In the world of music a week is long time. Tunes come and go in a disposable parade, and the very few live on. So, twenty years of tunes, twenty years of important, part of your life tunes, that is some achievement! Not forgetting Chicane is still not only making but writing and producing boundary pushing music but highlighting great music and new talent on his weekly podcast, Chicane presents Chicane Sun:Sets, which is syndicated on over 63 terrestrial stations around the globe.
Twenty is Chicane's own retrospective, choosing from six studio albums (Easy to Assemble was never released), he has constructed a two CD package. Musical stepping stones through his career.
Tracks such as, Saltwater, Offshore, Don't Give Up and Poppiholla are included, as are remixes of some of the classic Chicane tracks by exciting new dance talent; Grum, Thomas Datt, Jody Wisternoff, Kryder and Philip George - these mixes will also be packaged in a special double vinyl gatefold sleeve limited edition release, also containing the Chicane versions.
It is perhaps prudent to point out there have never really been official remixes of tracks such as Saltwater, Offshore and Don't Give Up. These tracks were recorded in a real studio, on two inch tape without the aid of a safety net and computer, and no one could envisage having to prepare parts for remixes, actually, no one had the audacity to believe twenty years on, these tracks would still be heard as you walk around the bay in Ibiza. As much a part of the fabric of dance music as they were when, most nights on the rocks outside Café del Mar and Cafe Mambo, the sun would set to the sound of Offshore.
The album also has Carry Me Home (Chicane & Steve Edwards), the club number one single as well as one new unreleased composition.
Nick who is Chicane came to prominence in 1996 with the release, Offshore. National recognition came with the release of Saltwater and International acclaim followed in 2000 with the single, Don't Give Up, featuring Bryan Adams, perhaps not the most likely choice to vocal a dance anthem, which was number one in 16 countries. The album, Behind the Sun, went top 5 in the UK.
Chicane which was, and is, a band in its default setting, toured the globe for two years playing sellout shows, while entering into a lengthy dispute with his record company - it seemed to be the thing to do at the time - during which time he produced for some exceedingly outre and diverse acts before returning to writing and producing his own records.
The twenty or so tracks on his release sound remarkable when heard as an album, they do what Chicane has always done, uplift and revive - there may be hope yet for longevity......
The iconic classic video is here to enjoy
Dimitri Kechagias review:
[review top="1"]
[item value="10"]Beat and Rhythm[/item]
[item value="10"]Basslines and Groove[/item]
[item value="10"] Melody [/item]
[item value="10"] Synths [/item]
[item value="10"]Vocals and Lyrics[/item]
[item value="10"]Breakdown[/item]
[item value="10"]Climax / Drop / Crescendo / Pay off moment[/item]
[item value="10"]Intensity, Drive and Energy[/item]
[item value="10"]Sound-design and Arrangement[/item]
[item value="10"]Overall Atmosphere[/item]
[item value="10"]Goosebumps / Shivers moments[/item]
[item value="10"]Emotional affinity and heartfelt moments[/item]
[item value="10"]Originality and Inventiveness[/item]
[item value="10"]Dancefloor Efficiency / Festival Arenas Effectiveness[/item]
[item value="10"]You can’t get this memorable track out of your head[/item]
[item value="10"]It has potential to become an anthem or a classic[/item]
[item value="10"]Chicane - Offshore(Grum remix)[/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]It's the summer that will be treated with brand new versions of the awesome classics offered to the world of electronic music from the genius Chicane. Offshore is remixed by the upcoming progressive star Grum and Thomas Datt who is perfect when he delivers trance bangers and when he reveals his ability to create ambient beauties like the one he did for Offshore. Firstly is the Grum remix who delivers a superb pulsating throbbing progressive groove and bassline while on top he places all the well known elements from the original like the balearic guitar riffs and magnificent synthy hooks along with the iconic ambiences of the original. Great breakdown and uplifting climax that will recall the first time that this hit was around. Thomas Datt on the other hands follows the beatless direction for an ambient version that is heartfelt, soulful and truly inspiring with breaks, sunkissed synths and additional heavenly female vocals. He certainly adds his delicate touch that will make this iconic track the must have in your chill out spotify list. #PureClass #PureGold Love It [/content]
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