100 Favourite Techno Classics

Submitted by sljiva on Sun, 11/18/2007 - 05:19

Tags:

Music

1. Techno is the greatest music ever. I think that's a fair description. Now, the list:
2.
1. Plastikman - Plasticine
2. Released on: Sheet One / Plus 8 / 1993
3. Although Sheet One is conceived as a concept album, it's impossible not to notice a
couple of tracks that stand out from the rest. Plasticine definitely stands out the most,
not only with me, but probably with many, many others. It's probably my favourite
track from the whole Richie's career. The master, using a minimalist approach,
succeeded to create one monster of the track adeptly adding small doses of acid on
the beautiful and entrancing main structure of the track. As someone on discogs said:
"This is the closest music can get to drugs". And to perfection, I would add.
2. Galaxy 2 Galaxy - Hi-Tech Jazz (The Science)
3. Released on: Galaxy 2 Galaxy / Underground Resistance / 1993
4. Warm, beautiful and jazzy track from one of the staples of Detroit's second wave Mike Banks (the main figure behind Underground Resistance and social
commentator who fought against commercialization of dance music). Mike
incorporated music of his idols into his own style of techno, and got a track that
represents what Detroit is all about. Simply breathtaking tune.
3. Rhythim Is Rhythim - Strings Of Life
4. Released on: Strings Of Life / Transmat / 1987
5. Ah, these strings... I know if I play this track, I'll spend the rest of that day humming
the main melody. So, take that strings, add a beautiful piano work and you're getting

an instant classic, and one of the most recognizable techno tunes ever. Only if the
kick is constant through the whole track...
4. Model 500 - No UFO's (Inst)
5. Released on: No UFO's / Metroplex / 1985
6. Another first wave classic. Unlike May's organic style, Juan Atkins here presents the
pure synthetic side of techno. SF elements are inherent as always (which is Juan's
trademark), this time the theme is UFO's. Everything about this track is great: it's
dark, futuristic, full of strange and unexpected sounds. The best example that techno
evolved from electro.
5. Sterac - Asphyx
6. Released on: Asphyx / 100% Pure / 1995
7. Steve Rachmad created an outstanding second record for the Dutch label 100%
Pure. Second track of the EP, breaksy Darkness In My Life is a fantastic atmospheric
journey enhanced with some really subtle acid work. First track, however, is even
bigger masterpiece with incredibly unique atmosphere and fat bassline that
dominates the track. Steve said in one interview that label wrongly pressed the sides,
so the first track on the A side is actually X-Tracks, not Asphyx. However most people
talk about Asphyx when commenting that first track on the A side, so I put Asphyx on
the list, not X-Tracks.
6. Rhythim Is Rhythim - Nude Photo
7. Released on: Nude Photo / Transmat / 1987
8. Derrick May really knew how to make a hit, and the best proof for that is his Rhythim
Is Rhythim alias and his releases under that alias on his own Transmat label. Nude
Photo is actually his first release under that moniker, and just a little weaker track
than Strings. However, this track is equally beautiful (especially the sample of girl
smiling) and some people even prefer it over Strings. The only bad thing is that
annoying pauses are present again (but fortunately only at the end).
7. Carl Craig - Wrap Me In Its Arms (Inst.)
8. Released on: VA - Equinox Chapter One / Retroactive / 1990
9. The hardest-to-find track on the list. While some other classics are repressed couple
of times, released on every other compilation or featured in numerous dj sets, this
track is so obscure that it appeared only on one compilation. Which is a shame (well,
not for me since I have that compilation), because it's a wonderful track which
deserves to be heard by everyone. However, there is a New Age Pimp Mix released
on No More Words EP, but it's a vocal version that doesn't come close to this
instrumental beauty.
8. The Aztec Mystic - Jaguar
9. Released on: Knights Of The Jaguar EP / Underground Resistance / 1999
10. Warm, but dark track with unforgettable melody and equally memorable strings that
build a climax in the middle and at the end of the track. There was a controversy
about licensing this track. Sony wanted to license it and release it with some trance
remixes to earn loads of money on something that isn't even theirs. However, that
was against everything UR stood for, so the guys, leaded with Mike Banks and
Rolando stayed true to themselves and knocked off the bastards. At the end Sony
released promo version of Jaguar rip-off, but after lot of criticism from the techno
community, they decided not to commercially release it.
9. 3 Phase Featuring Dr. Motte - Der Klang Der Familie
10. Released on: Der Klang Der Familie / Tresor / 1992
11. One of the first releases on legendary Berlin based label that caused the techno
boom in Europe. Fantastic uptempo track with a memorable riff. Mike Dierickx aka
Push later used that riff (he slowed it down a bit) for creating his Universal Nation.

