Various Artists
Hardcore Traxx - Dance Mania Records 86-95
Coming 2014, we have a very special release on the way for lovers of quality original Chicago house music as we team up with the legendary Dance Mania Records for their first ever full label compilation. Dance Mania has wielded its influence heavily across dance music since its first breakthrough club smash in ’86, Duane & Co’s ‘J.B. Traxx’, offering a raw, DJ-led alternative to the Chicago powerhouses of Trax and DJ International. Founder Ray Barney astutely released classic after classic during the early years - ’7 Ways’ by Hercules (Marshall Jefferson), ‘House Nation’ by Housemaster Boyz (Farley Jackmaster Funk) and Li’l Louis’ debut recordings all helping to cement Dance Mania’s credentials.
Throughout its long history, the label never pandered to commercial pressures and the lure of the “hitâ€, focusing purely on the dance floor and the DJ. As styles changed and Chicago clubs like The Factory held sway during the ’90s, Dance Mania became a key player, unleashing uncompromising anthems like Robert Armani’s ‘Ambulance’ and ushering in ghetto house with Traxmen and Eric Martin’s ‘Hit It From The Back,’ as BPMs became faster and lyrics became ever more X-rated. A new wave of producers including DJ Deeon, DJ Funk, Slugo and Paul Johnson all appeared on Dance Mania, recording prolifically and honing the new ghetto style, stripped back and raw.
The label’s influence continues today. Daft Punk famously name-check a series of Dance Mania producers on their ‘Teachers’ track, featured on the album Homework and you can hear the label’s DNA through contemporary sounds as varied as Diplo, L.I.E.S., Brazil’s baile funk movement and Chicago’s modern day footwork producers like Nate and Rashad.
Tracklist
CD 1
1. Hercules – 7 Ways (Club) 6.48
2. Victor Romeo Featuring Leatrice Brown – Love Will Find A Way (Club) 4.44
3. The House Master Boyz And The Rude Boy Of House – House Nation
4. Duane & Co – J.B. Traxx 3.42
5. Vincent Floyd – I Dream You 5.25
6. Da Posse Featuring Martell – Searchin’ Hard
7. Club Style – Crazy Wild
8. Jammin’ The House Gerald – Black Women (Club) 3.30
9. Tyree – Nuthin’ Wrong 5.56
10. Strong Souls – Twinkles 5.38
11. 3.2.6 – Falling (Armando’s House Mix) 6.30
12. Rhythm II Rhythm – A Touch Of Jazz (Lifestyles Of The Rich Mix)CD 2
1. DJ Funk – House The Groove 4.50
2. Paul Johnson – Feel My M.F. Bass 4.32
3. DJ Funk – The Original Video Clash: Video Clash II (Street Mix) 4.47
4. Parris Mitchell Project Feat. Wax Master – Ghetto Shout Out!! 6.41
5. DJ Deeon – Da Bomb 5.19
6. Houz’ Mon – Fear The World 4.40
7. Vincent Floyd – I’m So Deep 7.02
8. Tim Harper – Toxic Waste (Club Mix)
9. Robert Armani – Ambulance
10. DJ Deeon – House-O-Matic 4.04
11. Traxmen & Eric Martin – Hit It From The Back
12. Top Cat – Work Out
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