This 2-CD set is one of those rare instances where the sequel surpasses the original, and considering how good D.R. 1 is, that's saying a lot. The "Beats" section contains extremely creative, electronic-sounding loops at tempos from 50 to 200 BPM (with one at 480). They're ideal for layering over more conventional loops, or serving as the foundation for less conventional compositions. The four "Groove Menus" (available only on CD-ROM versions) each play a relatively lengthy riff every 5 BPM, from 50 to 135 BPM. There are also gorgeous ambiences, beds, electro-bells, drones, weird semi-distorted stuff, hits, alien vocal sounds, mallets, pads, special effects, sweeps, synth bass, and more -even a folder of "bonus" sounds from D.R.1. Spring for the CD-ROM; there's more material, and as this is the kind of disc you will probably use a lot, having everything keymapped and ready to load is a real time-saver. I can't recommend this CD highly enough if you're looking for evocative, innovative textures and loops - especially if you just got a call to score the next X-Files movie. CD-audio $99, CD-ROM $199.

-Craig Anderton EQ magazine review