Vinyl Collector’s Guide: 1999 by Cassius

In honor of this album's 25-year anniversary this week, we're taking it back to 1999, as musically embodied by French house icons, Cassius. 

As Cassius, Philippe Zdar and Hubert Blanc-Francard, aka Boom Bass, helped usher in a decade of Franco-funk breaks and filtered disco house to the global dance music scene. With only a 3-week timeline to complete the album, the duo was forced to move quick as they threw around chunks of dusty samples and synth melodies. The resulting assortment of grooves were buoyed by inventive drum programming, inspired by the pair's knack for a carefully crafted loop and meticulous ear for killer vocal hooks. 1999 encapsulated 30 years worth of their collective musical influences, with echoes of Fela, James Brown, Prince, Bambaataa and Saunderson ringing through the dark walls of 90s Parisian club scene.

"We didn't have time, so we couldn't afford to waste any," says Zdar. "I think it helped us get the best ideas down because they were so fresh in our minds. That's why people still listen to it today."

Standout Tracks: "Feeling for You", "Cassius 1999", "La Mouche"

🎧 Listen on Spotify + Apple Music
💸 Purchase the vinyl via Discogs

- Written by Blake Nania