BOOM BOOM SATELLITES - Shine Like A Billion Suns

Oh, dear, they went #McProg? But... why? Chasing trends? Trying to market to a younger demo'? Just for the Hell of it? Like, there's still elements that are distinctly B.B.S. in here, but we're a far cry from the days I was comparing them to Amon Tobin, or even Trent Reznor. Maybe more Kaskade now?

Where they could have gone from here, however, remains unknown, this their last album, Kawashima's fight with cancer sadly taking him a year after.

PAUL VAN DYK - (R)Evolution: The Remixes

Was 'Evolution' a flop? It sure wasn't the mega-hit #EDM album it set out to be, charting worse than prior PvD records. Hell, none of the singles charted *at all*, and his DJMag ranking was dropping fast. Methinks a career reassessment is in order, but gotta' squeeze a little more blood outta' that stone.

Like using different brands of mayo tho', it's just more of the same (salad cream for the #McProg rubs). 18 remixes, and not one single #breakbeat!

PAUL VAN DYK - In Between

I remember a bunch of #Trance Addicts being disappointed in this, claiming it was Paul's sell-out album, or something. How can one sell out when you're already one of the world's most popular DJs tho'?

Now, something of a bandwagon jump, I hear that. Less emphasis on vintage van Dyk #Eurotrance, more emphasis on #McProg dance pop, plus a little hitching onto trendy #SwedishHouseMafia farty #ElectroHouse. Everything's still got a smooth polish tho', so that's nice.

Various - POLITICS OF DANCING 2

Not sure why a DJ set's among Paul's albums, but whatever. This may be good, a definitive statement as #DJMag No. 1 DJ in the world.

Or not.

#Trance was going through a period of tedious homogeny at the time, and Paul's mixing is relentlessly flat and basic. Half a dozen tracks of 'token #McProg', followed by an endless parade of big, anthemic #Eurotrance you'll forget after the set's finished. CD2's the Dutchier option.

Still, good mindless 'sportsing' music.