Nick Warren - Global Underground #028: Shanghai

SamPope, Jan 18, 2006

GU025: Shanghai is Nick Warrens finest and most unique mix CD to date. What really sets this mix apart from Nicks 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 Dont 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 Esaus "Fat Cat" being one of the finest opening tracks Ive ever heard. By the time track four rolls around, the kick drum picks up and were treated to some of the more rocking tunes in Nicks box. The driving groove of BCMLs "Mr. Horrowitz" and the absolutely gorgeous "Sunshine" by Starecase are personal highlights, though there really isnt 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 were 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 isnt a weak track to be found. Shilohs superb remix of Pop Shuvits "Conversations" and Kosmas Epsilons 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 Howells "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 thats all the rage these days, Northern Exposure fans, and pretty much anyone who enjoys melodic electronic dance music will love this mix.

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