Doof Doof Doof
Apr 16 '00
***Before you read on, I must warn you that what looks like spelling errors aren't actually intended. (Why on earth would I want to spell like that on purpose?) The ignorant must now know that titles of the electronic genre is often fondly misspelt, eg. transelements, psykik, kraftwerk, etc. That is their nature.
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Let's say, hypothetically, I'm packing for a life-long trip to Island Kubawabamaba (Read: there is no such place). On the downside, I have to live off coconuts for my survival, but on the upside, I never have to face the cruel world ever again. Epinions says I can take a lifetime supply of batteries, a discman and 10 CDs. And maybe a photograph of my family and boyfriend. Wait, that's too depressing. Say, a stereo and huge Bose speakers. So now I have the dilemma of picking 10 of the best dance albums I have ever heard and owned in my entire lifetime. No mean feat. Well here goes...
1. Binary Finary (1998) single -
Everyone gets a little confused over the name of the group and the song. Binary Finary are the fantastic trio from South England who created this incredible tune and 1998 is the original title. The 1999 and 2000 versions now exist, and this is one track I can never get sick of. First heard as the final anthem of a rave I attended a year back, this completed the night of my worn-out dancing shoes. I desperately looked for the CD ever since, and had to hum the tune to CD stores salespeople in order to find out what the title was. I've also recently discovered a slowed-down version of it via a friend's turn-table, and it's actually very therapeutic and uplifting. (Lucky me, these people will be playing in Melbourne end of this month!)
2. Gatecrasher (First compilation in black and gold) -
An introduction to the well-known club of the same name in UK. I've had many memorable car-rides with this album, 2 CDs worth of music that grew on me like a lovable wart. I'd take the follow-up CDs (Red, blue and Discotech) with me except I've only allowing space for one Gatecrasher album in my bag...
3. Jeff Mills mix-up vol.2 -
Hailing from Detroit, Jeff Mills (aka. King of Detroit techno) is recorded live from the LiquidRoom in Tokyo. This album has caused me many sleepless nights and filled my room with earth-pounding beats and layered rhythms. There are a few other DJs featured in this album, including Richie Hawtin and Charles Chambers to name two. A little off my usual trance scores, but I've been a devoted fan of Jeff Mills ever since I attended one of his mixing sessions in Singapore. The bad thing about this album, is that it's divided into 3 segments and within them there are no breaks so it's impossible to listen to each track individually since I can't skip to my favorite song.
4. The best of Platipus -
2 exquisite CDs of refined, handpicked tracks from all UK Platipus compilations. Anthony Pappa outdoes himself in this album, and the guy at the store swears by it. Well buddy, I'm not as devout as you to this album, but it IS good. It's the best you can get out of Union Jack, Art of Trance, POB, Albion, Terra Ferma, Humate, Chromium, SOL, Quietman, LSG, Poltergeist, etc.
5. Plastic- compiled and mixed by Nervous: John Ferris -
Some commercial tunes reside in this, and some rather tacky ones I wish I could remove. However, after spending some quality time with this (and lots of skipping around), I've grown to like this a fair bit. My personal favorite is Liquid by Nebula B and Unicorn's Obsession forever- a hybrid of electronica and classical fused brilliantly.
6. RAVeNOUS (Yes, that's how it's spelt) -
Veers towards dance station music, but has this one fantastic track which features a distorted voice singing "where are you now". Eerie sounding and hollow, but never fails to send shivers down my spine. It reminds of a happy moment where me and a friend danced to this song and spent an hour and trying to figure out what the words were. I don't really like the rest of the album, but I would take this one with me for sentimental reasons.
7. Trancemaster 22 -
The real beatnik of the trance society will scoff at this CD as being one of my selections, but I've become so accustomed to it while driving in my car, that I've begun affectionately calling it "my highway music". No amount of bribery can make it me part with this.
NOTE: The following listed albums are Melbourne-made music, which means it may not be available in the U.S and therefore unknown to you.
8. Hardware- Rich:)e (as spelt) Rich and Simon Digby -
Locally made in Melbourne by one of the largest dance production groups in the local techno arena. More of the hardcore genre, and sounds similar to Jeff Mill's doofing style. I was solely impressed with the whole of disc 2 and have never found a better built-up apocalyptic tracks than Digby's. In order to appreciate this, you have to listen from the start of the CD to the end, and it is heavily bassed. Preferable for people with acquired tastes.
9. Earthcore -
Mainly for gatherers of the tribal scene. I'm not even sure how to categorize this, and I'll settle for Goa Trance section which more psychedelic than your normal trance. I especially love the psy-tribal beats which are unique to Earthcore parties. (Unfortunately, I haven't had the chance to attend any because they are normally held in forests, so it looks like I'll have to entertain myself with the CD meanwhile). If they have it in the U.S, get it and listen to Sleepwalker by Soma. It will have you feeling slightly schizophrenic.
10. Reactivate Classics -
Possibly the slowest in speed of all mentioned albums, and may be rather strange sounding to most people. It's taken some getting used to, with its oddly syncopated tracks. I wouldn't really try dancing to this either. Still, I've had a couple of cold mornings in the park with this, plugged into my discman and a good book. So It still makes it to the island.
That's what's going to go into my duffel bag if I ever make it to that imaginary island, and I'll hope to God I never run out of toothpaste.
P/s: Please remember this is a merely a personal preference of Electronic music, and not meant to dictate what you should listen to. However, it would be nice if you passed by the CD shops one day and had a listen to some of the songs I've listed. :]
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Epinions.com ID:
naturalhigh
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Location: Melbourne/Singapore
Reviews written: 77
Trusted by: 134 members
About Me:
Skew the self absorption, soulless vanity, hyper consumption and celebrity obsession of the me decade.
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