Customer Reviews

Gatecrasher-Global Sound System

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I'm no stranger to the world of Gatecrasher, with two previous releases to my collection plus the latest "National Anthems" double CD. And the recent "Global Sound System Tour". I can honestly say that GSS is a suberb outing. As for being referred to as a collection of chart topping anthems, I really don't know where people this idea from. Yes, both discs do boast the likes of trance gods Paul van Dyk, BT, Moby, VDM, Terra Ferma and a list of others. As well as containing two excellent tracks from Afterburn (which true trance enthusiasts will recognize as Agnelli & Nelson under a different guise). But the general feel of this (both CD's) is dark, progressive and storming. Featuring many tracks that are just now starting to get reviewed in columns from "Mixmag, Muzik, and Ministry" magazines. Just to name a few.

Gatecrasher's success in this field does not rely on supplying people with the "Superstar DJ", but instead...giving the listener the general idea (a tour if you will) of what it sounds and feels like to be at Gatecrasher. The world's best superclub is at top notch with thier "Global Sound System" release, cashing in the the vibe, the pulse, the true spirit of the clubworld...THE MUSIC...not the DJ. If it wasn't for the music, and a place to play this music, the DJ would be forgotten. If you want to experience the party...then buy any one the six compilations from Gatecrasher.

This compilation has lost that feeling, so to speak. Most of the tracks are good tracks, but there is no feeling behind it. Gatecrasher became known for its incredible parties and banging music. This comilation lost that somewhere. The previous compilations had a strong beat and popular club songs. There are only a few of these on this mix. If your looking for the same type of party compilation that the red, black, wet, discotech compilations were, your looking in the wrong place. However, if you like a little more laid back style or are a die hard gatecrasher fan you should still pick this up.

For those who don't know, Gatecrasher is a dance night held at The Republic club in Sheffield, England. It features one of the best (seriously) soundsystems anywhere, the world's best DJs (Paul Van Dyk, John Kelly, Seb Fontaine, et al.), and a lot of glitzy attendees almost religious in their devotion. There's a dress code "...glamourous but original," and a hefty cover of 15 GBP (that's 22 dollars to you). Heck, their compilation series is even designed by The Designer's Republic! With the recent success of Oakenfold, Sasha & Digweed, and Paul Van Dyk here in the States, Gatecrasher has set its sights on America. "Global Soundsystem" marks their first domestic release here. How does it hold up?

Listening to trance-house-pop in your headphones is not going to recreate the Gatecrasher experience. Half the people who buy this in America are never going to get there anyway. How does it hold up as music? If you're looking for lengthy eight-minute explorations with classy fades (a la Sasha & Digweed) and true DJ work look elsewhere. Fortunately, "Global Soundsystem" discontinues the Gatecrasher compilation trend of cramming only the most popular 'choons' into two discs. "Warrior," "Rhinekraf," "Heaven's Gate," are not on a lot of mix discs right now. Still we have the inevitable "Dreaming," "Natural Blues," and "Air." Thankfully, there's no "Tell Me Why," and we get a different Paul Van Dyk tune at last. Disc one keeps things interesting, but disc two is basically a sugar rush. My main qualm is that the tunes are crammed in (sixteen and seventeen, respectively)! It's basically one-after-the other.

The bottom line is, if you're looking for good dance music, look elsewhere. Check out Oakenfold's compilations, Sasha & Digweed's explorations into the future of dance music. If you've been to Gatecrasher, you probably wouldn't be reading this. This may make you want to go, and it may not. How can you box up the club experience?

For the American Clubbers, Gatecrasher is a legendary club in England. We are fortunate enough to buy snippets of the eargasmic music in their few compilations. If you have Red, Wet and Disko Tech, then you probably know very well what I am writing about. This disk, Global Sound System, has great beats and seems like it is breaking out a new world of trance. With heavy bass laced with light heavenly voices, we are indulged with a taste of the UK's hottest club. Eventhough he isn't on the compilation, the vibes of Mauro Picotto fill disk 2, known as Latitude. Of course, Gatecrasher, keeps us happy with the best names in the biz. You will find Paul van Dyk, Moby and my favorite, BT all have some of their best songs mixed on disk 1, aptly names Longitude. My assesment, Global Sound System blows away all of the other Gatecrasher Disks. You are missing some serious beats if you don't buy this NOW!

