Customer Reviews

Northern Exposure 2: West Coast Edition

5 star:		(32)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

The "west coast" volume of this second Northern Exposure release is mixed by John Digweed (the east coast cd is mixed by Sasha) and comprises a series of German trance anthems mixed to perfection. This is quite simply one of the best mixed trance cd's ever released, and offers an excellent introduction to this melodic and rhythmic genre that is so little-known in the United States. It includes some of the most popular trance "anthems" that came out of Germany in 1996 in 1997, such as "Netherworld" by LSG (Oliver Lieb), "3.2" by Humate, "Enervate" by Transa, and "Blue Fear" by Armin. A fabulous mix!

There is a certain charm to being able to just be absorbed in music as you listen to it without worrying about lyrics, melody, or "what it all means." This was my second Northern Exposure CD (the first being the Eastcoast edition of the same title). I found this one to be a very well mixed and paced, but there seems to be a definate drawback to not having any definable songs. There are too few ups and downs and a lack of unique rythyms.

It may sound as if I don't like it. That is completely untrue. It is the perfect CD for a late night or when you just need a little something to get you moving but not stress you out. Although I am not new to trance, I prefer a more varied music style, specifically breakbeat and acid house such as the master John Kelley spins. Still, my earliest techno was unmixed German trance dating from 1992-3, and this CD takes a more refined version of that music and blends it beautifully. It is music you can close your eyes and litterally get lost in and dream to. Pretty, with an occasional melancholy undertone, and a definate sharpness to it.

This cd is one of my top ten all time favorites. It just gets better and better each time.Northern Exposure- West Coast Edition takes you on a journey. A place of the known. Once you begin you don't stop. The intro starts off at a content place, with warm music. The Light and Third Man begin the journey's obstacles, driving deeper and deeper reaching highs and lows. Taucher's Waters is wonderful. It Delivers a sadness to this journey. By this time the tension is so intense. Each song has slowly build up to the climax of the music. Then the tension is finally resolved. You are back at the beginning. Wondering what had happened. It was an incredible journey. This happens each time I play this cd. The journey just gets better and better. Everyone should experience this.

While NORTHERN EXPOSURE II: West Coast Edition may not have the instant thrill and "gee-whiz" factor of the nature-sounding, vocal-heavy East Coast Edition, in the long haul it is one of the best Northern Exposure releases.

Opening slowly with a meandering track by Cyngus, West Coast Edition wanders for a bit over an eclectic array of deep trance. With Humate's "3.2", however, the album shifts into high gear, driving through Sven Vath's "An Accident in Paradise" and The Light's "Panfried" with no sign of easing on the funk. The climax of the album is LSG's "Netherworld (Jules Verne mix)", an epic track that gives one pause to reflect on the sadness of trance's demise.

What is most remarkable about West Coast Edition is how little it has dated in the four (!) years since its release. Although the East Coast Edition's eco-beats and trippy synths sound incredibly passe, West Coast Edition's deep and heavy soundscapes are not too far from today's progressive house. In fact, there are many parts of West Coast Edition which sound like they were mixed recently, especially Sven Vath's track.

NORTHERN EXPOSURE II: West Coast Edition, after the first NORTHERN EXPOSURE, is perhaps Sasha and Digweed's most recommendable collaboration. Check it out.

You must purchase this cd, or anything by' the man' Digweed and his illustrious sidekick, Sasha. Both have been going for years , and have finally emerged as Britain's best DJ's, pushing the progressive tech house sound they have championed at clubs like New York's Twilo, or Hasting's (UK) Bedrock nights. The album flows like water , taking you to another place. Close the curtains, jack up the stereo and relax as these two do damage to your head...

More energy than its counterpart, the Eastcoast edition of Northern Exposure, this CD is probably my favorite in the series. The mixing is perfect, and the track selection is near flawless...this CD is a must to any trance collection!

Northern Exposure West Coast is the second in the distinguished series by Digweed/Sasha partnership. I was rather disappointed with the first Northern Exposure (the one everybody raves about/to) because at times it is rather like listening to uptempo new age music: high gorgonzola content but very little meat. The West Coast CD is another matter. Deep and danceable, but still with that trademark smoothness and dreamy ambience. I wouldn't call this trance, it's just a seamless of mix of superb instrumental dance music. It rocks. It also sounds as good with your morning coffee as it would down a sweaty club...
I suppose this kind of music is getting out of date now, but Northern Exposure West Coast will still sound good for a few years.