Explore 25 Essential Foundational Classic 80s 90s Techno Tracks
A definitive historical archive of Classic 80s 90s Techno, curated by the Space DJz and Bandulu pioneer.
Jamie Bissmire is a legendary figure in the UK scene, widely regarded as an architect of classic 80s 90s techno tracks. Best known as one-half of the legendary outfit Space DJz (alongside Ben Long) and a founding member of the live techno act Bandulu, Bissmire’s influence is woven into the very fabric of electronic music history.
With a career spanning over three decades, he helped bridge the gap between the raw, soulful sounds of Detroit and the driving, industrial edge of European techno. As the boss of the Foundation and Ground labels, his taste remains impeccable, rooted firmly in the genre’s “Golden Era.”
The following list is more than just a collection of songs; it is a historical archive of classic 80s 90s techno tracks—a “Techno DNA” sequence curated by a master who lived through the evolution of the sound on the dancefloors of 1988 and beyond. Check out his True Techno podcast here
The Collection: Jamie Bissmire’s Essential Classic 80s 90s Techno Tracks
“Here’s my roundup of foundational Techno essentials. It’s essentially a roadmap of the Detroit-to-UK pipeline that defined the late 80s and early 90s.”
1. Rhythim Is Rhythim – Nude Photo
“First time I heard this on the dance floor back in 88. My path was set for life.”
2. Rhythim Is Rhythim – Strings Of Life
“Back on the dance floors in the late ’80s this track reigned supreme.”
3. Psyche – Crack Down EP
“One of the best techno EPs ever released, period.”
4. Joey Beltram – Energy Flash
“Say no more.”
5. BFC – Evolution
“An absolute stone cold classic. If you don’t have in your collection, buy it.”
6. Model 500 – Ocean To Ocean
“Juan Atkins best release imho. Must have for any Techno aficionado.”
7. Suburban Knight – The Art Of Stalking
“A revelation.”
8. 69 – 4 Jazz Funk Classics
“When this release turned up in Fatcat Records it was a bolt from the blue. One of Carl’s best releases.”
9. Florence – A Touch of Heaven
“Colin Dale used to play this one on his abstract dance radio show. Ben (Long) and I drove from London to Brighton to pick up a copy each from Jelly Jam Records. Dave Clark worked there at the time.”
10. Circuit Breaker – Experiments in Sound
“Played out at every Techno party worldwide for years.”
11. B12 – Musicology
“Still coveted today early B12 releases go for serious money. Respect to Mike Golding and Steve Rutter.”
12. MK – Never On A Sunday
“Finding Retroactive releases in the UK was nearly impossible back in the day. If you see one pick it up, end of story.”
13. Various / As One – Art1 (Amalia)
“Favourite track on here is As One – Amalia but the whole EP is a masterpiece.”
14. Dark Comedy – War Of The Worlds
“A sci-fi adventure amazing. Kenny’s best work along with Without A Sound for me!”
15. Clinically Inclined – Nort Route (Interiors EP)
“Released on Planet E in 92 Balil (Black Dog) reset my musical brain.”
16. Maurizio – Ploy
“Enough said.”
17. Dan Curtin – Space (Envision)
“Envision is the track for me. Amazing vibes on here soulful Techno with a futuristic fun themed release.”
18. Dr. Kevorkian – Suicide Machine EP
“Proper Dark Techno on Hardwax.”
19. B12 – The Philosophy of Sound & Machine
“Top tier, chin stroking, intelligentia techno.”
20. Reload – The Reload EP
“Early releases on Reload’s label Evolution were absolutely amazing, so much so that we invited them to create an album for Infonet Recordings.”
21. H&M – Drama EP
“I’ve now bought this release three times because my techno collection cannot live without it.”
22. Drexciya – Bubble Metropolis
“This whole release and all of James Stinson and Gerald Donald’s work is a testament to being yourself.”
23. Cyrus – Enforcement
“Basic Channel with a Mills remix—a milestone.”
24. Galaxy 2 Galaxy – Galaxy to Galaxy
“This is what techno was all about in 93.”
25. Vapourspace – Gravitational Arch of 10
“An epic journey.”
