Derrick May - The Mayday Mix

A shockingly average mix of either bland or predictable tracks that completely fails to capture the imagination. Derrick demonstrates that tight beatmatching is only a small part of mixing, and that he is unfortunately lacking in ability when it comes to track selection and panache. There are some very good tracks in this mix: 'Mindless Funk', 'Convextion', 'Relish', 'Nite Drive' and of course Kenny Larkins' mix of 'Meditive Fusion'; but that doesn't stop Derrick subjecting us to the same amateur 'chop & stop' mix which manages to ruin a fair few transistions. There are even some truly hideous mixes; 'French Kiss' into 'Lonely Disco Dancer', and 'Relish' into 'Get Down Get Horny', being standouts as laughable clear-the-dancefloor moments.

Rumoured to be a live studio mix with further post-production by Kenny Larkin, it's a shame someone so clearly capable could release a mix like this. If you want an example of raw swift mixing, try Mills' 'Live At The Liquid Room' CD; the mixing is more rugged and rough around the edges but has far more energy. If you want to hear smooth house and techno blended expertly then I'd suggest you check out Richie Hawtins' 'Mixmag Live Vol. 20', or Stacey Pullens' Essential Mix, broadcast on Radio 1 in 1996. Both are superior examples of how this mix could have been done.

Derrick May shows why he is one of the best DJ's in the world on this mix. The mix moves effortlessly from the house sounds of tracks like The Groove Essentials to techno classics like Alarms and Club MCM. All mixed to perfection by the man himself, using all the tricks in the book. Some of my personal favourites have to be Lonely Disco Dancer, Cosmic Coast, the old school acid of Spank Spank and the classic that is French Kiss. May pulls a blinder out of the box with the Bassment Jaxx track Eu Nao towards the end of the mix. I have had the pleasure of seeing him play on more than one occasion and he is even better in person, driving crowds wild with his ability to mix up the music from one style to another. I hope that the rumours come true and another Mayday mix is produced. If you have never heard May play then I suggest you track one of these CD's down at all cost, you will not regret it.