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Detroit producer and DJ Stacey Pullen sees music as a soundtrack, opening himself up to atmosphere and mood, his production always innovative and never generic. With this mix for the Fabric club and label, Pullen takes us on a journey through only the best in Techno and House, delivering a DJ set that is both the perfect dancefloor tonic, and an intelligent example of how essential this music can still be. Unlike many of his Detroit contemporaries Pullen shows he listens to music from all over the world, and with a wide range of labels represented including Bittasweet, NRK, Defected and Junior Boys Own, his sound could be desribed as a less flambouyant version of Derrick May, yet with all the skills that man possesses and more. Stand out cuts come from Bugz In The Attic associates BB Boogie, whose I Got It is soulful space funk of the highest order. Peace Divisions Beatz & Peacz is just that, funky programming, great bassline and muted keyboard melody, all held together with a touch of class. Elsewhere the brilliance of Moodyman is obvious on Music People, while Dave Angels Catch 2 and Pure Sciences Get It Back are outstanding examples of this sound. Pullen's DJing is the real highlight though, as it should be, using the decks and effects as an instrument, creating mixes that make a real impact - never taking anything away from the tracks yet keeping the listener guessing with fresh tricks and innovations most DJs run scared from - it all adds to the flow of the album. Where most mixed CDs blur into the background, Pullen makes his mix sound like hes standing on the dancefloor with you. It all adds up to yet another outstanding release from Fabric, now at Volume 14 in this series and showing no signs of falling off, its the closest thing you will get to the thrill of seeing Pullen live, and the best bit is you can play it again and again. Recommended. |
