FOUNDATIONS: DERRICK MAY
Mr Mayday, Live in Detroit 1989
Friends.
It’s Friday.
I’m relaying the foundations.
If that’s not for you, hit unsubscribe.
This week I’ve been bumping an exceptional piece of rave history from the originator, Mr Mayday aka Derrick May.
A revered producer and selector of the highest order, known for his strutting, muscular yet deeply soulful techno. May is one of the true innovators of the art form and an original member, alongside Juan Atkins and Kevin Saunderson, of Detroit’s Belleville Three.
With 1987’s ‘Strings of Life’, produced under his Rhythim is Rhythim alias, May delivered one of the defining tracks of the UK’s Acid House movement. I’ve heard stories of DJs playing it through to the end, then picking the needle up to start the whole thing again. It was was that much of an anthem.
His Transmat label is unquestionably one of Detroit’s defining imprints. Make sure to trawl the catalogue. I’m a particular fan of the Fragile sublabel, responsible for (amongst many other releases) some of Steve Rachmad’s finest work and the soaring majesty that is Laurent Garnier’s ‘Acid Eiffel’.
Anyway, on to the set.
One of the great blessings of the internet is the almost endless archive of classic traxx and mixes we now have access to at the click of a button. This Detroit gem from 1989 is a case in point.
From the opening grooves of Mr Fingers ‘Can You Feel It?’, through Marshall Jefferson’s ‘House Music Anthem’, Giorgio Moroder’s ‘Evolution’ (can we bring back electric guitars pls??) to Fast Eddie’s ‘Let Go’ and the Decadent Disciples’‘Jesus Loves Acid’ the selection and mixing are both next level. Yes, many of these tunes are extremely well known in 2025 and might well descend into cliche in the hands of a contemporary DJ. But remember, this is 1989 Detroit and Derrick May is setting the pace.
Finally, if anyone can ID the track at 25 minutes I’ll be forever in your debt. I need to get my hands on this one!
Til next time.
Love ya.
Rubin