We continue our look at years gone by recognising some of the finest music ever committed to tape. This time we look at 1999 and ask some of our favourite musicians, DJ’s and all round music heads to choose for us…
PETE HELLER – BIG LOVE - TOBIE ALLEN – MA’ANA MUSIC
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The name sums it up - Big Love. This is a heart-swelling 10-minute long track that is all about the love on a dancefloor. The horns, the synths, the strings, those Chic-style guitar riffs, the Gospel vocals, that gorgeous gorgeous drop - when it all comes together it's just dancefloor love, pure and simple. I'll always have big love for Big Love.
TYRESE - SWEET LADY – RISHI – COPPER DOG
I was 16 at the time with my headphones glued to my head usually on a bus most of the time (similar to the video of the track). Other than being a very smooth tune, Tyrese himself was a pretty smooth character. I wouldn't say I thought I was as cool, but definitely thought I was close anytime I listened to it! Lucky for me I didn't sing it out loud though lol
PORCUPINE TREE – EVEN LESS - CYRILL ALREAIDY
“Even Less” opens the band's 5th studio album “Stupid Dream” to set you off to an atmosphere of progressive psychedelia. If you fancy this cup of tea then you have a huge ocean to explore, which is the world of 'Porcupine Tree'.
DJ ROLONDO – JAGUAR - KARAM TOUBBA – DECIBEL
A musical masterpiece that played a major role in putting Detroit's sound on the map, receiving worldwide applause and eternal love. Of course, there are many other sounds that put electronic music onto a stronger platform to exist like Jeff Mill's Bells. DJ Rolando's Jaguar is no exception and is still enjoyed today and for generations to come.
MR SCRUFF – SHANTY TOWN - TARIK OMAR – BAHRAIN
1999 was a year for serious music. Bangers and dancefloor weapons released left and right, but what I love about this one is it really injects some levity and playfulness into the scene. To me it's the perfect example of scruff's playfulness. The whole album is a master class in sampling; but this track in particular shows his ability to weave a story that he's pieced together from his collection of records. It may have the most perfect bassline ever.
ALICE DEEJAY – BETTER OFF ALONE – DARRYL REES – INDUSTRIAL AVENUE
Alice deejay’s better off alone was a number one track in the year 1999 and was most definitely a number one track of mine. The combination between vocals and instrumental produced by DJ Jürgen makes it a track that stands out from the rest. It’s one of those songs that will always rock the dancefloor in clubs to this day.
BLAZE – LOVELEE DAE (EIGHT MILES HIGH REMIX) - MAKS – FOUNDER OF DESERTED RECORDS, RESIDENT OF INDUSTRIAL AVENUE AND ARTIST AT THE ARTIST NETWORK
I actually discovered this remix of "Lovelee Dae" by Blaze a few years after its release in 1999. It stood out to me as it speaks to the good times during the summer in London, and has a solid groove that always captures anybody on the dancefloor whenever it's played. I recently found out too that "Eight Miles High" is an alias for one of my favourite artists, Roman Flügel.
SOULSEARCHER – CAN’T GET ENOUGH - ROHAN NUNES – MAN GO FUNK
This track was one of the best examples of sampling in house music from the late 90’s. The original sample was "Let's Love Dance Tonight" by Gary's Gang and the production and vocals are outstanding. To this day, it is still a dance floor classic and my personal favourite in almost every set.
STEVE RACHMAD – SIKORA - JU LOVETT – BUNKER
Released in 1999 on Music Man Records under Steve Rachmad's alter ego Ignacio and championed by the likes of Sven Väth and Carl Cox. In 1999, this track and many others like it changed the musical landscape of Ibiza forever. 1999 was, of course, the year Cocoon first opened its doors at Amnesia. It's a track that speaks directly to my heart and brings back intense memories of the first Cocoon season. Not to mention that it sounds as relevant today as it did when it was released. For me this track has it all: complex bouncy percussion, rolling underlying melodies and a trippy unnatural lead sound, it still makes my hair stand on edge when I hear it.
H FOUNDATION – HEAR DIS SOUND – KOREK
By far one of my favourite club bangers out there, a record from H Foundation released in 99. Groovy haunting bass line with a filtered funky loop and a nicely played vocal, definitely mesmerises me like a cobra being played by a flute. A true underground head would feel it!