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Dys7
Advanced Member
United States
1,231 posts
Joined: Nov, 2011
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 Posted - 2011/11/20 : 22:25:45
May order this album if I get the money, I'm pretty excited about it!
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The above comment was likely written when I was *literally* 13, so please don't judge me too hard.
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The Spirit at the Edge of Infinity
Check out my cheesy fiddlings here:
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NekoShuffle
Advanced Member
United Kingdom
1,480 posts
Joined: Nov, 2009
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Posted - 2011/11/21 : 01:07:49
quote:
Originally posted by cruelcore1:
quote:
Originally posted by Samination:
what you on about dms? freeform was alot better 6 years ago.
Classical and Romanticistic music was a lot better than any Hardcore style u guys mention. It took much more effort to make a composition, and u either needed an orchestra or good skills with playing at least one instrument 
I agree with this actually, I love hardcore but sometimes even the whole of electronic music looks so rubbish compared to stuff that was made centuries ago but I honestly believe there's happy hardcore which is better or at least equal. That's because I think happy hardcore is emotive music that makes you smile or makes you think about things or invokes some kind of positive emotion that makes your heart happy. I enjoy listening to upfront but it's never ever done that to me and always seemed very 2D and flat in comparison; which is why I always prefer old skool happy hardcore to nu upfront hardcore, whether it's minimal, trancey, euphoric or even happy. I think upfront hardcore the way it is now has trouble being happy, I think the production techniques used to make upfront isn't happy; I don't think riff-led music can convey happiness like the old skool happy hardcore did. Which does actually make me genuinely sad, I wish I could enjoy upfront the way everyone else seems to.
I'm not shitting on anyone's genre or saying it's better or worse; we all like and enjoy different things but if anyone has wondered why I love happy hardcore so much, that's the reason. Old skool happy hardcore will always be more colourful and more full of character to me than upfront. I always feel more critical about upfront so I normally keep those opinions to myself (dont get this confused with my opinions on minimal/electro which I'm VERY opinionated about because I feel that it is bad music to be honest).
And that leads me on to what I was going to add to this thread: I'm hesitant about reviewing any upfront CD because I'll always be biased (incase anyone was wondering why I hadn't given my opinion yet).
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warped_candykid
Advanced Member
United States
4,001 posts
Joined: Jan, 2004
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Posted - 2011/11/21 : 03:40:57
First off, CDJay, I have to say thank you for even putting out a cd! I have still yet to get it, but just from the samples, I have to say you've done a great job at broadcasting the full spectrum of Hardcore in its natural form (no remixes of clubland tracks). I see nothing wrong with Darren Styles being on an underground album, he does make original work and is one of the last few supporting vinyl releases. I think you made a great choice on the DJ selection as well, though my only comment on that is I think Fracus & Darwin should not have shared a disc with Brisk. I say this because Brisk mixes at a faster tempo when it's just him or Ham, it just feels like he has to accomodate the tempo Darwin & Fracus want to mix at, but if he's ok with that, then so be it. I'm glad that you still support the cheesy/happy sounds of Hardcore :)
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Vladel
Advanced Member
United Kingdom
1,526 posts
Joined: Feb, 2008
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Posted - 2011/11/21 : 07:43:04
I feel HU4 had the best balance of all of the series and could be one of the best compilations of all time and HU3 was also excellent while HU2010 was a bit of a drop off but was also good. My main issues like i said before was the number of tracks and the time given to them and how great tracks suffer with two mins in favour of shitty one minute fillers. The other being Al Storm (Who has been producing nothing but awful rubbish since 2009) and the sheer amount of Fracus and darwin tracks they are all substandard and who knows what could have gone in them instead. CD3 was very good with some utter belters on there and some great track variety from newer producers which is what got me into the series in the first place. HU1's tracklist was virtually unknown when compared to any of the other compilations that were out at the time and since HU3 started to get a bit more mainstream and commmerical which helped to a degree but i feel may have gone too far. I realise that Fracus and Darwin are big parts of Hardcore Underground and i can understand them being underground but it would be nice if their mainstream (middle of the road stuff) wasn't on there in favour of the better music we know they can produce.
