Customer Reviews

Presents: Hook Recordings

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The problem with most Trance records lately is that if an uber-DJ mixes it, then most people tend to rate the mix higher than the sum total of its component songs. This record is a prime example. Christopher Lawrence is an up and coming uber-DJ, not a Sasha or Paul Van Dyk but almost as popular in LA. His fame rests primarily on the fact that at raves, he plays hard, fast, driving techno and trance tracks that are designed to keep the crowd moving with few lulls. We'll get to his mixing a little later. But the hype of his composition ended up being a reason this album disappointed me.

The problem with using mostly the type of hard and fast tracks Lawrence is fond of spinning is that there is the risk of monotony and repetition. Almost all of the tracks here sound similar and have identical beats. The songs themselves lack a diversity of sounds or melodies one finds in the composition of the mixes of say Sasha or Paul Oakenfold. At a rave, that may be fine since most people would be too doped up or so wrapped up in dancing to care. But the serious Trance aficionado should be more discriminating. The only track on the album which I remembered after the CD came to a stop was the intro song "Prophase" by Transa, a great track in itself.

Lawrence's mixing is not bad. He doesn't just abruptly shift to the next track. However, the songs he chooses do not present much of a challenge to him as a DJ. Most of his mixing consists of easy, predictable transitions. I'm still hoping to see a true test of his skill. I did actually go to a rave in LA he was spinning at in December. The set was hugely disappointing. It failed even to meet the standards of this album. The mixing was sloppy at times and the track selection even more mindless than this album.

Of course I do have a bias. I'm not a fan of the cheesy Trance being cranked out for the growing electronica market. I lean toward Progressive Trance, one of the sub-genres where most of the experimentation and genre expansion are occurring. Most of the tracks here represent the type of Trance that is fueling the hyped-up rave scene indicative of LA, filled with poseurs, newbies, and refugees from the club scene.

Lawrence has to start diversifying his sets if he wants to uplift rather than just provide background noise for e-droppers.

Pros: Starts out interestingly enough. Cons: Continues past track 1.

Having read the ZupanGod from Trancelando's review, I was a little curious about this CD.

This superb compilation features tracks from Scotland's Hook Recordings during the late nineties. If you like Hook Recordings, you will love this CD, as will listeners who enjoy emotional and powerful driving trance.

Being a label compilation, some of the tracks are obviously going to have similar elements. It is these elements which have made Hook one of the most respected trance labels in the world. If those elements don't appeal to you, then this CD will probably not appeal to you either. I think ZupanGod's problem is that he doesn't like the Hook sound, which is fine. But don't shoot the messenger.

For anyone new to Lawrence's magic, I suggest trying one of his other CDs first as it will give you a better insight into his personal style. "Rise", "Temptation" and "Trilogy" are all excellent. His CDs are always expertly programmed and mixed, as are his legendary live sets. Living in San Francisco has afforded me several opportunities to hear Lawrence play live and I feel that he is definitely a DJ of the highest order - similar to Jon Digweed or Nick Warren. If you are into progressive house and trance, do not let this Lawrence pass you by!

I can't believe this ablum came out in 1999! In the world of techno and electronic music, that's a long time. The reason I can't believe it is because the album sounds like it could have come out yesterday. There is nothing wrong with older trance. In fact, often times it's better (see Paul Oakenfold for perfect examples), but because of almost strict use of electronic sounds, it's easy for a mix to sound dated. This album doesn't. If it did, that wouldn't necessarily be bad, it just amazes me that it doesn't.

This is the second album I bought by Christopher Lawrence and I was expecting it to be of poorer quality. I would eventually learn that everything he touches turns to gold. He's quickly becoming my favorite DJ. You can't go wrong with any Christopher Lawrence CD, but this probably won't be your first experience with him. If you've already experience him, have no fears about this album as it's just as great as the rest.

"America's Top Trance DJ" mixes the hits of popular UK label HOOK RECORDINGS. Listen to Christopher's flawless transitions as he mixes the past, present, and future hits from this ground breaking label. Besides tracks from Transa, X-Cabs, Taylor and DeNiro, Christopher even includes his own tracks, Interceptor,and Shredder to compliment the sound that is HOOK RECORDINGS

i agree with matt from san diego about the repeats from rise and temptation. but the tracks are so good that they are worth hearing again and again. another plus about the album is exposure the other artists are getting via chris's master mixes. this album is a must for trance-techno fans, not only for christopher lawrence's talent, but also a great reference to other djs and acts.

Oh my gosh, christopher lawrence totally uplifted his music to a new beginning. Eventhough he does use some of his old stuff from temptations and rise, but the mixes are way better and more uplifting.

This CD is loaded with upbeat, energetic, powerfully beautiful Trance. All Christopher Lawrence mixxes are just unbelievable. TRANCE AT ITS FINEST. This Lawrence guy really gives my boy, Oakenfold, a damn good run for his money among Godlike DJ's. What is sooo great about Christopher Lawrence is that he mixxes nothing but quality Trance that makes you wanna bust out those glow sticks from the very begining of each one of his CDs right up the the very end. The music never slows down... ever! That's how I like it. If you can't get enough of solid Trance, buy this CD or maybe Christopher Lawrence's, Trilogy III or Temptation... This guy will amaze you with his immense mixing skills. If I could, I would give this CD a lot more than just 5 little stars. BUY NOW!

I have to admit I was impressed. to be honest this was an impulse buy, and I am happy to report that this was one of the few such purchases that I made, that I am very happy with. Chris has a great style, the beats never get repetitive and and keep you going for the length of the CD... Ovious west Coast Influences....Its just a great CD Thats well worth the risk.

I Like Paul Olkenfold, Carl Cox, Joey Beltram, Mars & Mystr-E, Sasha, DJ Jason Dunne, Kimball Collins, ect. ect. ect. Christopher Lawrence is my Favorite. He brings the raves home. His composition is what makes his albums so great. All his tracks are good although they don't all sound the same. All around great,great DJ.

A friend introduced me to trance and recommended this cd. I have been a fan of Christopher Lawrence ever since after listening to this cd. The music is on the cd is great upbeat fast energetic progressive trance. He is my favorite DJ in the world to date. I love this cd, it started my love of Trance music. Now I love Trance, House, Techno music primarily. Christopher Lawrence's Rise cd is much better and is my second favorite by far.