Masters at Work : (My) Top Five

Many moons ago, within a relatively small but devout cross-section of people (mostly men) on this side of the Atlantic, there was an almost fetishistic excitement which came from the rumour, prospect, then reality of shrink-wrapped pieces of black plastic. Although record shopping, and shops are still alive and (moderately) well, the pursuit, and culture around vinyl has changed forever with the onset of the internet, file sharing, burning, serrato and all manner of other technological wonders. We’re not here to stand in the way of progress or lament how things used to be; just as each generation who has their dancefloor epiphany will, a couple of years later, wearily proclaim that things aren’t as good as back in the (aka their) day.

Of course, the pursuit of the import 12” wasn’t the sole concern of those enamoured with H.O.U.S.E; indeed, most I knew came to house from Hip-Hop, and have an expansive, broad minded love affair with music as a whole, despite the inevitable desire for specific genres, sub-genres and artists.

The recent post here on Jungle, and the attendant youtube clips put a certain period in mind, if not necessarily a specific sound as such. Just as it would be impossible to choose a top 5 house records (or any other genre for that matter- doesn’t mean we won’t try), I thought that a certain artist would be insightful. Back in the midsts of time, when rumours of outlandish riders and agency demands would add to the cachet, Kenny ‘Dope’ Gonzalez and ‘Little’ Louis Vega were peerless in the range of their distilling a New York house sensibility, much of which still remains as fresh and compelling as ever now. The sense of anticipation for a new MAW track or remix was tangible, and often the reality was better than the hype. Below are some of my personal favourites; the omissions are glaring, and the conjecture as to best will likely be largely confined to gents of a certain age. However, the impulse wasn’t halcyon days or simple nostalgia; more some genre defying, genuinely exciting records by artists at the very top of their game….

Martha Wash : Carry On [Masters at Work Dub]

Nu Yorican Soul : The Nervous Track

Trey Lorenz : Photograph of Mary [Masters of Work Dub]

Kenlou : The Bounce

Master at Work ft India : I can’t get no sleep