Visionquest: Lee Curtiss' Detroit Past and Present

As announced yesterday, today we begin our journey of discovery through Visionquest’s music of Detroit past and present, Lee Curtiss is first is first to do the curation honours. Lee Curtiss’ Detroit Past: The Commadores ‘Nightshift’ (Motown) This was a tribute to Marvin Gaye. To me when I hear it I think it’s one of the best-produced records I’ve ever heard. Marvin Gaye ‘Gotta Give It Up’ (Motown) This record is the original party song, you can put it on anywhere and it will get people dancing. My parents used to play this when I was a kid and have loved it ever since. Bob Seger ‘Night Moves’ (Capitol Records) This is one of the best songs I’ve ever heard in my life. Seriously this song isn’t for everyone but as a musician and near-song writer this song is next level. There are about seven hooks in this song that I could base a track around. Lee Curtiss’ Detroit Present Moodymann ‘Mohagany Brown’ (KDJ) Kenny Dixon Junior is the king of Detroit house music. That man has a voice that can melt butter. DBX ‘Phreak’ (Accelerate) Dan Bell is the quintessential Detroit underground techno producer. When Seth first got hold of a copy of [legendary Detroit TV dance show] ‘The Scene’ we were amazed to see Dan Bell being played alongside all the mainstream hits. DJ Assault ’Ass N’ Titties’ (Assault Rifle) There was this post-Jeff-Mill-Wizard period in Detroit post when around 8pm every evening on 97.9FM they would have DJ mixes on the radio from people like DJ Godfather, DJ Funk and DJ Assualt. Even though we weren’t raving at the time this was an introduction to faster paced dance music. Click here for a Youtube playlist of Lee’s choices so you can listen to them in succession effortlessly.