FOUNDATIONS: NORTHERN EXPOSURE
Sasha & Digweed's majestic mix series defined a golden era of British nightlife.
Friends.
I’m slowly winding my way back into club culture and reminding myself of the sounds, crews and artists who first drew me into this world nearly 30 years ago.
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Today I want to shine a light on two of the seminal mix compilations of 90s progressive house music: Sasha and Digweed’s Northern Exposure, parts 1 & 2.
There’s absolutely nothing I can write about these mixes that hasn’t already been said. But for those who’ve not heard them before: expect untouchable track selection, widescreen programming and vinyl mixing tighter than two coats of paint from two of the best selectors ever to touch turntables.
If you’re looking for something to set you up for the weekend, look no further.
A few key moments (if it’s possible to choose any):
Northern Exposure 1
0°/North
The Orb’s Transasianexpress Mix of Keiichi Suzuki’s “Satellite Serenade” opening one of the best mixes ever recorded with a virtuoso display of musical composition that could only really have been made in this era. Artists, take note: we need this kind of tone, scope and vision back.
The blissed out rave medley of Morgan King - Free (released in 1991) into Ultraviolet - Kites (1990) into Fuzzy Logic - Obsession (1992) showcasing golden-era foundations on which Sasha & Digweed’s reputations are built.
0°/South
Evolution - Phoenix showing how absolutely devastating big room progressive trance can be. This track always, always, ALWAYS gets wound back about 5 times every time I listen to it. Next level production.
The sublime closing of Underworld 'Dark & Long' doing exactly what it says on the tin. Epic, patient mixing and letting the tracks do the work for you: DJs take note..
Head to the Discogs page for a full tracklist (and plenty of misty-eyed reminiscing from aging ravers).
Northern Exposure 2
EXP01
The opening triplet of Gus Gus - Believe (complete with overt Biblical references, rarely seen in British club culture), Furry Phreaks - Soother (featuring an incredible Bjork-esque performance from Terra Deva) lifting off proceedings with two glorious vocal gems before slamming into broken beat monster Violet - Burn the Elastic. Serious moves.
EXP02
Another classic opener: Cygnus X - Positron lulling us into a false sense of security before the boys drive into a full-throttle hard trance and acid mix for the ages.
Once again, head to the Discogs page for full tracklist.
More soon.
Love
Rubin