Amsterdam 08

Within a couple of weeks you can get Markus’ newest compilation called Amsterdam 08 from your local record store. The sequel of Coldharbour Sessions 2004, Miami ’05 and Ibiza ’06 was originally scheduled for November 2007 but got unfortunately delayed by two months. Will you be rewarded for your patience? Let’s find out in this album preview.

First of all, why Amsterdam and not another city or place? Markus: "I always choose cities that are dear to me for my annual mix compilation. I just love Amsterdam. I feel a close connection there; my friends there are like my family. The people from Holland were the first to embrace and accept me and my sound so it was a natural choice to do the 08 mix there".

Amsterdam 08 is a double CD compilation just like all the previous compilations. CD 1 has 13 tracks on it and CD 2 has 13 tracks as well Unfortunately I’m not allowed to reveal any tracks on Amsterdam 08 yet but you will be the first to know once I get approval to publish the full tracklist. The compilation has many new tracks on it which most of you never heard before. It also has some more familiar tracks that you will recognise from Global DJ Broadcast or from one of his live sets. Markus about the track selection: "I really enjoy putting the compilation CD’s together. They’re always a labour of love and are in my mind all the time. All year long I’ll hold back tracks that are just gems for the mix. I’ll play them out here and there over the summer but I’ll save them for the CD".

But let’s talk about the thing that you all want to know; how does it sound? I got this compilation for some weeks now and it gets better every time I listen to it. It doesn’t have the more uplifting and Balearic sound of Ibiza ’06. It’s more dark and reminds me of my favourite compilation Coldharbour Sessions 2004. CD 1 can be listened to it two different ways, you can either just relax and enjoy the journey that Markus has created or turn up the volume and just dance. It sounds like the first hour of one of Markus’ extended live sets. Starting really slow, at 124 BPM, and slowly increasing the speed. CD1 is definitely has the more progressive and darker sound of Markus, something that you haven’t really found on one of the previous compilations. When I listened to it at first and skipped through all the tracks I couldn’t make sense of it at all. But when you listen to it from the start without skipping any tracks you start to realise what a beauty it is. One long journey all mixed flawless as expected.

CD 2 is completely different. It starts where CD 1 ended. It’s more uplifting, has more trancy sounds and is made for the dance floor. The first track is made by Markus and his son Alex and is a great intro track. This is not the first attempt of Markus and Alex as they did an intro edit before under the team Schulz alias. This however isn’t an edit but a completely new track that really sets the mood for the tracks to come. This CD represents the true Coldharbour sound that we all know. Amazing basslines, trance melodies, uplifting sounds, well you all know what I’m talking about. It has some slower and more progressive parts and hasn’t the same build up as CD 1. It’s not one straight line to the top but has some ups and downs. It seems that Markus just want to surprise you with this set. This CD will definitely help you through the short and dark winter days and brings you instant happiness.

So was it worth the delay? Yes it is. You might be surprised when you listen to it at the first time because it’s just different to the previous compilation. No more Balearic Ibiza sounds but the darker sound of Amsterdam. CD 1 is my favourite CD of the two, all tracks fit so well, there isn’t a track that stands out from the others. One prefect mix from the very first second till the end. A must buy for all fans around the world.

bron: www.markusschulz.nu