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017 Windmill Sessions May 2008 [2 hours of melodic prog/trance] (pg. 2)
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| dslim04 |
Ahh nice! thx for the link. |
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| Zoso |
| Barring disaster, my review will go up this weekend. Until that time... :D |
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| sunsurge |
| quote: | Originally posted by Zoso
Barring disaster, my review will go up this weekend. Until that time... :D |
Cool man, thanks for the continuing support:) |
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| Zoso |
You continue to pick your openers well! Quantum Reign is deep, spacey, and at times even a little dark. This track reminds me of something that might have shown up on Deeper Shades of Euphoria back in the day. After the rich, opening ambience it turns into a nice breakbeat tune, complete with a shimmering melody that is simply captivating. Ace track!
Sleeping beauty continues the breakbeat theme, and though I thought there was a little melody clash betwixt the two tracks for a moment, you transition out well. The low-end work is a little ‘quirkier’ in this track, and some nice little swirls tease us before the lush piano melody takes over. Another rich track, full of treats for the sound palate.
A relatively quick segue takes us into Leviathan, which almost immediately drops off into a brief little break. Once again the low-end work is really evident in this track. I love the lead ‘horn’ sound that continues to tease and coax the listener along. Reminds me of one of Vangelis’ tracks from the soundtrack to Blade Runner. And you just can’t go wrong with Vangelis.
Sphere builds nicely in behind Leviathan and comes in after a smooth transition. A simple yet effective melody moves the mix along nicely. This tune feels a little more minimal than some of his previous works, but it’s still effective in the overall mix. Nice long fade into Another Place. This one has a crisp kick and some ‘funkier’ low-end work (gotta love that housier sound). Lush breaks that just wash over the listener. So full of atmosphere, this one!
Another Place falls off nicely into Outset, another track with the Arthur Deep treatment. To me, this one isn’t quite as minimal as Sphere. It feels richer, and it has a more pronounced melody. Lots of little random quirks thrown in there as well. In any event, it works well in the mix and moves us along nicely as we build to what I know is coming. ;)
Outset fades out nicely, and Always builds in nicely behind it, then takes over, slowly building into the signature Mango warmth that I’ve come to appreciate in your mixes. My only complaint is that little tech/electro sounding beep. I could have gotten along with this track better had that little element been dropped. Haunting vocals (reminds me of Mazzy Star) during the breaks and throughout the track! Massive tune!
Little Pony sneaks in as the vocals from Always linger. This track has a more intense, stabbing melody, which I find rather hypnotic. The lead overlays it nicely. The hypnotic stabs continue through the break, and then the lead seems to shift up a notch. It’s an interesting juxtaposition. The stabs create a sense of urgency, but the lead itself is rather soothing.
Strawberry creeps in as the last whispers of Little Pony fade out nicely. I had to look up this tune on Beatport as soon as I saw it was in the mix. Another massive Mango tune, but I’d be lying if I failed to mention the fact that the Dynamic Illusion does it for me. ;) That’s not to take away from the Original Mix, though, which is a rich, warm track in its on right. This tunes builds the mix nicely, and I love the random vocal/chants. Mango’s works are nearly always warm, uplifting tracks that produce a real sense of elation, and Strawberry is no different.
Is builds in behind the last of Strawberry’s melody, and right away you can tell it’s going to be a darker, contrasting track. Though darker, there’s almost a sense of urgency created by this track, like we’re building towards some unknown thing. I like the xylophone sound. Always reminds me of that classic Riders On The Storm by The Doors. Interesting, intense build right after the break.
Great mix into Radio 101! This tracks builds nicely and seems to indicate a shift in the mix at this point. Lovely vocal set in the break as this number continues to just build and build. Boom! Explodes after the break. Massive! We’re definitely mid-set now.
More smooth mixing into Tribute To. Nice low-end work punctuates the little break before this one sets sail. There’s almost a liquid atmosphere to this one…like it’s in slow motion in the background behind the kick. Love the haunting vocal/chant as well. Reminds me of something right out of the Gladiator soundtrack! Lush break in this number. Wonder what she’s saying? :) I feel like I’ve melted after this track!
Secret Wave enters the foray next, following another smooth transition. Though different, you can still hear that Michael + Levan sound, darker and driving. A nice lead builds into this track as it progresses, which contrasts the darker low-end. Massive break indeed! Wow. That’s one of those breaks you can just stay lost in.
Mona Kea follows the last explosion of Secret Wave, building in with an intense kick and a swelling melody/vocal combo. Love how the stutter from Secret Wave hangs around for a while. Mona Kea explodes after the break! I can see how this number would put some asses on the dance floor!
Angelic’s quirky bassline works in next along with some interesting chanting. Reminds of something you might hear on the Buddha Bar CDs. This track is a bit of a little come down after the massive Mona Kea. Perhaps a reprise before the final assault? ;) Still, as you said, massive stuff in its own right. Great use of vocals in a variety of ways.
