A Great Mix Of Urban Grooves
352550
This CD was given to me by a person who read some of my CD reviews. I heard the track "When The Funk Hits The Fan" a couple of years ago but never knew who made it. This was a great trade because I'm always  in to new underground music and this one is excellent. A touch of acid,  funk, and soul cover CD and I'm  my ears were blessed by it's sounds. A  great CD for collection of good music.
oNe
816334
Um.  Wow.  The first thing I had heard about this album was a joking comment that it is a funk band from New York and that the Wu Tang would be sampling tracks from this album almost instantly.  This piqued my interest because I DO love Rza's production and I DO see where they're coming from by saying that.

This album has some of the sweetest grooves I've heard in quite a while.  It's funky and sounds like it could be an amazing instrumental set up for a hip hop album, and is just an amazing headphone masterpiece.

I bought the CD YESTERDAY and I've already had 3 people who heard it in passing ask me WHO IS THAT?!?! so it seems to also fit a diverse section of the music market, and it's just friggin good.  Buy it.
2297715
Lounge-y Brazilian electronica and soft funk-fusion.  I was actually surprised by how much I enjoyed this album, although others may find it a bit cloying.  There were only a couple of tunes I found irritating; otherwise this is a nicely programmed, completely listenable album, featuring several fairly well-known new artists (Otto, Max De Castro, Joyce and others), some old-timers who are trying their hands at the new sound, and several bands that are well off the radar.  It's easy listening of a pretty classy caliber.  Recommended.
2073860
The magic of Get Lucky is in the mixture; they have one of the funkiest guitar riffs from the last decade, beautiful vocals from Pharrell, and all put together with the robots' attention to detail. There isn't a single thing out of place for the duration of the track.

It's also a return to a kind of music that hasn't been heard for years. This is a funky disco track modernised in an extremely elegant fashion.

I'm really looking forward to the full album, specifically interested to see what they brought in Todd Edwards to do.
218706
This is the most creative first album I've heard in a long time. Great mix of electronic, funk grooves with avant-garde jazz/Sun Ra touches.

When I first heard this I assumed it was a DJ, and was shocked upon picking it up to learn it's a live band with a little synthesizer thrown in. The drummer is that good. There's also some odd instrumentation (Thai guitar) that provides something a little different.

The only downside to this album is that once you start listening, it's hard to stop.
2089366
I don't want to mislead anyone with any implications that this is a re-tread of Coastal Grooves; it certainly is not. Rather, this is an interesting example of a follow-up to one of my top five favorite albums, which threw me an insane amount of curve-balls, but ultimately did not disappoint me at all. That being said, I did have to adjust to it a bit. The addition of two songs with rappers was surely the most drastic shift from the first album, but I was already a fan of Despot (which is hard to be since he never put out a single album), and I don't dislike the UK grime scene that the other rapper reminds me of (albeit without the distinct grime type beats/synth in this example). I also really like Clams Casino, who contributes a drum section, even though he is not really being himself in this example (he's mostly know for huge swells of atmospheric noise over somewhat trap-oriented drums). It's hard for me to single out all the other curveballs here, but this is one of those albums where the first two songs are so generous, that it should leave the listener in a forgiving mood towards all the things Blood Orange tries later in the album. After nearly ten listens, the only part I'm not wild about is the last song when he flatly rehashes lines from hits on the first album, but it's a small gripe because I still don't skip that track, and I get that he was trying to do a sort of extended coda type thing like Michael Jackson used to do when he wanted to pad out the end of an album a little. I am not an R&B type of guy, even though Frank Ocean opened me up to a lot of the new breed of artists, but Blood Orange oddly managed to steer clear of anything that is really trending right now, and just shoot strait for a lush sound rooted in the best R&B of all eras. I expect to pick this up at any time and it still age well. I'm totally satisfied, after insurmountable anticipation.
4636273
If you're a fan of the Plumpsters, you will not be disappointed by this artist/mix album (75% of the tracks are by the Plump DJ's, yet it's mixed).  They fill in gaps between their own songs, with matching high energy vibes, and punishing breaks.

The entire album is filled with electro and acid house, never getting too progressive or dark.  It's funky house, injected with the tings and energy these guys are known for.  There really are only two weak tracks out of 17, and no bad ones at all.  My two least favorite were Dr. Dub (rather simple and really doesn't go anywhere) and Smartbomb (borders on cheese).  The companion to the recently released single Dr. Dub is called Blackjack, which is sadly not on here, but I found to be more enjoyable than it's EP headliner.

As for killer tracks, my favorite is the echoing beats of Redshift, followed by Hell Up in Harlem, and Acid Hustle.  The best non-Plump track is easily their remix of the Freestylers Push Up, which is right near the culmination of the meat and potatoes of the mix, tracks 7-15.

Bullet Train is already a smash, and as far as Get Kinky, I love the beat and fast pace, but I'm not completely sold on the recycled Missy Elliot lyrics.

