"Los Angeles"
John Digweed
...order here.
Ripping out a typically nasty deep house mix on his latest double-disc,
"Los Angeles," John Digweed makes mincemeat of the walls that divide
techno's fuzzy genre definitions while soaking the listener in tight,
brutal rhythms. As one of the world's most popular DJs, Digweed could live
high on cheesy glowstick-waving trance tunes for the rest of his career.
Thankfully, he's decided instead to embrace the core meaning of the
too-often misused term "progressive," incorporating Detroit-style
industrialism and adventurous source material with his famous crackerjack
needle work. Recorded live in the City of Angles for Global Underground's
ongoing series, it makes for a scorcher in the land of broken dreams.
"Cydonia"
The Orb...order here.
Much has happened in dance music since the Orb's last all-original
full-length, "Orblivion," came out in 1997. Their brand of eclectic,
down-tempo beat science has been co-opted and greatly expanded upon by a
horde of like-minded dance artists. It's abundantly clear, however, from
the band's latest opus, "Cydonia," that the Orb still have the chops to
make it in this age of more sophisticated chill-out tastes. With fat dub
beats and glassy synth riffs slipping out and over a sticky web of loops,
samples, and whacked-out mixes, the record is addictive, and as relevant
as
anything the new kids have put together.
"United States Of Trance"
Christopher Lawrence...order here.
As a breeding ground for trance DJs, the U.S. has been no match for the
U.K. and Europe. Superstars such as Sasha, John Digweed, and Paul Van Dyk
are all bigger than Christopher Lawrence. That may change with "United
States of Trance," however, as Lawrence pulls out a sly, quick, and
accessible mix that walks the line between trance and rave-anthem cheese
with catlike composure. It's a burst of light in the increasingly sinister
realm of techno, while still a boldly progressive mix. Both as a DJ and as
a producer, Lawrence asserts himself here as one of America's, and the
world's, best.
"Ninja Tune: The Shadow Years"
London Funk Allstars...order here.
Culled from the mid-'90s collaboration between the two influential DJ
labels Ninja Tune and Shadow Records, "The Shadow Years" captures the
smooth, trip-hoppy flavor of international dance artists such as Coldcut,
London Funk Allstars, and DJ Vadim. Each CD in the two-disc set takes
music
from the same nine DJ acts, then creates an equally compelling pastiche of
turntable bliss. It's an ideal post-rave aperitif.
HOT PRE-ORDER!
"Discovery"
Daft Punk...order here.
Daft Punk's "Homework" was one of the most influential, groove-laden, and
infectious dance records of the late '90s. After a long three years in
electronic music, during which the French techno scene has expanded in
popularity with the success of fellow Parisian dance artists such as
Cassius and Air, there is that much more anticipation for "Discovery." The
record doesn't disappoint. Starting off with the disco hooks and massive
beats of the single "One More Time," it blows through an array of styles
and samples, creating a pop culture stew of funky loops and dance-floor
anthems. It won't be released until March 13, but you can pre-order it
from
Amazon.com right now.
DIGITAL DOWNLOADS
Drum & bass pioneer LTJ Bukem has relentlessly worked to popularize the sunnier, more progressive end of the genre during the last decade, and his newest double-disc is a definite apex. On "Journey Inwards," Bukem transports the listener through lush passages of Herbie Hancock-inspired jazz-fusion, blue-eyed soul, and head-nodding hip-hop. Download "Sunrain (Flying Fish Edit)" and "Sunrain (Radio Edit)" for free at Amazon.com.
Download "Sunrain (Flying Fish Edit)"... here.
Download "Sunrain (Radio Edit)"... here.
Go to all Dance/DJ digital downloads... here.
EDITOR'S CHOICE
"Igizeh"
Banco De Gaia...order here.
Despite the fact that techno is commonly perceived as a modern form of
music, its preoccupation with rhythm is the most ancient impulse in the
art
of sound. Still, mining a more acoustic, international vibe for
inspiration, given the dance club's lust for the beat, can be a
potentially
awkward, or at least cheesy, endeavor. Thankfully, there are the Banco de
Gaias of the world, skillfully incorporating Middle Eastern musical
elements with an elegant, yet beat-friendly flourish. His latest,
"Igizeh,"
further expands on this cultural fusion; it's transcendentalism for the
next millennium.
