These Various Artists compilations have so far all come from a similar time frame and this one is right in there, the Junior Boys Own Collection from 1994, a round up of singles released on JBO between 1991 and 1994. Heller and Farley appear twice in their Fire Island guise (Fire Island, off Long Island , New York is and was legendary for its gay scene and clubs) and also as Roach Motel. Underworld contribute three songs under two names (Lemon Interrupt and Underworld) and pre-Chemicals Ed and Tom showcase the monstrous Song To the Siren and X-Press 2 are represented by two pieces of essential early 90s house.
This compilation is pretty ubiquitous in 1994, a good round up of a label with its finger near the pulse. All these tracks could be heard in Manchester's clubs- not always the same club but somewhere between the Hacienda, Home, the gay village and various other darkened rooms these tunes would never be far away. There But For The Grace Of God is Fire Island's disco house, a 1979 disco-funk classic from machine updated by Farley and Heller, camp as fluffy bras, crop tops and silver trousers.
There But For The Grace Of God
Rez is one of the greatest records of that period. Or any period. Beyond sheer brilliance, it is in some ways a full stop. The ever circling squiggles, the hi-hats and snare, the rush of the chords, all seem to say 'where else can you go after this?'
Rez
Administrative error in the bagging area. This is tomorrow's post.
ReplyDeleteHave you touched on the Artificial Intelligence compilations from that time yet?
ReplyDeleteNot yet Michael- good shout
ReplyDeleteThis is essential listening - and not the Pete Tong sort...well, he'd probably agree it's essential anyway... The Roach Motel, X-Press 2 and Fire Island tracks get played regularly to this day.
ReplyDeleteIt was the Roach Motel, X-Press 2 and Fire Island tracks that always put me off this comp.
ReplyDeleteacidted - I can completely understand your feelings on those songs, but they remind me of a time in NYC when you could go to a big room club, like The Roxy or The Tunnel and really lose yourself in the music.
ReplyDeleteMe too in certain clubs and times in MCR.
ReplyDeleteSwiss Adam
Rez, yep, that one's taken me some places over the years.
ReplyDeleteEasily my favourite Underworld track.
From Manchester but also went further afield and those songs were playing in all the best clubs/parties. It's always life affirming when you meet someone and get to check out their record collection and you find a copy of this in there, it just cements a lot of combined clubbing experience. You may have been in different places, but had the same vibe going on.
ReplyDeleteTop comment Bov.
ReplyDelete