10. AFX - VBS.Redlof.B

11. Released on: Analord 11 / Rephlex / 2005
12. For a long time, I refused to add this track to the list just because of one reason: it's
too new - therefore it shouldn't be considered classic. However, since my goal is to
make a list of the best techno tracks (and not the best pre-2000) tracks, I finally
decided to add it (with a couple of more post-2000 tracks). And this tune is definitely
one of the best new techno pieces. Seems like Rich listened to a lot of -Ziq early
stuff, because this tune sounds exactly like some dancey stuff from Tango N' Vectif
and Bluff Limbo: impressive thick bassline is coupled with analogue icy synths, 90's
IDM effects and barely hearable kick. Massive and highly recommended.
11. Jeff Mills - The Bells
12. Released on: Kat Moda EP / Purpose Maker / 1997
13. Even though Jeff is better known for his mixing skills (he used to mix up to 70 records
in one hour), he also produced a couple of classics, and a lot of "almost classics".
The Bells, is one of those classics, and probably his most famous work. Hard, almost
industrial sound interlaces with main, funky melody and creates a perfect rush of
energy that's ideal for the conclusion of every techno party.
12. Plastikman - Spastik
13. Released on: Spastik / NovaMute / 1993
14. This is the track that converted a lot of unbelievers to techno, and one of the first
tracks that Richie released under his world-renowned moniker Plastikman. It's
interesting that the whole track was created with just one instrument - TR-808. Richie
succeeded to force that 808 to sound like a woodpecker on speed, who's pecking the
wood in some weird, but at the same time proper rhythm. Unforgettable sound, one of
the most original ever invented.
13. Joey Beltram - Energy Flash
14. Released on: Beltram Vol. 1 / R&S Records / 1990
15. Simple, but astounding track with a great bassline, and some absurdly elemental 303
work.
14. Choice - Acid Eiffel
15. Released on: Paris EP / Fnac Music Dance Division / 1993
16. Long, deep and emotional track from Laurent Garnier, Shazz and Ludovic Navarre
(St Germain). Almost 14 minutes of microscopic changes and subtle 303 work will
really delight you, but only if you listen from beginning to end.
15. Robert Hood - Minus
16. Released on: Internal Empire / Tresor / 1994
17. Minimal techno is more often "less is less", than "less is more", but this track is simply
amazing and for me the essential minimal techno tune.
16. 3MB - Die Kosmischen Kuriere (Magic Juan Mix)
17. Released on: 3MB Feat. Magic Juan Atkins / Tresor / 1993
18. Melodic, spacey themed beauty with a gorgeous, out of this world atmosphere. This
track is often overshadowed by Jazz Is The Teacher, the A-side of the record (which i
don't like at all), but it's undisputable that the real classic is this, B-side. And it's no
wonder, considering who was involved in the process of making: Godfather himself
Juan Atkins, Thomas Fehlmann (from The Orb) and Moritz von Oswald (the man
behind Maurizio, Basic Channel and Rhythm & Sound).
17. The Black Dog - Cost II
18. Released on: Cost II / General Production Recordings / 1993

