The latest release on Steve Bugâs new Sublease label comes in the form of a pair of floor-primed acid cuts from MANIK, titled Tonight and available for streaming and purchase here.
“Tonight” works a raw acid line for over eight minutes, balancing it with dreamy pads and clattering snare rolls. Itâs a little touch of â88 filtered through a contemporary lens.
“Unknown Acid” treads a similar path – stripped down to the absolute essentials – a tough 808 rhythm track meets a phat, primed 303 lead to cause maximum club devastation.
Of the EP, MANIK said:
“Personally, I am a huge fan of the late 80’s NU Groove and Chicago sounds. For me, I envisioned “Tonight” being played by Bobby Konders during his “house sets” or Frankie Knuckles in a warehouse, but also still able to go down today in a set from Palms Traxx and other artists I highly respect. Much of my DJ sets are wide open, but I always find myself going back to this era of 1987-1994 whether its housier or techy styles.”
It was this statement that prompted us to ask MANIK for his 10 favorite Chicago House cuts, those tracks with a distinctive Chicago sound that have inspired him through the years.
Enjoy his selections below.
This track is a simple formula: a steady and scintillating 707 drum machine, piano hits, a synth or two and a rocking bass. Deep and light at the same time.
I have a very special relationship with this track because it was basically one of the first Chicago house tracks that I had ever heard and purchased. I recall playing this at an art gallery in 2010 for a Resolute party in New York. For my New York heads. you know Resolute. I dropped this track approximately around 4AM and lit the place up. That SH101 is killer!
On the Steve Silk Hurley work it out compilation – this track is dope. The vocals soar over the 707 drum machine and this is a great peak time tune at the right spot.
Another great Chicago house track with the 707 as the backbone. I could already hear this on WBMX.
This proper deep track is meant for the late nights. I can hear where Art Department used to get their influence from. The snare is relentless and the bass is grooving.
Straight up acid house with a 727 drum machine. Armando is one of my favorite Chicago artists forever and ever. Such a simple but great track for the dance floor, timeless and fun. Westbrook is probably my favorite Chicago house label of all time next to the ubiquitous TRAX.
Whatâs better than Larry Heard and an SH101? This one is such a groover that I have to stop writing and go dance. Seriously, just listen and try not to dance.
I still play this 1988 belter in just about every other DJ set of mine as it works every time. The bass line is devastating. Shout out Maurice Joshua and Da Posse!
One of my personal favorite Chicago house classics! Released in 1986, this Chip E track still rocks a dance floor. Just try it out and thank Chip E later.
The ultimate Chicago house tune. Basically just a sampler and drum machine workout with a rolling bass line. So simple and so effective. House Nation baby!
