Mixed Live: 2nd Session Clubspace Miami (with Bonus DVD in 5.1 Surround Sound)
A sequel of sorts to 2001'sMixed Live, this2nd Sessionfor the Moonshine label's popular series continues in the same exuberant, aggressively "up" vibe that has characterized Tall Paul's work for years. After making the leap to international superstar DJ territory in the late 1990s, TP has spent the '00s trying to do what only a few of his ilk have pulled off: conquer North America. Rather than producing a more song-oriented artist record for the task, à laTimo Maas'sLoudorBT'sMovement in Still Life, Paul has gone the other way, favoring live DJ mix sets to in-studio efforts. However, while capturing the feel of TP's blistering live set is an admirable goal, bothMixed Liverecords fall short. Few DJs play to the crowd's lust for the beat more blatantly and successfully than Paul does, but the only way to fully experience his interaction with the dance floor is in person.2nd Sessiondoes feature a splendid final 20 minutes, with some tasty selections and transitions along the way, like Tomaz vs. Filterheadz' "Sunshine" bleeding rhythms into Warrior's "If You Want Me." But when Paul breaks it down and makes the people beg for a beat on Hatrixx's "Pressure," the tension that should be there isn't, and Paul's mix slows to a crawl.2nd Sessionalso includes a DVD presentation of the set, featuring a 5.1 surround sound mix.--Matthew Cooke