pedro

Best compilation that Boshke Beats has put out so far. Better than my previous two label comp favourites: Chronika 1 and Clangour. Incidently, unlike Freak51, I did enjoy Fuzzion's contribution even though I am not a natural fan of Psy-electro. I really enjoyed his set in Boom 2004. When is this chap going to put out an album of his own? Pedro

This is a very nice compilation from one of my favourite labels. Having said that, I think that their two other comps (Vibraspirit 23, Sundaze) were more exciting. The tracks I enjoyed the most were (1), (4) and (6). I also liked the remaining, with the exception of (8), with which I did not connect. Pedro

The more I think about it, the more I am convinced that the current system is preferable to the bumpable threads. The bumpable system makes it more difficult to find the reviews that one is interested in by not having them alphabetised. Instead it priviledges threads which happen to catch the fancy of a couple of people who are exchanging views. It can also be manipulated by people wanting to see 'their' thread remain at the top. I would like to see the different threads treated more evenly and the equitable solution is to have it ordered alphabetically. Inescapably, a release with the letter 'A' will be easier to reach than one with the letter 'Z'. But this is better than having to search for a release (for example, with the letter 'A') deep into the pages of threads. The alphabetical system may not maximise reviews, but it does not keep them from being read. I am sorry to hear that Basilisk feels so upset that his reviews are not getting the attention they deserve under the current system that he is less keen to grace us with his helpful reviews. The original review system (before the forums reviews) was alpabetical. We are now back to alphabetical and let us keep it that way. We should limit the bumpable threads to the other forums. Pedro PS By the way, I would hardly characterise the current voting as having the necessary minimum number of votes (or quorom) to be deliver an unequivocal verdict of our opinions regarding this matter.

For me: Techy: Boshke Beats Psy: Sundance Prog: Tribal Vision Note: Iboga loses prog crown until I forgive them for latest Antix release.

I am not much of a reviewer, but I shall cast my vote: I like it the way it is. By year, alphabetically and without bumping. Pedro

I agree with the various posters who have pointed out that although there are several criticisms one can sometimes level at Finnish trance, 'monotonous' does not quite spring to mind. Yes, one can play with semantics to try to justify such a label, but I don't think it is appropriate. Generalisations can sometimes be useful, but in this case Cinos has got it plain wrong. To dismiss the whole Finnish trance scene as 'monotonous' is injudicious and unfair. And that is putting it lightly! Furthermore Finnish trance does not all sound alike, whether you are a fan or not, and some of it is extremely interesting. Well, Cinos, I have finally found a good use for you! I will use your opinion as a contra-indicator. So now please don't start talking sense or else you shall get me confused. Pedro

Thanks, EP, for letting me know that they release 'progressive' trance. After purchasing so many of their albums, I had no idea that they released 'progressive'. Wow! I thought they sounded more full-on and had them labelled as a Scandy version of Spun records. Thanks for setting the record straight! On a more serious note...this IS a relatively poor release whether you are aware that it is progressive trance or not (as EP seems to think I am). Pedro

Hooray! The very typical Midi Miliz tech-trance sound is on display in this CD. A very good thing, too. Paint my beard black, darken the lights, put on my favourite Scooby Doo cap and twirl around the room. Recommended if you like the style (and do not forget to also purchase Boshke Beats's superb Chronika Chapter 2). Pedro

Oh dear! What an awful release by Antix. It is nothing like their first CD (which the more I listen to, the more over-rated I feel it is). The cheese factor here is so high that it would make Roquefort in comparison taste like marmalade. Songs like Hiding Place, Le Lascard and Little Honey have to be heard to be believed. How were the good people at Iboga (a label I respect) convinced to allow something like this be foisted on to the unsuspecting psy trance community? I wonder what Iboga are going to give us next as atonement for this... Pedro

Kraftwerk is still the group I have closest to my heart. I have fond memories as a young know-it-all in the 1970s taking my Kraftwerk albums to school and proudly declaring that this was the future of music...only then to be mocked mercilessly by my peers (all of them who listened to much cooler groups like Clash, Led Zepellin etc). I used to sit by my stereo and marvel at the music coming out. I had other electronic albums as well, but nothing amazed me more than Kraftwerk. Not even J-M Jarre's Oxygene (his music never had the pointed attack of Kraftwerk, anyway). Pedro PS Later (around 1986, I think), I ran into trouble again when I proclaimed to my friends that House and Techno were the future of dance music, only to be informed that it was 'gay' music (more House than the Techno). Boy, was I happy when it later started to get mainstream...

