Seduction* – United Dance Vol 5

Borrowed this from the library as a student in 1996 and was more into the 94/95 breakbeat sound at the time so was a bit of let down on first hearing as the music had clearly moved on. Now 25+ years on the music is classed as old skool and have since developed a love for the kick drum led sound also.

So, the remix of ''Force & Styles - Funfair'' (by Hixxy, according to the credits) on this mix is a tune I from way before ''Antisocial - Whistle'' came out and uses the same melody. Finally listening to this mix I've heard it again, but after looking around discogs I can't seem to find that it got a release, sadly. Not even an acetate is listed. Anyone?

There are some CD's that you will always look back at fondly as they started your love for music and this is one of mine! I my mates at school lending me this when I was 14 and it started a love for fast kickdrum music that has lasted 12 years so far.

Back in 96, before happy hardcore went down the pan completely, this CD was a strong representation of everything that was good about cheesy hardcore. The Slipmatt mix in particular is just perfect, the anthems of 96 all rolled into one energetic mix complete with a bit of simple scratching and the unreleased Hixxy remix of 'Funfair', which unfortunately never saw the light of day. 'Surrender' by Eruption is a personal favourite, the riff in the middle of the track will still sound great in 20 years. 'Party People' by Slipmatt & Eruption is another perfect hardcore track, complete with interesting Slipmatt percussion and recognisable stabs.

The rest of the mixes are also loaded with personal favourites, I could honestly talk about them all day but I won't! In short, this represents completely the sound of happy hardcore, when it was innocent party music without the trance presets of the 2000's. Just amazing.