It ain't getting rootier

Since the beginning of the 1980s Juan Atkins stands out as one of the main protagonists of (early) Detroit techno, if not producer of one the first ever techno/electro tracks (Cybotron - Clear). Inspired by Alvin Toffler's book 'The Third Wave', Kraftwerk's visionary productions and Electrifying Mojo's Radio Show he created timeless masterpieces and blueprints to the Genre under the names Cybotron, Infiniti and (the here featured) Model 500.
No UFO's was the first release on his own legendary label Metroplex founded in 1985.
Derrick May another figure in early Detroit scene, who was living in Chicago at that time invited Juan over and told him to bring his records. The duo sold thousands of copies and No UFO's soon became a hit with Chicago mix shows like Hot Mix Five.
Later Metroplex singles like "Night Drive," "Interference" and "The Chase" also sold well and set the template for Detroit techno: moody and sublime machine music, inspired by the drone of automated factories and trips down the I-96 freeway late at night.


MODEL 500 - NO UFO'S 1985

What came first egg or chicken?

The foundation of techno music is a room with many doors. From african trance drumming, early 20th century 12 tone music to Kraftwerk many things made up the soil for something new to grow on. The importance of legendary radio DJ Electrifying Mojo from Detroit can not be disregarded aswell, as he like anybody who really loves music (just maybe a little earlier) saw the close link between many different styles in his radioshow on WGPR, 107.5 FM in the beginning of the 80's, by the only real definition of good and bad. He played anything he liked from Motown and Funkadelic to experimental music but also the european stuff that had interpreted the in the USA already stopping disco train to create new sounds and easier rhythm structures. Two enigmatic teenagers Sterling Jones and Paul Lesley formed alliance to produce their form of music they were hearing over the airwaves. Electrifying Mojo along with Detroit staff writer Jim McFarlin named the group A Number of Names. Released as early as 1981 the dark feel and the minimalistic structure of sharivari must definitly be included in the search for the first ever real techno track. It became a worldwide underground hit on the dancefloors and didn't loose any of it`s weight in 26 years.

A NUMBER OF NAMES - SHARIVARI 1981

DMX Krew / Aphex Twin

One of my favourite student jobs was being a limodriver for record companies` top acts around 2003 when they still had enough money for such a way of getting around Berlin. Once it was Placebo who I didn`t really put much attention to before apart from the inescapable chart hits they had and their gothic look. They are really nice people though the only track I ever digged was that with the "friend in need is a friend indeed a friend with weed is better". They had to give autographs at the famous Saturn electronics store and were given the chance by the owner to pick out as many cds hey wanted - but didn`t want to dive in the masses of similar dressed fans. So I started to run around the shop picking up albums I would like to have and as they liked what I got I had to get each copy four times - three for them and one for me. (I walked out with about 20!) That again showed me that there is only good and bad music and taste despite all styles. One was the at moment fresh release of Aphex Twin`s 26 remixes for cash which I probably would never have bought having to pay for it. Here I bring you my still favourited track from this concept album.

Blake Baxter - Brothers Gonna Work It Out (Red Planet Mix) 1992

One of Detroits constants Blake Baxter has been around for far more than two decades providing the dancefloors with his perception of finest house and techno tunes. After a world tour with the Underground Resistance he spent some time during the long gone great times in Berlin where he produced songs like "One more time", the here featured "Brothers gonna work it out" and for Tresor Records the album “Dream Sequence one thru three”.
The vocals of "bgwio" were later sampled by the Chemical Brothers for their “Brothers Gonna Work it Out”.

Manuel Göttsching E2-E4 (3 min Excerpt)

E2-E4 is said to be one of the most influential electronic albums of all times. First released in 1984 after Manuel had recorded it three years earlier the vinyl version consists of the nearly 60 min track cut up into two pieces. It`s been used and referred to plenty of times in the recent past as it celebrated its 25th anniversary last year. The track was sampled in 1989 by the italian producers DFC and released under the name Sueno Latino which brought it the most circulation up to then in an acid robe.
After I already had the pleasure to see Manuel at the end of last year performing this famous album solo at the great Berghain here in Berlin he showed yesterday night in the course of his 55th birthday party toghether with Elliott Sharp (NY) and White (China) at Watergate in a kind of acoustic though amplified version. Followed up by Joe Claussell, Marc Schneider, My My, Artur8 and Dixon.
Enjoy this piece of footage:

Pantha Du Prince - Butterfly (Sten Version) 2005

Something for the weekend. Turn up your fucking bose-docking stations and let yourself go with this fabulous deep
though still clever arranged Dance Anthem.
I know its not the freshest one but I don`t feel like posting just released tracks so they can go
through the system (clubs, media, street) first to achieve historical permanence.
But hey its still around so grap yourself a copy and/or check out pantha`s other work
a very talented fellow from Berlin.

Helge Schneider - Klapperstrauß 1995

Helge Schneider one of Germanys best comedians and Jazz Musicians with his one and only techno track.
Helge seems to have been inspired to this by the untsylish dresscodes and beahavior of western ravers in the 90s. But he definitely also appreciates the musical value of the genre.
Knowing now how close Jazz- and Technomusic can be linked "Klapperstrauß" is in our point of view not far away from Moodyman productions, formerly known as Kenny Dixon jr.

Thanx to my friend Carlos for his support and reminding me of this hidden piece in my collection. (one of only 200 copies!)

Detroit Grand Pubahs - Skydive From Venus 2007

Something fresh from two guys from - of course: Detroit. From the Past, the Present and the Future. Fits just fine to warm up for panorama bar.
Hosting tonite the fabulous Jesse Rose and tomorrow afternoon Dixon and Markus Worgull.
"Berlin, Baby!"