vocals of Nancy Danino, however a lot of people seem to think the two songs "Freedom" and "Enjoy" to have cheesy lyrics when I in fact find them spiritually uplifting with positive messages, both beautifully sung with edgy soul by the emotive Kathy Sledge. As for the instrumentals I thoroughly enjoy "A New Flower" with the strange baby samples and the lush, dreamy "Textures" but, IMO, every track is beyond incredible.

I doubt '23 AM' will ever garner the kind of praise it truly deserves but I highly recommend this to fans of chillout and trance.

No disappointments here...
After Dreamland, Robert Miles was only set-up to disappoint with album #2 (but I would have to disagree). The songs are different than those on Dreamland but it's still great music. Just like everyone else, I was expecting Dreamland part 2 when I bought this CD but as it turns out, I am glad that it wasn't the same. It took me a few listens to really like the album (and since then it's become of my favorite CD's). ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Fueled music..title a bit misleading though..
This is a great general dance cd for an excellent price. Since it will please most anyone, whether or not you like the whole techno dance thing or not, it's one excellent party cd. You can't go wrong. It blends together several musical styles, and has one killer beat all the way through. That's definately an advantage when you're trying to please a whole crowd of people.
Most of the songs on the cd have a very mainstream dance club sound. If you like that, BUY THIS! I'll be willing to BET that you've heard at least a couple of the songs on this cd.

HOWEVER! The CD title... "radikal techno- the new trance generation" implies something entirely different from what the cd actually gives. Something that you'll only probably notice if, like me, you absolutely love true trance, and were looking for a trance cd. This is NOT a trance cd. Be warned of that now. It draws influences from all over, and ends up being MUCH more house. Hence all the mainstream appeal, I guess? It still has some good trance on it though, and there are songs that make it worthwhile. Among my favorites are Kernkraft400, Cream, and Outaspace. I'm just a little dissapointed there weren't really any *deep* trance songs to just sink into...

Dance till you Drop -- then play it again....
The "Radikal Techno" series has its ups and downs (one of its biggest downs was the 'best of Radikal Techno'), but this is a major UP. Radikal Techno 4 is a killer CD: a must have for dance music, or trance & techno lovers.

Every track here is both listenable and danceable. Latin sounds, Reggae, new wave, and electronica fuel the beats here. Standout tracks include MELLO TRAX "Outta Space" (not the old Billy Preston tune, just in case you were wondering), SM TRAX' "Got The Groove", and LA MORENA's "Decadencia". A remixed? version of Zombie Nation's KernKraft400 kicks things off in a shimmering trance mode, and the songs just keep getting better & better. At a recent party, no one noticed that this CD played over and over... the guests couldn't get enough of it.

Check it out! Techno dance, trance, breakbeat, and electronica fans will love this one.

Please don't call this stuff techno.
This is hardcore, rave, hard house and a few trance tracks. Very little of this music is actually techno, and if you called it techno anywhere East of the USA you'd get a funny look.

I mean, c'mon, it has ATB on it.

Calling this techno and shipping it out is like putting macaroni in a can and calling it tomato soup. Yes, you can eat both, but they are NOT the same.

If you want some real techno, check out Marco Carola, Jeff Mills, Funk D'Void, Gez Varley, etc...

Decent compilation
Good techno CDs are tough to come by, so thank God for this one. It's a good compilation with some solid stand out tracks. Most of the songs have a hard edge to them which is good because the powerful beats make you want to move! I love to dance and workout to this one! Pick it up if you're a techno fan, you wont regret it. Also, I highly recommend mr.deviant's "Techno Obsession" to any and all techno fans - that CD is just KILLER!

