Various - Trance - Psychedelic Flashbacks 5

Volume 5 is my favourite of the six "Psychedelic Flashbacks" that Rumour released between 1998 and 2001. While the other 5 often had parts sounding awful (except for volume 1 which was a best of a defunct trance series by Rumour too), this one is a rollercoaster 4 hour psychedelic journey with each disc having a totally different character as described below.

Disc 1 provides more than 70 minutes of quality trance from the ever eclectic Organic records. Check out Back to Palestina and Blind Summit ;)

Disc 2 is all written by Dave Hendry but it seems to have been written by eight different artists! All tracks have there own style; a very fast melody throughout is the main element, and to make the CD more enjoyable all tracks are soft faded into each other. Invoke the Spirit is the only ambient track, and has a wonderful ethnic chant in it.

Disc 3 is all written by one artist too; the late Jake Stephenson. While this man produced both interesting material and (unfortunately) the most pathetic goa trance ever too under his myriad of aliases, this disc (luckily) falls into the first category. Unlike some of his material none of the tracks here is overdone. All tracks have a subtle melody and the overall flow is very smooth. Take a spliff and listen, and enjoy!

Disc 4 is my favourite. Rumour claimed that they had been chasing Simon Cowburn & Simon Williams for 2 years to provide these exclusive cuts in. Wheather this is true or not it doesn't matter; these eight tracks are a must listen. My favourite is “Requiem”, sampling a real symphonic requiem. Pity that production and mastering are extremely poor here.

All in all this box is good value for money at a decent price.