Source: Tropical Hot Dog Night
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Podcast Love
A few weeks ago I did a post on my favourite websites and blogs and today I thought I would highlight a couple of podcasts that get me through my frankly lazy weeks. What I like about these is that they are all incredibly well-produced and all of them play whatever they want from all four corners of the record shop, which is the way to do it. I am going to be starting my own podcast of sorts during the summer and I hope that they'll be half as good as some of these as it'll give me a chance to trawl through my collection and pull out some gems that you may want to seek out for your own collection. Win/win, really.
As a side-on, how crap are the words 'blog' and 'podcast', surely they could've come up with something that had a bit more pizzaz to it? But anyway here are my favourites.
SOULSEARCHING
Soulsearching is the Compost Records radio show and is presented by Michael Rütten who has released records as Soulpatrol in the past. With regular guests including Quantic, Maurice Fulton, Nicola Conte, Theo Parrish, Mr. Scruff, Louie Vega, John Kong, Ame, Beanfield, Makossa & Megablast, Jazzanova, Rainer Truby, Ben Mono, London Elektricity and Carl Craig the show is a perfect amalgamation of ridiculously upfront tunes and forgotten gems all presented in Michael's carefully worded English. Definitely a show that has it's ears as firmly rooted in the past as it is in the future. Download the podcast by searching for Soulsearching in the iTunes Podcast directory or just download them individually from the Compost Records website.
LAZPOD
Selected and presented by Crosstown Rebels', and former City Rockers head honcho, Damian Lazarus ably assisted by Matt Styles, Lazpod is an at times barmy no-holds barred run through the entire gamut of the musical sphere from folk to minimal all presented in Damian's typical cheeky swagger. Subscribe to the podcast here.
GILLES PETERSON WORLDWIDE
How the king of the airwaves finds time to record and produce these in addition to his absolutely essential weekly musical jaunts on Radio 1, which you can download here is beyond me but I am thankful that he does as his chats with the likes of Paul Bradshaw, Aaron Jerome, Peter Adarkwah and Marc Mac are highly informative and enthusiastic looks at the music that has most certainly kicked all of us in the ass. Subscribe to the podcast here.
FABRIC
Produced by former World Wide producer Karen P's production company, the Fabric podcast simply asks a few of the hundreds of DJs that have passed through its doors to come in and over two parts play their favourite records and have a bit of a chat about them. So far they've had Craig Richards, Andrew Weatherall, Doc Scott, Jonny Trunk, Ross Allen, owner Keith O'Reilly and a few others in the studio and what has emerged has been a nostalgic look at the music and times that have defined their careers. If you only subscribe to one podcast that I've picked today make this the one. Subscribe to it here.
BASIC SOUL
Now there is a case for bias here what with me being directly linked to the website via the interviews that I do for Simon but I can assure you that no favoritism went into this choice. Presented by Leeds-based Simon Harrison, Basic Soul is a labor of love that takes you on a journey through the best of jazz, funk, soul, house and whatever else catches Simon's ears and his presentation style is relaxed and knowledgeable with clear enthusiasm and appreciation for all the music that he plays. I have serious record envy when it comes to Simon and on every show he unearths a gem that I immediately seek out and buy. Subscribe to the podcast here.
I am also interested to know what podcasts you listen to, so if there is anything that you think is essential then leave me a message and I'll have a listen.
As a side-on, how crap are the words 'blog' and 'podcast', surely they could've come up with something that had a bit more pizzaz to it? But anyway here are my favourites.
SOULSEARCHING
Soulsearching is the Compost Records radio show and is presented by Michael Rütten who has released records as Soulpatrol in the past. With regular guests including Quantic, Maurice Fulton, Nicola Conte, Theo Parrish, Mr. Scruff, Louie Vega, John Kong, Ame, Beanfield, Makossa & Megablast, Jazzanova, Rainer Truby, Ben Mono, London Elektricity and Carl Craig the show is a perfect amalgamation of ridiculously upfront tunes and forgotten gems all presented in Michael's carefully worded English. Definitely a show that has it's ears as firmly rooted in the past as it is in the future. Download the podcast by searching for Soulsearching in the iTunes Podcast directory or just download them individually from the Compost Records website.
