Gateway To The Sun (A Chilled Journey Into Space Bass And Eastern Vibes) - Various Artists

Advantages: great selection, good variety
Disadvantages: somehow mistitled, mostly traditional stuff

...used to be in Middle Europe before WW2, while after that, despite having its borders move several hundred miles to the west, it become part of Eastern Europe), but usually refers to the countries of the former Soviet block (and sometimes includes Greece). On this album, "Eastern Europe" is actually more of an alternative label for the Balkans. Most tracks come from artists from Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary and countries of former Yugoslavia, although there is one track from a Russian band, and one from Polish mountains. I can understand this, as the Balkans are probably musically the most interesting and there is only very limited number of connoisseurs of GDR disco and other more obscure manifestations of Eastern European music. Still, the name would have fitted better if we had a little bit less from the Balkans, and a little bit more... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Lovely music, tracks your toddler will recognise
Disadvantages: Short, will annoy you after a while

...contains the original songs which make it into the television show, so it is music which is going to be instantly recognisable to anyone who watches the show. I like that all the songs are included as I can choose to play either Harry's favourite songs or just let the CD run right through and let him listen to the lot if I'm feeling particularly generous or in a good mood. It is called "A Musical Journey", presumably because it takes us on a journey through the Night Garden introducing its characters and all the music featured on the show. The cover artwork isn't particularly eye-catching which I was surprised by. I would have expected it to show an enormous picture of one of the characters on the front to grab the attention of toddlers walking by but instead, it features a navy blue sea scene, much like at the start of the programme... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: loads of tracks
Disadvantages: some seem quite dated

...A six CD box set which showcases a huge selection of tracks from the drum and bass scene. Drum and bass has gained huge popularity over the years and has gained alot of followers thanks to its breaknecks speeds of drums, bass and sample ridden madness. These tracks show you what is all about and my gosh there is alot of them. The tracks span right back to the early nineties and some can sound very dated but interesting nether the less. Producers which stand out on the album are the big heavy weights such as 'Dillinja' with his awesome track 'Grimey' with its huge pitch bending bass synth and the unforgettable vocal sample, this one will keep you going till the early hours. Then there is J-magik, with his equally powerful but more jazzy power rhythms. If your a fan of this hi speed music you will defenitely find this box set... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful