5 comments about Trojan Dub Rarities Box.

1. I own over 30 Trojan Box Sets (brought my first one back in 1999) and my approach to buying them is simple; 50 tracks* and 3 CDs for a little over the price of one CD -- you really can't go wrong. Yes, this sort of reveals that most Trojan boxsets are not creme-de-le-creme compilations. However, they provide an easy (and relatively cheap way) to get into some serious bulk into your reggae catalog.
   
   So I was very pleasantly surprised when I popped in Disc 1 of this set. I tend to believe the opening track sets the tone for a compilation; and "Rub A Dub A Weh Them Want" by Tapper Zukie couldn't have been a better choice. Other diamond-quality tracks include "Key Dub" by the Key All Stars, "African Jumper" by the late, great Tommy McCook, "Broad Back Skank" by Tapper Zukie {again}, "Just Like a Dub" by Witty's All Stars and "Scientist In Fine Style" by The Roots Radics. Heck, if any of the aforementioned tracks were just on one CD, it would be worth the price in my opinion.
   
   I also own the other two Trojan Box sets. I must say, from a collectors standpoint, this would be the one I would suggest. From start to finish, I think that the Trojan Box Set: Dub is a nicer play. However, there were many tracks on there I had heard before or are easily available elsewhere. I can't really blame Trojan for this though, because since joining Sanctuary, they have been able to steadily expand their catalog to music rights. So later Trojan releases (like this one) are just more diverse.
   
   My only gripes are the re-mastering on some tracks is not excellent. But it's a LOT better on average than I've seen on other "classic" reggae compilations. I have no gripes about the liner notes...compared to Trojan's old liner notes...they've improved 500%; they also include the year of the tracks release now...which is truly more crucial than the liner notes writer's exposition.
   
   This collection is a great buy; if you are just getting into dub, if you have no idea which Trojan Box set to buy next, if you are looking for some nice atmosphere music for your Caribbean shop, or if you want to test out your car's sound system (ok...inside joke there, dub surprises you sometimes in the car because you'll hear various sounds out of different speakers and sometimes those sounds will "solo"...that's how dub is designed) -- you won't be disappointed.



2. TROJAN DUB RARITIES: With the Trojan reissue program set to continuous recycle, it's really refreshing to pick up the latest in the very reasonably priced boxed set series, which includes quite a few cuts that probably haven't seen the light of day in thirty years - alongside the usual compliment of re-re-re-(...)-issues. Okay, so the sleeve notes are pretty much useless and actually inaccurate in several instances, but when the hair-raising horn section first bubbles to the top of the mix on Tapper Zukie's opener, RUB A DUB, such considerations immediately become irrelevant. What we have here is a top-class selection of hard-to-find dub versions featuring stellar mixdowns by the likes of Scientist, Niney the Observer, Lee Perry, Linval Thompson, and countless other all-time reggae greats. Of course, you should be aware that a typical dub version excises most, if not all, of the original vocal track, and essentially emphasizes the interplay of drum and bass, along with fleeting component echoes of skanking rhythm guitar, horns, and keys. The versions selected here run the range from stripped-down, minimalist rhythm workouts like the Roots Radics' heavyweight SETTLE DOWN VERSION, to bright, bouncy instrumental numbers, such as the melodica cut of Junior Murvin's classic POLICE & THIEF (BABYLON THIEF DUB), or Tommy's McCook's rootsy AFRICAN JUMPER. While some of the rhythms will definitely be familiar to the reggae faithful, there's enough quality "new" material here to appeal to beginners and veterans alike.
   
   Not all of Trojan's boxed sets are as clearly essential as this one, but other top picks include the 12" set, the two-volume DUB set, and the INSTRUMENTALS and DANCEHALL sets as well.