Like the mix into Vertical Horizons, which starts out dark and brooding. Then the kick explodes and we’re underway! Great percussive work on this number, I feel. You are correct, sir. Massive, goosebump-inducing break! Monster of a track. Hard to keep one’s head and foot still with work like this out there.
Nastazia creeps in with a trancier feel and continues the nice, strong kick. Another hypnotic melody to build the mix to its climax and conclusion. Holy hell what a break! Intense stuff, mate. Epic track for me.
Catching Light explodes onto the scene! No fooling around here. Trancey lead from the start, and it doesn’t let go. Great addition to the meat of the mix! A very ‘shimmering’ set of melodies in this track, and they work well together. Classy trance.
Mindspring mixes in very nicely with an almost classic trance sound and feel, which is indeed a good thing. Great break that builds to a nice climax and takes off with more of that classic trance sound and feel.
Great drop off into Animacion! Epic way to end an epic mix. Haven’t listened to this track in a long time. Good memories all around. :) |
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| sooper |
| awesome! thanks :) |
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| sunsurge |
| quote: | Originally posted by Zoso
You continue to pick your openers well! Quantum Reign is deep, spacey, and at times even a little dark. This track reminds me of something that might have shown up on Deeper Shades of Euphoria back in the day. After the rich, opening ambience it turns into a nice breakbeat tune, complete with a shimmering melody that is simply captivating. Ace track!
Sleeping beauty continues the breakbeat theme, and though I thought there was a little melody clash betwixt the two tracks for a moment, you transition out well. The low-end work is a little ‘quirkier’ in this track, and some nice little swirls tease us before the lush piano melody takes over. Another rich track, full of treats for the sound palate.
A relatively quick segue takes us into Leviathan, which almost immediately drops off into a brief little break. Once again the low-end work is really evident in this track. I love the lead ‘horn’ sound that continues to tease and coax the listener along. Reminds me of one of Vangelis’ tracks from the soundtrack to Blade Runner. And you just can’t go wrong with Vangelis.
Sphere builds nicely in behind Leviathan and comes in after a smooth transition. A simple yet effective melody moves the mix along nicely. This tune feels a little more minimal than some of his previous works, but it’s still effective in the overall mix. Nice long fade into Another Place. This one has a crisp kick and some ‘funkier’ low-end work (gotta love that housier sound). Lush breaks that just wash over the listener. So full of atmosphere, this one!
Another Place falls off nicely into Outset, another track with the Arthur Deep treatment. To me, this one isn’t quite as minimal as Sphere. It feels richer, and it has a more pronounced melody. Lots of little random quirks thrown in there as well. In any event, it works well in the mix and moves us along nicely as we build to what I know is coming. ;)
Outset fades out nicely, and Always builds in nicely behind it, then takes over, slowly building into the signature Mango warmth that I’ve come to appreciate in your mixes. My only complaint is that little tech/electro sounding beep. I could have gotten along with this track better had that little element been dropped. Haunting vocals (reminds me of Mazzy Star) during the breaks and throughout the track! Massive tune!
Little Pony sneaks in as the vocals from Always linger. This track has a more intense, stabbing melody, which I find rather hypnotic. The lead overlays it nicely. The hypnotic stabs continue through the break, and then the lead seems to shift up a notch. It’s an interesting juxtaposition. The stabs create a sense of urgency, but the lead itself is rather soothing.
Strawberry creeps in as the last whispers of Little Pony fade out nicely. I had to look up this tune on Beatport as soon as I saw it was in the mix. Another massive Mango tune, but I’d be lying if I failed to mention the fact that the Dynamic Illusion does it for me. ;) That’s not to take away from the Original Mix, though, which is a rich, warm track in its on right. This tunes builds the mix nicely, and I love the random vocal/chants. Mango’s works are nearly always warm, uplifting tracks that produce a real sense of elation, and Strawberry is no different.
Is builds in behind the last of Strawberry’s melody, and right away you can tell it’s going to be a darker, contrasting track. Though darker, there’s almost a sense of urgency created by this track, like we’re building towards some unknown thing. I like the xylophone sound. Always reminds me of that classic Riders On The Storm by The Doors. Interesting, intense build right after the break.
Great mix into Radio 101! This tracks builds nicely and seems to indicate a shift in the mix at this point. Lovely vocal set in the break as this number continues to just build and build. Boom! Explodes after the break. Massive! We’re definitely mid-set now.
More smooth mixing into Tribute To. Nice low-end work punctuates the little break before this one sets sail. There’s almost a liquid atmosphere to this one…like it’s in slow motion in the background behind the kick. Love the haunting vocal/chant as well. Reminds me of something right out of the Gladiator soundtrack! Lush break in this number. Wonder what she’s saying? :) I feel like I’ve melted after this track!
Secret Wave enters the foray next, following another smooth transition. Though different, you can still hear that Michael + Levan sound, darker and driving. A nice lead builds into this track as it progresses, which contrasts the darker low-end. Massive break indeed! Wow. That’s one of those breaks you can just stay lost in.
