Trash can be fun, but it gets us nowhere and tells us little. There's no denying the influence of drugs over dance culture amongst the clubbers of today. The music these days is more repetitive, is without an atmosphere and is generally lacking in creativity and emotion. The main reason for clubbing in'96 is to go out and get smashed regardless of the style or quality of the music being produced. The relationship between Ecstasy and dance music at the moment is evident from the drug's nature.
E causes a breakdown in the brain's main neurotransmitters, particularly serotonin.
All the raver needs as a result is a simplistic rhythm track and a few vocals too get a buzz. It's funny how if the music were to be played to a raver on the comedown off the drug it would sound crap and irritating. Most of my dance music collection is old and I can still enjoy it. Styles such as progressive house were more intelligent and innovative, and you could enjoy the music without being 'ON ONE'.Its also strange that progressive dance music came after the drug dominated rave scene back in '92. The case of Joy Division would probably summarise your whole thesis.