3. TROJAN DUB RARITIES: With the Trojan reissue program set to continuous recycle, it's really refreshing to pick up the latest in the very reasonably priced boxed set series, which includes quite a few cuts that probably haven't seen the light of day in thirty years - alongside the usual compliment of re-re-re-(...)-issues. Okay, so the sleeve notes are pretty much useless and actually inaccurate in several instances, but when the hair-raising horn section first bubbles to the top of the mix on Tapper Zukie's opener, RUB A DUB, such considerations immediately become irrelevant. What we have here is a top-class selection of hard-to-find dub versions featuring stellar mixdowns by the likes of Scientist, Niney the Observer, Lee Perry, Linval Thompson, and countless other all-time reggae greats. Of course, you should be aware that a typical dub version excises most, if not all, of the original vocal track, and essentially emphasizes the interplay of drum and bass, along with fleeting component echoes of skanking rhythm guitar, horns, and keys. The versions selected here run the range from stripped-down, minimalist rhythm workouts like the Roots Radics' heavyweight SETTLE DOWN VERSION, to bright, bouncy instrumental numbers, such as the melodica cut of Junior Murvin's classic POLICE & THIEF (BABYLON THIEF DUB), or Tommy's McCook's rootsy AFRICAN JUMPER. While some of the rhythms will definitely be familiar to the reggae faithful, there's enough quality "new" material here to appeal to beginners and veterans alike.
   
   Not all of Trojan's boxed sets are as clearly essential as this one, but other top picks include the 12" set, the two-volume DUB set, and the INSTRUMENTALS and DANCEHALL sets as well.



4. The Third Boxed Set Of Dub Released By Trojan, This Time Some Rarities. I Got This Anxiously Because Of Hotter Fire, For Some Reason I Seemed Drawn To That Song. The "Remastering" Quality, Is Somewhat An Improvement, Compared To The First Two Dub Boxed Sets, And Its Seems That There's More Treble Than Bass, Could Be Because The Majority Of These Are DIRECTLY Taken Off Of Old Vinyl. I Could Be Wrong, But The Quality Seems A bit Off For Me. But Look At It From An Historic Point Of View, Some Of These (UNLESS You Are An Extreme Fan Of Dub, Or/And Lived In Jamaica, And Was Able To Aford It) Are Very Hard To Find Much Less In Mint Quality. There Are A Few Liner Notes, Not For Each Song Mind You, But For A Few Detailing Them From The Original Vocal Versions, To The Dub. Trojan Or Somebody Kept Changing The Release Date For The US Version, (To Me, No Difference In The Tracks Or Sequence Of Them) So I Bought The UK Version. No Use Waiting. If You Want More Dub, This is For You, Now For Dub Neophites, You May Want To Start Off With The First Dub Installment Then Work Your Way To The Next Installment.



5. The Third Boxed Set Of Dub Released By Trojan, This Time Some Rarities. I Got This Anxiously Because Of Hotter Fire, For Some Reason I Seemed Drawn To That Song. The "Remastering" Quality, Is Somewhat An Improvement, Compared To The First Two Dub Boxed Sets, And Its Seems That There's More Treble Than Bass, Could Be Because The Majority Of These Are DIRECTLY Taken Off Of Old Vinyl. I Could Be Wrong, But The Quality Seems A bit Off For Me. But Look At It From An Historic Point Of View, Some Of These (UNLESS You Are An Extreme Fan Of Dub, Or/And Lived In Jamaica, And Was Able To Aford It) Are Very Hard To Find Much Less In Mint Quality. There Are A Few Liner Notes, Not For Each Song Mind You, But For A Few Detailing Them From The Original Vocal Versions, To The Dub. Trojan Or Somebody Kept Changing The Release Date For The US Version, (To Me, No Difference In The Tracks Or Sequence Of Them) So I Bought The UK Version. No Use Waiting. If You Want More Dub, This is For You, Now For Dub Neophites, You May Want To Start Off With The First Dub Installment Then Work Your Way To The Next Installment.

1 comments about Trojan Roots & Culture Box Set.

1. Reggae was originally marketed as one shot singles to a listening public that craved the latest and favest sounds coming out of the dancehalls and chicken shack studios of Trenchtown. This is a collection of the best from the mid '70's. If you love roots rock reggae and dub masterpieces, before all the cliches were in place,this is where you come. For my money, it gets no finer than this.

2 comments about Bargrooves: Fall.

