Global House

Track Listings
 
1. Song from the Plantet
2. Global House
3. Norwegian Mountains
4. Birds Flying
5. Evening
6. Thundernight
7. Psalme
8. Joy
9. Reflection
10. Back in the Jungle
11. Paris
12. Behind the Mirror

Global House,Oystein Sevag,Windham Hill Records,Electro-Acoustic,New Age / Meditation,Popular Music,Progressive Alternative


Global House

Global House
Global Underground: Mexico City
Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
  • Not up to Snuff
  • Worst Global Underground Ever
  • A welcome change
  • freeland rules
  • Thank goodness something new is coming out of GU
Global Underground: Mexico City
Adam Freeland
Manufacturer: Global Underground
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Techno | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
HouseHouse | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
BritainBritain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Global Underground 031: Taipei
  2. GU Mixed
  3. Renaissance Presents the Masters Series, Pt. 9: Satoshi Tomiie
  4. Balance 011
  5. Global Underground: Paris

ASIN: B000P7V5V6
Release Date: 2007-06-19

Tracks:

  1. Faze Action - In The Trees (Carl Craig C2 Remix #1)
  2. Revl9n - Walking Machine (SebastiAn Remix)
  3. Etienne De Crecy - F***
  4. Kim - Wet N Wild (Midnight Juggernauts Mix)
  5. Mr Oizo - Half An Edit
  6. Adam Freeland - Silverlake Pills
  7. Kim - By The Time They Reach You (Bagraiders Mix)
  8. Jape - Floating (Alex Metric Remix)
  9. Beauty School - Disco Sux (Stone Lions Mix)
  10. Oliver Huntemann - 37°
  11. Justice - Phantom
  12. Minimal Compact - Deadly Weapons (Optimo Mix)
  13. DJ Mehdi - Signatune (Thomas Bangalter Edit)/ Spank Rock - Bump (Switch Remix)
  14. Phones - Sharpen The Knives
  15. Trabant - The One (Para One Remix)
  16. Kavinsky - Testarossa (SebastiAn Remix)
  17. Evil 9 - Happy Ending

Tracks:

  1. Spacemen 3 - Ecstasy Symphony
  2. My My - Butterflies & Zebras
  3. Lee Jones - There Comes A Time (Prins Thomas Miks)
  4. Justus Kohncke - Advance
  5. 120 days - Come Out, Come Down, Fade Out, Be Gone
  6. Gui Boratto - Terminal
  7. Holden - Lump
  8. Cobblestone Jazz - Dump Truck
  9. Silversun Pickups - Lazy Eye
  10. Substance & Vainqueur - Immersion
  11. Fujiya & Miyagi - Ankle Injuries
  12. Andrew Weatherall - Feathers
  13. B-Movie - Nowhere Girl (Adam Freeland Mix)
  14. Mylo - Paris 400 (Aswefall Remix)
  15. Adam Freeland - Self Indulgent Ending

Customer Reviews:

2 out of 5 stars Not up to Snuff.......2007-07-30

I was pretty excited when I saw that GU was coming out with their 32nd release from the DJ series. It looks as if I will be anxiously awaiting the 89th release one day as my appetite for new GU doesn't seem to be waning...unless of course there are too many more like Freland's weak release. Nick Warren never seems to let down, his Paris mix still seeing a fair amount of playtime on my ipod. Danny Howells came out with a pretty good one from Miami, but the Freeland mix is dilute, forgettable, and just seems to meander aimlessly. There is one highlight on disc 2 and that is the Silvrsun Pickups with a track called 'Lazy Eye'. I copied that track to the end of the disc onto itunes just so the $20 I spent to preorder this wasn't a total waste. I definitely wouldnt recommend spending much of your hard-earned money on this mix.

1 out of 5 stars Worst Global Underground Ever.......2007-07-28

I am completely sickened by the junk on these two cd's. I'm a big fan of breaks and this album is the Worst breaks set I've ever heard. Every track is annoying, and nothing fits. Try Adam Freeland's Coastal Breaks or Tectonics which are both phenomenal. Unfortunately Adam is devolving as a dj and that's sad to see. Do Not waste your money when there are soooo many great Breaks compilations.

4 out of 5 stars A welcome change.......2007-07-08

It's very unfortunate, really, that this double mix album is getting some of these nasty one-star reviews. I can guarantee that if this was released on a different label under a different mix series, this would not be received as poorly as it is by some reviewers. The main problem with this is that it was marketed to the wrong audience. As you can gather by reading these one-star reviews, much of the Global Underground fanbase is too high-set on expectations for typical progressive house fare that this label is usually known for. I like Nick Warren and Danny Howells as much as the next guy, but someone should change things up a bit once in a while! Hernan Cattaneo's latest Sequential release, for example, bored me to tears!

Anyways, I'm not even sure how the hell to classify the first CD, as it's an energetic frenzied mix of electro, breaks, acid, and guitars. If you're familiar with Ed Banger's catalogue, then you'll have a good idea of what Adam Freeland's going for, as SebastiAn, Justice, and DJ Mehdi all make appearances here. From the moment the CD starts, the energy hardly lets up and Freeland flies through some absolutely sick cuts. A few tracks and sequences that stand out especially are "F**k," "Floating," and "Signatune" leading up to the devastating "Sharpen the Knives." Definitely not for the faint of heart.

The second CD, although less intense, is much more varied. The first three tracks are hypnotic and fairly subdued before building up to a track by 120 Days, a band whose sound reminds me of Kasabian if they went a more psychedelic route. From there Freeland goes through some techy minimal into a downright weird track by James Holden before getting back to a more conventional rock sound with Silversun Pickups (!), which took me by surprise. Many of these groups/bands would be more familiar to indie rock fans than progressive heads, but that doesn't mean there's a drop in quality here. Freeland continues this sound until the mix comes to a distorted fuzzed-out close.

Clearly the people who went out and bought this before doing any sort of research (are they familiar at all with Freeland's track record??) or sampling have themselves to blame. I suggest that anyone else who is curious about this release would sample some of these tracks before making a decision. It's not the best GU mix by a long shot, but it's way more fresh and exciting than a lot of releases lately.

5 out of 5 stars freeland rules.......2007-07-07

the diversity and open mindedness of this set is mind boggling. so great to see a dj, after so many years of spinning, still having the passion and balls to search out and find whats exciting in music today. if you want the same old same old, 2 minute mixes, tribal/proggy tracks that go nowhere, and sets that are so predictable they sound like the dj went to the john and never came back, then dont buy this. if you like your music fresh, exciting, mind bending, then this is the thing for you.

5 out of 5 stars Thank goodness something new is coming out of GU.......2007-07-04

In short...it's about time GU shook things up a bit. I stopped buying GU albums because I got incredibly bored by their predictable releases...besides Danny Howells. I love how some of the die hard GU fans are falling apart about this release. They sounds like they are getting old when they call it noise. LOL!
Dubai
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • This a great CD.
  • Smooth Grooves
  • Best GU Release since Deep Dish Toronto!!!
  • amazing again
  • Nothing Special About This Solo Effort For Sharam
Dubai
Sharam
Manufacturer: Global Underground
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
TranceTrance | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
HouseHouse | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Global Underground: Taipei (GU31)
  2. Global Underground 030: Paris
  3. Global Underground: Paris
  4. Viva
  5. Balance 010

ASIN: B000HDR97C
Release Date: 2006-10-03

Tracks:

  1. Sugar (Sweet Thing) [Nicka & Alse Remix] - DYAD 10
  2. Look Around [Spider Funk Dub] - Spider & Legaz
  3. Passing Lights - 16 Bit Lolitas
  4. Bliss [Felix Da Housecat Remix] - Syntax
  5. Majorca Roots - Spider & Legaz
  6. Other Side [Deep Dish Other Than This Side Remix] - Wayne Jackson, Paul Van Dyk
  7. Mindstalking [Dave Audub] - Lunascape
  8. Timelapse [Moonbeam Pres Glockenspiel Mix] - Jiva, Jiva, Rula
  9. Together We Rise - Sultan & Ned Sheppard
  10. Deep Breath Sedna [Dave Dresden Mash-Up] - 16 Bit Lolitas, Motorcycle
  11. Something to Lose [Cedric Gervais Remix] - Nadia Ali, Creamer & K, Rasko, Rosko
  12. Stilettos (Pumps) [Dave Audumps Dub] - Crime Mob, Miss Aisha
  13. Eiffel Nights - Pig & Dan

Tracks:

  1. Direct Me [Joey Negro Remix] - The Reese Project
  2. Timewarp - Babylon Timewarp
  3. Spirit in My Life - Caroline, Cedric Gervais
  4. Everlasting - Miss Nine
  5. Connected [Spider & Legaz Remix] - Stereomovers, , , Sultan & Ned Sheppard
  6. Zero - Simon & Shaker
  7. Smaller [Dave Audemix] - Suite 117
  8. Psych - Spider & Legaz
  9. Cello Track [Dub] - Twotrups
  10. Who Is Watching - Nadia Ali, Armin van Buuren
  11. Ayoun - La Casa Grande
  12. Manitou - Felipe & Nicolas Bacher,
  13. Feedback [Valentino Kanzyani Earresistable Mix] - Acquaviva & Maddox
  14. Everyday - Planet Funk

Amazon.com

Following their success with 2005's George Is On, house duo Deep Dish (known individually as Sharam and Dubfire) set out to divide and conquer with individual mixes for UK label Global Underground. Sharam strikes first--and hard--with Dubai, a two-disc set that is likely to generate comparisons with GU's other epic releases such as Sasha's Ibiza (GU13). Disc one is the slow-burner here: Spider and Legaz's dub of "Look Around" funks things up with a vocoder-drenched synth line that could have been pulled off a Jeff Beck album before giving way to the druggy, cascading echoes of 16 Bit Lolitas' "Passing Lights." From the perspective of the second disc, the moody expanse of the first begins to look a lot like an elaborate launch sequence, as the infectious "Timewarp" merges into Cedric Gervais's "Spirit in My Life," which sends the whole business into orbit. Sharam has undoubtedly reached a new high here, with programming so organic it sometimes seems like the track list may have just dropped out of the sky. For those awaiting the next big Global Underground release, your time has come. --Brent Kallmer

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars This a great CD........2007-05-17

Wow!!! I love disc #2. It's absolutely groovy. Disc #1 sounds a lot like the second disc but I like that one to. This is a great disc for everyday use and it doesn't get old. It's in my top 3 cd's currently.