Overall, one to listen to straight through without any trouble at all.  A clear winner for these Dj's of electro breaks.
1885877
The idea behind the term progressive as applied to dance music was basically that instead of a simple 4/4 kick and a few "What the--" type squidgy noises, you have complex rhythms and layered, hypnotic melodies.  In other words, dance music grew up and opted for substance.  The two CDs of this compilation are a fine example of what happens when the ravers get tired of "the usual" and decide to add a bit more to the sonic stew.  I can't give you standout tracks, because most of the tracks here ARE standout tracks that have already been tempered in the most finicky UK nightclubs.

Have it.
1949556
Some months ago I had read an interview with Disco D.  He sounded like a serious producer and talented scratch DJ as well.  The genre is best described as 2 Live Cru gone modern with a techno edge. There are some 30 tracks on this album which are delivered in a seamless, dance-oriented way.  Disco D takes some of the older themes and throws them back into the mix.  As you'll read in the other reviews, the language is coarse, but a lot of it's tongue-in-cheek stuff.
Princess Superstar is a smooth, fast rapper with outrageous lines. Track #2 is my favorite!  I enjoyed the other decadent divas such as Lola Damone. I also liked the edgy cameo appearance by Turk. Disco D's scratching is lightning fast - he discreetly throws it into the mix.
Other favorite tracks are Peace Out, Pump Push Pull, and Keys to the Whip.
Here in the suburbs of New Jersey, we don't have any booty bars.  Disco D's album is a highly credible alternative!  Unique and satisfying.
255298
The Spam Allstars continue to groove with their newest release, which contains a diverse sampling of their unique blend of latin, funk jazz, a la electronica. I find it irresistable and catchy, but also complex enough where I appreciate and enjoy certain songs more with each listening. This band is giving Miami a sound all its own and, for a change, one it can be proud of. The hodgepodge of cultures and music found in Miami are finally being melded into a new sound where the whole is bigger than the parts. From rocking sax drenched melodies (the band's excellent A.J. Hill is joined on this outing by guest Pee Wee Ellis), to delicate and ephemeral flights of flute fancy,  to tasty guitar licks that do not overwhelm but artfully tease, to bold and exotic trombone riffs, this band really swings in ways that recall the roots of their music while simultaneously taking it into new territory. But what makes this mucic really special are the deep grooves and bass lines being created by DJ Le Spam and his interplay not only with the above sounds, but also with the fiery timbales and passionate vocals of Tomas Diaz. Bongo and/or conga players are also part of the mix, at times to enhance a latin sound, at others simply to add to a rhythm thatis already hot and moving. You will be dancing to many, and enthralled by all, of these selections. I highly recommend this music to you.
3092381
m.age.project sound a bit like Chicago, and a bit more like Ibiza, but they are really from the German city of Hannover, and they're producing easy-going, sunny and very listenable (Deep) House, Funk and Lounge music. The housy tracks "Intertwined Sides" und "Time 2 Spend" are worth checking out as well as "D for the J" which will definitely improve your mood and make you tap your feet. Their downtempo tracks are also highly enjoyable. Have fun! And if you like this one, you should definitely check out&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/I-Wouldnt-Wait-No-Longer/dp/B0015RB3J4/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">I Wouldnt Wait No Longer</a>, too - coming from the same record label, peacelounge recordings.
4250425
This album is dope.  I believe the chicago duo came with something to prove.  I love the variety of music they offer.  This is not just for the ladies or just for the thugs but for both.  Babygirl is a 4sure hit and Chicago is the city anthem.  The Intro is also very hot displaying a vivid introspective of the city of Chicago.
1564372
A great concept and execution in the dubby, downtempo realm.  Naked sought to bring together the sexiest and late-nightest tracks out there into one tasty morsel of a mix, and they've done the job pretty much right-on, and with classic liner artwork to boot.
There are some truly inventive and funky tracks in this mix - and that's saying a lot, given what's being released on other labels right now - all showing solid drum programming, fat basslines, and the schooled use of multitap stereo delays.  My own faves are Extended Spirit's "Propulsion," a filtery ambient instrumental with a skippy breakbeat and a touch of prog-rock synthphonics; Petalpusher's "Breakin' it Down," an epic vocal dub that moves the sould and leaves all the other versions in the dust; and Jonathan Maron's "Natural High," a silky soul number replete with wah-wah guitars, rhodes, atmospherics, fretless bass, and a Curtis Mayfield falsetto doing some serious convicing.  As for the other tracks?  Aim's "Cold Water Music" has me hitting the skip button sometimes, but that may be more a function of the mix than the song itself.
