Whirl-Y-Waves Vol.1

This is the long awaited debut Whirl-Y-Gig compilation from Whirl-Y-Music, available only as a double CD (i.e, its not available on vinyl). Disc one is a cross section of a typical Whirly club night, building from ambient dance right through to thundering trance, and back down again for the Parachute Dance. It's packed full of global dance classics which have been regularly played at Whirl-Y-Gig over the last few years (1996), most of which are either very rare or exclusive to this CD, and features many of the big names and friends of Whirl-y-Gig that have graced the Whirly stage in the past (although there is a notable absence of Moodswings).

Two very familiar tracks receive very subtle reworkings, namely Banco-de-Gaia's 'Amber' and 'Lift' by Azukx (a killer tune that was written specifically for Whirl-Y-Gig), whilst Astralasia's 'Hashishin' gets a stomping trance makeover courtesy of Swordfish and Monkey Pilot. Transglobal Underground provide a superb cheeky track in the shape of 'Mambo On', which is exclusive to this compilation. However, I was a little surprised at the choice of track from Baka Beyond, since 'Nahwia' is the b-side to the superior 'Boomelena', although I must admit that this is the only weak track on CD 1.

The two real gems on CD 1 have got to be Sali Sidibe's 'Transitory World', a track packed full of happy vibes that just sums up Whirl-Y-Gig perfectly, and Joi's 'Fulfilment in Dub', which is an extremely rare track and exclusive to Whirl-Y-Waves Vol.1. This latter track is one of those magical tunes that once heard is never forgotten and was hence used as a parachute track for many Whirlys.

The second CD slows the pace right down, featuring six ambient long players that have previously been used for the "Parachute Dance". The one to watch out for here is Aura's 'Starseed' which, at twenty minutes long (!), is a simple looping track that gradually builds from a few squelches into something very beautiful. Soothing synths, hushed sampled voices and chants add to this gentle track, which is perfect for the early hours of the morning after the night before.

It has to be said that whilst this double CD compilation is now over ten years old it has stood the test of time well, and for the most part the tracks still sound as fresh as a daisy (a clear sign of a well produced classic!). Whirl-Y-Waves Vol.1 is a definite must for the CD collection.

"....So let us ride the Whirl-Y-Waves!"

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