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So I actually went to G&D last night. First time seeing them since 2003. I went with an open mind and no expectations. I got there late, like 2:30 am, and stayed until the very end. I can see how some people might find their set difficult to 'follow' since it encompassed so many genres, but I found it very refreshing. They definitely have a unique sound. I was thoroughly impressed with the wide variety of music they played. Their set spanned nearly two decades of music ranging from New Wave to Progressive House to Trance to Techno. They played some classic tracks that I didn't think I've ever hear in a club again as well as some of my current favorites populating my playlist.
To give you a better idea, here is a short list of some of the tracks I can remember:
The Police - ?? (forgot which track)/ New Wave [1980-something?]
Nalin & Kane - Beachball / Progressive Trance [1997]
Beber & Tamra - Travelling on (possible just a sampling of the lyrics)/ Progressive House [2001]
Andain - Beautiful Things / Trance [2003]
Rachel Starr - Till There Was You / Trance [2005]
Gabriel & Dresden - Dust in the Wind / Progressive House [2006]
Gabriel & Dresden - Tracking Treasure Down / Progressive Trance [2006]
Claude von Stroke - Who's Afraid of Detroit / Techno [2006]
Dubfire - Roadkill / Tech House [2007]
Gregor Tresher - A Thousand Nights / Techno [2007]
Deadmau 5 - Faxing Berlin (Chris Lake Edit) *i think* / Progressive House [2007]
It takes a great deal of talent and creativity to spin a set like the one I heard last night. I'm not saying it was the best set I ever heard but it was certainly impressive to witness the way those two rise to a challenge and overcome it with ease.
The last time I heard G&D was that unforgettable night at Arc when they played As The Rush Comes and the entire club came together as one, singing the lyrics and swaying to the beat. The track was huge at the time & never before or since have I felt such an amazing vibe. It's still one of my most memorable clubbing moments. But back then they were far better producers than DJs and their mixing skills left something to be desired. Now, 4 years later, I can honestly say that their DJ skills left NOTHING to be desired.Their mixing was on point, and noticeably so, considering the beats they were matching. I can't imagine it's an easy feat switching genres frequently & seamlessly.
On a side note, I still hate Pacha and the heat was unbearable. The crowd, however, was quite nice. I was very pleased with all the fresh, young, smiling faces. G&D have a great group of fans that are a far cry from the jaded clubbers I'm used to partying with (including myself )
All in all, it was a really positive experience and I wanted to give credit where credit is due. They may not be my favorite DJs and their style isn't for everyone but I do believe they possess something very special & rare within the music industry. They don't conform or imitate; they resist and create. They are true artists in every sense of the word.
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FYI:
It might seem strange that I've just randomly appeared out of nowhere with this G&D review. I haven't been frequenting the boards for quite some time and I rarely have time for a review, let alone a lengthy diatribe like this one. For some reason I felt compelled to write this. It's not because I've become a huge G&D fan; I may never see them again. I don't go out that often anymore and, when I do, it's usually to hear my fav dj. But last night I wanted to hear something/someone different. And that's what last night was; different. I'm always coming across negative reviews that I think are unfair or positive reviews that aren't credible or substantial. I usually just ignore them but this morning I couldn't do that. The fact is, whether you like Gabriel & Dresden or not, they deserve respect. Their talent is unmistakable and irrefutable.
WHEW! I'm done.

kthxbye
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