Envision the irony and juxtaposition of the words “future” and “retro” and you might have an insight into the inspiration that lead to the creation of DJ Dan, who as a twenty-year spinning vet “presents” what, if it were a vinyl album, would be labeled as “retro” on side one and “future” on side two. Thus: DJ Dan Presents “Future Retro.”
Originally from Olympia Washington, Dan's kick-off track is a cover of Midnight Star's 1985 soul/R&B hit “Operator” with vocals by Blake Lewis and a decidedly more beat-to-beat remix than the original. While composing this review, I have never listened to “Operator” so much since I dj'ed at an R&B radio station ten years ago!
Track five's amusing stand-out track “Your Only Friend” materializes from creative lyrics that personify the use of cocaine, which is only truly appreciated if you have known someone who has dabbled. Talk about putting a voice to an entity with a message; this could be an effective anti-drug public service announcement. It is exactly the kind of voice cocaine would have when it says “this is cocaine speaking...” Fun-nee! Next in line are the first of two experiences with Company B's “Fascinated.” The tracks fly by on this mash of a moving instrumental burner! Track nine is the frantic “Chop Shop”; ten revisits an old electronica cliche, while cut eleven, “N2O” is jammin'. Skip “Hit The Drummer” as it is obviously a more four/four forgettable track, save the good beat bridge. “In Your Area” is memorable and familiar simultaneously, while the next track, “Disco Request” is as requested by his “daughter" during the intro – we await an independent confirmation from DJ Dan as to if that was truly his daughter. Finally a bonus version of cut six which had me asking, what is his “Fascinated” appeal by Company B, anyway? Well, I always ask the “tough” questions, and thereby get the honest answers. I seems that “Fascinated" was the first record Dan spun when he learned how to mix and was a big favorite of his growing up. There were two versions originally produced and Dan wanted to feature its late night mix on the CD. Since the radio mix is the one being pitched to radio, he decided to include it as a bonus track at the end of the album. So there!
In total, through his publicist Jason, Dan told me that he “looks forward to producing more artist albums and hopefully will continue to work with and produce other artists." Since he connects to his crowd through dj'ing, he will continue to do so as long as he continues to be involved in dance music. Dan is currently toiling away in the studio, working on “Sounds of In Stereo,” his next project. Basically a “best-of” digital compilation, he’s featuring some of his favorite tracks that he’s released on his label.
Released on Nettwerk Records.
Disclosure: A review copy was provided by the publisher. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.