house

Elektric Dance (Jungle Crew)

In the annals of electronic music history, certain releases stand out as pivotal moments that not only embody the essence of a particular era, but also help to shape the sonic landscape of the future. The 1989 release of “Elektric Dance” by Jungle Crew, distributed by the US-based Play House Records, is one such milestone. It’s a testament to the vibrant and rapidly-evolving scene of the late ’80s, when musical boundaries were being stretched and transcended at an electrifying pace....

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Tits, Ass & Pussy (Marcus Mixx)

There are certain songs that manage to capture the very essence of a musical era and genre, transcending the limits of time and space to create something truly exceptional. Marcus Mixx’s “Tits, Ass & Pussy,” released in 1991, is one such gem. A gritty and unapologetically raw release that speaks volumes about the daring, rebellious spirit of early 90s acid-house and house music, this record has only grown in stature and influence over the years....

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Love Will Find A Way (Victor Romeo)

As the sun sets on the Chicago skyline, we take a moment to reflect on the golden era of house music, a time when pioneers like Victor Romeo pushed the boundaries of electronic sound and made waves in the underground dance scene. Released in 1988, “Love Will Find A Way” remains a testament to the ingenuity of this oft-forgotten producer, whose innovative approach to music left a lasting impression on the genre....

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Nervous Acid / Future? (Bobby Konders)

Entering the hallowed halls of electronic music history, one cannot help but stumble upon the legends of yesteryears, who have shaped the sonic landscape in ways that still reverberate to this day. Bobby Konders, the Brooklyn-based DJ and producer, who masterminded the Massive B label, initially as a division of Nu Groove Records, is one such enigmatic figure. In the early 1990s, Konders’ house music productions were transcendent, and it was in the year 1992 that he released the seminal record, “Nervous Acid / Future?...

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Short Circuit (Steve Poindexter)

In an era of unprecedented musical innovation, a release that stands the test of time is a testament to its creator’s ingenuity and prowess. “Short Circuit,” the indelible 1989 release by Chicago-born DJ and producer Steve Poindexter, not only showcases his virtuosity but also solidifies his status as an unequivocal icon in the realm of electronic music. Today, as we look back from the vantage point of 2023, it is impossible not to appreciate the timeless appeal of this remarkable release....

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Alpha Wave (System 7)

In the expansive realm of electronic music, System 7’s 1995 release, “Alpha Wave,” stands as a monumental testament to the ever-evolving nature of the genre. Formed by Steve Hillage and Miquette Giraudy, both formerly of the psychedelic space rock collective Gong, System 7 emerged from the ashes of the UK’s underground dance music movement, carrying the torch of innovation and exploration into the new decade. Today, nearly three decades later, “Alpha Wave” continues to resonate as a timeless classic that bridges the gap between the unbridled energy of techno and the ethereal tranquility of ambient music....

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D.I.U. (Deep In Underground) (DA Rebels)

As we delve into the depths of electronic music history, we often come across records that carry the essence of an era and the spirit of the underground. D.I.U. (Deep In Underground), released in 1989 by the Chicago-based duo Da Rebels, is one such gem that, even today, shines with the vibrancy of the past while echoing the innovations of the present. Comprised of the legendary Curtis Alan Jones, who later became known as Cajmere and then Green Velvet, and Liddell Townsell, who made groundbreaking acid house records for Trax, this collaboration resulted in an EP that remains an essential piece of dance music history....

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Land Of Confusion (Armando)

Armando’s “Land of Confusion” is a true masterpiece in the realm of acid house, with its raw and energetic sound, pulsating rhythms, and infectious melodies. Released in 1987, the track showcases the Chicago-based producer’s unique style and talent, which made him a legendary figure in the house music scene of the late ’80s and early ’90s. Armando’s music was heavily influenced by the pioneering work of DJs and producers like Ron Hardy, Adonis, and Marshall Jefferson, who were instrumental in shaping the sound of Chicago house music during its formative years....

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Madness (Terry Hunter)

As the sun sets on yet another chapter in the ever-evolving world of electronic music, it becomes more crucial than ever to look back and appreciate the foundations that brought us to where we are today. It is with this reverence for history that we delve into Terry Hunter’s 1990 release, “Madness,” a seminal record that still stands as a testament to the innovation and artistry that defined the golden age of Chicago house music....

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Machines (Laurent X)

There’s a certain magic that envelops you when listening to an old track, especially one that has left its mark on the sands of time. Today, we delve into a piece of history, an EP that has withstood the test of time and still reverberates within the soul of the electronic music community. We’re talking about Laurent X’s “Machines” EP, released in 1988 by Core Music. A seminal release in its own right, “Machines” continues to inspire and delight even as we approach the 35-year mark since its release....

