Something for the Weekend II

Another selection of quick reviews for various tracks

Atlantic Ocean - Waterfall 2009 (Bazzheadz Remix) - Score /10
Avoid this at ALL costs. I am not even going to give this a score of zero, as that would be too kind. The remix is terribly produced with the most obvious out of time loops I have ever heard on official release. If you want to know how to ruin a perfectly good song then contact these guys to do a remix !!!

Butcher Boy & Scuba Steve - Hooked On You (Original Mix) - Score 7/10
This release caught my attention straight away and features the classic "hoover" sound made infamous in the mid-90's. This is a fast paced rough ride to the past and although the sound is slightly outdated now I am sure lots of people will be dancing to this track over the next few weeks.

Top Track

Sunchasers - The Real Thing (Danny Corten Remix) - Score 10/10
This is a great song and a worthy remix. This is going to be one of the biggest tunes of the year in the house scene and this remix has classic ibiza styled pianos and the big vocal deliver what of the best classic house tracks I have heard in a long time. Tune in and chill out to this one :) Very close to topping my Top 10 !!!

Enjoy

Vadim Soloviev feat. Marcie Stay With Me

Vadim Soloviev is a promising producer and DJ from Russia and I was intrigued to see what was on offer in this release, not just because he is making a name for himself but also because he is from new generation of producers who will eventually shape the future of dance/trance music in the next few years.

Original Mix - Score 7/10
The original mix starts with a nice groove and slowly builds into the swing of things, with the gentle bass used to carry the track into the first vocal section. The vocals on this track are well sung although the underlying track doesn't really gel with the singers voice. That is the big let down with Stay With Me, the main chorus section is nice and really moves along nicely while never trying to be aggressive, the arrangement flows well separating the different sections in a subtle way, but that first vocal verse section just feels a little disjointed.

Genix Summer Stripped Remix - Score 8/10
This remix has a more tech feel to it, the main feature from the start of the track is the sliced up vocal which is thrown around the mix to good use and delivers a much nicer overall atmosphere than the original mix. The two basslines work against each other to form the groove which is tied together with some very tight drum programming. The breakdown is well thought out and while it is airy and large it makes no attempt to be epic, and when the track kicks back in you will be glad of that! The drop back to the 'peak' of the track is somewhat disappointing, upon careful listening the underlying bassline and drums are very similar to that of Eric Prydz - Proper Education and with a core sound so similar to that perhaps the remix should of been produced a little more carefully.

Mike Foyle Remix - Score 9/10
This is the gem of the pack. A nice upbeat trance track with a simple pounding drumline and bass although the clever editing of the loops helps create some nice movement as the track twists and turns. The production is really well done and the breakdown is intriguing with the vocal turned into some kind of alien language and choppy sounds coming and going, then it all drops to a nice melodic breakdown and the vocal appears in it's original form and the music fits the singing much better than the original. The breakdown is only a short reprieve as the track kicks out to a nice tech sound and complex groove and continues to build steadily. If you are using this in a mix then makes sure you have something special to follow this track with!

Dub Mix - Score 8/10
The dub mix is almost identical to the original in terms of composition and much to my pleasure dropped the entire first vocal section. This has far more impact than you first imagine as now with the absence of the vocal Stay With Me is allowed to breathe and actually comes through as a pleasant trance track. The main synth controlling the groove plays a bigger part of the song in this mix along with the very subtle use of almost unrecognisable vocal elements to carry the whole mix through to the end. Much more satisfying that the original

Overall this is a good release and the different mixes give some nice perspectives on Stay With Me, I still feel a little disappointed that better use wasn't made of the good vocals on offer from Marcie. Mike Foyle's remix might yet make it into my top ten as well, nice solid track :)

Ear Problems Continued

After a brief visit to my local doctor it turns out I have a retracted eardrum that is the cause of my hearing disruption !!! I have been prescribed simple decongestants that should hopefully remedy the problem without any permanent adverse effects.

