K Alexi Shelby – I Can Go Vol.1 review

Artist: K Alexi Shelby
Title: I Can Go Vol 1
Label: Detelefunk Belgium
Genre: Techno
Format: Digital
Buy From: Juno Download

One of the true legends of Chicago, Keith Alexi Shelby has been making deep and delicious house music since the glory days of the late 80’s. Under a myriad of different guises (usually just different spellings of his name), he’s turned out consistently big, jacking dirty techno for years, having collaborated with some of the best names in the business – Felix Da Housecat, Derrick May, Paul Johnson – to name but a few.

This new release on Detelefunk showcases a variety of mixes of lead single “I Can Go”, and they’re all essential if you like your techno deep and funky, with more than a hint of the old-school about it. The Tec Soul mix does exactly what it says on the tin – a hard and winding techno treat. The Raudive mix is even better, chopping up the Blake Baxter-esque vocals brilliantly and adding some grimey claps. But the real jewel in the crown is the 11 minute full length Chicago House mix, which uses the song’s orgasmic female vocals to devastating effect, a perfect counterpoint to Alexi’s deep, bassy tones. It’s long and entrancing, and like the single as a whole, perfect for fans of Marshall Jefferson, DJ Sneak and ‘Lil Louis.

Review: Oliver Keens