V.A. Saturday

In 1991 Network Records compiled a twelve track compilation titled Retro Techno/ Emotions Electric, a definitive round up of the early Detroit techno classics that set a fire underneath dance music which is still smouldering. The key figures- Derrick May, Kevin Saunderson and Juan Atkins, known as the Belleville Three- are all represented, a trio who invented techno in a Detroit suburb, who met as teenagers and using some turntables, a synthesiser and a multi- track tape recorder. The Belleville Three weren't operating entirely in a vacuum although hearing their music it seems so otherworldly and futuristic that it seemed that way. They were avid listeners of a local radio show hosted by DJ Charles 'Electrifying Mojo' Johnson who played Parliament, Funkadelic, Prince, The B- 52s, Yellow Magic Orchestra, Kraftwerk and Depeche Mode. 

Retro Techno had liner notes which included an interview with the three techno creators where the famous Derrick May quote about techno being 'George Clinton and Kraftwerk caught in an elevator with only a sequencer to keep them company'. There is a short piece by Liverpudlian DJ and journalist John McCready and a discography. And then there is the music which was and still is the sound of the future- here's one from each of the Three, Model 500 (Juan Atkins), Kevin Saunderson and Rhythim Is Rhythim (Derrick May). 

No UFOs (D- Mix)

The Groove That Won't Stop

Strings Of Life (Unreleased Mix)