1. Most deepest one !
   LOVE it and I will allways love it !
   I would even spend 200 $ for the" Fall"
   
   7. Hypnotic Progressions - by Kevin Yost
   8. Undercover -by Dominic "Ski" Oakenfull,
   9. Softshoe - by Pete Moss
   these tracks are were born Born for Each Other
   I can only say BrAvo ! and thanks for this beautiful and sophisticated mix !



2. Another excellent and consistent collection of tracks from BARGROOVES. Is it so great that it's worth many times the original list price - that's your call - it's not great or brillliant with any must-have tracks that are available nowhere else but all the 20+ tracks are worthwhile to have available as a DJ or if you just enjoy excellent dance CD's.

5 comments about Jóga.

1. 1. Joga(Howie B. Main Mix)-This track is a variation on the album version with very few minor differences (namely extra beats and a few new noises at the end). The beats are more "thumping" than on the album version, but the strings are retained so it sounds just as beautiful.
   2. Joga(String & Vocal Mix)-This is basically an orchestral version of the album track. very nice.
   3. Joga(Buzz Water Mix)-a toned down mix. Mostly vocals and some soothing keyboard and distant beats (which you can barely hear, sounds like when someone is wearing headphones and you can barely hear the beat of the song they're listening to). Further into the song, they put in a kind of annoying noise.
   4. All Is Full Of Love(Choice Mix)-This is the album version without the harpsichord. I bet the majority of people couldn't tell the difference though.
   5. Joga(Album Version)
   6. Sod Off-WONDERFUL non-album track with very powerful strings. This is Bjork putting her foot down.
   7. Immature (Bjork's Version)-a very stripped down version of the album track except with newly recorded vocals. Think acapella with piano. I actually like this version a lot.
   8. So Broken-another fantastic b-side. this one features acoustic guitars. nice.
   9. Joga(Alec Empire Mix)/10. Joga(Alec Empire Hardcore Mix/11. Joga(Alec Empire Hardcore Mix-all 3 of these sounded the same to me. It's basically just NOISE with scattered vocals. Ruines the song, totally useless.
   So aside from the last 3 tracks and the unecessary "all is full of love" version, this CD is worth getting, mostly for the B-sides



2. This contains ALL the remixes of jóga, and all the other songs from the three-part jóga single.
   The howie b. remixes are great, the buzzwater remix is beauteous, the string and vocal mix is gloriously stripped down to its orchestral roots...and the original is the strikingly beautiful song we know and love...and the Alec Empire remixes are...Noisily energetic and gorgeous:>
   The Choice mix of all is full of love, however, is unnecessary and without much discernable difference from the orignal at all. But besides all that, the extra songs, such as Björk's groovy, semi a-capella version of immature, the dramatic Sod Off, and the heartwrenching and beautiful So Broken, really aid in taking one on a glorious musical journey.
   This is a great release no Björk fan should be without.



3. This little CD is a mini gem that comprises all of the Joga singles into one EP, if you will. There are 2 great mixes of Joga one is done by Howie B., the other is the Buzz Water mix. They are minimalistic mixes and are a nice counterpoint to the menace at the end of the album. The B-sides are of mixed quality. Sod Off is excellent in parts, but is incredibly grating in others, the song is a puzzler. So Broken is a guitar driven song that has Bjork go way off the handle with the vocals, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Lastly, here comes Alec Empire. The hardcore master comes and offers his services; basically the songs are Alec going into a self-indulgent rage of hardcore beauty. If you started the song a minute in, there is no way you'd know it was a remix, but it doesn't matter. They're still pretty damn solid, and I like the way the vocals are worked into the remix. Overall, if you're willing to pay an admittedly steep price, you should get your money's worth.



4. This CD is a must for two reasons: 1) So Broken: One of Bjork's all-time greatest B-sides (and true fans will know what an honor that title is), with beautiful, soaring flamenco guitar in place of the usual sonic oddities under Bjork's always beautiful lyrics and vocals. 2) The Alec Empire Joga, the scariest, most engrossing, most unbelievably different Bjork reconstruction ever. Don't be thrown off by it, it's a dificult piece, but I promise you it's all there, just keep listening. To be perfectly honest, I've had this disc for some time, and couldn't even begin to tell you about many of the other tracks. Those tracks are so standout they eclipse everything else. Buy it buy it buy it.



