Posts Tagged ‘House’

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Sam’s Picks # 01 – January 29, 2010

SG_picksThe regular readers of our blog will know that Seth, our content manager, does a sterling job of publishing a weekly top picks. His posts always get a lot of reads (and listens) as he includes a mini-mix of his picks with the post.
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As of late I know it’s been hard for him to continue the tradition of weekly posts as his other work load has increased. His posts are always well considered, (in fact almost obsessed on), and he always showcases top notch tunes from the shop. I know that it takes him a good deal of time to put together the mix in addition to writing his post, coming up with a nice array of covers, and meticulously linking to each artist, label and track he features. As you can imagine it’s a lot of work and takes a long time.
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You might be asking what’s my point? Well, this is the first in a new series of my picks from the site. I’m equally as busy as Seth, but I probably have a slight edge on him when it comes to putting together a mix… as I only need to find the time to go hunting for tunes and then hit record as I give them a spin.
. All of the tunes are fresh and I enjoyed downloading them and then playing them straight away, recording the set as I went along. As most DJs will tell you there's something a bit special about playing new tunes... I think that's the addiction getting it's fix right there!
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Conversely, it can throw you a curve ball as you don’t actually know the tunes inside out. Occasionally the 2-minute preview isn’t enough to expose a dodgy vocal drop, or the track that decides to switch to an off-beat in the mix out section. Anyway, I was sipping on a little Old Forester and enjoying my newly revised home studio so times were good. Here’s the track list:
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1. Diego Celi - Choronzon (Original Mix) [Mindsounds]
2. Andri – Spacers Case (Digital Exclusive) [Cityfox]
3. Haze – Oh My Dog (Original Mix) [Dialtone Records]
4. Andri – Tschege (Original Mix) [Cityfox]
5. Simon Garcia – Raw War (Original Mix) [Dieb Audio]
6. Haze – Politiks (Original Mix) [Dialtone Records]
7. Helge Kuhl – About Guitars and Heroes (Original Mix) [Paintwork]
8. Bukaddor & Fishbeck – Rolling Stoned (Original Mix) [My Best Friend / MBF]
8. Hector Couto – Friction (Original Mix) [Definition Records]
10.Pirahnahead – Self Conscience (Original Mix) [Third Ear Recordings]
11. Arnaud Le Texier – You Know (You know Emmanuel Ternois WTF remix (digital only)) [Safari Electronique]
12. Steve Parker – Mexilhao remix by Handycraft (Original Mix) [Weave Music]
13. Paul Kalkbrenner – Torted (Original Mix) [BPitch Control]
14. Paul Kalkbrenner – Bengang (Original Mix) [BPitch Control]
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Unfortunately, what you won’t get for this series picks—which you get from Seth—is the nice commentary, the 30 deep links into the site, or even a weekly episode. I’m going to do them as often as I can, which might be once a week or once a month. I don’t know as it really depends how busy I am.
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Click this link to visit my network profile page where you should be able to launch the tracks on the mix straight into the media player. Not the same as deep linking, but easy enough!
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The Resonant Vibes Podcast will also continue so this series is in addition to the rv_cast. The next episode has been turned and will be podcast soon. I hope you enjoy the mix.
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Exclusive Interview with Andy Caldwell

