Anthea ‎– Words & Beats

Anthea
Words & Beats
1999 Shadow Records

The previous post introduced me to Anthea and being thoroughly excited about the trip hop genre, immediately went out to the Virgin Mega Store (anyone remember those) to grab her album. Unfortunately I know very little about her and she only graced us with one release, but it’s a damn fine one - Still one of my favourites.

1. Always 2 Always
2. I Wish
3. Fingers
4. Deeper
5. Only One
6. He Said She Said
7. Don't Explain
8. Side Of Blue
9. Sentimental
10. Can't Be You
11. Always 2 Always (Never Mix)
12. I Wish (Filterpella)

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Various ‎– Earthrise - Back 2 The Beat

Various Artists
Earthrise - Back 2 The Beat
1999 Shadow Records

Cool, trip-hoppy organic tunes from another Instinct sub-label that later partnered up with Ninja Tune. This collection is a great round up of their unique sound, forgot how much I enjoyed this one!

1. Nano-Hed - Color Blind
2. Fugitive Elf - The Stalker
3. The 13th Sign - Moonweed
4. Anthea - I Wish
5. Natural Blond Killaz - Bumpscious
6. Yada Yada - Down Low (Dub)
7. Nano-Hed - Science Friction
8. Fugitive Elf - Cargo
9. Mr. Electric Triangle - Falling (James Bond Remix)
10. The 13th Sign - Bring Out Your Head

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Arpeggiators ‎– Possible Future EP

Arpeggiators
Possible Future EP
1994 Planet Earth Recordings

There are not many Harthouse compilations without Thorsten Adler, Thomas Wedel and Maike Glock who were signed instantly back in 1991. Awesome hard trance/techno that never disappoints.

1. Possible Future Of Mankind (Intro)
2. X-Plain The Un-X-Plained
3. Express Yourself
4. Xenophobe
5. Beyond The Black Hole

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Spicelab ‎– Lost In Spice

Spicelab
Lost In Spice
1994 Planet Earth Recordings

Oliver Lieb is definitely in the running for the “guy in the most bands” award. Spicelab being one of my first introductions to the Frankfurt based DJ/producer/musician. A great techno/trance trip that made me hunt out more Harthouse releases. This American release contains the extra track The Spirit of Fear (misspelled as “Fever” on my copy, LOL).

1. Cold Chillin'
2. Spicelab
3. The Spirit Of Fear
4. The Last Supernova
5. Lost In Spice

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Various - Behind The Eye - Eye Q Compilation Vol. 1

Various Artists
Behind The Eye - Eye Q Compilation Vol. 1
1994 Planet Earth Recordings

Great short lived label that was a collaboration with Harthouse in America. Some classic gems of 94 trance/techno collected here. Java’s “Cosmos” being one of my all time favourites.

1. Sonic Infusion - Magnifica
2. Vernon - Wonderer (Instrumental Mix)
3. Zyon - No Fate (Mix '93)
4. Virtual Symmetry - See You
5. Odysee Of Noises - Troya (Mix '93)
6. Goahead - Freebeach (Anjuna Mix)
7. Mirage - Airborn
8. The Volunteers - Sun Down
9. Java - Cosmos
10. Brainchild - Synfonica

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Balil ‎– Parasight (Request Bonus)

Balil
Parasight
1993 Rising High Records

I’m breaking my rule of 3’s and posts of releases I have physical copies of. Not a clue where I got this so no guarantees on anything. An epic release though, as is everything Black Dog related. I wish I had a copy… someday. Hope this fills your Balil fix Hayhook.

1. Rosery Pilots
2. Avidya
3. Parasight
4. Island

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The Irresistible Force ‎– The Underground EP

The Irresistible Force
The Underground EP
1993 Instinct/Rising High Records

A delightful collection of Techno & Ambient works that introduced the US to the “Long-running champion of Ambient music and everything related”, Mixmaster Morris via Instinct records. It was my introduction to Rising High and still one of my most admired, especially “Space Is The Place (Instrumental Mix)”.

1. Underground (Atonal Mix)
2. Flow Motion
3. War And Peace Live
4. Underground (Ambient Mix)
5. Space Is The Place (Instrumental Mix)

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Air Liquide ‎– Nephology - The New Religion

Air Liquide
Nephology - The New Religion
1994 Rising High Records

I had been looking for this release for years and finally picked one up a few months ago. An excellent collection of deep & eerie textures that puts this release high on any electronic music connoisseurs must have list. Think I worked out all the kinks in the mislabeled and misspelled booklet and hope you enjoy as much as I do. For those who can’t remember their German: Erlenmeyerkolben = Erlenmeyer flask / Die Reise Im Teekessel = The Journey in the Kettle (if I remember my German correctly) :)

1. The Cloud
2. Semiwave
3. Die Reise Im Teekessel
4. Nephology
5. If There Was No Gravity
6. Kymnea
7. Sulfur Clouds
8. Im Erlenmeyerkolben I
9. Im Erlenmeyerkolben II
10. Stratus Static
11. Cassiopeia
12. The Clouds Have Eyes

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Various ‎– The Secret Life Of Trance (Volume 2)

Various Artists
The Secret Life Of Trance (Volume 2)
1993 Rising High Records

I honestly wish I had everything this label released. Very difficult to pick 3 from even my collection. Figure this double CD is an excellent sampler of Rising High’s roster from the early 90s that should not disappoint. 

