After the staggering dig-in-the-crates that was Dave Clarke’s Back In The Box, the legendary DJ Sneak gets his hands dirty delivering his mix for the prestigious series from leading UK house label, NRK Music.
Having somewhat of a renaissance of late due to an infamous back-to-back session with Ricardo Villalobos, Sneak aka Carlos Sosa has a history of continually staying ahead of trends and making house and techno that really matters. This makes him the perfect Back In The Box candidate, where unearthed gems and anthems from days gone by are delivered with a fresh outlook.
Kicking off with Blak ‘n’ Spanish “Call Da Vibe”, Sneaks two CD mix (accompanied by an unmissable unmixed CD) captures the best of an era where US production hallmarks like the heavy 909 drums and latin rhythms collided with European interpretations of house from the likes of Bob Sinclair, Ian Pooley and Daft Punk. Highlights include the latter’s truly classic remix of I:Cube’s ‘Disco Cubism’, Sneak’s own smash ‘You Can’t Hide from Your Bud’ and the ultra rare Mood II Swing remix of BT’s ‘Remember’ but it’s impossible to pick with a tracklisting this perfect.
Swing, shuffle, groove or whatever you’d like to call it, DJ Sneak has it in bucketloads and it runs through this mix like an artery feeding hyperactive organs, or something like that. Quick but smooth mixes and the ability to change atmosphere and tempo mean Sneak’s mix is essential stuff, not just for punters but also for DJs as he can safely be called a DJ’s DJ as well as a floor rocker.
Born Carlos Sosa, he moved with his family from Puerto Rico to Chicago in the early 80s, and by the early 90s was instrumental in the Chicago house renaissance, spearheaded by the legendary Cajual and Relief record labels, and a pool of hot talent such as Paul Johnson, Gemini, Cajmere/Green Velvet, Derrick Carter, Glen Underground and many more. His productions have influenced and innovated, and he was enlisted by fans Daft Punk to contribute to their 2001 single, “Digital Love”. Sneak currently resides in Toronto, Canada,
This is essential, life affirming stuff!
CD01 (mixed by DJ Sneak)
01. Blak 'n' Spanish – Call Da Vibe02. Freeform Five ft. Carolyn Harding – One Day (Freeform Re - Form Dub)03. BT – Remember (Mood II Swing Dub Mix)04. Blue Boy – Sandman05. Chris Simmonds - Rush n Soul06. Mousse T - Ooh Song07. Deepah Ones – In The Sky08. Johnny Corporate – Sunday Shoutin (B Boys Shoutin Dub)09. Global Communication – The Way10. Studio 45 pres Le Pamp Playhouse - I Like The Sounds11. Bob Sinclar – Visions Of Paradise12. Cheek – Venus (Sunshine People Mix)13. Cajmere feat. Dajae – Brighter Days (Underground Goodie)14. The Brand New Heavies – Shelter (Danny D Mix)15. Cricco Castelli – Life Is Changing
16. DJ D presents Hydraulic Dogs - Shake It For Me (Original Mix)CD02 (mixed by DJ Sneak)
01. Markus Nikolai - Bushes (The First Re-Creation) (Version 1.2)02. Johnny Fiasco – Conduction03. Secret Ingredients - Chicago Chicago04. The Chicago Connection – Dancin’ (Mark Grant Mix)
05. DJ Sneak – You Can’t Hide From Your Bud06. Paul Johnson – Hit It Up07. DJ Sneak - All Over My Face
08. Roach Motel pres. 2 Stupid Dogz – Trouble09. Deaf n Dumb ft. S. Leger & Nicholas de Floraiant – Holiday On Night
10. I-Cube - Disco Cubism (Daft Punk Mix)11. Happy Human – Horn Junk
12. C-Dock – Traffic Jam
13. Ian Pooley – Higgledy Piggledy14. Bob Sinclar – The Ghetto (Original Cleared Version)15. Fantom – Faithfull (Original Mix Par Fantom)DJ Sneak talks us through some of his selections, more detailed commentary will appear in the CD booklet…
Global Communication – The WayThis was a masterpiece of a tune produced by Tom Middleton and Mark Pritchard. Global Communication broke thru and created the most incredible vibe with each release they dropped.Bob Sinclar – Visions Of ParadisePart of a very smashing LP, Monsieur Sinclar first broke thru with some of the best house music from France. Visions was part of a great selection of really great produced house bangers that are still on rotation.The Brand New Heavies – Shelter (Danny D Mix)This is by far one of DJ Sneak’s Top 10 records of house music. Danny D delivered a HUGE deep house classic, The Brand New Heavies were heavy, but this remix broke them to a whole new crowd. Massive Respect!DJ Sneak – You Can’t Hide From Your BudAfter trying to hide from my bud while working on a beat, I decided to give into my urges and get blunted … this track was the amazing result. I feel that this record best describes my sound as well as the sound that ruled the ‘90’s. U Can’t Hide became the track that let the world know that DJ Sneak was in the house!Ian Pooley – Higgledy PiggledyIan Pooley blasted into the hi life and into many people’s record boxes with this really raw Jackin’ track. This track can get anybody caught sleeping in a club up on their feet and Dancin.Chris Simmonds - Rush n SoulOne of London’s best kept secrets, my man Chris did the dirty on this track. It’s a very structured & solid DEEP HOUSE jam that will live forever in the history of real house music.DJ Sneak's "Back In The Box" is out 28th February 2009 on double mix CD, double unmixed CD, vinyl samplers and digital album.
www.nrkmusic.com/backinthebox