HOUSE MUSIC, BIG APPLE STYLE
"N.Y.C. Underground Party Volume 3"
Louie DeVito...order here.
The third volume in the tremendously popular NYC Underground Party series
benefits from a no-holds-barred, hands-in-the-air mix from rising East
Coast mixologist Louie DeVito. Relentless and single-minded, it's dark
club
music with hints of bright disco keyboards and the catharsis of anthemic
release. Also check out the first two volumes in the series:
"NYC Underground Party, Volume 1"...order here.
"NYC Underground Party, Volume 2"...order here.
TRANSCENDENCE ON WAX
"Buddha Bar 2 [IMPORT]"
Challe,Claude...order here.
For "Buddha Bar 2," French DJ Claude Challe weaves the same gently mystic
spell he uses in his real-life Buddha Bar, the famous hot spot he runs in
Paris. Along the same lines, Challe's "Nirvana Lounge" brings a distinctly
New Age touch to the turntables. They're both only available on import,
but
they're worth a look for those searching after the ideal meditative
accompaniment.
"Buddha Bar 2"...order here.
"Nirvana Lounge"...order here.
BOOK NOTES
"Ocean of Sound: Aether Talk, Ambient Sound and Imaginary Worlds"
David Toop...order here.
David Toop's wandering, eclectic treatise on ambient music finds
inspiration and explanation in philosophy, science, and sounds from all
over the creative map. Tapping everything from Western classical to
Japanese instrumentation to Sun Ra, Toop establishes a long and compelling
universality between forces of musical invention, of which today's
headphone DJs are but a small part. Readable as either a series of
articles
or a cohesive whole, the book's structure mimics the nature of the music
it
discusses while being an informative and fascinating rumination on the
origins of dissonance, noise, and beauty.
LOOK HERE>> check out the New & Future Releases page to view titles by
release date, catch the latest digital downloads, investigate the coolest
new reissues, and more....order here.
USED & COLLECTIBLE MUSIC
Amazon.com Music now features used and collectible CDs on detail pages
for new items. You'll find a box on the detail page for any CD offered
by a Marketplace seller. With each listing, we offer the name and a
rating for each seller to help you make informed purchasing decisions,
and all these items are Amazon.com Payments enabled, so you can safely
and securely purchase them with a credit card. Our used inventory has
grown dramatically, so visit Amazon.com Music and explore....order here.
You'll find more great music, articles, and interviews in Amazon.com's
Dance & DJ section....order here.
"Global Underground: Amsterdam"
Nick Warren
~ more...
The latest entry in the Global Underground pantheon features the
formidable mixology talents of DJ Nick Warren and the ferocious set
he laid down one sweaty night in Amsterdam. Starting off soft, with a
dreamy, atmospheric blend of house, trance, and downtempo styles,
Warren shifts gears later in the two-disc set, infusing a funky brand
of hard house-trance into the mix. It's yet another display of
Warren's diverse skills and another memorable dance floor romp in the
"Global Underground" series.
"Since Then."
Ian Pooley
~ more...
Born in Germany but raised on Detroit's hardcore techno legacy, Ian
Pooley has been soaking up techno sounds and surrounding himself with
hot-blooded vinyl since he first stormed the decks at the age of
12. It's a surprise then that, given his skills and reputation as a
deep house/hardcore minimalist, he should release a record as
smoothly diverse as "Since Then." Mixing Brazilian rhythms around
pieces of acoustic guitar and other organic instrumentation, Pooley
spins with an earthy, engaging intensity, deriving subtle pleasures
from a cohesive and well-rounded mix.
"Aaltopiiri"
Pan Sonic
~ more...
Strange, distant, bleakly minimalist, yet intriguing and provocative,
the evolution of Pan Sonic's music continues to push the boundaries
of experimental techno and flirts with the last frontiers of sound
and imagination. Alien digital noises are filtered and processed
through unknowable arrangements, while scratchy pieces of ambient
noise waft along like lost helium balloons. In fact, the music is so
out there, it could all be an elaborate prank. Regardless, listening
to this music requires audience participation; whether you like this
album or not largely depends on how well you fill in the blanks.
