Clubland X-Treme Hardcore Volume 2 came out in the summer of 2006 proving that the decision for Clubland to take it's X-treme series in the hardcore direction had proved an immense hit. Clubland has since released Clubland Xtreme Hardcore Volume 3 & 4 Bi-annually
Basic Details
Tracks: 48
Approx total runtime: 162 minutes
Featured DJs: Styles, Breeze, Hixxy
Label: Clubland, Universal, All Around the World.
Other Titles in the Series: Clubland Xtreme 1 & 2. Clubland Xtreme Hardcore 1, 3 & 4.
Sub-genre: Hardcore/Happy Hardcore
Warning: Parental Advisory, explicit lyrics.
What is Hardcore?
For those of you whom quite like dance music as a whole but don't quite know what makes hardcore different to other types of dance music, for instance the music featured in Clubland 14, I will give a brief introduction.
Hardcore has a faster and heavier sounding beat. The beat usually stays very steady throughout the entire track except for breakoffs- points where the beat dissapears completely and the listener is put into a relaxed state with a mixture of slow strings and harmony. Hardcore uses lyrics more as an instrument than a dominating omnipresent part of music. In this album, lyrics are heavily relied upon in some tracks and completely ignored in others. Hardcore DJ show no restraint in adding sound effects and long drum snare fills to drive the music up into a powerful crescendo. Words are however, only words. And to feel the full effect, I suggest visiting HMV or Virgin Music's new brand Zawi and swiping this CD under a 'try before you buy' headset to experience it for yourself.
Newcomers
If you've never bought a : X-treme Hardcore compilation then this is the product to tempt you into the series. Clubland Xtreme Hardcore 2 is in my opinion the pinnacle of the Clubland Xtreme series, and blends a tasetful selection of tracks with a brilliantly epic sound that carries on throughout the CDs. Styles' CD the hit track 'Save me' which has recently appeared in a mainstream anthem compilation - showing its timeless popularity. This was the first album I bought to make the leap from 'the annual' by ministry of sound, and I've listened to it at some point in probably every month since then. Part of the appeal is the increased dedication to lyrics and a 'lighter uplifting' sound rather the than heavy sound prevelant in some form in the other albums. Result? You're unlikely to be scared off by anything in this compilation.
Old Friends
If you've owned other Clubland Hardcores. CXHD2 is a compilation you're sorely missing out on. I would describe this as a 'must buy' to any other Hardcore enthusiast. The sound is definately less dark than the later efforts from the Bonkers compilation, though is in many ways similar. I repeat this is a must-buy. Theres no circling round the fact that Breeze, Styles and Hixxy produce or remix over 200 tracks a year combined. This can lead to tracks feeling like the DJ has simply taken the template and changed a note or two. Tracks in this album feel like they have been given the attention they deserve.
Key Tracks
All-time personal favourites
Darren Styles Disc
- Track 2 ELYSIUM (Ultrabeat Vs Scott Brown)
- Track 6 NEVER TOO LATE (Clear Vu)
- Track 7 SAVE ME ( Darren Styles)
- Track 15 SKYDIVIN 06 (Darren Styles)
Breeze Disc
- Track 1 YOU'RE MY ANGEL (Styles & Breeze)
- Track 2 NESSAJA (Scooter vs Breeze)
- Track 5 BELIEVE IN ME (Sy & Unknown)
- Track 6 YOU'RE SHINING ( Styles & Breeze)
- Track 13 INSIDE YOUR MIND (Uplift & Euphony)
Hixxy Disc
- Track 1 MORE & MORE (Hixxy)
- Track 7 2 DREAM (Hixxy)
Conclusion
This CD delivers 60 tracks for £13. Thats not very much per track at all!
Hixxy, Styles and Breeze prove themselves to still be among the top of the UK's internationally lauded Hardcore DJs.
This in my opinion is the best Clubland has to offer in the way of HARDCORE
Simon Oates
If you've found my review helpful or have purchased this album and agree with my review, kindly mark this review as helpful. Thankyou
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11.04.2008 16:50
Great review :o)
10.04.2008 23:08
nice review, this is pretty much my kind of music.
10.04.2008 22:19
good review :-)