Strictly MAW
Posted July 14, 2011 by Admin under under Masters at Work
Strictly MAW
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One Response to “Strictly MAW”
July 14th, 2011 at 1:55 pm
Old Is New Again,
I remember getting another Strictly Rhythm label mix, I believe for their 10th anniversary (maybe even mixed by Louie Vega), and basically dismissing it at the time as sounding too dated. So, after the recent return of the Strictly Rhythm label here is a new label mix to celebrate said return. It is mixed by Masters at Work - Disc one by Louie Vega, and Disc two by Kenny Dope.
Louie's mix is pretty good and starts out with an updated version of River Ocean's 'Love and Happiness' which is actually two versions including a preceding dub version - both combined to create a fantastic update to a great classic song. The following first quarter of the mix continues on to feel like something of an overture; with what can only be dscribed as a medley of select Strictly Rhythm and MAW samples and familiar vocals bits built over bumping, cut and paste, looped rhythms. After so much track and beat sampling the music settles and takes off with Ultra Nate's 'Free', from which it flows smoothly from track after track of Strictly Rhythms classic back catalogue. Louies mix really does a fantastic job of establishing the overall quality of Srictly Rhythms sound by slowly building an overture of sorts before transitioning into a solid mix of classic songs - altogether, class mixing at it's best.
Following is Kenny's mix, which I feel is the superior of the two. It grabs you right after the introduction of the MAW Classic 'I get Lifted' with Lil' Mo' Ying Yang's 'Reach', and goes on to mix other classic MAW tracks such as 'Beautiful People' and 'Deep Inside' along with equally classic Strictly Rhythm tracks all to great effect. Recurring sonic and vocal elements throughout the mix tighten the flow and each track truly shines with organic, beat punching sax solos, electric guitar, and other improvisational vocals and instrumentation on top of the electronic beats and sampled rhythms that defined Strictly Rhythm's sound back in the day. This is a really well made mix, and one that is true to all that a good mix should be - a solid body of music rather than a just a series of tracks.
With such expert mixing and the refreshing song selection and quality remixes (featuring some incredible vocal performances) you really can't go wrong here. This is a rare case where both mixes work beautifully together; Louie's mix setting the quality of sound and mixing for Kenny to carry on building the mix with increasingly deep classic tracks that ultimately combine to deliver a truly powerful set, all the way down to the last beat.
Listening to these mixes reminds me of what I liked about House to begin with, and sadly what has been missing from House for a while now. I am glad Strictly Rhythm is Back and this mix is an excellent way to celebrate their welcome return.
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