wordplay: DJ Elroy

Above & Beyond is one of the best known names in trance today. From sold-out shows to chart-topping originals to remixed masterpieces, A&B has all the bases covered and has certainly raised the bar in their genre of choice. This double-disc set commemorates the 100th release on the Anjunabeats label. It’s not just a ‘best of’, but more like a ‘best of the best’ compilation of personal favorites and label highlights.

There are no surprises in the formula here; the trio simply sticks with what works: trance, trance, and more trance. The mixes include both past and current releases hand-picked by Jonathan "Jono" Grant, Tony McGuinness, and Paavo Siljamäki.The tracklist features A&B originals and remixes as well as some of the hottest names in dance today: Gabriel & Dresden, Matt Hardwick, Smith & Pledger, Super8 & Tab and more. It’s the perfect blend of vocals, uplifting melodies, edgy electro-basslines, epic breakdowns, and hands-in-the-air hooks.

The bonus DVD includes some interesting insights from the trio, and while it’s mostly behind the scenes tour footage, there are enough clips of the live Anjunabeach parties in India and Brazil (replete with screaming fans, laser light shows, and the mandatory Jesus Pose) to make me want to crack some glowsticks myself.

June 14th @ Electric Daisy Carnival (Arapahoe County Fairgrounds)

myspace.com/AboveAndBeyond