Mona Kea follows the last explosion of Secret Wave, building in with an intense kick and a swelling melody/vocal combo. Love how the stutter from Secret Wave hangs around for a while. Mona Kea explodes after the break! I can see how this number would put some asses on the dance floor!
Angelic’s quirky bassline works in next along with some interesting chanting. Reminds of something you might hear on the Buddha Bar CDs. This track is a bit of a little come down after the massive Mona Kea. Perhaps a reprise before the final assault? ;) Still, as you said, massive stuff in its own right. Great use of vocals in a variety of ways.
Like the mix into Vertical Horizons, which starts out dark and brooding. Then the kick explodes and we’re underway! Great percussive work on this number, I feel. You are correct, sir. Massive, goosebump-inducing break! Monster of a track. Hard to keep one’s head and foot still with work like this out there.
Nastazia creeps in with a trancier feel and continues the nice, strong kick. Another hypnotic melody to build the mix to its climax and conclusion. Holy hell what a break! Intense stuff, mate. Epic track for me.
Catching Light explodes onto the scene! No fooling around here. Trancey lead from the start, and it doesn’t let go. Great addition to the meat of the mix! A very ‘shimmering’ set of melodies in this track, and they work well together. Classy trance.
Mindspring mixes in very nicely with an almost classic trance sound and feel, which is indeed a good thing. Great break that builds to a nice climax and takes off with more of that classic trance sound and feel.
Great drop off into Animacion! Epic way to end an epic mix. Haven’t listened to this track in a long time. Good memories all around. :) |
-I agree with you about the slight clash in the first mix, no matter how hard I tried the hats seemed to overlap in the breakbeat transition. The thing is I really wanted to put these two tracks together, so I perservered. With hindsight I should have dropped one from the mix I reckon.
-Leviathan 7 has brilliant atmosphere, reminded me exactly of Vangelis' work on Bladerunner!
-Concerning the shifting up of key in the melody-laden "Little Pony", that was a slight worry for me. I LOVED the tune, just felt that sudden key change jarred it for me to the point that I considered doing an edit of the track for the mix, in the end time defeated me.
-Glad you like the mix into Radio 101. It was what I would call an 'old skool' mix, with big punchey beats introduced. No messing with subtle, merging techniques needed in this one!
-Really glad you like the 'tribute to...' track, Ive had it a while and it has steadily grown on me. Feel the slow-motion description is apt, it has that smooth, liquid feel to the sound. I hope the spoken monologue is something beautiful and profound, or could be inane drivel-who knows! Either way it works superbly as a bridging track.
-The 'Angelic' track is initially a step-down of pace compared to 'Mona Kea', but I felt the vocal was strong enough to carry the track before the more urgent rolling bassline is added about halfway through. It also explodes after the break!
-You would have loved the original version of 'Nastazia', as was on Harri Agnel's myspace. Think the sample suffered due to copyright issues. Still a strong proggy trancer though.
-Always like to end on a classic, pumped up the tempo for 'Amimacion' as well to give it that extra bite.
As ever mate it is bloody humbling to read such a great, indepth critique of my set and to share beautiful music with equally receptive and passionate fans as myself. Thanks buddy:) |
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| sunsurge |
| quote: | Originally posted by sooper
awesome! thanks :) |
No worries at all! Hope it goes down a treat! |
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| Zoso |
A couple more quick points: one, I can't believe 17 sessions, and thus 17 months have gone by! It seems like I just downloaded my first Windmill Sessions only a couple of months ago! Yet here we are, with nearly a year and half behind us. Amazing, simply amazing.
Second, these mixes just go to show that there are still producers out there capable of churning out massive, rich tracks that are well worth digging up.
And finally, the quality of our TA DJs is simply unmatched. Cheers to all of you. :crazy: |
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| sunsurge |
| quote: | | I can't believe 17 sessions, and thus 17 months have gone by! It seems like I just downloaded my first Windmill Sessions only a couple of months ago! Yet here we are, with nearly a year and half behind us. Amazing, simply amazing. |
Its flown by mate! Started off as a whim as an outlet for me to put together my favourite tracks in a set context, it since has grown to become my main monthly pursuit-a part of the furniture.
| quote: | | Second, these mixes just go to show that there are still producers out there capable of churning out massive, rich tracks that are well worth digging up. |
Definitely. The difference now is that the tracks are harder to find, but when you do stumble upon something beautiful it makes it all the more rewarding.
| quote: | | And finally, the quality of our TA DJs is simply unmatched. Cheers to all of you. |
I second that, the sheer breadth and quality of music available on these forums is first class. There is a lot for the discerning ear around here! |
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| freeflow |
im downloading now mate! iv been back and forward from uni but home and settled now so i can sit back and give this a bosh out!
can't wait to hear all the tastey new de govia shiz |
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| sunsurge |
| Anyone else give this a whirl? |
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| Pepi |
ahhhhh just when I needed something for my 8 hour drive this weekend....Mirco De Govia.....saw that and smiled :)
Mirco De Govia - Voller Sterne :)
will post comments later, but a big thank you as always...love your sets. |
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