sadida's Full Review: Global Underground: Uruguay by Darren Emerson
Let the dog in and light a candle because you're in for one powerful set of tornadic tracks. This is no run of the mill set. The track selection can only be categorized as "interesting". When was the last time you heard an Orb track when you were out on the dance floor?
If you don't already know, Darren Emerson used to be part of the hugely successfull band Underworld. Emerson was a DJ before joining Underworld and just recently decided to return to his spinning days and leave Underworld. As a huge Underworld fan I am scared that this means the end of Underworld, but at the same time excited to hear what Emerson does on his own. He didn't waste any time and very quickly released Scorchio along with Sasha and this 15th release in the Global Underground series.
Tracks worth commenting on
* Emerson gets you thinking right off the bat. Track 1 on disc 1 is The Orb's "A Huge Ever Growing Pulsating Brain That..." While I like this track, I don't know that I would ever use it in a DJ set. I think Darren is trying to make a statement by using this as his first track. He's telling us that he isn't going to be releasing any formula sets. They will each have personality and be recognizable.
* Holy Ghost's "Twister" gives the progressive fans a little something to get excited about. This track is very sweeping and has to contain some of the more unique samples I've ever heard ;)
* To get a little groove on, look to Saints & Sinners "Pushin Too Hard". Nothing overdone here, just a nice steady beat, quirky back elements, and synth crescendos. Toss this on the decks to get some folks back out on the floor.
* Speedy J is on here! Can you believe it? Speedy J doesn't get a whole lot of recognition, until now. Unfortunately this isn't one of Speedy J's best tracks, and in fact it isn't very good at all :(
* In all, Disc 1 has some good tracks and some downright bad tracks. It's too inconsistent for me to get much playing time in my CD player.
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* Disc 2 isn't as crazy as the first. Emerson starts things off a little trancey with Paul Jacobs "Soul Grabber Part 3". This track is a good set starter. Fitting to the title, it grabs you and slaps you about the neck, chest, and head with sack full of deep beats and mystic female vocals.
* Genetic Grooves "Cloud 99" is a progressive marvel. It is full of tight percussion and sweepy blibs and bleeps. Darren isn't content to just let it play either. He drops in and out of the track with ease and sets the table nicely for my favorite track...
* Aaron Carl's "Dance Naked" may not make you disrobe, but it will make a spectacle of you at work if you dare listen to it with others around. You can't help but nod and sing along in that "computer on helium" voice used in the samples.
* The middle part of disc 2 gets a little repetitive and I loose interest a bit. This isn't bad at all if you are playing this disc as background. It is only a problem if you are listening intently.
General Comments
* The level and beat matching are professional all the way. You can tell Emerson has been at this a little while. On the other hand, maybe he did the mix in Pro Tools :)
* Holds true to the Global Underground "sound"
If you liked this you should check out:
- Deep Dish - Yoshiesque
- Nick Warren - Global Underground: Berlin
Recommended:
Yes
Great Music to Play While: Getting ready to go out
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