LTJ Bukem – Altantis (I Need You) This is the tune that started it all for me. When I first heard it I had to know what it was. It sounded so futuristic and different it totally changed my outlook and taste in music almost instantly.
Dilinja – Silver Blade If you look up drum and bass in the dictionary this is what you should find. Without doubt the best dnb tune ever made and it will never be bettered!
Photek – KJZ Every time I listen to this tune I get something different out of it. It’s the tune that keeps on giving. It’s an overused cliche but this one really does take you on a journey. Photek was taking it to levels that very few people could at this time.
Ed Rush & Optical – Medicine (Matrix Rmx) This will always remind me of sitting in my mate’s room playing Goldeneye and listening to tape packs. This tune is pure relentless groove, it slowly and subtley gets into your head and never lets go. One of the classics from the tech step era.
Source Direct – Secret Liaison I had to have a Source Direct tune and it was a close call between this and The Crane. They were true masters of the amen and atmospherics and this sees them going on more of an uplifting vibe than most of their other work. I don’t think I know anyone who doesn’t like this tune.
Gang Starr - New York Straight Talk I could have picked any number of DJ Premier beats but this one is just straight up East Coast hip hop at its finest with Guru in fine flow over the top as well.
Tricky - Hell Is Round The Corner A friend gave me a tape of Maxinquaye at school when I was about 13 and I was totally hooked on Trip Hop after that. This song is my favourite from the album, melancholic and gritty, it was unlike anything I had heard before then.
DJ Shadow - Entroducing I couldn’t pick a single tune from this album, the whole thing is an absolute masterpiece and the pinnacle of sampling. I think I listened to this almost non stop for about 2 years and I still listen to it regularly now.
Bonobo – The Plug (Quantic Rmx) Two of my favourite artists combine to create a beautiful piece of music. I still love what both these guys are doing but for me this was the peak of their more simple-based output. This soundtracked many a sunny day lazing about doing nothing.
Aphex Twin – Xtal Another absolutely sublime piece of music that I can listen to over and over again. I love the fact that Aphex Twin just did what he wanted musically, never compromising his sound for anybody.
