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James Zabiela - Utilities/ Reviews
Master Release Stats & Ratings History 5 For Sale
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James Zabiela - Utilities Review by TakeMeBack Aug 04, 2008

referencing Utilities, 2xCD, Comp, Mixed, REN21CD

In 2005 this was the best mix I had ever heard, and today in 2008 it is still one of my favourites.

For me, 'Computed' (Disc 1) is a listenable light introduction to disc 2, which swings back and forth from soft house to slightly grimier tech house, but it never gets any darker than a 40W light bulb. The final track is a strange choice which I tend to skip as it takes it firmly into 'reach for the lasers' trance territory. The highlight for me is the transition from 'This Is Sick' into 'Iamcomputer'.

'Recorded' (Disc 2) is the reason I like this double-CD so much. The first 10 minutes are deceptive, as after this long introduction of calm, ambient bleeps and bloops, you're suddenly dropped into 'The Escape', followed by the thumping 'Rykketid'. From this point on it just gets better and better, a steady crescendo that always makes me want to get up and move.
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James Zabiela - Utilities Review by 7.52 Apr 03, 2007 (edited over 2 years ago)

referencing Utilities, 2xCD, Comp, Mixed, REN21CD

I am sorry but in all honesty, my personal opinion is that this is one of the worst compilations I have ever heard in my life. I mean I get and appreciate what he is trying to do and again if you will allow me to be brutally frank again, I am actually a huge fan of Zabiela. He really loves his music and quite frankly when it comes to djing that is all that really matters; how much you love the music, which eventually leads to your wanting to manipulate it (thus compliations were born). I would not mind seeing him live and I believe he is a truly talented DJ. That said, I will not compromise my opinion over this tech effects disaster. The tracks are okay but the mood and tone are horrible. It sounds like a dj who is intentionally trying to make unbearable noise not because it is what he is comfortable with, (see Holden's At the controls for jaw dropping personal experimental music) but because being different is good. In this case it is not. A disaster of truly monumental proportions. Almost, but not nearly as bad as Fundacion NYC; sasha, age of inception? occupation? testing base? I mean really you guys.... play the records and not your ego, it sounds better
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Rated 5/5
James Zabiela - Utilities Review by zangief_pilam Jun 12, 2006 (edited over 3 years ago)

referencing Utilities, 2xCD, Comp, Mixed, REN21CD

I don't write reviews well and this album deserves a well-versed praise, but I'll try.

If this isn't the album of the decade, then what is? Tech house seems to be one of the 'it' genres and Zabiela is an 'it' DJ right now, but he takes this album way further than a normal compilation. Zabiela's smoothest mixing and most focused song selection yet. The beginning of CD 1 is somewhat patchy in my opinion but the rest of the set is flawless. Zabiela has said in his interviews that he tried to focus on music this time and that he did--his technical experimentation is not as 'in your face' here and when it is it's masterfully and fluidly done.

FOr some reason I particularly enjoy the finishing on both CD's - a mellowed out breaks/melodic tech house that sort of reminds me of the first CD on GU Sydney by Digweed. I don't want to give out too many spoilers, so try that CD yourself and you won't regret it.
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