LAZPOD
Selected and presented by Crosstown Rebels', and former City Rockers head honcho, Damian Lazarus ably assisted by Matt Styles, Lazpod is an at times barmy no-holds barred run through the entire gamut of the musical sphere from folk to minimal all presented in Damian's typical cheeky swagger. Subscribe to the podcast here.
GILLES PETERSON WORLDWIDE
How the king of the airwaves finds time to record and produce these in addition to his absolutely essential weekly musical jaunts on Radio 1, which you can download here is beyond me but I am thankful that he does as his chats with the likes of Paul Bradshaw, Aaron Jerome, Peter Adarkwah and Marc Mac are highly informative and enthusiastic looks at the music that has most certainly kicked all of us in the ass. Subscribe to the podcast here.
FABRIC
Produced by former World Wide producer Karen P's production company, the Fabric podcast simply asks a few of the hundreds of DJs that have passed through its doors to come in and over two parts play their favourite records and have a bit of a chat about them. So far they've had Craig Richards, Andrew Weatherall, Doc Scott, Jonny Trunk, Ross Allen, owner Keith O'Reilly and a few others in the studio and what has emerged has been a nostalgic look at the music and times that have defined their careers. If you only subscribe to one podcast that I've picked today make this the one. Subscribe to it here.
BASIC SOUL
Now there is a case for bias here what with me being directly linked to the website via the interviews that I do for Simon but I can assure you that no favoritism went into this choice. Presented by Leeds-based Simon Harrison, Basic Soul is a labor of love that takes you on a journey through the best of jazz, funk, soul, house and whatever else catches Simon's ears and his presentation style is relaxed and knowledgeable with clear enthusiasm and appreciation for all the music that he plays. I have serious record envy when it comes to Simon and on every show he unearths a gem that I immediately seek out and buy. Subscribe to the podcast here.
I am also interested to know what podcasts you listen to, so if there is anything that you think is essential then leave me a message and I'll have a listen.
Friday, April 4, 2008
One Hundred Project : Scott Trackwerk
What is on your stereo at the moment?
Claro Intelecto's new album – Metanarrative. I've not really been a fan of their earlier stuff (a bit too harsh for my tastes) but this album is very deep with a lovely melancholic vibe. I only bought it a week or so ago but I'm really liking it. Also really into the new Rod Modell LP and the amazing Watamu Beach – Moritz Van Oswold Mix (every home should have one).
3 records that changed your life. Why?
Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon album. My dad used to play this all the time when I was a young nipper. He used to encourage me to put the big headphone cans on and listen to it with my eyes closed. It made me realise at quite a young age that there was music out there that went beyond what you'd normally hear on the radio. I still love this album now.
Rhythm is Rhythm – Strings of Life – The summer of 89 was the most exciting period of my life. It was a musical and cultural explosion from what had gone before (Soul and Pop Music and fights in pubs/clubs every night). The music, the clubs, the drugs, the whole vibe was simply amazing. I could have picked a lot of tunes to represent this feeling and time, though I just remember the whole crowd going mental whenever this was played, wherever you where. I actually prefer Rhythm is Rhythm's – It is what it is, though I don't think it had the impact of Strings of Life.
Bobby Konders – The Poem – Graeme Park (who I idolised until he pigeon-holed himself with the Steve Silk Hurley happy-clappy sound) used to play this all the time, especially at his residency at Kool Kat in Nottingham. It was like no other house music being played, so long, deep and musical. Probably more than any other record, this influenced my future record buying habits.
What are you looking forward to?
