Mantronix was a pioneer of 1980s dance music. His earlier output is synonymous with the Brooklyn based electro-funk movement. By the early 90s the Mantronix sound was recharged by the vibrancy of acid house and techno from that time.
In Take Your Time (Beat Me Down Mix) he created something accessible with the wonderfully soulful vocals of Wondress, electric piano/ rave synths and a catchy chorus. But it also had cutting edge rhythms, cold treble beats and clever multi-track vocal trickery. This all sat well thanks to the man's production talent. It's breezy air gives it a lightness and at the same time an energetic dance feel.
Many dance pop acts from the early 90s such as Soul II Soul and The Shamen probably took note, as did obscure techno experimentalists such as Autechre. Even Radiohead! When I hear the opening bars of Idioteque I'm reminded of this song and Mantronix.
The impressive production aside, what's truely unforgettable about the tune is its classic euphoric vibe and ecstatic rush. This was an anthem for a new 90s decade, an exciting time for dance music and being young (the recession aside!).
If I had to pick a New Year's Eve anthem then this is definitely it. Sure that on the cusp of 2013 it sounds dated, but to these ears there's been no other party like it.
In Take Your Time (Beat Me Down Mix) he created something accessible with the wonderfully soulful vocals of Wondress, electric piano/ rave synths and a catchy chorus. But it also had cutting edge rhythms, cold treble beats and clever multi-track vocal trickery. This all sat well thanks to the man's production talent. It's breezy air gives it a lightness and at the same time an energetic dance feel.
Many dance pop acts from the early 90s such as Soul II Soul and The Shamen probably took note, as did obscure techno experimentalists such as Autechre. Even Radiohead! When I hear the opening bars of Idioteque I'm reminded of this song and Mantronix.
The impressive production aside, what's truely unforgettable about the tune is its classic euphoric vibe and ecstatic rush. This was an anthem for a new 90s decade, an exciting time for dance music and being young (the recession aside!).
If I had to pick a New Year's Eve anthem then this is definitely it. Sure that on the cusp of 2013 it sounds dated, but to these ears there's been no other party like it.
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