Various - 313 Detroit

While there is quite a bunch of good Detroit Techno compilations out there, this one is rather special. Unlike other comparable publications like the "Relics"-Transmat Compilation that concentrate on the more archaic, classic Detroit sound following a more conservative definition, this one is merely a demonstration of how multi-facetted the style actually is. From atmospheric, laid back grooves to unmistakeably dancefloor orientated tracks - the big variety of Detroit Techno's stylistical manifestations was documented as good as ever possible on a double-12" album without being anywhere near eclectic, overladen or clashing. On the contrary: listen to the entire record from track A1 to D2 and you'll be in a completely different mood than you were before picking up this compilation. That mood - THAT is pure, idealistic Techno - you will notice at the latest when 69's timeless classic "Desire" is finally playing.

Interesting for historical reasons: Reel by Real's "Distance" is a good example to show how much the music from 1992 and even before (!) still contributes to today's musical development like i.e. the mid 2000s' Electro-style House variations (although it's also amazing to see how awful and dull "music" with partly so epic and revolutionary roots/influences can sound like). Another nice idea was to include productions like "Free Your Mind" by Piece or Subterfuge's "Unconscious World" - tracks that create a nice relation to the early 1990s Rave sound.

All in all I have to say that I'm completely stunned by this record. Not only is its pressing and production of outstanding quality - above all the spirit of Detroit Techno was very well converted and compiled on this release. Just like the title promises - 313 is Detroit's area code - the ideology's essence is included everywhere: the music, the beautiful cover artwork and the release text written on the sleeve's backside:
"It came to us from another planet. A satellite city, eight wonders from America's seventh city. At long last, 313 has arrived, a flash of light for these dark times, music that is out there in a world of its own..."