Although not as psychedelic as some might like, this is an amazingly likeable album. Fantastic to listen, wonderful to dance. It is not very hard and is perfect for day-time bouncing around. One of my few psy trance CDs which I expect not to age very much. I strongly recommend a listen. Pedro

Over the years I have purchased several thousand LPs and CDs. Here are of some of the longest songs (by genre) in my collection. I may have longer ones, but these are the ones I remember. (Trance) Planet Ben: Trippy Future Garden: 21:57 (Electronic Music) Pan Sonic: Sateily/Radiation: 61:16 (Rock) Carlos Santana + Buddy Miles: Freeform Funkafide Filth: 24:58 (Classic) Mahler: Symphony 2, 5th movement (Solti, Chicago SO): 34:01 Pedro

Shango was already a poor outing for Juno Reactor. This one is music that stinks to the ears. As I have mentioned in another thread, Labyrinth is a misguided, artless effort which I would not even categorise as psy-trance. It is regrettable heavy metal nonsense for the kiddies. Pretentious, juvenile and cliched, it does surprise me that so many of you find this type of music appealing. Personally, I would rather listen to Celine Dion and burn my beard instead of having to endure this charade of a CD. Perhaps we would be better off if Juno Reactor went back to doing high NRG trance with Traci Lords.... Pedro PS Fuck Bush is too good for him. He would probably enjoy having his anus further enlarged.

I really enjoyed this CD. It makes fine home listening, nice to dance, and quite relaxing at the same time. The lyrics, for the most part, only add to the music. I enjoyed all the tracks (a rarity for me) but my preferred ones are - 2,3,4,5,8 I am waiting for more.... Pedro

I found Set 4 to be not quite as good as Playground. Still, it is a decent progressive compilation and am glad I purchased it. I found the second half of the CD more interesting than the first half. Favourite songs: 5,6(!),7,8,9(!) Incidently, I was not impressed by the FREq track - I thought his work on Playground was better. Pedro

Yes, the cover is nice and the music is even better. One of my favourite comps for 2004. The songs that I enjoyed most were 2,3,5(!), 6(!), 8(!). I found track 7 annoying. Which is a shame since I am a fan of the Klangstrahler Project. We need more of these sort of comps to tickle our synapses. Pedro

Sorry, mate, but the music is laughable. Just how difficult do you think it is to add the 'orchestral' bits to the psy a la Juno Reactor. It is pretentious and misguided. As I said in my previous post, it flatters to deceive. This type of music is overblown, silly and ineffective, only fooling those whose music taste have not fully developed and broadened. This superfluous adding of orchestra bit reminds me of those 1970s rock groups who used to engage in that type of attempts in order to prove that they were 'superior' musicians. Some groups, such as ELP, made a career of destroying classical music pieces, other would have live concerts with orchestras to make their point, etc, etc. Some of you people really do need to get out and listen to more different types of music before getting on this board and starting the sing the virtues of this CD. Or perhaps you are just being true to your love of heavy metal. Yesterday I went by one of my favourite record shops in London, Sister Ray in Soho, and I noticed that they placed Labyrinth in the heavy metal section. Not in the psy trance where you could find some of the other Juno output. I apologise for sounding so harsh but I really have to counter what I see as a sea of undeserved praise for an album that I see as an affront to good taste. In short, I find this album (1) infantile (2) pretentious and ultimately (3) boring. Just like those heavy metal albums that I am beginning to suspect a good percentage of the people on this board love... Pedro

Agree with the other posters in this thread that this is a good compilation. However it is not as solid as Zen 1 and there are a couple of tracks in this comp which are below average. My favourite tracks are the ones by Osom (massive, massive!), Psykovsky and Suria. I am not always a fan of Suria's style although he does seem quite talented, but he delivers a likeable, harder (for him) track in this comp which ends the CD very nicely. Moderate recommendation (i.e. I purchased it and I do not regret it). Pedro

Good heavens! I find this album absolutely awful. I am competely astonished at the rave reviews. The album starts off poorly and it does not get much better. When the childish mock-devil voices (oo-la-la.....so scary!) started in Conquistador 2 I could not help shaking my head. I suppose this type of song is okay in a heavy metal concert for the kids who listen to it. Other songs offer little improvement. Mutant Messenger begins harmlessly before a 'tired' chorus comes in, the kiddie-devil wordings appear once again and then not even the 5th grade short piano melody saves the day. Have a listen to songs like 'Giant', to see a full demonstration of Juno Reactor's complete lack of musical ideas. Crap for dancing. Crap for home listening. This type of music flatters to deceive. It all seems very grand and imposing at first hearing, but it is ultimately vacous and boring. It may be different from most psy trance releases - but does not make it innovative or indeed good quality. I suppose the insular nature of psy trance allows albums like these to get away from being murdered by critics and fans alike. Juno Reactor had already shown some signs of senility in some of the songs in Shango ('Pistolero' for example with its ha-ha Spanish influences). Do not fool yourselves. This CD is utter rubbish and does not compare with their older efforts such as Beyond the Infinite (which was grand!). I am obviously the minority and as such most of you will disagree. However, I would urge you to listen to the CDs (most of you do anyway) before purchasing. Don't be swayed by the 'masterpiece' labeling going on in this thread and buy it without reviewing it yourself. Pedro