NOKTURNAL
I,M JUST REALLY REALLY GETTING INTO THE UNDERGROUND SCENE. I LOVE THIS CD. IT'S MIND-BLOWING TRACKS 16 &18 ARE SENSATIONAL. IF YOU DONT OWN THIS CD YOU MUST BUY NOW.PEACE!!!!!!!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Fatboy Slim and Paul Oakenfold, two of the most famous DJs in the world and kings of big beat and house, respectively, are supremely showcased in this double-CD collection. The Essential Selection, Vol. 1 glorifies each mixmaster's equal, yet mutually exclusive talents in roof raising. The back-to-back discs are an enlightening example of the yin and yang of club music; Fatboy Slim's grounded, drier, giddier expressions of overlapping funk and disco juxtapose Oakenfold's spatial, entrancing continuum supplemented with buzzing, flatulent bass lines, and celestial synths. Both DJs are experts in flow, building beats seamlessly into climactic moments of frenzied, adrenaline-fueled euphoria, then swinging the vibe down again with the subtlety and patience of a free-falling feather. No doubt Fatboy Slim is known for his deliberate lack of subtlety stylistically, but when placed in this context, immediately compared to Oakenfold's ethereal grooves, it's evident that Stormin' Norman possesses copious finesse. Because of their stylistic polarity, like platinum and gold, these DJs shine with matched but multihued brilliance, and like soil and sun, are indispensable components of a diverse dance music ecology. --Beth Massa ... Read more

Reviews (45)

Crazy-style
While this album is a valuable piece of my collection, it can be hit-or-miss on a track by track basis. The largest problem I have is that the two sets are so different - while I like both, it doesn't seem to make sense to have both in the same box.

Fatboy Slim's set starts off with an annoyingly loud beat but falls into its groove by the fourth track, at which point he unleashes a set that includes some of the best track-to-track mixes I've heard anywhere. His lead-ins between tracks 4 through 9 are mind-bogglingly excellent, and then... the set degenerates into another annoying beat that continues through several full tracks. The remainder is spotty, though his mix of Groove Armada's "At the River" bears mention.

Oakenfold's set is, well, Oakenfold. It's neither above or below the standard for most of his other material, and difficult to differentiate from Tranceport. It doesn't spend a lot of time in my MD player, but I'll throw it on at a party. Nothing specific on this second disc jumps to mind.

I think this set is worth buying just for the incredible zone Fatboy Slim hits in the middle of the first disc, but I suspect not everyone would agree with me. Be sure to listen before you buy this one.

great paul okenfold. OK If you like fatboy slim
I was very disappointed when I played disk 1 in the car on the way home from the music store. Then I played disk 2 and I felt better, a lot better. To me, It's worth the price of the set. (Note the 5 stars)

I didn't check out Paul Okenfold's mixes till he was rated best in the world by "Details?" and I bought TrancePort. This is better than TrancePort.

I guess I don't like Fatboy Slim too much. Although I have liked a couple of his other CDs like "You've come a long way baby." I have them all I think. I didn't like this CD at all.

FYI: I like Trance (Sahsa, John Digweed), NewAge (Enigma, Euphoria), Breakbeat (DJ Icey, Kurtis Mantronik, Micro), Techno Industrial (NIN, Front 242) and Chemical Bros. I really really liked the first Chemical Brothers, and the "Brothers Gonna Work It Out" mix album. I don't like Prodigy as much.

This is Comical!!!
Boy, do I love this. Fatboy Slim tears it up on his CD, Oakenfold continues to put me to sleep!!! All I have to say is, if you have the extra money to drop on these CDs, buy it for Fatboy Slim's Disc. Truely one of his better...

