MD'S 1990 HYBRID MIX

OK. On the grounds that a good DJ appreciates the opportunity to occasionally play styles outside of their regular comfort zone, and that versatility is the hallmark of the true professional ... here's a revival mix that's a bit different to the norm.

This one marks the 20th anniversary of 1990, in my view, one of the most fascinating years for music. This was the point at which acid house and rave culture had caught on in the UK, but hadn't quite developed into the house/ dance scene that characterised the rest of the 90s. At the same time, there were still a lot of soul, funk and reggae sounds around - particularly that Soul II Soul-style rhythm. The result was a hybrid sound fusing all these elements that was very distinctive to 1990, and marked a turning point from one decade into another.

Pretty much all these joints are British in origin. They all sound well-dated now, of course - but that's part of the appeal. Many of them also provided a harsh reminder of just how bloody difficult it was to mix off 7" vinyl!

If you're looking for an 'urban' or hip hop fix, this won't be for you. But if you're open-minded enough to appreciate different styles and a little piece of music history - and particularly if you were around in 1990 raving to or playing all this good stuff - download, listen, and float off into a zone.

MD'S 1990 HYBRID MIX

BOBBY KONDERS: THE POEM
MC WILDSKI: WONDERFUL WORLD
VOLUME TEN: PRIDE
TIMMY THOMAS: WHY CAN'T WE LIVE TOGETHER? (1990 RE-EDIT)
THE GRID: FLOATATION
BASSOMATIC: FASCINATING RHYTHM
HISTORY Featuring Q-TEE: AFRICA
KICKING BACK Featuring TAXMAN: DEVOTION
VOICES OF AFRICA: HOOMBA HOOMBA
KICKING BACK Featuring TAXMAN: EVERYTHING
JT & THE BIG FAMILY: MOMENTS IN SOUL
DIANA BROWN & BARRIE K SHARPE: THE MASTERPLAN
HAPPY MONDAYS: STEP ON (PERFECTO MIX)
BEATS INTERNATIONAL: BURUNDI BLUES
BOCCA JUNIORS: RAISE
SAINT ETIENNE: ONLY LOVE CAN BREAK YOUR HEART
FATMAN & STELLA MAE: RELEASE ME
PLUS ONE: IT'S HAPPENIN'
ORBITAL: CHIME
ADVENTURES OF STEVIE V: DIRTY CASH
TRIBAL HOUSE: MOTHERLAND
ALISON LIMERICK: WHERE LOVE LIVES