Flashback Dublin

K-Klass in the mix on centreforce now.

Listen to Centreforce 88.3 DAB from London live on Radio Garden:

Listen to Centreforce 88.3 DAB from London live on Radio Garden Listen to Centreforce 88.3 DAB from London live on Radio Garden

In our latest feature on iconic record labels we take a look at LTJ Bukems legendary label Good looking records.

Good Looking Records
Overview

British jungle / drum & bass label founded in 1991 by LTJ Bukem (Daniel Williamson) in Watford, UK.

It specialised in the more atmospheric, melodic, jazz-influenced side of the genre — often called “intelligent” or atmospheric drum & bass — offering a smoother, more musical alternative to the harder, darker jungle sounds of the early 90s.

Key History
Bukem started the label after frustration with lack of control over his own early productions (e.g. “Demon’s Theme”).

Early releases such as “Atlantis” and “Music” helped define a soulful, expansive style.
In 1994 he launched the sister label Looking Good Records.

The influential Logical Progression compilation series (from 1996) and the Earth series further established the label’s reputation.

Associated artists included Peshay, Photek (as Aquarius), Blame, Blu Mar Ten, Seba, Makoto, Source Direct, Q Project, Big Bud, and others.

Style & Legacy
Known for crystal-clear production, lush synths, jazz and ambient elements, and distinctive sci-fi influenced artwork. It became one of the most respected labels in the atmospheric drum & bass scene and remains highly regarded by collectors.

Muzik Magazine cover from January 1996.

*On this day in 1992*

This all time classic was released and subsequently went onto be big hit.

THK – “France” (1992)

Description
A classic early-90s Euro-trance / progressive house track produced by German producer Thomas Kukula (better known as General Base) under the THK moniker.
Released on the influential UK label Warp Records in October 1992, “France” features driving four-to-the-floor beats, layered synths, and an uplifting, slightly melancholic melody that made it a favourite in clubs and on early rave/trance sets.

The original 12" contains two main versions:
Saturn Mix – the more widely played, anthemic take
Mars Mix – a slightly different arrangement
It also includes the B-side track “Sweet Extasy”.
The track later received a 2000 reissue on Heat Recordings with contemporary progressive house remixes (notably Mark Shimmon vs 3rd Degree), which gave it a second life in the early 2000s club scene.
Artwork was designed by The Designers Republic, typical of Warp’s distinctive early-90s visual style.

Listen 👇
https://youtu.be/_B1eIrL6FPI

Discogs 💿
https://www.discogs.com/release/28396-THK-France

THK - France - Mars Mix - Warp Records 1992 : THK - France - Mars Mix - Warp Records 1992A S...

*On this day in 1991*.

This legendary Rave took place in Scotland.

Technodrome – The Ultimate Dance Experience
5 October 1991

Dalvennan Shooting Ground, Kirkmichael (near Ayr), Ayrshire, Scotland

Event Overview
One of the first major outdoor / legal-scale raves in Scotland.

Attendance estimates range from 10,000+ to around 17,000–20,000.

Held in a large yellow marquee / outdoor site in a field that became notoriously muddy (heavy rain reported).
A commercial VHS (Technodrome – The Ultimate Dance Experience) was released shortly afterwards by Golden Thistle Productions, featuring live footage of the event (especially the PAs).

A cassette soundtrack of the night was also produced.
Dave Angel has repeatedly called it one of the best (and most formative) nights of his career — he arrived with Mickey Finn and Grooverider after landing in Glasgow and said the atmosphere confirmed he wanted to be a full-time DJ.

Confirmed Performers / Live Acts
N-Joi (live PA with Saffron) — widely regarded as a highlight of the night
Shades of Rhythm (live PA) — tracks including Ex**cy / Xtacy, Armageddon, etc.
Known DJs
Dave Angel (played after N-Joi, around 4am)
Grooverider
Mickey Finn
(Other DJs were present according to attendee accounts and the soundtrack cover, but a complete printed bill is not widely documented online.)

Atmosphere & Notes
The night is remembered for the mud, the scale of the crowd, strong live PAs, and the overall energy. It is frequently cited by Scottish ravers as a landmark event of the early hardcore/techno period north of the border.

Video 👇
https://youtu.be/QkczD4FyaQk?is=ph7_BSfCcA5YbCiy

On this day in 1994*

This vintage tune was released and subsequently went onto be a huge hit on the underground.

Massive tune in Dublin, up there with the best tunes from the mid 90's.

Key Details
Artist: Subliminal Cuts (Patrick Prins)

Released: 1994 (original), major UK push on XL Recordings

Label: XL Recordings (UK) – XLT 53 / XLS 53 CD

Style: Progressive house / trance

UK Chart: Peaked at No. 23 (1996 re-release)

About the Track
A classic mid-90s progressive house anthem with a strong piano-led melody and uplifting energy. Produced by Dutch producer Patrick Prins. Best known for the excellent Way Out West “Summer of Love” Remix and the Gems for Jem mixes.

It became a big club and rave favourite and has been sampled/remixed multiple times since.

Listen 👇
https://youtu.be/IDHInAO2nmM

Discogs 💿
https://www.discogs.com/master/470670-Subliminal-Cuts-Le-Voie-Le-Soleil

Subliminal Cuts - Le Voie Le Soleil http://www.discogs.com/release/24810

Good to see iconic deep house club night Hard Times back tomorrow night in the Ministry of Sound, haven't heard anything from them in a long time, they were some of the early pioneers of the Deep House sound.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Dd9UwHaOTcq/?stkn=MThtZjNvMnhlY3Qxbg==

🔥 **SET TIMES FOR THIS SATURDAY** 🔥 We can’t wait to see you all! This one is going to be special. ❤️ 🚨 **IMPORTANT — PLEASE READ** 🚨 THIS EVENT IS COMPLETELY SOLD OUT. There will be NO MORE TICKETS released, so please make sure you ARRIVE EARLY to avoid the queues and make the most of the night. And there’s more… 👀 We’ve listened! After so many of you asking about an AFTER PARTY following our last two shows, we’ve been chatting with Ministry of Sound and have decided to keep the party going! If you want to stay on, you’re more than welcome to join us for a **FREE AFTER PARTY** for all Saturday ticket holders. 🕺🔥 Ricky Morrison will continue behind the decks in the 103 Room until 11PM alongside Loco Dice and more You’re ticket gets you into the after party completely FREE See you on the dancefloor. ❤️‍🔥 #HardTimes #MinistryOfSound #London #SoldOut #AfterParty

Last 50 tickets for Seb Fontaine folks you have been given notice, on Eventbrite.

Derek Cully