19. Somewhat typical (really low bpm and lots of unusual effects for techno at that time),
but at the same time magnificent UK "intelligent techno" track from the early 90's,
when that type of techno just started to evolve towards what is now known as IDM.
18. Suburban Knight - Midnite Sunshine
19. Released on: VA - Dark Energy / Underground Resistance / 1994
20. Another long and entrancing track that's pretty hard-to-get, but the search will pay off,
because this beauty will charm you right after the first listen.
19. Underground Resistance - The Punisher
20. Released on: The Punisher / Underground Resistance / 1991
21. Fast and agressive track that sounds similar to Sonic Destroyer, track that was
released by the same outfit (but under the X-101 moniker) couple of months before
The Punisher. Although The Punisher was the name of Mike Banks' racing car, I
would say that Jeff Mills was the one to blame for the sound of this track.
20. Vainqueur - Lyot (Original Mix)
21. Released on: Lyot / Maurizio / 1992
22. Repetitive and percussion rich track that develops really slow and quite effective.
Most people prefer Maurizio's remix, but the Original is the one for me.
21. DBX - Losing Control (Carl Craig Remix)
22. Released on: Losing Control (Remixes) / Peacefrog / 1994
23. This is the track that got the all star remix treatment. Great original by minimal techno
pioneer Daniel Bell was remixed by Carl Craig, Robert Hood and Richie Hawtin, all
on one record. The best job was done by Carl, who turned this minimal track to a
monster that just reeks with energy.
22. Laurent Garnier - Wake Up
23. Released on: A Bout De Souffle EP / Fnac Music Dance Division / 1993
24. The real (acid) journey (unlike most other tracks on the list). Wake Up is Laurent's
best known work, and with a good reason, since the atmosphere created here is
impossible to outmatch.
23. Speedy J - Evolution
24. Released on: Evolution EP / Plus 8 / 1991
25. Jochem Paap aka Speedy J started his career with simple tracks that didn't have
some great value (Wicked Saw, Minimal, Spectrum), so this Evolution is not just a
title, it's a real evolution and further development of his music, which will culminate on
Ginger, album that even Warp licenced for its Artificial Intelligence series. Track itself
sounds intelligent and progressive, but at the same time hard and uncompromising.
24. Second Phase - Mentasm
25. Released on: Mentasm / R&S Records / 1991
25. Rhythim Is Rhythim - Icon
26. Released on: Icon/Kao-Tic Harmony / Transmat / 1991/1996
27. Heartbreaking Detroit classic with 4 minute long emotional ambient intro (which is
very uncommon in techno) and astounding percussion work. The track was made in
1991, started to appear in sets and compilations about a year later and finally
officially released in 1996.
26. System 7 - Alpha Wave (Plastikman Acid House Mix)
27. Released on: Alpha Wave / Butterfly / 1995
28. Mindblowing acid trip, almost 20 minutes long. The track is so intense that it
immediately grabs your attention, and doesn't let go until the end. It just keeps
building and building... Masterpiece!

27. Basic Channel - Phylyps Trak

28. Released on: Phylyps Trak / Basic Channel / 1993
28. Model 500 - Off To Battle
29. Released on: Sound Of Stereo/Off To Battle / Metroplex / 1987
29. Planetary Assault Systems - Booster
30. Released on: Planetary Funk Vol. 4 / Peacefrog / 1994
30. Rhythim Is Rhythim - The Dance (Living Room Mix)
31. Released on: Nude Photo / Transmat / 1987
31. Speedy J - Krekc
32. Released on: Krekc / NovaMute / 2001
33. While the name of the track sounds like something Umek would contrive, the sound is
definitely Speedy J. But Public Energy and Electric Deluxe Speedy J, not Detroit
influenced Speedy J from the early 90's. Restless beat, sharp stabs and wonderful
samples of a plane taking off. Fantastic.
32. The Aztec Mystic - Aguila (The Fix Mix)
33. Released on: Aguila / Underground Resistance / 2003
34. Rolando aka The Aztec Mystic demonstrates that he's not the one-hit-wonder with
Aguila, deep latin-influenced beauty which somewhat reminds of Jaguar with its
powerful bassline, warm atmosphere and tense string parts.
33. Ron Trent - Altered States (Original Full Length Mix)
34. Released on: Altered States / Warehouse / 1990
34. Orbital - Chime
35. Released on: Chime/Deeper / Oh'Zone / 1989
35. Underground Resistance - The Theory
36. Released on: VA - Equinox Chapter One / Retroactive / 1990
37. Another Detroit classic that was originally released on very influental Equinox
Chapter One compilation. The track has a harsh, almost evil sound that is frequently
interrupted by a man and a woman talking about something (probably some
theories).
36. CJ Bolland - Camargue
37. Released on: The 4th Sign / R&S Records / 1992
37. Brother From Another Planet - Planet Earth
38. Released on: Planet Earth/Trance Missions / 7th City / 1992
38. X-101 - Sonic Destroyer
39. Released on: Sonic Destroyer / Underground Resistance / 1991
39. Phobia - Phobia
40. Released on: Phobia / Rising High / 1991
40. LFO - LFO (The Leeds Warehouse Mix)
41. Released on: LFO / Warp / 1990
41. 246 - Go Up
42. Released on: Vol. 1 / Reel Musiq / 1995