Adymus A Place Not Far

A Place Not Far shows some great promise for this young label - Fraction Zero. Three mixes on offer and each bring something different to the table

Original Mix - Score 9/10
The original mix is a superbly produced trance masterpiece with a lovely 303 style intro builds up until the melody drops in and the song takes flight, the swaying bassline, twinkly synths and sumptuous lead all come together nicely leaving an uplifting refreshing feel to this mix. The intelligent breakdown is short and sweet and when it all kicks off again you are left in no doubt that A Place Not Far is an outrageously good song. If Adymus can keep producing this level of work then it will become a name you will see a lot. This has got to claim a slot in my Top Ten.

Rob B Remix - Score 7/10
A nice song to drop into a mix. The simple intro builds into a nice steady groove then a phat bassline fills in the empty space. The addition of the twinkling synths from the original add the uplifting floating feeling. Make no mistake though this is a tough tech influenced remix. A Place Not Far has been chewed up and spat out to great effect, something which can be heard best during the lovely breakdown. Unfortunately this remix lacks the magic of the original and really doesn't make the most of all the different elements.

Maarten Hercules Remix - Score 9/10
The first drop in this remix is magical. You can change the entire direction of a mix with a track like this and as if to hammer the point home the swift interlude is greeted by the main body of the song immediately and for this few moments you struggle to keep up with the swirling sounds - in a good way. Almost as quick as you can find your bearings Maarten takes you on a detour through another quite special passage, again the production and creativeness on show is first class. In my opinion this remix only serves to prove how good the original writing was by Adymus.

Overall this is a great record for anyone who is into big moments and the very pinnacle of uplifting trance records for a new era.

Ear problems !

When I woke up this morning I was greeted to a rather unpleasant sound, a dull ringing in my left ear, and after doing a little research on google it is pretty safe to assume that I have some kind of ear infection. I reckon it is the middle ear as there is no real discomfort (yet !) just a disruption to by hearing. I will have to make a trip to the doctors at some stage this week to get it checked out properly.

On the down-side I still have the lengthy task of reinstalling all my software back onto my computer again, something that will take a few days. The most important program to get up and running is of course my beloved Traktor by Native Instruments - the one and only digital DJ application.

Angel Makris Phase One

Original Mix - Score 7/10
Phase One is a more progressive style blended with a touch of the Balearic. The slow steady beat lifts the track into an almost entirely ambient affair and sucks ou in with a beautiful melody, partly ripped off from Braveheart / DJ Sakin - Protect Your Mind. However Angel Makris settled for just the first 3 notes of the melody and has used them quite well to create sometime quite unusual although it would sound great at the beach I am sure :)

John Ilipoulos Remix - Score 4/10
From the lush sounds of the original the Remix couldn't be any further removed. The short percussive sounds and low kick all point to a techno masterpiece. Filled with glitches, blips and weird FX that track grinds along well. Not quite to my taste as the lack of any real melody or "hook" make it hard to grab onto anything and the groove doesn't progress much either.

Overall this release was a little disspointing, after hearing the uplifting qualities on offer in the original I am sure more could of been done with the remix to make a great tune, instead I am left feeling a little flat.

2 Producers Insigma

This is a fine record with 2 nice mixes on show.

Original Mix - Score 8/10
A nice solid introduction makes this a very easy track to drop into any mix and the simple approach to the arrangement opens up lots of possibilities. As for the Song itself it is all based around a sweet melody and all the different elements melt into the background seamlessly. The breakdown has a dissonant quality to it which only serves to emphasize the uplifting main synth line when it arrives.

Alphalifter Remix - Score 8/10
This remix is somewhat deeper than the original and reminds me of some classic German trance labels. Again simplicity is key to the entire track and the sparse mix is filled with several tricks and twists to keep interest. My biggest concern with this track is that the middle section just doesn't build into the climax fast enough and overall the track should probably be a little shorter, which would of delivered more impact in the context of a dynamic mix. As it stands this remix will still make it's way into more than a few record boxes, and could well be a special weapon for some.

Overall a nice package with 2 quite different mixes meaning it feels more like a double A side record. Trance music at it's purest!

Orbital Frame Neith / Solaris

This is a double A side release which is quite a lot more upbeat than some of the recent tracks.

