Taipei

Sharam's Dubai was brilliant, and one of the GU highlights to date. I was expecting similar from Dubfire, and these mixes do not disappoint. CD1 seems to be liked by most, and I agree, it's well mixed, the tracks are superb, and well paced, and it closes in real style. Dubfire's own tune - "I feel speed" - is the notable high point for me. Inexplicably, CD2 is getting panned, yet for me, it's the better of the two mixes. There's no messing around at the beginning - the Nitzer Ebb remix is awesomely dark and powerful and sets the tone for the rest of the mix, which doesn't let up. The Noir and Robbie Riviera tracks work well, and "Die Rumpelkammer" is a class tune and nicely paves the way for the DM remix. Thereafter it's a brilliantly deep finale to one of the best GU mixes they've ever released. In summary, this mix makes me smile and makes me want to go clubbing, largely because it doesn't step out of it's remit. In short, this is classy dance music through and through. Disc: 2 1. First Rebirth - Lopez, Angel 2. Control I'm Here - Nitzer Ebb 3. Sax Track - U&K 4. Lucky Heather - Fanciulli, Nic 5. My MTV - Noir (2) 6. Float Away - Rivera, Robbie 7. You - DJ Vibe (1) 8. Die Rumpelkammer - Faki, Len 9. Everything Counts - Depeche Mode 10. Related - Session, Samuel L. 11. Can You Relate - Session, Samuel L. 12. Tuff Tribal - Heinstein, Emanuel 13. Start Chasing - Kowalski, Alexander & Barca Baxant 14. Jet - Ellen Allien & Apparat

Listeners everywhere will look the latest Global Underground release from Dubfire several times over with a shrewd magnifying glass, looking for hints of similarity with Dubfire's Deep Dish counterpart's GU mix, Sharam's Dubai. Such relentless scrutiny is in vain, however; Taipei releases into the Underground a dirty, relentless and brooding mélange of thickly-lain bass and dance-floor jarring beats which manage to generate the feeling of literally being underground. Dubfire, however, deftly provides precious breaths of fresh air with expertly mixed upbeat tempos riding distinctly along the slow, pedantically grooving basslines. A potential caveat to the skeptic out there: Dubfire uses vocals; do not let this deter the purchase of this mix, or even a listen. The distinctive DJ makes use of vocals so sporadically that they almost seem not to exist, and for the most part being completely overridden by the music. And this actually poses a problem, because the vocal trance in this case is really enjoyable. Most of the vocals sound as if they were being chanted beneath the surface of water - sounds and reverberations which jive well in accordance with the deep bass. They add a fundamentally different edge to the mix; his relatively conservative use of drab, and complete absence of pop, lyrics distinguishes his style from Sharam's. Placed side-by-side, Sharam's Dubai and Dubfire's Taipei are polar opposites, illustrating the duality that lies within the collective name "Deep Dish," and I dare to remark that the difference between the two DJs has never been able to be fully appreciated until their solo mixes for Global Underground - Dubai and Taipei in particular - were released. If I were forced to, I would definitely tout Taipei as a superb mix of John Digweed's GU: Hong Kong and Dubfire's GU: Toronto. Initially sound incompatible? Give it a listen. Conservative regarding "mass appeal", Dubfire somehow manages to incorporate fairly commercial songs into the flow successfully and many of them plod along at a decisive pace, although the first mix is actually more quickly-paced than one would expect from a mix of such depth. In fact, the first mix is stylistically dark but remains entirely danceable. What's surprising about it is its consistency: Disc one "goes somewhere" without really ever "going somewhere," a remarkable feat I have seen few other DJs accomplish. The second mix starts off with a spooky and transcendental aura similar to that of Nick Warren's Reykjavik mix. I think Dubfire meant to be so playfully deceptive; by the minute-and-a-half mark, the thickest, hardest beat rattles the organs exercises the heart with its intensity. Riding the second mix is an offroad journey of *deep* underground house; certainly more what one would expect from the second disc of any Global Underground release, but once the pace picks up at the two-minute mark, looking back is futile - you're in for the long-run, which does not imply it will be unbearable. In fact, the second mix is one of the better "clubbier" GU albums released amongst the past thirteen or fourteen GU mixes. In a heartily-crafted nutshell, imagine a handful of Dubfire's better tracks from his Toronto mix and expand upon that depth of sound and character. I did, and I discovered a (surprisingly) sophisticated dance album reflective of both dutiful insight and soulful abandonment. ~Lex

After the Deep Dish split-up Sharam went for a house-trip while Dubfire went the (minimal) techno. They both made great GU-mixes. Depeche Mode's "Everything Counts" is the highlight of the mix

arrived quickly - excellent quality

I love Dubfire and Deep Dish and their ability to remix and produce some of the greatest dance classics in the world. I was pretty sure that when I bought this I would be 110% IN! Now, with this compilation Dub Fire has injected his complex and thought provoking deeper tune and produced a firey deep dubby timeless mix and it's just beautifully colourful sounding. The moods of the track choices take you on underground journey starting quite bouncy and atmospheric to getting harder as the twisted-ness progresses. It's a journey mix which makes me want to go out and dance all night in a dark space somewhere. Seamless and stylish in my opinion. I own 1000's of house mixes including most of the GU stuff and all types of house ans this is one that I will go back to time and time again. Has to be in my top 5 mix house albums. If you like it deep, dubby, a little dirty not to mention slightly twisted then go grab it.

