#1 CYRK - Tubular Bells
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CYRK’s slick treatment of Mike Oldfield’s spellbinding 1973 prog-rock instrumental ‘Tubular Bells’ is much more John Carpenter-esque than the chilling original in ‘The Exorcist’ – and all the better for it. Going for a total sonic makeover melding electro-funk and synth wave, Goossens and Hetzel have left the main theme intact, dropped the tempo, and transformed the track into a neon-lit spectacle of dramatic synth riffs, bouncy basslines, and spectacular drum fills.
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In 1973, “Tubular Bells” was released as the debut album on Virgin Records, gaining rapid popularity worldwide. It stood out for its innovative use of instruments and association with “The Exorcist,” establishing Mike Oldfield as a progressive rock and electronic music pioneer.
#2 Low Volume - Greece 2000
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Rising to the occasion, Low Volume’s track of choice – 1997 single ‘Greece 2000’ by the Dutch duo Three Drives On A Vinyl – still carries some serious clout. “This track has been an anthem ever since it was released and today after almost 25 years it still is an anthem,” Gupta says. “It never gets old.” Toning down the original stab sequences with TB 303 bassline, atmospheric pads, and reverb effects, Low Volume has extracted the otherworldly essence of the original and given it a delicate Balearic twist.
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“Greece 2000” was a global hit in the late 1990s and early 2000s. It featured an infectious melody, driving beat, and traditional Greek instrumentation, specifically the bouzouki. The track capitalized on the popularity of trance music and resonated with listeners emotionally, evoking images of ancient Greece. These factors contributed to its timeless status as a classic in the genre.
#3 Namito - Café del Mar
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There’s no two ways about it: that you can take any tune off the Mixmag’s ‘50 Greatest Dance Tracks Ever’ and make a cover version of it means you’ve got some cojones. And that’s exactly what Khalaj has done here with the genre-defining moment that is Energy 52’s ‘Café Del Mar’. Arpeggiating those iconic plucky notes and laying them on top of sustained chords, the fierce trance cut that becomes noticeably less cluttered and more contemplative, melodic techno experience stretching across 8 minutes.
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The track “Café Del Mar” by Energy 52 became a global hit in 1993. Its unique melody, association with Café Del Mar club in Ibiza, and release during the rise of trance music contributed to its success. The track is known for its calming effect and has been used in films, TV shows, and commercials, becoming a timeless classic in electronic music.
#4 Northern Vector feat. Thor - Jazz Is The Teacher
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For Northern Vector, paying homage to their idols from two techno capitals of the word – Juan Atkins, Thomas Fehlmann, Moritz von Oswald – by tackling the deathless 1993 tune ‘Jazz Is The Teacher’ by M500 & 3MB became something of a learning curve. “Learning the jazzy keyboard parts and synth chords took some effort. But it was a great learning experience. It was a nice afternoon session at Mike’s Berlin studio coming up with the ideas.” Ditching the original synth strings, accentuating the bassline, and jazzing it all up with silky major sevenths – while retaining the signature sound of Northern Vector – their tech house-leaning take has every opportunity to get the floors moving this summer.
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Jazz is the Teacher” by 3MB and M500 is a notable track released in 1993. It fuses jazz and techno, combining live saxophone improvisation by Evan Parker with electronic beats and synths. The track rebelled against commercialized dance music, inspiring experimentation and artistic freedom. Its unique sound and cultural significance make it an influential piece in electronic music history.
#5 Olin - All That She Wants
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The most leftfield moment of Berlin Undercover by some distance is Garden’s tongue-in-cheek interpretation of the 1992 reggae-pop smash hit ‘All That She Wants’ by Swedish group Ace of Base. Working his magic by transposing the song to a different key, splicing up the chords and interweaving them skittery 808 breaks, Garden’s frenetic, dubby electro funk is closest you can get to imagining what would happen if Yellow Magic Orchestra and Aphex Twin joined forces in some bizarre parallel universe.
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“All That She Wants” by Ace of Base is a 1992 hit known for its catchy melody, reggae beats, and storytelling lyrics about a woman’s search for love. The song’s simple repetition made it easy to remember and sing along to, while the music video added a mysterious touch. It became a classic in pop music.
#6 Marc Houle - Computer Madness
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True to form, Berlin Undercover sees Marc Houle crossing yet another border with his blistering, bottom heavy reiteration of Steve Poindexter’s eerie acid-house pandemonium ‘Computer Madness’ from 1989, a textbook case of making a bona fide underground hit on limited gear and shoestring budget. Striking the balance between the authentic feel of the original and putting his own stamp on the tribute, Houle has emulated legendary chiptune samples of a battery-powered Casio while swapping the wiry CZ-101 samples with chunky, acoustic kickdrum and toms. Tapping into the raw analogue energy of the original and beefing up the sound with exceptional drum programming is the name of the game here.
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“Computer Madness” is a groundbreaking 1989 track by American house music producer Steve Poindexter. It revolutionized techno music with innovative sampling, creating a futuristic and dystopian vibe. This influential song shaped the techno genre by introducing fast beats and futuristic soundscapes, embracing technology and innovation. Steve Poindexter’s pioneering use of sampling and manipulation techniques established him as a trailblazer in the house and techno genres, inspiring future electronic music producers. Overall, “Computer Madness” is a significant track in electronic music history, thanks to its groundbreaking sampling, futuristic soundscapes, and impact on techno’s evolution.
