Laidback Luke - Psyched-Up (The Early Works '96-'98) FLAC

Laidback Luke has been a stalwart of the techno-house scene from the early days, and PSYCHED-UP, a compilation of his tracks, we get to hear how he's forged his own way. From the pure house pleasure of "Music's Always On My Mind" to the more minimal stomp of "Mind Over Matter" or "Make Some Noise," these tracks were meant for you to get up and dance. Even the slower tracks, like the hip-hop infused "Interluke 1," have an undeniable groove. But Luke is just as comfortable with melody, as evidenced on "En Route" or "Out of the Dub" Indeed, the more melodic tracks are probably the stronger ones here. For instance, compare the smooth breaks of "Interluke 2" to the more harsh, "Bring the Noise," though the acid of ""Act the Fool" adds another contrast. Luckily, he save the best for last with "Such a Dreamer," a lovely, solid track that could probably still work in sets today.