- With so many compilations being released on a weekly basis, it’s easy to overlook those that are of any quality. As more and more people begin to accept dance music as a viable option to pop and rock music, a lot of the larger and more well known record companies have been cashing in on this and releasing substandard compilations. These compilations feature some the most horrendous tracks and remixes you’re likely to hear and as a result, a person who is new to the scene can have their perceptions tainted as to what quality dance music really is. It’s an unfortunate situation especially since a lot of the general public seem to think that dance music is something that DJ Sammy or Scooter release. However, with websites such as Resident Advisor, amongst others, information and guidance are readily at hand for those that want to know more about real DJs and real dance music.
I tend to buy/receive a lot of CDs every week. So much so, that one little gem I almost completely overlooked is ‘Tango Past & Present’ mixed by Hipp-e and Tony. If there is one compilation that typifies the sound of house from the USA’s West Coast, this is it! Tango Recordings was created by Tony Hewitt in 2000. Originally hailing from the UK, Hewitt has been a DJ/producer in San Francisco for the past 10 years and has worked with the likes of Joeski, Onionz and Master D. On this release, he has collaborated with Hipp-e, from H-Foundation fame, to showcase Tango Recordings’ finest releases since its inception.
‘Tango Past & Present’ opens with the almost breakbeat strains of ‘Remember Garnett (Afterdark Remix) by Solomonic Sound. A wonderful track to open any compilation or live set, with its halting beats and eventual fat basslines. This is then followed by the techier sounds of ‘Sheila’s Temptation’ by Joeski which really sets the foundations of this compilation but by no means, losing any house music’s funky beats. Up next is ‘Rising’ by Moulton Manglers which is probably my favourite track on this mix. It still maintains that tech house sound but there is more depth in the bass therefore giving it a more deep house quality. At the same time, there are a few quirky elements to it especially in the way the samples are used making it much more interesting to the listener’s ears. This deeper, tech house sound is continued with such tracks as ‘Twilite’ by Lewis Twins and ‘Primitive’ by Three to Tango. With ‘Down In A Land’ by 6400 Crew, the mix is taken back to purer tech house territory and maintains that feel with tracks such as ‘Techism’ by Joeski, ‘Big Tool’ by Chris Lum and ‘Groove Me’ by Joeski. The compilation comes to a close with the somewhat funky beats of ‘Stop’ by Moulton Manglers, which is a wonderfully upbeat way to finish. The end result is a CD that combines nice, fat basslines with quirky samples and squelches. From the get go, this will make you tap your toes and start grooving away.
I thoroughly enjoyed ‘Tango Past & Present’ because not only was it structured and mixed in such a way as to enhance each track, overall, it was just fun listening to it. One thing I’ve noticed about some recent mix CDs, is that they have taken themselves far too seriously which only makes the end result sound boring and rather lifeless. This mix CD is certainly not what I thought it would be ie a typical funky house mix. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. On the contrary, this has been much more! From the first listen and with each consecutive listen, I’ve found a certain sound, a sample, something quirky, that I hadn’t heard before. With this process, each track has taken on a different sound and thereby sounding new and fresh with each listen. Frankly, this is a luxury that anyone can afford and enjoy.
To be honest, up until now I’ve never even heard of Tango Recordings or its founder. While I had heard of Hipp-e via H-Foundation and his work with Halo, I’m not familiar with any of their work. The only familiar name on the tracklisting was Chris Lum but by seeing his name on there, I knew I would enjoy this compilation. As a result, I know I’ll be searching for more information on a lot of the artists featured on this fantastic compilation as well as any of their releases. I think the best aspect of a good compilation is if it makes you want to search for a particular artist that has been featured on it. A sign of truly great compilation is if you completely change your mind about a particular music genre that it showcases. While tech house and deep house have never really suited my musical taste, after listening to, and more importantly, enjoying ‘Tango Past & Present’, I now have a newfound appreciation for them. And with spring just around the corner, I can’t think of a better way to enjoy a drive to Palm Beach then with this in the CD player.
Tracklist01. Remember Garnett (Remix by Afterdark Inc: Hipp-e & Tony) – Solomonic Sound
02. Sheila’s Temptation – Joeski
03. Rising – Moulton Manglers
04. Twilite – Lewis Twins
05. Drop Bass – Ethnic Souls
06. Primitive – Three to Tango
07. Down In A Land – 6400 Crew
08. Techism – Joeski
09. Feel Alrite – Ethnic Souls
10. Big Tool – Chris Lum
11. 6400 Crew Theme – Electrik Soul Brothers
12. Groove Me – Joeski
13. Stop – Moulton Manglers