5 out of 5 stars Smooth Grooves.......2007-05-12

This is a brilliant mix for anyone's collection. Unlike many 'set' mixes, this album can be enjoyed at a party, or relaxing on one's own. The chunky beats just keep evolving from track to track.

5 out of 5 stars Best GU Release since Deep Dish Toronto!!!.......2007-05-10

Wow! This album just plain rocks. If you like funky, dirty, and sexy house music with plenty of stellar vocals...then this is the mix for you! However, if you prefer monotonous / repetitive beats and compilations that are more about "creating the journey" rather than providing good music...then it's probably not. It comes down to personal preference.

Personally, I've been disappointed with GU releases for a few years now. I have found several of the latest releases to be boring and hard to listen to. I'm sorry people, but if an electronica comp doesn't make you want to bob your head or move your feet to the beat...then it's not doing its job! And, I haven't found that to be the case with a GU release since Deep Dish Toronto, Digweed LA, and Warren Amsterdam. I was worried that GU had lost its way for good!

But, not anymore! This album has restored my faith in The Global Underground!

5 out of 5 stars amazing again.......2007-03-22

fantastic sequencing of songs, great mixes. a consistent level of energy and excitement. based on this disc I cannot wait to hear dubfire's new one or for the next Deep Dish disc to be released. great beats, great heavy bass bottom.

3 out of 5 stars Nothing Special About This Solo Effort For Sharam.......2007-03-01

Once again I would like to refer readers to LexAffection's excellent and unbiased reviews. Take the harsh critics' reviews with a grain of salt. They are usually coming from reviewers who are obsessed with progressive trance and become annoyed with a DJ when they flex his or her creative muscles in an attempt to come up with a fresh compilation. How dare you DJ's?! Trying to make an album sound different from their last! You people are starting to sound like those classic rock diehards that have listened to Led Zeppelin every day for the last 30 years. Electronica encompases a vast array of genres and is continually evolving. That's its beauty. This compilation represents part of the evolution for Sharam.

However, I'll be the first to admit that I like the dynamics that came from the duo Deep Dish. Dubfire's darker style and his preference for progressive house was a good balance when coupled with Sharam's ligher style and preference for house and vocal tracks.

This two disc set is heavily laddened with vocal tracks (with the male vocalists all closely sounding to long-time friend and previously featured vocalist, Morel). Firstly, It would have been nice to have a little more non-vocal progressive house tracks to balance out the album. Secondly, and more importantly, Sharam's track selection is fairly dire.

If you are a trance-head and hate house music then don't buy the album. If you are looking for an album as good as GU025:Toronto (like I was), more than likely you'll be disappointed. Others love it. Personally, I consider 5/13 tracks on disc 1, and 4/14 tracks on disc 2 to be above average (none of them are stellar) with the remainder being very mediocre. Can't consider this effort a success for Sharam.

Both Discs 1 and 2 get 3/5 stars. Let's hope Dubfire's upcoming GU release is a little more impressive.
Global Underground: Taipei (GU31)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • The Darker Half
  • This cd totally ROCKS IT!!!
  • Outstanding!!
  • An amazing release by Dubfire
  • If you wanna go for a ride, Buckle Up.
Global Underground: Taipei (GU31)
Dubfire
Manufacturer: Global Underground
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
TranceTrance | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
HouseHouse | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Global Underground 030: Paris
  2. Dubai
  3. Renaissance Presents the Masters Series, Pt. 9: Satoshi Tomiie
  4. Balance 011
  5. Global Underground: Paris

ASIN: B000MV9NW8
Release Date: 2007-04-09

Tracks:

  1. Intro: It Comes From Inside - The Low End Specialists
  2. I Try - Francois Dubois
  3. Barbeque - Myself
  4. Sun Is Rising - Lance Jordan
  5. Swimming Places - Julien Jabre
  6. So Let the Wind Come - Kerri Chandler
  7. In White Rooms - Booka Shade
  8. Hustler - Simian Mobile Disco
  9. Remember Me - Ballroom
  10. The Afterlife - Deetron
  11. The DJ, the Music & Me - Lula
  12. My House - DJ Simi
  13. Do What U Do - Yoshimoto
  14. I Feel Speed - Dubfire
  15. Kill 100 - X-Press 2

Tracks:

  1. Intro: The First Rebirth (FX DJ Tool) - Angel Lopez
  2. Control I'm Here - Nitzer Ebb
  3. The Sax Track - U & K
  4. Lucky Heather - Nic Fanciulli
  5. My MTV - Noir
  6. Float Away - Robbie Rivera
  7. You - DJ Vibe
  8. Die Rumpelkammer - Len Faki
  9. Everything Counts - Depeche Mode
  10. Related - Samuel L. Session
  11. Can You Relate? - Samuel L. Session
  12. Tuff Tribal - Emanuel Heinstein
  13. Start Chasing - Alexander Kowalski
  14. Bonus Track 1 - Dubfire

Amazon.com

Ali "Dubfire" Shirazinia answers Deep Dish co-conspirator Sharam's recent solo Global Underground release (GU29: Dubai) with one of his own: Taipei. The journey starts with a mellow house vibe that has both atmospherics and funk in plentiful supply. Francois Dubois's "I Try" greets the listener with a shimmering organ line, Myself's "Barbeque" gives an idea of what it might be like to hear a ghost talking through a vocoder, and the lilting string section of Julien Jabre's "Swimming Places" will melt the ice in your drink. The direction changes with the molten electro of Booka Shade's "White Rooms," and from there it's off to the races. Disc 2 hits the ground running, as the industrial menace of Nitzer Ebb's "Control I'm Here"--which comes off as even creepier than the original--sets the stage for an unforgiving trip through the darker provinces of dance music. While a number of tracks such as Nic Fanciulli's "Lucky Heather" are inescapably engaging, others, like Robbie Rivera's "Float Away" (with its barely passable lyrics) don't fare as well. Taken as a whole, Dubfire fans will be happy that the DJ has pulled no punches, though it's likely that listeners who love the first disc will find the second a little punishing for their taste. Perhaps this is the price of eclecticism. --Brent Kallmer

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars The Darker Half.......2007-07-15

There is definitely a trend occurring. Strong feelings of ultimate satisfaction or complete dissatisfaction with what each member of the legendary duo, Deep Dish, is now compiling under their own names (or alias).

I think it safe to say that Dubfire has always been considered the darker half of Deep Dish. It was very predictable that he would compile an album that so sharply contrasts Sharam's GU029:Dubai.

The first half of disc 1, however, did take me by surprise with its lighter and dreamier sound. I expected darkness all the way. Initially, I was excited because it felt as if Dubfire was going to take the listener on one of those O-so-rare musical journeys that only a few DJ's truely know how to do on a commerical compilation. I felt completely cheated when track 8 ("Hustler" by Simian Mobile Disco) hit. For me, that was the beginning of the end of the ride that I was so thoroughly enjoying. The remaining tracks are alright, and I do like the actually music of Dubfire's own "I Feel Speed [Club Mix]", but the lyrics are really lame. Anyone else think of "My White Bicycle" by Nazarath?!

Disc 2 is a complete roller-coaster ride for me when it comes to Dubfire's track selection. Love some and hate just as many. After a couple of weak opening tracks, the set hits one of its highlights with the "Sax Track". The others being "You" by Ithica and the closer track, Paul Kalkbrenner's excellent re-mix of "Jet". I frequently lose interest in the set with many of the other tracks between these.

Personally, I think Dubfire needs to phase out his need to include a little Depeche Mode into every set his mixes. If you have ever heard this guy spin solo live, you'll know what I mean! Also, re-mixes can occasionally make great improvements and/or revitalize the originals, but to include 6 re-mixes out of 14 tracks as on disc 2 was pretty dissapointing for me.

Disc 1 gets 4/5 and Disc 2, 3.5/5 stars.

5 out of 5 stars This cd totally ROCKS IT!!!.......2007-07-04

Finally, the peeps at Cluboxed have put something out that is worth the GU moniker! I know they try to encompass the whole world wide dance seen, but in my opinion, this is the stuff it's all about! DARK PROG HOUSE! MAJOR PROPS to Ali 'Rub-a-Dub Dubfire' Shirazinia for putting this all together!!! Rock it, rock it...

5 out of 5 stars Outstanding!!.......2007-06-04

I am a huge GU fan. However, this review is not biased by my fondnes for GU releases. This is an outstanding compilation. The comparisons to GU 29 by Sharam are not surprising. However, what is surprising is that GU 29 and GU 31 are very very different. GU 29 leans towards commercial house while GU 31 creates new boundaries. I am not suggesting commercial is a bad thing, I did write a stellar review for GU 29 few months ago. I find the sound of GU 31 very refreshing, it sounds nowhere like GU 25 or GU 17 Deepdish's earlier GU releases.

