Who's got a copy for sale?

Picture this scenario; after months of searching through YouTube and Discogs comments for a lead, you receive a random notification for an old IOM thread. You click through, expecting to be greeted by the usual sandstorm (wink), but instead you find a YouTube link that’s named in such a way you begin frantically thinking to yourself, “Is this the one?” You click through again, but as you hit play, disappointment floods the senses, and the realization becomes clear. This is just some surprisingly decent (but not the bloody original!) attempt some fellow fan has made, at recreating your favourite mystery Italian house thumper. Alas, the identity of this unidentified gem remains outside of your grasp once more. A situation many have faced these last few months.

Incentive – You - A title that suggests a friendly jab at the logic behind our collectively driven hype for this track. Many online fans have sought after this bit of 1992 gold dust from Trancebeat Records over the last few months, spurred on when a video of Francesco Del Garda emerged showing the house music heavyweight playing the track. But now it’s out in the open it’s a complete free for all. “Who’s got a copy for sale?” pierces the air as desperate buyers flood the Discogs release page in search for a copy. Well, unless you have £190 burning a hole through your pocket, then boom; back to square one with the rest of us.

Groovy lounge feel

This hype however doesn’t detract from the pure brilliance that is the ‘Queen Mix’ of ‘Incentive – You’. At the core of this infectious track is the simple but effective combination of luscious Italian house chords and melodies. Programmed in such a way that the prevailing theme throughout is that of contrast, these synth and organ style patterns embody the uplifting yet melancholic vibe of this piece, and help to inject some raw emotion into its many layers. Partnered alongside that warm and bouncy bassline, this ones a sure winner for them hands in their air moments, as seen in the original video.

Lying beneath all this is a solid beat foundation, consisting of a booming 909-style kick, stuttering hi hats and snappy snare combinations. The mix is uncluttered and spacious; with only the most necessary of drum parts left in to drive that unrelenting groove lain down by the melodic elements of the track. A marimba (or similar) also floats above, adding a certain air and groovy lounge feel to its various highs and lows.

To play this track at precisely the right time would be an honor to most, and soon you may be able to! One of the original producers Maurizio Bizeni has hinted at a repress on YouTube recently, so lets see what happens there. Until then, however, show the love here, and keep and eye out.

Review: Connor England