We were wondering / discussing, the same as we continue to do with Carl Craig, “Marshall Jefferson, producer or artist?”, but the long list of collaborators (Harry Dennis, Roy Davis Jr., Ce Ce Rogers, Kim Mazelle, Byrons Stingly & Burke, Herb Lawson, Duane Pelt, Nathaniel Jones, Herbert Jackson, Earl Smith Jr.) suggests more than just pseudonyms. I was also deliberating since until now The Producers series has been “Proto” rather than House. But as we paused for inspiration for someone who helped pave the way, we agreed that to move backwards and forwards a little as we go wouldn`t hurt.

The Jungle Wonz` “Time Marches On” was one of first House records I ever bought. In `88 I was in Eos drinking petrol with “House Hallucinates” on a Sony Walkman. Sparse and in a minor key, a hymn to life`s transience, it`s hard to equate its melancholy with the energy of the Music Box. Sleezy D and Phuture are how you might imagine “The Box”. Sleezy D sounds how I imagine it must have felt inside Syd Barrett`s head.

The Truth`s “Open Our Eyes” was a great awakening. The skies opening above a synthetic rainforest. I did receive the light, but did I understand? With the passing of time did I just forget, or did life get too easy?

From the basics of Virgo to the budgets of Atlantic, “Under You”`s alien lament has got to be the other inspiration for “Smokeblech II”, while Ten City were a joyous celebration of sorrow. All emotions peaking at once. A surrender to, a church of, heartbreak. Byron knew, we all knew, the pleasure and the pain. That`s what bound us. Even in that moment we knew it was never gonna be (it`s) alright. We had been allowed to glimpse the future, but we would still attempt to force the hand of chance.

“Useless” sounds to me like a homage to Rude Movements, and fit nicely with Mandy at the time, while “Being Boring” may be a guilty pleasure of mine, because I can`t remember or consider dancing to it. It`s another of those records that seemed to mark the passing of ecstasy`s first rush, and hold a kind of resolve. Do I stop now, quit while I`m ahead, or keeping going? Mum said only boring people get bored, and god I tried, long after it would have been wise not to, surrendering to the void. If I ever appeared cavalier, believe me, I was not.

I can remember queuing with my sister at the counter of a packed Mi-Price Records to buy a copy of “Someday”. While the world has moved somewhat, hearing it I sigh a deep sigh, summon any sinew I might have left. Giving up is never an option. It would make everything that has gone before meaningless. Does the “scene” still call out for an open mind? Is every man still your brother? We created this.