Underworld - Mmm...Skyscraper b-sides

From the original 1993 ep. I never managed to track down mp3s of these two versions of Mmm...Skyscraper, I Love You, so I've ripped them from the 12". They are more straighforward hard-edged prog house than the sprawling a side (which I haven't bothered including), but they are both fantastic. Great dancefloor cuts with all the Underworld hallmarks - the rolling, driving basslines, syncopated synths and layered percussion. The Jam Scraper mix has a real epic feel, with great use of strings, slide guitar, and a restrained but building acid line which was a bit of a rarity for Underworld.

1. Mmm...Skyscraper Telegraph 6.11.92 (7'08")
2. Mmm...Skyscraper Jam Scraper (9'11")

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Akufen - Psychometry vol 3

I wasn't always convinced by all of Akufen's work. I found a lot of it clever or impressive, but it didn't move me. This EP totally hits the spot, however. He uses radio noise, severely chopped samples and assorted other elements to create his loops; and on this 12" these loops glide most pleasingly over the beats, usually as triplets, creating a nice swinging groove. Great editing skills are displayed, especially on my favourite track - B2 - which has some great backwards sounds. Unfortunately it is a total bitch to mix, as the beats are all over the place, but it's a superb track.

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China White - The China White EP

From 1993, one of my favourite releases on Djax-Up Beats, and I had quite a few. Impeccably produced by three chaps who seem only to have done one other record together, the Tuned In EP by Dark Llama, which is also fantastic. This consists of two slower Detroit influenced tracks; a great acid belter; and a classic Chicago acid house track, wherein a disembodied voice decries the hardships of working for the man. 'Tired of working for the motherfuckers' indeed. The beat programming on this is magnificent throughout, with definite influences from Detroit electro.

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