Just wondering for those who are still around here, how many of you have still followed the Balance series throughout the years. I do believe they are at Balance 028 now, although I myself can't say I've listened to any of the recent albums, I stopped at Balance 018 (mixed by Nick Warren).
But there still might be those who have kept with the recent additions and might have a few good ones to suggest. For me, I still think Balance 006 is the best. I really enjoy Anthony Pappa's trance-housey prog breaks infusion, still takes me places even to this day. That followed by Balance 008 mixed by Desyn Masiello. In fact that's one of the few Balances where I can listen to either disc regardless.
I just learned that there is a Balance presents Guy J album that came out a few years ago. No number for this one, Guy J is teh specialz. I'll see how that one is and report back later.
Hopefully we'll get some solid recommendations besides 005. :p
Mr Game+Watch
Even though the mixing is rough, I'm quite fond of the Luke Fair mix. Really opened my eyes to a lot of great music and got me out of a trance/prog comfort zone during a time when those genres futures were a bit up in the air.
Scoops
1. Luke Fair
2. Anthony Pappa
3. James Holden
4. Henry Saiz
5. Desyn Masiello
Paradox Lost
Setting aside the obvious nod toward 005, Jimmy Van M's three disc Balance 10 was a beautifully put together edition (especially the downtempo and midtempo discs), and Anthony Pappa's 006 doesn't seem to get nearly the attention it deserves.
As far as recent compilations go, the last one to really impress me was Hernan Cattaneo's Balance 28, and on that note I absolutely cannot wait for his spin-off release due out later this month:
I feel like Balance has slowly stepped in and filled a prestigious niche in the compilation market that was once filled by GU, with a signature series, a variety of spin-off's, and standalone artist albums.
wotyzoid
The best ones for me are holden, paolo mojo, and anthony pappa.
progtech
Holden and Fortier's efforts are probably my favs. Other worth mentioning - Pappa's Balance (probably my favourite prog breaks mix),Henry Saiz, Luke Fair and Joris Voorn's mixes.
Think i havent heard the last 15 yet though :rolleyes:
Kilixpree
Well, besides of the obvious ones (like 005 and 006), I really liked the danny tenaglia's and the warren's mixes... mainly for the good track selection
MSZ
Obligatory edgelord citing 002 disc 2; best flow. Same time next year boys?
SYSTEM-J
The first disc of Cattaneo's new one is absolutely gorgeous. Second disc is a pretty straightforward moody prog excursion, but the first disc is just sublime, especially from the moment he slides in the slo-mo rendition of Khen - Never Lose Your Innocence.
OrangestO
He's been on fire, no doubt.
Just finished the second disc, and I'm about to replay the first. Super release. Will gets lots of play this summer.
Hernan is sitting on a throne right now
Everyone I introduce him to loves his sound. The usher of the underground.
Zharen
I haven't reached Hernan's yet, but with the slowdown at my job I been trying to play catch up on the Balance's. Guy J's mix was fairly typical prog, very Sasha and Digweed reminiscent, it just took a while for it to build (even for a prog set). All in all it wasn't too bad, the Guy J fanboys would like it, but given his older sets from a few years ago, it wasn't quite on par track selection wise. I did enjoy this track on the mix the most. Been pretty good for slow work day afternoons.
I also started listening to CD 1 of Henry Saiz's Balance 019. It might also be considered progressive house, but this mix incorporates quite a few styles in it, such as acid, tech-house/techno elements and some retro 80's prog house. Very different set from any of the other Balances thus far, I have nothing else to compare it too. Haven't listened to CD 2 just yet, but this has become a new favorite of mine even for disc one alone.