That's why i said it was as underground as an airplane and i'm sorry if it comes off harsh but HU is judged on different standards to normal compilations because it is truely the only one that the normal listener can feel part of. The reason my review is so harsh is because for me it is such a dissapointment because Al Storm used to be good. Fracus used to be bearable and you got alot of brisk to make up for it and Darwin makes some great tracks with brisk but not so much with Fracus.
Here's the part that will really get me shot though. Consider Clubland xtreme hardcore the series.
When it started it was full of and still has alot of club remixes and is mostly forgettable with terrible mixing and some awful content (much like HU5 CD1) Archefluxx was bang on with his observation. The series has always had some utter belting tunes on there and they usually get 3 -4 minutes and if i get 8 tracks like that i can put on my ipod i'm happy with the purchase and the last CXH gave me ten and in my opinion outshone HU2010.
It does what it says on the tin and doesn't deviate from it, it just gets better. HU5 literally gave me 5 for my ipod and i think one of them made 4 minutes and that's why i'm pissed.
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remain calm do not be alarmed do not attempt to leave the dancefloor
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CDJay
Advanced Member
United Kingdom
3,049 posts
Joined: Nov, 2001
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Posted - 2011/11/21 : 10:22:27
I guess it's a case of different strokes etc.
The problem is that there are so few people writing hardcore, certainly full time and in any volume, at this point and those that are have their own album projects or don't/won't submit material to us.
With each volume, we get a lot of submissions and I'm sorry to say that a lot of them simply ape (usually not with much in the way of flair or imagination) whatever sound is easy and popular at the time. So we got a lot of substandard partycore stuff over the first three volumes or so, then a lot of commercial rips with the depth of a dried up puddle that would get us sued. For this volume we got a lot of badly done minimal drop stuff. I'm inferring from your earlier comments that you wouldn't have much liked this any better if we'd used much of that.
That leaves.... the people you've listed. So if you don't like Al Storm, Fracus & Darwin etc then it's fairly unlikely that there's much I can do to change your mind with this volume or any subsequent ones. Next year, from our, you'll see more of a focus on the 4-beat/breaks crossover and pure breakbeat stuff, with a steer away from trance influences (be they euro or deeper). Basically, stuff like "No Disguse" and "Got the Rhythm". So if you find them substandard, which baffles me, though as I said earlier to each their own, I'd start hoping something else pops up. I think Brisk will reclaim his harder-hardcore throne, and Al Storm (who is supremely talented IMO) will find a groove that suits and thrive. I think Technikore is hugely promising, and will make good on that promise. I think Hard Beats Collective will step out of the shadow of Nu Energy/Freeformation, and assemble all the very exciting pieces of the puzzle they have to hand in a way that stuns even a cynic like me.
Per project, I'll take a lot of responsibility for any missteps, actual or percieved, when it comes to the resultant mixes simply because I think the result is heavily led by the decisions made early on. Balance, structure, flow. Everyone needs to work together, in order to get an album that moves smoothly, and interestingly, from start to finish. So on one point I 100% agree; I think HU4 had as close to a perfect balance as has been seen and I think whilst HU5 attempts to ape it there's a relative lack of cohesion. In retrospect perhaps it would have been prudent to strike a different balance rather than attempt to recreate a winning formula.
It might sound like I'm making excuses here, and I'm not.... I don't feel I need to, I'm just trying to let you in on what we have to work with and what we were/are thinking.
edit: Thought a bit more about what you said re: your ipod. The HU series acts as a "shop window" for involved labels and people who have material licensed, which is partly why we don't pursue digital release (or single rights). The idea is to have mixes that are good to listen to but also to showcase material that the listener might like to hear in full. So in your case, I'm guessing you'll be trying to procure the full version of "Every Time". No?  Without the huge, though decreasing, advances on offer from other compilations and the relatively pitiable per track returns, it's important for the genre and artists that this is the case.