1. Influx - Flexor
2. Sequential - Trip To Paradise
3. Resistance D - Eclipse (DSL Remix)
4. Rising High Collective - Fever Called Love (Hardfloor Mix)
5. Transform - Transformation
6. Syzygy - Discovery
7. OBX - Eternal Prayer (Caspar Pound Mix)
8. Perry & Rhodan - The Beat Just Goes Straight On & On
9. Balil - Parasight
10. New London School Of Electronics - Voices Of The Rainforest
11. Kibu - Pick Whistle
12. 4Voice - Eternal Spirit
13. Cybertrax - Journey To The Centre Of The Mind
14. Pink Elln & Atom Heart - Electronique (Live At The Casino Montreux)
15. Detune - Irradiation
16. Hearts Of Space - Breathe Out
17. Positive Science - Non Stop
18. Dreamfish - Underwater

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Faceless Techno Bollocks

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Children of the Bong ‎– Sirius Sounds

Children Of The Bong
Sirius Sounds
1995 Planet Dog

It was tough picking the last of three from the kennel with Eat Static & Timeshard being two of my preferences. Opted for Daniel Goganian and Rob Henry’s Children of the Bong. Their posh analogue production matched with exceptional song writing created one of the best releases from the label.

1. Polyphase
2. Ionospheric State
3. Interface Reality
4. The Veil...
5. Underwater Dub
6. Life On Planet Earth
7. Squigglasonica
8. Visitor

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Banco De Gaia ‎– Heliopolis (The City Of The Sun Mixes)

Banco De Gaia
Heliopolis (The City Of The Sun Mixes)
1994 Planet Dog/Ultimate

Big Fan of Toby Marks 90’s stuff. This is a smashing re-works collection of a quintessential Banco De Gaia track. All very different, I never could decide (even 23 years later) which one is my favourite.

1. Heliopolis (Eedupolis Dog Mix)
2. Heliopolis (Liquid Light Mix)
3. Heliopolis (Redwood Mix)
4. Heliopolis (Original Album Mix)

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Various ‎– Planet Dog Peel Sessions - Peel Your Head

Various Artists
Planet Dog Peel Sessions - Peel Your Head
1995 Strange Fruit

Collection of tracks from three Radio 1 Peel Sessions by the heavy hitters of the Planet Dog kennel. What a tremendous line up of acts this label has! I know I kinda cheated here (being a Strange Fruit release) but they are Planet Dog artist and this is an incredible compilation. Everyone needs a bit of Goa/breakbeat/ambient in their day.

1. Banco De Gaia - Gamaleh
2. Banco De Gaia - Sunspot
3. Timeshard - Cosmic Carrot (Parts 1+2)
4. Timeshard - Oracle
5. Timeshard - God Says No To Tomorrow
6. Eat Static - Bioforms
7. Eat Static - Area 51
8. Eat Static - Zarbi

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Dogs in Space

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Trancendental Anarchists ‎– Cluster Zone

Trancendental Anarchists
Cluster Zone
1994 Silent

Listened to this today for the first time in years while working, and was reminded of how lush and sublime it is. It feels insufficient that Paul Bambury & Pam Thompson only gave us one magnificent album. (Also if anyone has Itch-E & Scratch-E ‎– Sweetness And Light,  I’d love a copy for their remix of Transcendental.)

1. Sixth Sense
2. Sub-Aqua
3. POA
4. Epiphany
5. The Ether
6. Cluster Zone
7. Pyramids On Mars
8. Percipient

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Spice Barons ‎– Future Perfect State

Spice Barons
Future Perfect State
1995 Silent

The electronic masters Don Falcone, Kim Cascone & Paul Neyrinck are the force behind this ambient masterpiece. I’m a bit partial to this one since it was my first CD design.

1. Future Perfect State (Persian Songbird Mix)
2. Bioluminous
3. Cheebah
4. Accidentia In Moonlight
5. Aromatique
6. Anthurium
7. Moondragon (Early Phase)
8. Voyager (And What Did You Think Of The First Episode?)
9. White Moon (Full Moon Mix)

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Various ‎– From Here To Tranquility

Various Artists
From Here To Tranquility
1993 Silent

If I can remember correctly back to 1993, I’m thinking this was my introduction to the Silent label and my beginning of Ambient being my go-to genre. As I re-rip this gem I’m reminded of how much I enjoyed this release. I had the pleasure of corresponding with Kim Cascone (Label founder) back in the early 90’s. After he left the label in 1996 it changed direction and soon closed in 1998. In 2016 Kim resurrected the captivating label and has recently released two new volumes of the From Here To Tranquility series, which is super exciting for us followers.

