Best DJ Mixed CDs of 2008

From Toyko to Tijuana and Miami to Hawaii, there is no hiding the fact that Steve Aoki is all over the place with his tour. "Pillowface," whom he claims to be his alter ego, is constantly hopping from one plane to another. Late hours at the club, partying, and rarely getting a decent night of sleep is not what most people dream about but his lifestyle gives him a gift. A gift that allows him to discover unique artists from all over the world and bring those sounds together for us to enjoy. Embrace his findings. You will not be disappointed.

The question we must answer, each of us in our own way, is why are we here. What do we add to the world, and what do we take away from it? What are the ties that bind? If we are to survive in the world that has been left for us, we must do it together, with one voice. Music transcends the struggles of our unhappy world, and has the power to speak to everyone. Tiesto's In Search of Sunrise 7: Asia, the latest installment in this groundbreaking musical series, is a shining example of the power of music.

One beautiful aspect of Armin's latest release in "Universal Religion" is the regular and timely occurrence of "drop-out" moments where the beats cease to drive the song and the gossamer voices guide the way. Any trance artist is going to incorporate a certain amount of deft spaces and pauses in the tireless mix, but Armin seems to be extra sensitive to the inherent beauty of the singers and melodies that can be explored in the midst of pulsating purpose.

The duo of Layo Paskin and Matthew "Bushwacka" B. are also known as co-owner and resident DJ at the End (tech-house club founded by the Shamen's Mr. C). The club soon became one of the best in England, and there emerged a record label as well for related productions. Now Layo & Bushwacka! have launched their new mix CD for Global Underground – a two-disc album covering some of their all time favorite tracks and what's currently fitting their fancy from a live slice of Rio de Janerio, Brazil.

When several versions of Sacre Francaise were released in 1998 (on vinyl by the way), they were a pleasure to play because he covered all spectrums from drum n’ bass to a Bob Sinclar garage remix. Since that phenomenal mixed cd back then, and while cavorting with Mr. Hefner and the bunnies, Dimitri From Paris has maintained the ability to touch all bases.

Even more exciting than hearing the raw, choppy, slowed-down breaks of Caspa & Rusko's CD was hearing the same cuts in person in London's FabricLive club on a recent trip! Little did I know that the same material I was reviewing in the States was keeping the dance floors grooving overseas. Caspa & Rusko's style is related to the British dubstep scene, a pliable mix of dub reggae studio tricks, jungle basslines, strange cut-up samples, and clashy electro sounds.

Reflecting the underground sound of the Toolroom Knights label, Gabriel & Dresden prove here why fans and critics both have hailed them as the "future sound" of electronic music. For this selection, they are exploring a more organic and textural musical landscape for the this double-disc format, and carefully blend sounds from indie rock bands to hard Detroit-style techno.

Star 69 Records is proving once again that they are the kings in the underground New York City house scene with hit-makers Peter Bailey and Richie Santana's first compilation on the label. Titled Mind Control after their hugely successful gigs in the Big Apple, this two disc set is packed with dirty bass lines, sleazy synths, and twisted rhythms. It's 3 a.m., the kiddies have finished their last appletinis and gone home for the night, and the dance floor is full of sweaty boys and girls who want to dance until the sun comes up - that's where this duo is taking us!

Playgroup's approach brings Deee-Lite, Chris & Cosey, and Vanity 6 all into the mix, with a surprising assortment of old-school hip-hop and 80s avant-dance material. I like the fact that Playgroup has decided to use material that doesn't all stay around the same BPM level, and even though they don't have beatmixing between all of the tracks, this is the disc that I can see playing at parties and while traveling.

Ultra Records issues a bevy of CD compilations every year, usually with mixed results. Some of the tracklistings are excellent while some tend to miss the mark. The label is now debuting a new annual series that kicks of with this inaugural edition. "Ultra 2008" features recent hits and many new tracks that will surely be infiltrating dance floors and satellite radio in the next few months. This CD hits a home run thanks to some creative song choices and spot-on mixing.

Global Groove Live 3 has some of the finest names from the dance music genre. This compilation contains 13 songs mixed by both DJ David Knapp and DJ Escape, who happen to be two of the hardest working DJs out there.

A well known pioneer of electro-house, Ewan Pearson has produced another key moment in the genre's emergence out of electroclash. Less machine, more human, the seductive drive of this house beat demands dancefloor satisfaction. Due to his overwhelming success, Pearson now gets the honors of a lavish double-disc retrospective treatment, appropriate since his remix work over the last five years that has both established his name and defined an individual aesthetic.