Watching my 2 year old son Alex grow up. Being a Dad is the greatest thing in the world.
What couldn’t you live without? Why?
My family and friends, my dog and my music collection; and a computer with a high speed internet connection of course.
Most memorable gig?
In terms of attending a gig, it would probably either be the Stone Roses at Spike Island or Radiohead at the M.E.N Arena in Manchester. The night before Spike Island I'd been to Nottingham to see Graeme Park play at Venus – got completely twatted, then went over to spike island the following day. My mates and I were all feeling rough as fuck, it was torture listening to all the crappy supporting bands, and listening to Frankie Bones DJ'ing, with a continual "Frankie Bones Brooklyn New York" shout-out every five minutes. We were skint, had no weed or much money to buy drinks. It felt like forever waiting for the Roses to come on. Though all that was forgotten when they took the stage and opened up with "I Wanna be Adored". In terms of enjoyment Radiohead was much better, I'm a massive fan of theirs and I was in the mosh-pit going mad for the whole set.
In terms of playing gigs, In my younger days I used to play at various bars and clubs around Grimsby & Cleethorpes (my home town) and also occasionally at gigs in Hull, Sheffield, Nottingham and Manchester. Probably the most memorable was a party that we put on for my 21st Birthday in Grimsby. There were probably 500-750 there and the whole place was going mental the whole night, dancing on the tables, air-horns, crowd-chanting etc. etc. To be perfectly honest though I've always been much happier playing at after parties, where I can play the stuff that I really love, without having to worry about keeping a dance floor going.
Who/what are your influences?
There are so many its difficult to know where to start. Other than family and friends, on a musical front I'd say David Bowie, Paul Weller, Radiohead, Gomez, Gil Scott-Heron, Curtis Mayfield, Marvin Gaye, Chaka Khan, Kirk Degiorgio, Carl Craig, Theo Parrish, Moodymann, Maurice Fulton, The Idjut Boys, Pal Joey, FK, Rejji Burrell, Bobby Konders, Mike Huckaby, Patrice Scott, Move D, Ashley Beedle, Mudd, Quiet Village, Henrik Schwarz, King Britt and Don Carlos.
What is the best and worst thing about the city that you live in?
Once you have children I think your priorities change with regards to what makes a good or bad place to live. I've lived in some crappy places like Luton, Dunstable, Darwen and some great places Harpenden, and best of all Sydney, Australia for a year. Last year I moved to a very small village in Yorkshire. The best thing is it’s a nice place with very little crime and will be a good environment for my son to grow up in. I suppose the worst thing is that it’s a bit quiet and sterile.
Given the accelerated pace of modern culture, what are we due a revival in?
I hate to say this but I can see there being a revival of interest in the early house scene. It always seems that popular culture always looks back 20 years to revive whatever was big then.
Personally I hate looking back. Whilst it’s always great to hear some old disco or funk gem on someone's mix and then track it down, my primary focus is always on listening to as much new music as possible to unearth the new stuff. I don't agree with people who say things on forums such as "House Music is Dead" and only ever talk about the old stuff. I think this just shows up a lazy attitude to finding new music. I truly believe that there is always great new music coming out, you just need to search through a lot of shit to find it.
Hero? Why?
The Manchester United midfielder - Paul Scholes. Whilst he's nearly at the end of his career now, he has been THE outstanding English player of the last decade. Aside from being a class apart in terms of his ability and football brain, he is also completely unassuming – which is a rare thing for footballers these days.
Is there anything else that you feel that we should know?
I don't think so. Of course you can always keep a look out for new mixes on the trackwerk website, which is updated on a frequent basis.
Scott is the co-founder of trackwerk.net (along with his mate Carl). The site has been running now for 3.5 years and has provided over 200 mixes in that time, including lots of varied guests such as Bill Brewster, Greg Wilson, Dublex Inc., Inverse Cinematics, Blackbelt Anderson, Adam Goldstone (RIP), Mudd and many more from joint residents Paul “Balaerik Soul” Williams and Sean “Rotter3*” Johnston.
