GU025: Shanghai is Nick Warren's finest and most unique mix CD to date. What really sets this mix apart from Nick's previous mixes and pretty much every other mix CD on the market right now is that nobody else sounds like this. Whereas most DJs in 2005 are spinning some form of electro-tinged house, be it disco-esque funk, deeper progressive or just tech house, nobody sounds like Nick Warren right now. And considering the vast amount of genres Nick has managed to include here, this is rather surprising.

Further expanding upon the more subdued and melodic sounds that Nick first explored on his Reykjavik compilation and on the oustanding Don't Look Now bonus mix CD, CD1 is a fantastic headphone or at home experience. The first three tracks are particularly lush and majestic with SJ Esau's "Fat Cat" being one of the finest opening tracks I've ever heard. By the time track four rolls around, the kick drum picks up and we're treated to some of the more rocking tunes in Nick's box. The driving groove of BCML's "Mr. Horrowitz" and the absolutely gorgeous "Sunshine" by Starecase are personal highlights, though there really isn't a weak track anywhere to be heard.

CD2 picks up right where CD1 leaves off. The mix starts off innocently enough with the dreamy "Natural High" by Chimera, but we're soon treated to diverse array of genres that Nick masterfully arranges and manipulates to create one of his most rocking and enjoyable sets to date. He effortlessly blends garage rock and breaks into acid house and progressive. Once again, there isn't a weak track to be found. Shiloh's superb remix of Pop Shuvit's "Conversations" and Kosmas Epsilon's anthemic "Sorry For Being Rude" are easy highlights, though you could really single out any track as a highlight. The inclusion of the 1990 acid house classic "Acperience 1" by Hardfloor will be a highlight for many. The last four tracks of the mix build to a blurry emotional peak in Derek Howell's "Your Touch" before fading out.

Overall, a unique, diverse and thoroughly enjoyable compilation by Nick Warren. I could almost universally recommend this album to anyone. Long time Nick Warren fans, new fans who just started enjoying his work with Reykjavik (like myself), electronic music fans looking for an alternative to the electro-tinged house that's all the rage these days, Northern Exposure fans, and pretty much anyone who enjoys melodic electronic dance music will love this mix.

At first this release sounded cheesy but after a while it grows on you. Nick as usual great in choosing very personable, beautiful songs, yet staying with a nice groovy beat. This time he is a little better with his "middle of the mix" syndrome--with most previous releases I felt like he had a great opening and a great finish but the middle lost you somewhat. GU 28 works steady well throughout.

And, must I add, I saw him at SF's Ruby Skye for the promotion tour. Nick kept me on the floor for the whole frigging time, which happens very infrequently with me--I usually go around wondering after the first two hours.

Good job Nick.