This is the best trance mix of the first half of 1999, at least. Sasha (of Northern Exposure fame) has produced a double-disc set that climbs every house and techno peak while rolling effortlessly along top-quality, luscious trance-techno plateaus. With disc one, think mountains, air, and sweat under clear blue skies, the dreamy trance escapism of DJ Sakin and Friends' "Protect Your Mind" setting the tone. By the time Slickmick's "Lecture" delivers its pumping techno voice, the underlying subliminal metronomic beats have become wholly engaging. Disc two evokes the atmosphere of a great all-night session, and Sasha brings the mix down the hard-stepping edge of trance-techno, as with Mana's "Psionic," and into a hypnotic land of minimalism, illustrated perfectly by the flat beats of Breeder's "The Chain." Generally, the second journey recalls the subterranean feel of the great Berlin nightclubs from years ago. But just to keep things mobile, Breeder's "Twilo Thunder" is fused with the sensibilities of older Jean Michel Jarre material, offering a dreamy breather from the energy. Global Underground's San Francisco is as good a Friday night mix album as you can get. Indeed, if you match this up with a couple of Northern Exposure sets, some friends, and no limits, the hottest club in town could be your place. --Steffan Chirazi