When putting together Labels We Love, we quickly realized that it would be almost impossible to exclude Rush Hour from the proceedings. The Amsterdam-based operation began as a record shop back in 1997, stocking its shelves with the best local and imported electronic music it could get its hands on before eventually launching a full-on imprint of its own two years later. Since then, Rush Hour has built a stellar reputation, both as a dependable source for emerging and forward-thinking talents (think Cosmin TRG, BNJMN, Tom Trago, Braille, etc.) and a home for comprehensive and invaluable resissues and collections (think Virgo Four, Anthony “Shake” Shakir, Dream 2 Science, etc.). In truth, we only have one complaint: with the steady flow of output Rush Hour has maintained over the years, and the label’s largely under-the-radar promotional presence, it can be a little hard to keep up with it all. To help rectify that situation, we tapped Christiaan MacDonald—one of the original minds behind the entire Rush Hour legacy—to tip us off to the five most overlooked tracks in the imprint’s storied history.

Deepart “Picture #1”

This was our first release from 1999, back when Rush Hour was still a small shop in the basement of a clothing store. I still enjoy listening to this track, it’s a great example of mid-’90s deep techno (it was originally released on a 10″ in 1996). The vinyl has been out of print long since then, but it is apparently still available at a bargain €1.24 from Discogs. Well worth it!

O.Boogie “Paper Chaser (Tom Trago & Maximillion Big Business Remix)”

I believe this was Tom Trago‘s first remix, and was part of the genre-defying Beat Dimensions series that came out in 2007. At the time, I couldn’t get enough of it—it was like an addiction. Listening back to it now, I think it’s about time to add it to our office playlist again.

Recloose “Maui’s Lament”

At the time, this was the first Recloose track in years that I really enjoyed; it was somewhat of a return to his sound from when he still lived in Detroit at the end of the ’90s. He is still a one-of-a-kind producer and I’m happy we’ve been able to continue releasing more of his music.

B.D.I. “Decoded Messages Of Life & Love”

Released in 2011, this is a more recent track from B.D.I. off his second single for the label. His first single, the loud and abrasive “City & Industry,” caused a bit of a sensation two years earlier, but this one is deeper—it’s quite a trip, and one that I really enjoy. I might consider this my favorite B.D.I. track and it is definitely on the short list of best titles for a Rush Hour release.

San Proper “The Architect”

This is an even more recent release and one that I’m really proud of, as it shows the musical artistry of San Proper in its full galore. This one comes from his debut album, Animal, and I have the feeling a lot of people missed this. The whole record is quite a moody piece, but there are joyous moments on there too, like this Brazil-tinged track, “The Architect.”