Andy Caldwell | Resonant Vibes Electronic Music Blog
Andy Caldwell is not only a DJ and producer but is also a classically trained musician who runs his own record label called Uno Recordings. His astounding 15+ year career has taken him all around the world, playing packed gigs ranging from small clubs to giant raves. He has essentially dabbled in every style of house music that one can imagine, and still continues to push his sound in new directions. On his newest release, Obsession, Caldwell has once again re-defined his already sophisticated songwriting and production skills by exploring new realms of music.
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Resonant Vibes had the pleasure of catching up with Andy Caldwell to ask him a couple of questions. We hope you enjoy this exclusive interview.
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Q: You’ve produced various styles of house over the past fifteen years. Can you describe your current sound and tell me where you see that sound heading in the future?
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A: My current sound, hmm, that’s tough!  I suppose I would call it big room house with an electronic edge.  I’m still playing lots of vocals though, I don’t think I’ll ever fully get away with playing an instrumental set.
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Q: Can you describe the creative process you went through to produce your new album “Obsession”?
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A:  I spent about a year working on the record in total.  I had a few starts and stops the previous year and ended up starting from scratch on “Obsession.”  I just got in the studio with a couple of writers and singers and we knocked out the album.  I’d arrange the basic tracks and then collaborate with the vocalists.  It was a bit of a challenge as I wanted to finish the album and not have it drag on and on for years!  My last album took several years to finish:)
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Q: You’ve been running your own record label, Uno Recordings, for a couple of years now. Has that been a positive experience? How do you strike the right balance between being a DJ, producer, and entrepreneur/businessman?
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A:  It’s been a great learning experience.  I’m barely breaking even on it though but I’m allowed total creative freedom.  I’ve got a great distribution deal with Tommy Boy and they are really on top of everything.   It’s tough to balance out the label work with the creative however.  When I need to do remixes or get in the studio to write new material, I’ll put everything else on the back burner.
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Q: How have your formal musical training and education influenced your DJ-ing and production?
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A: Well, everything I do is based in a classical music framework so without that foundation it would be very difficult for me to create the melody and harmony.  Knowing scales and chord progressions make the composition process much easier.  There’s essentially no trial and error, unless of course you wanna experiment and go outside the box a little.
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Q: Vocals often play a central role in your productions. What is your approach to writing and recording good vocal lines? What are you usually trying to accomplish when you include them?
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A: Practice, Practice, Practice!  Song writing is kind of like poetic math, you have to work with words in a rhyme scheme while you create melody that contributes to the content and elevates it.  The trick, for me at least, is to be able to write when inspiration hits!  I’ve written plenty of songs that are very deliberate but my favorites are the ones I wrote in a fit of inspiration!  I wrote “Warrior” in 10 minutes for example!
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Q: What changes and shifts have you witnessed in the dance music scene over the past few years? What are the new trends?
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A: It’s an exciting time for the dance music genre, we’re finally getting some respect from the mainstream!  Unfortunately the good stuff is still for the most part, underground.  I’m hearing house and electro seep into everything from Lady Gaga to Little Jon and Shakira.  2010 will be the year that house music breaks back into the mainstream, it’s going to be good for everyone including those of us who don’t get any radio play.
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Q: Have you found any new pieces of equipment that you enjoy using in the studio or on the road?
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A: I’m still in love with Ableton Live.  I’ve gone back to using ProTools a bit though as it’s got some great new plug ins for version 8.  As for outboard equipment, I love my Disstressor with Brit Mode – wicked compressor!!
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John “The Grizz” Grisanti


re:produce 004: Kazell – Out Now, Exclusively on RV!

Techno and house samples from KazellWe just released a stellar new sample pack, re:produce 004: Kazell. This one is available exclusively on RV, and it offers 125 MB of uberlicious, inspiring sounds for just $10!
 
You probably already know that Kazell is an exceptional DJ, but I’m still going to say a bit about him before describing his re:produce pack
 
Kazell is a UK native and Los Angeles transplant. When he first got to the States in 1991, he started building an impeccable reputation in Atlanta (his home base) and all along the East Coast. If you’ve heard his music, then you know he plays a mind-stimulating breed of tunes – a fusion of dub, tribal, and breaks, layered on top of a tech house base. More recently, Kazell has broken into the upper echelons of the dance music industry, going from “one of the hottest DJs in warmup” (according to the L.A. Times) to a label owner and peak hour headliner in demand worldwide. In making his ascent in the industry, Kazell has played gigs with the biggest DJs in the world like Sander Kleinenberg, Deep Dish, Sasha, and Digweed (at their request).
 
In addition to his success as a DJ, Kazell has amassed a solid body of work in the studio. His critically acclaimed 2003 debut release Driven was voted “best compilation of the year” by Jive Magazine. His tracks have also appeared on top labels like Global Underground and Lost Language, and they’ve been featured on compilations by DJs like Sander Kleinenberg and Nick Warren.
 