43. Behind this mysterious number stands Japanese electronic music legend Susumu
Yokota, best-known by his early techno stuff on influental German label Harthouse.
Mr. Yokota was obviously very inspired by Plastikman's stuff, since the TR-808
sounds magnificent in this track and completely steals all the attention.
42. F.U.S.E. - F.U.2 (Re-edit)
43. Released on: Substance Abuse / Plus 8 / 1991
43. Code 6 - C.O.D.E.S.
44. Released on: Second Chapter / Nu Groove / 1991
44. Apotheosis - O Fortuna (Apocalypse Chorus Mix)
45. Released on: O Fortuna / Indisc / 1991
45. Robert Armani - Circus Bells (Hardfloor Remix)
46. Released on: The Remixes / Djax-Up-Beats / 1993
46. Laurent Garnier - Breathless
47. Released on: A Bout De Souffle EP / Fnac Music Dance Division / 1991
47. Gaiden - Point Blank (Speedy J Remix)
48. Released on: Point Blank / Music Man / 2001
48. Robert Hood - Rhythm
49. Released on: Minimal Nation EP / Axis / 1994
49. Mental Mayhem - Joey's Riot
50. Released on: Where Are They Hiding/Joey's Riot / Atmosphere / 1990
51. One of the finest tracks from small, but stellar Atmosphere label. It's amazing how
Joey (Beltram) was able to create such simple tracks that sounded so great.
50. Ignacio - Virton (Chris Liebing Remix)
51. Released on: Virton / Music Man / 2001
51. Kenny Larkin - Integration
52. Released on: Integration / Plus 8 / 1991
52. Slam - Positive Education
53. Released on: Positive Education / Soma Quality / 1993
53. Laurent Garnier - The Man With The Red Face
54. Released on: The Man With The Red Face / F Communications / 2000
55. Laurent Garnier had an ability to make both hard and sharp (Crispy Bacon) and
sophisticated (Wake Up) techno. The Man With The Red Face, with its smooth pads,
deep bass and jazzy vibe definitely falls in this second category.
54. The Martian - Star Dancer
55. Released on: Cosmic Movement/Star Dancer / Red Planet / 1993
55. The Mackenzie - No Promises
56. Released on: Freak Out / USA Import Music / 1990
56. Luke Slater - Inductive Channels
57. Released on: X-Tront Vol. 1 / Peacefrog / 1992
57. Sven Vth - Scorpio's Movement

58. Released on: Fusion/Scorpio's Movement / Virgin / 1997

58. Neal Howard - Indulge (Club House Mix)
59. Released on: Indulge / Network / 1990
59. Jeff Mills - The Extremist
60. Released on: Waveform Transmission Vol. 3 / Tresor / 1994
60. Luke Slater - X-Tront
61. Released on: X-Tront Vol. 1 / Peacefrog / 1992
61. Trance Induction - Technolo
62. Released on: Organic Floppy Disco / Djax-Up-Beats / 1992
62. Fix - Flash
63. Released on: Flash / KMS / 1992
63. Air Of Gloom - Meditation (Astro Mix)
64. Released on: Meditation / Beat Box International / 1991
64. Laurent Garnier - Crispy Bacon (Original Mix)
65. Released on: Crispy Bacon (Part 1) / F Communications / 1997
65. Monolake - Cyan I
66. Released on: Cyan / Chain Reaction / 1996
66. Terrace - Bewitched
67. Released on: In-Motion / Djax-Up-Beats / 1991
67. Planetary Assault Systems - In From The Night
68. Released on: Planetary Funk Vol. 1 / Peacefrog / 1993
68. Speedy J - Rise
69. Released on: Rise / Plus 8 / 1991
70. There's even better track on this record called De-Orbit, but I didn't want to include it
on the list (since it's not pure techno), so I'm adding just a little weaker Rise, track
which best shows just how much Jochem Paap was influenced by Detroit techno.
69. The Project - Do That Dance
70. Released on: Do That Dance / R&S Records / 1990
70. Andrew McLauchlan - Love Story (Re-Edit)
71. Released on: Love Story / Bush / 2000
71. Second Phase - Mind To Mind
72. Released on: Mentasm / R&S Records / 1991
72. F.U.S.E. - Confusion (Dub)
73. Released on: Substance Abuse / Plus 8 / 1991
73. Model 500 - The Chase (Mayday's Version)
74. Released on: The Chase / Metroplex / 1989
74. Sonic Solution - Get On The Move (Mix 1)
75. Released on: Beat Time/Get On The Move / R&S Records / 1991

