A handy guide from Liverpool Audio Network to the tracks behind artworks No. 51-75 in Neil Keating’s 100 Collective - History of House live art project.
#51 The Phantom (It's In There) / Renegade Soundwave / 1989
"The Phantom changed everything for me in way it brought such depth to house music. For me, it was and is a work of art. It was the first house track that felt complete. I couldn’t see the ‘join’ with the music. The samples and programming fitted together perfectly. That drum pattern is unique, the samples in it don’t sound like samples. The bass-line purrs like a beautiful black panther, it’s so smooth and fluid that’s it’s edible. Percussion is impeccable and instantly recognisable. It’s the only track I have always wanted to play in a set and it’s a track that always get a reaction.” Track selected by Jay Wearden
#52 I Get Lifted / Barbera Tucker / 1994
"I Get Lifted" by Barbara Tucker is a classic house track released in 1994, known for its soulful vocals and uplifting energy. The song became an anthem in the house music scene, and Barbara Tucker's powerful performance contributed to her status as a respected figure in the genre.
#53 Children / Robert Miles / 1995
"Children" by Robert Miles is an iconic trance track from 1995, characterized by its dreamy melodies and ethereal atmosphere. It played a pivotal role in popularizing trance music and became a massive hit, reaching number one on the charts in multiple countries. Interestingly, Robert Miles, an Italian DJ and producer, initially struggled to find a record label to release the track, but when it finally did, it achieved immense success and left an indelible mark on electronic music history.
#54 Cafe Del Mar / Energy 52 / 1993
"Energy 52 - Café del Mar" is an iconic trance track released in 1993 by the German duo Paul Schmitz-Moormann and Harald Blüchel under the alias Energy 52. The song's ethereal and soothing melody, inspired by the famous Café del Mar sunset in Ibiza, became a symbol of the trance music movement and an integral part of the chill-out and ambient genres. Notably, the track was remixed and re-released multiple times, with the most famous version being the Three 'N One remix, which reached even greater heights of popularity and solidified "Café del Mar" as a timeless classic in electronic music history. Its inclusion in various chillout and Ibiza-themed compilations further contributed to its enduring legacy in pop culture.
#55 Barber's Adagio For Strings / William Orbit / 1995
"Barber's Adagio for Strings" by William Orbit is a reinterpretation of Samuel Barber's classical composition, transformed into a lush and ambient electronic piece in 1995. The track is notable for its fusion of classical and electronic elements and its use in various films, television shows, and commercials, cementing its place in pop culture. William Orbit's unique approach to blending genres and Barber's timeless composition resulted in a remarkable electronic adaptation that continues to resonate with listeners across generations.
#56 Elements / Psyche and BFC (Carl Craig) / 1996
"Elements" is a groundbreaking techno track produced by Psyche (Dominic Woosey) and BFC (Carl Craig). This collaborative effort is notable for its innovative use of sampling and synthesis techniques, helping to shape the future of techno music production. "Elements" has left an indelible mark on the electronic music landscape, influencing countless artists and contributing to the evolution of Detroit techno by blending diverse sonic elements into a cohesive and futuristic sound.
#57 The Bells / Jeff Mills / 1996
"The Bells" is a classic techno track produced by Jeff Mills in 1996. Known for its innovative use of Roland TR-909 drum machine and TB-303 bass synthesizer, the track is a masterpiece of minimal techno, characterized by its hypnotic melody and relentless energy. It has had a profound impact on the techno genre, becoming an enduring anthem in the electronic music scene and solidifying Jeff Mills' status as a pioneering figure in the world of electronic music production.
#58 Born Slippy / Underworld / 1995
Born Slippy" is a seminal electronic track by the British duo Underworld, released in 1995 as part of the soundtrack for the film "Trainspotting." This iconic song, with its pulsating beats and evocative lyrics, became a defining anthem of the 1990s rave and electronic music scene, helping to popularize the genre and leaving a lasting cultural impact, particularly due to its use in the film's iconic final scene.
#59 So In Love With You (Full Intention Mix) / Duke / 1997
"So in Love with You" is a song released by British singer, songwriter and producer Mark Carson Adams under the name Duke in 1994. It is his biggest hit and was also included on his 1995 album, The 10 Commandments Of Love. The single's radio edit is mixed by Norman Cook, as Pizzaman. The track has since been remixed and re-released several times; in 1996, 2000, 2001 and 2012. The Full Intention remix released in 1997 on AM:PM label became an anthem on dancefloors around the world, particularly in LGBTQ+ clubs and events. The remix's exuberant and inclusive vibe contributed to its popularity in the queer community, solidifying its status as an enduring favorite in dance music culture.
#60 To Be Real / Ladycop / 1996
"Ladycop - To Be Real : This tune is part of the DNA in all it’s forms from the 70’s breakdancers to the present day. This is my favourite 90’s incarnation…” Track selected by Fatboy Slim
#61 Silence / Delerium / 1999
Silence" is a trance and electronic dance track by the Canadian electronic music group Delerium, featuring the haunting vocals of Sarah McLachlan. Released in 1999, the song's ethereal and hypnotic production style, combined with McLachlan's emotive singing, made it an instant classic in the electronic music world, helping to bridge the gap between electronic and pop music genres and leaving a lasting impact as a timeless anthem in both dance clubs and mainstream radio.
