Progressive dance aficionados are no doubt aware of the Global Underground series. DJs such as Paul Oakenfold, Sasha and Deep Dish have all made appearances on the series, and it's a real feather in the cap for any DJ to be tapped to provide a mix for the prestigious UK label. The label is exceptional for allowing the DJ choose their own track selection, so you don't get what labels want you to hear, you get what the DJ wants you to hear. The philosophy of these mix CDs is more to let the DJs artistry shine through rather than showcasing commercial music. That's why Global Underground has maintained its high reputation. The mixing and the music on these CDs is always well-coiffed; the DJs are on their best behavior, usually turning in ultrapolished mixes. So although you might not hear some of the hi-jinx the DJ pulls live in a big room, you will hear their idealized mix CD set. Like a superb flower arrangement coated in plastic for all eternity, these mix CDs are snapshots of a DJ's ideal, at least for the moment.
Danny Howells has been on the scene since the beginning days of Bedrock. Today he's graduated to the jet-set elite- traveling and gigging throughout Europe, North and South America, Asia and Australia. Lately Howells is a favorite at WMC in Miami, so for this mix he's calling it "Miami." It reflects his sound at the moment: UK Progressive with an affection for funk and alternative flavors. Or funk tech-house, whatever, these categories have gotten outta hand! It's good house music. He chose these tracks himself, and consciously avoided picking big, overplayed tracks; focusing instead on smaller labels, personal favorites and a few classics. The set comes with 2 CDs. The first CD is progressive funk with a restrained taste of vocals. CD 2 is mostly UK progressive dub and, to me, a tad dull (compared to CD 1). It's CD 1 I like for it's peaks/valleys, low end funk and slightly vocal orientation. My favorite Global Underground CD of the entire series is "Danny Tenaglia - Athens" and CD 1 here is in the same neighborhood, although a bit more English, a bit more well-mannered. It's got a low-end bump that wears so well, and obviously translates globally.
Songs of note are Sneaker Pimps "Post Modern Sleaze," Tantra "Hills of Katmandu," Steve Barnes "Cosmic Sandwich," and Throbbing Gristle "Hot on the Heels of Love". Not to say the rest of the tracks are un-noteworthy- they work well at the hands of Howells as he uses them to build a whole greater than the parts. Interestingly, GU has set up an escrow account for the Tantra track; apparently they can't locate the owner so the money is there for whenever the mystery is solved. I did a double take when I saw Throbbing Gristle on the tracklisting, any DJ who works a little Gristle into his set must have a twisted sense of humor. Danny has some fun with the mix and uses it to fade out to the sounds of whips, seagulls and the ocean. Welcome to Miami.