As always I suggest getting the Limited Edition Long Box. I personally like CD 1 over CD 2. CD 1 has some outstanding tracks such as Sun Is Rising. Cd2 has My MTV which is nice. I can imagine most people will spend more time listening to CD1 than Cd2.

Overall I think this is a great buy and one will not be dissapointed. With this release Dubfire has set a higher standard for Deepdish which Deepdish will have to match in their future releases. For those looking for comparisons, if I had to vote with my money between GU 31 and GU 29, I'd probably pick GU 31. But then again they sound like two very different genres, so not sure how meaningfull or fair the comparison is.

Enjoy GU 31!!

5 out of 5 stars An amazing release by Dubfire.......2007-05-28

This is definitely the best solo release from Deepdish. I find GU31 Taipei better than GU29 Dubai by Sharam.
CD1 sounded like trance mixed with house, which Dubfire pulled off beautifully, then CD2 finished off with pure house beat.
Oddly, I even find the tunes on this CD better than his GU31 tour.

5 out of 5 stars If you wanna go for a ride, Buckle Up........2007-05-26

Sharam's Dubai is nice, if you want to hear some more of what you've already heard somewhere before. Don't get me wrong, I admire Sharam, and the two make an amazing duo, but Dubfire has surpassed Sharam in his solo attempt. What you have to do is listen to these two CD's with an open mind, especially CD 2, but unfortunately that tends to be the problem with those who aren't seeing much in it. You will like CD 1, but if you come to music with the expectation of getting blown away everytime, you will then love the second. In fact, you might just end up thanking Dubfire for leading you into the deeper, darker recesses of music and your mind and may just make you realize that "spooky" is not a category exempt from this thing called music.
Global Underground 030: Paris
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • It is NOT Shanghai
  • GU Paris.....Is it really?
  • Progressive......that is, fresh.....
  • you have to trust Nick Warren
  • Mr Warren's Opus
Global Underground 030: Paris
Nick Warren
Manufacturer: Global Underground
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
TranceTrance | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
HouseHouse | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Global Underground: Taipei (GU31)
  2. Dubai
  3. Renaissance Presents the Masters Series, Pt. 9: Satoshi Tomiie
  4. Balance 011
  5. Balance 010

ASIN: B000HDRA44
Release Date: 2007-03-06

Tracks:

  1. After
  2. Strange Parallels
  3. Zusammenallien
  4. Sedatives
  5. Whiskers
  6. Being Around You
  7. Revtone
  8. Roll Your Own
  9. Living In A
  10. Lonely Planet
  11. Behold

Tracks:

  1. I Miss
  2. Blue Fountain
  3. Cosmopolitan Drink
  4. Head Down (Jay P)
  5. B Side
  6. Neptune
  7. None Verbal
  8. Paradise Rockers
  9. Fivevivezero
  10. One Morning By The Riverside
  11. I'm Lost
  12. 8 Bit Era Dub
  13. Blackout

Amazon.com

Who but Nick Warren could be tapped for Global Underground's landmark 30th release, a journey through downtempo trippiness, silky minimalism, and sparkly house, set against the backdrop of the City of Light? After all, the Bristol spinner had already been at the controls for no fewer than six GU releases, and his last outing (GU28: Shanghai) blew the doors off most everything else released in the genre that year. On Paris, he returns to the haunting, spaced-out soundscapes that made his Reykjavik mix (GU24) a series favorite. The first disc goes downtempo; the backward melodies and marching psychedelia of Tripswitch's "Strange Parallels" make the case that the album should come with a drug interaction warning, while Joey Fehrenbach's "Being Around You" hypnotizes with a synth line that tumbles through the stereo spectrum like a waterfall in slow motion. Disc 2 gallops from the gate to the glacial sighs of August's "I Miss" and the eerie vocals of Blue Fountain's "Sweep" that chant "I'm your sorrow...I'm your shadow." Later on, Oliver Moldan and Isma Ae's "Fivefivezero" pounces on the unsuspecting with a relentless, pulsating lead and Eelke Kleijn's "8 Bit Era Dub" swings harder than a prizefighter. On display through it all is Warren's affinity for pulling the truly innovative and strangely compelling tunes from the ocean of often derivative electronic dance music, leading one to believe that if there are vinyl shops in alternate dimensions, he has likely rooted through their crates. Like his other GU releases, Warren's Paris begins to reveal its secrets only after a number of listens--but fans of this DJ's DJ would have it no other way. --Brent Kallmer

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars It is NOT Shanghai.......2007-06-17

After absolutely loving his Shanghai release, I was eager to pick up Paris. Listened to it once, hated it. After about a week, I decided to give it another listen, and went in with very low expectations. I guess that made all the difference. The first time I listened to it, I was expecting to hear Shanghai discs 3 and 4. Paris is far more laid back, but is equally strong in both song selection and mixing. So buy this if you like Nick Warren or trance music in general, but do not bring in any preconceptions. Don't expect to hear the next Shanghai, or you'll be sorely dissappointed.

4 out of 5 stars GU Paris.....Is it really?.......2007-05-12

From my 4 star rating for this GU 30 executed by one of the world's most renowned DJs - Mr. Nick Warren - you can obviously tell that I really like this release. However, my quibble here is not directed at his artwork or form because nobody does chill like Nick Warren, which is apparent in CD1, and I mean nobody. Furthermore, Nick has a style all his own when he decides to move you and delight your mind, which is also apparent in CD2.

Anyhow, back to my quibble; I wonder if the boys at "globalunderground" still TRULY REFLECT the vibe, feel and flavor of their gigs in the many different cities around the world. What I mean is that Nick could not have started his Paris performance with 70 min. of chill (no matter how good the tracks were); this just doesn't happen in real life. At one time there used to be a sentence in GU sleevenotes that states "Each of the tracks on this CD has been selected by the DJ himself to give a retrospective view of his recent sets in xyz city" and I believed it, but not anymore. It is now released as a night in a certain city at a certain venue but with full focus on commercial objectives; henceforth, chill tracks you would never hear being played in front of a massive crowd waiting to get high on life and dance to a frenzy.

I have no problem with that actually, good music is never bad. And GU 30 is good music. But I have my suspicions about it being a true reflection of what happened in Paris.

4 out of 5 stars Progressive......that is, fresh............2007-05-01

Just a few words. A little different to my usual fare, but pleasantly different. The kind of house you can play to non-house enthusiasts. Low key, and kind of.....different.....Probably the best GU since Warren's last.....GU#28 Shanghai, but then, I am becoming a Renaissance man....

5 out of 5 stars you have to trust Nick Warren.......2007-05-01

There are those DJ's who you have to trust that they will bring you alongside their own musical evolution. Nick Warren is the leader of this pack. The first listening to CD 1 left me relatively uninspired, now I think the first five tracks are as close to flawless as it gets.

5 out of 5 stars Mr Warren's Opus.......2007-04-28

What more can be said about Nick Warren as a DJ? Brilliant, master, or genius? I'm sure that every known title has been used at some time or another to describe this guy. However there is a single word in the english language that I feel describes him best. Ineffable (i.e. you can't describe him with words!). Global Underground 030: Paris is yet another testament to his ineffability.

I had to stop my MP3 player 15 minutes into listening to this album for the first time. Why? Well, I had accidently started disc 2 and was a little off my norm at the time! It was too much...too good...too powerful...too...well you get my point. So...a few days later with my full attention span intact, I gave it another go. I don't think I have ever felt so much euphoria while listening to music since disc 2 of Global Underground 24:7 by Danny Howells. Sorry to sound so melodramatic but I'm being honest.

Again I started with disc 2. The set is so incredible. Tracks loaded with overlapping and intricate sounds, melodies and harmonies...but also simple and minimalistic in essence. There are so many subtle peaks on a background that never truly dips too low. No buildups or crescendos are clearly discernable after "I Miss" and "Sweep" (tracks 1&2). By "Cosmopolitan Drink" (track 3) your feet will no longer touch the ground until the end of the disc.

This may seem a little boring to a lot of progressive house and trance fans. Especially those who solely live for the much loved crescendo-decrecedos heard on many live and commercial electronica sets. A quick warning to those listeners that consider GU008:Brazil to be Warren's best Global Underground release. This album hits the other end of the electronica spectrum for Warren. Sorry, but those days are predominantly gone for him. Since 2003, and the timely release of GU024:Reykjavic, Warren embraced the art of being a DJ...no longer did he concentrate on putting out thumping compilations and hard techo driven sets to please the chemically driven dancers on his dancefloors. No, since 2003 he has become a fourth dimension bus driver and is more than happy to bring anyone with an open mind along for the ride. Hop on for this one.

Disc 1 was listened to immediately after disc 2. I'm actually glad that I ended up listening to the discs in this sequence. I needed my emotions to mellow out a bit. I needed to be brought back from Warren's bus trip! Disc 1 was exactly what I needed. It has this eerie, calming affect. Much needed after listening to disc 2. The track selection on disc 1 is by no means dull and uninspiring...just gentle, soulful, and of course...brilliant!

I continully need to justify why I listen to and love electronica to the majority of my friends. I'm also defending the true DJ frequently. No, they are not just guys and girls who play records and CDs. At least not the true masters who clearly separate themselves from the amateurs. The true masters of electronica should include the (highly underpraised) creators of the music itself, and those few DJ's that can string together multiple (and carefully) selected tracks into a seamless set. The overall goal of these DJ's is not to mix a bunch of different tracks into one big and lengthly supertrack. Their goal is to create an unique experience or journey for the listener to embark on.

