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Entire books could be written about the history of Strictly Rhythm - from its humble beginnings to being the defining dance music label of its time, from its major label-induced collapse to its rise from ashes in 2006. Now back in the hands of its legendary founder, Mark Finkelstein, Strictly Rhythm is back on track to regain its former glory - with brand new hits and long-due re-issues of its classic catalogue.

Along with the label's two anniversary compilations - one classics, one remixes - we have compiled a few of Strictly Rhythms finest moments. Eternal house anthems, cheeky chart toppers - it's all there, and we urge you to especially check out the dubs and b-sides: there are many timeless gems to be discovered.

Enjoy!
 FEATURED RELEASE 
 
Compilation released 29-01-2010 on Strictly Rhythm
Strictly Rhythm's iconic logo alone is a legend in its own right - the letters scrawled on a brick wall have long become the symbol for the worldwide success of house music.

Set up in 1989 by former aeronautics engineer Mark Finkelstein and A&R Gladys Pizarro, Strictly Rhythm had the fortune to rely on great talent from its very beginning: George Morel for example, who recorded the label's third release, 'Special', under the name Sir James. Or young Roger Sanchez, who had his hands in the productions of Strictly's first break-through hit, the reflective piano house track 'The Warning' by Logic.

Soon New York's greatest house music talents united under the banner of Strictly Rhythm: Todd Terry, Little Louie Vega, Kenny Dope, and even Chicago's acid house inventors Phuture joined the label's ranks, releasing eternal house anthems such as 'Rise From Your Grave'. Phuture's DJ Pierre even invented a unique signature style for his productions for Strictly Rhythm: Wildpitch, which debuted on Photon Inc.'s 'Generate Power' from 1991.

By 1993, Strictly had become the leading label in the field of house music, with 'I Like To Move It' by Erick Morillo (as Reel 2 Real) topping the charts that year. A year later Strictly Rhythm jump-started the career of Armand Van Helden, whose 'Witch Doctor' became a huge underground hit. The same goes for Josh Wink and his spiralling acid madness 'Higher State Of Consciousness'.

All these classics are of course included on this release, along with plenty more of house music's finest moments. The current resurgence of house music might lend the fortune of good timing to this compilation, but at any rate this is an unmissable slice of music history.
 MORE STRICTLY RHYTHM ESSENTIALS 
 
Compilation released 22-01-2010 on Strictly Rhythm
The perfect companion to Strictly Rhythm's Classics compilation, 20 tracks from the labels catalogue have been give an aural overhaul by today's AAA artists like Henrik Schwarz, Jimpster, Jesse Rose and Tiefschwarz. Includes a nice bonus mix. Check!
Maxi-Single released 31-10-2009 on Strictly Rhythm
With one of the catchiest minimal house tunes of 2009, Strictly Rhythm once again proved its recent return to form. The epic 12 minute original is complimented by a nice and deep Charles Webster remix and a big room adaptation by Copyright. Bomb!
Maxi-Single released 09-04-2007 on Strictly Rhythm
An eternal house music classic from the inventors of acid house, 'Rise From Your Grave' is the 1990 follow up to Phuture's previous anti-crack hit 'Your Only Friend'. Features haunting chords and classic Phuture spoken word lyrics, including the famous 'This is cocaine speaking...' sample - so keep away from the white stuff, folks!
Maxi-Single released 05-02-2006 on Strictly Rhythm
One of Josh Wink's first major hits, 'Higher State of Consciousness' is a timeless, mind-blowing tune that still makes people go wild after all these years. The icing on the cake of every peak-time set, this acid house slammer is a milestone that everybody should have listened to!
Maxi-Single released 02-04-2007 on Strictly Rhythm
Massive Louie Vega production from '93 that still stirs up every dance floor defying time and fashion trends. Definitely one of the pinnacle productions of the house genre, which will be played out as long as people are dancing to electronic music. A true classic which comes highly recommended.
Maxi-Single released 12-02-2007 on Strictly Rhythm
A track which needs little introduction: Erick Morillo's track enjoys unbroken popularity since first hitting the streets (and charts) in 1993, when it became one of the defining moments for the crossover of house music and pop. No need to stress that you need this on your hard-disk for those special party moments.
Maxi-Single released 12-01-2009 on Strictly Rhythm
German house music genius Henrik Schwarz delivers two stunning versions of 'Equinox', the 1992 piano house classic by Code 718, better known as New York's Danny Tenaglia. Deep and drifting, the mixes perfectly capture the spirit of the originals, which are of course included as well.
Maxi-Single released 26-02-2007 on Strictly Rhythm
Classic DJ Sneak standing for the more Chicago-oriented side of Strictly Rhythm's output: Harder, more sample and loop-heavy, 'In Da Clouds' is a classic DJ tool for the night's more extatic moments.
Maxi-Single released 02-04-2007 on Strictly Rhythm
A big hit for Strictly Rhythm produced by George Acosta, Planet Soul's 'Set U Free' still sounds remarkably fresh with its hypnotic chords, pressing beats and catchy vocals. Check the different edits on this one, including the hard-hitting acid-tinged 'Mars Mix'.
Various Artists - Kenny Dope presents Dope Jams
Album released 17-08-2009 on Strictly Rhythm
An awesome compilation assembled by house music legend Kenny 'Dope' Gonzales, 'Dope Jams' represents some of the finest tunes in the Masters At Work style. Killer package including a great mix by the man himself.
Maxi-Single released 05-02-2007 on Strictly Rhythm
Aly-Us' 'Follow Me' is a classic collaboration of Georg Morel and DJ Pierre, which has spawned countless adaptations and remakes over time. Its great bassline and heart-felt vocals make this one of the essential garage house tunes that still gives us the goose-bumps today.
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