It’s Friday Morning baby: the birds are singing, the leaves are falling, and once again, I am here with Enjoy Music, an easy way to hear five pieces of Enjoyable Music, courtesy of Teen Daze. The days are getting shorter folks, we only have so much time to Enjoy Music, so let’s get to it.
This week we’re exploring a certain type of presently-Fashionable Dance Music from the 1990s decade, that some people might call “90s House”, or maybe “Ambient House”, or maybe even the recently discussed “Italo House”. Regardless of what you’re calling it, what I’m looking to present to you this week is a little glimpse into this dreamy world of Dance Music, from the not too distant past.
Last week, the folks over at Resident Advisor shared their latest short film about a group of contemporary DJs and diggers, many of whom are searching out the Rarest Dance Music from this era of 90s Electronic Music. Now, while I say, Good For You, to these folks, I also try not to get caught up in these types of competitions. I feel the urge, don’t get me wrong! But at the end of the day, Music Is Music, and the truth is this is just the music I grew up on! I was a kid in the 90s, so while I didn’t necessarily hear all of this music directly, the general sound (digital pianos, M1 organs, 303 bass, the 909s) was everywhere! I would imagine there’s a lot of Canadian Kids from my generation who have a relationship with the TV program Electric Circus, and baby, You Know They Were Dancing To Some 90s House Music On Electric Circus. That’s just a fact!
Anyways, don’t let my nostalgia get in the way: the music holds up, and I know that first hand because when I play records like these out in my DJ sets, people LOVE it! There’s a reason why so many DJs are digging into the depths of this Enjoyable Style Of Music. So why don’t we take a look, take a listen, and Enjoy!
Piglet - Move Closer (Quiel Mix) (1993)
Alright, we’re starting with this Raer Cut from 1993, from PIGLET, and this appears to be Piglet’s only release! There’s not a ton of info on this one (thanks to Discogs.com we know that it was released on the perfectly titled Funky Peace Productions 2000 Ltd label), which I personally love. Let The Music Do The Talking Baby! An absolutely beautiful, minimal arrangement here. Lots of good Music Writer Adjectives can be used here: dreamy, hypnotic, Organ Sounds. Personally, I’m looking forward to diving deeper into Funky Peace Productions 2000 Ltd, because, once again, that is a perfect name for a 90s house label. Enjoy the mysterious Piglet, and the world of Funky Peace Productions 2000 Ltd!
Mr Peach - I Need Somebody (Magic Dub) (1994)
Another absolutely beautiful Deep House cut, that sounds just as relevant now as it did back in 94. This one speaks to the boundary-less nature of Enjoyable Music; it feels like equal parts Chicago, New York, London and Milan. Everything is so restrained on this one too, which speaks to what I find so Enjoyable about 90s House Music: there’s no drop! It just rolls on, new parts weave their way in, everything falls into its right place. It feels counter-intuitive to the build-up and drop culture that we’ve become so accustomed to. There’s something for everyone I guess! Anyways, Enjoy Mr Peach!
Lazuli Blue - Groove Me Rite (Paradise Mix) (1991)
If you’re a returning Enjoyer, you already know: If There’s A Paradise Mix, I’m In! This one is care of Lazuli Blue, aka Gavin Morrison, who, thanks to Discogs.com, we do have a bit of context for. It looks like this is one of his only releases, but his credits include engineering work on a handful of other 90s house classics, including one of the foundational Strictly Rhythm tracks: Waterfalls / Feel It by After Hours. Anyways, we’re talking about Groove Me Rite (the Paradise Mix, of course), and it’s hauntingly melancholic melodies. While most Paradise Mixes tend to transport you straight to the beach, this one feels a lot more like a Nite Drive, and look, I’m not complaining! The windows are still down baby. Enjoy Another Deep Tune, and Another Paradise Mix!
Cocodance - Angels of Love (Dub From Up Above) (1991)
Wow, an absolutely massive slice of NY House Music (made by two Italian dudes, lovingly referred to here as the Coco Brothers). This one’s got it all: organ and digital piano stabs, beautiful strings, swung hi hats. It’s wild to think that there would have been a time, probably even within this decade, where this music might have been considered “Cheesy”. (EDITORS NOTE: We here at Enjoy Music disagree with the notion of Cheesy Music! No such thing pal! Music Is Music!) This Is Timeless Dance Music! Also, this is the Coco Brothers’ only release! Talk About A Hole In One! I am very, very much looking forward to getting this record and playing it out across the Night Clubs of the world, because this feels like the kind of music that can Heal! Enjoy Angels Of Love!
M.C. Red - Why Don’t You Love Me (Tribal Mix) (1992)
Alright let’s get this out of the way, right off the bat: “Tribal Mix” is the worst. We’ve already discussed my affinity for the Paradise Mix, the Cool and Breezy Jazz Mix, and really any other type of Mix that sends me to a beach in my mind. “Tribal Mix” is a bit like the phrase World Music, but worse. Percussion Mix? Conga Mix? Seems like there’s lots of easy ways to describe the mix, without sounding quite so…colonial? Anyways, let’s get to the Music here: this one is care of the Endlessly Enjoyable Italian label Palmares Records, which Blessed Us with over 100 releases throughout the 90s. The star of this one is that clean electric guitar lead, without a doubt. So much of the music we’ve covered today seems to be pushing things forward sonically, which usually means leaning heavy on the electronics/drum machines. In contrast, there’s something really nice about hearing a Smooth, Clean Guitar in the mix! Enjoy Palmares Records!
BONUS GUEST ENJOY CHOICE: MAKE A DANCE
This week’s BGEC comes from the DJ duo/label heads/party starters: Make A Dance (aka Ben and Josh). I first came across the guys after their first couple of vinyl-only edit 12”s, which still sound absolutely incredible, and it’s been an absolute joy watching their label and party blow up over the past few years. Acid Kid, from their M.A.D 002 release has been in pretty constant rotation, and does a lovely job at summarizing what makes their entire identity so Enjoyable! Let’s check in with Ben and Josh, and see what they’ve been Enjoying as of late!
Willie Colon - Set Fire To Me (Inferno Dub) (1986)
Both me and Josh are obsessed with this tune I mean it’s got it all, those beautiful proto house drums, killer chopped vocal intro, big bass line and warm brass that just washes over you, hypnotic stuff that always gets people moving.
An absolute BELTER from the MAD boys. HUGE thanks to Ben and Josh for sharing this gem. They also mentioned in our chat, it’s still cheap on Discogs, if you’re looking for some Fresh Heat for your record bag! Go show them a ton of love, buy their records, support their label and go DANCE at their parties if you’re in Foggy Ol’ London Town.
AS FOR TEEN DAZE NEWS: The Wind Surfer is out, and it’s been super encouraging seeing all you Music Enjoyers support the record. It’s streaming on the places, and the files are up on Bandcamp if you want to support.
If you’re reading this from the Beautiful Interior of British Columbia, I’ll be shutting down the Break Out West festival in Kelowna, BC next weekend (Sat Oct 14, to be specific). It’s got a big End Of The Summer energy for me. AND it’ll be my last show before heading down to LA for the winter!
Also, I’ll be in LA all winter long! How great!
Hey, if you’re looking to follow along with all these Enjoyable Tracks, I’ve fired up a Youtube playlist for all of them! The Spotify playlist is here as well.
Okay see you again next week with MORE Enjoyable Music. Love yall!