1. Michael Mantra - Sonic Alter
2. H2O - Undersea
3. XKP - Heart Ov Thee Would
4. Spice Barons - Spice Of God
5. Spacetime Continuum - 2 Pro1
6. Heavenly Music Corporation - ReEntry (Trip Edit)
7. Artificial Paradise - Les Fleurs Du Mal
8. The Dark Beautiful - Diaphenous
9. Hyperdelicious - Tales Of Suspense
10. Psychic TV - Coumpletion 4A

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It all goes Silent

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Subsurfing ‎– Frozen Ants

Subsurfing
Frozen Ants
1994 Apollo

Fronted by English producer/engineer Greg Hunter and Japanese instrumentalist/producer OBI. A transcendent ambient dub album of the 90’s that is joyride for your ears.

1. The Number Readers
2. Face With Corn
3. Frozen Ants
4. Sleepless Snake
5. Angel Fish
6. She Swims Above The Horizon
7. H.S.J.

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Locust ‎– All Your Own Way

Locust
All Your Own Way
1998 Apollo

Mark Van Hoen is a celestial being in my electronic music world. Everything he touches is gold. From Seefeel to Scala and Autocreation to his solo work it’s all just stunning. Although I prefer the dark, foreboding textures of his early work, Morning Light is in my top 10 albums of all time. Couple exclusive tracks on this brilliant single.

1. All Your Own Way
2. Sweet Sky
3. Murderer, Dreamer

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Various ‎– Apollo - Past > Present > Future

Various Artists
Apollo - Past > Present > Future
2009 Apollo

So much gold in this catalogue. Was going to post one of the “Apollo” comps but they seem to be easily available (maybe we'll post them later). Not quite as brilliant of a compilation as the mentioned, but a fair sampling of the magic this label brought us. I highly recommend checking out label member Synkro for some brilliant modern music.

1. Pinback - Penelope
2. Locust - One Way Or Another
3. Mundo Muzique - Andromeda
4. Biosphere - Patashnik
5. Aphex Twin - Heliosphan
6. Dave Angel - Dreams
7. Manna - Who Changed The Order?
8. Golden Girls - Kinetic (David Morley Apollo Mix)
9. Locust - I Am A Murderer
10. Subsurfing - The Number Readers
11. Locust - Just Like You
12. Underworld - Sola Sistim
13. Paul White - Alien Nature
14. Bullion - Rude Effort

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Houston, we have Ambient.

Logical next step after R&S would be one of my most loved.

CJ Bolland ‎– Electronic Highway

CJ Bolland
Electronic Highway
1995 R&S Records

A brilliant trancey, techno, break-beat masterpiece. Christian Jay Bolland is one of the true standouts on the R&S label. Exposed early to dance music with his parents owning a club in Antwerp where his mother Dj’d (too cool) he always produces top-shelf music.

1. The Tower Of Naphtali
2. Con Spirito
3. Nec Plus Ultra
4. Zenith
5. Bones
6. Catharsis
7. Spoof (Remix)
8. Neural Paradox
9. Drum Tower

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Ken Ishii ‎– Stretch

Ken Ishii
Stretch
1996 R&S Records

Thick & chunky techno from one of Japan’s leading DJs & producers. Taken from the excellent album Jelly Tones & reworked by a few superstars.

1. Stretch (Original)
2. Stretch (Ian Pooley Remix)
3. Stretch (Regenerated)
4. Stretch (Shogun Remix)
5. Stretch (Frank De Wulf Remix)

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Various ‎– Order To Dance III

Various Artists
Order To Dance III
1991 R&S Records

A legendary compilation of impeccable techno & house. R&S basically put together my first Rave all on one disc. One of the best Cds I own…

1. Second Phase - Mentasm
2. Human Resource - Dominator
3. DHS - House Of God (Unholy Version)
4. Dave Angel - Poison
5. Sonic Solution - Quest
6. N-Joi - Malfunction
7. Tronikhouse - Multifunction
8. Radical Rob - Monkeywah
9. Moby - Go (Woodtick Mix)
10. Joey Beltram - My Sound
11. Outlander - Vamp
12. Voodoo Child - Voodoo Child (Contracted)
13. The Prodigy - Android
14. Q - From Within
15. Reese - Bassline

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In Order To Dance...

Next Up!

Disjecta ‎– Looking For Snags

Disjecta
Looking For Snags
1995 Warp Records

Everything Mark Clifford touches I’m a fan of. Mark described Disjecta as his outlet for his abstract constructivist electronica. Name comes from the Samuel Beckett novel. One of my favourite designs with the artwork of Miranda Holmes designed again by the brilliant Designers Republic.

1. Dormin
2. Here
3. K-bop
4. Gyric
5. Looking For Snags
6. Facemaker
7. Skeeze
8. Alum Chime

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Squarepusher ‎– Port Rhombus EP

Squarepusher
Port Rhombus EP
1996 Warp Records

The son of a jazz drummer, Tom Jenkinson has been with Warp for over 20 years crafting his acidic D&B. This was his debut single after moving from Richard D. James and Grant Wilson-Claridge’s Replex label. A super classic masterpiece.

1. Port Rhombus
2. Problem Child
3. Significant Others

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