These DJ's are very rare...Nick Warren is one...without a doubt. GU030: Paris is his opus.

Both discs easily score 5/5 stars from this reviewer.

It is truely a shame that this production is going to be his last for the Global Underground label. His last three GU releases have been truly special.
Global Underground: Mexico City
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • Definitely different, but just plain (throwback word) RAD.
  • "Nothing but Noise"........People listen to the CD!!!! Its a GREAT Mix
  • a refreshing departure from GU's excellent progressive pedigree
  • Two CD's of noise
  • Fits in perfect
Global Underground: Mexico City
Adam Freeland
Manufacturer: Global Underground
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Techno | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
HouseHouse | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
BritainBritain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Global Underground: Taipei (GU31)
  2. Global Underground 030: Paris
  3. Dubai
  4. Balance 011
  5. Renaissance Presents Hernan Cattaneo: Sequential, Vol. 2

ASIN: B000P7V5UW
Release Date: 2007-06-19

Tracks:

  1. Faze Action - In The Trees (Carl Craig C2 Remix #1)
  2. Revl9n - Walking Machine (SebastiAn Remix)
  3. Etienne De Crecy - F***
  4. Kim - Wet N Wild (Midnight Juggernauts Mix)
  5. Mr Oizo - Half An Edit
  6. Adam Freeland - Silverlake Pills
  7. Kim - By The Time They Reach You (Bagraiders Mix)
  8. Jape - Floating (Alex Metric Remix)
  9. Beauty School - Disco Sux (Stone Lions Mix)
  10. Oliver Huntemann - 37°
  11. Justice - Phantom
  12. Minimal Compact - Deadly Weapons (Optimo Mix)
  13. DJ Mehdi - Signatune (Thomas Bangalter Edit)/ Spank Rock - Bump (Switch Remix)
  14. Phones - Sharpen The Knives
  15. Trabant - The One (Para One Remix)
  16. Kavinsky - Testarossa (SebastiAn Remix)
  17. Evil 9 - Happy Ending

Tracks:

  1. Spacemen 3 - Ecstasy Symphony
  2. My My - Butterflies & Zebras
  3. Lee Jones - There Comes A Time (Prins Thomas Miks)
  4. Justus Kohncke - Advance
  5. 120 days - Come Out, Come Down, Fade Out, Be Gone
  6. Gui Boratto - Terminal
  7. Holden - Lump
  8. Cobblestone Jazz - Dump Truck
  9. Silversun Pickups - Lazy Eye
  10. Substance & Vainqueur - Immersion
  11. Fujiya & Miyagi - Ankle Injuries
  12. Andrew Weatherall - Feathers
  13. B-Movie - Nowhere Girl (Adam Freeland Mix)
  14. Mylo - Paris 400 (Aswefall Remix)
  15. Adam Freeland - Self Indulgent Ending

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Definitely different, but just plain (throwback word) RAD........2007-07-31

Don't expect to hear your typical GU album here. If you are hardcore into what is usually put out by the label, then this might not be for you. But if you're willing to check out something a little different, then this is the one. I was listening to disc 1 while doing some work on the computer and realized that my legs were getting quite a workout! The music just makes you move, constantly.

I haven't heard anything from Adam Freeland before this but I will definitely check out more of his stuff now. I think the negative reviews are from people who are disappointed that this album is a 180 from the norm, but if you know not to expect the norm, then get ready for a great experience! This probably should have been released under something other than the "Global Underground" series, like a NU-Breed or something, but the GU people must have wanted to get this guy some exposure, and rightfully so.

Again, different than your usual GU, but one that must be heard, just know what to expect.

5 out of 5 stars "Nothing but Noise"........People listen to the CD!!!! Its a GREAT Mix .......2007-07-12

Ok I have not written a review in a long time. But I have to let my voice be heard. This cd is truly an amazing mix. No, its not progressive, house, or trance. It Breaks (and a few rock songs thrown in for good messure). Now dont get me wrong, I was thrown off on the first listen. Almost did not give it another chance. But on the second listen I got to really soak up what Freeland has done here and its GREAT. I mean come on people, Who else can have you right in the middle of a pounding breaks mix then all of the sudden throw down a smoking rock song (Lazy Eye)on disc two. Any way I'm not going to go into the specifics of the cd, just trust me GIVE IT A CHANCE

5 out of 5 stars a refreshing departure from GU's excellent progressive pedigree.......2007-07-10

The problem I have with the negative reviews regarding this release is that many of them start off with:

"This is noisy and awful! I've been a fan of GU ever since the series existed and this is nothing like what they play!"

Yea okay. If this was a Seaman release--or Digweed--then sure, be angry. It would be a complete disaster of sound. You got hooked by the expectation of heavily layered, ethereal progressive house and got edgy, punchy electronica. Complain--people will listen.

But if you have been following Adam Freeland around, or electronic music in general for that matter, you'd know that he's not a progressive house DJ. In fact, he isn't even a house DJ. Known for his blistering breaks and genre-defying sets, Adam has slowly progressed (pardon the pun) towards the French and Australian labels (Ed Banger and Modular come to mind), pushing the boundary between house, electronica, and rock.

To me, the combination is sublime. I love every minute of this release (I'll give the other reviewer some slack since the revl9n track IS a bit weird). If you like artists like SebastiAn, Busy P, Digitalism, The Bagraiders, Ajax, and other "new electro" stars, then pick up this album. If you are a diehard fan of groovy, deep progressive house, then this album shouldn't have even attracted you in the first place.

A real dancer in my book.

1 out of 5 stars Two CD's of noise.......2007-07-07

I have to agree with the other reviews that came in at one star. If they had a rating of zero stars these CD's are awful enough to have deserved a zero star rating. If you are into sounds that mostly make you cringe then this is certainly your style. NO need to go on any more, but there's not a single track on these 2 CD's worth listening or dancing to.

5 out of 5 stars Fits in perfect.......2007-07-06

You one star bashers aren't patient. When I first heard this, i was like "what the hell" but.....gave it a chance and im glad i did. Maybe you wouldn't want to hit the random button on this cd- i think thats what the "one star" reviewers did. Superbly mixed, different, and rockin'. If you've given every other GU a chance go ahead and do the same for this.
Global Underground 013: Ibiza
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Perfection
  • You are going to love this one!
  • Surviving The Test of Time
  • Astonishing achievement for Sasha and the subculture
  • this IS sasha's masterpiece
Global Underground 013: Ibiza
Sasha
Manufacturer: Global Underground
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
ElectronicaElectronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
TranceTrance | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
HouseHouse | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Dance & DJ | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ElectronicaElectronica | Dance & DJ | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Techno-HouseTechno-House | Dance & DJ | Indie Music | Stores | Music
TranceTrance | Dance & DJ | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Northern Exposure II: East Coast
  2. Northern Exposure II: West Coast
  3. Xpander
  4. Northern Exposure : Expeditions
  5. Bedrock

ASIN: B00004WH0H
Release Date: 1999-12-21

Tracks:

  1. Deep Progress
  2. Deep Edge - MRE
  3. Feel High [Humate Mix] - Resistance D
  4. Real Time
  5. Baseline Track - Medway
  6. My Lexicon - Sander Kleinenberg, Sander Kleinenberg
  7. Nothing Left [Breeder Remix] - Orbital
  8. Move! - John Selway, Christian Smith
  9. Talkin' [Tarrantella Vs Redanka Remix]
  10. Stage One [Pariah Remix] - Space Manouevres
  11. Sacred - Sander Kleinenberg
  12. Amber - Natious

Tracks:

  1. Fibonacci Sequence - BT
  2. Zoe - Paganini Traxx
  3. Perception
  4. Fly - P.O.B., Patrick Reid
  5. Xpander - Sasha
  6. One - Bluefish
  7. Mercury and Solace - BT
  8. Dreamstate [LSG Mix]
  9. Future in Computer Hell, Pt. 2 - Junkie XL
  10. Heaven Scent/Lifeline - Bedrock

Amazon.com

Sasha and his fellow turntable conspirators John Digweed and Paul Oakenfeld have been on impressive winning streaks since the mid- to late '90s, particularly with their increasingly popular and influential Global Underground series. This addition to the cycle, a live set recorded in the Spanish dance-music haven Ibiza, comes close to setting a new standard. Sasha is working solo here, and in addition to showing off his prodigious live mixing skills and inventive use of source material, he creates an undeniable identity for himself. Digweed accomplished the same thing with the masterful Bedrock, but where that record was elegantly light and airy, this one burns with a sharper, more manic energy. Throwing out resolute rhythms and melting house samples bathed in dreamy backdrops, Sasha cuts through dense structures and clever transitions with superhuman alacrity. It does take him a little while, as his use of trance-inducing repetition strays a bit while he establishes a groove on the first disc. Disc 2, however, simply tears into an incredibly danceable vibe. Mixing together melodic snippets and varying moods, from the dark trance of "Fibonacci Sequence" to the ecstatic release of "Xpander" (from his EP of the same name), Sasha mainlines rhythm and creativity through to a satisfyingly exhausted conclusion. --Matthew Cooke

Album Description

Sasha Global Underground (2CD) leaves behind the modulating tempos of trance and finishes up the set with some straight-ahead progressive house tracks. Features tracks by Bedrock, BT, Orbital & more.