Neith (Original Mix) - Score 7/10
The song verges on psy-trance or goa with a harder edge although the mix is finely balanced and swings from deep to uplifting in an instant and back again. There is plenty of sounds flying around the main synthline and the double break gives the track some nice dynamics. Something about this song reminds me of trance from an earlier era and one artist in particular - The Man With No Name. The track rapidly glides throuhg all it's different guises and keeps driving away in the background, this is the kind of song I love using just before a mix is going to kick off !!! I highly recommend a good listen to this one :)

Solaris (Original Mix) - Score 7/10
Solaris is a much bouncier affair and the phat bassline will keep you coming back for more as it growls under a bed of vocal pads. The track builds slowly and steadly with a nice feel surrounding the main synth riff and the well placed keychanges help lift the track without crowding the mix. All the signs point toward this being a great track, but something just seems slightly out of place and I can see it being hard to find the right place to throw it into a mix. The second half of the track shows a much harder edge with the bassline given some extra treatment but the song just doesn't gel together enough for me to warrant calling it a great song.

Claudia Cazacau Elite

This one is a quick review really, with two mixes on show.

Original Mix - Score 3/10
Quite a minimal sounding song without much atmosphere, but it does have a very solid beat and could be useful as a transition track. I think I might mark this track for a bit of a re-edit and use it in a mix to see what kind of effect it has. The whole song is based on repetition of the main synth sound, which almost resembles a riff !!! Other than this there is nothing to the track and it is a very weak song which is almost guaranteed to clear the dance floor.

Sied Van Riel Remix - Score 6/10
This remix is a joy to listen to after hearing the original, it has a softer beat and more groove. Sied Van Riel has also added a lot of new sounds and atmosphere while retaining some of the original song's elements but blended in a much better way. Unfortunately the added lead line and subtle touches still don't manage to turn this into much more than an average trance track. Once again I see this track having more favour with listeners at home than in a club environment.

Lets hope for some better releases this week !!!

Ron Malakai Memorable Touch

This release is the first on the new label "Cherry On Top" and could prove quite successful for them with the wise decision to bring on a great producer like Carl B who has started to make appearances on many records with good cause. Lets get down to the songs and see if the song is capable of launching a new label !!!

Original Mix - Score 5/10
The original mix is a standard trance track and although both the production and composition of the song are very good and there is not one thing wrong with the track that might be it's downfall for me. The mix shows a lack of ambition to try something unusual and new. The only thing that really catches the ear is the rising bassline towards the changing of sections through the whole song. The track seems to just go by without much fuss and by tomorrow I am sure I will have forgotten all about it, which is not a good sign.

Carl B Remix - Score 6/10
From the start of track we are treated to a much tougher sound with some percussive trickery used the cement a solid groove and the bassline fits well. The main riff comes in quite early in the mix and guides you through the dirty breakdown and into the uplifting drop. The track makes a much larger impact that the original mix and the overall arrangement is better with some clever twists to add interest and dynamics to the song. Like the original however when the track comes together and builds to it's peak there is no real energy and seems almost dissapointing.

Some people will really love this song but in my opinion there is just to many tracks out there that have a similar sound and deliver the goods much better. This isn't a poor relfection on Carl B though as he made a lot of improvements over the original mix.

Sultan And Ned Shepard Did We

A new offering from Vandit and has been inspired by the electro feel doing the rounds at the minute. With 3 mixes including a radio mix there isn't much variety so lets hope the two main mixes do the business !!!

Dub Remix - Score 7/10
This is a measured track that calls on some production knowledge to pull off the minimal arrangement used. The song doesn't disappoint however and the bouncing bassline and lively percussion keep things ticking over while a lush melody builds up and floats through the breakdown. I can see this mix being used by a lot of people as a way to set the mood for the evening, uplifting and very much in the spirit of trance music.

Tyler Michaud Remix - Score 9/10
I love the intro to this track and reckon I will start my new mix CD with this song. The slow intricate building spits out an electro beat and steeps the song with some clever rhythms - quite the opposite to the Dub Remix. The lush melody has been stripped back slightly and given way to the new wave of tech-trance and unlike many efforts at this style of remix Tyler Michaud has succeeded. The mix is fresh and the breakdown simply breathtaking not to mention the outrageously good production and the ability to sway between styles with consumate ease. This track is an essential tune in any decent DJ's box!!!!

I won't even bother covering the Radio Mix here as it is the usual 3-4mins affair and doesn't offered anything over the two very original mixes presented also.

Disaster Strikes Again

I swear someone has it in for me out there !

