Page 72 - DemoZone Magazine Issue 003

Welcome back for this edition of Retro Review!!
There has been a great response from a lot of readers after February’s issue, glad to see you all enjoyed the read and also happy to have added a few wants to your ever growing collection. This month should be no different so keep the emails coming we always love to hear your feedback from right across the full issue of Zone!
As always I’ll be reviewing tracks that have rocked the scene from right across the globe, International classics that span multiple genres and hopefully rekindle some of those great memories from years gone by....
Before I start though, Allow me bow my cap to the memory of the legendary Godfather of House Mr. Frankie Knuckles who had his first years anniversary on the 31st of March... Such a sad and sudden loss , he was an absolute mainstay in the business, there from the start in The Warehouse to The Paradise Garage, The Loft all the early Chicago clubs weather they were legal or underground he was there applying his trade and doing what he loved... DJing.... He was a master at his craft, his productions have helped shape the house music industry to what it is today and his skills behind the wheels brought us all together on the dancefloor still today...which was exactly what he wanted.
R.I.P Frankie Knuckles.....
Right! Let’s have a gander at this lot then!
Ten tracks that I think you should have in your collection or maybe just might tickle your fancy J Seeing that we are remembering the House Maestro himself no better way to start of the review then with one of his productions, I could rap off the big hitters like Tears, The Whistle Song, Baby Want to Ride etc. but I’m going to go
for a particular favourite of mine that I think
really captures Frankie’s vibe which was House with its original qualities – a nice kick, some pianos and a smashing vocalist , be it male or female, he could always bring a good vocal out in a track that connected with the listener so my choice here is ....
1 - Frankie Knuckles feat Roberta Gilliam – Workout – (1992 Vocal Mix)
A massive track for the Hacienda and a big favourite of mine, forever playing Graeme Park sets with this running through it and also on the deck whilst at home... “In the morning in the evening ... baby baby babe Workout “It has that signature 92 US house sound and works a treat! Always gets a great reaction from the crowd and a perfect example of how Frankie could work his magic... LEGEND!
https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=UCOdGR5jnfw
2 – Degrees of Motion featuring Kit West – Shine On 1994 FFRR (Junior Style Dub)
Also released on Esquire Records, the original mix from Degrees of Motion we all know and love for many a year now, but it’s the Junior Style Dub that I pick out from this issue. I first heard it from the legendary DJ Vertigo who had it on a 92 mix tape. I met him a few years back and I enjoyed every minute of his company and have become friends ever since, A top bloke with no airs or graces and happy to chat about years gone by and music alike ! With this track I love the way it captures the room with its House vibe all to accumulate into a top end vocal that screams “ You Are The One “ accompanied alongside sharp piano stabs it lifts the place and gets into this month’s review. Cracker! Get On It!
https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=eXSIHrSQ2oQ
3 – Jason Joy – Free Your Body (Piano Mix) 1992 Go Beat Records
This track would have been heard absolutely everywhere on its release in 1992! A big
favourite from right across multiple clubs to DJs alike. It can tend to get a little over priced but as I mentioned in the last issue, it pays to be patient and get a good clean copy for the right price! Love the lyrics in this “Come on take me up take me up yeah “wrapped up in the piano it gets the body moving.... Excellent!
https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=80d070GesJY#t=137
4 – Strawberry Bazaar – Bingo Specs Boogie – Limbo Records 1993
I think we can all agree that Limbo Records has given us some absolute top drawer releases over the years and I could compile a whole review alone with Limbo releases but it’s this track that brings back some real early memories for me. Before I’d hit the town id make sure that the VCR was on record for Hitman & Her (Yes we were all a bit touched back then J ) but this just screams early 90s clubbing for me and its effects are best played out in a packed club ! Great Track! Either side can be played if you loved that Doo Da Doo Da Vocal or the Ted's Departmental Instrumental on the flip, either way Bassline Rocking! Its marmite for some but an out and out classic for me! Love It!
https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=Zvq0DEUchGE#t=19
5 – Atomix – I Want Your Love (Beatomix) – Perception Records – 1991
This Sides DC classic goes right through the gears with its piano and vocal intro “Gimme Love” to its driving wave generated synth. It’s the B side that sold this track although the A side is more forward and thumping but it’s the Beatomix that gets the nod here for me and the majority id say ... it’s a peach and is available at a steal in all online outlets !
https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=NNWSzvjUVBE
WITH JENKO
Hacienda, Manchester, UK 1989
Darren Flynn, Crypt, Dublin 1997
RETRO REVIEW