my furst detroit techno albumm

So the transmat comp gets you loads of wispy, melancholy string tracks (naturally, it's on may's label) while stuff on UR or associated with octave one is pounding saunderson-esque stuff.

if anything argues against a unitary "detroit techno" it's the fact that you can't find a single "detroit" comp. that represents all three strands. besides, i think you might as well skip the "classic" first-wave stuff if you want a detroit primer because it's all quite a bit underwhelming at first anyway.

i think the best detroit summation is juan atkin's mastermix vol. 1, esp. since it doesn't lean too heavily on any one style or other and stretches out by letting less-classifiable stuff like rob hood and dj assault in the mix (also lets euros and chicago artists in).

still, i think it's easier to get your head around than trying to struggle all those single-artist comps. it also helps you hear the forbidden and denied detroit-microhouse connection (though if you can find it 4 hero's "deepest shade of techno" comp. makes a really really good job of connecting dots between detroit and say, playhouse or perlon).

also check the "warp 10+1 : influences" comp.

Hmmm, I think I like the Mayday Rock to the Beat more! Cheers, I would have lost that otherwise.

While I'm being a trainspotting wanker, one other crucial out-of-print (and strangely underappreciated) record: Underground Resistance, Revolution for Change.

(Yes, Deepest Shade of Techno is great! Haven't played that in a while, will now listen for "forbidden and denied" microhouse connection)

First Wave not underwhelming at all in my book. I still listen to that shit more than any other techno. And I'm not a purist about it, either.

Back in the day Detroit was much more of a community. The reason being that you had to be friends with everybody because you could not get information on running record labels and getting distribution, and engineering records from the web. You had to know everybody because the only way you could be down 15 years ago is by being involved with one of those three labels, Transmat, Metroplex, and KMS. That was it in Detroit, the whole world. The other thing too, back in thhe day you could not buy a little 500$ computer and be good to go for tracks, they all had to get along because they were all borrowing each others equipment so they could make tracks. There was a time when there was only one 909 between all the producers in Detroit, and it belonged to Kevin Saunderson.

As time passes, the politics have gotten worse and worse and a lot of people are at each others throats these days. There is a lot of infighting, and people not getting along. The DEMF was probably the worst thing that could have happened the the electronic music community in Detroit. It shattered whatever was left of the community, especially among the older black producers. It created a lot of bad feelings and distrust.

Basically, the reason you do not see a lot of cross over between the threads is because each of those threads are maintained by a different set of cliques who export to different sections of the dance market. Also, the dance market is so specialist these days, you need to stick to one particular sound, and represent that sound to its fullest.

Also, I think your recommendations are excellent, Vahid.

For me Retro Techno is the one to plump for - if you can get hold of it!

It has a mix of Strings of Life - which overshadows the original by a long way and just gives you those feelings! Forget the original this beatless mix is the shiznit

Retro Techno has got all the other key tunes from the Belville 3 inc No Ufos, the original Reese baseline tune Just Another Chance. Clear etc.

There have been some super Detroit style Techno compilations - most of which mentioned upthread - esp the 4 hero compiled Deeper Shade of Techno. Incidentally there is a new compilation out on Irma compiled by Volcov which aims to follow in the Deeper Shade tradition - it is called "Soul in Motion" and is available from Vinyl Junkies in London. Well worth picking up if Detroit is your thing ?

Anyone on here remember "Virual Sex" on Buzz? Probably my fav ever techno compilation - came with 3d glasses and cover too! Got probably the best emotional techno tunes on all time on it inc At Les, Tedra, Shambala, Icon, Mystical Adventure- wicked!

Ben - Revolution for Change - yes! It has got "The Theory" on it by UR - how come no one ever talks about this tune which along with Hi Tec Jazz and Star Sailing got to be the best stuff they have done.

true spirit
http://www.discogs.com/release/32293

Juan Atkins - 20 Years Metroplex: 1985 - 2005
http://www.discogs.com/release/441574

So many MANY years later I decided to cook while listening to Infinti's "Skynet" and am awed at how well it's aged. Detroit Techno refined to a brittle, vaporous and lovely essence.

Speaking of aging well, the Aril Brikha Deeparture in Time LP on Transmat sounds as fresh today as it did 30-ish years ago.

Oh yeah. I listened to that around Xmas after a long while and truly enjoyed it. I remember how anticipated that was before prior to its release.

*how that was prior to its release.

Both amazing albums ^^^^

Cheers for this revive. Soundtracked my whole weekend. Just the best music.

The Aril Brikha album was new to me and I can't stop listening to it. Magnificent hi-hats.