CDJay
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Edited by - CDJay on 2011/11/21 10:46:49 |
Samination
Advanced Member
Sweden
13,281 posts
Joined: Jul, 2004
195 hardcore releases
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Posted - 2011/11/21 : 10:27:23
quote:
Originally posted by cruelcore1:
quote:
Originally posted by Samination:
what you on about dms? freeform was alot better 6 years ago.
Lol I always hear "oldskool was better" and never "modern is better" which is what I believe XD
Classical and Romanticistic music was a lot better than any Hardcore style u guys mention. It took much more effort to make a composition, and u either needed an orchestra or good skills with playing at least one instrument
6 years ago, I loved it, so why are you saying it like "i only like old stuff"? It wasnt old when I liked it.
Anyways, trying to stay on topic here, I have to say that I haven't downloaded this album yet. I'm actually not interested in buying mixed compilations. "Oh, that's one great track, man I need to play it out... oh it's mixed..."
Actually, this got me thinking a little. They way I mostly buy music, I rarelly support the artists behind the music. In a way, I'm actually supporting the tracks more than the Artists, which too me, sounds more, what do you say, acceptable. Why should I support an artist (or artists when it comes to combilations), if he/she/ir only produces a few tracks I like? True, I could encourage them to produce the stuff I like, but how does that work when only a few (Darwin, Olly Addictive and a few more) produces tracks that are influenced more by 2004 than 2011.
And No, I haven't heard this album, and I don't intend to buy or d/l it illegally just to listen to it.
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Samination, Swedish Hardcore DJ
Happy, UK Hardcore, Freeform, Makina and Gabber
http://samination.se/
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Edited by - Samination on 2011/11/21 10:42:56 |
Audio Warfare
Advanced Member
United Kingdom
3,053 posts
Joined: Mar, 2009
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Posted - 2011/11/21 : 10:34:34
Some interesting stuff on this album and a good variety which is great to see/hear. The Slipmatt and Entity disk was especially interesting, bringing something new to the table (something new that just happend to be very inspired by the old :P). Quite blown away by the Douglas and AB mix too, amazing stuff from these guys.
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Listen to released and forthcoming Audio Warfare/Audio Weaponry tunes here:-
http://soundcloud.com/audio-warfare
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CDJay
Advanced Member
United Kingdom
3,049 posts
Joined: Nov, 2001
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Posted - 2011/11/21 : 10:49:33
Cheers dude!
As I'm sure people have worked out by now, I'd far rather hardcore was taking more influence from its past so it was cool to work on a disc that bridged the divide. Slipmatt & Entity did a sensational job (watching Slipmatt try out different mixes was absolutely main blowing).
One step back, two step forwards. Better than pootling off down a dead end?
CDJay
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Http://www.hardcoreunderground.co.uk
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djDMS
Advanced Member
United Kingdom
10,304 posts
Joined: Feb, 2003
572 hardcore releases
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Posted - 2011/11/21 : 11:42:00
Re:the track length 'argument', i suppose it depends how you purchase your music. If you're the type that usually just buys albums then you'll want to hear as much of the track as possible. If you're a DJ or collector of music like myself, albums/CD's are a mere distraction, a taster of what's to come as i wait for the full length releases.
I know times are hard and we want as much as possible for our money, but in this case i'm so glad i'm not getting loads of tunes on the cheap. I WANT to pay what the music is worth, and support the artists and labels who work hard to give me what i want. There have been plenty of great value compilations lately but if all you're getting is a load of cheap stuff you don't really want what's the point?
