Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
5 stars are not enough, March 14, 2000
Wow! And I really mean it! If you want to know why Sasha & Digweed are the most respected (and successful) DJs in the world, listen to this CD.This CD shows how a good DJ can create a set that will put you in a trance (eventhough it's a chillout album, not trance) just by building the atmosphere around you as the music moves along. The mixes are amazing, you can't really know when one track ends and the next starts, but the songs are totaly different from each other. The album begins with mellow sound of Gus Gus and Phurry Phreaks (it's Chicane, actually...) and moves to a harder beats like Uberzone (a killer track) and hybrid. Another thing, most of the tracks on this album were remixed by these master DJs, so even if you have the original tracks and remixes, they do not sound the same. The whole of this album is much more than the sum of its parts. It's, without no doubt, one of the most wonderful albums I've ever heard. Just close your eyes and start floating. You probably see that the avarage rate for this album is 5 stars. So I'm not the only one who think that about this album. BUY IT!
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14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Euphoric, mid-tempo classic ..., August 2, 2004
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 East Coast edition is a gorgeous down tempo/break beat mix in the same vein as NE1. The mood and atmosphere is different however. Whereas NE1 was earthy, organic, and spiritual, NE2 East Coast edition is jazzier, funkier, more melancholic, and near the end, more euphoric. The mix starts off phenomenally with an ultra chilly mix of Gus Gus' "Believe", which perfectly segues into Chicane's mix of Furry Phreaks' "Soothe". After we're transitioned with Violet's "Burn The Elastic", we're treated to the less memorable funky breaks of Prana's "Geomantik" and Acoustic Hoods "Cycle Of Time". Frontside's "Dammerung" brings a more serious tone back with its beautiful melancholic melody, which sets up for the mixes first and last 4/4 numbers. The trickling melody of Doi-Oing's "Blue" perfectly sets-up Spooky's classic "Little Bullet, Pt 1". The version included here is even better than the original with washing synths and several layers melody that bring the album to it's first peak.
Having already reached heaven 8 tracks in, the funky breaks of Uberzone's "Botz" is dropped bringing the mix back to the earth before slowly climbing back up with some of the most euphoric electronic tracks ever recorded. The tinkley melody of Fluke's "Reeferendrum" builds perfectly into Lost Tribe's gorgeous "Angel" (incorrectly listed as "Distant Voices" on the back cover), which out of nowhere turns into Gus Gus' mid-tempo masterpiece, "Purple". The final track, Hybrid's "Symphony" is perhaps the most emotional electronic music I've ever heard. A perfect closer to a near perfect album.
While perhaps not as strong as NE1 (the one disc American version), the East Coast Edition of NE2 does not disappoint. The weak moments are when the mix goes for the more abrasive, funky numbers, but in the scope of the album as a whole and it terms of setting up the more serious melodic songs, they work. Progressive house and trance fans may find this album lacks the dance floor appeal of other mixes. This shouldn't deter you from purchasing this album. Unless you despise melody, this is an essential pick-up for every electronic music fan's collection.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
I can't get enough of this one, August 11, 2003
Before I start, I have to say I am apprehensive about even writing a review for this album. I fear that any words, no matter how exemplary they would be, would not be enough credit to convey to you all how good this album really is. In short, the best thing would be just to say buy it and see for yourself. However I cannot just simply do so.The art of mixing is a tough one to grasp. It takes an extensive collection (something that takes a lot of time and money), an intuitive ear for the music, raw talent and practice to perfection on the turntables, motivation as well as innovation, and a keen understanding of the environment that you are creating the work for. This album has it all in one big conglomerate packed into some plastic that runs approximately 70 minutes long. I own the whole Northern Exposure series and have listened to them all quite extensively. This piece of work, however, is a true exposure to the whole genre of electronica. Elements of ambient, house (mainly progressive), trance, as well as drum and bass can all be found on this masterpiece. Prollific DJs Sasha and John Digweed are definelty masters at their work. However, when these two come together to collaborate on their next work, it is justifiable to expect something extraordinary. I first heard this album on the way back from rochester, after hearing an aquaintance spin some records. I expressed my gratitude and he gave me a a copy of this saying "if you enjoyed these tunes, then you'll love this! And by the way, play it really loud on the way home." Following his advice, I wasn't prepared for the really elated feeling I was about to have. When Soothe hits in with that real sexy forefront vocal sample: "You ask me, how can you set me free, and I tell you, it's so easy...", and then that fluttering little bouncy beat comes in (a beautiful transition), it simply just takes off there and never looks back. I felt like a flood of seratonin had just overflowed my brain and I coasted on that the whole way back. This mix separates the boys from the men. It feels like the entire album is one big long peak. The high and low points exist for and because of eachother. A mix should not be thought of as separate tracks, but rather one long track and its componets creating a whole mood or emotion onto you. After "Soothe", the album goes from that fluttering, tickling beat into an almost hip-hop sound. It drives, not too hard, not too soft, it grooves just right so you can nod your head the whole time. The Acoustic Hoods definetly deliver on this next track. I would like to hear the original cut of this track because they tried something real funky and different here, but altogether a very pleasing follow to the more hip hop sound. And like that, there's Frontsides "Dammerung". This is sheer decadence. I have never heard a breakdown that can top this one that these two sterling DJs apply here. The timing is impeccable. "Blue" is an excellent follow-up. It has an airy, soothing, and ambient feel to it that beautifully intros, what I feel to be, a timeless trance classic. Spookys "Little Bullet" brings a smile to my face every time I hear it and I find myself turning up the gain every time it comes on. Flukes "Reeferendum" was a great choice as well. The transition from Gus Gus's "Purple" to Hybrids "Symphony" is indeed perfect, with "Symphony" being the last, although definetly not the least, on this album. Turning this album off before it's done = BIG mistake. And if you do, grant me the favor of turning down the volume to 0 slowly. I am sure you will enjoy this one as much as I did.
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~ John Digweed
~ Northern Exposure (Ultra Series)
~ Sasha
~ John Digweed
~ John Digweed
by Sasha 
