For lovers of deep house
ghibli99 | Arizona, USA | 07/19/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Kaskade's entrance into the San Francisco Sessions series of mix albums hopefully signals a return of this excellent, but short-lived, series of featured DJ mixes. And if so, what a return it is.Kaskade excels as both a producer and a DJ, which shows in this CD, which features many of his own songs, all of which are solid tracks. Add to this his ability to seamlessly blend each track into the next, and you have a very polished mix that will probably see heavy rotation in your CD player if you like the sound of Naked Music from a few years ago (Nude Tempo One, Nude Dimensions 1 & 2). The way Love & Music blends into It's You, It's Me is superb, and the dreamy melt of After The Party into Empty Streets is simply the perfect way to end this mix.I enjoyed this CD the whole way through, with Gonna Get By feeling like the only track that overstayed its welcome, but not to the point of ruining the mix for me. More For The Living was the only song that seemed out of place, which struck me more than usual since it came near the end of the mix and had such a different sound from the songs that bookend it. I like the choice of using the Jamie Lewis Dub of The Light instead of the version that's been used on countless other mixes. I enjoy the house diva sound, but not when it overpowers the music, and this version strikes a nice balance between the two.I must say that the moment that really defines this mix is the final track, Empty Streets, which is one of the dreamiest songs I've heard in a long time, with luscious vocals and beautifully subtle production. Oftentimes, DJ mixes will end abruptly or sound like they ran out of ideas and just decided to let the last record play to its completion, but this track shows a definite competence in the proper way to end a mix. It leaves a lasting impression and prompts you to listen to the mix again. Indeed, a rare touch.In the end, if you like the sound of Miguel Migs (Nude Tempo One & Nude Dimensions 1), Julius Papp, or Ben Watt (from Everything But The Girl & Lazy Dog/Buzzin' Fly), you're sure to enjoy this mix. While it doesn't do anything particularly new, the quality of the songs and the mixing itself speak for themselves. If this doesn't sound like you (i.e., you're looking for more of the tech-house sound of DJ Dan or the Mushroom Jazz sound of Mark Farina), you won't find it here. However, if you want to give this upbeat, soul-filled sound a whirl, this is a great place to start."
Good Deep House. Let's Dance Baby !
Amazodonte | Caracas, Venezuela moving soon to San Antonio, TX | 07/08/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is a really good Deep House effort by Kaskade.
Excellent mixing combined with a great selection of tracks make this CD well worth it's price. It is soulful, jazzy, funky deep house. Smooth, but not chillout. Groovy, but not hardcore dance music. If you like Miguel Migs, Mark Farina, or anything from the Naked Music label, you will enjoy this CD.
I enjoyed more the first part of the CD. Therefore, the 4-star rating. However, there are a few excellent tracks on the second part as well, so it is not all downhill from there by any means. Not at all. Just a couple of weak spots that do not ruin the mix."
This cd is TIGHT
Marlita Q | CHICAGO, IL | 12/03/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After buying Mark Farina's "CONNECT", a year and a half ago, I fell in love with Kaskade's "Brighter Day", and have bought every and any Kaskade/Ryan Raddon release since...and now since this cd has come out, I have been playing it non stop, and making everyone I know listen to it, too- cause it's that good!!!
I am pretty selective about my music, and what people consider "house",(being from Chicago), and this cd has got the soul, the funk, the beats that I love listening and grooving to.
Every track here on "Soundtrack to the Soul" is tight- but my favorites are 3 (Make My heart), 12(More for the Living), and Kaskade's own tracks with Josyln, (w/her sweet silky vocals) and Finn -5(In This Life) and 6(True). And then, right in the middle of this fab mix, the cd crescendos, with another great remix (More Vox Mix) of It's You, It's Me(track 10), and just blows me away, since I don't think I can EVER get enough of such a great song.Ryan Raddon is such a talent, I am so glad he's out there to make music good again. I will now buy anything he produces, mixes, writes,arranges, etc.
If you want something that will make you feel good, and make you move, GET THIS CD!!! BUY IT NOW!!!"
Track Listings (14) - Disc #1