Model 500 – Classics

Juan Atkins isn't called the 'godfather of techno' for no reason: this CLASSICS compilation gathers together a selection of his Model 500 work to show off his skills. "No UFOs" has that Detroit electro throb that has become so familiar these days, while "The Chase" has a Latin flair. The synths might sound primitive, but the soul is unmistakably there. "Night Drive (Time, Space, Transmat)" has a funky dreaminess to it and "Electric Entourage" carries hints of Kraftwerk (the grandfathers of techno). "Ocean To Ocean" is sweet and smooth, like a lazy float, and "Sound of Stereo" delves into pure electro. Nearly 25 years later, these track still stand the test of time.

This, for me, along with Juan's two other M500 albums around at the time (Sonic Sunset, and Deep Space), broke a few barriers. One of those first albums you listen to early in your life that says to you "this is what you've been waiting for all this time".

Cracking, quality Detroit electro-soul. Yes there are mostly remixes here, well I say - hand on heart - that they are all superior to their "original" counterparts. The arrangements on every track are far better structured and less messy than the vinyl versions.

My only quibble is that Interference and Future aren't present, as these could have been placed instead of the rather atrocious, unmemorable and repetitive-as-heck "Electric Entourage" with it's "chika-chik-ah!" sample overused.

Anyway, if you want to try some quality electro, this is a fantastic place to start.

I don't see how this is a "classics" release...

The tracks everyone re aren't here; the remix of "No UFOs", albeit great, doesn't make up for that.

The sparse artwork isn't bad, and the lack of pics and articles that are typical for re- and best-of-releases is justifed since Techno music always spoke best for itself, but this here just leaves a very impersonal and cold impression.

When will "No UFOs" and "Future" finally be available on a Model 500 CD instead of random compilations?