On a more personal note, I must say that I’ve been an ardent fan of Kazell since I first heard his Kiss 100 guest mix back in 2006 – amazing, vintage prog ;)
 
Obviously, we were pleased to have Kazell do the honors for creating re:produce 004, and he absolutely delivered the goods! His aim in creating this pack was to offer you a view directly into his world of production. This top-shelf sample collection includes:
 
          9 Arp Sequences
          7 Bassline Sequences
          24 Drum and Percussion Hits (with a flexible NI Battery Kit)
          24 Grooves
          2 Synth Risers
          4 Synth Chords/Pads
 
As an added bonus, Kazell threw in five Native Instruments “Massive” patches, which are crafted to allow for superb flexibility and control. He recorded all of his re:produce sounds using Logic, deriving sounds from analogue and digital sources.
 
When asked for feedback about the re:produce 004 pack, Kazell said:
 
It’s great to build a track from the ground up, synthesizing every element, but for most of us that’s just not realistic. With this pack, I wanted to share some of the custom building blocks I reach for when starting a new track. I tend to write these types of parts when I’m in between projects and keep them as flexible and open ended as possible. I hope you enjoy this sample pack.
 
To check out a preview of the re:produce 004: Kazell pack, just click the play icon below. We think you’ll like what you hear ;)
 
Eddie
 

 
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rv_cast 007 “On the Way to the Zoo” Mixed by Sam Gracie

rv_cast 007 Mixed by Sam GracieFor this episode I found myself on both sides of a common argument about DJing. In many regards it’s similar to the overdone argument between mac or PC, and it’s based around the idea that puritan DJs will turn their nose up at any sort of mix created using software rather than using the traditional combination of turntables and a mixer.
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Conversely “laptop DJs” will move mountains to hammer home the idea that beat matching is not what defines you as a DJ. I think all sides would agree it’s much more than that; it’s track selection, it’s smooth EQing, it’s about the way you transition between tracks, and it’s ultimately about the flow of the mix as a whole.
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For the rv_cast episodes that I’ve mixed, I’ve done most of them with turntables and my lovely Allen and Heath mixer (sorry for the blatant plug). Some of them turned out great, and others are a little rough around the edges but I think that’s the beauty of it. You can hear the human touch in those mixes but I much prefer to play “records” and consider myself a puritan DJ for the most part, so that’s OK by me. I find sitting behind a laptop a little frustrating, and to be honest it takes longer to do a mix on the computer than simply hitting record and mixing live for an hour.
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All that being said, sometimes it’s nice to be able to work on a mix and not be depend on turntables and mixer. Regular readers of our blog will know that Eddie and I spent last weekend covering the Electric Zoo Festival up in New York City which involved quite a bit of traveling. I also knew that I wasn’t going to get a chance to mix a new podcast episode over the weekend, so I decided to do it on my laptop. (There are plenty of Electric Zoo posts on the blog if you’re interested.)
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By contrast being able to do a mix while you’re on the road is quite rewarding. Time that would have otherwise been wasted can be put to good use, and it’s quite fun to be able to work on music from a cramped airplane seat. It doesn’t come close to the experience of mixing records but you can’t do that at 30,000 feet.
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So, are you puritan DJ, or a laptop enthusiast or a mixture of both?
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Just for the record I think that beat matching is absolutely part of what defines you as a DJ. Unless you’ve tried it you don’t know how tricky it can be! But after all is said and done it’s not important how a mix was put together as it’s the music that should move you. I hope you enjoy this episode.
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Track list:
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1. Adrian Martin and Eliminal – 2 Weeks [Miniload]
2. DJ Hary – The Deepest Dream [UTC Music]
3. Molisian Brothers – 600 Entry [Big City Beats Tec]
4. Doppelt Gemoppelt – Chill Peak [Miniload]
5. Ethyl and Huxley – If the Pope Shits In The Woods [Cécille Numbers]
6. BQi – Offwords (Hector Couto Remix) [SK Supreme Records]
7. Projekt Arlesheim – NoNoNo [Miniload]
8. Cates and dpL – Groucho [Om Records]
9. Pagal, Mihai Popoviciu and Jay Bliss – Eucalipt [Fear of Flying]
10. Ezequiel Sanchez – Super Skunk [Dialtone Records]
11. Yousef – Tribute [Plastic City Play]
12. Sebastian Russell – All The Wrong Loves [My Best Friend/MBF]
13. OK Corral – Pink Shue (Shades of Gray Remix) [Beef Records]
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re:produce 003: TOWMF | Released Today!

