Lockdown Grooves #1

“Life is what happens when you’re busy doing other things”, a great man once said, and that pretty much sums up where I’ve been for the past six months. Busy as hell and no time to blog. Shameful.

Anyhow, we’re all in the midst of the Covid lockdown, so I thought it only right that I break my silence to try to provide some light relief and uplifting tunes to help us through the confinement. I’ll be posting more of these in the next few weeks, but here as an initial selection of bangers to lift the gloom. 

It goes without saying - stay home and stay safe!!

1. Alcatraz - Giv Me Luv [Original 12” Mix]

The original original 12” version. Accept no substitute.

2. Opus III - Hand in Hand (Looking for Sweet Inspiration) [Perfecto Mix]

Back when Oaky couldn’t put a foot wrong. Here he elevates a run of the mill Opus III track to blissful heights.

3. Blue Amazon - Star of David

Progressive house at its most epic. This amazing track kicked off the second half of Sasha’s immortal May 1995 Essential Mix. The bass drop at 1.30min sounds as thrilling now as it did then.

4. Xpansions - Move Your Body (Elevate) [Club Mix]

No introduction needed for this White Island classic.

5. Robert Miles - Children [Dream Version]

Written by the now sadly deceased Robert Miles as a homage to a spate of road accidents that killed home-going clubbers, it soundtracked many a wonderful night.

6. Livin’ Joy - Dreamer [Club Version]

Always felt this has never got the credit it deserves. A significant cut above the pop-dance fodder it often gets lumped in with. Just a great tune.

7. Baby D - Let Me Be Your Fantasy [Original Version]

We all know it and love it. This, the original 1992 underground mix, will always be the definitive version.

8. Gloworm I Lift My Cup [Spirit Divine]

Admittedly a bit of an obscure one this. Bought this back in the day off the hood without hearing it, cos that’s what you did before the internet. Produced by Rollo its still a rollicking slice of gospel house.

9. Denise Johnson - Rays Of The Rising Sun [K-Klassic Mix]

Impeccable pedigree this, obviously Denise appeared on Screamadelica in a major way, while the original single version of this was produced by Johnny Marr (its him who provided the guitar riff). In the hands of the K-Klass boys the frankly slightly pedestrian single becomes a banging house stomper. First heard this in the sweaty upstairs room at Crunch in Birmingham back in 1994. Took the roof off.

10. Tenth Chapter - Wired [Original Mix]

Played to death by John Digweed back in the day. This is proper trance as it used to be from the brilliant but short-lived Jackpot label, which was also initially home to Blue Amazon. Moves the heart as much as the feet.