Weekend Rewind: listen to Calvin Harris' 2008 Essential Mix debut

In 2008, a Scottish artist by the name of Calvin Harris had just begun hitting his stride and earning notice from the dance community at large. His debut LP offering the year before, I Created Disco, proved a hit and later led to collaborations with Kylie Minogue. He also earned credit on the tour circuit through support for Groove Armada and Faithless. Naturally, Pete Tong took interest in the burgeoning artist as well and promptly slotted him into his Essential Mix series.

We revisit Calvin Harris’ debut Essential Mix just days after its 11th birthday, which immediately places its listeners on a path down into the blog house era from whence it came. Iconic hits of the day like deadmau5′ “The Reward Is Cheese,” Riva Starr’s “I Jack U,” and Harris’ own twist on the DJ Assault hit “Ass N Titties” are featured, with additional flecks of Santagold, Pryda, and Cosmonauts. It’s a nostalgic journey that maintains the same levels of cheery fun that ensued upon its October 2008 debut, and served as another early indicator of the success Harris would continue to reap as he climbed the dance music ranks.