I Called U / Blackout (Lil' Louis & The World)

• acid-house
• deep-house
• Lil' Louis & The World

In the annals of dance music history, there are few records as iconic and enduring as Lil’ Louis & The World’s “I Called U / Blackout,” a seminal release that has left an indelible mark on the collective consciousness of club-goers and music enthusiasts alike. Today, we take a retrospective look at this classic release from 1989, dissecting its influence and the stories that surround it, while remaining cognizant of the age of the record and the context in which it was produced.

Lil’ Louis, a Chicago-born producer and DJ, was already a respected figure in the burgeoning house music scene when he released “I Called U / Blackout” in the UK. This 1989 double EP, featuring multiple remixes of the two titular tracks, showcases the producer’s versatility and knack for creating infectious dance floor anthems. At the time, the genre of house music was still in its infancy, and the release of this record solidified Lil’ Louis’ status as a trailblazer within the scene.

The first track, “I Called U (Original Mix),” starts with a hypnotic, pulsating beat that is soon joined by a syncopated piano riff. The melody quickly takes center stage, evoking a sense of longing and desire, while the vocals narrate the story of a failed romantic connection. Lil’ Louis masterfully combines the driving, relentless rhythm with the emotive power of the lyrics, encapsulating the dichotomy of house music: both a vessel for catharsis and a celebration of the human experience.

In “I Called U (Over The Edge),” the melody is deconstructed and reimagined, with the piano riff and vocals punctuated by atmospheric, echo-laden synths. The track’s structure teeters on the precipice of chaos, yet it remains anchored in the rhythmic foundation established in the original mix. This version captures the essence of late-night club culture: a place where darkness meets light, and inhibition is swept away by the rhythmic current.

“Blackout (Original Mix)” delves into deeper, darker territory, with haunting synths, an ominous bassline, and a smattering of eerie vocal samples. The relentless, pounding kick drum drives the track forward, creating a sense of urgency and unease. This is a record for the underground, where shadows dance with strobe lights, and the line between reality and fantasy is blurred.

The “‘Tempramental’ Dub Mix” of “Blackout” strips the track down to its bare essentials, allowing the bassline and percussion to take center stage. The minimalistic approach creates an intense, immersive experience, a descent into the depths of the club where the only solace is found in the rhythm and the camaraderie of fellow dancers.

“I Called U (0898 Mix)” takes a different approach, layering sultry saxophone lines over the original piano riff, giving the track a more sensual, jazz-infused feel. The smooth, seductive quality of the saxophone provides a stark contrast to the driving beat, creating an irresistible tension that beckons listeners to the dance floor.

The “Saxy Version” of “I Called U” continues to play with this juxtaposition, the sultry saxophone now accompanied by a more pronounced, melodic bassline. The result is a lush, immersive soundscape that transports listeners to a dimly lit, smoke-filled jazz club – an unexpected but delightful departure from the traditional house music setting.

“Blackout (Phase 1)” and “Blackout (Phase 2)” take listeners on a journey through the various stages of the titular blackout. Phase 1 begins with a foreboding, tension-filled build-up, the beat gradually intensifying before plunging into the abyss of the blackout. Phase 2 picks up where Phase 1 left off, delving even deeper into the darkness. The synths become more dissonant, the percussion more erratic, and the atmosphere more claustrophobic. It’s as if Lil’ Louis has captured the very essence of a power outage within a club, the panic and disorientation palpable in every beat.

The release of “I Called U / Blackout” in 1989 was a seminal moment in the development of house music and the evolution of electronic dance music as a whole. Lil’ Louis managed to create a record that was both innovative and timeless, weaving together elements of jazz, R&B, and early techno into a cohesive, genre-defying package. The record’s influence can be heard in the works of countless artists, such as Daft Punk, Frankie Knuckles, and Kerri Chandler, who were undoubtedly inspired by the pioneering sounds of Lil’ Louis.

The theme of the release, as evidenced by the tracks and their accompanying remixes, revolves around the duality of human emotions and experiences. While “I Called U” explores themes of longing, desire, and vulnerability, “Blackout” delves into the darker, more unsettling aspects of the human psyche, like fear and uncertainty. This contrast is further emphasized through the use of antithesis, as Lil’ Louis juxtaposes the sultry saxophone with the driving house beats, and the atmospheric synths with the relentless, pounding percussion.

In conclusion, Lil’ Louis & The World’s “I Called U / Blackout” is a landmark release that has stood the test of time, remaining a pivotal influence in the world of electronic music. Its unique blend of genres, innovative use of antithesis, and masterful production techniques make it an essential listen for any fan of house music or electronic dance music in general. As we look back on this classic record from today’s perspective, it serves as a reminder of the genre’s rich history and the creative visionaries like Lil’ Louis who shaped it into the global phenomenon it has become.