If there was a Godlike Genius award in house music’s Hall of Fame then Derrick Carter would take the cake [then probably hurl it at the panel of judges]. The man’s been a true titan representing the music’s original spirit since first emerging from Chicago in the early 90s, flying the flag for disco fever, uncut funk and acid house madness via a superlative string of records on many labels [including his own Blue Cucaracha and Classic imprints], displaying his inimitable brand of bumping grooves and wigged-out twists. If that wasn’t enough, Derrick also happens to be one of the best DJs in the world and untouchable party animal, always up for collaborations. Recently, he hitched up with Yousef, planting old school Chicago vocals on this track from the esteemed Liverpool DJ-producer’s debut album, A Collection Of Scars & Situations. It’s a massive bomb of a tune, Yousef a classic example of a young blood with house music’s spirit passed on and pumping through his veins as he whips up a juggernaut groove stoked with metallic, juddering sequences and lashed with a barrage of whooshy noises, subtle 303 later entering the fray. Over this heaving behemoth, Derrick intones lyrics which could be about a lost love or house music itself, his deep, treated voice creating a heady, slightly sinister mood, not unlike Chicago’s great Master C&J or maybe Phuture. It all goes off in the epic drop and there’s also an Instrumental. They really don’t make ’em like this any more but, far from being a retread, Yousef’s modern studio knowledge elevates the tune into the future while Derrick brands his unique stamp on its gyrating rump. Undoubtedly one of the tunes of the year, saluting not one but two house music maestros.
5 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: Kris Needs