"Instrumentals"
Mouse on Mars
~ more...
Available only on vinyl for far too long, Mouse on Mars's
"Instrumentals" finally gets a CD release, and for those who know
this record already, it's a happy occasion. Working off what is by
now the standard Mouse on Mars aesthetic, the music here is cohesion
from chaos, somehow resonating with warmth amid cold chunks of
electronic flotsam. Atmospheric and mysterious, the record swoops
through even more radical, experimental territory than most of their
other records, but it never fails to be deeply involving. It's a
nourishing, 21st-century beat salad that impresses with creativity
while endearing itself to the listener with sly, appealing touches of
melodicism.
EDITOR'S CHOICE: DAVE RALPH
"Love Parade"
Dave Ralph
~ more...
For "Love Parade," DJ Dave Ralph went into the studio and re-created
his set from last year's monstrous rave party of the same name,
displaying both the golden ears and the turntable chops at work that
summery day in Berlin. His appearance at what became a massive
love-in reconfirmed what anyone familiar with "Tranceport, Vol. II"
(1999) already knew; the man knows how to turn a crowd on, up, and
over the brink.
GREAT DANCE & DJ SERIES: "DJ KICKS"
For their contribution to the esteemed "DJ Kicks" series, Nightmares on Wax has DJ Ease slither his mix around downtempo groove science and hazy layers of alt-hip-hop. It's a worthy addition to a distinguished collection of late-night chill music, as conceived by past contributors like Thievery Corporation and DJ Cam. Have a look at this latest effort along with other "DJ Kicks" series classics:
Nightmares on Wax
~ more...
Kruder & Dorfmeister
~ more...
Thievery Corporation
~ more...
DJ Cam
~ more...
Stacey Pullen
~ more...
BOOK NOTES: "OCEAN OF SOUND"
"Ocean of Sound: Aether Talk, Ambient Sound and Imaginary Worlds"
David Toop
~ more...
David Toop's wandering, eclectic treatise on ambient music finds
inspiration and explanation in philosophy, science, and sounds from
all over the creative map. Tapping everything from Western classical
to Japanese instrumentation to Sun Ra, Toop establishes a long and
compelling universality between forces of musical invention, of which
today's headphone DJs are but a small part. Readable as either a
series of articles or a cohesive whole, the book's structure mimics
the nature of the music it discusses while being an informative and
fascinating rumination on the origins of dissonance, noise, and
beauty.
FREE EXCLUSIVE MIX: PAUL OAKENFOLD
Able to float between transcendent trance rhythms and massive house beats with equal flair, Paul Oakenfold's live shows are legendary, and his recordings are essential. His new disc, "Perfecto Presents Another World," explores a giddy trance groove while throwing in healthy doses of poppy melody. You can hear a two-part RealPlayer stream of a live Paul Oakenfold mix and discover his world of sound in our Paul Oakenfold Store.
Paul Oakenfold Store:
~ more...
ARTIST OF THE YEAR: ST. GERMAIN
St. Germain
~ more
Besides seeing swelling ranks in the trance nation, the year 2000 saw
a renaissance of fabulous, deep, funky house music as well as enough
laid-back, downtempo easy-listening releases to make one yearn for
the chill-out rooms of yore. Working with a combination of live
musicians and sampled sounds, Ludovic Navarre (a.k.a. St. Germain)
found a deliriously supple, subtle, and jazzy middle ground between
house and downtempo on his new album, "Tourist." It's a recording so
inventive and irresistible that Amazon.com named St. Germain the
Dance & DJ Artist of the Year.
"Tourist":
~ more
SEVEN TO WATCH IN 2001
1. Swayzak
~ more
Any techno outfit worth its weight can move a room, but only the few
and the proud, such as Swayzak's James Taylor and David Brown, can
create one. On their breakthrough 2000 release "Himawari," shimmering
washes of keyboards buckle and waver like heat-choked air. The wail
of an alien patrol car weaves its way around an apoplectic
hi-hat. Melodies squelch like mud between the toes one minute, then
twitter and hum like insects the next. While there are some fine
Motor City minimalist moments to be had, Himawari is a deeper affair
than its predecessor, "Snowboarding in Argentina." We simply cannot
wait to hear what they come up with next.