Two genres, two discs, two different moods
First of all, if you've never been exposed to electronic music, buy this double CD set. It is a rarity among dance mix compilations since it includes two popular but very different styles of dance mixed by two of the biggest DJs in the world. Almost all other dance mix sets contain one style exclusively, so this album is truly a 2-for-1 deal.
If you happen to be an electronica guru, this compilation may not whet your thirst for innovation. The first CD, Fatboy Slim's big beat mix, sounds dated, despite being fairly high energy. True, there are it's fine points, such as the few tracks in the middle of the mix that create an enjoyable climax, but as a whole the mix sounds old and worn. Unless you're a truly big Fatboy Slim fan, his mix probably will have you hitting the "skip" button on your CD player over and over again to escape the repetition of annoying beats.
As for the Oakenfold mix, it's the reason I gave the album 4 stars. Stand-alone, this CD is one of the best trance mixes to come out just before the trance genre began to flood with exhausted, overplayed, producer driven stagnation. Some critics have panned the Oakenfold mix claiming the song selection was second rate. I could not disagree more. Most of the songs are wonderful selections on their own right, utilizing pure emotion. The CD begins with a surrealistic soundbyte of a New York Thanksgiving day television weathercast, which quickly builds into an energetic hill with the likes of "The Spirit" and "Free". The 3 song climax is among the best I've ever heard, and one that can't be missed. Of note is Solarstone's "Seven Cities", which literally makes the listener feel as if he/she is truly on an emotional ride. The closing two songs on the mix are a wonderful cool-down, of note is "Viola" which is one of the best late night driving songs ever.
Overall I think it's a ...investment well worth the cost.

big beat and trance together?
Fatboy Slim and Paul Oakenfold are two of the biggest dj's out there right now, producing great mix cd's and doing sellout shows. so where did they go wrong on this album???

The first disc, the Fatboy Slim essential mix, rolls with the likes of The Chemical Brothers, Underworld, Art Of Noise, Groove Armada, and of course Fatboy Slim. Each track follows right on into each other but no track is very similar to another. Pinpointing the genre of this disk would be difficult. If you've ever heard Fatboy live, you know what I mean. Funky swelling guitars, disco beats, and twisted vocals fill the air with sound as this disc wanders on. While his "On The Floor At The Boutique" mix had a bit more personality, this mix has more big tracks. The highlights are Fatboy's own "Everybody Loves A Carnival" (very similar to "Everybody Needs A 303"), Mr. Spring's funky "Blaxtraxx 3", Underworld's "Born Slippy" (very tweaked by Slim), and the closer with Groove Armada's "At The River" is the best part of the album. In my opinion, this disk is much better than the staggering disk2.

Disk 2 is Oakenfold's mix. While Oakey has been known for playing the big tracks everybody likes, I don't know what he was trying to do with this mix. His almost blasphemist use of "The Baguio Track" and the sickly tech-pop of "Free" and "Perfect State" make this disk unaccomlished. The best part of the mix comes on tracks 7-9 where his real talent finally begins to show with the strings in "Another Day" building up to heavy emotional trance on the awesome "Flesh" and "Seven Cities", the latter being the best track on the album by far. That vibe is way too soon deminished with the slow, housey closing tracks, which sound disturbingly out of place. His other mixes ("Tranceport", "GU004: Oslo", and "Another World") are MUCH better.

Listen before you buy. ... Read more

Album Description

Sophomore album from one of the UK's hottest dance imprints and winner of 'Club Of The Year' award at the prestigious Muzik Dance Awards in 1998. Tracks include, ATB-'9PM (Til I Come)' (Signum remix), Garbage-'When I Grow Up', Fatboy Slim-''Praise You', Robert Miles-'Children' (Tilt's Courtyard mix) and Gouryella-'Gouryella'. 1999 release. Deluxe packaging with a double digipak, slipcase with a 20 page booklet. ... Read more

Reviews (29)

Gatecrasher UK Rocks!
This was an impulse buy Period. Listened to it a few times but then it got to me. First set started with Garbage's When I Grow Up and it just blew me away. Track 5 - Orkidea's Unity is especially cool - the synthesiser tunes! Dang! Aurora's Hear You Calling on CD2 was way cool too. Gatecrasher was the FIRST Dance Trance Compilation I've bouught and I've not regretted it! I've already Got DISKO TECH and it's a great CD too. Starts with some Classical (music) tunes. Wow.!

Need I say more?

!
This is the Porsche 911 of the genre, period. The set is a little bit pricey but if you're into techno/house/trance at all, you'll be more into it after having listened to Gatecrasher Red.

