Well, what a year 2008 was for Hed Kandi. Considered by many as the make or break year for the label after 2 years of hit and miss, dubious releases. Following the Ministry of Sound mantra of quantity over quality, many supporters were fleeing the label to re-unite with Mark Doyle at Fierce Angel, only to discover that he had lost the plot as well. Dear me... Anyway on to the Mix Summer 2008:
I get the feeling that the producers of this album were going through an experimental stage with this release. While it has many qualities, like the smooth, flowing mixing and the undercurrent of quality - particularly with remixes from big names like Out Of Office and Aussie electro masters Vandalism, it isn't completely flawless.
Disc 1 is unusually hard for a Kandi release, with many of the current big produces in electro shoving their oar in where it really wasn't welcome. Remixes of Daniel Bedingfield and Adele are, in my view, completely at odds with what Hed Kandi is about, but these poor choices were saved by electro dynamite from Vandalism and Laidback Luke.
Disc 2 is more traditional HK, featuring more vocal house but still with an electro slant. Highlights include Sometimes, Salvation and No Promises, which are unfortunately joined by Show Me Love AGAIN.
Disc 3 finishes Kandi proper. Ron Carrol, Shena and ATFC all make appearances with varying levels of success.
All in all, a curious album, that I can't make out who it'll appeal to. Its too soft for hard electro fans, and too hard for traditional HK buyers... Have a pop at it and see what you think, if theres one thing to say about it - its definitely a break from the norm!