Trip [Import]

Firstly it should be noted that although the 2 Discs are labelled as "Party" & "Chill" disc respectively, the Party disk isn't a club/dance album in the dance floor sense, more a collection (of admittedly exceptional) broad and downright Quirky tracks that have been meticulously pieced together to produce one of the most originally eclectic mix albums since "2manyDj's" burst onto the scene. So you have the theme tune to a Cinema Theatre presentation open the album, before leading into a altogether far too brief sample of the `Star Wars' theme (I'm assuming the reason it's kept brief is for legal reasons), before launching into the album proper, and the seeds of recognition take shape with the storming Soul/Funk courtesy of "James Brown's - Sex Machine" before launching into obscure cover versions of songs such as `Diana Ross' - Upside Down' amusingly covered by "The Shades". And its here, that your enjoyment of the album will rest, as there are a few (however brilliantly chosen & performed) cover versions of songs on the party Disc, and (in my mind) they all deserve inclusion here, but those that bought this album purely on the strength of this Club/DJ work will be shortly reaching for their receipts ("Where did I put That F****ing receipt!!!??).

That's not to say that it's all tongue in cheek cover versions, as the album is diverse as it is flying in the face of convention mix albums, around the halfway mark sublime soul courtesy of "Quantic Soul Orchestra" makes it presence felt rubbing shoulders 3 tracks later with the 80's Synth-pop of "level 42's - Livin' it Up", contrast beautifully and confirming this albums excellent `eclectic' status. Reggae Legend & `Massive Attack' vocalist "Horace Andy" takes on the unenviable task of covering `Bill Withers' legendary "Ain't No Sunshine", and retains a admirably excellent cover, but also cements his legendary vocalist status. Round out the next 6 tracks or so with `Lounge-Jazz, Soul, Funk R&B, Pop & House (thanks to artists such as "Mckay / Shirley Ellis / Pointer Sisters / Lenny Fontana" before rounding things out with "Uncut's" classic Drum `n' Bass / Breakbeat effort "Midnight", and finishing with the gorgeous Philly Soul of "Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes - Don't leave me this way" (Covered by various artists) and Tom Middleton has already made this album based on the first disk, worth the price of admission.

Disk 2 "Chill" much like the "Party" Cd, isn't a traditional Chillout Cd per se, and largely ignores `Electronica' and instead compiles a large list of downtempo music that can't reasonably be called `Chillout', but more music to relax to. The arrangements and Ideas for tracks here really are quite staggering, and virtually no atmospheric musical stone is unturned. So after the `Close Encounters' intro, the shoe gazing synth indie-electronic of "Ulrich Schnauss' - As If You've Never Been Away", firmly takes hold, elegantly wistful & dreamscape like in its composition it's the nearest this mix album approaches to Electronic Chillout. The vastly underrated Psychedelic Soul of "Lewis Taylor" is a glistening gem amongst the sea of Neo-Soul Crooners out there, and is as joyous as and it is beautifully composed and sung. (so much so that I actually want to pick up the album this is taken from), before being mixed into the intelligent rap of "Common's" soul-tinged "The Light", and it roughly around this point where Tom Middleton, hasn't put a foot wrong is his selection that you realise that Tom's records collection must be staggeringly diverse. A range of ridiculously well-composed Soul-Jazz, Crossover Jazz & Northern soul make up the next 5-6 tracks, ("Ramsey Lewis' - Dear Prudence" & "Ramp's" Truly gorgeous Jazz-Funk of "Daylight", being particularly marvellous efforts), yet the reinterpretation cover version of Eddie Floyds "Knock on Wood" shows that Tom isn't beyond slipping in the odd playful track here and there. And for the last quarter of the disc, as if to completely confound expectations, a smattering of Neo-Classical, Fusion (courtesy of "Stanley Clarke"), and orchestrated Film music ("Vladimir Cosma"), that closes out the album so beautifully, that you have to wonder why more people haven't thought of including this in Dj Mix albums....it truly is a turning point in the album (and whisper it.....possibly just elevates this as the very slightly, superior of the 2 Disks).

So, considering my (lengthy) and over enthusiastic review for this truly remarkable album, it obvious that this album is going to score (very) highly.....But!!?? (and there's always a but), if you're expecting a Tom Middleton mix album in the vein of his Deep House sets that'll recreate that club experince, you'll be sorely disappointed. It moves (albeit smoothly) from Latin-Jazz one minute to Rhythmic-percussion, with a dry line in Cover Versions the next, with tempo also wildly fluctuating. And those wanting a post-Clubbing chillout Cd with either Smooth Electronic Beats or Downtempo Trip-hop will find small pickings in the second Cd, as Electronic Beats are replaced by smooth Rap / Jazz-Funk, and Downtempo Trip-Hip ousted in favour of Orchestral passages and snippets of film score, but if this isn't enough to put you off, then This ranks (so Far)as the most comprehensively realised mix album realised this year, and it'll take a truly staggering effort to displace this, and I'd even go so far as to say that this is Middleton's most accomplished & accessible album yet, no question whatsoever as to whether this is worth 5 Stars.

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews   Was this review helpful to you?

Report this | Permalink Comment Comment

For a more qualified opinion, I played The Trip for my 11-year-old son, who promptly proclaimed his Dad's finally figured out what his friends listen to. We compared notes: my son expounding on TM's brilliant mixing, and me on the original songs he uses as a musical platform.

Of the discs, I prefer "Party" to "Chill." This week. Other times, my opinion flops.

If there's ever gonna be a classic in this genre, I'm placing bets this'll be it. It's The White Album of its format.

Indispensible!!!!!

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews   Was this review helpful to you?

Report this | Permalink Comment Comment