Originally released in 2014, Strut re-introduces Hardcore Traxx: Dance Mania Records 1986-1997, highly sought-after definitive retrospective of one of Chicago’s most important and innovative house music. Emerging as a raw alternative to the powerhouses of Trax and DJ International during the mid-‘80s, Dance Mania continued to represent street-level Chicago club music into the ‘90s, helping to pioneer the Ghetto & House sound. Hardcore Traxx traces the full story of the label from its heyday.
Traxmen, legendary Chicago label created by the very own Robert Armani presents an exclusive capsule collection on vinyl of the artist greatest hits honoring his 30th Anniversary in the music industry. Robert Armani is a living legend and he is loved from Chicago to Belgium. It’s the ultimate collection and an unique opportunity to celebrate the artist’s outstanding career.
Jerome Derradji is gaining something of a reputation as one of Chicago’s premier house archivists, having previously released compilations celebrating some of the Windy City’s most influential – but previously overlooked – labels. Here he’s teamed up with KStarke Records boss Kevin Starke to deliver a two-track set largely made up of material found on tapes that were once traded between Frankie Knuckles, Ron Hardy and other legendary Chicago DJs. Confusingly much of the material credited to Jackmaster Hater is of unknown origin, while there plenty of other unearthed gems with little or no information. Thankfully, the material – largely mid-to-late ’80s jack and early acid, with a sprinkling of deep house and Italo-influenced fare – is uniformly excellent, making it a “must buy” for anyone with a passion for early house music.
The Hipodrome Of Music 