As well as an in-depth look at the music and the accompanying scene through the DJs and producers that were there, ‘This Ain’t Chicago’ investigates media and clubland’s attitude to the emerging sound during house music’s early days, as early resistance from London’s rare groove and hip hop scene gave way to an explosion of dance music and rave culture. Musically, the album draws on both underground classics and lesser known tracks including early outings by producer Julian Jonah, A Guy Called Gerald, Trevor Fung’s Playtime Toons, Eddie Richards and Ian B’s Rio Rhythm Band and Baby Ford. The compilation also celebrates a host of excellent but short-lived UK DIY labels including Ruby Red from West Midlands, G-Force out of Essex, Rhythmbeat, Chill and Catt.
“This album features many personal favourites and the tracks were particularly inspirational to me as a DJ and clubber at the time,” reflects Richard Sen. With current productions drawing heavily on early house sounds and production techniques, this album brings to light many previously unsung classics from the UK underground, still sounding as vibrant and relevant as during the early days of house.
Richard Sen presents
THIS AIN’T CHICAGO
The Sound Of Underground UK House & Acid 1987-1991
CD1
1. BANG THE PARTY – BANG BANG YOU’RE MINE (Full Vocal remix)
2. WINDOW SMASHERS – FREE TO BE
3. JULIAN JONAH – JEALOUSY AND LIES
4. BABY FORD – CRASHING
5. MAN WITH NO NAME – FROM WITHIN THE MIND OF MY 909
6. RIO RHYTHM BAND – CUBA JAKKIN’
7. PLAYTIME TOONS – SHAKER SONG
8. JAIL BREAK – MENTALITY
9. EXOCET – SAFETY ZONE
10. RETURN OF THE LIVING ACID – TWIN TUB
11. CXX – THE COMFORT OF STRANGERS (Mix by Rhythm Doctor – Richard Sen Edit)
12. JULIE STAPLETON – WHERE’S THE LOVE GONE (remix)
13. ROHAN DELANO – INFLIGHT
CD2
1. SLY AND LOVECHILD – THE WORLD ACCORDING TO SLY & LOVECHILD (Andrew Weatherall Soul Of Europe mix)
2. ABILITY II – PRESSURE DUB
3. STATIC – IRON ORBIT (J. Saul Kane mix)
4. M. D. EMM – 1666 (Pyro-Maniac mix)
5. COLM III – TAKE ME HIGH (Mansion mix)
6. S.L.F. – SHOW ME WHAT YOU GOT
7. PAUL RUTHERFORD – GET REAL (Happy House mix)
8. BIZZARE INC – TECHNOLOGICAL
9. US – BORN IN THE NORTH
10. ANNETTE – DREAM 17
Digital only:
A GUY CALLED GERALD – SPECIFIC HATE
THIS AIN’T CHICAGO – RIDE THE RHYTHM
Formats (all unmixed): 2xCD digipak / 2xLP gatefold / digital
Release date: International 25th June 2012 / US July 10th 2012
STRUT-RECORDS.COM
