Ultra Trance 03
Ultra's third addition to theUltra Tranceseries is a classic two-discs-that-should-be-one kind of collection. Johnny Vicious is back to mix the hard-hitters and the fluff together, but the blends are mostly cosmetic. The material is left to stand on its own, which only emphasizes the stark contrast between the winners and losers. Make no mistake, some remixes here, like the nasty and slick 12" version ofKelis’ "Milkshake," are designed to corrupt unsuspecting dance floors in the most glorious ways. Tracks fromCrystal Method,Armin Van Buuren, and a patient, tasty club mix ofPaul Van Dyk's "Time Of Our Lives" also do Ultra proud. But this collection is chubby around the mid-section, with both discs failing to sustain the momentum of the more premium material. With a freer hand, the very capable Mr. Vicious could have made relative hay out of it all, but as it stands,Ultra Trance 3is a disjointed set with a few transcendent moments to recommend it. --Matthew Cooke