Having owned almost all of the gatecrasher CDs, I must share that this is among the top three. The BPMs are perfect, as are the synthesizers, vocals, and melodies. Sure, some of these tracks are on other CDs, but then again, there is only one Gatecrasher sound. Enjoy...

As I was looking for CDs to compliment my GLOBAL UNDERGROUND series collection, I happened across this brightly colored one instead. Needless to say I was greatly pleased, as both disks of this set are true gems.

Pay no mind to those reviewers that get all technical. You know the ones, they analyze every track and rate it based on what the DJ had for breakfast or how there was a quarter-second break in the mixing. Simply put, if you really dig the Trance scene (Global Underground, Northern Exposure and similar grooves), then get GATECRASHER - Global Sound System RIGHT NOW.

From the first listen, you will find yourself bouncing around the room, arms flailing, contemplating your next Rave excursion.

Don't get me wrong, as I certainly will continue to get every GU set out there, but GATECRASHER will get an equal turn in my CD changer, time and time again.

That's the question a good friend of mine asked a music store clerk when visiting the Land Of Our Fathers recently, and "GateCrasher" is what he put in her hands. Now -that's- what I call customer service. From start to finish, this CD has you up and moving. I defy anyone to hear even one track from this comp and not be able to dance. It's not that this CD has universal appeal - Inside and out, it's a Rave-up - but this CD set has more energy and momentum to it than any mainstream dance mix I've ever heard. Sitting still while listening to this is about as hard as walking through a packed dance floor.

Eventually, you'll just dance to make it easier. :)

4 stars should say it all. Not a bad set at all, especially after a few disappointments like Digital/Black, and Experience 2002. Very nice selection of tracks, especially on CD #1. Mixing as always very precise. Second CD deserves a 3 star rating, as it gets a bit boring and heavy at the end. Overall a very decent compilation. Don't expect to be blown away by it, but nevertheless very enjoyable experience overall.

This is _not_ your father's Gatecrasher. They've gotten deeper, harder, darker and decidedly less cheesy. It doesn't follow the same style of their earlier CD's, and I wouldn't want it to, because 1) I already have them and 2) The club scene has moved on. Having seen the Gatecrasher world tour just last weekend, I can say this is extremely close to the music they actually spin at the club now. Compare it to the Ministry of Sound CD's which are basically a bunch of top 40 anthems strung together with little sense of flow, and this sounds much better. However, if you are looking for the more uplifting anthemic cheesy trance of 1999, buy their earlier CD's.

This was one of my 1st CDs I bought out of any other Gatecrasher Mix out there. Both the 1st and 2nd disc contain many memorable beats and remixes, yet it does take a few listens to really appreciate the entire mix. When I first bought this CD I felt some regret in exchanging the money for it, but after I listened to both CD1 and CD2, I felt that the money in exchange was well worth it. However, GC-GSS - Latitude and Longitude is a piece of art that will not appeal to everyone. There are some tracks in these CDs I prefer skipping, F.E. "Warrior" - it's a little cheezy - But there are many memorable productions and remixes compiled in this 2 CD mix. That is why I round this out to a 5, because on 1st impression I was very doubtful but now it is one of my irreplacable Jems in my music collection because the Mix was just that excellent. To anyone who is looking to purchase these CDs, if you can spare the money... It's worth it!

Last but not least, One recommendation: Gatecrasher Wet is a nice compilation. If your a little too hesitant to buy Gatecrasher Global Sound System: Latitude and Longitude, you shouldn't be disappointed with Gatecrasher Wet. - Odd name but excellent beats.