Reflections
Paul Van Dyk
Positiva Records (UK), 2004
1 CD
Catalogue #: 5780402
EAN: 0724357804028
UPC: 724357804028
You save: 25%
Personnel: Paul Van Dyk (vocals, programming); John McDaid (vocals, piano); Second Sun, Vega 4, Jan Johnston, Antoine, Hemstock, Jennings (vocals); Atomek Dogg, Trooper Da Don (rap vocals); Bruce Gainsford (guitar); Simon Walker (bass); Bryan McLellan (drums).
Recorded at White Room, Nucleus Studios, Berlin, Germany and Eden Studios, London, England.
Bonus CD included
As both a club DJ and a record producer, Paul Van Dyk is known for fusing the crowd-pleasing aspects of house and trance, and 2003's REFLECTIONS follows suit, while adding a string of pop hooks and catchy refrains to the usual mixology. The use of pop elements and guest vocalists on the album indicate Van Dyk may be moving away from his more progressive tendencies and toward--perhaps--a more crossover-directed sound.
"Like a Friend," for example, features a sung moral lesson about friendship and trying to live with a clean conscience, adding some thematic weight to Van Dyk's percolating keys and beats. On "Homage," a wispy female lead gives the disco-fueled production the feel of a Donna Summer song. In general, the hook-centered thinking on the album balances nicely with the artist's trademark skill mixing up four-on-the-floor beats with heady atmospherics and shuddering effects. The combination heightens the appeal of this frothy electronica set.
Tracklist
Paul Van Dyk
Purveyor of progressive house music, Paul Van Dyk first established his reputation as a DJ in East Berlin in the early 1990s, whereupon he released his first records as Visions Of Shiva. In addition to his recorded output and worldwide spinning stints, Van Dyk is also a sought-after remix artist who has lent his golden touch to tracks by New Order, Tori Amos, Curve, and many others. He has also hosted a popular satellite radio show.
