Markus Schulz & Elevation — Clear Blue (and various mixes and remixes)

Electronic Elements / 7.5

I particularly enjoy the “intro mix” version of the track, it’s a great set starter and the melody’s don’t get old. The “Somewhere (Clear Blue)” mix of the track is good in that it uses female vox to take the track to a new level. However, the vocals get repetitive and annoying, its kind of ironic that the line she keeps repeating is “why don’t you stop talking”. Yes… tell us.

Aly & Fila — Spirit of Ka (MarkusShulzColdHarbour Mix)

Offshore Music Entertainment / 7.0

This track has its redeeming qualities in its melodies. Production is ok but there seem to be some conflicting harmonies in a few spots. A big let down is the breakdown. Well the breakdown is good actually. It’s when the beat comes back in that the track feels disappointing. Now, I do get the feeling that the track is supposed to be kind of laid back which it is but I just can’t be happy with the climax of the track. Despite these things, I do like it enough to give it a 7 because I love melodies! Aren’t I generous?

Mark Otten — Tranquility (MarkusSchulzColdHarbour Mix)

Armind / 8.5

Now we get to the good stuff! I love this tune! Simple and effective. Bassline has a great groove for such a tense but laid back track. The main lead melody is again simple and fits the bassline just perfect. Production, the track is all there. I can’t say anything bad about it; it will be on my favorite list for some time.

Jewel — Intuition (Markus Schulz Remix) 8.0

Warner/White / 8.0

This track is a gem. I was a fan of Jewel with her first album but her later stuff was kind of poppy and crappy in my opinion. This remix saves her I think because her voice fits this style so well. This track hammers with its deep thick bass and should be heard if only for its massive breakdown. I haven’t heard a massive breakdown like this in a proggy track for a long time, its huge.

Departure — She Turns (Markus Shulz Remix) 8.6

Electronic Elements / 8.6

Big. Big big big! This is a floor rumbler, a real stomper. I lose it. Simple, dark soundscape sets a hard edged mood. The vocals feel off key in a few places but I absolutely loved that about it. To me it just completed the whole dark melancholy feel of the track. Man, I get shivers. The percussive elements are the key in driving this one to the next level, with guitar wah samples and simple almost tribally drums. This track makes my month.