Five of the Best: Basement Jaxx

Some electronic artists surpass the regular when it comes to productions. In turn they go on to change the face of dance music and open up doors to new audiences. Over the course of 20 years, Basment Jaxx have done just that. 

The Brixton based duo emerged onto the music scene back in 1994 and began to bridge the gap between pop and dance music. To date they have released seven studio albums, all boasting a different style of experimental electronica and more joyous moments than you can keep count of. 

They are set to headline the Sankeys Warehouse launch as the world renowned institution takes its hand to a different clubbing environment and ahead of their performance we've selected five of our favourite tracks. It's been a reminder of how the pair became one of the most recognisable and loved UK dance acts through their insane back catalogue. 

'Fly Life (Extra)' (1997)

The original of this track is slightly different, but it's the 'Extra' mix, with its warped rougher edge, that has been a fixture in sets for near twenty years.

It was a classic for Junior Vasquez in his Sound Factory days, a staple of UK house dons Danny Rampling, Yousef and Darren Emerson and years later even made it onto Len Faki's Berghain 03 compilation. Its appeal has remained widespread for decades due to its blistering clubland credentials.

That whirling siren and battering synths have made this track a regular in sets from the underground elite including Carl Cox, Richie Hawtin, Dyed Soundorom and Sven Vath - proving that the Basement Jaxx sound belongs in even the darker depths of clubland. 

'Jump N Shout' (1999)

The combination of fast building, chugging bass and Slarta John's quick flowing dancehall vocals make it almost impossible not to tap your foot to this release from Remedy.

Bursting with attitude, the third single from their debut studio album makes crowd do exactly what it says on the tin. And is there a better record to hear at Notting Hill Carnival?

'Romeo' (2001) 

Commercially well received, 'Romeo' pushed Basement Jaxx further into the lime light. But this luscious dancefloor anthem didn't ruin their credibility, it was a welcome and refreshing addition to the charts.

The track did, and still does, tick all the boxes for an anthem. It was partnered with a slightly off the wall video, but one that is still instantly recognisable and appears reminiscent in Major Lazer's 'Lean On'. 

'Raindrops' (2009)

Raindrops is the sort of euphoric treat that doesn't come around often. Scratchy bass, layered synths and dreamy vocals make this one of the duo's most colourful releases to date. This would have been just as game changing if it was released today - 'Raindrops' was absolutely ahead of its time.  

'Unicorn' (2014) 

A straight forward house flavoured pop track that wouldn't sound out of place on current dancefloors. 'Unicorn' came from their last album Junto. That release didn't offer up any obvious classics, but this little gem proves that the Jaxx still have the ability to stay relevant in a constantly changing musical climate. 

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