I came to my computer this afternoon to find it switched off - the first suspicious sign something was wrong - however I hit the power button and sat back thinking it must of just been a random crash. Not quite.

Upon rebooting I was greeted with the BSOD from my Windows XP installation, and when I tried safemode I was getting the same error. The good news is that although it looks like a complete reformat is needed (2 years is not bad for the amount of abuse this computer takes!) the linux partition is working fine and it gave me an excuse to get a new primary hard disk. The current disk is a rather outdated 60Gb Seagate drive, the replacement is a newer 320Gb Seagate drive which gives me a little more space to play with :)

For the record when the new drive arrives I will have a total of 1.4Tb storage and will most likely add a further 500Gb USB drive when money permits, although perhaps when the time comes the external 1Tb drives will be more affordable.

Missing in Action !

I haven't had the chance to post anything on my blog in a while now, mostly due to finally getting my room organised. I have nearly finished painting the room and have everything I need apart from a table/unit for my decks.

I might try to design a bespoke solution for the room in an effort to unite the PC, Mixer, Decks, TV, VCR, Printer, Keyboard, Hi-fi and everything else into a specific layout. Although I don't think the room is big enough to allow many opportunities for this kind of all-in-one approach.

On the upside I also started some new tracks due to the inspirational news that Hooj Choons is returning to the world of music - something that can only be a good sign. Hooj is responsible for my musical education throughout the years with their ability to stay a step ahead of the rest.

I hope to get some music related posts up before the end of the weekend !!!

Noteworthy tracks

Well I have listened to a varied selection of tracks today and a few really stand out, as time is short I can't do a full review on these tracks but I highly recommend you try and get a listen to some of them !!!!

• AB Project - Relentless (Original Mix) - Score 9/10 (new Top 10 tune !!)
• David & Carr - Cypress (Alucard Remix) - Score 7/10
• Dreamia - Good Bye (Indecent Noise Rework) - Score 7/10
• Majai - Phoria (Airbase Remix) - Score 7/10
• Robimon feat. Tiff Lacey - Goodbye (Cressida Remix) - Score 6/10
• Menna De Jong feat. RE:Locate - Solid State (Gareth Emery Remix) - Score 9/10
• RE:Locate feat. Menna De Jong - Spirit (Paul Miller Remix) - Score 8/10

Tracks for this week seem to be a little more uptempo and a few tracks could easily be used at the peak of a great mix! Another note worth mentioning is the excellent remix of Solid State by Gareth Emery (again!). It was always a good track and the original mix featured in an earlier Mix CD of mine so it was nice to hear a different take on the song.

Until next time...

Normalization of Digital Audio

I have written a small piece debating the use of normalization of digital audio which I think anyone producing music or involved in audio editing should read and perhaps follow up with some more specific research.

The tutorial is available online or as a PDF download

As always all comments are welcome.

Linux .... again

After a frustrating few hours I have finally got Ubuntu (v8.04) back onto my computer as a dualboot with Microsoft Windows XP.

Sometimes I wonder what all the fuss is about with Linux but this time I think I have got the setup correct, still no joy getting EMU0404 soundcard working, or correct drivers for my video card but Linux is becoming hard to over look at the moment with Microsoft Vista's poor compatibility with my system.

Also of note today is that I managed to pick up some very reasonable audio cables which should allow me some more freedom when rearranging my room. I must also collect my second turntable from my parent's house and find a work surface suitable for mixing!

Something for the Weekend

Just a couple of tracks reviewed for the weekend.

KLC Ft. Michelle - Sleeping Satelittle (About Blank Remix) - Overall Score 6/10
This slow burning trance track is great for opening a laid back set, the vocal is reasonably different from the original and some digital editing helps change the rhythm. This almost minimal track pushes along nicely with a bouncy bassline and gentle sounds. The track never really goes anywhere but that is part of the beauty of it!

Stripwalker - Wackjob (Thomas Penton Remix) - Overall Score 6/10
Another slow building track that is probably closer to progressive house with an electro sound. The track builds on a solid bassline that just screams funk and a plucky synth creating the groove leaving you nodding along without relalising. The little breaks and fills work well throughout the track and provide just enough variation to another quite simple song. I think Wackjob could do with a little rework just to make it truely outstanding, the energy levels don't really seem to pick up enough for me, but again it would fit in well with a laid back approach to a mix.

