Wink - Higher State of Consciousness Part 1

Josh Wink, "Higher State of Consciousness (Original Tweekin' Acid Funk mix)" (YSI link)

Josh Wink, "Higher State of Consciousness (Dirty South and TV Rock remix)" (YSI link)

I figurd that this would be a good time to look at the Josh Wink acid classic, "Higher State of Consciousness," that ZZT alluded to with their song we posted on Saturday, "Lower State of Consciousness." I mean, I'm not sure that there's a lot left for me to say for this one, which has been around for more than a decade and still kills dancefloors all of these years later. How relevant is it still? Well, people are still doing remixes and edits of the song in the year 2007, pretty good evidence that you've created a monster and a classic. We're gonna showcase the many versions of this track over the years this week, as everyone needs a little acid in their life.

There's only one place to start: the Original Tweekin' Acid Funk mix. This one's my favorite, the one that dominated clubs and warehouses in the 90s and a great example of the acid sound. No matter how many times I hear this one, I'm never quite prepared for how sick that squiggly synths that turn this into a raging, acid monster. I mean, can you imagine hearing this on a massive system? Wink just hits all of the right notes, I love love love that ominous opening, when you hear those drums and the slow pace and the beginnings of the synth and the mutated voice. Add this one to "Don't Laugh" and I feel like Wink stands in pretty exalted company, making some of the darkest, most ominous dance music ever. It's amazing to think that this song, albeit the radio edit, was able to reach #8 on the UK singles chart.

On the more contemporary tip, electro house dons Dirty South and TV Rock decided to get in on the action this year with their remix. It's not on the level of the original, but it's a nice job updating for the current scene, hopefully giving it another life. They've added a lot more bass, taken out the buildup and that breakbeat sound, making this one much more ready for today's dancefloor. It's clearly worked, as this one made it to #1 on the UK Dance chart this summer. Highly recommended for anyone who loves the electro club stuff coming out or who'd like to find a link to the classic acid days.