Dan Paine | Four Me Mix
A good mix CD is like a good story – a beginning that builds and gives you a taste of what’s to come, a cohesive middle with variation and interest, and an end that brings you back to earth gently. I put this on before making Saturday breakfast and by track two, I realised that breakfast would have to wait.
You see, I’m personally biased in favour of Dan – I was once the recipient of his kindness as an inconsolable 19 year old newbie DJ who had her records stolen one evening in an unfortunate turn of events.
Eight years later, I’m still biased, because this is the type of hip hop I love. The opening moody piano keys glide into a beautiful warm synthy electronic tune (that may be my new favourite) and on to familiar funk flavourings, finishing with some more abstract electronic beats.
This corner of the hip-hop landscape is a small but infinitely beautiful one – soulful, and with a voice that does not need to shout to be heard. Throughout are tunes that make judicious use of their samples, and although there are a couple of well-known teasers, Dan resists any urge to chuck in a couple of crowd-pleasers, because he clearly doesn’t need to. It’s a keeper.
In girly terms, if you’re getting ready for a big night, put this mix on when you get out of the shower. By the time you’ve completed your last lick of mascara you will be ready to go… But with tunes this good, you’re more likely to put it on repeat, cancel your plans and invite the crew round for a beer. It’s been too long since you shimmied in your living room. But then again, I’m biased.