KUMOWERK
Tracklist
Inohs Sivad – Somewhere Else
Soulphiction – I Just Wait (Radio Edit)
Gogo – A Nova Estrela (Kirk Degiorgio Mix)
Quiet Village – Desperate Hours
Matias Aguayo – Radiotaxi
The Mole – TBA
Linkwood Family – Miles Away
Underground Orchestra - Solaris Eremit
Rod Modell - Temple
Off-World-Ensemble featuring Tony Allen – Dance of Loa
Download the mix here.
Claro Intelecto's new album – Metanarrative. I've not really been a fan of their earlier stuff (a bit too harsh for my tastes) but this album is very deep with a lovely melancholic vibe. I only bought it a week or so ago but I'm really liking it. Also really into the new Rod Modell LP and the amazing Watamu Beach – Moritz Van Oswold Mix (every home should have one).
3 records that changed your life. Why?
Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon album. My dad used to play this all the time when I was a young nipper. He used to encourage me to put the big headphone cans on and listen to it with my eyes closed. It made me realise at quite a young age that there was music out there that went beyond what you'd normally hear on the radio. I still love this album now.
Rhythm is Rhythm – Strings of Life – The summer of 89 was the most exciting period of my life. It was a musical and cultural explosion from what had gone before (Soul and Pop Music and fights in pubs/clubs every night). The music, the clubs, the drugs, the whole vibe was simply amazing. I could have picked a lot of tunes to represent this feeling and time, though I just remember the whole crowd going mental whenever this was played, wherever you where. I actually prefer Rhythm is Rhythm's – It is what it is, though I don't think it had the impact of Strings of Life.
Bobby Konders – The Poem – Graeme Park (who I idolised until he pigeon-holed himself with the Steve Silk Hurley happy-clappy sound) used to play this all the time, especially at his residency at Kool Kat in Nottingham. It was like no other house music being played, so long, deep and musical. Probably more than any other record, this influenced my future record buying habits.
What are you looking forward to?
Watching my 2 year old son Alex grow up. Being a Dad is the greatest thing in the world.
What couldn’t you live without? Why?
My family and friends, my dog and my music collection; and a computer with a high speed internet connection of course.
Most memorable gig?
In terms of attending a gig, it would probably either be the Stone Roses at Spike Island or Radiohead at the M.E.N Arena in Manchester. The night before Spike Island I'd been to Nottingham to see Graeme Park play at Venus – got completely twatted, then went over to spike island the following day. My mates and I were all feeling rough as fuck, it was torture listening to all the crappy supporting bands, and listening to Frankie Bones DJ'ing, with a continual "Frankie Bones Brooklyn New York" shout-out every five minutes. We were skint, had no weed or much money to buy drinks. It felt like forever waiting for the Roses to come on. Though all that was forgotten when they took the stage and opened up with "I Wanna be Adored". In terms of enjoyment Radiohead was much better, I'm a massive fan of theirs and I was in the mosh-pit going mad for the whole set.
In terms of playing gigs, In my younger days I used to play at various bars and clubs around Grimsby & Cleethorpes (my home town) and also occasionally at gigs in Hull, Sheffield, Nottingham and Manchester. Probably the most memorable was a party that we put on for my 21st Birthday in Grimsby. There were probably 500-750 there and the whole place was going mental the whole night, dancing on the tables, air-horns, crowd-chanting etc. etc. To be perfectly honest though I've always been much happier playing at after parties, where I can play the stuff that I really love, without having to worry about keeping a dance floor going.
Who/what are your influences?