Kryztow de Fier - Industry (Original Mix) - Overall Score 8/10
This track is a real trance monster. The huge drop at the beginning alone makes it usuable in just about any set and any time (as long as the tempo is about right). Industry eases out of this break with a solid beat and things build up at a slow but rewarding rate. The bubbling synth in the background just keeps hammering away in the background as the track shifts the main parts in and out well, with the drums being so unpredicable at times you don't know if the track is going to explode and rock the place or just stop! The simple approach to arrangement leaves the big break to do most of the work in the track with a subtle backbeat keeping things ticking over until the main beat creeps back. It is the small details that make this track worthy of a decent score, good production, nice flow and enough balls to make anyone pay attention when the 2nd half of the track comes to light.... enough said - you will just need to try and listen to this unique track.

Top Track

Sami Saari - Sweet (Deck Jagger Remix) - Overall Score 9/10
Another track which is slower and pretty damn funky too, this one sits somewhere between house and trance. The funk bass and classic 80's stabs, which have been revamped of course, all add to the appeal of this mix. Sitting at 130BPM it is a measured affair with plently of tension and the release to go with it. The simple nature of track is what leaves enough room for the big stabs, big bass line and dubby fx sit well together. All of which helps deliver a song which is quite a surprise package.

That's it for this weekend! I hope you get a chance to listen to some of these tunes during the weekend and if you do get lucky then I would love to hear your comments too!

New Mix - Exhale

Today has been quite successful due to the completion of a rather unusual mix, using my favoured Traktor software by Native Instruments. I guess I will start with a quick tracklist below before describing the mix in a little detail.

1. Steve Allen & Ben Alonzi feat. Tiff Lacey - Wilfires (Jonathan Martin Remix)
2. Sindre Eide Vs Aimar - Alive Again (Original Mix)
3. Antheya - High (Store N Forward Dub)
4. Oakenfold ft. Onerepublic - Not Over (Nat Monday Remix)
5. Leon Boiler - Ocean Drive Boulevard (Original Mix)
6. Static Blue ft. Catherine - Closer to You (Deepwide Remix)
7. The Gift - Blue Lights (Fei Fei Remix)
8. Toltel - Afterglow (R.E.N.O.I.S.E Remix)
9. Carl B - Deliverance (Dub Mix)
10. Arto Mumanto - Event Horizon (Tempo Gusto Jace Remix)
11. Andre Visior & Kay Stone - Something For The Mind (Giuseppe Ottaviani Remix)
12. Lexwood feat. Ferrin & Low - Chimaera (Original Mix)

The first thing to point out is that I did a quick edit after the mix was exported to shorten the frist track. I like keeping my mixes inside the 74min barrier as burned copies over this have problems in some CD players.

The mix starts out at 133BPM and has quite a gentle pulsating feel which slowly builds over the 74mins while throwing various soundscapes and moods around. Also having a mix open with vocals from Tiff Lacey is always going to start things well and Jonathan Martin's remix of Wildfires has a wonderful deep bassline and soft kick which allow the vocals and synths to float on top of everything else. I was a little dissapointed at having to chop of a few minutes from the start of this track but on reflection it lets the mix find it's footing quite quickly.

Another deep throbing tracks follows on from the strong opening and helps keep the feel while also providing a melodic shift with a mesmerizing break which sucks you in and lets you down as gently as it arrived. Wanting to lift things a little I dropped in High by Antheya and choose the Store N Forward Dub as it fitted best with the tempo and mood. This tune has some attitude and redefines the soundscape again with it's dubby effects, twinkly riffs and solemn overtones. This is really good tune actually and has an element of surprise with its very melodic breakdown and the introduction of a really nice little synthline which helps push the track forward while the pads and ambient sounds build the track into an outstanding trance song.

After all the dreamy sounds thrown about at the beginning I brought in another favourite track of mine at the minute Oakenfold ft One Republic - Not Over (Nat Monday Remix) is an essential track in any DJ's record box (or hard drive!). The track has a wonderful melody set to spacious synths beautiful arrangement and a pretty good vocal as well. Nat Monday's remix adds a more enlongated arrangement similar to the style of earlier Belgian trance track, but without all the cheese. This one is packed with a twisted melancholy or subtle strings and riff that never gives up and a relentless bassline.

