'Wonderland, Vol. 2'
'Essential Selection: Trust the DJ'
What The Critics Say
While Pete Tong's unshakeable position in the U.K. and Euro-dance firmament holds fast, his association with Trust The DJ was a clear move to broaden his global listenership via the label's well-trafficked website. Surveying a blend of little-known and newborn labels, Tong's first Trust the DJ mix is a composite of the funkier, techno side of house. Leading off with the insistent bassline of Aural Distortion's "Fragmented 100%" (released on the posh Spanish Luxury Grooves imprint), Tong instantly reaffirms his love for the extended groove. But his affinity for more pop-oriented material is made evident by the selection of tracks: Playgroup's "Make It Happen," as re-worked by Ewan Pearson, and M Factor's "Come Together." Other than the slightly worldbeat-influenced "Hear What Was Said," by Mooncat, there are few stylistic surprises here. And Tong's desire to stay as close to the forefront of the pack (as well as the standard problems with licensing the many white label tracks he regularly plays on the air), probably preclude the inclusion of any the obvious dancefloor anthems. Well-rounded and tasteful, Tong's efforts once again display how he manages to remain a forward-thinking and populist tastemaker. ~ Joe Silva, All Music Guide
'Twisted Beats'
'Essential Selection Ibiza 2000'
'Essential Selection Spring 2000'
'Selections from Essential Mix'
What The Critics Say
Fanboys listen up: Three dance superheroes get together for one mega-walloping, mix-tastic blowout and nobody will be safe again. What's that you say? Bird? Plane? Or just the DJ-even-your-mom-would-like Pete Tong? Boy howdy, when you're right, you're right: The first to get their punches in is BBC Radio 1's favorite and rather than trying to encapsulate the past X number of years in dance music, he wraps himself up in his own shiny cape of all too safe hits (Basement Jaxx, Stardust, Moloko), attempting to cover up such commonplace moves with a touch of roller-disco pizzazz. He fails. At the far side of the battle is global über-trance spinner Paul Oakenfold, but he's in a bit of an overly affected bind, too. He tries to spring into the air with his boots o' Olive, but hits his noggin on a lamppost; he shoots the woeful "Bullet in the Gun" from his belt buckle, but it hits an old lady and a baby stroller. His mixing is poor. His tactics trite. Then, smirking Fatboy Slim skulks out of his Sewer of Commercial Saturation and starts up a set of serendipitous storminess. A one-two-uppercut smash of Scanty Sandwich, Underworld, and Groove Armada is one thing, but nobody can match his masterful secret weapon of his own "Jack It Up" having improper relations with the Chemical Brothers' "The Private Psychedelic Reel." Amazing. Spectacular. Fatboy Slim shows who's the true hero today. Jumping dang! ~ Dean Carlson, All Music Guide
