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Saiko-Pod - Phutureremixes (ACDC, June 2004)
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pr0fane
Multiphase
Started Topics :
418
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3816
Posted : Jul 17, 2004 23:17
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Artist: Saiko-Pod
Title: Phutureremixes
Label: ACDC (Spiral Trax sidelabel)
Format: CD (Jewelcase)
Released: June 2004
Cover: http://217.160.138.169/pic_b/acd1cd001_b.jpg
Review:
Saiko-Pod is the soloproject of Ian Ion. After years working together with Danish legend Frank E as Koxbox and Saiko-Pod, they decided to part ways last year – Frank continuing with the psychedelic project Koxbox, and Ian moving more towards progressive house with Saiko-Pod. The first Saiko-Pod album, “Phutures and Options” was released in 2002 on Spiral Trax, and the new “Phutureremixes” CD released on the progressive sidelabel ACDC (Acid Casualties) features a bunch of remixes of tracks from the album. The first CD-release on ACDC, following 8 12”’s.
The cover art is pretty delicious, and definitely not like most other releases – just take a look at the picture. What I consider a small bonus is the small, but quite extensive inlay with info about all the remixers – nice move. But let’s move on see what’s on the disc:
1. Wednesday (Okyo Remix) [7:37]
Starting of is DJ Nickas remix of “Wednesday”. He is a resident at the Danish house club Okyo, and to honest I have never heard him play, but here he delivers a really fine remix for one of my favourites on the Saiko-Pod album. He succeeded in making the downbeat original into a deep and very atmospheric house track running at 125 BPM. I’m normally not that much into this type of house, but this track is just so well made and trippy – an excellent start to the compilation.
2. Groove Moderator (Miro Remix) [7:17]
Following is Miros remix of Groove Moderator which, as the first remix to the “Phutures And Options” album, was released last year. I don’t own the 12” myself, but have heard it played at parties, where I’ve seen its dance floor potential in action. Compared to the original it’s much more straightforward, but also very hypnotic.
3. Magnetic Force (Krüger & Coyle Remix) [8:47]
Krüger & Coyle needs no introduction, and they’re probably some of the biggest producers to break out of the psytrance scene. Their remix of Magnetic Force has a nice build-up, starting pretty flat, and developing nicely till a break, where we hear the well known monkey screams from the original. After that it peaks, getting more and more uplifting before the sublime grand finale. A really good appetizer for their forthcoming album.
4. Phutures (Atmos Remix) [8:08]
Atmos’ interpretation of “Phutures” is a lot darker and more melancholic. At first I didn’t think much of it, but like most of Atmos’ work it needs time to really show it’s real potential. The first few listens you might not notice a lot of stuff happening, but the more you listen, the more the track opens up. That being said, this remix has been released before, and I don’t consider it one of his best creations – but still quite good.
5. Two Dots (Jokke Remix) [11:05]
Jokke is one of Denmarks most highly acclaimed progressive house DJ’s, and he received a lot of attention from the progressive psytrance scene with his True To Nature project, when they released a few tracks on Iboga last year. Here is a remix of “Two Dots”, and quite frankly it didn’t really do much for me. It has some nice sounds, but doesn’t really seem to develop. One of the weakest track here.
6. Silent Running (True To Nature Remix) [6:54]
Next track is also featuring Jokke, this time in cooperation with Tom Von Rosen as True To Nature on a remix to “Silent Running”. This is probably the remix on this disc, that is closest to the original, and like the last track from Jokke I didn’t really feel like anything was happening, apart from some delicious pads in the last half. Better than the last, but still a bit disappointing.
7. Tron (Air Bureau Remix) [7:12]
Swedish Air Bureau is also featured with a very alternative remix of “Tron”, where they didn’t use many elements from the original. Their version is a very happy and bouncy house version with some fairly twisted effects and a teasing melody in the background. It’s very hard to recognize the original, and there will no doubt be mixed feelings about this remix, but I personally found it quite entertaining and different. Brave attempt by Air Bureau.
8. Phutures And Options (Souzz Remix) [7:54]
After the last track Souzz (of Miro fame) get the CD back on track with his remix of the title-track from the album, “Phutures And Options”. Like the Miro-track, I found this to be pretty straightforward house, but more on the happy and tribal side. A nice touch is the sitars in the last half of the track, which lifts an otherwise pale track.
