Released 19 years ago this October
DJ-Kicks: Booka Shade
Booka Shade · 2007
69 min · 22 tracks · house music
A hypnotic blend of deep house grooves and eclectic samples that invite you into a vibrant, pulsating dancefloor atmosphere.
Top tracks — play these first
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Slum Girl Start here — Combining vibrant rhythms with soulful vocals, this track encapsulates the essence of deep house, showcasing Booka Shade's trademark blending of melodic elements and infectious beats.
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Numbers (DJ-Kicks) — An innovative interpretation of the classic track, it highlights the duo's ability to merge nostalgic influences with modern production techniques, making it a standout moment in the mix.
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Arrival at the Library vs. Far Away — This track stands out for its cinematic quality and engaging narrative flow, representing the experimental spirit that defines the DJ-Kicks series while keeping listeners entranced.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album excels in crafting a cohesive and energetic mix, though it may not stand out significantly within its genre.
What we noticed
- The album features a continuous mix that blends tracks seamlessly, creating an uninterrupted flow ideal for dancing.
- Several tracks incorporate eclectic samples from various genres, adding layers of texture to the deep house grooves.
- The tempo remains consistently upbeat throughout, with only slight variations to maintain energy on the dancefloor.
- The last few tracks gradually introduce more ambient elements, providing a subtle shift in mood towards the end.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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9/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic progression with peaks
- vibrant soundscapes for dancing
- eclectic mix for social settings
- wave-like pacing encourages movement
- short tracks for quick enjoyment
Maybe skip if you
- prefer long, cohesive albums
- seek slow, contemplative experiences
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — A solid entry that showcases their sound but isn't a primary entry point or breakthrough.
- Themes
- Berlin club culture· vibrant soundscapes· nostalgic atmospheres
- Career context
- When DJ-Kicks: Booka Shade was released in 2007, Booka Shade was already established in the electronic music scene, following the success of their breakthrough album Movements in 2005. This album marked their first contribution to the revered DJ-Kicks series, showcasing their evolving sound and solidifying their reputation as key players in the house music genre.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Solomun· Guy Gerber· Maceo Plex
Tracklist
- 1 Introduction 1:07
- 2 Slum Girl Start here 2:52
- 3 In the Smoke vs. Hang Around (Wahoo main mix) (Cerrone vs. Ben Westbeech) 4:38
- 4 The Bank Robbery 1:45
- 5 Estoril 2:29
- 6 Situation (US 12" Remix) 2:42
- 7 The Misidia Monarchy vs. The Things I Saw (Akiko Kiyama vs. Karel Fialka) 3:01
- 8 2 Fast 4 U 2:56
- 9 Play Your Part 3:09
- 10 Arrival at the Library vs. Far Away (John Carpenter vs. Mlle Caro & Franck Garcia) 3:23
- 11 Alberto Balsalm 5:29
- 12 Geisha Boys and Temple Girls 2:20
- 13 Drums 0:49
- 14 Contact 2:45
- 15 Numbers (DJ-Kicks) 4:18
- 16 Karasu 5:03
- 17 It's Too Late 4:01
- 18 Virtual Nature 2:54
- 19 Landcruising 3:29
- 20 Tide 3:07
- 21 Don & Sherri (Hot Chip mix) 4:27
- 22 Last Orders 2:36
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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