#62 Firestarter / Prodigy / 1996
Firestarter" is a groundbreaking track by The Prodigy, released in 1996 as a part of their album "The Fat of the Land." The song, featuring Keith Flint's distinctive vocals, blended elements of electronic music, punk, and rock, creating a revolutionary sound that not only topped the charts but also reshaped the electronic music landscape, propelling it into mainstream culture and securing The Prodigy's legacy as one of the most influential electronic acts in history. The track's music video, featuring Flint's iconic devilish appearance, also contributed to its massive impact and recognition.
#63 Free / Ultra Nate / 1997
"Free" is a seminal house and dance track by American singer-songwriter Ultra Naté, released in 1997. Known for its infectious groove, soulful vocals, and uplifting lyrics, the song became an anthem of self-expression and freedom on dance floors worldwide, influencing the house music scene and earning a place as one of the most iconic tracks of the late 1990s.
#64 Praise You / Fatboy Slim / 1998
Praise You" is a groundbreaking track by British DJ and producer Fatboy Slim, released in 1998 as part of his album "You've Come a Long Way, Baby." The song's production style, which featured a sample from Camille Yarbrough's "Take Yo' Praise" and a playful, DIY music video directed by Spike Jonze, helped define the big beat genre and earned it widespread acclaim and commercial success. Notably, "Praise You" has been featured in various films, television shows, and commercials, making it a recognizable and enduring piece of pop culture.
#65 You Dont Know Me / Armand Van Helden / 1998
"You Don't Know Me" is a seminal house track by American DJ and producer Armand Van Helden, featuring Duane Harden on vocals. Released in 1998, the song's infectious blend of house beats, a catchy vocal hook, and a funky piano riff made it a chart-topping hit, and its enduring popularity has solidified it as an iconic dance anthem that continues to influence the electronic music scene. Notably, "You Don't Know Me" has been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials, ensuring its place in the soundtrack of pop culture and furthering its status as a timeless classic
#66 Hey Boy, Hey Girl / Chemical Brothers / 1999
"Hey Boy, Hey Girl" by the Chemical Brothers, released in 1999, is a groundbreaking big beat and electronica track that epitomizes the late 90s dance music scene with its pulsating beats and catchy vocal hook. Its use in various commercials, TV shows, and films, along with its infectious rhythm, has firmly embedded it in pop culture as an iconic dance anthem.
#67 Knights of The Jaguar / DJ Rolando / 1999
DJ Rolando's "Knights of the Jaguar," released in 1999, is a techno masterpiece that showcases the genre's melodic and rhythmic potential. The track's influence on the global techno and electronic music scene is undeniable, and it continues to be revered by DJs and producers alike.
#68 Flat Beat / Mr Oizo / 1999
"Flat Beat" by Mr. Oizo, released in 1999, is a quirky and minimalistic electronic track known for its distinctive bassline and accompanying puppet-based music video. The track's catchy simplicity made it a commercial success and a memorable part of late 90s pop culture.
#69 Coming on Strong (Pulse Driver Edit) / Signum / 1999
Signum's "Coming on Strong (Pulse Driver Edit)," is a trance anthem characterized by its uplifting melodies and driving beats. The track's inclusion in various trance compilations and its widespread popularity in the early 2000s solidified it as a significant contribution to the trance genre.
#70 Saltwater / Chicane / 1999
Chicane's "Saltwater," released in 1999, is a trance classic featuring ethereal vocals and lush, atmospheric production. The song's presence in numerous chillout and trance compilations, as well as its radio airplay, has made it a staple of electronic music and a beloved track for fans of the genre.
#71 Minus / Orange 1 / Richie Hawtin / 1999
Richie Hawtin's "Minus / Orange 1" exemplifies his minimalist and experimental approach to techno. Hawtin's pioneering use of technology and innovative sound design have had a profound impact on the evolution of techno music, earning him a place among the genre's most influential artists.
#72 La Guitaristic (Terry Farley Remix) / Rinocerose / 1999
Rinocerose's "La Guitaristic (Terry Farley Remix)," a remix of the French electronic duo's track, showcases a fusion of electronic and rock elements. The remix's inclusion in club playlists and its unique blend of genres contributed to its recognition within the electronic music scene.
#73 Where Love Lives / Alison Limerick / 1990
Alison Limerick's "Where Love Lives," released in 1990, is a classic house track that features powerful vocals and uplifting melodies. It played a significant role in the popularization of vocal-driven house music and remains a staple in the dance music repertoire.
#74 Energy Flash / Joey Beltram / 1990
Joey Beltram's "Energy Flash," released in 1990, is a pioneering techno track known for its relentless energy and hypnotic loops. It set a benchmark for hard-hitting techno and influenced the direction of the genre towards a more aggressive and experimental sound.
#75 Playing with Knives / Bizzare Inc / 1991
Bizarre Inc, known for tracks like "Playing with Knives" and "I'm Gonna Get You," were active in the early 1990s and played a significant role in the evolution of the UK rave and house scenes. Their tracks showcased the blend of electronic dance music and pop elements, contributing to the commercial success and cultural impact of electronic music in the early '90s.
Listen to the playlist on Spotify here.
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