Paul Van Dyk ~ Words (NEC Records in association with MFS)

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Paul Van Dyk ~ Words (NEC Records in association with MFS)[/align]

A label based in Belgium, NEC Records( or Nu Energy Collective) is home to many legendary names in the world of trance music. From Robert Miles to The Prodigy and passing by Paul Van Dyk, many renowned producers and DJs left their mark on this popular label with releases like Fable by non else than Robert Miles. Today in our classic of the week we will discuss yet another unforgettable release: “Words” by Paul Van Dyk.

As for MFS, it is a small but full of quality German label that was an early home to Paul Van Dyk. Unfortunately the label is now largely defunct since the fallout between Paul and label founder Mark Reeder.

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Paul Van Dyk is one of those names who need no presentation. Since the mid-90’s Paul has been one of the leading producers and Disc-Jockeys throughout the globe. People when hearing his name tend to remember his most famous productions such as “Crush” or “For an Angel”. But PvD was also behind many explosive tracks such as “Avenue” or “Words”.

Originally released in 1997 on Vinyl format in collaboration with German label MFS Records, this album included three tracks. Side A featured PvD’s Four Love remix of “Words” as well as his Night Mix of “Moonlighting”, while side B featured the album version of “Words”.

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Words(Album version): the track kicks off quickly with a high BPM. You find some clear psychedelic influences with the background effects that were found on most of the Goa releases in this period. As the track evolves those sounds become clearer and the melody starts dominating. The breakdown afterwards is very tasteful and takes full advantage of the melody. The beat continues after it with the same energy and power that were present before the break. Van Dyk’s fans will have some trouble following this unique track since it is different from what Paul used to present to his fans. But back then the Goa sound influenced many DJs amongst them Paul Oakenfold and many others who introduced this sound to the European crowd.

Moonlighting( Night Mix): with this track we return to a more familiar sound. It begins with a smooth melody while the background effects introduce gradually a surprisingly calm bass-line. As the track progresses the sounds get slightly more aggressive before a breakdown that does not affect the various effects later on. Even though the BPM seems high it is a pleasantly short and calm track offered by Paul.

Words( PvD’s Four Love mix): with this track we finally get back on track and the Van Dyk influence is more than ever present. A calm introduction followed by a quick break prepares us for a massive entrance. The track gains in intensity as it evolves. Enriched with surprising effects( you may at some point recognize the flanger effect that is featured on many mixers) the track provides a continuous flow of energy. The short breaks do not break the power but provide a launching ramp for an even more massive bass-line. My favorite track by far on this vinyl, you find Paul at his best in what he does best: rock the dance floor.

The Four Love mix did not get the attention it should have had back in the day. Mainly due to the rise of progressive house and techno at this time. From all the big names and labels it was again John Digweed with his Global Underground Sydney who featured this track( in those days Sasha and Diggers were putting the basis for the progressive trance sound).

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