 - Out Now -

Re:produce 003: TOWMF, the latest in our new line is a pack from TOWMF (The Ones With Many Faces), a collaborative project from Patrick Campbell – Rift- and myself. Together we have releases on Vellum Recordings, Thoughtless Music and Lobotomy as well as a strong focus on multimedia arts with sound design.

We’re really excited to showcase a main conceptual side of our compositions stemming from our use of field and foley samples captured in the moment. Re:produce 003 includes over 140 MBs of 24 Bit, Ableton-ready WAV audio files with recordings of pouring rice, crushing cans, crinkling bags, shaking or grinding coffee beans, giving rise to epic crescendos and morphed into vesatile rythmic samples including percussion loops, shakers and sound effects. There’s even a NI Battery Kit, with over 30 one-hits, and essential basslines and chords created using analog monophonic and polyphonic synthesizers.

The application of these samples is to give you tools to create contemporary compositions, whether it be for deep, tech house or minimal percussive electronica. However our sample pack reaches far beyond the 124 BPM tempo at which most of the sounds are set, allowing for non-tempo relevant use in any form of audio concoctions.

If you like the use of natural sounds stylistically from artists such as Stimming, Bruno Pronsato, or Thomas Melchior then check out the preview clip attached and see for yourself.

As our re:produce audio sample series evolves our excitement and anticipation grows with each new release, mainly thanks to your wonderful support and feedback! Please keep it coming

 
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RE:PRODUCE audio sound sample pack out now…

Hi all,
Just wanted to first say thanks to the guys at Resonant Vibes for asking me to contribute to the RE:PRODUCE series. I had such a great time doing it and hope all the budding producers who pick it up find it helpful and useful! Check it out here: http://resonantvibes.com/shop/sample/373321-re-produce-002-stryke


rv_cast 006 mixed by Sam Gracie

rv_cast_006_blogThis is the latest episode of the Resonant Vibes podcast mixed by yours truly. Recorded last week as always in a live session with a single take, it’s a straight forward DJ set featuring a bunch of cool tunes from the site.
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It’s starts off pretty deep and techy, before moving into more of a housier vibe. From there it’s back to the tech before stepping things up and moving firmly into techno. I had the chance to work in a few of Dub Taylors “Human Response” tracks towards the end of the mix, that are somewhere between DJ tools and full tracks, and that just flow really well together.
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Anyway, It’s not too far from what you’d hear when I play live and I hope you enjoy it.
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Track list:
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1. James ScannellCasablanka [Abstract Logic Recordings]
2. Digitaline Altra [Cityfox]
3. Saimont River’s Blood [Eklektisch]
4. Tim Xavier Yellow Corvette [LTD400]
5. Saimont – River’s Blood [Eklektisch] (oops, didn’t mean to play that twice!)
6. Afrodrops Sorbet Flavour [Black Soul Music]
7. Darko Esser Running Far Behind (Lemon Popsicle’s Faraway Mix) [Dieb Audio]
8. Alex Zelenka Descendant (Lee Curtiss Remix) [The Source]
9. Vernon and DaCosta – So Motion [Robsoul]
10. Randoman Green is the Light (Mikdat vs. Afrilounge Remix) [Kassette]
11. NTFO Filter (Mauro Alpha Remix) [SK Supreme Records]
12. Minilogue – Mr. Mustafa A [Minilogue]
13. Dub Taylor – Human Shades 09 [Opossum]
14. Dub Taylor – Human Shades 16 [Opossum]
15. Dub Taylor – Human Shades 14 [Opossum]
16. _active – Casa do Porto [Pong Records]

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re:produce | Innovation through Sound