The Gatecrasher DJ's somehow pack more energy into this set than in any mix compilation I've found anywhere. Apart from the manic energy level of the set, the mix is also excellent in that there is always at least one minute or so of the original vocals and bass line; with too many mixes, there's only a 15- or 20-second long sample of the original song before the foray into the DJ's particular mix rendition, or the opposite, not much mix at all. The segues between tracks are also brilliant, and the CD tracks are put together as one continuous mix, rather than tracks being separated. I guess I would call the music "trance", but it's definitely not the American flavor of trance, highly commercialized, overpriced, mediocre on quality. Oh, make sure you buy the Sony International Import Gatecrasher Red, not the US version; the tracks are different, I've heard.

Anyway, the energy in both CD's is PHENOMENAL. I suggest JBL or Bang & Olafsen speakers to go along with it. Cheers!

Is there anything better?
Driving beats, soaring synthesizers, and a soothing rhythm is the only honest description of Gatecrasher Red. A friend gave me Red in early 2002 and since then I have gone on a mad buying spree with the hope that I'll find an album that parallels Red. An album that inspires and uplifts you each time you pop it into your CD player. An album where you continually hear new and exciting parts even though you have previously listened to it innumerable times. An album that stands the test of time and remains today one of my favorite albums. I have found many albums that try, and are close, to paralleling Red, yet my efforts have been in vain. Gatecrasher Red is entirely unique and original, as far as trance goes, and will pay you back in the full with the many joyous moments that you will have from listening to this album. Do yourself a favor and buy this album... you won't regret it.

The start for me
This album started me into trance music, and serves as a constant reminder of what all music mixes should be. I started out liking "plasma," but as my tastes evolved, I liked "future" more and more. I still listen to this set endlessly, as it really gets at your emotions like good music should.

I believe what I was told about Red!
Okay first off Red is a great album! That said now let's cover the whys and hows.
Red has remixes of some of my favorite artists: Robert Miles, Garbage, ATB, PVD, Fatboy Slim, DJ Tiesto, LoveChild, and Basic Avalon. WOW!
Miles is ambient and his songs are awesome, having them remixed really brings out his talents. Garbage, well her voice says it all! I'll be seeing Garbage in concert May 17th. Should be a blast!!
ATB, PVD, and Fatboy Slim: I love all three for different reasons. Paul Van Dyk was introduced to me right beside Paul Oakenfold. Between the two, I'd have to say I enjoy Oakenfold more than PVD's style. These artists were good before the remixes. Now that they've been remixed at Gatecrasher, they sound even more awesome than I thought they could be!
I would have to say that Red and Digital are perfect for parties.

Wet is great for chilling out and working on projects with it playing in the background. If you do artwork or write, listen to Wet in the background. I've found it very relaxing.

The Red CD is only for those who love collecting trance. It's definitely a highly ranked album. But the songs are faded and mixed together & into each other, only buy this album if you like Gatecrasher and their styles, or if you want something to play during trance parties/DJing for a weekend. ... Read more

Amazon.com

What exactly is the Thunderpuss treatment? Just ask the dozens of artists who have benefited from their larger-than-life prescriptions for dance floor domination. TP create an in-your-face cure-all for the Saturday night blahs, where every tempo is stomping, every neuron charged, every sweat gland happy. Madonna, Enrique Iglesias, Sister Sledge, Leann Rimes, and others are offered up as vocal sacrifices here, commandeered by the Thunderpuss trinity.

The boys lay back occasionally, as with Peter Rauhofer and Pet Shop Boys' "Break 4 Love," letting the song's inner turmoil carry center stage. But Thunderpuss's take on Britney Spears's "Don't Let Me Be the Last to Know" shows their creativity at full force. Cutting up her little girl sexed-up vocals ("love me, love me, love me") into a whirlwind of heavenly groove, flying cymbals, and climactic ecstasy, Thunderpuss mutate common adolescent fantasy into the kind of feral, futuristic voyeurism anyone can love.--Ken Micallef ... Read more

Reviews (22)

