By Sharon Cain

What kind of world would it be without Defected Records? Just imagine. We'd drag our uninspired butts around the dance floors of the world, eternally waiting for a breath of fresh air and jonesing for that certain compelling spark able to lift us out of our physical bodies and into the realm of the ethereal. That cool, crisp groove that feels just right when it embraces us mind, body, and soul. “Ah... this feels good…” When we finally arrived this time, we realized that Eivissa 08 from Defected Records was the shot in the arm we'd needed to get us there!
   
I cued up CD number one of Eivissa 08 and immediately began dancing around my living room — naked (overshare?) — and imagining that I was lost in a sea of beautiful bodies, caught in that smooth, grooving, rhythmic net of sound!
   
Let It Go featuring vocalist Kathy Battistessa was a fabulous way to start my day! But I was not satisfied and needed more. Give Me Love featuring Rae was just what I needed to let loose that last bit of cerebral self-identity that was keeping me tied to the material world. Unfortunately, during this moment of near oblivion I accidentally stepped on my cat, immediately dispelling my ecstatic trance. Damn! I began again, continuing to listen to this remarkable compilation of distinct tracks. The vibe was continuous and slowly evolving, but each track was as unique and exquisite as a snowflake.
   
The instrumental track Chikuma by Hideo Kobayashi was a particular standout. Light and airy, but full of deep, rhythmic undertones — the kind that reach up and grab you when you least expect it. I was now hooked, with no choice but to dance my way into CD number two of this three CD collection!
   
I decided to pump up the volume as the energy level increased in the music. Can't Stop (Jose Nunez Throwback Mix) was incredible. But then the phone rang. Oh, hell no! I thought to myself. It was probably my neighbors with their new baby, asking me to turn it down — or the old lady with all the cats that hates me because I remind her of her own lost youth. One way or another, I just knew my vibe was going to be busted, so I sadly turned down the volume. Hello, I said in a rather dejected fashion. “Hey, I heard all those smokin' tracks coming out of your house so I'm comin' over!” said the voice. Hallelujah!! It was my cool neighbor Steve! I ran into the bedroom and quickly threw on some loose-fitting clothes so that I could more comfortably continue my journey into Eivissa 08 (and to avoid startling Steve with my nakedness!) When I finally turned the volume back up, Momma's Groove by Osunlade was spilling out of my windows like sunlight into a dark void. I looked up and saw that Steve was dressed in a complete hula girl outfit, with his hips shaking to the nasty funk sax lines as he swayed up my driveway after having run back to his place for a moment. Let the party begin! Our anthem for the afternoon soon became the We'll Keep Climbin' Club Mix by Joey Negro.
   
As the afternoon wore on, Steve and I realized that we needed to recruit some fresh new blood to re-infuse our impromptu happening. Two does not a party make, no matter how hard you try! Steve flipped open his hot pink cell phone and placed the critical call. Party 911! Party in the house! Just Dance, a Quentin Harris re-production, was echoing in the background and calling out like a sentinel for lost souls. Before I knew what had hit me, my house was vibrating and awash with full-spectrum color — suddenly filled with groovy, sexy, hip-looking people who had tuned in to our scene. Should I get naked again?  I wondered. I decided to wait and see where the evening would take us! With that thought, Make Em Shake It, remixed by Kenny Dope came stampeding out of the speakers and through the crowd like a wild bull. In an act of unified abandonment, everyone screamed and gave themselves over to the undertow of rhythm witchcraft that had now taken control of these party adepts! Through the densely layered mix I heard a faint tap tap tap. It was the old cat lady, banging her cane on the screen door. Oh, hell no! I thought to myself again. I opened the door, ready for a fierce confrontation with the old broad. Oddly enough, she was smiling and had brought me a bottle of champagne for the party! Hypnose by DJ Gregory was working its magic and before I had time to think about it, I had invited the prune-like cat-woman in for some refreshments. She plopped herself down on the sofa, right next to a retired go-go dancer with bright pink hair.
   
I don't know how many times we played Eivissa 08 that evening, but no one was complaining.
   
However sweet, all good things must come to an end — and as the last of our eclectic cabal was making their way down my driveway to leave, they were still marveling at how awesome the music had been. Bits of palm frond from Steve's hula skirt now littered the floor, along with renegade articles of clothing that I didn't recognize.
   
I can't guarantee that everyone who listens to Eivissa 08 will have such mind-altering, out-of-body experience of oneness — but you will definitely love the mixes! Just don't be surprised if they strike a chord with your own inner libertine!
   
To purchase Eivissa 08 or any of the other amazing mix CDs on offer from London-based Defected Records, visit defected.com.

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