The Politics of Dancing Vol.1: Mixed By Paul Van Dyk

Right, that's the "average" part of the compilation dealt with, now on to why it is the best DJ mix compilation I have heard:

As expected, this is mostly a trance style compilation. But this is different from most. PvD's own Autumn typifies the more relaxed - yet still great to dance to - trance music that PvD has preferred.

But other tunes like PvD's own remix of "Elevation" by U2 (although not as good as the other U2 remixes), and Way Out West's "Activity" give the compilation a more progressive feel, which I was not expecting.

However, the choice of music, although helping make this a refreshing alternative to most "anthem" based trance compilations, is not what makes PvD's latest offering so special.

The fact is that only a DJ of Paul Van Dyk's ability and work ethic could produce a mix like this. The mixing is perfect (and I mean PERFECT!) with alot of the tracks "reworked" by PvD to fit perfectly next to the ones before and after it. The choice of which track goes where is also faultless. As an example, one of the tracks, less than 2 minutes long, is there simply to act as a bridge between the one before and the one after. It is touches like this that set this compilation apart from the rest.

The time and effort that PvD has put into this mix is there for all to see.

Recently, I have tended to buy albums rather than compilations on the basis that an album allows you to see a more complete picture of the artists vision, but this compilation is different. It is a 2 CD picture of PvD's vision of music, second only to seeing him play at a club in person.

Need I say more?


its been a while.... but worth the wait!!!   January 3, 2002
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

truely great album, the mixng and production is superb. For a studio album its is really great. i always look for some content and feeling in music especially trance and paul always delivers. this album has it all , soul, feeling and emotion. Whether u dance to it or just relax and enjoy the sounds , u will truely enjoy it. the stand out track for me is his new track "autumn" which he has been playing in most of his sets worldwide, and this track alone makes it worth buying the album. a+!


Mixed to perfection   November 16, 2001
3 out of 6 found this review helpful

As I listen to the cd in this very moment i feel i have to write something about it. CD 1 is a very nice mix and is really two thumbs up, but it is really CD 2 where you get your moneys worth. I really cant believe what im listening to. I would have to say PVD is a greater Dj than even Tiesto or the man Oakey himself. This cd is so beautifully mixed it seems like he devoted his entire soul into it. I CAN FEEL IT IN MY EARS.


Great album , proving Paul van Dyk is one of the great DJs   November 14, 2001
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

First mix album from Paul van Dyk for nearly 8 years. Not just a mix album but also featuring reworkings and exclusive mixes.The album features a great re working of iio' s 'Rapture' as well as exclusive mix of U2's 'Elevation'.
Other than these chart topping tunes there are also real high points on the album such as a new tune from PvD - 'Autumn' and the excellent 'Into the night' from 4 Strings. Having seen PvD at various events this year and then the release of this album he has firmly confirmed that he is one of the top 3 DJs in the world at the moment. Excellent !


If you believe theres a better compilation buy it!!!!!!!   November 13, 2001
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

I have been a clubber and a trance lover for about 8 years. Believe me when I say this is the business. Every once in a while a big name DJ decides to flex his muscles and remind everybody why they became famous in the first place and this is one of them.

The first is a more progressive affair with a few of Van Dyk's more recent efforts thrown in, but unlike some progessive DJ's who try to throw obscure tracks in with no melody or purpose just to sound different, Van Dyk keeps it rolling along nicely and it is pleasing to the ears.

As for CD2 what can I say ,it sounds as could as i've if heard in a club and I've seen Van Dyk over 20 times. I don't right many reviews as a lot of albums don't deserve my time or comments, but when a DJ really puts his heart and soul into a compilation like this I can't help it. ENJOY!!!!!