Thanks to legendary singles like 'Strings of Life' and 'Nude Photo', Derrick May is universally regarded as the definitive techno producer; by hijacking the rhythmic sensibilities of house and adding the intelligence of European electronica and the spirit of Motown, he single-handedly defined and articulated the sound of Detroit.

Along with Juan Atkins and Kevin Saunderson, Derrick May is one of the so-called Belleville Three, Detroit-area electronic musicians/DJs who defined modern techno for the masses in the mid- to late-'80s. As 'Innovator', an album compiling May's late 80s/early 90s classic singles, attests, these early tracks of beat-wise liquid electricity, like the Kraftwerk albums of the 70s, continue to stand head and shoulders above just about everything that followed.

The production, composition and sheer groove prowess that May exhibits under his most famed monikers Rythim Is Rythim and Mayday,haven't dated; time has only added to their resonance. From his first solo single, 1987's skittering 'Nude Photo', through to 1993's return-to-form 'Icon', May's techno has been defined by a Chicago house-like digital warmth, lush emotive keyboards, and careening groove-accented strings. His love of the latter gave the title to his most famous creation-1987's epic 'Strings of Life', included here in original and newly mixed form. Over syncopated piano motifs, the keyboard strings drive the track towards a thoughtful understated euphoria. It's just one of many moments that truly make May the 'Innovator' he claims to be, and give this collection essential techno status.