There are so many its difficult to know where to start. Other than family and friends, on a musical front I'd say David Bowie, Paul Weller, Radiohead, Gomez, Gil Scott-Heron, Curtis Mayfield, Marvin Gaye, Chaka Khan, Kirk Degiorgio, Carl Craig, Theo Parrish, Moodymann, Maurice Fulton, The Idjut Boys, Pal Joey, FK, Rejji Burrell, Bobby Konders, Mike Huckaby, Patrice Scott, Move D, Ashley Beedle, Mudd, Quiet Village, Henrik Schwarz, King Britt and Don Carlos.
What is the best and worst thing about the city that you live in?
Once you have children I think your priorities change with regards to what makes a good or bad place to live. I've lived in some crappy places like Luton, Dunstable, Darwen and some great places Harpenden, and best of all Sydney, Australia for a year. Last year I moved to a very small village in Yorkshire. The best thing is it’s a nice place with very little crime and will be a good environment for my son to grow up in. I suppose the worst thing is that it’s a bit quiet and sterile.
Given the accelerated pace of modern culture, what are we due a revival in?
I hate to say this but I can see there being a revival of interest in the early house scene. It always seems that popular culture always looks back 20 years to revive whatever was big then.
Personally I hate looking back. Whilst it’s always great to hear some old disco or funk gem on someone's mix and then track it down, my primary focus is always on listening to as much new music as possible to unearth the new stuff. I don't agree with people who say things on forums such as "House Music is Dead" and only ever talk about the old stuff. I think this just shows up a lazy attitude to finding new music. I truly believe that there is always great new music coming out, you just need to search through a lot of shit to find it.
Hero? Why?
The Manchester United midfielder - Paul Scholes. Whilst he's nearly at the end of his career now, he has been THE outstanding English player of the last decade. Aside from being a class apart in terms of his ability and football brain, he is also completely unassuming – which is a rare thing for footballers these days.
Is there anything else that you feel that we should know?
I don't think so. Of course you can always keep a look out for new mixes on the trackwerk website, which is updated on a frequent basis.
Scott is the co-founder of trackwerk.net (along with his mate Carl). The site has been running now for 3.5 years and has provided over 200 mixes in that time, including lots of varied guests such as Bill Brewster, Greg Wilson, Dublex Inc., Inverse Cinematics, Blackbelt Anderson, Adam Goldstone (RIP), Mudd and many more from joint residents Paul “Balaerik Soul” Williams and Sean “Rotter3*” Johnston.
KUMOWERK
Tracklist
Inohs Sivad – Somewhere Else
Soulphiction – I Just Wait (Radio Edit)
Gogo – A Nova Estrela (Kirk Degiorgio Mix)
Quiet Village – Desperate Hours
Matias Aguayo – Radiotaxi
The Mole – TBA
Linkwood Family – Miles Away
Underground Orchestra - Solaris Eremit
Rod Modell - Temple
Off-World-Ensemble featuring Tony Allen – Dance of Loa
Download the mix here.
Some pictures from Egon's visit.
A few months ago Eothen Alapatt aka Egon came to the school to talk to the kids all of which was documented here, and I've just been sent these pictures from the night. A bit random but might be of some interest.
Josh introducing Eothen. I should really get over to Josh's room and take a picture, he's got all his mom's records on the walls - Gil Scott-Heron, Jean Luc Ponty, Stevie Wonder, Hugh Masakela, WAR and loads of other tasty bits on there.
Brett on the right has just got himself a full set-up and bought some Fela Kuti records, nowt wrong with that is there?
Eothen
Apparently Eothen wore his hair like Barış Manço at one point.
Massive thanks to Eothen for coming down.
Josh introducing Eothen. I should really get over to Josh's room and take a picture, he's got all his mom's records on the walls - Gil Scott-Heron, Jean Luc Ponty, Stevie Wonder, Hugh Masakela, WAR and loads of other tasty bits on there.
Brett on the right has just got himself a full set-up and bought some Fela Kuti records, nowt wrong with that is there?
Eothen
Apparently Eothen wore his hair like Barış Manço at one point.
