45 RPM

by

Paul van Dyk

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It was long night out at the club and the party was coming down a bit. This is the first time I heard For An Angel. I own hundreds of records and cd's, there hasn't ever been a song that hit me like that. I still define trance through it's exsistance. Now I know that is a very bold statement, perhaps because I've seen Paul Van Dyke three times live I've become a little partial, but hey, I've also seen Oakenfold twice, Pete Tong, Carl Cox, Sasha and Digweed, Dave Semen, Tall Paul, and Seb Fontaine. Though all are incredible D.J.s, (if you want to have an orgasm go see Paul Oakenfold), PVD gets more of my respect because the man writes year by year the most moving and euphoric songs as well as spinning like a fucking magician. I reccomend 45 RPM to anyone who loves to listen to music that makes you think, feel, and believe in dance.

Of course you know that Paul Van Dyk is one of the world's most renowned trance artists and DJ's. Interestingly enough, he releases original material almost exclusively- rarely a DJ mix set. This was his first full-length release, from 1994, and shows the talent he would later develop more consistently. One word of caution to those new to trance, the music PVD makes isn't typically as danceable or hooks and hits laden as a mix disc. Consider it electronic songs made in a trance style, just as enjoyable, but not for the dance floor.

Now this may not be an exceptional album, but there are some great songs on it. Slow synths and his typical squiggle sound lead off "Introjection" that sets up the sexy "I'm Comin' to take you away," the best track here regardless of what general opinion is. The recognized classic "For an Angel" follows it, but for all it's history and majesty (and cheesy but good synth riff) it didn't age as well. The faster "45 RPM" follows, with the same alternating synth style as most his work. "Spannung" is a competent but not compelling piece, and concludes the mini-set. Things start over slowly with "Emergency," which features an actual acoustic guitar...I remember hearing those once. What follows are five more titles that are average-to skippable, follow the formula established in the first few tracks, and won't garner a replay. A "For an Angel" remix rounds out the set.

So, get this if you are a Paul Van Dyk completist or die hard trance fan, otherwise go with his better (and better value) Seven Ways album.