Not Bad!
A Fresh eclectic mix from Start to Finish.
This disc will have you up and dancing from the first spin.
Definitely not the Best of Thunderpuss and by far a complete body of work, but this gives you a Great example of this mix master's style!
A definite purchase is warranted for this 1st outting for these incredible mixers.
****who would have thought, I'd be dancing to "Can't Fight The Moonlight" by Leeann Rimes??? It Bangs and Thumps like any other killer club beat and stands up to all the greatest. Nice job TP!
"Everyday".......a Must play in 2002
"Stand Up".... Incredible
"Don't Tell Me".... It's Madonna.... Superb, but not the mix of my choice, still slammin'...It's still Madonna Enuff said!
Even Ms. Spears is Danceable here, to her semi-balad "Don't let me be the last to know"..... as stated before....... you will be Jammin and dancing for a full 120 minutes ... Just pop this jem in the CD player and Groove.... Nonstop Dance Mix- supreme!
A top notch fresman release for THUNDERPUSS, one NOT to pass up!
Solid 4 out of 5 Stars!

Harris & Cox, Ego Maniacs at it again -
So I broke down and bought the lastest mix CD from ego-masters Thunderpuss. The compilation isn't so much a choice mix of what a DJ would put down as a wish-list for a fierce night out as it is a self-promotional marketing tool for Harris and Cox. The CD is loaded, I mean LOADED with Thunderpuss after Thunderpuss mix. If it doesn't have the Thunderpuss moniker on it, chances are it has Harris or Cox producing the track. There are a *few* non-Thunderpuss specific tracks, like the HQ2 remixed 'Everyday' by Kim English and Friburn & Urik's treatment of The Collaboration's 'Break 4 Love' (featuring Pet Shop Boys and Rauhofer...) Certainly Thunderpuss has had much success in the past with turning out high energy, repetitive treatments of radio-friendly fare, but after listening to this CD in its' entirety, I can't help but compare it to an overdose of sugar.
I mean, c'mon, they secured heavyweights (Madonna, Britney, Pet Shop Boys & Peter Rauhofer, Leann Rimes and others) but a mix of big names certainly doesn't secure a mix of choice cuts. (the Madonna track alone needed additional assistance in securing the rights...I'm almost positive Harris & Cox built permission to reproduce "Don't Tell Me" into their contract when they were discussing a treatment...)

The CD runs the gamut of heavy house (Break 4 Love) and light-pop fare (Enrique Iglesias & Britney.) The "Hero" mix is a lame attempt to go tribal, whereas the inclusion of that god forsaken track "Dive in the Pool" is better left in the straight clubs where it found a home YEARS after hitting gay clubs.

I have developed quite a specific taste when it comes to treatments of popular tracks. Rauhofer turns out really strong remixes, while Hex Hector and Junior Vasquez are incredible when they are great, but downright horrible when they are off. For instance, Junior's mix of Nelly Furtado's "I'm Like a Bird" is BRILLIANT whereas Hex's mix of "Yes" by Amber was one of the worst mixes I've ever heard...At the same time, Hex's mix of "Everyday" blew me away while Vasquez turned out a HORRIBLE mix of Kristine W's "Stronger.")

Overall, the CD may come in handy when your favorite mix CD isn't available for some cardio, but you may want to look elsewhere for some dark house energy cuts.

Could be fabulous...
When you think of THUNDERPUSS, you think of fabulousness! For the most part, this CD holds very true to Thunderpuss' diva vocals, harcore beats, and gay club anthems. However, as the CD is winding down, TP2K tends to stray away from all that with a not-so-exquisite remix of "Dive In the Pool" by Wayne G. Heaven, and a less satisfactory Britney Spears song, "Don't Let Me Be the Last to Know". I'd give it 5 stars if it weren't for those two minor...but serious faux pas!

Great Mixing But Some Bad Choices.
Thunderpuss knows how to move a dance floor. They have done wonderful remixes, However this cd contains 5 songs I really hate. 1) We Are Family (The orginal is much better.)
2) The Almighty mix of "Can't Fight the Moonlight is 10 times better. The last 3 songs should be replaced. Would rather have the words in CLUBLAND. THE ORGINAL MIX OF DIVE IN THE POOL And the Hex Hector mix of Don't let me be the last to Know.