Things needed a good shake up around now and I introduced Ocean Drive Boulevard by the excellent Leon Boiler. Leon is producing some great stuff at the minute, mostly some nice tech-trance that always catches anyones attention with his production trickery. This track however is one of his more restrained efforts and to that effect the tranciest I have heard from him yet. The classical guitar section during the breakdown and strewn throughout the rest of track is married with a huge dirty synth which fills the whole stereo spectrum, and just when you thought it couldn't get any dirtier he adds the lead synth which has enough distortion on it to make Slipknot jealous. The ironic thing is that the track is so clean and fits well with the ambitous mix that was starting to take shape.

Closer to You. What another outstanding track, I don't know who Catherine is but she has a nice voice and the breathy sound in this track and nice production by Deepwide benefit greatly from her soft deep voice. Another epic song with floating pads, crisp synths and overzealous amounts of reverb however the unusual transitions through the arrangement again make this track stand high above the many other vocal trance tracks doing the rounds at the minute. Never full on, but never standing still this is one track that will probably appear on my Top 10 soon !!!

As a brave soul I decided to try and break away from the extremely uplifting atmosphere that the mix has had up until this point. The Gift - Blue Lights (Fei Fei Remix) is definately a little darker and has more of a techno feel, with quite distinct sounds used for the two main synthlines this combined with a bit of trickery mean it is hard to see which way the track is going to go. Serves to make a "dark" moment in the middle of the mix without ever really losing the soundscape put forth by the preceeding tracks. It is also at this part of the mix that the percussive grooves start to make more impact and change the dynamics. You can tell the mix is building towards something.

Afterglow was another brave choice. You will either love or loathe the lead synth and the entire track hinges on this. Another track based around a big sound flying about with big pads, fat bass and nice sweeping sounds gluing the whole lot together. Again the production quality is outstanding with a beautiful breakdown which certainly brings the whole mix to a stop giving you time to catch your breathe. I think it was at this point I realised this was not a normal mix I had created, as the break builds up again it becomes evident that this mix is quite clearly all about creating an encircling wall of sound for the listener. As another classic trance song passes we move on to something a bit different again from another top remixer & producer at the moment.

Carl B brings us deliverence here, which is a dirty chunky lump of tech-trance. The soft sound of strings is combined with dirty chunky percussion and some nice piano accents before the hwole thing kicks off with what can only be described as a growling riff and heavly locked groove. If this doesn't have you dancing then there is something wrong with you! Lots of nice little varied breaks and before you know it the tracks is gone. This is the kind of track that people will not forget but will find it impossible to remember, it also opens the door for something a little more substanial in terms of driving the mix forward.

Event Horizon is another track that might well make it into my Top 10 as well. This track is a proper trance track with more body to it. A pumping bassline, solid kick and clever synthline all work well to carry the track through a few minutes before leading to a well worked breakdown. The track continues to twist in and out while maintaing a high level of energy throughout.

Staying with the more classic solid kick and pumping bassline I dropped Something For The Mind, which reminds me a lot of Paul van Dyk's "For An Angel", sweeping 303's, tight synth riff and staggered arrangment all reminiscent of that classic track. Giuseppe Ottaviani adds just enough changes to help this track find it's own way. Easily comparable with a classic and this one is nearly as good. I would of loved to hear some vocals on this one however they would have to be used carefully!!!

All this winds the mix up for the last track, which is again a great track with earlier roots. In this case Chimaera basically steals the basic kick/snare loop and vocal sample from the magnificent Slusnik Luna - Sun. However apart from this also being a pounding piece of trance music that is where the similarities end. Chimaera is another track that everyone should have in their record box as this is quite possibly one of the best out and out trance tracks I have heard in 2008. It has a monsterous breakdown, driving main section, a great melody, awesome production values and most of all that little bit of sophisication that makes it truely unique. The track never feels rushed yet by this stage I had made it up to 136.5BPM. A true tribute to the magic of trance music that the atmospheric beginnings continued through the mix and end on a very uplifting note.

Although the mix may not have as much substance as a usual trance mix, this is one for the mind rather than the body.

