Items35The creator’s order
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Around the WorldDaft Punk • Homework album version (1997)
The bass takes little detours while the voice stays on the title phrase. Follow the low part instead of the vocal and you can hear exactly when a new layer changes the way the whole track moves. The long album version lets that effect build at its own pace.0 - 2
Show Me LoveRobin S. • StoneBridge Club Mix
The organ stabs leave openings that Robin S. fills with a much longer vocal line. The contrast comes through especially clearly in the full club mix, where the keyboard gets time to establish its own rhythm first.0 - 3
Groove Is in the HeartDeee-Lite • World Clique version (1990)
Start with the wiry bass figure, sampled from Herbie Hancock’s “Bring Down the Birds.” The backing keeps dancing underneath the handclaps, little blasts of brass and Lady Miss Kier’s sung lines. There’s always some detail asking for your attention without…0 - 4
Born Slippy .NUXXUnderworld • Original .NUXX version (1995)
Start with the ringing chords before the kick comes in. Karl Hyde sounds like he’s thinking out loud over them, even as the drums settle into a much harder pulse. This is the .NUXX track from the original single, a different recording from the A-side…0 - 5
Gypsy Woman (She's Homeless) (radio mix)Crystal Waters • 1991 radio mix
The organ figure twists around the beat while Crystal Waters keeps bringing the melody back to a short, lilting phrase. What makes it worth revisiting is how the organ and voice can each feel like the lead. Try following one through a whole chorus, then the other.0 - 6
Inner City Life (original version)Goldie • Original single version (1994)
Diane Charlemagne stretches her phrases across drums that are in constant motion. Follow the ends of her lines and notice how quickly the percussion changes underneath a note she’s still holding. Put this on when you want the velocity of drum & bass and a…0 - 7
Out of SpaceThe Prodigy • Experience version (1992)
Max Romeo’s vocal sample gives you a foothold while the drums and synths rush by. The phrase comes from “Chase the Devil.” Listen to how the sampled reggae vocal keeps its easy lilt even when the music around it has switched into a gallop.0 - 8
WindowlickerAphex Twin • Single version (1999)
The opening beat has a lazy swing. Then the little clipped voices and percussion start crowding around it. Follow the spaces between the kicks as the track gets noisier and you can still hear the movement that holds it together.0 - 9
Energy FlashJoey Beltram • Original Mix (1990)
There’s a low, cycling figure under the drums that makes the record feel as though it’s bearing down on you. The whisper feels like part of that pulse when it arrives. Try it when you want to hear how a sparse arrangement can still build tension.0 - 10
Block Rockin' BeatsThe Chemical Brothers • Dig Your Own Hole version (1997)
The opening bass line is clear enough to carry the track almost by itself. Give the drums a moment to catch up, then see how often you find yourself returning to that low figure as sounds streak across it. It’s a good entry point if you like…0