5. This song is pure poetry-evocative of so many emotions. Highly recommend you see the video representation of this song as well. My favorite mix is the Buzz Water mix.

1 comments about Electro Boogie Boxset.

1. First off, this is really a 3 album box set, consisting of 'AUX 88 Presents Electro Boogie', 'Dave Clarke Presents Electro Boogie Vol II The Throwdown', and 'Depth Charge Presents Electro Boogie'. Being that these are three seperate CDs, they should be reviewed accordingly.
   
   AUX 88's disc isn't mixed very well. Still, the track listing is there. A good set as long as you can get past the poor mixing.
   
   Dave Clarke's disc is the best mixed of the three and his track selection is really good. Electro electro electro. The last track is his 'Old Skool Cut Up', where he spends 12 mintues doing an hip-hop/electro collage.
   
   Depth Charge's set is by far the best. It's very bazarre, and wickedly cool. Check out 'Little Computer People', it's a great track. Also notice 'Tainted Love' in the track listing. To answer your question, yes, that is the Soft Cell track. This just goes to show you how daring this mix is.
   
   Overall, this is an excellent box set. ...

2 comments about Third (Limited Edition Box Set Version).

1. Luego de la larga espera podemos disfrutar de Portishead nuevamente.
   El disco se diferencia un poco de los dos anteriores (demasiado tiempo los separa) pero se logra ver una progresión en su trabaja.
   La vos de Gibbons es mucho más madura se parece mucho al trabajo que hizo con Rustin Man, no tiene los gritos agudos que nos acostumbramos en Dummy y en Protishead, ni tampoco sus falsetes. Pero ahora presenta un vos voz más sólida.
   Los arreglos de Barrow ya van al extremo en este disco, el uso excesivo de secuenciadotes y sintetizadotes e incluso las percusiones eléctricas saturan el álbum.
   
   Como fan de Portishead por largos años, este disco sigue sorprendiéndome y esperando poder escucharlos en vivo en algún momento y que el próximo álbum no demore tanto. :)
   
   Sobre esta edición: El LP esta bien pero lastima que mi reproductor de discos no es lo que era; los archivos extra del USB son geniales, son pocos pero muy entretenidos. Lo que más me gusto fue la impresión de Nick Uff, es exclusiva en cada paquete, son frames de la animación usada en el clip The Rip.
   Por los demás es un gran paquete de colección. Lo lamentable que ya esta agotado y solo lo consigues por revendedores, 10000 copias son suficiente creo.. jeje.. yo tengo la copia 4288. Suerte si consigues el tuyo. :)
   
   Lobrego



2. There are plenty of reviews about the music on this disc, so I'm not going to go there. Overall, this box is a great collector's item and a tresure trove for the Portishead fan. It's worth the outlay, just for the excellent quality of the pressing, on heavyweight, pristine vinyl.
   
   BUT...if you're like me and enjoy the sound of vinyl but also require the convenience of a digital copy, be aware that the data files (on a nifty 1 GB P shaped rubber memory stick) are copy protected, meaning you can't even EDIT THE INFORMATIONAL DATA on the files if you import them into iTunes or any other digital library. You can't make a CD and import them back as non-protected files, either. THIS SUCKS....FOR THE AMOUNT OF MONEY YOU ARE SPENDING! Just so you know.
   
   The rest of the goodies are nice....the etched 12" of Machine Gun, the films, and the art print suitable for framing. But come on...this copy protection crap is out of control. Newsflash....there are always ways to get around this stuff, record companies, you greedy, failing morons. Yeah, I can always rip the vinyl copies back into my PC, but at this cost, I shouldn't have to. Maybe I should just steal it next time.

5 comments about The Sugar Hill Records Story { Various Artists }.

1. Great, important, fun collection! I have to ask--why does the photo show vinyl, but no vinyl was shipped to me? Only CDs. Years ago, my girlfriend at the time got this collection, and there may have been an all-vinyl release (can't remember for sure). Regardless, she had some vinyl and I remember some songs that are missing from the 5 CD set I received. (For example, "Super Wolf Can Do It" was reprised as a quasi karaoke version called "Anybody Can Do It," letting you rap your own lyrics over it. Did I get short changed?