Hello everyone out there in the land of Resonance :D
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We are in the midst of exciting times for producers, artists, engineers and musicians! The launch of our innovative new Audio Sample Pack series, re:produce, has just hit the (digital) shelves!
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The concept is revolutionary: bring you the sounds of today’s most highly respected artists, sounds and artists that you will only find on Resonant Vibes, at an inexpensive price with a regular release schedule on average of every 2 weeks. It’s a chance to borrow, learn from, and be inspired by leading artists, giving you the opportunity to finally answer a question we find ourselves asking over and over: ‘How do I get that result out of my music?’
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We launched the series with my latest project, Komposit, leading off with an array of Tech and House sounds, fit for a multitude of styles and settings, ranging from 122-128 BPM. These are sounds I take with me on the road for my Live PA performances across the globe, as well as staple sounds appearing in some of my releases alongside Bruno Pronsatto, Touane, Rift, Mikael Stavostrand, Mark Henning and more. Be sure and check out the preview clip because at only $10.00 there really is little room for doubt in purchasing over 120 Megs of high quality sounds, including an NI Battery Kit and pre-mapped Ableton files!
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Listen to ‘re:produce 001: Komposit’ Preview Clip
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And don’t forget to please leave us a comment on the sample pack page letting us know how pleased you are with your purchase!
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Our forthcoming artists in the series have the strongest reputations in crafting some of the best produced music we’ve ever heard, so if you like what you hear from re:produce 001 this is just the beginning. Be sure and check back for the next installments!
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See you in just a couple weeks and enjoy the sound :)
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Damon/Komposit/Habersham
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Out Now Exclusively From RV

Out Now Exclusively From RV

 

re:produce 001: Komposit – Launch of New RV Samples Series!

Techno and house samples from Komposit

I’ve been looking forward to writing this post for a while…

RV has been quiet on the sample pack front, but that just changed!

This evening, we released a new sample pack from Komposit (Damon Fonooni, aka Habersham). This pack is the first in a new series of RV samples called re:produce.

Before I go any further in writing this post, I want to point out that we’re selling the re:produce 001: Komposit pack for only $10.00! That’s 124 MB of uber-tighteous-quality samples for the price of about 4 tracks on other (overpriced) download sites!

Our aim in launching the re:produce series was to add a fresh, unique product line to the samples market – which is hard given the number of new packs being released these days. Our re:produce series will be a sequence of smaller sample packs, engineered by highly respected producers, and offered for an irresistible bargain price. Each sample pack in the re:produce series will contain roughly 100 MB of sounds in 24-bit WAV file format and will be complete with ready-to-use practical bonuses like Battery kits, pre-mapped Abelton files, MIDI data files, etc.

We’ve already lined up the next few packs in the re:produce series, and we think you’ll be quite pleased with the artists we chose to create them…but enough about the re:produce series as a whole, let me say a bit about this first installment from Komposit…

To kick the re:produce series off in proper fashion, Komposit engineered an array of fresh techno and house sounds. His re:produce 001 pack includes beat loops, staple synth sounds, and a basic Komposit One-Hit pack with Battery kit. These sounds are some of Komposit’s most valued gems for worldwide Live PA performances. The beat loops and drum samples range in tempo from 122 to 128 bpm and are perfect for modern house, techno, and electro production. The synth and noise sounds have warm undertones of dub techno and house along with tonal sounds fit for any genre of driving dance floor tunes.

For your listening pleasure (and to tempt you), I’ve posted the preview for this sample pack below. This clip was handcrafted by Komposit to give you an inkling of the potential of the re:produce 001 pack.

Enjoy!

Eddie B

 
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Cielo: Playtime Mixed by Nicolas Matar and Willie Graff

