Kings Of Techno, The - Compiled By Laurent Garnier & Carl Craig

Heads up to the SOUL, HIP HOP, FUNK and CLASSIC ROCK fans here, who might overlook this as a dance album due to the title. The songs are chosen by techno legends but they range from Aretha Franklin to 90s hip hop. This is an anthology, not a mix CD. Theme for Disc 1 is “History of Detroit,” and theme for Disc 2 is Carl Craig’s “Influences and Developments.” This album is for the history buffs. Some of the rave-era tracks are such dinosaurs that younger listeners may wince, but everyone can appreciate the selection as an education from the masters.

Best tracks: 7 (Disc 1); 7 (Disc 2); 9 (Disc 2)

Disc 1:
Track 1: Ancient and fun rock tune by the Stooges (sounds like the Rascals).
Track 2: Aretha Franklin, nuff said.
Track 3: Funk/disco classic
Track 4: Funkadelic bringing a drummy world-flavored vibe
Track 5: Garnier giving a nod to his mate Carl Craig, who will be mixing disc 2.
Track 6: Extremely abstract and fast tune from Jeff Mills.
Track 7: EXCELLENT deep techno classic with some break elements
Track 8: Back before electro was called electro. I think I prefer the newer knockoffs.
Track 9: Proto- drum-n-bass complete with an MC. Sounds like a live broadcast.
Track 10: FCC!!! Hip Hop. Lots of cussing, but this has some GREAT rhymes. I think it’s Red Man and maybe some others on here.


Disc 2:
Track 1: Industrial techno
Track 2: Back before funky house was called funky house. Very fun track.
Track 3: Campy new wave / electro gear.
Track 4: Ancient electronica that sounds so old it’s hard to classify. Breaks?
Track 5: Legendary outfit Art of Noise reminds us how far technology has come since their heyday. This is one that would have been better left in the clearance bin.
Track 6: Just when you thought it couldn’t get any less bearable than the last track…this is for those who like incoherent male shouting on top of their proto-trave tunes.
Track 7: Super catchy electro soundz. Still sounds modern today. PLAY!
Track 8: Deep track from the days before techno and breakbeat branched in different directions on the dance family tree.
Track 9: Back before chillout was called chillout. Percussive and tasteful!
Track 10: Throbbing, moody, and deep techno with some acid elements. Very nice.