Album Details

The Rise and Proliferation of the Rave / DJ Culture Has Made the Popularity of Certain Disc-Slingers Skyrocket to Heights Usually Reserved for Royalty, Gifted Athletic Talent Or Those of the Ruling Class. Sasha, Born Alexander Coe in Bangor, Wales, is Just One of These. This Double CD Set features the Tracks 'my Lexicon' and 'Sacred' by Sander Kleinenberg, 'Stage One (Pariah Mix)' (Space Manoeuvres), 'Zoe (Timo Maas Mix)' by Paganinni Traxx, 'Xpander' (By Sasha Himself) and Much, Much More.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Perfection.......2007-07-07

Quite simply.. Disc 1 is timeless perfection. Best absorbed on a beach, headphones on, when its WAY too hot...

Disc 2 is a bit more cheesy, but best sums up the dance music trends at the time..

ENJOY.

NB: don't bother with other mixes if you didn't enjoy this.. its the best DJ in the world, at the top of his game, during the peak of the electronic music scene, at the dance music capital of the world.

MAGIC!

5 out of 5 stars You are going to love this one!.......2007-06-04

I played this CD for months and months. It transitions nicely from one tune to the next. It is great for driving, exercising, dancing etc...lively, wonderful beat, all excellent selections..its a soundtrack for your own mental movie..buy it..youll be glad you did!

4 out of 5 stars Surviving The Test of Time.......2007-03-08

The release date of this popular Global Underground release was 1999. This is right around the time when progressive house and progressive trance genres really started to come into their own. Very fitting that this compilation was modeled after a set performed in the Meca of all electronica venues...Ibiza. It was very "cutting-edge" for the release date and includes Sasha's very own Xpander on disc 2.

Due to electronica's ever-evolving sound, it is hard to find compilations that don't get tiresome after a few years. In my opinion, Global Underground 013:Ibiza is one of these gems. Disc 1 is one of my personal favorites under the Global Underground label. Eight years later and I never tire of it.

Disc 2 is a little more outdated. I don't like the track selection as much, and have a hard time listening to the whole disc in one sitting. Still enjoyable though.

Disc 1 get 5/5 stars and disc 2 4/5 stars.

This compilation is worth possessing for disc 1 alone.

5 out of 5 stars Astonishing achievement for Sasha and the subculture.......2006-12-31

Every dog has his day.
Every DJ has his album.
DJ Sasha found his, preliminarily, with Xpander. He rediscovered himself with Involver. But Ibiza remains his greatest achievement to date, and the proof lies within the brilliant music this man has chosen to present to us, the worthy progressive masses. The recipe for success, in this case is rather simple:
1 Quintessential DJ mixed with 1 Quintessential Trance world locale. Blend, mix and refrigerate. Serves millions.

All cuteness aside, however, this is one truly epic album, and perhaps the greatest achievement of the revered Global Underground series; I think Sasha knew what was expected of him with the release of this double-disc following his wildly popular San Francisco set, and he came through in strides. The typical formula for the GU series is this: Disc one, a bit slower, more patience required, beautiful and majestic yet less danceable, with disc two being the harder-hitting, rave-inducing and generally more well-liked disc. In this sense, Sasha's release is hard to compare with other Global Underground releases.

Disc one is DEEP. Perhaps this is foreshadowed by the titles of the first two tracks? Nonetheless, this disc is one beautiful, powerful and spiritual trip into the psyche. I often meditate to this disc; it's that deep. The tracks are so masterfully crafted, chosen and mixed that where I am in the album in terms of track is no longer any concern. The second half of disc one, while equally and fantastic and mesmerizing, rises the bpm a little and pulsates. Sasha displays a split-personality complex on this first disc, all the while making the two halves seem like a perfectly logical whole.

Disc two is less consistent in terms of the intensity of mood, but by all means this does not make it a lesser disc! This disc is every bit as wonderful as the first and I would challenge anyone to dispute this. "Fibonacci Sequence" has to be one of the most strangely wonderful tracks I have ever heard, with the spoken-word sequence itself oozing in and out of the track. The bass, the beat, everything about this 10+ minute introductory track is impeccable. 'Zoe', 'Perception' and 'The Fly' are very dancable and expertly mixed tracks which blend together in preparation for the one and only 'Xpander' - a beautiful addition to any mix, but especially beautiful when placed in the hands of its creator. He proves he knows exactly how to manipulate not only the work of others, but of himself as well.

Perhaps my favorite part of the entire two-disc set is summed up within the last four tracks on the second disc. Beginning with 'Mercury and Solace' and 'Dreamstate (LSG Mix)' (two tracks that have lulled me to sleep on many an occasion due to their delicate beauty) and 'Heaven Scent' (a Bedrock staple track that I happen to love) finalize this aural apex - but with a twist. Junkie XL's 'Future in Computer Hell (Part 2)', curiously inserted in between Dreamstate and Heaven Scent, is one of the most quintessential breakbeat grooves I have heard in a long, long time. It honestly reminds me of 'Rykketid' or 'One Flew Over The Cocoo's Nest' on Zabiela's Utilities.

The music speaks for itself - like true music should. This is the Five-Star Hotel, the Presidential Suite, the finest Russian caviar of progressive trance mixes, and the cream of the Global Underground crop.

As essential for the 21st century as Renaissance - The Mix Collection was for the 1990s.

~Lex

5 out of 5 stars this IS sasha's masterpiece.......2006-07-24

this guy is an artist in every regard. i truly believe, with the exception of "live at avalon", that every one of his cds is a masterpiece. but if ever there were a "masterpiece", this would be the one that tops the other ones.
Global Underground 031: Taipei
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • The Darker Half
  • best GU comp in a while
  • A huge improvement from the ill fated Dubai release
  • An amazing release by Dubfire
  • JUNK This is NOT!!!!!!
Global Underground 031: Taipei
Dubfire
Manufacturer: Global Underground
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
TranceTrance | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
HouseHouse | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Global Underground: Mexico City
  2. Global Underground: Paris
  3. Renaissance Presents the Masters Series, Pt. 9: Satoshi Tomiie
  4. Dubai
  5. Global Underground 030: Paris

ASIN: B000MV9NWI
Release Date: 2007-04-17

Tracks:

  1. It Comes from Inside (Inside-Apella)
  2. I Try - Francois Dubois
  3. Myself
  4. Sun Is Rising [Ruff Mix]
  5. Swimming Places [Sebastian Ingrosso Re-Edit] - Julien Jabre
  6. Finest Dream [Silicone Soul Remix] - And If
  7. In White Rooms
  8. Hustler - Simian Mobile Disco
  9. Remember Me
  10. Afterlife - Deetron,
  11. DJ, The Music & Me [Peace Division Remix]
  12. My House - DJ Simi
  13. What U Du [Markus Shulz Remix]
  14. I Feel Speed [Club Mix] - Dubfire
  15. Kill 100 [Carl Craig Remix] - Rob Harvey,

Tracks:

  1. First Rebirth [FX DJ Tool]
  2. Control I'm Here [Dubfire's Jamrock Remix]
  3. Sax Track
  4. Lucky Heather [Dubfire's Lucky 13 Remix Parts 1 + 2 - Tunes Edit] - Nic Fanciulli
  5. My MTV [The Dolphins Remix]
  6. Float Away [Dubfire's Casaplex Remix] - Robbie Rivera
  7. You - Ithaka
  8. Die Rumpelkammer - Len Faki
  9. Everything Counts [Oliver Huntemann & Stephan Bodzin Dub] - Depeche Mode
  10. Related
  11. Can You Relate - Samuel L. Sessions
  12. Satellites
  13. Start Chasing [Extrawelt Remix] - Alexander Kowalski
  14. Jet [Paul Kalkbrenner Remix] - Ellen Allien,

Amazon.com

Ali "Dubfire" Shirazinia answers Deep Dish co-conspirator Sharam's recent solo Global Underground release (GU29: Dubai) with one of his own: Taipei. The journey starts with a mellow house vibe that has both atmospherics and funk in plentiful supply. Francois Dubois's "I Try" greets the listener with a shimmering organ line, Myself's "Barbeque" gives an idea of what it might be like to hear a ghost talking through a vocoder, and the lilting string section of Julien Jabre's "Swimming Places" will melt the ice in your drink. The direction changes with the molten electro of Booka Shade's "White Rooms," and from there it's off to the races. Disc 2 hits the ground running, as the industrial menace of Nitzer Ebb's "Control I'm Here"--which comes off as even creepier than the original--sets the stage for an unforgiving trip through the darker provinces of dance music. While a number of tracks such as Nic Fanciulli's "Lucky Heather" are inescapably engaging, others, like Robbie Rivera's "Float Away" (with its barely passable lyrics) don't fare as well. Taken as a whole, Dubfire fans will be happy that the DJ has pulled no punches, though it's likely that listeners who love the first disc will find the second a little punishing for their taste. Perhaps this is the price of eclecticism. --Brent Kallmer

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars The Darker Half.......2007-07-15

There is definitely a trend occurring. Strong feelings of ultimate satisfaction or complete dissatisfaction with what each member of the legendary duo, Deep Dish, is now compiling under their own names (or alias).

I think it safe to say that Dubfire has always been considered the darker half of Deep Dish. It was very predictable that he would compile an album that so sharply contrasts Sharam's GU029:Dubai.