"Himawari":
~ more
"Snowboarding in Argentina":
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000006B04/acousticdigestmu"> ~ more
2. Nitin Sawhney
~ more
Sawhney's breakthrough '99 CD "Beyond Skin" was issued in the U.S. in
2000, and it's a complex, moving recording. "Skin" chronicles this
British East Indian's struggle to find his identity as a citizen in a
country that is not his ancestral homeland. Sawhney intelligently
explores such diverse topics as identity, race, history, and atomic
weapons through the eyes of a devout pacifist while creating a
musical backdrop where trip-hop, drum & bass, soul, and world music
coexist peacefully.
"Beyond Skin":
~ more
3. San Francisco labels Ubiquity and Panhandle San Francisco's Ubiquity label has made a name for itself as a fine purveyor of rare groove, Latin jazz, blunted hip-hop, cool electronica, and downtempo acid jazz. Their latest collection, "No Categories 3: A Ubiquity Compilation," is a stone groove, with heady cuts from the likes of Snowboy, Mumbkes and Cut Chemist, Puracane, and more. And if deep house is your bag, you've likely heard of Panhandle Records, which got its start in early 1999. Run by Eliga Mayhew, Jonny Phelps (a.k.a. DJ Jonene), and Tasho Nicolopulos, Panhandle has quickly established itself as the finest deep house label this side of Scotland. You have to hear Miles Maeda's label mix "A Tourist's Guide to the Realization of Your Own Buddha Nature."
"No Categories 3: A Ubiquity Compilation":
~ more
"A Tourist's Guide to the Realization of Your Own Buddha Nature":
~ more
4. Tosca
~ more
Tosca's 2000 release "Suzuki" is--like his releases with Kruder and
Dorfmeister--a sublime work that manipulates emotions through
sound. Soft and sweet, subtle and supple, Tosca's tracks drift,
sifting from one dream to the next. Though the songs patch hip-hop,
jazz, ambient, and techno together, you can't hear where one ends and
the other begins.
"Suzuki":
~ more
5. Amon Tobin
~ more
At the junction of jazz and breakbeat science, Amon Tobin is one of
the undisputed masters, as anyone who's spent time with this year's
"Supermodified" already knows. Instead of drawing on jazz samples and
styles
as a sort of prepackaged cultural signifier, he's engaged in the
cross-fertilization and recontextualization that many aspire to but
not so many achieve. On this release, he casts his net further
out--the smoky nightclub trumpets and sultry beats of "Permutation"
(1998) are still present, but the hummingly intense electronics and
roiling drums on other tracks leave the jazz references pretty far
behind.
"Supermodified"
~ more
"Permutation":
~ more
6. Broadcast
~ more
The British band Broadcast's distinctive blend of bleak yet melodic
soundtrack-like sounds and bleepy modern electronic music is
showcased superbly on their debut album, "The Noise Made by People."
The group's sound veers from skewed, downtempo electronic pop to
weirdly accessible analogue futurism in the course of one song; it is
simply delightful cocktail lounge music for the postmodern
sophisticate in you.
"The Noise Made by People":
~ more
7. Artful Dodger
~ more
With the likes of Artful Dodger besieging the U.K. Top 40 in the
latter half of the 1990s, U.K. Garage/two-step house music emerged as
the buzz word on everyone's lips. If you are a newcomer to the
ballistic grooves of two step, we heartily recommend "Re-Rewind."
"Re-Rewind":
~ more
AMAZON.COM'S BEST OF 2000
Explore the year's best music from across all genres by visiting
Amazon.com's Best of 2000 page. You'll find our customers' favorite
CDs, our editors' favorite CDs, artists of the year, and more.
~ more
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reviews excerpted are copyright © 2001 amazon.com & associate ncdn and CDnow, TowerRecords, Barnes & Nobel associates