I've already bought or will buy at least half of the tunes on HU5 when they're available and hopefully play my part in 'keeping the scene alive'. Keep doing what you're doing CDJay, you might not be able to please everybody but you're certainly pleasing a lot more than most are at present!
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Taking my time to perfect the beat
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Dogsy
Average Member
United Kingdom
212 posts
Joined: Oct, 2008
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Posted - 2011/11/21 : 12:29:20
Wow I feel like I need a good few weeks listening to this album as theres so much to take in! Really enjoying it so far. Its good to see a load of styles of Hardcore on the albums as always.
I'd say CD2 has to be my favourite so far.. Can you hear the silence is a great way to start the mix followed by more nice breakbeat.. My favourite part is from 'lifes a jorney onwards'. I love the Brisk,Fracus & Darwin collabs and Brisks remix of 'I'm not an addict' is quailty!
CD1 is good too.. 'lights down low' and 'sheltered' have got to be favourites for me.
CD3 I've not had a proper listen yet but it sounds brillant.. a lot of breakbeat on there can't wait to have a more indepth listen this week. One track that instantly stood out for me was 'feel so high' Real nice catchy vocal!
CD4 I'm not huge on Freeform so normally save these cds till last. Saying that I had a skip though and liked what I heard and will listen properly later! hope all the freeform lovers enjoy!
Well done on another great album guys
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cruelcore1
Advanced Member
Croatia (Hrvatska)
1,485 posts
Joined: May, 2010
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Posted - 2011/11/21 : 19:34:52
quote:
Originally posted by NekoShuffle:
I agree with this actually, I love hardcore but sometimes even the whole of electronic music looks so rubbish compared to stuff that was made centuries ago but I honestly believe there's happy hardcore which is better or at least equal. That's because I think happy hardcore is emotive music that makes you smile or makes you think about things or invokes some kind of positive emotion that makes your heart happy. I enjoy listening to upfront but it's never ever done that to me and always seemed very 2D and flat in comparison; which is why I always prefer old skool happy hardcore to nu upfront hardcore, whether it's minimal, trancey, euphoric or even happy. I think upfront hardcore the way it is now has trouble being happy, I think the production techniques used to make upfront isn't happy; I don't think riff-led music can convey happiness like the old skool happy hardcore did. Which does actually make me genuinely sad, I wish I could enjoy upfront the way everyone else seems to.
I'm not shitting on anyone's genre or saying it's better or worse; we all like and enjoy different things but if anyone has wondered why I love happy hardcore so much, that's the reason. Old skool happy hardcore will always be more colourful and more full of character to me than upfront. I always feel more critical about upfront so I normally keep those opinions to myself (dont get this confused with my opinions on minimal/electro which I'm VERY opinionated about because I feel that it is bad music to be honest).
And that leads me on to what I was going to add to this thread: I'm hesitant about reviewing any upfront CD because I'll always be biased (incase anyone was wondering why I hadn't given my opinion yet).
Lol I could say the same thing for modern HC and against oldskool HC xD for me oldskool is the 2D one, and less colorful.
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walla13
Junior Member
United Kingdom
102 posts
Joined: Sep, 2006
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 Posted - 2011/11/21 : 23:32:26
got mine this morning so far so good really liked the first cd lights down low amzing track
the second disk was just as good as the first again some cracking tracks on there brisk and dawin lifes a journey is really nice gonna listen disks 3 & 4 tomoz but looking forward to both
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Craigavon raver
Advanced Member
Ireland
2,238 posts
Joined: Sep, 2007
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Posted - 2011/11/22 : 20:34:25
Thought i got mine on friday only to find hmv sent me an empty box  lmao, even though i wasn't laughing at the time, but then they sent another package on saturday and the cd was in it 
I've just listened to the first 5 tracks of cd1 and seems good so far, like remix of timebomb,the evolution mix and i like the sound of hardcore style but it mixes out after a min or so(: but ah well nothing i can do about it, will listen to the rest when i get a chance,prob be next week at least b4 i listen to all cds though lol
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h.t.i.d
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Archefluxx
Advanced Member
United Kingdom
1,120 posts
Joined: Sep, 2011
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Posted - 2011/11/22 : 21:02:39
SET A STAGE ON THE MIC
LET ME CLEARRRR MY THROAT!!
