Jeff Mills – Purpose Maker Compilation

The perfect companion to Jeff Mills' Axis collection, The Other Day, Purpose Maker Compilation showcases precisely why Mills became such a phenomenon in the mid- to late '90s. While The Other Day compiled many of the best productions he released on his Axis label in the early '90s, this collection compiles the best moments released on his Purpose Maker label in the mid-'90s. The differences between the two similarly excellent compilations are subtle yet important to note. More than anything, the Purpose Maker tracks are more dancefloor-oriented and less experimental. Mills isn't trying to push the boundaries of techno with these tracks like he was with his Axis records. Instead, he's straightforwardly trying to make tracks for DJs — tracks that mix easily and that will send any dancefloor into a frenzy. As a result, these are very looped tracks. Generally, Mills will lay down a pounding 909-driven foundation and add layers of percussive rhythms, usually at different frequencies to make the track sound incredibly dense. And then he'll top the tracks off with catchy high-end flourishes that stick with you. For example, in "The Bells," the most well-known track here, Mills tops off a pounding rhythm with a simple yet trademark high-end melody and lots of rattling snares. The other tracks here follow the same template — the Purpose Maker sound, if you will. However, just because these tracks may seem a little formulaic upon an initial listen, pay heed. These became some of the most popular techno anthems of the late '90s. Their influence on the U.K. and Swedish techno scenes is immeasurable. Mills spun these tracks for years, with "The Bells" and "Alarms" being two of his calling cards.