Power problems

Just as I was about to review a couple of tracks the damn power went out for the whole area! It is just typical that when you get a spare moment of time something screws it up for you.

At a guess I would say it has something to do with the setup for the North West 200 motorbike races held here every year, some idiot is probably lying on the other side of the road with a shocked look on his face. I guess I will have a quick listen to a couple of tracks before bed however I am not sure if I will get a review up today.

On the plus note I felt a bit more enthusiastic today about getting back into the swing of production.

Friday Night

Nearly 11pm on friday night and another day goes past without much ado. Life seems to move quicker every day and finding a moment to create seems a distant memory now. Even listening to some tunes doesn't seem to peak my interest today and I am resigned to planning some of the tedious tasks ahead.

I really need to get my room sorted out as the mess is disruptive and just starting to piss me off! I would post a picture, but a quick list of the various crap might give you some idea.

• Old Computer Monitor
• Scrabble
• Lightbulbs
• Cables
• A Super Nintendo
• A box of hidden junk
• More cables

Once I get the floor tidied I would need to get a start on putting some shelves up and getting my CD's organised again and hopefully give me enough room to think about making my PC setup more central. After trying 2 different setups in the new room I am still not happy with the overall sound of the room or even the layout.

Ashley Wellbridge feat Meighan Nealon I Believe

I have not heard of Meighan Nealon before which is usually a good sign, sometimes singers come out from nowhere and this girl shows potential. There is 5 mixes on offer here, including a couple from the awesome Gareth Emery.

Original Mix - Overall Score 7/10

The original is a very understated piece of trance music using classic arrangement and some nice production but it is the piano riff which is the heart of this mix, with soft sensual vocals pulling the track together. This is perfect for those hot afternoons outside with your friends.


Gareth Emery Radio Edit - Overall Score 4/10
Not much to say, it is a 4-min edit aimed at getting some airtime, and truthfully this record deserves some recognition. In reality the radio edit is not really very good, seeming disjointed and with some production hangovers.


Gareth Emery Remix - Overall Score 7/10
I am a big fan of Gareth Emery's work and after hearing the original mix I believed this track could be something pretty special. The drop out into the main body of track certainly grabs your attention and soon delivers that sound Gareth Emery is becoming famous for. Clever use of the vocal and the groove helps carry the track through to a nice climax with the piano riff becoming a reworked synth line, which weaves in and out during the track. Overall though I was left longing for something a little more and I believe it may be down to the overall lack of amtosphere in the track. Was it special ?? Not really, a good track but it certainly isn't going to be the most memorable song in a set.


Gareth Emery Dub - Overall Score 6/10
No real difference between this mix and the "full vocal" mix, dropping the vocal lead doesn't really improve the track and in fact makes it seem slightly too drawn out.


Sied Van Riel Remix - Overall Score 8/10
This is the most upbeat of all the mixes and has a tech-trance feel, using FX percussion and slow arrangement to build antcipation, a task this track does very well! The vocals have been heavy processed too and sweeping pads help create a real atmosphere in this track which combined with brooding underlying body supplies a classic trance record. The outstanding dynamic breakdown and classic filtered lead line help Meighan's voice stand proud on a track worthy of a place in anyones record box. The slow return to action will mean that this track will likely be one of the big tunes in Ibiza.

Delerium feat Sarah McLachlan Silence (Niels Van Gogh and Thomas Gold Remix)

This new remix introduces the electro feel present in trance tracks in 2008 and at the same time keeps all the beauty of the original. With a solid beat and swinging bassline the track bounces along nicely at around 128 BPM and has a few twists and turns along the way. I can see this going down well in a more laid back set however if you are looking for a peak time moment then the Tiesto mix still shines.

One of my favourite tracks of all time, yet somehow this new mix lacks the magic to make it into my top ten.

Overall score 6/10

Welcome to the DJ Diaires

You have arrived at my new blog that will track my highs and lows in my search for great music and fortune! And hopefully you will have as much fun as I do along the way.

I intend to cover mainly trance & house music however I will occasionally stray from those confines and who knows what could make it onto the blog. As a bedroom DJ and bedroom producer you can also expect random entries relating to making music rather than listening to it.

Let the fun begin !!!