9. Back To Belgium (Ionizer Options Mix) [8:50]
Ian Ion finishes the CD in a very funky way with “Back To Belgium”. It has that well known “I love you” sample from “Options”, and it’s constantly developing and introducing new sounds - Definitely the most psychedelic track here and a perfect end to the CD.
Bottom line:
“Phutureremixes” will probably not appeal to the majority of the users of the forum, as it’s much more centred on hypnotic, house grooves than big, fast, pumping bass lines (the fastest tracks here are running at 130 BPM), but I definitely recommend it. If you like the album, and like progressive trance/house in general, it’s definitely a release not to miss, although not all tracks are of the same high quality. Note that 5 of the tracks are already out on vinyl (track 3 and 8 was released at the same time as this CD), but even if you own them, the CD should be well worth the money.
Favourites:
1, 2, 3 (!!), 7, 9
Verdict:
8/10 – recommended
Links:
Saiko-Pod: http://www.saiko-pod.com/
ACDC: http://www.spiraltrax.com/acdc  DJ pr0fane (Iboga Records) | Multiphase
www.sunrisesupplies.com | www.iboga.dk | www.soundcloud.com/pr0fane |
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Zombi
IsraTrance Senior Member
Started Topics :
375
Posts :
5032
Posted : Jul 18, 2004 10:44
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a good one, its like buy 4 vinyls. my fav Ionaizer version to Back to Belgium.
Believe your soul ! |
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yossi
IsraTrance Full Member
Started Topics :
72
Posts :
1641
Posted : Jul 18, 2004 22:53
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at the moment, this is my driving cd 
Xelent stuff
if you want to be rich, u`ve got to be a bitch! |
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Psyfrog
Started Topics :
0
Posts :
90
Posted : Jul 19, 2004 06:59
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for sure i buy this on!!!!!!
must be a must
boom jose  |
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styx
IsraTrance Junior Member
Started Topics :
23
Posts :
237
Posted : Jul 20, 2004 02:05
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Justin Chaos
IsraTrance Full Member
Started Topics :
117
Posts :
3086
Posted : Jul 20, 2004 16:40
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Niiiiiiice!!!
My fake plants died, because I did not pretend to water them. |
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Ron Lyner
Ron Lyner
Started Topics :
21
Posts :
685
Posted : Jul 20, 2004 16:51
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"Frank continuing with the psychedelic project Koxbox"
is that true??
why dont i hear music from him ???
i loved koxbox
http://www.o-zen.com/art/ranal
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You wanna dance?!...I know a tune...it´s called stick and CUT!!
V.L |
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ecnalab
Started Topics :
2
Posts :
49
Posted : Jul 23, 2004 12:49
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This is an absolutely incredible release... my favorite progressive release so far. Highly recommended.
-xo Truffle Radio ox-
Waves of Psychedelic and Progressive Trance
http://ecnalab.com/radio
playing : FREq ~ Human Blue ~ Son Kite ~ Prometheus ~ Vibrasphere ~ XV Kilist ~ Ticon ~ Atmos |
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aziz23
Started Topics :
0
Posts :
44
Posted : Jul 28, 2004 19:09
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yes for me too.. nice nice nice
aziz |
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DeathPosture
IsraTrance Full Member
Started Topics :
142
Posts :
547
Posted : Jul 30, 2004 14:35
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Saiko-Pod + Phutureremixes
Cover: http://217.160.138.169/pic_b/acd1cd001_b.jpg
Format: CD (jewel case)
Artist: Saiko-Pod (Denmark)
Title: Phutureremixes
Label: Acid Casualties (Sweden)
Cat. #: ACDCD 001
Distribution: Cosmophilia (worldwide), Unique (UK)
Date: June 11th, 2004
Track listing:
01. 07’37” Wednesday (Okyo Remix)
02. 07’16” Groove Moderator (Miro Remix)
03. 08’47” Magnetic Force (Krüger & Coyle Remix)
04. 08’07” Phutures (Atmos Remix)
05. 11’04” Two Dots (Jokke Remix)
06. 06’53” Silent Running (True To Nature Remix)
07. 07’11” Tron (Air Bureau Remix)
08. 07’53” P ‘n O (Souzz Remix)
09. 08’49” Back To Belgium (Ionizer Version)
Review:
Saikodelic…
Highly acclaimed Danish duo Koxbox/Psychopod/Saiko-Pod has been among the true psy-trance pioneers and under their different monikers they have released some of the best stuff ever to hit the trance-floors. Hands down! In the last couple of years though, it became obvious that the two veterans had different musical visions for the future – and the intelligibly consequence of that lead to the final split of Koxbox and Saiko-Pod. They are two different entities now: Frank’e continues as Koxbox (psychedelic trance) and Ian Ion continues as Saiko-Pod (progressive trance).