Massive thanks to Eothen for coming down.
THE RED BULL MUSIC ACADEMY TURNS TEN!
APPLICATION PHASE FOR BARCELONA 2008 NOW OPEN
March 14 – May 05, 2008
Workshop Term 1: September 21 – October 03, 2008
Workshop Term 2: October 12 – October 24, 2008
It’s double digits for the annual Red Bull Music Academy. The tenth Academy hits Barcelona this autumn and they are now accepting applications from passionate producers, singers and DJs who want access to mind-blowing lectures and access to jaw-dropping studio equipment. The Academy takes place during September and October and applications can be made between March 14th and May 5th 2008 at Redbull Music Academy.
Each year two groups of thirty participants cherry-picked from all over the world – there have been house DJs from Khazakstan, hip hop producers from Colombia and multi-instrumentalists from New Zealand – are accepted into the Academy for a fortnight-long term. They are joined by a colourful list of musicians and musical experts who share studio tips and the stories behind the tunes during informal lectures and lab lessons. Gigs are then played by the guests and Academy attendees in different venues around the city.
Legendary drummer Tony Allen at Red Bull Music Academy Toronto
The Red Bull Music Academy first opened its doors in 1998 and has become a platform for those who shape our sonic future. Since then over 450 pioneers of modern music have spoken at its various editions held around the globe including ‘90s hip hop godfather DJ Premier, Planet Rock producer Arthur Baker and The Mizell Brothers as well as a host of young producers from Sinden to Skream. In addition, many of the 600 alumni have gone on to collaborate with the experts they met at the Academy and have written albums or started their own labels. Previous participants include Buraka Son Sistema, Mr. Hudson and the Library, Aloe Blacc and Flying Lotus.
World's youngest DMC winner and currently Kanye West's DJ (don't hold that against him) A-Trak at the Academy. (His brother is in Chromeo fact-finders)
Traveling to a new location every year The Red Bull Music Academy has previously touched down in Cape Town, Berlin, San Paulo, Melbourne and Toronto. Each editing involves setting up a bespoke campus filled with local art, and building both a live recording room and a labyrinth of studios – and filling a borrowing-room with desirable synths, samplers and keyboards ready to be borrowed by the participants.
M.I.A. at the Academy
Applicants must be passionate about music, have a desire to learn and share ideas and be 18 before September 21 2008. Once the application process is completed, successful applications will be invited to participate in one of two terms: September 21 – October 03, 2008 or October 12 – October 24, 2008 in Barcelona.Download your applications here.
For those interested in finding out more about The Red Bull Music Academy check out RBMA Radio for on-demand access to over 500 exclusive shows, mixes, live feeds, tribute sets, guest DJs and interviews, as well as lecture podcasts from some of the Academy’s most inspirational guests. All information and lectures are also available at Redbull Music Academy.
In addition as part of this year's Red Bull Music Academy programme, Karen P's Broadcasting welcomes Ethio-jazz originator Mulatu Astatke for a one-off live date at London's Cargo on Thursday 17th April, his first gig in the city for 15 years. The night will be recorded especially for Red Bull Music Academy Radio.
I'd give my right arm to see Mulatu live but being miles away in California means it isn't going to happen. If you're there, GO! Don't think debate it, just GO! Buy his records as well, they're immense.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Gorillaz tear MTV Cribs a new one.
I loathe MTV cribs as it just proves that money can't buy you class as most of the houses are absolute horror shows and the show has been crying out for someone to take the piss out of it. Step right up Gorillaz creator Jamie Hewlett who hilariously took the ball and ran with it in this biting video. Very funny.
