Globetronica - Volume II by Pathaan
Following on from 2008s release 'Globetronica', Globetronica Volume 2 sees UK based but internationally renowned producer/dance critic/label manager/writer and finally, superstar DJ, Pathaan, merge dance music with a whole host
of cultural influences to create 2 CDs of solid, fusion themed dance tracks that will get even the most anti-dance muso's nodding their heads.
To be totally honest, I'm not a dance music fan, but if anyones going to turn me, then it might just be Pathaan. With his approach to mixing genres and artists that are not usually blended, whilst using his passion for fresh new
sounds, and multicultural influences, he creates a mix that showcases some of the finest talent from around the globe, that you may or may not have heard of...but even if you have, I bet you've never heard them like this. Its
impressive to say the least - and it got this punk rocker dancing.
Spread over 2 CDs Volume 2, is in the same format as the original Globetronica, and each disc has its own merits. Disc 1, or 'Room One' as it also dubbed, kicks off with a frankly amazing remix by respected producer Cotti, featuring Nitin Sawhney (asian writer, composer, DJ, actor and all round talent). This track really sets the tone for the rest of the first half of this album and we hear really Pathaan’s Asian background come out to play, be it blending bass and dub step with traditional Asian sounds (Track 4 - Adrenalin) or using simple Asian vocal lines and drumming, The opening CD is an excellent introduction to Pathaan’s style if, like myself, you are a dance
novice.
CD2, or Room 2, is by far my favourite though. Still using international artists, Pathaan steps it up a gear and introduces some big names into the mix, such as Santogold (see the funky trance track: L.E.S Artistes), MC Gringo
and the sublimely brilliant, Stereo MCs. Whilst still an excellent showcase for lesser known foreign artists, because of the bigger names contributing here, this CD, whilst still being very eclectic is a bit more commercial and reminds me a little of 2002s big hit remix album, '2many DJs'.
Overall, this CD is well worth the money. As I've said, I'm not a massive fan of dance music on the whole, but this album is eclectic enough to appeal to me and is, if nothing else, a brilliant CD to expand your musical tastes
with. For existing Pathaan fans, this is a sure fire hit that will go down a storm at house parties, clubs and just about anywhere else you feel the need to let people hear some good new music.