The first half of disc 1, however, did take me by surprise with its lighter and dreamier sound. I expected darkness all the way. Initially, I was excited because it felt as if Dubfire was going to take the listener on one of those O-so-rare musical journeys that only a few DJ's truely know how to do on a commerical compilation. I felt completely cheated when track 8 ("Hustler" by Simian Mobile Disco) hit. For me, that was the beginning of the end of the ride that I was so thoroughly enjoying. The remaining tracks are alright, and I do like the actually music of Dubfire's own "I Feel Speed [Club Mix]", but the lyrics are really lame. Anyone else think of "My White Bicycle" by Nazarath?!

Disc 2 is a complete roller-coaster ride for me when it comes to Dubfire's track selection. Love some and hate just as many. After a couple of weak opening tracks, the set hits one of its highlights with the "Sax Track". The others being "You" by Ithica and the closer track, Paul Kalkbrenner's excellent re-mix of "Jet". I frequently lose interest in the set with many of the other tracks between these.

Personally, I think Dubfire needs to phase out his need to include a little Depeche Mode into every set his mixes. If you have ever heard this guy spin solo live, you'll know what I mean! Also, re-mixes can occasionally make great improvements and/or revitalize the originals, but to include 6 re-mixes out of 14 tracks as on disc 2 was pretty dissapointing for me.

Disc 1 gets 4/5 and Disc 2, 3.5/5 stars.

5 out of 5 stars best GU comp in a while.......2007-06-28

sharam who? this set is the it set for me at the moment. dubfire's own "i feel spaced" was a great highlight for me as well as olivier huntemann + stefan bodzin's remix of depeche mode's everything counts.

4 out of 5 stars A huge improvement from the ill fated Dubai release.......2007-06-03

I find it very interesting that Sharam and Dubfire contradict each other on their solo efforts. Sharam is obviously the more commercial side of the duo while Dubfire keeps up with the trends in electronica. However, even on this release...I am able to see flaws.
I will break it down by discs. First, disc #1. The fist 5 tracks are top notch selections...except for the fact that they are ALL old. I would expect this from most other djs'...but not from someone of this caliber. Remember, this guys is supposed to be one of the best in the industry. The track selection should reflect this by being all new tracks with very limited release. The rest of the cd is above average by being very listenable and enjoyable. Special mention to the Yoshimoto track. Very nice.
Disc 2 is in my opinion the superior disc. It looks like everyone is giving the second disc bad reviews compared to the first...but I am here to tell you differently. "Lucky heather" followed by the excellent "My MTV" (which is being played heavily at clubs everywhere) brings us to a different level.
To keep this short...disc 2 is darker and more geared toward the underground and is by far the better of the two.
It's not the album of the year...but still worth the money.

5 out of 5 stars An amazing release by Dubfire.......2007-05-28

This is definitely the best solo release from Deepdish. I find GU31 Taipei better than GU29 Dubai by Sharam.
CD1 sounded like trance mixed with house, which Dubfire pulled off beautifully, then CD2 finished off with pure house beat.
Oddly, I even find the tunes on this CD better than his GU31 tour

5 out of 5 stars JUNK This is NOT!!!!!!.......2007-05-18

See...this is what aggravates me and makes me compelled to write some type of review!! Someone talking trash and then saying they like an album that is nothing but trash and then trashing an album that is waaaaaaay better than the album they say is OK. I can tell ya that this set is getting way more play time than GU29 ever will!!! 29 is nothing but a dust collector here. I refuse to listen to that crappy set. As it was, I was very hesitant at buying this set only because of what the other half put out on GU29 and now I have to say I was quiet surprised. Now I see who the glue is that holds together this group called Deep Dish. I'm pretty sure that you won't be disappointed with this album. Believe me...I'm very picky when it comes to electronic music and I wasn't disappointed!!! Some BIG names have disappointed me in the past.
GU Mixed
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Excellent compilation for a juggernaut label
  • A "mixed" bag of treats for GU fans
GU Mixed
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Global Underground
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

AmbientAmbient | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Techno | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
Minimal TechnoMinimal Techno | Techno | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
CompilationsCompilations | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music | Ambient | Dance Pop | Disco | Drum & Bass | Electronica | Freestyle | Techno-House | Trance | Trip Hop
HouseHouse | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
Euro DanceEuro Dance | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
BritainBritain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Global Underground: Mexico City
  2. Renaissance Presents the Masters Series, Pt. 9: Satoshi Tomiie
  3. Balance 011
  4. Global Underground: Taipei (GU31)
  5. Global Underground: Paris

ASIN: B000OPQ0LE
Release Date: 2007-06-12

Tracks:

  1. Evening with Bobi Bros.
  2. Dibiza [Island Groove Remix] - Danny Tenaglia
  3. Lovin [Your Body Remix]
  4. Sheshi Lounging
  5. Operatah - Angel Moraes
  6. Another Man [Daniel Stefanik Mix] - Eric Borgo, Oxia
  7. Harmonize - Spirit Catcher
  8. Magical
  9. Superflyin [Francesco Farfa Mix]
  10. Twelve [Noir Remix]
  11. Music from the Heart - Oliver Koletzki
  12. Genesis - D-Dub
  13. Mal Funktion - Emjae
  14. Shake It [Philipe de Boyar Remix]
  15. Manga
  16. Razorblade [Play Paul Club Mix]
  17. Witchi Tai To [M Factor Vocal] - X-Press 2,
  18. Waiting for You [Superb Ass Remix]
  19. Burn My Shadow [Junkie XL Remix] - UNKLE

Tracks:

  1. Azure, Pt. 1
  2. Rockbottom [Stereovox Remix]
  3. School of Thought - Kevin Swain
  4. Warm Milk - James Talk
  5. Female
  6. Indestructible [Stel Remix]
  7. Big Rooms Bigger Tunes - Stu Hirst
  8. Xcellr8 [D-Nox and Beckers Remix]
  9. Mexico Can Wait - DJ Remy, Roland Klinkenberg
  10. Winter - Aril Brikha
  11. Saturn
  12. Perspective - Rex Mundi
  13. Jade
  14. C U Next Tuesday [Eric Kupper Mix]
  15. C U Next Tuesday [Trey Crasseux Mix]
  16. Blackbox - Jim Rivers
  17. New Path [Jim Rivers Remix] - Jan Burton, Gabriel & Dresden
  18. Patchwork Guilt - Paul Hartnoll

Tracks:

  1. If You Don't Love Me [The Future Sound of London Mix] - Prefab Sprout
  2. Open Your Mind - Last Rhythm
  3. One High [Bump Remix]
  4. Good Feeling
  5. Night Walk [Nightwalk Version] - Kamasutra
  6. Why Naked
  7. Chica Boom
  8. Hack #1 - Think Tank
  9. Shock the Beast - Electric Chocolate
  10. Hold Me Back - WestBam
  11. Gimme a Smile [The DeLorme vs Dharma Bums Mix]
  12. Vertigo [Doi-Oing vs Spooky Thumper Mix]
  13. Love Nature [Joy & Kaya Remix]
  14. Psychedelic Solution
  15. Paraglide [Humate Remix] - Paragliders
  16. Nasty Rhythm [Sasha's M.F.I. Mix] - Creative Thieves
  17. Sweet Sensation - Shades of Rhythm
  18. Let Me Hear You (Say Yeah) - PKA
  19. Together
  20. Break of Dawn - Rhythm on the Loose
  21. These Are My People [Rainbow Mix] - Members of the House

Tracks:

  1. Atoms [Henrik Schwarz Dub] - Boy George,
  2. Like You [Thugfucker Instrumental]
  3. Smoke [Danny Bonnici Remix]
  4. Xtreme Control - Ashtrax
  5. Nitro Fly - Pako & Frederik
  6. Saws and Sines [Anil Chawla and Dale Anderson Remix] - Stu Hirst
  7. Villain [Tangleray vs Vance Musgrove Remix] - Lostep
  8. Circus
  9. Moog Me
  10. So Long [Audioglider Remix]
  11. Robots - Kevin Swain

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Excellent compilation for a juggernaut label.......2007-08-04

GU has been a constant "standard" so much that "copycat" labels (Balance)have sprung up to capture some market share. Mixed continues with the tradition and delivers a triple threat of excellent track selection and enjoyable beats.

Each disc has several standout tracks that have alreay been highlighted in the previous review.

Definatly recommended.

4 out of 5 stars A "mixed" bag of treats for GU fans.......2007-07-22

GUMixed is a mixed (pardon the pun) bag, no doubt about it.
Following (and inspired by) GU's successful GU10 comes a nicely packaged three disc (or four, depending on whether you buy the limited edition) mix of unreleased/exclusive tracks and an '88-'95 retrospective, which is all well and good and certainly unique, but not without a few caveats.

The first disc begins very, very strongly with `An Evening With Bobi Bros' by Trentmoller & DJ Tom > Tenaglia's Island Groove Remix of `Dibiza' > `Lovin' (Your Body Remix) by Funk D'Void. In fact, the first CD is peppered with a quantity of really decent tracks - some stand-outs include `Shake It' and `Mal Funktion' - but the problem is that equally as many just don't hold water by comparison, leaving mixed impressions at the disc's closure. `SheShi Lounging' and `The Operatah' were a bit too disco-house for my tastes and didn't seem to fit in; the same goes for `Manga' and the downright weird `Razorblade.' Disc one ends as strongly as it began, however, with Bent's `Waiting For You' and UNKLE's `Burn My Shadow' (remixed by Junkie XL). Make no mistake, there really aren't any `bad' tracks on this disc, but a couple of tracks would have been better off omitted.

