This mix is a convergence of sorts; and in a rapidly-becoming trend, the second dedication in a row. Conceived, mixed and posted in 90 minutes flat, this was borne of a conversation I had with a dear friend who had somehow managed not to hear Grayarea’s years of lore. After I streamed her a few tracks online, she determined (correctly) that it was fantastic running music, and begged for the songs. Instead of obliging, I decided to throw together my favorite moments of Grayarea’s storied original works and remixes into a 50-minute mix — a good workout length. This fulfilled two more of my itches: To do my own Nike+ style mix, and to do one of a single artist (Which I’ve thought of spinning off into an Exploration series, as there’s many artists I’d love to do this with: Blue Haze, Jaytech, Digital Witchcraft, Salt Tank, The Light, etc.).

Grayarea has been something of a question mark in latter day times. They were a moderate success in their early years with ‘One For The Road’, and gained mainstream progressive notoriety when Nick Warren dropped ‘Yewminyst’ — a triumph — on his GU024 Reykjavik mix in 2003. Throughout the next couple years they remixed over a dozen artists, culminating with the original work ‘Gravity’ in 2005, released as a single 12″ and online as a free download. A full length album following the departure of Nosmo from the group was shopped around in 2006, but never picked up. The remaining members McRae and Ruin have held fast regardless, and with a remix for BT’s upcoming album in the works, may be on the verge of a rebirth.

Upon reflection of this 52 minute retrospective, I can say from the depths of my heart that I’d love nothing less than for the fierce return of Grayarea. The days of their prime remain some of my most beloved and cherished moments in electronic music. I recall the first times hearing each of these tracks with stunning clarity, knowing they were destined for greatness and longevity. Grayarea gave the late breakbeat scene of the 90s a reason to cheer again, fusing unconventional arrangements with beautifully-composed melodies and even better harmonics. It was a rare breed: Peak time dancefloor material that rewarded headphone listeners. Not a single new artist has come close since.

Cheers, Sunny. Thanks for the reminder.

Running Time: 52:08
File Size: 119.5 MB @ 320 kbps

Tracklisting:

1. Grayarea – Yewminyst [Hope]
2. Digital Witchcraft – Brindavan (Grayarea’s Purging The Inventory Remix) [CDR]
3. Billy Dalessandro – In The Dark (Grayarea Smart Bar Mix) [Kompute]
4. Blackwatch & Greed – Gentle Rain (Grayarea’s Dismembered Breaks Remix) [Release]
5. Benz & MD – Wonder (Grayarea’s America’s Hat Remix) [Hope]
6. Grayarea – Gravity [Hope]
7. Bedrock – Emerald (Grayarea’s Speakeasy Remix) [Bedrock]