UR* Presents Galaxy 2 Galaxy – A Hitech Jazz Compilation

Simply stunning! If you get it you won't regret. I really enjoyed this compilation. Good luck finding it at a reasonable price though.

Hey guys, what's with a lot of these songs being shorter than the version on the record? Seems like a reason to not buy this CD, right?

Basically, this is a re-release of some older UR tracks from the early 90s combined together with some more recent work, all of it being under the Hi-Tech Jazz theme.

For a long time I wasn't into the more melodic, jazzy side of UR. When I first heard some of it, I thought it sounded horribly cheesy and dated. 5-6 years later my opinion has completely changed after I actually sat down and gave some of it a chance. Today I would rank the best tracks here up there with the best techno music of the 90s and some of the very best Detroit techno ever made.

Here, the focus is more on keyboard melodies that are probably inspired by the stuff 70s and 80s jazz greats did when they were starting to experiment with electronics. In some ways, it even makes me think of Stevie Wonder's best work from the 70s when he was incorporating electronics as well. Occasionally, live jazz instruments pop up also, like in the fan favorite "Hi Tech Jazz". At some points it almost veers towards classic Chicago house, but I think this is more sophisticated and has aged better also. When a track comes to a little breakdown of hi-hats and handclaps, and the jazzy melodic keyboard hooks set in, then kick drum hits, it really doesn't get any better than this. Very soulful stuff.

Over two longs discs, there are a few weaker tracks, but even those are pretty enjoyable to listen to. Some of the more recent tracks on here actually surprised a lot, though my favorites are definitely the ones from the early 90s. If you like UR and are willing to give their softer side a shot, you can't go wrong in picking this up.

Note: some of the currently stocked U.S. pressings of this album are apparently pro-pressed CDRs. If that bothers you, be sure to ask before buying. I think the actual CD version may be harder to find but there are still copies floating around. You may have better luck if you are willing to shell out for a Euro or Japanese pressing from an overseas seller.