DANCE FLOOR

Rip It Up, Issue 199, 1 March 1994, Page 25

DANCE FLOOR

Slo Moshun'Bells of NY' (UK Six x 6 12") Apparently, so the story goes, put together by exmembers of Racey (sort of a 70s version of the Smashing Pumpkins) and Altern-ate (a sort of 90s version of Racey), this is the club anthem of the moment, an enormously catchy and funky piano led groove complete with hip hop breakdown in the middle. AM.EC 'Have You Ever . Fucked on Cocaine?' (Ger. Discomania 12") Not much to it but definite title of the month from this, otherwise typically humourless but inoffensive Euro trancer. Danny Taurus - 'Lies' /'Z'(UK Stafford South 12") A slippery bassline and a familiar female vocal drive this funky jazz-house groove. Very New York and very good. Lemon Sol 'Universal' (UK Guerilla 12") This could almost be described as pretty. It's a nasty word but totally appropriate to this electronic ballad that reminds me at times of 'Trans Europe Express'. Remy & Sven 'Cut the Bassline' ; (Bel. Global Cuts 12") Generally I hate most European dance music, it's dull, soulless and bland. But the exceptions are Italy's UMM setup and Belgium's R&S labels (of which this is one). Remy & Sven's 'Piano Power' from last year was a killer and this is just as good with a DJ Pierre' feel about it. Junior Vasquez 'X' (US Tribal America 12") Talking of Pierre, Junior has been arouncffor yonks, and he's known as the DJ's favourite DJ around the Big Apple where his eight hour Sound Factory sets are legendary. But he doesn't make many records. When he does they're good, like this epic trancey builder in the style of DJ-P, best in its dub mix. Underworld 'dubnobasswithmyheadman' (UK Junior Boys Own LP/ CD) That wondrous thing, a great dance album and wondrous it is. This monumental album hasn't left my turntable since I got it a couple of weeks back. Deep, moody, melodic and fucking brilliant without a guitar cliche in sight. , ■ Havana 'Condensed' (UK Limbo 12") To my mind Glasgow's Havana haven't put a foot wrong yet and this double pack maintains the quality. Warm electronic soul from the icy north. Miss Bliss 'Best Thing' (UK Synthetic 12") Fingerclickin' fierce house remixed out of New York's Cutting Records and yes, a vocal. A very Louis Vega-ish bassline on the sort of record that just makes you smile. Recommended. • . Quench 'Dreams' (UK Infectious 12") I really liked this when it came out six months ago on Melbourne's Sirius label, especially the bells, which I suspect are supposed to sound vaguely cathedralish but end up sounding like Blondie's 'Rapture'. The remix, from Crunch, is fine too. SIMON GRIGG