Nothing extraordinary or amazing about it, but an enjoyable CD nevertheless. Some people might prefer busier tracks. This CD is interesting to listen and fun to dance. I recommend it. Pedro

I am not a fan of this CD. Lots of little ideas seem to be running around but the end effect is disappointing and boring. Thumbs down from me. Pedro

I enjoyed Division by Zero. I found the album entertaining at home and very nice on the dance floor. Technically also very strong. Good to see Hux Flux progress. Although I can accept that some people might not appreciate this album as much as myself, I am astounded to see people say that it 'sucks' (as it has been so eloquently labeled in this thread...). Pedro

If the music is good, I do not care one bit what the cover looks like. One of the my all-time favourites Psy trance albums, Feuerhake's Excess All Areas, has a sexy little bird on the cover. In fact, the more I think about it...why not introduce hardcore porn covers (or at least some soft core pics inside)? You would be combining two of my most pleasing hobbies - psy trance and sex. It may be a bit selfish...but if any label wants to make an old man really happy, just add some steamy porn to some cracking music! Hooray! Pedro

Hello Vancbc. Has Goa died? And which Goa are you referring to? The place, the music, the party vibe? They are all related but they are not the same thing. The music is the easiest to address. It is quite simple, really. Goa trance (or Goa Techno as some called it in the beginning) has not died. It has simply evolved. Just like trance evolved from other types of music. I am certainly enjoying the music being made today even though so much is being released that one has to be careful to stay away from the average stuff. I am always looking forward and eager to hear something new. Perhaps the evolution has not been to your taste. Others would agree with you. But not me. We now call it Psy trance and I encourage all the young ones to keep pumping out the music. I just wish it was not so underground. Psy trance is not my favourite kind of music, but I do love it and it deserves more fans... I will tackle the vibe and goa (the place) in one swoop and say that you can not expect Goa not to have changed. A lot of the changes going on in Goa nowadays are much more bigger than the 'trance and hippie' scene and will (to a certain degree) overwhelm the 'original' scene. There are many variations on the above theme in many difference countries, places, societies and situations. Yes, the hippies (or 'freaks') had a major role in the genesis of trance. Their spirituality, hedonism and interests (some would say fixations) helped shape goa trance. But as the scene dilates, moves places and suffers influences it naturally morphs. It is beyond the scope of this post (I want to keep it short) to analyse the converging of different cultures, interests and desires in the psy trance scene. But let me ask one question. Is a politically aware raver, high on MDMA, but with no time for the spiritual side that some of the original scene held dear, necessarily a worse proposition than a selfish, hedonistic, antisocial, unwashed hippie in all the glory of his dreadlocks? Please note that I am not making a general comment about ravers and hippies (and they can overlap completely), I am just making the point that you get all sorts in all sorts of categories. As far as non-Goa (India) parties are concerned: the scene can sometimes vary somewhat from party to party and also among festivals. But don't go to a festival expecting to see Goa, in all its wonder, recreated in the middle of Germany in a summer. Much less so in a warehouse in London. Of course there are many like-minded souls that you will find in these parties. And trance parties do tend to (on average) be among the friendlier parties I personally go to. But, of course, it is not Goa in 1995. And that doesn't depress me. You wouldn't travel to San Fransciso and expect to see the recreation of the Haight-Ashbury scene right before your eyes, would you. Or travel to Koh Pha Ngan and kick out 90% of the people on a full moon. I suppose you can always lament... Final comment on the music: Remember that when DJs Laurent and Fred tried to change the music in Goa in the early 1980s away from the Pink Floyd, reggae, Grateful Dead that used to be the staple for the Goa freaks, there were actually some pretty heated confrontations regarding the issue. Fortunately Laurent prevailed, paving the way for electronic music becoming the dominant force. Lesson: Always move forward. Don't look back too much! Pedro

So....Zebedee Green Vegetable, so you don't like AP. Fine. You can say you don't like the Beatles and Fred Astaire can't dance. Any fool can criticise. And many do... AP are not a sacred cow. And I am the first one to jump forward and state how 'Amen' was awful. But AP put a few albums which in their time were astonishingly good and can now be considered veritable classics. If it gives you that warm, fuzzy feeling to go strutting around here and showing off (what you believe to be) is your special, iconoclastic streak - go ahead. Yeah man! Let us start some more threads. Let me see...who else is respected and I can say is complete crap (it is a free world, is it not?)....hmmm....how about X-Dream, or Infected Mushroom (the early albums were the real stinkers, not the new stuff), Doof's first album was terrible. And how about Sandman's Withcraft. That must have been crap too - what is an Israeli doing on a Japanese label, anway? Pleadians suck big time, dude, too. All of their stuff. They are Italian for heaven's sake - what good music has come from Italy except Eros Ramazotti? Koxbox - shit. Huxflux - shit name, shit group. Transwave. Total Eclipse. All of them over-rated. But if anybody is interested, I can send them my stuff. It is plenty wicked. The ladies in my Sunday bridge group really dig it. Pedro