A couple of weeks ago I reviewed the Squad-E album, and now a new mix has emerged on my Soundcloud timeline. Another appreciation/dedication mix to the late and great producer/DJ Squad-E. I don't need to remind everyone what has happened, but if you have lived in a cave for over a year, sadly Squad-E passed away last year. Many have shown their respects to this legendary DJ, producer, and to many a close friend. And it's a shame to talk about this mix in this specific way, that it's a in memoriam mix, but at least we can honour what Squad-E left behind: a legacy that will outlive us all!
The mix I found was made by Macca, uploaded last year, and contains the 'harder' tracks by Squad-E. He wasn't only active in the UK Hardcore scene, as most of us know, but let's talk about his UK Hardcore music. The music I fell in love with during the early 2000s, and Squad-E was also one of those producers who I instantaneously fell in love with. You couldn't find a compilation without a Squad-E record on it back then. Or even go to a gig where he didn't play.
I remember listening to the old 'tapes' and hearing a few of his songs, and I knew that this was someone special. He knew exactly what the raving crew needed, and his sound just appealed a lot to me, and many others. And in this mix only a handful of tracks were selected, but they were gorgeous. Timeless classics, and certain dancefloor hits.
Hearing this mix takes me back to the 2000s when Squad-E was everywhere. And when UK Hardcore was at its peak. Fight me in the comments, but if I had to choose, I would choose Millennium UK Hardcore over the present day. It's all about the vibes, and the vibes were great back then. And maybe it's nostalgia: it's when I fell in love with UK Hardcore.
Let's see which tracks Macca used for this appreciation mix...
Master Blaster - Everywhere (Squad-E Remix)
Agnes - Release Me (Squad-E Remix)
Jorg Schmid vs Hypasonic - Doesn't Matter (Squad-E Remix)
Styles & Breeze - You're Shining (Squad-E Remix)
Ultrabeat - I Wanna Touch You (Squad-E Remix)
System F - Cry (Re-Con & Squad-E Remix)
Velvet - Fix Me (Squad-E Remix)
Squad-E - Turn It Up
Re-Con & Squad-E - Claim 2 Recycle
Killa Deejays - Lucky Star (Squad-E Remix)
Re-Con & Squad-E - 1000 Kisses
Eclipse - 24/7 (Squad-E Remix)
Squad-E - Stay
These are great! Obviously all of these are known to the raving masses, but some I haven't heard in a very long time. It's been a while, but it's good to hear them again. It's like being embraced by something very comfortable..
Macca has selected 13 great anthems. We all know and love them, and they've been played in many clubs and at many events all over the UK, and even the globe. But which record gets me the most, and has the most memories to me? Well, it's 'Doesn't Matter'. This literally is a trip down memory lane for me, and it's the one track in this mix with the most nostalgia factor. This literally was my jam when it was released back in the early 2000s, and still remains one of my favourite songs of that era.
A great mix, and I know you will love it too. I won't talk/write any more, the only thing you should do is just embrace this mix, and embrace the legacy left behind by the man we all know as Squad-E. Let's start the day well, and start listening to this wonderful mix.
Rest in peace, Squad-E!
DJ: Macca
Genre/Style: UK Hardcore, Happy Hardcore
Mix Info: Hard Dance Heroes - Squad-E Tribute
Length Mix: 00:58:17
Tracks: 13 (thirteen)
Download/Listen (via Soundcloud): CLICK HERE
File Size: unknown
File Type: unknown
Release Year: 2021
Audio: Stereo
Sample Rate: unknown
More Information: Macca - Soundcloud Channel