playtime1Cielo: Playtime is a double album mixed by Cielo resident DJs; Nicolas Matar and Willie Graff. It’s set to be released on Tommy Boy Records on June 9th, 2009.
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The Cielo compilation series has amassed a worldwide audience of seasoned dance music fans. Its ongoing success is a testament to the overall programming and underlying vibe at Cielo—a distinguished nightclub in New York—that celebrates quality dance music above all else. Both CDs are mixed and compiled by the DJs to incorporate each of their musical bearings and keen sense of musical style.
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Since it’s opening in 2004, Cielo has become an international club brand that specializes in world-class music, Funktion One sound, elite service and all-inclusive atmosphere. With Playtime, Cielo continues to uphold its status as a premiere club brand for both house music and electronic music in general.
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Disc one is entitled “Classic” and from the second you press play, you’ll understand why. The Terra Deva intro to Want Me Like Water tears through the speakers and we’re off. Charles Webster’s updated remix to his classic that was originally produced in 2001—under his Furry Phreaks moniker—proceeds to set the tone for the disc: big diva vocals, rolling bass lines, infectious grooving hooks and unadulterated soul.
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The Classic tracks have been thoughtfully selected, and masterfully programmed. Divas on the disc include greats like Kerri Chandler, Lisa Fischer, Cindy Mizelle and the one-and-only Babara Tucker. Add a sprinkling of AtJazz, Kings of Tomorrow, Roberto Rodriguez, James Priestly, Dan Berkson and as already mentioned Charles Webster, and you’re left with a magnificent 70 minutes of classic New York sounds delivered in a fresh and up-to-date package.
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Calling the second disc “Nu-Classic” is a bold statement and it has a lot to live up to after disc one, but only time will tell whether it holds true. There’s certainly something memorable about the disc, with the recognizable Lonely One by Motor City Drum Ensemble taking second position in a 12-track line-up. The writing’s on the wall for some of the tracks to become classics with producers such as Kenny Larkin, Jimpster, Manuel Tur and DPlay, Henrik Schwarz and Sebo K all present and correct.
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Unfortunately having a selection of great tracks doesn’t necessarily mean that the impact of them mixed together will be greater than that of them individually. However, the second disc is programmed and mixed well. The first transition is a little more obvious than the others as the trippy, loopy sounds of Cirque De Soul by Kenny Larkin holds your attention and makes it an ambitious first track. As Lonely One is introduced a nice groove gets going. The rest of the disc delivers enough to keep you enjoying it but nothing really stood out and got my attention like the first disc. I’ve listened to disc two a couple of times preparing for the review and to be honest it’s not a touch on the first disc – but it works well in the supporting roll.
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All-in-all I recommend Cielo: Playtime. If you like good quality vocal house and a well thought out track selection then disc one is for you. It’s not going to be everyone’s cup of tea because let’s face it diva vocals can be way more than you’re in the mood for, in which case you can save it for the house party and move onto disc two.

Either way if you’re looking for a trusty summertime compilation to get you though those long, hot evenings this might just be it.
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Playtime CD 1 ‘Classic’ Tracklisting:
1. Furry Phreaks-Want Me Like Water (Charles Webster 2008 Remix)
2. Lovebirds-Tuesday (Dub Mix)
3. Amana Melone-Caterpillar (Atjazz Remix)
4. Rocco-Somebody (NJ Mix)
5. Risk Soundsystem-The Sound is Yours (Kerri Chandler Remix)
6. Elements Of Life featuring Lisa Fischer & Cindy Mizelle-Into My life(Dub)
7. Azuni-Remember That Girl
8. Roberto Rodriguez-Besomebody
9. DJ Fudge-Wally
10. Kings Of Tomorrow Featuring Rae-Can’t Stop (Wahoo Remix)
11. Barbara Tucker & Tuccilo-One Desire (Barbara’s Desire Mix)
12. Robert Owens-Happy (James Priestley & Dan Berkson Remix)
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Playtime CD 2 ‘Nu Classic’ Tracklisting
1. Kenny Larkin-Cirque De Soul
2. Motor City Drum Ensemble-Lonely One
3. DFlex-Waltz (Kawabata Remix)
4. Herb LF-Down To The Sound
5. The Lost Men-Brothers and Sisters
6. Phonique & Kiloo-The Passion (Manuel Tur & DPlay Remix)
7. Version-The Brighter Side (Jimpster Dub)
8. Class 71-Alba Adriatica(Move D ‘The Smoke In Your Eyes’ Mix)
9. Ane Brun-Headphone Silence (Henrik Schwarz Remix)
10. Kiko Navarro & DJ Fudge-Maximal
11. Sebo K-Diva
12. Chic Miniature-Escandalo
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You can check out the Cielo: Playtime 30-minute mini-mix HERE. It’s out on Tommy Boy Records on June 9, 2009.