Download Side B – 32:44, 59.9 MB

256kbps, 44.1kHz stereo

Normalized

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Acid lovers rejoice!!

This tape is a recording of Dr. Trance’s show “Technopolis” from Global Groove Radio, 100.7 FM, Toronto. This mix is a real testament to mixtape culture since it’s really just an ordinary night from a weekly radio show, indiscriminately recorded, yet it features some utterly remarkable music.

The good Doctor is joined by well established Toronto rave pioneer DJ James St. Bass, opening up a time warp to the mid-80′s with some unbelievably amazing old skool acid techno. Dr. Trance precedes the Teebee treats with some techno, opening with an awesome speed garage track. Despite the candidness of the show the mixing is surprisingly top-calibre.

Be forewarned that there’s a bit of radio banter, but no more than 5 minutes worth. There’s mention of the very popular, now extinct, Effective rave company which was founded by Dr. Trance.

For those who don’t know, Dr. Trance, aka Don Berns, is an institution of the Toronto rave scene. He’s been in the radio and broadcasting biz for about 40 years and knows his way around the decks and the industry. Looking at this overweight, middle-aged man, one could never guess he was right at home coaxing 3000 kids to dance to the world’s most underground tunes at 4:00am. Like all good things, seeing is believing. The Doctor could always be found at raves either down in the trenches chatting with party-goers, or up in the VIP areas yucking it up with the world’s finest electronica talent.

Canadians should pay close attention to this man’s voice as it should sound familiar. Berns does a lot of TV and radio voiceover work (his vocal timbre reveals that he was born to work in radio) and can be heard in many commercials and TV station identification clips.

Here’s a great interview with Dr. Trance about his then upcoming performance at Toronto’s Idance festival – a public daylight rave event held in 2 consecutive years to bring public awareness to the then media-shunned rave scene.

If the sound of the Roland TB303 makes your heart skip a beat as it does mine you’ll go topsy turvy over this wonderful collection of very early acid tracks. Enjoy, and leave a comment if you’d like to share your thoughts on this mix.

Download Side B – 48:08, 44.0 MB

128kbps, 44.1kHz mono

Stereo channels consolidated, normalized, treble boosted

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I scrounged through my old bedroom the other day and found about two dozen tapes by world famous DJs that I’ll be very excited to share, but I refused to leave until I dug up this treasure. Even though I’ve got mixes by Terry Mullen, Josh Wink, Thee-o, and more in the pile, I was sure to rip this one first.

This is a mix by Toronto’s DJ LeFreak who I’ve met on many occasions. Though we don’t speak often she’s said some things about old skool techno that really rang true and stuck with me. For instance, as is very apparent in old mixes like R.A.W. – Turntable Psycho, old techno is a sort of musical Pangaea before subgenres split off and compartmentalised. Also, she once confessed that there’s something about old skool chord progressions that affect her so deeply it makes her want to cry – something I’ll admit to experiencing on many occasions, and more than once with the songs in this mix.

So then, about the mix! Not only are we treated to many very classic tracks from the likes of Moby and Josh Wink, but LeFreak has selected some of the best remixes of these tracks that I’ve never heard anywhere else. Though the blanket term for this mix would certainly be trance there are inklings of techno, psy, and even hardcore lurking in the undercurrents.

One thing I admire about LeFreak’s sets is that she’s not afraid to fiddle with the pitch control. Side A is quite content at its slow and deliberate tempo, but side B dares to get a little faster every few songs. I like that she’s done this as it gradually introduces a little extra energy without compromising the overall tone and mood. This effectively defines the album as a 90-minute wake-up which helps it succeed so effectively as a summery chill mix.

Pack up some sandwiches and a blanket, find a nice shady spot under a tree (I recommend Grange Park), throw on this tape, and enjoy the summer breeze.

Download Side B – 46:23, 84.9 MB

256kbps, 44.1kHz stereo

Normalized

Preview

Another extremely solid mix by R.A.W. from Los Angeles.  This one is similar in many ways (chiefly its subtle, smooth mixing) to Turntable Psycho but without the intricate post-production.  No Darkness is markedly happier as well, featuring several uplifting piano and vocal tracks interspersed with some more percussive darker jungle.  Certainly my cup of tea but perhaps too scattered for some.

To my great dismay I found this tape to be rather crinkled and mangled in places – probably because I’ve carried it around with me so many times in and out of a case.  Luckily only one side seems to have come out a bit muffled.  I did all I could to restore the sound quality but it ain’t much.  Be sure to listen to the preview to determine whether this is a dealbreaker for you, but if you stick with it you’ll find some fine selections here (particularly some notable pop music remixes) with some highly skillful transitioning.  Enjoy!