Supposedly the release plans for a remix-album of Saiko-Pod tracks go back a couple of years – and now it’s finally here, released on visionary Swedish label Acid Casualties (sub-label of Spiral Trax). All the original Saiko-Pod tracks can all be found on the superb album “Phutures & Options” released on Spiral Trax in 2002. And back on Spiral Trax, here are the remixes… So let’s see what people have done with these precious gems.
Let me take you thru the tracks…
#01: [125 bpm] First up is the remix of Wednesday by Danish DJ Nicka a.k.a. Okyo and he delivers a very deep, housy version here… Pace-wise, this is about 15 beats per minute faster than the original… Though this is almost pure house, it has those progressive elements from the original… I dig the cool singing and the impressive percussion work… Nice track!
#02: [128 bpm] Miro are pretty much ‘standard’ Koxbox/Saiko-Pod remixers… They also did a remix of Koxbox’ “A Major Problem in Australia” and of course this well-known remix of Groove Moderator released last year. Since its initial release, it has been on quite a few compilation CDs – and that’s understandable ‘cause this is a damn good track! Again, this is very sexy, beach-house progressive trance – slightly slower than the original, but even groovier… So smooth, so nice… Damn, this shit ROCKS! Stellar track!
#03: [130 bpm] “Go ahead George, light it up!” … Sebastian Krüger shouldn’t need much introduction… He’s the very productive German progressive trance producer behind critically acclaimed acts such as Tarsis, SBK and Disco Slickers. Greg Coyle is the man behind London Sewer Tour, and whilst he was A&R @ Transient, he conceived the Mashed Mellow Grooves series… So it’s a couple of heavy-weights remixing Magnetic Force…Maaaagnetic Foooooooorce! (Damn, I wish they’d kept the voice sample…) This re-worked version is less progressive than the original, but easily as funky… Beach-house grooves with an epic, uplifting nature… I like the original better though! Ok track!
#04: [128 bpm] This Atmos remix was released on the Phutures 12” last year along with the True To Nature mix, and it has already been featured on a couple of compilations, so there is a chance you’ve already heard it… Anyway, Atmos a.k.a. Thomasz Balicki is one of the most well-respected progressive trance producers in the scene, and I for only thoroughly enjoyed his album 2nd. Brigade released a couple of months ago on Spiral Trax… Again, this mix is slower than the original, creating a very laid-back, funky progressive/house cross-over tune… The groove in this track is very subtle – almost introvert, but still it works wonders… Crank this baby up and mellow out! Sweet track!
#05: [130 bpm] Two Dots was one of the most pumping tracks on Phutures And Options, and surely that pumping feel is sorta intact in Jokke’s mix… I don’t know much about Jokke, ‘cept that he’s Danish and he’s one half of progressive/house duo True To Nature… Although, maintaining the sexy, beach-house summer-feel, this track seems to be somewhat grittier with a darker, more monotonous nature… Also, I think it’s a tad too long… I do like however, that Jokke kept the original sample “Cycles are boring, spirals are fun”… Yeah, that’s what it’s all about… Decent track!
#06: [130 bpm] Silent Running has been one of my all-time fav’e Saiko-Pod track since it’s initial release in 2001 – so anyone messing with the crown-jewels (!) better do a good job!... As mentioned earlier, True To Nature consists of Danish DJ Jokke and his counterpart is Tom Von Rosen, also Danish… And luckily they pay homage to the original, though with a hefty re-worked percussion part… This is another fine, pumping tune… Great, great percussion – and staying true to the original, this progressive gem is a walk down memory lane… Great track!
#07: [130 bpm] Air Bureau is perhaps better know in the psy-scene as Aircrash Bureau (Did a remix of Ticon’s Lo Mi Hi) but they also enjoy great success on the more commercial house scene… This version of Tron bears very little resemblance to the fast-paced original – I like the overall housey grooves and the acid-wannabe demented melody that is present throughout the track… Oh, and the ping-pong sounds of course… ;o) But the original is much, much better… Decent track!
