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October 4, 2004
It's Not Always About The Biggest DJ...,
Pros: Everything!
Cons: None
...and this CD proved it to me. I didn't know who did the mix, nor did I care. I saw some of the titles and thought I should go ahead and pick it up. I'm glad I did! This CD is phenomenal! I looked at the insert and saw that the DJ was Christopher "KC" Anderson - I had never heard of him. But guess what, this guy is good! The track selection and sequence are often important to creating a good mix. But, then there's the blending, and this guy does it well. In fact he does it so well that you will find yourself looking at the CD insert again and again, taking note of the DJ's name. Remember the name Christopher "KC" Anderson - I sure will! ...
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October 4, 2004
I Can't Stop Movin'...Still Nervous About Frankie
1 of 1 Yahoo! Users found this review helpfulPros: Everything!
Cons: None
What is it about DJs named "Frankie" that makes them sound so good??? There's always been Knuckles and now there's Feliciano, representing Club Nervous. This CD is the perfect follow up to Volume 1. It is mixed to perfection! There two notes that need to be made as to why this CD is special. The first thing is Track Two. It is in memory of Armando Gallop (R.I.P.), who will be remembered by those die-hard House heads from Chicago (like me). It has such an enchanting melody and bass line that every time I listen to it I will think of "Armando" and some of my friends from yesteryear. And for the track to follow "Missing You" is really awesome (thanks Frankie). The second thing is how Frankie "works" a couple of tracks, namely Track Three and Track Seven. Just like the other Frankie, this one keeps the groove locked in and is not afraid to "work" a track and extend it.
If you get this CD you will find yourself playing it every day...just make sure you play it loud!!! ... -
September 23, 2004
Tony - the Soul Man
Pros: Everything!
Cons: None
The opening track sets the stage for this mix. Pure SOUL! After you purchase this cd the first thing you would want to do is play it. The second thing you would want to do is read the liner notes. The third thing you would want to do is turn up the voulume, 'cause this cd has got to be played loud! Favorite tracks are "Tension", "Until We Meet Again", "Trust Yourself" and "Hallelujah". This cd is what House Music is all about!!!! ...
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September 23, 2004
Mark Grant Keeps the Deep Vibe
Pros: Very Danceable
Cons: None
This cd is reflective of his sets at Chicago's Red Dog club where he holds a residency. Totally smooth blends and nice selection. Favorite tracks are the first and last ones, while the rest of the tracks are a good filler. ...
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September 23, 2004
Terry Hunter Adds to His Own Legend
Pros: Everything!
Cons: None
This cd features one of the most interesting and workable concepts in dance music. A two-cd set; one tough, the other soft; both mixed to perfection. This mix set proves that Terry can mix anything he wants to and still make you dance. The track that does it for me every time I hear it is "Spirits", particularly Terry's mix. There's something about the bassline, the chords, and the horns; reminds me alot of Fred Wesley! My favorite of the two cds is the Soul Disc -- being able to choose between the two extremes just shows Terry's musical range. This mix set was done in true Chicago style. I'm looking forward to future Terry Hunter mix cds!!! ...
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September 23, 2004
House Nation's Best Kept Secret
Pros: Everything!
Cons: None
I must begin this review with a popular phrase: "THE BOMB!" This mix was done in classic House style. Track One is a basic acapella vocal which is the way most DJs begin a set. Track Two fades in nice and smooth which, again, is how it's usually done. Once Track Four comes in you get to feel a chill as the mood gets really soulful. One thing I pay attention to as a DJ (and when I listen to other DJs) is the blend and the hybrid sound that is created the moment the records are being mixed together. The transitions from Track Four to Track Five, Track Five to Track Six, and again from Track Six to Track Seven took my breath away! And then there are the effects. Flanging and echoes just add fuel to the House fire. This mix will make you crank up your stereo, scream and shout, and phone your friends (even those who are long distance). This cd truly rocks and I hope that 95 North gets the name recognition that they deserve. I have followed their productions over the last 7 years, and after listening to this project I look forward to the day I can hear them live at Club Red! ...
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September 23, 2004
Boom Boom Room
Pros: Very Danceable
Cons: Track One doesn't really "fit" -- but that's the only negative
This cd is a very accurate representation of the Boom Boom Room @ the Red Dog. I have been to the Monday night venue on several occasions so I anticipated that the cd would be a good one. Track One seemed bit out of place for the mood of the cd, but after Track Two the cd just takes off! Favorite tracks include "Music Is My Way Of Life" (Track Two),"Bust The Vibes", "I Found It (Yes It's You)", "Desparate Situation", "Livin' On Mars", "Cada Vez" and "No Time To Lose". This is basically half the cd! One other thing to point out is the transitions from Track Seven to Track Ten is a favorite "moment". Buy the cd, play the tracks and you'll see what I mean! ...
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September 23, 2004
Farley Still Has The Skillz
Pros: Very Danceable
Cons: None
While this cd will never compare to the way Farley used to spin back in the days of 102.7 WBMX (Chicago), it still holds its own. After seeing the track listing and hearing the first track it becomes obvious that this is a Gospel project. Since the vocal styles of the really hot soulful House records are Gospel-influenced, to have a Gospel directed cd comes as no surprise to me. Farley appears to be the first DJ to go in this direction but I already know that he's not going to be the last. Now on to the actual music; it's hot. The 4/4 beats on Tracks One and Three--his productions--are typical Farley (called the "Farley Foot" back in the day). You get a backtracking here, a flange there and a really quick sermon on top of a popular bassline. That's reminiscent of how it was done back in the day. Favorite tracks are "Child Of God" and "No Competition/FIM" (I especially love the beat and the sound in the beginning of the transition--classic Farley). Jackmaster Funk still has it goin' on! ...
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September 23, 2004
Ron Trent: Excellent Choice For Vol 1
Pros: Everything!
Cons: None
I can't think of a better choice to mix Vol 1 that Ron Trent. He has the knack of making wallflowers MOVE. This cd shows how. Deep, smooth, and earthy vocals combined with a bit of Afro-Funk make this cd stand out. It is a very accurate representation of Ron's production style (if you listen closely you'll be reminded of some Prescription projects). The tracks that grab me are 1, 2, 7, 9, 10 , 12, and 14. The entire cd is very nicely mixed. I hope that Ron Trent is chosen to mix Vol 2, Vol 3, Vol 4... ...
Still Movin"
Pros: Everything!
Cons: None
What a mix! CJ Mackintosh does very well on the compilation, and I would dare anyone to state otherwise :)
In a nutshell, buy the CD and save yourself the suspense of wondering why I made the above statement... ...