Customer Reviews

45 Rpm

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Of course you know that Paul Van Dyk is one of the world's most renowned trance artists and DJ's. Interestingly enough, he releases original material almost exclusively- rarely a DJ mix set. This was his first full-length release, from 1994, and shows the talent he would later develop more consistently. One word of caution to those new to trance, the music PVD makes isn't typically as danceable or hooks and hits laden as a mix disc. Consider it electronic songs made in a trance style, just as enjoyable, but not for the dance floor.

Now this may not be an exceptional album, but there are some great songs on it. Slow synths and his typical squiggle sound lead off "Introjection" that sets up the sexy "I'm Comin' to take you away," the best track here regardless of what general opinion is. The recognized classic "For an Angel" follows it, but for all it's history and majesty (and cheesy but good synth riff) it didn't age as well. The faster "45 RPM" follows, with the same alternating synth style as most his work. "Spannung" is a competent but not compelling piece, and concludes the mini-set. Things start over slowly with "Emergency," which features an actual acoustic guitar...I remember hearing those once. What follows are five more titles that are average-to skippable, follow the formula established in the first few tracks, and won't garner a replay. A "For an Angel" remix rounds out the set.

So, get this if you are a Paul Van Dyk completist or die hard trance fan, otherwise go with his better (and better value) Seven Ways album.

It was long night out at the club and the party was coming down a bit. This is the first time I heard For An Angel. I own hundreds of records and cd's, there hasn't ever been a song that hit me like that. I still define trance through it's exsistance. Now I know that is a very bold statement, perhaps because I've seen Paul Van Dyke three times live I've become a little partial, but hey, I've also seen Oakenfold twice, Pete Tong, Carl Cox, Sasha and Digweed, Dave Semen, Tall Paul, and Seb Fontaine. Though all are incredible D.J.s, (if you want to have an orgasm go see Paul Oakenfold), PVD gets more of my respect because the man writes year by year the most moving and euphoric songs as well as spinning like a fucking magician. I reccomend 45 RPM to anyone who loves to listen to music that makes you think, feel, and believe in dance.

This is a decent cd, but it's not nearly as mature, listenable and fun as his later Seven Ways is. PVD's more recent stuff is really getting good and makes this one seem dull in comparison.

YES, I am a raver, and one of my fave kinds of techno is TRANCE. And this record does not let me down in any way! The remix of For an Angel is simply amazing, and will always get the dance floor pumping. They played that song at a rave i recently attended and when it was over everyone was screamin for a rewind!....but that never happened. AnEways, its a kick a** record and i suggest it to anyone that likes trance or music that makes you think and feel emotion. 5 STARZ ALL THE WAY! :-)

"Seven Ways" & "Out there and back" both are more consistently good than "45 RPM" & if you've never bought a Paul van Dyk album before, buy one of those two first. "45 RPM" has grown on me with repeated plays, but it's not my favorite in the genre & I doubt I'll ever play it as much as I've played "Seven Ways" or a couple of Paul Oakenfold CDs. "For an Angel" gets all the attention, but my favorite track is six, "Emergency!" which I'll happily play over & over. Not a bad album, but there are others I'd buy first.

45 RPM is one of PVD's early works, as is indicated by the cold feel of the tracks and the lack of synchronicity with most of the beats. "For an Angel," a highly popular track, is the album's best selling point. I see this album to be more of an inspiration for aspiring producers and DJs who are looking to get a break. If you like CD singles, I would recommend "For an Angel" over the rest of the CD. His later works, such as 7 Ways, are definitely an improvement on this album.

Now, most people who know PvD, know him from Seven Ways (released in the US in 1997) and later purchase his first album looking for a duplicate of Seven Way's beautiful and ethereal feel. Thus leading to the extremely common belief that this album is not very great.

Well, considering this music was made before 1994, this was his debut album, and most of his influence up to this point is German, I think this is a damn fine album. It's definately different from other PvD work, but isn't the variety and exploration what makes music great?

45 RPM has more a noticable steady bassline and solid beats in comparison with all of his other work, which gives it a much grittier feel and shows that years of practice and dedication do make an impact. =P

If you're looking for that smoother, dreamy heaven, though, I strongly reccomend Out There and Back - it's by far the best work PvD has done. The great thing about this artist is not just his amazing ability to make music, it's the incredible energy in him that shows up in all of his music - and radiates in OTB.

So, depending on your tastes and ability to go into new situations without preconceived ideas, 45 RPM might or might not be what suits you. Just let go of your expectations and keep in mind the factors under which this album was created and enjoy!

the 7 ways cd was the first pvd album i had ever purchased... but when i heard "for an angel", that instantly became my favorite song so i ran out and bought 45 rpm. this cd is one of my least favorite of pvd's. although "for an angel" is probably the most beautiful song ever known to trance, the rest of the album lacks the energy and powerful flow of beats that exists in "for an angel". i do not regret buying this album, all new trance listeners should eventually get this cd, but i'd suggest getting out there and back, or seven ways before 45 rpm.

I first heard PVD's Words and got instantly 'hooked' on it. It was great and as an impulse bought Seven Ways. The set was great but somehow I didn't really enjoy it. When I got 45 RPM, it became one of my all time favorites, and probably the best PVD tracks, especially For An Angel. After listening to 45 for a while, I gave Seven Ways another try. How amazing the change was! At first I thought the set was mediocre, but after 45 RPM, it just blew me away! If anyone out there wants to try PVD, I suggest you try 45 RPM first, then move on to his other cds (try Seven Ways next), that way you'll probably appreciate Paul Van Dyk even more.

Paul van Dyk has lead up to the point where he is now, toward the top of the trance/dance industry. With 45 rpm, Paul has succeeded in gaining wider recognition among clubbers with tracks like "For an Angel." While there are a few weak tracks on this album, the album as a whole is a definite must for clubbers and fans of trance music.