75. Dave Angel - Mesmerize

76. Released on: 1st Voyage / R&S Records / 1991
76. Terrace - In-Motion
77. Released on: In-Motion / Djax-Up-Beats / 1991
77. F.U.S.E. - Substance Abuse
78. Released on: Substance Abuse / Plus 8 / 1991
78. Secret Cinema - Timeless Altitude (Original Version)
79. Released on: Timeless Altitude / Music Man / 1994
79. Musicology - Fear Of Expression
80. Released on: Musicology / B12 / 1991
81. Musicology was one of the many side projects of B12 guys, and also the first release
on their own label B12. Fear Of Expression is one of the bast examples of British
ability to interpret Detroit techno in their own way.
80. Equitek - Skywalker
81. Released on: Stylus Flight / R&S Records / 1992
81. The Pump Panel - Ego Acid
82. Released on: Ego Acid / Synewave London / 1994
82. Dave Clarke - Wisdom To The Wise
83. Released on: Red 2 / Bush / 1994
84. Dave Clarke took Basic Channel's dubby sound and added his recognizable hard
techno kick to it. Result - harder than Basic Channel stuff and more trippy than
everything else Clarke has done.
83. Hardfloor - Confuss
84. Released on: Funalogue / Harthouse / 1994
84. Dave Angel - Take-Off
85. Released on: In Flight Entertainment / Blunted / 1994
85. Surgeon - Magneze
86. Released on: Magneze / Downwards / 1995
86. Redcell - Interim
87. Released on: Interim Outerim / B12 / 1993
88. Another hit from B12 crew, this time under the Redcell moniker. Deep, spiritual and
still very influenced by Detroit sound.
87. Psyche - Crack Down
88. Released on: Crack Down / Transmat / 1989
88. F.U.S.E. - Approach & Identify
89. Released on: Approach & Identify / Plus 8 / 1990
89. Voodoo Child - Voodoo Child (Contracted)
90. Released on: Voodoo Child / Instinct / 1991
90. Neil Landstrumm - Swing/Jerk
91. Released on: M Cap EP / Peacefrog / 1995

91. Kenny Larkin - Rubbernotes (Stretch Mix)

92. Released on: We Shall Overcome / Plus 8 / 1990
92. Rejuvination - Phaze 2
93. Released on: Phaze 2 / Music Man / 1996
93. Aril Brikha - Groove La' Chord
94. Released on: Art Of Vengeance EP / Fragile / 1998
94. Christian Smith & John Selway - Weather (Planetary Assault Systems Mix #1)
95. Released on: Weather: The Planetary Assault Systems Mixes / Primate / 2002
96. Deep and dubby techno from Luke Slater, one of the hardest working producers in
the industry.
95. Dave Clarke - Thunder
96. Released on: Red Three / Deconstruction / 1995
96. Rhythim Is Rhythim - It Is What It Is (Majestic Mix)
97. Released on: It Is What It Is / Transmat / 1988
97. Scan-7 - Black Moon Rising
98. Released on: Black Moon Rising / Underground Resistance / 1993
98. Dave Angel - 1st Symphony
99. Released on: New Orchestrations EP / Fnac Music Dance Division / 1993
99. Neil Landstrumm - Ringbinder
100.
Released on: M Cap EP / Peacefrog / 1995
100.
101.

Final Exposure - Vortex

Released on: Vortex / Plus 8 / 1991

101.
102.

Model 500 - Ocean To Ocean (Global Mix)

Released on: Ocean To Ocean / Metroplex / 1990

102.
103.

Infiniti - Game One

Released on: Game One/Think Quick / Metroplex / 1994

103.
104.

Kenny Larkin - We Shall Overcome (Richie's Loonie Mix)

Released on: We Shall Overcome / Plus 8 / 1990

104.
105.

The Project - Do That Dance

Released on: Do That Dance / R&S Records / 1990

105.
106.

Emmanuel Top - Replay

Released on: Asteroid / NovaMute / 1996

106.
107.

Digital Vamp - You Can Take My Body (Vamp Dance Mix)

Released on: You Can Take My Body / R&S Records / 1989

107.
108.

The Mackenzie - Freak Out

Released on: Freak Out / USA Import Music / 1990

108.
109.

DK - Murder Was The Bass (Reworked)

Released on: Murder Was The Bass / DK Records / 2003

109.
110.

Richie Hawtin - Untitled (A1)

Released on: Minus Orange / M_nus / 1999

110.
111.

Model 500 - Play It Cool (Instrumental)

Released on: Play It Cool / Metroplex / 1986

111.
112.

Tres Demented - Demented (Or Just Crazy)

Released on: Demented / Planet E / 2003

112.
113.

Dark Comedy - War Of The Worlds (Epic Mix)

Released on: Corbomite Maneuver EP / Transmat / 1992

113.
114.

GTO - Listen To The Rhythm Flow (Trance Machine Mix)

Released on: Listen To The Rhythm Flow / React / 1991

114.
115.

Aphrohead - In The Dark We Live (Dave Clarke's 312 Mix)

Released on: In The Dark We Live (Thee Lite) / Bush / 1993

115.
116.

Esser'ay - Forces (Carl Craig's Mix)

Released on: Forces / KMS / 1994