Global Underground 26: James Lavelle in Romania

People whinge this is too commercial/prog-rock for the Global Underground pedigree so possibly I have a blunted aesthetic sense cos I absolutely love this album. It mixes styles from prog, house and trance in an original way which works for me.

Well, I normally don't rate a DJ that plays too much of his own material but there is always an exception to the rule. In this case James Lavelle, who is been around the dance scene for longer than some of you would even know, choose to base a set for GU of 50% own material and 5 Meat Katie tracks. Controversial? A little, especially if some of you can't see much further than Prog. Forget Deep Dish, here you find something different and difficult, but all the better for it. I believe James could have played one version only of both In A State and Eye 4 An Eye but it can't be perfect. If you liked Barcellona than get this. If you dont like breaks than dont buy this.

To be frank, having read reviews of the latest GU release didn't sway me to buy this until i tested out parts of the album myself. The mixing eschews programming, instead it chuggs along with a beaty flow unlike most comps. It's a breadth of fresh air no doubt. Highlights inlclude: The QOTSA track, South and the closer on CD1, M83's Run into Flowers. CD2 has a fantastic reworking of Unkle's Invasion with a liquid bassline while Sasha's remix of In a State closes proceedings nicely. All in all, it's a different bag from a normal GU release but it still is a brave foray away from the prog house scene. Worthwhile to check out if you have money to burn

Another excellent D.J set from one of the most talented entertainers in the world. Recommended to any clubber with a good taste in music !!!

Probably the best compilation from "Global Underground" ever!!!Are you looking for a new floorfiller this must be the best choice you can make.Lavalle bring us to a new dimension in DJ'ing. A must for all GU-(and U.N.K.L.E.) fans.Congratulations to the GU-label. They are back - stronger than ever!

アンクルからも感じとれるように、ジェイムズラベルの音楽はいつも青空が見えるような、素晴らしく爽快なバイブレーションがある。ジャンルにとらわれない自由な音楽精神はそれでもジェイムズラベルという、ひとつの個性に凝縮されていて、選曲、曲運び、エフェクト使い等、素晴らしい仕上がりだ。ただ、私個人としては、自由奔放なDISC1に比べ、DISC2の方はハウスに寄りすぎていると思う。作曲だけではなく、ＤＪミキサーとしても素晴らしいアーティストなジェイムズラベルのこれからの作品がより型枠にはまらず、時代の先端を走って行って欲しいと思う。

Excellent

There are some really great tracks on this album. There are also some I could do without. Overall a pretty cool album.