To enjoy this compilation you first have to throw the second CD away and forget about it. Then just put in CD1 and enjoy. It's a simply stunning mix, nearly as good as CD2 of GU Toronto. It borrows from all the hot producers of the momment and is a joy to behold.

I saw Dubfire in Ibetha and wanted more. Disc one stands multiple plays - shuffle off and I've listened to it almost every day for a month now - it's still fresh and the addiction hasn't worn off yet. Disc 2 less accessible but I've a sneaking suspicion it will grow on me. Well happy.

Disc 1 has some really twisted tunes, WELCOME BACK TO THE UNDERGROUND!!! Disc 2 only listened to twice unsure! Worth the purchase just for disck 1

Since i started listening to DF i luv it! This cd is soo deep! I liked since the first time i listened to it! The songs are soo well mix and makes me get in to the whole cd!

Listeners everywhere will look the latest Global Underground release from Dubfire several times over with a shrewd magnifying glass, looking for hints of similarity with Dubfire's Deep Dish counterpart's GU mix, Sharam's Dubai. Such relentless scrutiny is in vain, however; Taipei releases into the Underground a dirty, relentless and brooding mélange of thickly-lain bass and dance-floor jarring beats which manage to generate the feeling of literally being underground. Dubfire, however, deftly provides precious breaths of fresh air with expertly mixed upbeat tempos riding distinctly along the slow, pedantically grooving basslines. A potential caveat to the skeptic out there: Dubfire uses vocals; do not let this deter the purchase of this mix, or even a listen. The distinctive DJ makes use of vocals so sporadically that they almost seem not to exist, and for the most part being completely overridden by the music. And this actually poses a problem, because the vocal trance in this case is really enjoyable. Most of the vocals sound as if they were being chanted beneath the surface of water - sounds and reverberations which jive well in accordance with the deep bass. They add a fundamentally different edge to the mix; his relatively conservative use of drab, and complete absence of pop, lyrics distinguishes his style from Sharam's. Placed side-by-side, Sharam's Dubai and Dubfire's Taipei are polar opposites, illustrating the duality that lies within the collective name "Deep Dish," and I dare to remark that the difference between the two DJs has never been able to be fully appreciated until their solo mixes for Global Underground - Dubai and Taipei in particular - were released. If I were forced to, I would definitely tout Taipei as a superb mix of John Digweed's GU: Hong Kong and Dubfire's GU: Toronto. Initially sound incompatible? Give it a listen. Conservative regarding "mass appeal", Dubfire somehow manages to incorporate fairly commercial songs into the flow successfully and many of them plod along at a decisive pace, although the first mix is actually more quickly-paced than one would expect from a mix of such depth. In fact, the first mix is stylistically dark but remains entirely danceable. What's surprising about it is its consistency: Disc one "goes somewhere" without really ever "going somewhere," a remarkable feat I have seen few other DJs accomplish. The second mix starts off with a spooky and transcendental aura similar to that of Nick Warren's Reykjavik mix. I think Dubfire meant to be so playfully deceptive; by the minute-and-a-half mark, the thickest, hardest beat rattles the organs exercises the heart with its intensity. Riding the second mix is an offroad journey of *deep* underground house; certainly more what one would expect from the second disc of any Global Underground release, but once the pace picks up at the two-minute mark, looking back is futile - you're in for the long-run, which does not imply it will be unbearable. In fact, the second mix is one of the better "clubbier" GU albums released amongst the past thirteen or fourteen GU mixes. In a heartily-crafted nutshell, imagine a handful of Dubfire's better tracks from his Toronto mix and expand upon that depth of sound and character. I did, and I discovered a (surprisingly) sophisticated dance album reflective of both dutiful insight and soulful abandonment. ~Lex

rare cd

I knew that this album would not possess the momentum that Deep Dish albums tend to carry but expected something a little better than these tracks. Especially for a Global Underground Album this fell short...

Doctor trance was right, dubfire indeed throws everything at you but the kitchen sink. Now I know who is the better half of Deep Dish... (sorry Sharam). You actually can't help by compare the two Global underground releases (Dubai & Taipei), whereas unlike Sharam, Dubfire really burns the house down with scorching tracks right from the very beginning. Dubai, on the other hand, was more garage and commercial, and I don't mean that in a good way either. If you want irresistible dance music for your friends and yourself to dance to all night...well think nowhere else but here my friends. Dubfire will instantly take you on a virtual rave at a posh venue that feels so real, right at the comfort of your home. During my first listen to GU Taipei, I couldn't stop myself from having flashbacks of clubs I've been to recently; full dance floors, beaming laser lights, people jumping, screaming, music coming at you from everywhere and of course that thumping BASS that drives your soul and escorts you to the labyrinth of the tracks. All of that is found right here in GU 31. And so when you are done, completely fulfilled and ready to calm down then you might want to play Sharam's Dubai. Maybe they do complete each other after all.