Pretty Good
This album is pretty damn good. I like it quite a bit. However, the only complaint I have is: where the HELL is the Thunderpuss remix of Amber's "Sexual"? That mix is arguably THE best Thunderpuss mix yet, and they didn't include it on there. Other notable mixes that were missing were "It's Not Right But It's Okay" (Whitney Houston), "Papa's Got A Brand New Pigbag" (Thunderpuss), and "Stranger In My House" (Tamia). ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Chilled downbeat coolness
The tracks 1-4 are really mellow and downtempo, feels like the tracks 5-8 make up the body of this album, they are all really good in their own ways. Track 9 seemed somehow too long.

I think I liked "Kin" slightly more than this, because "Kin" had kind of a rougher edge to it, more intense. If I could somehow inject a touch of additional chaos into "Terra Firma", I think I'd like it even more, but it's still really good as it is, good as both listening and background music. I'd give it about 4.4 stars..

An introspective nightwalk through an urban underbelly.
My title bests sums up what "Terra Firma" comes across as to me. It's beautiful! Another great late-night drive or chill album from the Waveform label. I don't have "Kin" yet so a comparison cannot be made, but I love what I hear. "Drugstore", "Marsmellow" and "Mineral" have an especially urban flavor. The former being rather ominous and the latter, with it's sassy and sultry saxaphone sample, seems perfect for cruising the red-light district of some european city. "Marsmellow" is mid-tempo funky fun. "Shine" seems perfect for playing Hackeysack. (I hope that's how it's spelled). "Rye" is arguably my favorite piece. Very mysterious and meditative. Feels like something is "building" while we sleep in the night.

Only tracks four and nine seemed week to me. Not bad!

Very addictive. I won't get tired of this one anytime soon.

Fabulous!
Absolutely a fantastic CD, that could not have existed in the vinyl age, because excessive playing would not make it last long! The only minus of this CD is that some tracks have disturbing 'static' noise, that seems to be included in the samples. The music however is superb. Brilliant ambient music that keeps surprising the listener.

Killer atmoshpere and grooves on this cd!
This is nothing less than an excellent follow-up and probably an even better album than SFTG's first album "KIN". "Terra Firma" is full of the deepest and most exotic atmospheres with some of the trippiest, dubbiest, and chill-out beats I've heard yet. There are parts of this album that make me feel like I'm in a maze, or a carnival, or in a submarine. So many unique sounds just come out of nowhere on this album and considering the music has rather slow tempos, it still keeps me on my toes. I've come to expect nothing less than the best from Waveform Records and I reccomend every cd released on that label.

I have to go through literally hundreds of electronic dub and trip-hop cds to find the right one - and this one definately stands out as one of the best. I can't simply can't get over track 5 on this album "Bodega Bay".

A most highley reccomended album!

Boo-shaka-laka
Nice stuff - trippy, hoppy, great jazz feel without those self indulgent solos. Reminds me of the other New Crime gendre CDs avaliable in the last 5 years. If your looking for New New crime, check it out. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Mtv doesn't have the right!
Mtv doesn't have the right to even pretend they know whattechno music is. Come on, DJ Skribble is so bad it's not even funny, and the only thing they know how to play is Barfy Spears and the Skankstreet Boys. This collection does have some good artists on it, that's why it gets 3 stars. The Chemical Bros., Fluke, Underworld, Aphex Twin, Orbital, And Prodigy are all great musicians, but the thing is MTV just slapped all this together in one big sticky mess. How bad is the world when Underworld is anywhere near Atari Teenage Riot (or as I call them, Atari Barfage Riot.) The good songs on here are okay, but nothing special. Any fan of these artists can find these songs on their CD's. They could have at least had remixes or something special on them. The way this CD is set up, there is virtually no reason someone would have to rush out and buy this CD.

An artifact of '97 Electronica
It's funny, in