Mathew Dear - Deserter
When I first heard that Matthew Dear aka Audion aka False aka Jabberjaw was doing an album of songs I was immensely sceptical as to wether or not he'd be able to pull it off as it seemed like a big task for someone who was best known for making linear techno but I shouldn't have feared as his album Asa Breed turned out to be one of the best albums from any genre last year. I particularly like Deserter, which was a record that I thought a lot more of the balearic crowd would get behind but I didn't see it featured in many playlists last year. Lyrically it's very good and musically it is off the charts. Its not every day that you hear a record from start to finish and think that it is too short and I definitely think that Deserter could go on for a bit longer, which is why I have taken to doubling it up like a proper DJ. You truly should buy the album if you haven't already, with records like Don & Sherry (which sounds immense in it's DJ Koze remixed form) amongst a crop of superb cuts it will be money very well spent.
Matthew Dear - Deserter
Check this video for Don & Sherry done by New York's Plus et Plus for some linear film-making at its best.
One Hundred Project : Dano
What is on your stereo at the moment?
Baris K Eurasia mixes part 1 & 2 - amazing music! David Axelrod - Heavy Axe, History Clock - Gamma Model (on my pc)
3 records that changed your life. Why?
Adam and the Ants - Kings of the Wild Frontier - I was 8, and obsessed.
Frankie Goes to Hollywood - Two Tribes - first 12 I bought
Sabres of Paradise - Smokebelch - drugs!
What are you looking forward to?
The summer and some nice Suono parties.
What couldn't you live without? Why?
My kids, Albie & Renie, nuff said!
Most memorable gig?
Playing records with Antony Daly is generally always an experience! We uphold the highest standards of professionalism!
Pavement very early 90's at the Riverside was one of the best gigs I've seen, or Dee Dee Bridgewater a couple of years ago was fantastic, amazing woman.
Who/what are your influences?
Was always into what Weatherall does, haven't listened to his music for years, but always liked his attitude. I skated for years, and have always been into what Mark Gonzales does.
What is the best and worst thing about the city that you live in?
The coastline and countryside round Newcastle are great, musically it's a pain in the arse to promote things here, very conservative tastes, with not many venues to go round. If I see another 'underground house' night spring up I might just kill myself.
Given the accelerated pace of modern culture, what are we due a revival in?
Late 90's dad house?
Hero? Why?
Not sure I've got any, bit old for heroes.
Is there anything else that you feel that we should know?
Suono Sundays, Sunday 4th of May at the Tanners, Byker 5-12 come early it's the best bit!!
Dan runs Suono with Tony, and together they have been throwing irregular parties in the Toon since 2004 when they kicked off with no less than Greg Wilson behind the wheels and since then they have gone on to throw various mini riots up and down Newcastle with the likes of A Certain Ratio, the Idjuts and the 20:20 Soundsystem. Since 2005 they have made the Tokyo Bar their home away from home on Sundays and people such as Danny Webb, Moonboots, Kelvin Andrews, Phil Mison and Ashley Beedle have come down and joined in the seven hours of revelry and boozin'. Suono also hosts a room at Error_ where they've brought Phil Mison and Balearic Mike up to Newcastle, to play old disco records to a crowd of young modern house and techno heads.
Dan can always be relied upon to dig through the record bargain bins for lost treasures and the mix that he has done for the One Hundred Project is indicative of this.
TRACKLISTING
Letta Mbulu - Pula Yetla
Corduroy - In a Galaxy (wrong speed)
Mudd edit
Neil Merryweather - Step in the Right Direction
Athon - Le Feuok
Blo - Dont take her away... (Akwaaba mix)
Black Viking - Body Work
Hypertension - One Night Woman
Space Girl (Dancing Girl edit)
Timmy Thomas - Why (Pressure Drop)
Download the mix here.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Death Cab For Cutie - I Will Possess Your Heart
Living in Southern California has been a bit of an adjustment to living in Lancashire, weather aside the biggest change has been in access and introduction to new music. In the United Kingdom I was ravenous, everywhere I went I'd invariably be introduced to records that I would spend my hard-earned on, be it in a basement or shopping in the Northern Quarter. Out here I've tried listening to the radio and beyond KCRW the programming and content is absolutely dire. I don't get KCRW up here where I live but when I lived in Long Beach I would listen to a couple of shows a week, especially Liza Richardson's shows at the weekend. Check the DJ picks from their broadcasting staff and you'll see that quality was quite high there and not your usual highly regimented Clear Channel driven playlists that the other channels suffer from.
