Safri Duo - Played-A-Live (The Bongo Song)

Generally speaking, different people expect different experiences when attending weddings.

Women attend weddings expecting their romantic spark plugs to be ignited. Single women attend weddings expecting to walk away no longer remaining single.

Guys attend weddings expecting free multiple course meals and booze. Single guys attend weddings expecting free multiple course meals and booze.

Speaking for myself and for other quality music enthusiasts, the last thing some people expect is to be - out of all things - introduced to quality music. And yet, ironically, it was at a wedding that I first heard Safri Duo's 'Played-A-Live', or, as it's affectionately known, "The Bongo Song".

"Being blown away" is a fairly accurate description of the feeling my soul experienced when that combination of Latin-flavoured percussion and Eurogated synths pounded into my ears. The massive sound achieved through these two formats is almost indescribable. The gentle breakdowns juxtopose with the euphoric buildups and the whole is even greater than the sum of its parts. The feeling begins life at your feet and gradually, but very notably, spreads up your body until the pins and needles eventually infect the hairs on your head. Plus the sound of the crowd going berserk doesn't damage the vibe either. Make no mistake, this track takes no prisoners. There are no vocals here, but like I've said elsewhere, the soul has no need for verbal forms of communication. The bass stabs with the low pass filters during the first breakdown speak more languages to me than any multiple disc DVD set.

There are five different versions on this CD5, each version with its own unique appeal. While all use the original tools to their fullest, each mix builds a radically different house. There is, of course, the original (as described) and a radio edit, which does its best to encapsulate the nine minute original opus into a three minute quickie. The third party remixers are DJ Tandu, Spanish Fly, Nick Sentience and Serious.

The DJ Tandu remix adopts a more progressive approach and is a fantastic getting-to-the-peak part of your set. The breakdown is similar in vibe to that of the original's, though the euphoria factor decreased slightly. High recommended.

The Spanish Fly remix is breathtaking. It takes the Latin spices of the original to another level, and despite the additional French vocals, you're probably all the way in Rio with this one. There is a distinctly 1980's feel to this, courtesy of those ballerina-styled synths. Once again, the breakdown is notable, for it features a simulated heartbeat, which gives the whole thing a natural organic feel.

Next up is the Nick Sentience mix, which is, evidently, the Yin to the Spanish Fly's Yang. Sentience injects the original with a Hard House syringe. My least favourite of all the mixes, it still has its 5:30am credential.

The Serious mix (pun intended) will delight Techno/Tech-House fans. All things electronic, bleepy and dark are audible here. Good for a good trip.