Northern Exposure 2: West Coast Edition

John Digweed, Northern Exposure (Ultra Series), Sasha | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 13, 1998)
• Original Release Date: January 13, 1998
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Ultra Records
• ASIN: B000003SFT
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (44 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #92,464 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #11 in Music > Indie Music > Dance & DJ > Trance

Track Listings

1. Cygnus

2. Speedy J

3. Humate

4. Sven Vath

5. The Light

6. Third Man

7. LSG

8. Taucher

9. Art of Silence

10. Transa

11. Armin

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A progressive house classic ..., August 2, 2004

By 

Jia (Portland, OR) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Northern Exposure 2: West Coast Edition (Audio CD)

The follow-up to Sasha & John Digweed's Northern Exposure does not disappoint. Similar to Vol. 1, the UK and US versions were released differently. Whereas Northern Exposure 2 was released as a single, two CD set in the UK, the US version was split into separate releases, or different editions: the West Coast and East Coast editions. Don't be fooled however, they are completely different sets with different tracks. And both are absolutely essential purchases!

The West Coast edition is the more danceable of the two NE2s, with some of the best progressive house tracks of the era/ever. Opening with Cygnus X's "Protison" (incorrectly listed as "Superstrings" on the back cover), a lush, bouncy, euphoric mood is instantly created only to be torn down by the stabbing melodies and abrasive percussion Speedy J's "Fusion". Humate's classic "3.2" is mixed in creating a dark, atmospheric sound, that melds perfectly with William Orbit's remix of Sven Vath's techno classic "An Accident In Paradise". The Light's "Panfried" and Third Man's "Solar Cycle" keep the beat steady, before the duo really turn up the energy with L.S.G.'s "Netherworld". The Jules Vern mix heard on this album is the best version of the song I've ever heard emphasizing the best elements of the song, and creating a hard hitting progressive house floor-filler. Taucher's melodic "Waters" is perfectly mixed holding the peak created by "Netherworld" to over ten minutes of sheer electronic bliss. "Teach Me" by Art Of Silence is a serene break from the energy, but we're soon brought back to 4/4 floor-stomping energy with Transa's anthemic "Enervate", before slowly closing with the trance inducing groove of Armin's "Blue Fear".

While not as timeless as it's predecessor or the East Coast Edition, this is still a classic piece of progressive house. Although more immediately accessible, it is ultimately less rewarding than it's counterpart. Still, an essential purchase for progressive house/trance fans.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Average compared to others in the Northern Exposure Series, September 8, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Northern Exposure 2: West Coast Edition (Audio CD)

It was with great anticipation that I awaited the arrival of my West Coast CD. I was already the owner (and admirer) of all of the other CDs in the Northern Exposure series, and couldn't wait for this CD to arrive. Unfortunately, I was quite disappointed by this CD, since IMHO it doesn't measure up to the fluidity and diversity of their other works. Sure, it's still a good CD, but I'm comparing it to their other work. I found it a little monotonous at times and rather repetitive. Furthermore, there weren't any tracks that stood out or captured my attention. If you're a newcomer to the series, you're better off going with the East Coast edition, or the first in the series.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the ONE!, April 30, 2000

By 

"k-sdavies" (Bakersfield, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Northern Exposure 2: West Coast Edition (Audio CD)

Alright, here's how it is: this cd is so worth owning. I stumbled upon it used, and bought it because the cover looked so cool. Little did I know that it would end up being my favorite cd out of 250+. This album is a true set, it ebs and flows so smoothly. Sasha & Digweed are unmatched in their genre if musical influence. It is so musically sound that my middle aged parents vibe to it. So, don't hesitate, buy this precious disc for $12.99 and I promise you will experience musical bliss. I'll even predict that you'll seek out Digweed's and Sasha's other work. P.S. Listen at least 3-4 times before you generate your opinion. This music is complex and takes time for your mind to recognize the genius of this musical production.