Toss up between 1998 and 2000 for me.
1998 for the music, 2000 for vibez.
Met a bunch of lifelong friends in the summer of 2000 - including wife to be. Hung out at the Cross coupla times a month as the sun crept above the garden fences at 5am. Best Ibiza trip I’ve ever had, and had an amazing time at a couple of the Summer festivals with the same folks. Had recently left uni, decent money in my pocket for the first time, and was seemingly capable of getting bollocksed all weekend, without feeling dramatic after effects.
1998 though was just the pinnacle for me in terms of music. I loved that progressive/trance sound at the time - Breeder at absolute the top of their game, a series of BiR remixes that blew me away every time I heard them. Was big into the Renaissance/GU sound at that time - and so lucky to see the likes of Nigel Dawson, Ian Ossia, Dave Seaman, Nick Warren, Sasha, Digweed etc on very regular rotations around London - as well as a host of lesser known DJs or residents that popped up all over the place. Was also the year of the first Bedrock parties at Heaven, which I went to as often as I could manage.
First heard this in 1998, though I think the full release was in ’99. Insane breakdown and drop when you’re buzzing.
Actually my favourite ‘Breeder’ production from 1998, but rich pickings.
1998 was a spectacular year for Brothers in Rhythm remixes. Too Far, Godspeed, It’s Over It’s Under, Uninvited, Special - all amazing in my eyes (to my ears…) The one I keep going back to though is the BiR rework of Without You I’m Nothing by Placebo. Just an incredible reimagining, and one half of ‘The best transition ever’ ™.