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House Nation (The Housemaster Boyz)

Once upon a time, in 1986, the universe was graced with a sonic revelation so profound that the landscape of house music would never be the same again. It was in this golden year that a mythical assembly of artists known as The Housemaster Boyz emerged from the shadows, ready to conquer the world with a groundbreaking release: “House Nation.” This seminal record, a divine gift to the masses, was released under the auspices of Fairshake Music and distributed by Dancemania Records, a name that would soon become synonymous with the very essence of house music....

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Do You Wanna Jack / Lost In The Sound (Gentry Ice)

It is often said that a seminal piece of music, like a fine wine, only gets better with age. From today’s perspective, we are faced with a unique opportunity to re-examine the 1988 release, “Do You Wanna Jack / Lost In The Sound” by the enigmatic Gentry Ice, and appreciate how it has ripened and matured over the years. As a double feature, the record perfectly exemplifies the sound of the era, reflecting the innovative spirit of late-80s British electronic music....

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Bounce Your Body To The Box (Kevin Saunderson)

The elusive magic of a timeless record lies within its ability to transport us back to a specific era while retaining its charm and captivating nature. It is said that music is the universal language of mankind, and I can think of no better example than Kevin Saunderson’s groundbreaking 1988 release, “Bounce Your Body To The Box.” A record so fiercely innovative and intoxicating that, decades later, its influence and sonic ripples are still felt across the electronic music landscape....

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Voodoo Ray (A Guy Called Gerald)

As we traverse the endless expanse of time, it is always a pleasure to unearth relics from the past that still resonate with contemporary ears. One such gem is the 1988 release “Voodoo Ray” by A Guy Called Gerald, a record that has traversed decades, retaining its hypnotic charm and otherworldly vibe. This is a record that can be described as a siren call, luring you into its sonic grasp, only to leave you floating in an abyss of rhythmic sorcery....

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Dance You Mutha (Mike Dunn)

In the annals of dance music history, few tracks possess the ability to transport listeners back to the golden age of Chicago house as effectively as Mike Dunn’s seminal 1987 release, “Dance You Mutha.” Today, we delve into the intricacies and stories surrounding this timeless classic, embracing its raw energy and the impact it had on the evolution of house music. A true renaissance man, DJ, producer, and vocalist Mike Dunn, hails from the Windy City of Chicago, where house music was birthed, nurtured, and unleashed upon the world....

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I Gotta Big Dick (Maurice Joshua)

As the clock rewinds to the era of the late 1980s, we find ourselves entrenched in the pulsating heart of Chicago’s thriving dance music scene, where Maurice Joshua was cementing his place as a pioneer of the genre. The seasoned DJ and producer, who would later go on to establish his own label, Nu Soul, has left an indelible mark on the annals of electronic dance music, and his 1988 release on Trax Records Ltd....

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I've Lost Control (Sleezy D.)

Sleezy D.’s “I’ve Lost Control” remains an emblem of the golden age of Chicago house music, as well as a fascinating glimpse into the world of one of the scene’s more enigmatic figures. Released in 1986, the record has aged remarkably well, its spellbinding beats and hypnotic vocals continuing to enthrall listeners in the present day. From today’s perspective, it is hard to believe that the song was the result of a mix-up, its origins clouded in confusion and controversy....

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Searchin' Hard (Da Posse)

Picture this: it’s 1989, the Berlin Wall is falling, and the world is on the brink of a new era. In the midst of this rapidly changing landscape, Hula & K. Fingers, two core members of Da Posse, along with Maurice Joshua (known as Maurice in the group), release a record that would embody the spirit of its time, yet feel utterly timeless even today. Let us take a stroll down memory lane and rediscover “Searchin’ Hard,” a pioneering gem in the history of dance music....

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Tracks That Move Ya Again (Part I + Part II) (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....

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We Are Phuture (Phuture)

As we embark on a retrospective journey through the annals of electronic dance music, one cannot ignore the seismic impact of the legendary Chicago-based Acid House group, Phuture. Founded in 1985 by DJ Pierre, Earl ‘Spanky’ Smith, and Herbert ‘Herb J’ Jackson, the trio ignited the dance floors with their groundbreaking fusion of futuristic sounds, twisted basslines, and hypnotic rhythms. Today, we dive into their 1988 masterpiece, “We Are Phuture,” a timeless record that continues to captivate the hearts and minds of those who encounter its entrancing grooves....

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