DJ Icey - For the Love of the Beat

Often referred to as the "King of Funky Breaks," DJ Icey reveals his latest mix compilation. DJ Icey is the defining artist in funky and Florida breaks. Icey was discovered by the man himself, Pete Tong, an innovator and pioneer in dance music culture. Besides being a DJ on the famed BBC Radio 1, he has done almost every job in the record business. It's not surprising that he signed Icey to his ffrr label in 1997. His eighth release is nothing short of brilliant, and one of his best pieces of work to date.

This album is more of an artist/DJ CD. All the songs in this mix have been manipulated by DJ Icey in some form or fashion. Icey says that this CD is "similar to my live sets where ninety percent of what I spin is exclusive material. I wanted everything on this mix to be tunes I have produced, remixed, or re-edited." This inspiring dialog is a true look at the music on the disc. He fires up the disc with his own production in the form of "And Go." This song has a techno feel with some b-boy lyrics that are chopped and funked up. He moves on to a track by another American favorite The Crystal Method. "Comin Back" is a song that has some sweet vocal elements that are uplifting and exciting.

Icey blends these vocals with his hard edged, funky breakbeat basslines and beats. The end result is a breakbeat masterpiece. It's so nice to see Americans working together towards a common good. He flips it into a ragga beat on the Marlon featuring Rex Dog track "One Foot Skank." Rex Dog burns up the mike on his dancehall toasts and Icey delivers another storming breakbeat track.

Next he picks up his copy of the Fatboy Slim remix of the Playgroup song "Front 2 Back." This is a fun song that reminds me of being on the Santa Monica pier with the P-Funk All-stars... There are not many songs you can say that about. It is a total mash-up between the former and the Soul Hooligan track "Algebra." These tracks are blended together seamlessly and compliment each other very well. Aquasky vs. Masterblaster represent with a Florida-inspired track in "Shadow Breaks." This track has a darker sound than the rest but it sets up the mix for the excitement that is in store.

Starting off the funkiest section of the disc is the Finger Lickin' favorites the Plump DJs. The song weighed down is pure breakbeat bliss. It is no wonder they are the hottest import breaks act at the moment.

The Weekend Players chime in with there smash hit "Into the Sun." This track is done up in true Icey fashion with some sparkling hi-hat grooves and some soothing vocals. Next up is the smash Defected records hit Shakedown "At Night." This song has been played in clubs, pubs, cars, and everywhere in between since its inception in 2002. You may think you have heard it before but never in this way. Icey samples the fat synth loop of the track and plays it back with the precision of a fighter pilot. This song takes on a whole new life at the hands of Mr. funky breaks himself.

The Chemical Brothers make their appearance with the track "Get Yourself High". The remix is dubbed Switches Rely on Rub Remix. I don't exactly know what that means, however, I wish that more tracks were given this treatment. Just as he began the CD he ends it with his own track "Camino Real." This is his very own production with a darker synth loop and some cool 808 handclaps. It takes the CD out in an elegant and classy way.

Overall this is the future of dance music. If you are curious to see the future of dance music look towards the path of DJ Icey and his uncanny ability to create an awesome dancing experience.