Tracks That Move Ya Again (Part I + Part II) (The MD Connection)

• house
• techno
• acid-house
• The MD Connection

In the realm of electronic music, few records have had the lasting impact of The MD Connection’s seminal 1992 release, “Tracks That Move Ya Again (Part I + Part II),” a record that breathed new life into the underground dance scene and took the world by storm. Now, more than three decades later, we take a trip down memory lane to reminisce about this game-changing release that still moves us to this day.

First unleashed in 1989 under the title “Tracks That Move Ya” on Muzique Records, this treasure trove of dancefloor anthems saw a reissue in 1992 as a double LP by the Netherlands-based Djax Records. With its iconic gatefold cover, this reissue brought the pulsating sounds of Chicago house to a new generation of listeners and inspired countless artists in the process. As we revisit these tracks today, it becomes increasingly clear that the magic of The MD Connection’s creation is as vibrant and relevant as ever.

Hailing from Chicago, the birthplace of house music, The MD Connection was no stranger to the genre’s foundations. It was within this context that they crafted a record that not only paid homage to the era’s pioneers but also pushed the boundaries of what was possible in house music. The driving force behind this innovative sound was undoubtedly the passion and talent of The MD Connection’s enigmatic producer, who skillfully interwove a range of influences and styles to create a truly unique and unforgettable listening experience.

The opening track, “Frantic Machine” (A1), sets the tone for the record with a relentless rhythm that captures the spirit of the dancefloor. Layer upon layer of synths and drum machines build upon one another, creating an atmosphere that’s both hypnotic and exhilarating. The song’s sense of urgency and energy is impossible to ignore, and the feeling it evokes is one that will stay with you long after the needle has left the groove.

“It Ain’t Goin’ On” (A2) is up next, and it’s a testament to the producer’s ability to fuse disparate elements into a cohesive whole. With its stuttering beats, smooth basslines, and haunting vocal samples, this track transports listeners to a dimly-lit underground club where the only thing that matters is the music. The song is both raw and refined, a testament to the producer’s skill in blending the gritty with the sublime.

“Magic Feet (Orig.)” (B1) marks a turning point in the record, as the tempo slows down and a more introspective vibe takes hold. Here, The MD Connection showcases their skill in creating space within the music, allowing each individual element to breathe and shine in its own right. The result is a track that is as captivating as it is danceable, a song that transports us to a time and place when the magic of the dancefloor was all that mattered.

The first half of the record concludes with “Self Preservation” (B2), a track that epitomizes the producer’s penchant for fusing unconventional rhythms and melodies with traditional house music elements. The song’s off-kilter percussion and mesmerizing synth lines create a sense of tension that is simultaneously unsettling and irresistible, a feeling that’s only amplified by the track’s enigmatic vocal samples.

As we flip the record and dive into “Piano Houze” (C1), it’s clear that The MD Connection has no intention of letting up on their quest to create the ultimate dance music experience. This track is a love letter to the classic piano-driven house anthems of the era, complete with infectious piano riffs, soaring strings, and a beat that simply refuses to quit. It’s a celebration of the genre’s roots, and a reminder of the sheer joy and exuberance that can be found on the dancefloor.

“Soothe My Soul” (C2) brings a sense of calm to the proceedings, offering a respite from the frenetic energy of the previous tracks. With its lush synth pads, seductive basslines, and soothing vocal samples, this song feels like a warm embrace, a moment of solace amidst the chaos of the dancefloor. It’s a testament to The MD Connection’s ability to evoke a range of emotions through their music, and a reminder that sometimes, the most powerful dance tracks are the ones that touch the soul.

“The M Rules” (D1) serves as a triumphant return to the energetic grooves that define the record, with its driving beats and hypnotic synth lines propelling listeners back onto the dancefloor. The song’s relentless energy is infectious, and its unyielding rhythm feels like a call to arms, urging us to lose ourselves in the music once again. It’s a reminder that, in the world of dance music, there are no rules – only the ones we make for ourselves.

Finally, “Laser Scan” (D2) brings the record to a close with a flourish of futuristic sounds and otherworldly melodies. With its shimmering synths, robotic vocal samples, and relentless bass, this track feels like a journey through time and space, a fitting finale to an album that has taken us on a whirlwind tour of the dance music landscape.

Throughout “Tracks That Move Ya Again (Part I + Part II),” The MD Connection deftly weaves together a tapestry of sound that pays homage to their influences while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of what house music can be. From the raw energy of Chicago’s pioneers like Frankie Knuckles and Marshall Jefferson to the innovative stylings of artists such as Aphex Twin and Autechre, it’s clear that The MD Connection’s music stands as a testament to the power of dance music as an art form that transcends time and space.

In the years since its release, “Tracks That Move Ya Again (Part I + Part II)” has remained a touchstone for electronic music enthusiasts and DJs alike. It’s a record that continues to inspire, as new generations of artists discover its magic and find their own ways to build upon its foundations. The lasting impact of this release is a testament to the power of music to move us – both physically and emotionally – and a reminder that, when it comes to dance music, the only constant is change.

In conclusion, “Tracks That Move Ya Again (Part I + Part II)” is a record that defies categorization, a release that bridges the gap between the old and the new, the familiar and the unknown. It’s a testament to the power of dance music to connect us, to bring us together in a shared experience that transcends boundaries and defies expectations. As we look back on this iconic release more than three decades later, it’s clear that its influence is still felt today, and its message is as resonant as ever: when it comes to dance music, it’s all about the tracks that move ya – again and again, and again.