Albion ~ Air (Platipus Recordings)

[A-Cube]

Due to unanimous requests the classics of the month will be posted on a weekly basis.

Albion ~ Air (Platipus Recordings)

A popular trance label based in the UK Platipus was behind many defining names who marked the epic trance period of the late 90’s with unforgettable tracks. Among those we find Art of Trance, Terra Ferma, Salamander or Quietman. Most famous releases include the smash-hit "Anomaly (Calling Your Name)" by BT and DJ Taylor, "Red Herring" and "Two Full Moons and a Trout" by Union Jack. After 1999 in the peak of the epic trance style the label had to go with the current in stark contrast to their early releases of classic and acid trance. In 2001, sub-label Gekko was formed. The more European Trance label Platipus Euro was formed in 2003.

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But the Platipus release that left its undying mark in the history of trance would certainly be “Air” by Albion. Found on every single compilation in 1998 from John Digweed to Paul Oakenfold “Air” was a smash hit through out this year. Originally released in the UK on vinyl, side B also included a remix by Palefield Mountain.

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Albion is one of Ferry Corsten’s many aliases over the years. And introducing Corsten’s sound to old and new trance listeners would be like introducing Beethoven’s symphonies to classic music lovers.

A trancy release with a swift introduction that builds up slowly but steadily towards a divine mix of melodies “Air” is a breathtaking hard trance tune. The background effects are simply magical while a banging continuous beat keeps going interrupted only by small tasteful breakdowns that prepare us for an even harder & more aggressive sound throughout the track. The elements composing this tune are simply mesmerizing & defining this work as a tune would not be enough, this release is more like a journey in the epic days of trance. Certainly a track for times, while Paul Oakenfold made full use of the hard side of this release, other DJs like John Digweed used its more progressive side in their compilations. You can encounter “Air” in the legendary label Global Underground in two of their 1998 albums: Global Underground New York by Paul Oakenfold and Global Underground Sydney by John Digweed.

2000 witnessed the re-release of “Air” under the name “Air 2000” that featured remixes by Ferry Corsten ,Oliver Lieb and Hybrid.

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You can find samples of this release on: www.justmusicstore.com/album-2105582/Al ... -download/

[DIONYSOS]

LOVE Platipus. LOVE Ferry. LOVE Air. I've got so many memories with this track. Back then I didn't really know it was Ferry behind the alias.

I think this section is gonna cause me to dig up a whole lot of old CDs! I just hope they're still in good condition...

[Genesis]

^ Same here: I also never knew that was Ferry back then!
Ah, this brings out a lot of memories!! I had the Hybrid Remix of it on
Platipus Beginners Guide Compilation (I think it was out in 2001 - not sure
though).

The disk was compiled by Art of Trance and had all sort of tunes from
Filterheadz, Humate, Moogwai, and Bedrock to name a few... Can't
remember more than this right now.

Good release. A real good one.

[crow]

:O
I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!
OMG I CANT BELIEVE YOU REVIEWED THIS!!!!!
Maannnn.... that "air" noise that Ferry used is probably a million times harder than any noise than Sander van Doorn produces that many producers out there find it hard to copy. I DARE any producer out there to get that sound!
Amazing track (along with the remixes) and amazing review!
Thank you so much for making my day!

[ash k]

[ash k]

[crow]

[Shy--Ism]

Platipus is with no doubt a brilliant record label for many major reasons and I got introduced to Platipus and its fabulous work through "Art Of Trance" when first I started digging Old music. I only got the chance to hear the re-release Air 2000 among the remixes. Catchy track, highly edged and a pleasant dance-floor satisfaction too. As it is mentioned between the lines ‘Air’ satisfied lots of producers whom had different and several Musical influences, which is one of the main reasons why this UK labeled production is surely unforgettable. Beautifully done from Ferry Corsten, and this good review is another live proof for what I’m talking about!

Gorgeous release.

[samlbronkowitz]