Speedy J – De-Orbit

OK, so I’m sure most readers know this track inside out, but I got such a buzz when I played it on Friday night that it more than deserves an airing on here. I don’t think Speedy J has ever bettered this sublime slice of downbeat techno, which is a certified desert island disc for me – the rolling break, layers of synth and those heart-melting chords make it one of the most beautiful and memorable tracks from its era. It’s the last track on the Warp version of Ginger – one of my favourite albums as a teenager, and a highlight of their Artificial Intelligence series – but it first appeared in 1991, on the brilliant Rise 12” on Plus 8. More than two decades on, it’s still one of the most powerful tracks in my collection.