I think this album took longer for me to grow on. Ive given a lot of time to listening to CD 2 and CD3. I like a lot of the songs a lot and I'll probably do one of those weird rating things that people did on some other thread.
A few of the tracks I didnt enjoy too much, but thats part and parcel. Like Vladel said, HU4 had a remarkable balance in styles. This I think focused too much on what style seemed to gain most praise from the previous albums, and in CD2 for example, I think that style may have saturated it a little. My opinion of course, others might disagree.
CD1 Im finding hard to enjoy. I think having Al Storm & Technikore was a horrid decision from a consumer point of view. Obviously CDJay explained the business reason for it, but I think that what we've been given is a big promo Clubland mix. One of the BIG things I liked about Hu3 and Hu4 when I bought them was the collage of styles and particular producer sounds. Every track was so different from the next, but CD1 of this album sounds boring and far too similar. Its hard to explain, and Im finding it difficult to express what I mean. The fact that the same 2 producers produced every track takes something away from the CD as a whole. Hardcore Underground I've always seen as a breakaway project from the mainstream stuff. I felt that it was the principles of being underground that made it such an attractive album for me to buy. With a CD that has 23 out of 27 tracks from one of the mixers, it looks like Al Storm & Technikore have taken advantage of the opportunity to make a bit of dollar. Im listening to the CD as I type this and I'm just bemused toward why the CD is on the album, because it automatically makes the CD a 25% waste of money.
Nevertheless, I'm a fan of some Al Storm music, and a fan of much of Technikores music, so dont think Im bashing them, I just dont think this is an album that 2 established and mainstream names should be on. Pick someone else.
Make Darwin and Fracus the headliners for the album. You have an album series that has enhanced the names HUGELY, and yet you make them minor parts of the project. The series I hope is a long term ongoing project, and that gives time for D&F to become as well known as Hixxy and Sharkey did with the Bonkers series. PLEASE try and bare this in mind...
Also, you say that there's limited music to choose from. I agree to an extent, but surely some parts are being overlooked. I recall Luna-C stating that he'd do more CD mixes if he was asked. He harbors a huge amount of overlooked hardcore. The kniteforce corner of hardcore harbors quite a lot of hardcore, and his unique style of mixing never disappoints...
I havent ripped CD4 yet, not had a chance so far. Btw, design tip, the CD4 tracklist is bloody hard to read. Black type on purple background is an elementary flaw :P
Like I say I'm enjoying 2 CD's out of 3 so far. Im pleased I bought the album, but as Ive given you 11, I'm not holding back from sharing my thoughts :P I'm sure you understand :)
Also, big shout to Tom Revolution, its great to see his name on stuff. Enjoyed his tunes a lot. He's an ambitious guy, and it looks like hes fulfilling that ambition.
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Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0KDPkzp05mZsdmkykMqFCt?si=AT5PvWuLTU-jUMEMWuB-PQ SC: http://soundcloud.com/archefluxx YT: http://www.youtube.com/user/afbofficial
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Edited by - Archefluxx on 2011/11/22 21:04:35 |
CDJay
Advanced Member
United Kingdom
3,049 posts
Joined: Nov, 2001
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Posted - 2011/11/22 : 22:05:35
I tried to clear a Luna-C track for CD3, and mentioned the possibility of him mixing a CD next year but haven't heard back re: either yet.
The guy is one of the few people who actually deserve the title "legend" and his contribution to the genre for over 20 years is impressive to say the least. I'd love to work with him.
CDJay
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Http://www.hardcoreunderground.co.uk
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