Various Artists - Hardcore Traxx: Dance Mania Records 1986-1995 2xLP + 3xCD

*Includes a copy of the CD free inside* Daaaamn, Strut just p*ssed off a tonne of discogs-fiending Dance Mania noobs with this heavyweight collection of 24 cuts culled from the annals of Chicago's baddest imprint. In recent years there's abeen a massive resurgence of interest around one of Chicago's most influential labels, thanks in no small part to the DJ sets of Night Slugs' Bok Bok and L-Vis, Jackmaster, Tom Trago and the whole modern Juke/Footwork movement, who've all given this sound a frame of reference in today's no-holds-barred dance scene. This compilation is a proper education, spanning foundational early cuts circa late '80s/early '90s from Hercules' '7 Ways' to The House Master Boyz And The Rude Boy Of House's 'House Nation' and Armando's 'Falling' on the first disc, through to the 2nd wave of wall-bangers from DJ Funk's 'House The Groove', Paul Johnson's 'Feel My M.F. Bass' and Traxmen & Eric Martin's filth anthem 'Hit It From The Back' on a 2nd disc charting their mid '90s golden streak. It's all untouchable, no frills dancefloor gear and hugely recommended to all insatiable dancer and DJs.