A compendium of 26 tracks in the CD version and half of them selected for two vinyl double packs, Jerome Derradji’s Still Music digs again in the archives of Chicago house to explore the catalog of Kstarke Records. The story goes that the Kstarke owner Kevin Starke aka Jackmaster Hater, adheres to the motto ‘I want them to hate me for putting this out’, which well reflects the compilation’s bumpy ride.
“The House That Jackmaster Hater Built” contains rare material by Ron Hardy, James “Jack Rabbit” Martin, Terrence Woodard, Traxmen and many more, for an entertaining assortment of hedonistic acid house workouts. Given the label’s approach and featured artists, the compilation’s sound palette does not offer any real surprises but works well in DJ selections and listening sessions.
Speaking of most memorable tracks, the fat-sounding opener “Only Wanted To Be” by James “Jack Rabbit” Martin relies on psyched-out lady chorus paired with low-pitched male vocals and is also featured on a separate Still Music single. Crystalite Feat. Kristen’s “Cut By A Laser” is a sought-afer italo instrumental and Traxmen’s “No Way Back”, Jackmaster Hater’s “Tracky 2” or “Drum Track” stand for low-slung percussive hell. The label boss Starke is in the picture with serious acid bells and rhythmic tweaks in “Jaws” and “151”.
The most extraordinary cut is “Passion (Extended Unreleased)” by Jackmaster Hater, where disorientated drum machine and verbal convulsions offer eight minutes of kinky sex, all that sounding as a genuine out-of-the-mind experience. Speaking of Chicago legends, three Ron Hardy edits constitute a special part of the compilation, with sparse drum patterns in “Track 1”, mashed soul funk “Happyness” and “Acid Dreams (Mix 1)”, sampling Martin L. King’s 1963 “I Have A Dream” speech.
Buy 2xCD from Juno
Buy LP Part 1 / LP Part 2 from Juno