No UFO’s
Song by Model 500
"No UFO's" was produced by Juan Atkins in 1985 under the alias of Model 500. It was the first track released by him after the split of Cybotron. Atkins released it on his own label "Metroplex" as the first Model 500 and first Metroplex release.
With the success of the work as Cybotron, Atkins was marked as one of the most progressive producers and was known for the fresh upcoming sound. At the time, the popularity of his music was greater in Chicago than in his home city, Detroit.
The track is a pure banger, a critical piece produced by Atkins with his unique approach. It influenced so many musicians and electronic music releases of the "new" genre.
A few years later, music labels from the UK were digging the dance music in Chicago, and they mapped it back to Detroit, leading to Atkins and his related musicians. They have released a compilation baring the song which Atkins produced later, "Techno Music" on "Techno! The New Dance Sound of Detroit."
"'No UFO's' was a massive hit in Detroit right away. It was released during a time when Jeff Mills was on the radio.
Immediately after Jeff Mills got a hold of the record, he used it heavily on his mixes; its popularity exploded on his radio show. Chicago's DJ pioneers like Farley "Jackmaster" Funk, Bad Boy Bill, Ralphi Rosario, Julian Jumpin Perez, and Fast Eddie played the record. They also helped boost its notoriety throughout all of Chicago!
It is pure Techno Funk. With its roots from Electro sound filled with Juan's deadpan yet vigorously expressive vocals delivered the futuristic "four by four" banger.
Atkins had a unique approach to production. Playing with the stereo field and phases was not typical back then, but in technical terms, the production of this one was a step forward. Squeaky resonant bass, dissonant/jazzy chords, and dirty, noisy stabs crafted the pattern for the fresh funk of the new decade.
The record was reissued in 2017 on Atkin's label, but the track has been remixed by different Techno artists and compiled in various compilations.
The first press is a pricey one, and if you even find a mint copy, you will spend more than $400 for this piece of history that sounds still fresh today.