Ken - my first Detroit party was the 313 5-year anniversary party in December 1999, and the last was Monday night at the Werks in June 2003. While I feel qualified to say what Detroit Techno means to me (for me, the rhythms - that "shuffle beat" with lots of hi-hats, etc. - is a key element compared to "other" music), I'll defer to the likes of Yussel, Garrett, Dan Sicko, Ian Malbon and Diana Potts when it comes to Detroit club music.
Alex - I've got several friends in SF, but I've never lived there a day - I live in LA :) While I remember The Units, I don't think I ever saw them - they didn't play down my way too often. I was pretty skint in the late 70's Punk days so I couldn't get to 1/10th the number of shows I wish I could've gone to ... I assume you've seen http://www.synthpunk.org/units/history.html then? (Meanwhile, in the News Of The Weird dept.: http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=18250 Oi! You Irish lot! Put down your iPods and pull a pint, for Guinness God & Country!) - Greg
