Amnesia Turns 50: A Celebration in Sound

Amnesia, the iconic nightclub nestled in the heart of Ibiza, is set to celebrate a monumental milestone: its 50th anniversary. What better way to honor this legacy than a sprawling compilation album? The club has announced a 50-track collection that spans ten vinyl records or five CDs, offering a nostalgic journey through five decades of music that have not only shaped its dancefloor but also influenced the broader world of dance music.

A Historical Tracklist

The tracklist for this compilation is a tribute to the evolution of electronic and dance music culture. Some of the heavyweights featured on the album include Eric Prydz, Fred Again.., Chic, Hot Natured, Candi Staton, Paul van Dyk, Calvin Harris, and Donna Summer. This rich tapestry of artists reflects a wide range of genres—disco, trance, techno, and house—demonstrating the eclectic spirit that Amnesia embodies.

In a special treat for vinyl collectors, the compilation includes an exclusive track: Maceo Plex’s version of Faithless’s classic ‘Insomnia.’ This rare gem stands as a testament to the club’s commitment to showcasing groundbreaking talent.

The Legacy of Amnesia

Since its inception in 1976, Amnesia has been a stalwart of the Ibiza nightlife scene. Long before Ibiza became synonymous with luxury superclubs and exclusive bottle service, Amnesia was already establishing itself as one of the island’s original “temples of dance music.” It’s widely credited with cultivating the Balearic sound, thanks to pioneering resident Alfredo. His enchanting sets, which blended disco, pop, and the nascent strains of house music, served as a blueprint for the vibrant nightlife that Ibiza is known for today.

The spirit of these early days is palpable throughout the compilation. Iconic tracks like Joe Smooth’s ‘Promised Land’ and the club’s own ‘Ibiza’ serve as comforting nods to the sounds that inspired generations of ravers.

Curated by Those Who Know

The compilation was lovingly curated by Les Schmitz, a long-standing Amnesia resident, along with the club’s team and Frederik Emmerechts of N.E.W.S, the label overseeing its release. Rather than relying on streaming algorithms or data, the selection process revolved around personal experiences of those who lived through the club’s history. This method crafted an archive of sound that feels authentic and deeply rooted in the culture of the club.

A Journey Through Decades

One of the Collection’s most fascinating aspects is the way it traverses through different eras and genres. Eric Prydz’s ‘Pjanoo’ makes an appearance alongside Hot Natured’s ‘Benediction,’ while famous disco anthems like Chic’s ‘Good Times’ and Candi Staton’s ‘Young Hearts Run Free’ rub shoulders with the pulsating energy of Human Resource’s ‘Dominator’ and the classic New Order track ‘Blue Monday.’

Special tracks that resonated with distinctive Amnesia nights have also been included. For example, Paul van Dyk’s ‘For An Angel’ and Tiesto’s remix of ‘Silence’ played pivotal roles in the club’s trance-heavy residencies, while Alter Ego’s ‘Rocker’ and Extrawelt’s ‘Titelheld’ are intrinsically connected to Sven Vath’s Cocoon parties.

The Comprehensive Tracklist

For those eager to dive into this sonic history, the tracklist is as follows:

1/10
A1. Calvin Harris feat. Clementine Douglas – Blessings
A2. Joe Smooth – Promised Land
A3. Eric Prydz – Pjanoo
B1. Amnesia – Ibiza (Loco Acid Mix)
B2. Alter Ego – Rocker
B3. Francesco Rossi – Paper Aeroplane

2/10
A1. Fred Again.. X The Blessed Madonna – Marea (We’ve Lost Dancing)
A2. Sueno Latino with Manuel Goettsching performing E2-E4 – Sueno Latino (Paradise Version)
B1. New Order – Blue Monday
B2. Delerium feat. Sarah McLachlan – Silence (DJ Tiesto’s In Search Of Sunrise Remix)

3/10
A1. Extrawelt – Titelheld
A2. Propaganda – p:Machinery
B1. Hot Natured & Ali Love – Benediction
B2. Michel Cleis feat. Toto La Momposina – La Mezcla

4/10
A1. Anne Clark – Our Darkness
A2. Joris Voorn – Ringo
A3. Human Resource – Dominator
B1. Laurent Garnier – The Man With The Red Face
B2. Adam Beyer & Bart Skils – Your Mind

5/10
A1. Binary Finary – 1998 (Paul van Dyk Extended Remix)
A2. Tensnake – Coma Cat
B1. Three Drives On A Vinyl – Greece 2000
B2. Mory Kante – Yeke Yeke (Hardfloor Mix)
B3. Chic – Good Times

6/10
A1. Silicone Soul – Right On, Right On
A2. Jaydee – Plastic Dreams
B1. Ninetoes – Finder
B2. DJ Misjah & DJ Tim – Access
B3. Candi Staton – Young Hearts Run Free

7/10
A1. N-Joi – Anthem
A2. Robert Miles – Children (Dream Version)
A3. George Kranz – Din Daa Daa
B1. Audion – Mouth To Mouth
B2. Felix – Don’t You Want Me

8/10
A1. Age Of Love – The Age Of Love (Jam & Spoon Watch Out For Stella Mix)
A2. Legowelt – Disco Rout
A3. Yello – Bostich
B1. Nalin & Kane – Beachball
B2. Donna Summer – I Feel Love

9/10
A1. DJ Koze – XTC
A2. The Good Men – Give It Up (Batacuda Refrescante)
A3. Antena – Camino Del Sol
B1. Paul van Dyk – For An Angel (PvD’s E-Werk Club Mix)
B2. Gabriel Ananda – Doppelwhipper

10/10
A1. Maceo Plex vs Faithless – Insomnia 2021 (Epic Mix)
A2. Electra – Jibaro
B1. Hugg & Pepp – Snabeln
B2. Chris Rea – Josephine (La Version Francaise)
B3. Worakls – Adagio For Square

Availability for Fans

The Amnesia 50th Anniversary Compilation is set for release on September 4 through N.E.W.S. For those keen on immersing themselves in this rich musical heritage, pre-orders are open now for the boxset. It’s the perfect way to celebrate a half-century of unforgettable nights, iconic performances, and a legacy that continues to inspire generations of music lovers around the world.