DJ-Kicks

This installment of the mighty DJ Kicks series showcases the talents of Stacey Pullen, the producer and DJ who is Detroit's Great White Hope, part of the generation of producers who took the plans laid by Detroit's innovators to the next level. The track selection for this mix reflects Pullen's production style; a nonstop barrage of tribal percussion provides the foundation for chords and melodies that build and release tension while constantly keeping the energy cranked up to 11. Stacey constructs the mix using three turntables, a rack of effects, and 24 top-quality techno records, creating transitions out of thin air and ensuring there's a surprise around every corner. And at the end, his own production talents are displayed on "DJ Kicks (The Track)," constructed exclusively for this compilation using samples from the mix itself. While it's intended for home listening, DJ Kicks is the next best thing to actually experiencing Pullen's engaging sets. --Matthew Corwine