I can't quite understand where the GU marketing department came up with "Two discs full of exclusive and unreleased music," as disc two's opener `Azure (Part 1)' has appeared on other mixes as well - but so much the better, as it is a decent track. `School Of Thought' brings some nice sexy progressive trance to the table, but is followed by the disappointingly short `Warm Milk,' clocking in at a mere 1:14, and `Female,' which sounds as if it should have been included on the third disc rather than amongst the exclusive tracks. There are plenty of moments of saving grace on disc two, just like disc one, to make up for some mismatched tracks. Stel performs an earthy remix of Trafik's `Indestructible' which expands into a surprisingly hard-hitting number by its end. `Big Booms Bigger Tunes' > `Xcellr8' > `Mexico Can Wait' continue this theme that is abruptly halted by `Winter,' which is haunting and melodic, as is `Saturn.' The problem is, again, that these tracks seem woefully out of place even though they are quite enjoyable. Disc two ultimately redeems itself, as does disc one, with a series of fantastic tracks by Jim Rivers (`Black Box'), Gabriel & Dresden Ft. Jan Burton (`New Path' remixed by Jim Rivers) and Paul Hartnoll (`Patchwork Guilt'). Again, there are no truly harsh tracks present but the inconsistency is paramount.

Which brings us to disc three - the 1988-1995 retrospective of early house/acid-house tracks. I definitely dig this disc because it makes GUMixed a fairly unique and complete package and features songs by long-ago EDM pioneers including Lost Tribe, West Bam, Doi-Oing, Creative Thieves (Sasha performs a remix of their track) and Members Of The House, to name but a few. For a retrospective disc, disc three offers a lot and asks very little in the way of patience with aged tracks.

For the collectors out there who purchase the limited edition with the fourth, unmixed CD, let me be succinct: It is as decent as any of the other discs, but the extra $10 added to the price does not justify its inclusion. I think GU should have followed in the footsteps of GUMixed's predecessor, GU10, and made this a standardized four-disc collection rather than making the unmixed disc optional. It serves its purpose well for those who mix their own music, indeed, but it isn't *that* great.

Overall, GUMixed is a mixed bag of treats with some easily overlooked abrasions in the track sequences. I do think that I like this package better than GU10 because of the exclusivity of many of the tracks plus the retrospective third disc.
Disc 1 - 3.5/5 * Disc 2 - 3.5/5
Disc 3 - 4.0/5 * Disc 4 - 3.0/5
Overall, a strong 3.5, and overall a quality release.

~Lex
76:14
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • A Jewel in the Pile
  • Did they remake Risky Business?
  • Ambient Stand Out
  • Several Imitated Styles
  • Sits on the top of my "Able to Listen to Anytime" list!
76:14
Global Communication
Manufacturer: Arista
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

AmbientAmbient | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Techno | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
ElectronicaElectronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
CDs $7 - $10CDs $7 - $10 | Electronica | Dance & DJ | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
All Bargain TitlesAll Bargain Titles | Electronica | Dance & DJ | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
CDs $7 - $10CDs $7 - $10 | Techno | Dance & DJ | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
All Bargain TitlesAll Bargain Titles | Techno | Dance & DJ | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
All Bargain TitlesAll Bargain Titles | Dance General | Dance & DJ | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
4-for-3 Dance & DJ4-for-3 Dance & DJ | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
4-for-3 Pop4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
4-for-3 Rock4-for-3 Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
4-for-3 All Music4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Lifeforms
  2. Sub Conscious
  3. Tired Sounds of Stars of the Lid
  4. The Orb's Adventures Beyond The Ultraworld
  5. Psy-Fi

ASIN: B000003RSK
Release Date: 1997-10-28

Tracks:

  1. 4 02
  2. 14 31
  3. 9 25
  4. 9 39
  5. 7 39
  6. 0 54
  7. 8 07
  8. 5 23
  9. 4 14
  10. 12 18

Amazon.com

Understood in any language, across any time zone, Global Communication tolls for the human spirit which knows no boundaries. As one of the most significant releases to cross the ambient currents of the '90s, 76:14 places itself alongside benchmark electronic releases from Brian Eno, the Orb, and the Future Sound of London. These synth-dominated ventures allow the armchair traveler to indulge in atmospheric wanderings which suggest virtual galactic discovery. But often enough the textured beats keep things grounded to dissuade the listener from being lost in the void. Vocal samples from nine languages also remind us of the international and diplomatic intentions of this otherwise electro-instrumental album. Strap in and enjoy the liftoff for all mankind. --Lucas Hilber

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A Jewel in the Pile.......2007-05-16

I must apologize. I had blinders on. I thought that Tangerine Dream, Biosphere, John Serrie, Robert Rich and Steve Roach were the only ambient kids on the block worth listening to. Wrong. Upon Amazon.com's "Customers who bought Biosphere also listened to:" recommendation, 76:14 popped up, and I thought yeah, yeah the usual guys trying to make it big. And then I gave it a listen with the sample tracks, and I thought, Wow! Just when I thought I had my ambient selections nailed down.

76:14 is a compilation by Dedicated that is nothing short of glorious. Smooth, flowing synthesized rhythm's peppered with deep, reverberating pings instill a wonderful sense of openness, of the vast expanses of space or a wide open field. This is just what I am looking for after a hard day, because it helps me to relax, daydream a little and inspire me while I write. There is a perfect mix of laid back, long segments not unlike Chuck Wild's "Liquid Mind" series (which I highly recommend, by the way: IV [Unity] and VI [Spirit]), followed by mellow but solid club mixes with tinges of hip-hop beats, then an excellent surge of sonic crescendos in major chord ranges of the middle octaves. The tracks on 76:14 are humbly named only by the length of their duration, hence Track One is "4:02," Track Two is "14:31" and so on up to Track Nine, "12:18". I consider this the single best ambient recording ever made, just for its brilliant variations and technical proficiency without "too many notes." This album just bumped Biosphere's "Substrata" (1997) and all my favorites by Steve Roach ("Dreamtime Return"; 1988) down another notch. Variety, quality and replayability are what set 76:14 apart, and make it a definite keeper. I just got a new anchor.

I suppose, since music like this is so hard to describe sometimes, that if you took the best work of the artists I previously mentioned, you'd have this album. It sounds so much like Tangerine Dream's older work, yet not too much, blended very nicely with a little Biosphere, Steve Roach and a twist of Kevin Braheny, with a dash of Robert Rich and a tinge of Patrick O'Hearn. I could definitely hear a little Klaus Schulze in the mix. But to say that 76:14 is a copycat album is just off the mark. This great ambient recording truly makes me feel that I am in the 21st century, and not stuck in the same commercial tinkly-winkly crankings-out of the 1980's. Nice. Very nice.

4 out of 5 stars Did they remake Risky Business?.......2006-05-30

It's interesting to me that Tangerine Dream and song 8:07 were mentioned in an earlier review because when I first heard 8:07/5:23, I thought they were tracks from Risky Business that I had not yet heard or remixes of ones that I had.

Having said that, this is still a pretty good CD. I've always liked 14:31 and 4:14.

5 out of 5 stars Ambient Stand Out.......2006-04-09

This album makes it to the top of my ambient music collection. It even replaces Ishq "Orchid" which held the #1 position since August 2004. If you are looking for an instrumental ambient CD that you can relax to or take a mental journey with, this is the one. I sometimes put the headphones on at work to block out the co-workers and listen or pop it in the CD player on the way home to unwind.
My favorite tracks are 14:31, 9:39, and 12:18. The liner notes reveal that the band didn't want to bias your listening experience by naming the tracks. Definitely a sentiment I agree with.

3 out of 5 stars Several Imitated Styles.......2006-04-07

Brian Eno, the undisputed father of Ambient music described it this way, "Ambient Music must be able to accommodate many levels of listening attention without enforcing one in particular; it must be as ignorable as it is interesting." Global Communication has certainly produced some music that incorporates the style of Ambient music on several tracks. The missing element is interest. GC has taken some subtle melodies and looped them with a few electronic flourishes tossed in here & there that were probably intended to cause some interest but just sound like gimmicks. The other tracks that incorporate beats are obviously not Ambient but pure Electronica with a strong Tangerine Dream influence. Here again GC falls way short of the mark. In the track 8:07 the synth pattern is generated early on and continues with almost no interesting change. Where Tangerine Dream would have built on that pattern and expanded to some kind of melody, GC drops in maybe 3 notes & repeats them over and over. Not only isn't it interesting, it borders on tortuous. I'm not going to give a list of all the people that have done this much better. Do your own research. If you're content with believing that this is great music in this genre then it's your loss.

