Danny Rampling’s Acid House Cabaret Playlist

UK dance music culture was shaped by a select few.

Danny Rampling is one of those pioneers and was at the forefront of acid house as it exploded, changing our cultural landscape forever. His passion endures today as dance music continues to innovate and evolve over three decades later.

Danny will be joining Rave New World author Kirk Field on his Acid House Cabaret tour of the UK when the show touches down at the Norwich Playhouse on October 29. Expect a mixture of Acid House anecdotes, socio-cultural commentary, laced with humour, musical mischief and big screen shenanigans presented by the two front line Acid House protagonists. Discover the true identity of DJ Roofrack, play Rave Family Fortunes and Have I Got Acid House News For You, embrace the absurdity of rave flyers and learn the real words to your favourite 90s dance anthems.

This week we are thrilled to continue our collaborative series of Acid House Cabaret playlists with Danny talking us through a selection of the game changing electronic music that defined a generation.

Phuture – Acid Trax
The ultimate definitive Acid Roland 303 track. Sounded at that time like nothing we’d ever heard before. The track that lit the torch paper for Acid House music. Made for strobe lights, smoke machines and fog at Shoom.

CeCe Rogers – Someday

Spiritual  soulful meaningful message of peace unity and hope that perfectly encapsulates the summers of love 88/89 The Berlin wall had fallen and Apartheid was underway in South Africa. We all believed the world was changing and we were all a part of that change, there was an extraordinary wave of optimism and positivity that we were all part of and tuned into. I would love to be able to go back to that time away from  all the current turmoil  thats going on in the world today. Someday was the anthem of Shoom. 

808 State- Pacific State 

The anthem of the UK Underground and rave scene that became an international hit for Manchesters 808 State etherial dreamy instrumental latin influenced production that i’d often play at sunrise just so perfect and not over complicated as a production.

The Nightwriters – Let The Music Use You
Produced by the late great godfather of house, Frankie Knuckles’ uplifting hypnotic track, that still gives me goosebumps today. Timeless production.

Joe Smooth – Promised Land 
The ultimate Chicago song about hope peace, unity. Song that became the anthem of the acid house movement.

Ten City – Way Love Is 
Uplifting emotive love song that warms the soul.

S-Express – Theme From S-Express 
DJ Mark Moore uplifting sample based energy track, that went straight to number one in the pop charts. Definite British house track. 

Pierre’s Fantasy Club –  Dream Girl 

The sexiest acid house 303 production, this version was huge at Shoom . I used to mix up two copies and extend the gated synth breakdown to great dance floor effect. Timeless acid.

Royal House – Can You Party 

Todd Terry 1988 sample cut up production that can only be described as a call to the dance floor. Powerful and uplifting NYC house music – this track was the anthem of the acid house and rave scene.

Frankie Knuckles – Your Love 

Produced by the late great Frankie Knuckles vocals Jamie Principle, Your Love has a European synth feel, and is still so widely appreciated when played today.