And that leads to my only criticism - sometimes the transitions between tracks are great, but sometimes they're not - such as their sandwiching of Robin Jones's heavyweight afro-electro monster "Royal Conga" between two incompatible tracks when a more thought-out mix would have served the track, and the whole CD, a lot better.  But hey, who can complain?  With such a diverse group of songs, not every mix can be perfect, and the tunes themselves are worth their weight in gold, regardless of how they're put together.
So buy the CD.  Two copies.  And follow the other reviewer's advice - don't loan it out to anyone.  Leave it in the changer along with "Nude Dimensions Volume III" for when that special someone comes over for drinks and dessert.
3549003
I've been trying to chase down this mixed compilation for a couple of months now. Ever since I saw that The Herbaliser (Jake Wherry and Ollie Teeba) contributed a mix towards London nightclub's Fabric label. Known for their trip-hop, downtempo, and jazz infused instrumental hip-hop tracks, The Herbaliser got signed to Ninja Tune back in 1995, and since then been a resident for the label's staple sound. Their last appearance was a 7" single on Skyline Recordings, as well as a track contribution (Gadget Funk) towards a 2008 triple CD  sampler from Ninja Tune, You Don't Know: Ninja Cuts. For the FabricLive. 26 mix, The Herbaliser took a step back from downtempo sound to make a party mix. And what a mix it is. The turntable skills are flawless, but it is the track selection that makes this an instant gem for me. I feel it is my duty to take you on a quick tour of this genre-spanning collection of classics. We start off with ragga  track by Million Dan, moving quickly into dirty UK hip-hop, then a track by RJD2 and a label mate appearance by Dynamic Syncopation. Blufoot and Yungun add some North London rhymes followed by a classic Hurby's Machine with Antoinette. On track 8 (out of 24), we break down into James Brown! From here on The Herbaliser rock the tables with some funk, electro, and of course, soul. We've got J Rocc, old-skool breakbeat track from Demon Boyz, and even a 1971 soul disco from The Jackson 5! The Roots kick in with Boom! at track 21, and Dynamix II treats us to an '87 vocoder electro classic. We barely finish with some crunk from Diplo, as Bugz In The Attic contributes the last broken beat. Whew! It's a doozy! Thank you, Herbaliser, thank you!
622427
With his 'Athens' mix, New York legendary DJ Danny Tenaglia quite possibly gives the most cohesive set of tracks in the entire Global Underground series, with John Digweed's 'Los Angeles' mix following close behind.  Danny spins us some deep, dark, shallow, and minimal-sounding records, inviting us on a journey through the subterranean.
This mix, released in 1998, was a precursor to the flood of Dark Progressive House and Deep Trance tracks that would quickly surface afterwards.  John Digweed seems to have been heavily influenced by Danny, releasing his "groundbreaking" (but not so groundbreaking) Global Underground 'Hong Kong' mix a year later, mimicing the same deep and dark vibe found on this CD.
Standout tracks include Scumfrog's mesmerizing 'Watersong', Miss Kittins' neurotic 'Frank Sinatra', and Tilt's ever-fascinating 'Seduction of Orpheus'.  As a whole, there are few mix CDs out that are so fluid.  It's almost as if Danny is weaving a story through the music he plays.  Any serious listener knows that the order of the songs played AS WELL AS the track selection are what make a DJ mix great.  This is what separates the amateur from the professional.
This CD is not for everyone and it's not for every occasion.  Some tracks may bore the heck out of the listener with over 3 minutes of the same repetitive beats, but listen to it late at night right before bed, with all the lights out, and it will work its magic.
>>> 5 stars.  This is a very enjoyable journey through the dark, brought to you by one of the most talented disc jockeys on the planet.
- the enlightened one
3926381
Parker managed to capture some real magic with this disc, the musicians meshed seamlessly to create some amazing grooves.  The interplay of Parker's drumming, the piano and saxophone on the first track alone makes this album worth the low low price.
Lots of innovative tunes here for those looking for something outside the "standards".  Lively and interesting with some great vocal treatments to treat the listener to wonderful journey.
Buy and enjoy!
1777574
I stumbled on to this recording by accident and am I happy I did. This is one of those uncommon gems that is tasty from one cut to the next without a break.
There us a wonderful mixture of sounds and styles in his playing. One thing I really like about this record is how he manages to sound similar - but not the same - as such a wide range of other really good artists. It's like you can hear him tip his hat in the direction of another musician, then take his sound into a place that starts with that hat tip and dashes off someplace all its own. There are little dashes of Elvis Costello, Bob Dylan, Los Lobos, Beck, Morphine, Stan Ridgway & Alejandro Escovedo, to mention just a few.
There is a great diversity in sound and style with horns and crazy Farfisa organ, delta slide guitar, and all sorts of other interesting stuff that help this CD cover lots of sonic ground.  The song writing is strong as well with some really terrific lyrics and clever images.
Why this guy isn't getting airplay is mind boggling to me, and another indictment against the dopes programming mainstream radio. Get this CD cause you won't hear it on the radio even thought you should.