Various – Order Odonata Vol. 1

The best various artists compilation ever, in any genre of music to have ever existed. This is it. Very collector friendly too: besides the Hallucinogen song, none of these tracks appear on artist albums. Incredibly consistent, sonically and thematically, for a various artists release, and what a gorgeous master this CD has. Historically significant bridge between proto goa and classic goa. I enjoy Project II Trance and also the semi-related Tranceformed From Beyond compilations, but the technical improvements from those to this in only a year's time is staggering to comprehend.

The first track is the epitome of the 1994 sound of Classic Goa Trance and one of the most memorable tracks of that time. So raw and chunky. Such a beautiful time to be in Anjuna Beach.

So many great Classic Goa Trance tracks began to emerge in 1994 and this comp has a few of the great one's from that year. I am particularly fond of the first and last tracks on this comp as well as the Slinky Wizard Track. The hallucinogen track is also a great classic in the genre. These tracks really encapsulate the raw, earthy and cosmic elements that were coming forth at the time from Anjuna Beach. These tracks probably got overplayed at the time and lost their relevance pretty quickly because of their accessibility on Dragonfly, but 27 years later, these are really amazing tracks that embody the incredible trailblazing and creativity that was bubbling up at the time as Goa Trance was ready to hit the start of it's peak analog momentum in 1995 through 1997. There are quite a number of great Goa Trance tracks from 1994, so maybe this release will inspire a deeper dive for those who have a real ion for authentic Goa Trance.

Whole record is flames. Buy on sight if you like trance, techno, and/or acid.

Oh man there is a lot to like here. More than a lot. A f*ckton. Iconic goa trance like LSD shines brightly no matter how many times you hear it. Voyager III by Prana is another melodic gem that has relentless energy. Superbooster is punchy and is definitely dancefloor approved. Slinky Wizard is deceptive as it lurks before that classic melody appears and you realize why you fell in love with goa trance.

Yet I believe what is really outstanding about this compilation is the tracks that might not jump out at you. The Rezistor is a one off by 3 goa vets that blows the doors off the hinges and that is followed up by the collaboration of Psychaos + Genetic with 1000 Planets. Another pumping track that sounds great today. New Moon is Cydonia and Psychaos teamup that really delivers. Bouncy, twisting melodies, and just fun.

This was made in 1994.

27 years ago. If it was life it would have 2.5 kids, a picket fence and a mortgage. Music of this quality stands the test of time. Sure there are some tracks that don't shine as brightly as the main ones, but I count at least 8 EXCELLENT efforts.

And that's pretty damn good.