#7 Cleymoore - Schism
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On Berlin Undercover, Bruno Santos reveals his fascination for rhythmic complexities with his deep downtempo cover of TOOL’s 2001 ‘Schism’ known for its mind-boggling time signatures. What could become a tough act to follow, Bruno Santos grabs by the tail – recreating the instantly recognisable bass lick with organ bass and offbeat hi-hat rolls, fleshing out the melody with pads while keeping the track slithering and sliding forward, Bruno gives a prog metal masterpiece a new lease of life somewhere between Pye Corner Audio and Recondite.
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“Schism” is a popular song by American progressive metal band Tool, released in 2001 as the lead single from their album “Lateralus”. It’s characterized by complex time signatures, intricate guitar riffs, and haunting lyrics. The song’s irregular time signatures, including 5/4, 7/8, and 6/8, create tension and unease. Its introspective lyrics explore relationships and the struggle to connect. The band’s skilled guitar work and dynamic vocals, along with its use of dynamics, add to its impact. Overall, “Schism” is a unique and complex standout in Tool’s discography.
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For Berlin Undercover Anton Kubikov brings a touch of Chicago to the streets of Saint-Germain-des-Prés with his version of ‘Café de Flore’, the Parisian coolness exemplified in 2000 by Doctor Rockit (one of British producer Matthew Herbert’s numerous aliases). Bringing up the tempo a notch, leaving out Herbert’s accordion and acoustic guitar, working a steel tongue drum plugin and reverberating, atmospheric pads into the skippy 4/4, et voilà, French downtempo becomes jazzy microhouse with Kubikov’s fingerprints all over it.
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“Café de Flore” is a popular 1999 track by British electronic musician Matthew Herbert, released as Doctor Rockit. It stands out for its intricate production, sampling techniques, and fusion of jazz and house music. The song samples a jazz piano riff by Martial Solal, creating a hypnotic and dreamy atmosphere. With its driving 4/4 beat, jazzy piano chords, and saxophone solos, “Café de Flore” innovatively defines the “nu jazz” genre. Herbert’s attention to detail, sonic experimentation, and use of production techniques add richness and texture to the constantly evolving track.
In summary, “Café de Flore” is a unique and innovative track that showcases Matthew Herbert’s talent for blending musical styles. Its use of sampling, combination of jazz and house music, and intricate production make it a standout in the electronic music genre.
#9 Dan Curtin - Der Klang der Familie
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Refusing to pull any punches, Dan Curtin puts his spin on ‘Der Klang der Familie’ by 3 Phase feat. Dr. Motte, a proper underground heavy hitter with serious pedigree and the instantly recognisable hypnotic synth riff that has been sampled numerous times from hardcore breakbeat to gabber. It’s only fitting that Curtin nods towards the 90s sound at large – syncopating the beat with snares and claps, and making those 303 squelches really sing, Curtin’s version has a crystal clear upper registry and yet faithful to the uncompromising spirit of the original.
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“Der Klang Der Familie” is a seminal German techno track released in 1992 by Berlin-based DJ and producer trio 3Phase. It played a significant role in shaping Berlin’s techno scene, capturing the spirit of the city during the early 1990s. The track’s repetition and minimalism, featuring a simple and hypnotic bassline with subtle variations, created a trance-like atmosphere that defined early techno. It became a symbol of Berlin’s reunification, providing a means for young people to express themselves and connect amidst cultural and political changes.
The track’s lyrics, spoken in German, reflected the unity and shared experience of the Berlin techno scene. Describing the sound of the family, it metaphorically represented the collective joy and love for techno on the dance floor. Overall, “Der Klang Der Familie” is a special track that holds significance in the development of Berlin’s techno scene, capturing the essence of a transformative era. Its minimalistic style, connection to the city’s cultural landscape, and evocative lyrics have solidified its status as a classic in the genre and a symbol of a pivotal moment in German history.
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Wrapping up Berlin Undercover in style, BB Deng delivers a delightfully fresh interpretation of New Order’s 1986 synth-pop sensation ‘Bizarre Love Triangle’. Ditching Peter Hook’s finest moment for a Hi-NRG-style offbeat bassline, augmenting the melody to the nth degree, and – wait for it – grabbing the microphone, Deng’s musically luscious tribute wouldn’t feel out of place on a Best of Eurodisco compilation between ‘You’re My Heart, You’re My Soul’ and ‘Voyage Voyage’. Right up there with the versions by Desire (Johnny Jewel) and Sugar for Sugar (Scarlett Johansson).
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“Bizarre Love Triangle” is a popular song by British band New Order, released in 1986 from their album “Brotherhood”. It stands out with its upbeat rhythm, catchy melody, and heartfelt lyrics, exploring the complexities of love and uncertainty. The song’s use of electronic instrumentation, including synthesizers, drum machines, and guitars, defined New Order’s signature synth-pop sound. With meticulous production, layered elements, and dynamic sequencing, the balanced arrangement creates an engaging sound that complements the memorable and singable melody. “Bizarre Love Triangle” is a testament to New Order’s musical prowess, making it an iconic track in the synth-pop genre and a beloved classic of the 1980s.