2. you know what i hate? i hate that these young folk today do not have any respect for da TRUE SCHOOL. i remember watching that MAKING THE BAND when DA BAND was on there (what a friggin' joke!!!!!) and diddy told them to do RAPPER'S DELIGHT and none of them knew it. i thought that all of them should've been sent home right there.
   
   young or old, get this!!!! no, it does not tell the whole story, but it will up you on where a lot of these "new artists" are getting their ideas from. any young cats that are reading this, respect da TRUE SCHOOL!!!! i thank you.



3. So many people have forgot about where Hip-Hop started and some of the greatest MC's such as Melly Mel. This album is most important piece of my Hip-Hop collection.



4. I like to dance on HipHopmusic, so that's why I like these CD'S so much. It's real old stuff of the '80 and the beginning of the '90.



5. This album goes way back to the beginning of rapmusic. Back to the days of broken glas everywhere and casanovo fly. You can't have better than this. The godfathers of rap are in the house.

No comments about New Age...Spiritual Healing.

5 comments about Renaissance: The Mix Collection, Vol. 1.

1. Even if you don't like all the tracks, (which I don't), you have to understand that this is a 'blueprint' of dance music. This is, plain and simple, "a classic."



2. I finally ordered this re-issue since I lent my original to a friend and never got it back. After listening to it again tonight i am reminded why this is classified as "THE" mix CD by which all others have been made. Flawless mixing (especially considering it was done WAY before all the technology that abounds today), impeccable track selection (one of the things these guys are masters at...), and an energy flow that is just unbelievable. This is one compilation that has stood the test of time and always will. If you have never gotten a mix compilation, and you're into progressive house, house, electro, trance house, or whatever they are calling it these days, this IS the one to get. I cannot say enough about it. You will not be disappointed.



3. Great seller! The item was shipped very quickly and it arrived prior to the estimate that I was given! I would not hesitate to purchase from this seller again.



4. If you into music from Sasha like Northern Exposure and think this is going to be anything like the Sasha and Digweed we have all come to love then please do yourself a favor and save your money. This album sucks, waist of time and gives the creator of the album a bad name. Fancy art cover but that's all it has. What a waist of time



5. If you recognize the tracks by name and have a strong sense of nostalgia or you are a newcomer and are curious about what electronica sounded like in the early 90's then it may be worth your greenbacks. Otherwise save your pennies on this Renaissance novelty.
   
   Three discs featuring very poorly aged tracks encompassing various genres during their early (but continual) evolution.
   
   I try to stay clear of accusing DJ's (that I also consider artists) of in your face commercialism, but this compilation has me changing my tune slightly. Re-releasing a compilation from 1994 in 2005 seems like an easy way to sucker a few people into buying an old collection of severely outdated tracks. Apparently the market was there as the original release was selling for up to $400 as a collector's item.
   
   If you are curious about the history of electronica, and more specificly, Sasha and Digweed's early (possible their first) commercial release then you may be satified with this three disc set. Otherwise there are much better "Mix Collections" out there that document electronica's evolution.
   
   Disc 1 and 2 get 2/5 stars while disc 3 gets 3/5 stars (just for the fact that it doesn't have multiple re-mixes of the same track on it like discs 1 and 2 do).

3 comments about No Silence.

1. Great CD. I usually don't buy CDs often unless I feel there's much to be gained throughout the whole album. I definately don't regret buying this item; each track is great in its own way. Highly recommended for anyone.



2. The music of ATB was first introduced to me back when I was living in Germany as a high school student. The melody and vocals of his tracks went through my body and deep into my bones. After all the albums, all the singles and after 7+ years, Andre Taneberger can still put out a great album.
   
   No Silence is a great mix of music with the vocals of Roberta and others. A lot of tracks have that medium paced mood with varying beat tempos. It doesn't really matter what mood you're in because the No Silence album is easy listening.
   
   I would strongly recommend this album to anyone who has enjoyed any of ATB's previous releases.



3. ATB's best album to date & the best female vocal trance album out there! Oustanding songs include: Marrakech. Ecstasy, Autumn Leaves, Here with me & Collides With Beauty.
   
   You will be on a high after listening to this album/dvd :-)