Ahh March. That lovely time of the year when all eyes are on Miami, and all ears are deluged by a veritable tidal wave of strategically timed compilations. With all the sonic selections floating around, it can be difficult to separate the wheat from the chaffe. Luckily, there are some labels one can always count on.
Boys Noize Records showcases some of the most exciting and innovative talent that the electro house genre has to offer, and its Winter Music Conference compilation is no slouch in representing it. Its 2013 installment ranges from groovy helpings of electro funk from such usual suspects as Bart B More to grittier growlers like Etnik’s crushing “Celsius.” Given the idiosyncratic brilliance of its owner, it’s no surprise that the label includes some some wonderfully weird tunes as well, from the modulated throbbing pulses of Housemeister’s “Discoknutschen” to the ambient schizophrenia of BS1′s “Mists of Time.”
Marqueecontinues its growth with the introduction of their compilation series due out on March 18th via Black Hole Recordings. The brand, which is well known for its stellar bookings, is attempting to bring their unique nightlife experience out of the club and into your bedroom. Although your sound system might not be as big as theirs, at least your soundtrack will be similar. You can expect the series to showcase offerings from Marquee’s resident DJs as well a slew of club affiliated DJs. The 36-track, 2-disc first installment will feature productions from mainstage mainstays like Tiësto, Nicky Romero, and Hardwell, trance big wigs like Ferry Corsten, Gareth Emery, and Dash Berlin, and a number of unreleased goodies. Pre-order your copy on iTunes now.
San Francisco’s Dirtybird is one of the most diverse dance music labels on the planet, and nowhere does it show more than on its latest compilation. Justin Martin, Claude VonStroke and company have once again served up a heaping 17-track helping of nuanced and forward-thinking dance music. The compilation kicks off with the frenetic throwback rhythms of Kill Frenzy & Nick Monaco’s “Black Girls White Girls,” before Shadow Child’s “The Only One” adds a hip-hop swagger to a pensive synth-scape. J Phlip’s contribution “Coefficient” is a sonic roller coaster standout that features all manner of analog awesomeness in its multifaceted arrangement. Highly recommended for old school techno heads.
As if 17 new tracks weren’t enough good news, Dirtybird also announced its upcoming world tour in support of the release, featuring label heads Claude VonStroke and Justin Martin, as well as regular collaborators Catz ‘N Dogz and Eats Everything. Catch song previews, tour dates, and the full track-list below.
As 2012 winds down, Jamie Jones and Lee Foss’sHot Creations imprint have compiled a twenty-four track compilation highlighting the finest offerings of the year. With pop friendly tracks like “Benediction” and “Electricity,” and some deeper cuts like Russ Yallop & Wildkats’ “System Crank” and PBR Streetgang’s “Downstroke,” there’s a track for everyone’s liking. If you don’t have time to sift through the underground or if you’re just getting into the emerging camp, this package offers a great listen through and a perfect stepping stone. Jump past the break for the full stream and purchase link. (more…)
By anyone’s measure, Toolroom Records has had a massive year. Mark Knight‘s label consistently churned out chart-topping tech house cuts in 2012, while showcasing choice selections from genres as divergent as deep house and dubstep. This sprawling 43-track retrospective contains most of the major Toolroom release from the year, ranging from the label boss’ bouncy lead-off ”Alright” to the Cube Guys’ infectious closing “Missin’” remix. Highlights include Dutch drum and bass outfit Noisia‘s twisted reinterpretation of Knight’s dark masterpiece “Nothing Matters” and DJ PP‘s groovy chart-conquering “La Luna.”
Check out the promotional video and compilation track-list after the jump and head to Beatport today to pick up a copy.
If the tracklist on the newly released Swedish House Mafia compilation Until Now looks a lot like your “Most Played” playlist from the past year, you’re probably not too far off. The album is chock full of favorites, including original SHM tracks, remixes, collaborations, exclusives, and individual productions. It also serves as the official soundtrack to the group’s highly anticipated and quickly selling out One Last Tour. Until Now comes in standard and deluxe editions, where the latter features twice the number of tracks. Both versions include SHM’s latest single “Don’t You Worry Child” and Angello’s effort with Third Party, “Lights.” The extended album also throws in a couple of Tommy Trash tracks, a remix of Pendulum’s “The Island,” and the SHM-produced “Euphoria” by Usher — which is probably the weakest cut of the album.
If you’re looking for groundbreaking sounds or rock-the-boat mash-ups, you won’t find them here. However, Until Now doesevoke a feeling of comfort and, in some cases, nostalgia for the summer that just passed. Its flow and familiarity make it an easy listen for old and new SHM fans alike. Play it in the morning to wake you up or next time you’re getting together with your non-EDM-savvy friends, because they’ll be sure to bop their heads to it too. Both versions of the album are available today.
Click after the break for the tunes and full tracklisting
illo is releasing a compilation with his favorite tunes for summer 2012. Mixed by Morillo himself along with Sympho Nympho, Subliminal 2012 features this season’s hottest dance floor killers that cover the mainstream and popular circuits. In addition to the eclectic selection, you will find offerings from the Subliminal stars themselves, including Morillo’s “If This Ain’t Love” and Sympho Nympho’s “Colors.” The double-disc compilation is due out on July 31st on Subliminal Records, but in the meantime, check the tracklist below the jump.
We can’t be too sure of Thomas Gold’s allegiance these days: one afternoon he’s storming EDC NY with Size Matters, the next he’s releasing a double-disc compilation on Axtone. Either way, for reasons including but not limited to god-given talent, the German bootleg master is widely embraced by the almighty Swedes, and more importantly, their massive following.
Axtone Presents Thomas Gold embodies what the man is all about – masterful bootlegs, euphoric progression, and enduring set lists that present themselves as musical journeys. The 33-track compilation mixed by Gold himself truly showcases his talent, featuring three brand new original productions, reworks of classics, and to no surprise – fresh bootlegs. Read below for our breakdown of the double-disc release.
Thomas Gold is preparing to release his debut compilation on Axtone before the end of May, and he’s released a video teaser talking a little bit about how the compilation came together and what’s in store for fans. Thomas calls the album “punchy, energetic, and uplifting,” and talks about some of his new tracks, including “Fanfare” and “The Beginning” — not to mention all the special edits that he’s been playing in livesets for the past few months. The video includes footage from tons of past TG gigs, including this year’s Masquerade Motel Miami and last year’s massive Size Matters takeover on Governors Island. Axtone Presents Thomas Gold is set for release on May 28th.
Kaskade is coming out with a new album Fire & Ice that is set to hit iTunes on October 25th and November 8th everywhere else. This is big news for America’s number one DJ, because it represents the last 10 years of his work. We are exciting to see what tracks are on it, but after his recent releases of “Eyes” and “Turn It Down” we know the entire album is going to be a success. Stay tuned for an album review of all the tracks on Dancing Astronaut shortly!
Release Date: iTunes October 25th, everywhere else November 8th
