Defected presents Def Mix Classics
Def Mix. Why does it hold such a legendary position within the House music scene? Perhaps its because one of its clan, Frankie Knuckles invented House music, or because another of its crew, David Morales is arguably the most influential producer/remixer of all time.
Or perhaps its that Def Mix just happens to be one of the most successful dance labels to come out of America. Whatever the reason might be, the entire Def Mix crew come together for the first time in the UK to present us with an album that celebrates their 20th anniversary at the cutting edge of electronic music.
This album is a collaboration between all four DJs, who have come together for the first time to work on a release that reflects the historic moments of House over the last 20 years. This album boasts some big firsts, including exclusives in the form of Mariah Carey Dream Lover (Def Club Mix) and U2 Lemon (Badyard Club Mix), neither of which has been granted a UK licence before.
It can be reasonably stated, for those of you not paying attention at the back, that one of the Def Mix DJs, Frankie Knuckles, invented house. It was, of course, named after the club in which he was resident, the Warehouse in Chicago. Long-time partner in crime David Morales also has his own place in history, with an astounding series of remixes that began back in 1987. If anyone has helped redefine what a remix is then it's Morales.
"Lets not even call it remixing any more," he says. "In the beginning you remixed the original tracks, then it started changing. You added some things, but you still had the song. Then it came to the point where you just got rid of the original music. Now it's come to a place where now you're changing the music, so lets say what you do to it makes the record successful. In reality you're sort of becoming a co-writer."
To celebrate their long and historic career they have put together the most memorable tracks from their discography. The album acts like a musical diary of House over the last 20 years; listen to it and you will be reminded of past musical moments and experiences.
Its difficult not to listen to Ce Ce Penistons Finally (mixed by Morales) and not get catapulted back to wherever you were in 1991, or Mariah Carey Dream Lover from 1993 without feeling a tad nostalic. There are other seminal moments such as Jamiroquai Space Cowboy, and Alison Limerick Where Love Lives which are set to cement this album as the only classic House album you will ever need. Album out on Defected Records 29th October 2007. (I like music)
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