Various – Jack Trax - The Third Album

In my opinion this compilation is a yes for anyone who has an interest in the history of House Music - whether a newbie or someone who's been there for years. Sure, it's not as good as owning the original import 12"s but it's a great way to get lots of killer tracks from some of the biggest names in the early Chicago House Sound for under £10. Marshall Jefferson, Derick May, Juan Atkins. Larry Heard & DJ Pierre are all here with tracks that will hold your interest from start to finish.
Personal favourite is the deeper sound of 'Distant Planet' - Fingers inc. but there's also Garage, Techno & Acid - plenty to enjoy across the early House spectrum.

If you are unwilling to spend 75 quid or more on the original pressing, then this compilation is the best way to have Risque III's undying slice of 'Risque Madness' on your turntable. Still sounds fresh and nervous and slightly creepy after more than 30 years. That 'Distant Planet', 'Land of Confusion' and 'Off to Battle' are featured, too, is a nice bonus.

Absolutely mint collection of big Chicago (nostly) and Detroit tunes of the time. As others have commented, these Jack Trax and other similar comilations were the only way many fans such as teenagers, students and those away from the big cities could actually get hold of these tunes. Some standout tracks on here include the obvious ones from Bam Bam, Phuture, Model 500, Rhythim is Rhythim, but tracks lie Risse's "House Train" and Risque III's "Risque Madness" are absolute stompers. In fact there's hardly a weak track on here, but special mention must go to that AMAZING Byron Stingily track. Apparently not officially available anywhere else, and at least as good as most of the Ten City stuff (though not quite up to the standard of "I can't stay away"), this alone is reason to get a copy of this album.

This is probably the best of the "Jack Trax" series of compilations.

Like many old compilations, this series contained plenty of tracks which weren't considered to be very good even back in the day - and which now of course sound hopelessly dated.

However, this LP really is worth searching for.
The best tracks on here are indeed top quality, so a few fillers can be forgiven. ;)

For many people (including myself)the jack trax comps were a good introduction to the House/techno scene.For about £8/9 you got a lot for your money.That was good for me at the time because i was only about 14 and imports were expensive.This Jack Trax Release is in my opinion the best beacause it contains one of my all time favourite tracks Distant Planet by Fingers ink a very moody and haunting,standout tracks also included are OFF TO BATTLE MODEL 500 and RISQUE MADNES by RISQUE III seek out and buy a slice of history.