Johny Atbalsis 2: A Retro Gem That Still Shines Bright
Let’s dive straight into it—Johny Atbalsis 2 is one of those albums that feels like a time capsule from the mid-'90s, but in the best way possible. Released in 1995 by Various artists under Latvia's BP! and ToCo International labels, this Euro House and Eurodance masterpiece hits all the right nostalgic notes. The design credits go to MAPL and Sarmite Elkenrola, who probably didn’t know their work would end up being framed on some dance music nerd's wall decades later (raises hand).
Now, you’ve got 22 tracks here, which is just wild for an album released back when CDs were still cool. It’s packed with radio edits, airplay versions, and remixes galore. Honestly? Some songs blend together after a while because, hey, there’s only so much Eurodance your brain can process without needing a break. But two tracks stuck out to me like neon leg warmers at a rave.
First up, “You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)” — specifically the 7" Illusive Mix. Yeah, yeah, we’ve all heard Dead or Alive’s original hit before, but this version? It somehow manages to make the cheesiness even cheesier, yet oddly addictive. I mean, if you don’t find yourself spinning around your living room while listening to this, are you even alive? There’s something about how they stretched out the beat and added those twinkly synths—it’s pure ear candy. Plus, let’s face it, no matter what year it is, yelling “YOU SPIN ME ROUND” at the top of your lungs never gets old.
Then there’s “Mexican Hat Dance (Radio Hat Dance),” which might be my favorite track name ever. Who doesn’t love a good pun? This one’s got a bouncy rhythm that makes you wanna grab a sombrero and start doing... well, whatever dance move feels right. It’s playful, it’s quirky, and honestly, it’s impossible not to smile while listening to it. You can practically picture someone in a Latvian studio back in ‘95 thinking, “Yeah, let’s throw maracas AND cowbell into this thing.” Bold choice, folks. And it works.
What strikes me most about Johny Atbalsis 2 isn’t just its catchy tunes—it’s how unapologetically extra everything feels. Every track screams maximalism, like the producers decided less was definitely more boring. It’s chaotic, sure, but also kind of beautiful in its chaos. Like stumbling across an underground club where everyone’s wearing neon windbreakers and dancing like nobody’s watching.
But here’s the kicker: If you told teenage me I’d be writing glowingly about a Latvian electronic album from 1995, I’d have laughed in your face. Yet here we are, proving once again that great music finds you when you least expect it. So next time you’re feeling nostalgic—or maybe just need a playlist to clean your house to—give this bad boy a spin. Just don’t blame me if you catch yourself singing “BOOM BOOM BOOM” randomly for days afterward.
You Spin Me Round (Like A Record) (7" Illusive Mix)
4:26
Feel It D.J. (Radio Version)
3:56
Tarzan & Heidi
4:00
Images
Catalog Numbers
BP 020, 931.063-4
Labels
BP!, ToCo International
Listen online
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Formats
Cassette
Compilation
Companies
Role
Company
Distributed By
Gailītis-G
Licensed From
ToCo Licensing N.V.
Credits
Role
Credit
Design
MAPL, Sarmite Elkenrola
Interesting fact about Album
Here’s a fun fact: The album *Johny Atbalsis 2* is a hidden gem from Latvia's 1995 electronic music scene. It’s packed with Euro House and Eurodance tracks, giving it that quintessential ‘90s vibe. One standout detail? The design credits go to MAPL and Sarmite Elkenrola, who likely gave the album its distinctive look. And get this—it includes a remix of *"You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)"*, a track that became iconic thanks to Dead or Alive. So, if you’re into nostalgic beats, this one’s a treasure trove!
