Customer Reviews

For the Love of the Beat

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

DJ Icey was one of the first DJs to get me into any techno. I own all of his CDs. I got a chance to see him live in Minneapolis about a month ago. He definetly tore it up and got the crowd going. This would be a good CD if you are a long time Icey fan, the funky Florida break elements are still found on this CD. Highlights would include the remix of Shakedown's "At Night" and Two Lone Swordsmen's "Neuflex". I have been a fan of Two Lone Swordsmen for years now and was kind of sad to find in the liner notes that Icey had just found out about them as of late. But back to the point, if you are a first time listener pick up his "Essential Mix" album. If you already have that pick up his "Essential Elements" album. If you are at that point and dig those albums you will dig on this album as well.

More chaotic and scot free of the meek moments that kept his Different Day release from catching fire, For the Love of the Beat is solid. Icey benefits from his new combination of uninhibited and inspired, picking a loud and slick set of tunes and mashing some together (which he joyfully talks about in the liner notes). Dance purists might scoff at the fact that Icey is just now digging the Two Lone Swordsmen (he speaks of hearing them on the Internet and buying from a big retailer - very un-hardcore), but his new passion for music without the smooth sheen of his past favorites deserves attention. He's right at the heart of funky nu breaks for most of the set, complementing it with more pop moments that won't alienate your friends. Most of the tracks have either a big-name electronica artist as the performer or the remixer, and the ones that don't are undiscovered gems. "At Night" is the best, a smack in the face at first that turns into a buzzing bug in your ear. Pulling that track out alone shows that Icey has come far enough in his love of the underground to teach even the nu breaks faithful something new. For the Love of the Beat's winning trifecta (excellent tracks, exciting mix, clever nod to Herb Alpert on the cover) adds up to an album that Icey's detractors will have trouble burying. Sorry, but you can't use that "too slick" argument on this one.

Well let me say to this to start. I am an icey fan since the early nineties and still love his work. He has always surprised me by keeping his unique style of breaks but still putting nu elements into his music. This is is my least favorite mix for sure. It has lost a lot of funk and we certainly can't talk about funky breaks here anymore. I am sure this mix will sell more though than any of his previous ones because that's what the breaks scene want's to here right now. The cd has big name tracks which are certainly well produced and nobody can say that they are junk and his mixing is excellent as usual. Personally I don't like his direction too much but as he is gaining global popularity he is adjusting to the uk breaks sound more and more and let's face it: It's the UK Breaks sound that's been popular all over the world with only a few producers from the US jumping on the wagon. I can't even blame him since there is too much cheese coming out of Florida lately and I hope that this will change soon and Icey will put some Florida feeling back in his mixes.
Good CD, good tracks but not enough funk for me.

First of all, if you are not an avid Icey fan, you might not like this. When I first listened to this CD, there was only a couple of tracks that I liked, so that's why I say what I did to start with. But after hearing a few of these tracks when I saw Icey live for the 2nd time, and went back and listened to it again, and definately like it a lot more. If you're looking for your average FL breaks, or for that matter, just average breaks, I wouldn't recommend this cd, or (once again) for that matter, latter Icey period. But if you're ready for something over the edge and different that only Icey can provide, definately buy this. Also, check out his newest CD only available at hot topic stores and on the hot topic website rite now, "Twisted."

Great work from THE DJ/producer of breakz. Icey's sound is evolving - better quality, better beats, better remixing. I bought this CD because first it was Icey's new release and second because of the excellent choice of songs compiled. Everyone loves to hear when a DJ can take songs you've heard and blend em up better than before. Noticable remixes in this mix include: Soul hooligin - algebra (trust me - you'll know it once you hear it), crystal meth - comin back, chemical brothers - get yourself high, and plump dj's - wieghed down. Comparing this mix to DJ Baby Anne's latest I would have to say that Icey takes the cake and then some. Icey produces and remixes half of the selection, mixes the tracks, and adds the right amount of funky tweakin' here and there. If you're lookin for the newest funkyness then search no more.

Job well done Icey! This is good material and I never heard any of these tracks before I listened to this cd.Im impressed cuz this is much better than his last.I must say im most impressed because I thought he was on his last leg when he released essential elements,what a come back...these tracks are dope and filled with motivation !if your into any kinda high energy dance go out and grab this one you can thank me later!

I got to listen to this CD live at Club Ampersand in New Orleans! DJ Icey rocked the house for the CD Release Party of "For the Love of the Beat"! DJ Icey is one of the greatest Break Beat DJ's because he loves the music. He was deffinately into his on tunes when he was jamin on stage at Ampersand's! I reccomend this album to all Icey/Break Beat Fan's!

Perfect CD, as always. Icey continues to impress and live up to his standard. Definitely recommend this to anyone.

I've seen Icey rip it up live twice, great performance both times, had the crowd jumpin', but I've heard better than this from Icey. Pass this one up and grab one of his older releases. One Love, Peace.

This is one album that I really didnt understand.The so called "king of breaks" can really come up with some strange stuff,thats a sho nuff.Let me recommend his "Essential Mix"to any dance fan,and unless you are a die hard Icey fan,I wouldnt buy this