#08: [128 bpm] Souzz is Steen Thøttrup from Miro – and his agenda is to “remix tracks into the more underground style of trance and tribal house inspired by the sound of Madrid”… Right, so let’s hear what Madrid can do for the tracks Phutures and Options (two different tracks, mind you)… We kick off with a smooth tribal opening… And we’re definitely in house territory… Great percussion work and the mysterious voice samples add to the overall melancholy, techy feel this track possesses… The last two minutes is pure, pure bliss… Nice track!
#09: [128 bpm] And finally Ian Ion himself… Straight outta his Star Command Studio… I’m not sure I’ve ever heard the original Back To Belgium – but it’s a track made by Ian himself… Though still progressive in nature, this is one of the trippiest tracks on this CD… The promotional text describes this as a track that “mixes new Balearic beats and 80’s techno” and that’s a fitting description… I dig the old-school electro-techno bits and the familiar melodies sprinkled throughout the track… It’s style-clash really, but when it’s done this good I have no reservations… Sweet track!
This album and most of the tracks are already hitting it big with many well-know DJs around the world… The list of well-respected ppl giving this the thumbs up is impressive: J00f, Oakie, Paul van Dyk, Digweed, Seb Fontaine, Armin van Buuren, Sander Kleinenberg and many more.
As mentioned earlier, quite a few of these tracks have already been released, so there’s a good chance you’ve heard some of them… But for CD-only-people like me, this is a welcomed chance to own them all on one CD – and they’re nicely mixed into each other, so you’ll not experience any interruptions while listening through the CD… I like most of it – there are a couple of tracks that are not exactly my cup of java, but the majority is good, clean, healthy progressive/house cross-over material… The artwork is also nice, and fits the style… And for a change, you actually get an informative booklet… Nice!
This is not for everyone however… Purists should look elsewhere, ‘cause this is highly barrier-braking material… But for open-minded fans of good electronic music, this is ear-candy! Recommended!
7.5/10
Favourites: 1, 2(!), 4, 6(!), 9
DeathPosture
External links:
Saiko-Pod: http://www.saiko-pod.com
Acid Casualties: http://www.spiraltrax.com/acdc
Psyshop: http://www.psyshop.com/shop/CDs/acd/acd1cd001.html (Audio samples available!)
Saiko Sounds: http://www.saikosounds.com/english/display_release.asp?id=4166
Chaos Unlimited: http://www.chaosunlimited.co.uk/cgi-bin/product.asp?LR=acdcd01
Trance-shop: http://www.trance-shop.com/de/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=3832
Conzzept Records: http://www.conzzept.dk/product.asp?product=1084
On really romantic evenings of self, I go salsa dancing with my confusion... |
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Jyotea
Started Topics :
5
Posts :
41
Posted : Jul 30, 2004 19:23
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well, what can i say...
this is it! for me though...
atmos remix is super! for the dreamscapes he recycles of 'phutures' and position them in a smooth but very deep groove..
true to nature for the silent running that sounds extremely funky with the perfect loops you need to shake without stopping
but then... the ionizer version of back to belgium. the country where the wicked house basses come from (including me although I don't notice this here in parties ... hmmm )is for sure the most surprising twisted track I heared in months.. bravo!!
also love okyo, miro, k&c, jokke and air bureau...
I want more like this... and after some research , i think it's coming... a token to thrill (nanobeat) - reloaded (plastikpark) - v/a cd edition previous released by automatic , oe yeah. progressve (on)cd collectors will be spoiled again .finally
cya |
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mayapan
Started Topics :
1
Posts :
22
Posted : Aug 3, 2004 03:30
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very disapointing this compilation, the originals are much more interesting, after knowing the original tracks listening to these remixes I feel like going to bed |
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kristyandmoe
Started Topics :
4
Posts :
224
Posted : Aug 5, 2004 09:36
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Really enjoyed this cd and especially like track 2,5 and 7.
Went to melb last sat night and saw him live and was really impressed.
Great driving cd, also i only buy cd's so it was good to get these remixes together. |
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Basilisk
IsraTrance Full Member
Started Topics :
168
Posts :
2984
Posted : Aug 5, 2004 23:39
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I guess this sort of flies in below the threshold of my progressive/house likes, as I find it very dull after several listens. Saiko-pod's housey music is extremely interesting because of the lively sound, but everything here sounds cut down, sterilized, and reduced into a diet version of the Koxbox kin's fine sounds.
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