Why am I reviewing an old Goldie set from 15 years ago? Well, it's because I read Goldie's autobiography yesterday in one sitting. It's called 'Nine Lives', and it's an oldie too. I think it was released back in 2002. But it was a nice read. The weather seems to be perfect to chill and enjoy a good book, and it was a book I read in one sitting. I might have read the book and left it at that, but I had a craving for Goldie. I needed to hear some of his tunes, and I landed upon this set, recorded back in 2007, and aired on BBC Radio 1's 'Essential Mix'. It has got raving reviews, but what would you expect? It's a set by Goldie, and it's always good! Good, if not excellent...
I think I might have reviewed this set many years ago, but it got lost due to Trojan horses destroying my previous website. So yeah, it's a reintroduction to what Goldie did back in 2007. 15 years old, and still timeless. 2 hours of the finest Drum 'n Bass, from one of the pioneers of the scene. The man who knew how to make a fine record, but also how to spot amazing talent, and get them on board his label, Metalheadz. Make no mistake, Goldie is a pioneer, and someone who knows, lives and breathes DnB, but he's also a very fine artist. Painter/graffiti artist, you name it, he can do it.
But we diverge too much. Instead of talking about his artistry side of life, let's focus on the mix, and which records he selected. Obviously his Essential mix of 1996 was the finest mix ever made, without a shadow of a doubt, but his 2007 mix is also among the highest ranked mixes ever, for me personally. I can see me having a debate internally, as to which mix was the finest: the 90s one of the 00s? Difficult question, and not easy to answer.
Let's see which tracks he played. And obviously I don't need to mention that they are ALL the finest DnB records money could buy. From the main man himself, but also from his partners in crime, his BFFs from the scene. 2 hours of pure DnB madness, are you ready for it?
Rufige Kru - Monkey Boy (G Dub Remix)
Dillinja - Fly Away
Commix - Be True
Digital & Lutin - Cool & Deadly
Photek - Untitled
Kiat - Diablo
Doc Scott - Drumz 9507
Commix - Strictly
Rufige Kru - Malice In Wonderland
Amit - Gatecrasher
Rufige Kru - Infamous
Rufige Kru - Scar
Rufige Kru - Grouper
Sabre & Alix Perez - Everglade
Rufige Kru - Is This Real
Rufige Kru - Ever Wanted
Optical - To Shape The Future (Remix)
Rufige Kru - Digital Warrior
D Kay - Wax'd (Remix)
Break - Combination Style
Vapour - No Smoke
Case & Demo - Ladies Night VIP
Commix - Sattelite Type 2
Rufige Kru - Space Funk
Dillinja - Warrior Jazz
Lemon D - Chainsaw
Doc Scott - Unofficial Ghost
Rufige Kru - Paris
This is a lot of Goldie, and more. More than you actually need, but you should not complain. Accept the madness, accept the essential mix, and go into a state of trance for 2 hours. While the rain is pouring down massively, I am playing this mix out loud, and I couldn't care less. This mix seems to be perfect for today: a tad rough, tough, and dark, with a sprinkle of light and happiness. But don't just think that Goldie takes any prisoners. From the moment 'Monkey Boy' kicks in, he grabs you by the throat, and doesn't let you go. He holds you, embraces you, caresses you at the same time. It might feel slightly uneasy, but it's worth it...
All jokes aside, 'Monkey Boy' sets the tone, and it's fucking hard as hell. Cut a long story short, it is actually the one track that is the finest out of all 28 records selected. Fucking dark, and I LOVE IT.
Today is not the first day I've heard this mix, and it will certainly not be the last time I'll listen to this mix. Goldie's mixes always follow me wherever I go, and I still find his 1996 edition the best mix I've ever heard, closely followed by 2 Bad Mice's 'Fact' mix.
Goldie was and still is a pioneer. He dominated the DnB scene in the 90s, for good reason. After reading 'Nine Lives' it gave me a bit more insight, perspective on the character Goldie, and if you after a good read, I would suggest you buy the book. And in the meantime, you might give this mix a go? 2 hours of DnB's finest selected records, by the legendary DJ, producer, label owner, and all round artist Goldie!
DJ: Goldie
Genre/Style: Drum & Bass
Mix Info: Goldie's Essential Mix on BBC Radio 1 - 08-04-2007
Length Mix: 01:59:54
Tracks: 28 (twenty-eight)
Download/Listen (via Soundcloud): CLICK HERE
File Size: unknown
File Type: unknown
Audio; Stereo
Bit Rate: unknown
Release Year: 2007
More Information: Goldie - Soundcloud Channel