Burkina Faso - Balafons And African Drums - Various Artists

Advantages: A pack with good songs throughout, and at an almost comical price
Disadvantages: Big drum’n’bass packs have a reputation of being big boxes of crud

...brilliant pieces of proper drum'n'bass, some of the beautiful ambient stuff for 'the laydees', and bits that could put most normal dance music to shame, this collection has the kind of quality you would hope for in every track, not just in the first two tracks of each cd. What is kind of surprising is that I have heard of more than just the names on the front, artists such as Unda Pressure, Conspiracy Theory and the Omni-Trio are probably known by a good few people. The pieces by these semi-well-known artists is easily on a par with the tracks from the big boys, not to say that the headline songs aren't quality! SS's Lost In New York being one of my all time favourite tracks, and a couple of the others like Music and 19.5 by Bukem (and peshay) standing out as excellent tracks in their own right. This leaves the total unknowners, people... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: good music,various artists, good value for money, enjoyable
Disadvantages: not for absolutely everyone

...I have had Dj Hypes drum and bass arena album since around christmas last year, and i am still not bored of it. It has a lot of different artists on it, with a range of different types of drum and bass. I love to listen to this album when driving, tidying the house, or just doing nothing. it is a really good back round album when i have friends round too, as everyone enjoys the music it has on it. I also love to dance to the songs on this album, but i do not let many people see me doing that !!! I would really reccomend this album to anyone, it could suit many peoples music taste. It is also pretty good value for money, seeing as there are so many artists on it.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Lots of music on each CD
Disadvantages: Not great if you're not a true drum & bass fan

...If you like drum and bass music then this album is a must have for your collection! This is Fabio and Grooverider's first appearance on a Drum and Bass Arena Album, and you can see why they are called the masters. This 2 cd album contains 40 songs, 18 on one cd and 22 on the other. It includes songs by artists like Shimon & Andy C, DJ SS, Dillinja and Format. Fabio's mixes are upbeat and jazzy, while Grooverider is more into the dark and low bass tunes. If you know someone who is into drum and bass, or you're into it yourself you will truly enjoy this album. Here is the track listing- Disc: 1 (Mixed by Fabio) 1. Allied Forces - Gather round 2. Formatt - Guiding star 3. Total Science - Gimme your love 4. A.I. - Switch on 5. Ill logic & RAF - Could It Be 6. Roni Size - Strictly social (Nu... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful