by Greg Prato
The East Coast edition of DJs Sasha and John Digweed's Northern Exposure 2 is sure to be a delight to fans of relaxing and near-meditative sounds. The album contains a total of 13 tracks that are remixes, but completely different than what you'd expect from most remix collections. It is dance music (in an ambient kind of way), which will also appeal to fans of house music. For the most part, each track is by a different artist (with the exception of Gus Gus, who have two songs present), but the same recognizable sound is carried throughout Northern Exposure 2. The album sounds best when played from beginning to end, since Sasha and Digweed have sequenced the album's selections so perfectly. And since the entire album is blended seamlessly together track by track, it's hard to pick out certain songs as highlights. A Chicane Mix of the Furry Freaks' &Soothe& is definitely a high point, with its ethereal vocals and enjoyably repetitive hooks. The Acoustic Hoods' &Cycles of Time& shows hints of funk thanks to a synth sound similar to P-Funk. Sasha and John Digweed's Northern Exposure 2, East Coast Edition is a consistent, invigorating listen. [Note: Northern Exposure 2 is also available in a West Coast edition, including completely different songs.]