Scion Sampler 25 Is All Trouble and Bass

Over the last year or so, the Scion CD Sampler has proven itself to be amongst the most essential compilations on the planet. It's constantly impressive line-up of artists and labels would make most anyone who loves dance music jealous. From Kitsune to IHeartComix and everything in between, this little promo item is constantly crammed with absolutely massive floor fillers just waiting to escape. The latest edition of the compilation is of course no different and features those Brooklyn trouble makers, Trouble and Bass.

Sounding slightly out of touch with most American dance music, this label and it's artists really have more in common with their bassline, speed garage, drum and bass loving counterparts in the UK. While they might not know that, it's certainly evident about 30 seconds into any one of their singles contained here. Using more sub-bass than the human ear can tolerate, the Trouble and Bass stable create songs that will blow out woofers with bass-lines bigger than the planet Jupiter. Scion Sampler volume 25 contains ten such monsters of the dance floor, which, truth be told, is really about ten more than the dance floor can handle but who's complaining?

The all quavering, all shaking sheer power of each of the songs on Scion Sampler volume 25 is simply staggering. From the crazy sound effects of the uber-wobbly "Crazy Legs!" by Acid Jacks to the downtempo destruction of, "Calm Down," by AC Slater this a ten track terror filled ride of bass annihilation. This record succeeds because no other label successfully combines classic rave influences with uber-current trends in dance music, like Trouble and Bass do. These guys are clearly on top of their game and each of the artists on T&B reflect this. Whether it's Drop the Lime, AC Slater, Acid Jacks, Mikix The Cat, Starkey, Little Jinder, Udachi, or Math Head they all have an arsenal of songs that will pack out the dance floor and quite possibly make your head explode.

While the Cash For Clunkers program has recently ceased to exist, after listening to a series of Scion Samplers, the government is now planning on offering a new program of bangers for clunkers. To be quite honest that sounds like a much better deal! No car payments...just absolute dance floor mayhem. So drag your beat up old piece of junk and demand a copy of Scion Sampler volume 25 because thanks to Trouble and Bass they have once again proven that the Scion CD Sampler is about as essential as air and water (and some sort of transport).

Scion and Kitsune Are Pioneers

Another month rolls by and another essential compilation is released by Scion. I don't know if they're selling cars in this economy, but they're doing one heck of a job at cranking out records that are more important than life itself. Their 23rd volume of the series features the uber brilliant French label Kitsune and eleven artists from their roster.

Is it any good? You betcha. Kitsune Pioneer is another chapter in the amazing legacy that is both the Scion Series and Kitsune. Kitsune Pioneer is a masterful compilation that runs the gamut of today's electro/house/whatever scene. The eleven tracks here are the equivalent to an hour long sweaty dance floor work out that features pretty much every amazing dance tune that should be filling floors across this land. From laid back groovers from artists such as Ted and Francis to massive monsters from the likes of Heartsrevolution, Guns and Bombs, and Fischerspooner there honestly isn't a duff track in the bunch.

To think this compilation is free is just ridiculous! Kitsune Pioneer is just one electronic battle weapon after another and if you DJ then this unmixed CD is like a treasure trove of uber-cool tracks that need to be played...repeatedly. Having listened to this on repeat for the last three days, It's hard to pick out which track is the best. The 80's guitar soundtrack pop of Heartsrevolution's, "Ultraviolence (Dubka Remix)", the adrenaline rush of Shinichi Osawa's rework of Cazals, "Poor Innocent Boys," or the mindwarping pulses of the Para One remix of Guns and Bombs, "Riddle of Steel," all stand out as brilliant tunes, but the other eight tracks that make up Kitsune Pioneer are just as good, if not better.

My advice to anyone reading this is who likes electronic music is find a way to get this compilation. Whether it's visiting Scion or Toyota or whatever, if you like to move to a beat then you need this compilation in your life. Seriously. Kitsune Pioneer is beyond highly recommended.