5 out of 5 stars Sits on the top of my "Able to Listen to Anytime" list!.......2006-03-09

This is the type of CD you can kick back and listen to and just let your thoughts go. I love what GC puts together as the "Mark and Tom show," and the sounds they create are just mesmorizing! Next to PM, this CD is at the very top! One hell of a mix!! Thanks guys....
Global Underground: Shanghai
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • F-ing fantastic.
  • Nick Warren...Sultan of All DJ's
  • A Breath of Fresh Air for Global Underground
  • Not Shanghaied
  • A handful of good tracks with mediocre mixing.
Global Underground: Shanghai
Nick Warren
Manufacturer: Global Underground
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
HouseHouse | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Global Underground: Miami
  2. Fundacion NYC
  3. Fabric 20
  4. Global Underground 030: Paris
  5. Dubai

ASIN: B0009F2C9S
Release Date: 2005-07-12

Tracks:

  1. Fat Cat - SJ Esau
  2. Somehow (Aural Imbalance Remix) - Jacob Todd
  3. Once (Sunseeker Remix) - Alex Stealthy
  4. Don't Forget Me (Way Out West's Clifton High Instrumental Mix) - Way Out West
  5. Over It - Tini Tun
  6. Vapour Trails - Starecase
  7. The Drake Equation - Seyton
  8. Horowitz - BCML
  9. Sunshine - Starecase
  10. Pillow (Quasar Remix) - Tristan
  11. Solace (Gardner & Star Mix) - Lustral

Tracks:

  1. Natural High - Chimera
  2. Fly Guitar (Astero Breaks Remix) - Morozov
  3. Conversations (Shiloh Remix) - Pot Shuvit
  4. Come To Me (Amateur Guitar Mix) - Holden & Thompson
  5. Synthetic Symphony - Blendbrank
  6. Acperience 1 - Hardfloor
  7. Sorry For Being Rude - Kosmas Epsilon
  8. Maleta - Marcel Shoenbrunn
  9. Flame - Murat Uncuoglu
  10. Changing In The Face Of Grace - Peter Martin
  11. Simple Things - Mercurio
  12. Your Touch - Derek Howell

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars F-ing fantastic........2007-04-11

To be frank, I find Global Underground to be a most conceited and over-rated series. Nearly every installment gets massive publicity, good reviews by majority, and probably flies off the shelves upon initial release. I myself own upwards of a dozen GU albums, ranging from Sasha to Digweed to Deep Dish to Danny Howells to Nick Warren to James Lavelle, and the other day I had an epiphany: I only listen to the Warren mixes.

Budapest is hard and in your face. Amsterdam, dreamy and smooth. Reykjavik was mellow and downbeat, with a half-cup of chill, and two teaspoons of surrealistic melody lightly sauteed with a pinch of funk. Original and unbalanced, it's a great listen. Shanghai, however, is better. Much better. Shanghai is f-ing fantastic. DJ Esau's "Fat Cat" sets the tone instantly, and remarkably, Warren manages to include a diverse array of sounds while remaining true to that first taste. It's upbeat, classy, and light on its feet without being oppressive and predictable. There are of course highs and lows throughout the album, but compared to every other GU, and even his previous work, Warren's latest is remarkbly controlled and balanced throughout. Like a forced-induction automobile engine, Warren hits his sonic plateau and keeps it level from then on out, offering you something superb no matter where you are on the album. It's brilliant.

I don't claim to be the definitive word on electronic music, and can only really state my opinion. But hundreds of dollars in albums later, the only ones I play repeatedly, the only ones that continue to excite me with each listen, and the only ones I actually recommend to friends and family who don't listen to electronic music, are those by Briton Nick Warren. Can't wait to hear Paris.

5 out of 5 stars Nick Warren...Sultan of All DJ's.......2007-02-21

I saw Nick Warren play a live set at a dreary club called Axis and Radius in Scottsdale, Arizona a few months back. The electronica scene in Arizona is horrible, but it was so great to listen to a true master at work for a change. By the end of the night, he was so hammered from all the free drinks that the management were hitting him with. However, no matter how intoxicated he got...he still was flawless. I can't say enough about this guy's talent and electronica collection.

What does this album's review have to do with Nick Warren's random set that night? Well nothing really, but to drive home a point. The guy is amazing even when he doesn't try to bring the house down. Global Underground 028:Shanghai is a product of Nick Warren when he is sober, concentrating, and putting in his full effort and talent. A scary thought.

This 2 disc set is enjoyable when listening to any particular track solely, but the brilliance of his musical journey comes through when the entire set is listened to from track 1 of disc 1 to the final track on disc 2. With most Global Underground compilations, I usually favor one disc heavily over the other, but I love both of these discs equally.

Global Underground 028:Shanghai is not a pure progressive trance album. Many other reviewers seem to think everything is progressive trance or progressive house. Sorry, but they are wrong. The selected tracks encompass indie-rock influenced vocal tracks to sweetly melodic deep house to raging acid. This variety of electronica genres is part of this compilation's charm and Nick Warren's secret for being the most dynamic DJ of all time.

Both discs get 5/5 stars from me.

5 out of 5 stars A Breath of Fresh Air for Global Underground.......2007-01-17

And it really couldn't have come at any better a time for the Global Underground series & label, because a lot of people were disheartened with Moscow, Barcelona & Romania, Singapore and Miami. Some even disliked Los Angeles and Toronto. I am not expressing my opinions in this review regarding any of the aforementioned albums, only stating the impressions I have gotten from the trance/house community in general.

Now, enter: Old Faithful. Nick Warren is an amazing musical alchemist, and has been given apt opportunity to display this quality on his Prague, Brazil, Budapest, Amsterdam and Reykjavik releases. Some claim the GU market is becoming saturated with Warren mixes, that the Warren Well has been tapped dry; I sympathize, to some extent, with these remarks - I think his Paris release should be what Reykjavik was supposed to be; his last, as far as GU is concerned. GU seems to fall back on his brilliance and stability too often in order to promote their series. I would like to see Warren expand and do some other projects outside of W.O.W. and Back to Mine. Anyway, on to Shanghai.

This is a mix that I am especially grateful to own. From the start, Warren establishes a superbly atmospheric consistency; on Reykjavik, for example, this atmosphere was "bubbly chilled out dub, but tranced over". On this release, there seems to be a "polished, glistening and magical touch" to the songs as they cycle through. The only track I will bother to mention specifically (because they are all great selections, and naming every high point of this mix would be arduous indeed) is the very first track on the first CD, SJ Esau's "Fat Cat". Hands down, the best opening track of any GU I've ever heard. Listen to it. It sets the tone for the following twenty-two tracks.

Not surprisingly, the subtlety with which Warren makes his transitions is almost astonishing from hypnotic valley to pulsating peak and back again. One minute, you'll find yourself gazing complacently, completely caught up in some devious backdrop harmonic line. The next minute, you'll find your leg involuntarily bounching up and down as you've hit a musical crest without even realizing it. Truly amazing.

I think with each Global Underground release, Nick Warren has become more and more polished. Prague and Budapest seem rudimentary when compared to Reykjavik and Shanghai in terms of production and track selection - and that's saying a lot. Shanghai is a very logical (if completely different, atmospherically) progression from the ethereal smoothness of Reykjavik; it sort of reminds me of Digweed's Hong Kong in this regard: Both albums can be considered both relatively chilled out and at once hard-hitting without running into a rut along the way. Both are just *polished* pieces of art. For the avid progressive trance fanatic, dismayed with recent releases or not, Shanghai is your breath of fresh air. Enjoy it, in all its magical sweetness.

This is, in my mind, one of the few essential Global Underground Series releases to date.

~Lex

5 out of 5 stars Not Shanghaied.......2006-11-24

Nick Warren is a fisherman...can you tell ? This record shows you the beauty of a well balanced act.

For the NW fans, the sell is easy. If you've always enjoyed the fine line where his previous works have navigated you through (not easy to define one NW record in a single style), then this piece here is that, to a more defined level, more thorough and focused.

For those of you not knowing what Warren is about, one could say he is the gentleman DJ of all these superstars: he always manages to reel you in without forcing anything upon you. It seems there is no ego here, which I believe is a sign of intelligence and talent. It's really all about the textures and the steadiness of the beats with an accessible range which allows you to delve easily into electronicness.
Disc one is a slower than usual paced intro and the kick off with "Once" is just delight. Steady bass. Glowing spatial tunes. From there the beat gets heavier but it's all manageable (Over all it has a great shakeable groove with almost tribal feel which increases). Tunes like "Vapour trails", "The Drake equation", "Pillow". This side ends on a rougher edge, definitely techno.
Disc two starts with that same NW feel: delicat and spatial with a D&B touch. "Fly guitar" takes out there yet again, with repeating keyboards and a two step in the back, "Conversations" has soft female vocals but intertwined with a metallic grind and sturdy bass while guitar riffs keep you up there, "Come to me" is a dreamlike moment, when "synthetic symphony" is all of a sudden wake up in technoland again. Following is a typical well tuned in series of technoish wonders. "Flame" has again that wandering touch with delicate waves underscored by the soft pulse the record never looses. From "Changing..grace" to the end, you are lifted with powerful trance and Warren unwinds that last surge of beats with another spatial like piece not remote from earlier Jean Michel Jarre's "Oxygene".

By now, you've been kindly engaged, gently lifted into nowhere-land, faced with thumping reminders and let to escape in dreamy like rests, pulled back in and softly let go...all with subtle fury.

2 out of 5 stars A handful of good tracks with mediocre mixing........2006-06-17

I don't know why this gets rave reviews - yes there are a few strong songs, but the rest are lacking and the whole mix is not very adventurous. Danny Howells' GU set is far better.

The good tracks on disc 1: Don't forget me (Way Out West always rocks), Vapour Trails (Quite a good track, possibly one ofthe best in the past year). That's it! Just 2.

The good tracks on disc 2: Come to Me, Synthetic Symphony, Acperience1, Maleta, Flame. Only 5 good tracks.

The general problem w/this set is that it doesn't move you much aside from the above 7 tracks. And those 7 tracks, which are quite melancholy will not stay in your head long like a good set does. Indeed, almost all of the other tracks are dreary and depressing too. Not too mention that the mixing is about as exotic as the iTunes crossfade playback. Sorry I just cannot get excited over this set. Compare it to Danny Howells' first set, Miami, and you'll feel even more Shanghaied by Nick Warren.

Pop Music:

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  7. Inner Sanctum
  8. Inspiration #1
  9. Intruding on a Silence
  10. It Happens

Pop Music

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