Blog Post # 2 - Album Review

Armin van Buuren - A State of Trance 2012

The Dutch club hero, Armin van Buuren never ceases to amaze me as he continues to push the boundaries of trance to their limits. For over a decade now Armin produces, mixes, and lives to the marvel of trance. His music continuously captivates trance addict and club goers alike. This year Armin constructed another breathtaking annual trance compilation through A State of Trance 2012, a two-disc album divided into two sets - 'On the Beach' and 'On the Club'. The first set allows the listeners to experience the relaxing ambiance of soothing sound and pick us up on our feet with the pounding sound of club beats in the second set.

The first part is made up of some of the most beautiful and moving sounds of synths, acoustic guitar, piano track and bass lines. "The Fussion" starts with some electro/dubstep elements which I find intriguing since Armin is mostly famous for vocal and uplifting anthem sounds. The second track "Granadella", my favorite for this set, relieves doubt and assures the listeners of the classic beach theme they are looking for. "Keep This Memory" brings out the groovy bass line that deliver a smooth and melodic track. Susana's powerful voice is beautifully merged in  "Down to Nothing", second last track that should have been the last for the first set. This track is a perfect finish to the flow that Armin started and marks the commencement of the second set of the album.

After the relaxing beach settings, Armin prepares the listeners for an energetic club set. He begins the second part with "Mumbai Traffic" a nice solid beat with a high flowing energy tune. Anthem tracks like "Attractive Force" and "Amsterdam" brings you back to the scene of a massive trance live concerts that leaves your feet thumping hard on the floor."J'ai Envie De Toi" my personal favorite for the second set delivers euphoric melody and uplifting vocals. And with all the monstrous tracks that Armin has strategically placed, he ends this state of trance journey with "Coming Home" as the superb conclusion for this two-hour set of majestic journey that trance lovers will not be disappointed of.

If you'd like to hear a preview for some of the tracks, they are available from Beatport

Research Essay Topic

For the final research essay paper, I have decided on the topic "The State of Qatar and its oil wealth"

My final essay will discuss about how Qatar's main export of oil have transformed the once poor-under-developed tiny Gulf Arab State into one of the top wealthiest countries in the world today.

Having lived in Qatar for more than a decade, I personally witness the rapid development progress that the state has undertaken in transforming itself from a flat one-story settlement into a high-rise skyscrapers. The wealth does not only changed the country itself but also for the local people who are small in number and only a minority compare to the total number of population which consist of mostly foreigners working in Qatar. Back then life is harsh and many of the locals are poor considering that their main income only comes from fishing and the pearl trade. Nowadays, Qataris are enjoying high standards of living; by law locals receive a priority in obtaining employment that comes with huge salary package, living in big houses, owning more than several cars, receiving free health care and education which are all attributes from the income generated from the export of oil.

I feel that this topic is important because not only the State of Qatar has used its oil wealth to improve the overall development of the nation but also to voice a say in the world that this tiny nation exist and it is capable of becoming one of the major powerhouse nation in the future.

Below is a photo that I edited using the Paint program from Windows 7 OS (I'm no artist, forgive me for the crappy editing). The picture shows what Qatar looks like back in early 1980's compare to the recent days. The black arrows shows The Sheraton Hotel Doha.