Fresh reinterpretations of restrained trance
Richard Diaz | 12/19/2000
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Blue Peter (Peter Harris), founder of the techno and trance genres, world's most second popular DJ - alright, I have no idea on his background, but apparently he has enough pull to have top remixers FC Kahuna, James Holden, Peace Division, and a few others reinterpret selected cuts off his Widescreen and Digital album released last year."Funky Suite" packs the most mixes, the two best leading off: the pleasurable Summer Vibe cut featuring a bass-ridden groove that spanks half the Ibiza tunes out there, followed by the rubbed up and spaced out FC Kahuna take that landed on Danny Howells Nocturnal Frequencies 2 set. The Tarrentella vs Redanka remix of "Substance" is a slick ten minute trancer deserving a spot in the DJ box, and James Holden delivers his worthy version of "Funky Suite."The majority of remaining tunes lean toward "distinguished filler" territory, professionally executed and worked with nuance but not hooks that necessarily spark a rewind: Peace Division's dub of "Biological Response" is an elongated DJ plate, and "James Has Kittens" tempers the 303-tweaks that clearly itch to squiggle free, yet only the last inclusion, raga -vocalized "Demolition" fails to maintain your interest. Bottom line, regardless of how the originals may sound, Singled Out clearly and coherently works throughout as a set of restrained trance. Sure to get buried within the glut of DJ mixes out there, respect is due for such fresh reinterpretations. Grade: B"
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1