Having said all that, the other week when my wife and I went back to Long Beach to visit some friends one of the DJs played this Death Cab For Cutie song 3 times in a row, which is normally broadcasting suicide but this definitely caught our attention, and with the wife having dragged me off to see them in Manchester, and with my expectations admittedly very low, I was blown away by their professionalism and craft on stage. I have seen a lot of bands in my life from the truly dire to the utterly sublime and Death Cab For Cutie are certainly as good as they get.
This record kicks off with a long four minute plus intro that should appeal to all the balearic heads out there, well at least Jeffo will get it, and when the vocal comes in the lyrics aren't your typical throwaway rubbish but rather heartfelt, well thought out and intelligent, which lets face it is not the norm. Even if this isn't your normal thing I implore you to have a listen to it as you just might find that you really like it, like I do.
Death Cab For Cutie - I Will Possess Your Heart
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Quiet Village - Pacific Rhythm
Quiet Village are Joel Martin and Matt Edwards whose debut and long-awaited album Silent Movie is about to drop on Germany's !K7 in a couple of weeks. They previously released their singles on the frustratingly limited Whatever We Want Records and here is an article on the label that ran in the Guardian, which makes for very interesting reading. I've posted the supreme Too High To Move in a previous post and while it is still my favourite Quiet Village record Pacific Rhythm is a very welcome addition to my collection. No idea what the sample source is, or how they cleared it, but it has 'end of the night stunner' written all over it. With it's well placed strings, slo meandering drum lines and uplifting lyrics and especially the way how the vocal gets vocodered at the end this would easily result in hugs aplenty at the end of an emotional and rewarding night amongst the throngs on a dancefloor. Dy-no-mite!
Quiet Village - Pacific Rhythm
Balearic Mike told me in Vinyl Exchange that Joel's record collection makes his own look like it has 'L-plates' on it and to prove it here are his top 20 disco records of all time.
Monday, March 31, 2008
One Hundred Project : Danny Webb
What is on your stereo at the moment?
Erykah Badu LP, Notorious Hi Fi Killers, Nick Cave, I'm Not There OST, Doo Wop Delights, Valet and Luminaries.
3 records that changed your life.
Blondie - Heart Of Glass, the first record I bought.
Genaside II - Nara Mine, first proper E experience.
Guilty - Streisand / Gibb, massive favourite of my mum and me and a soundtrack to early life in the Webb household.
What are you looking forward to?
Finishing work, getting back in the studio, a pint or two and finally finding a nice room for my records again.
What couldn’t you live without? Why?
Insulin is pretty up there, I am Diabetic. Friends, life would also be rubbish without weed or music and alcohol.
Most memorable gig?
Dead Meadow Green Man 07. THE most drugfucked, intense concert I have been to, opened the lid of my head, shat inside it and closed the top, that band can play.
Who/what are your influences?
Streisand, Commodores, Beatles, Talking Heads / David Byrne. But mostly I would say my influences come from the very close network of musical fanatics that turn me onto amazing records on a daily basis.
What is the best and worst thing about the city that you live in?
Best thing is that it's where I grew up, I know it inside out, am totally comfortable here, and I actually love the dour greyness of manchester, in particular the Autumn time.
Worst thing is it's constant musical regression, perpetuated by money grabbing student nights and promoters who have no other idea than late 80's early 90's manchester.
Given the accelerated pace of modern culture, what are we due a revival in?
I think all this street gymnastics that the kids are doing will mutate into one massive city wide game of Ralivo.
Hero? Why?
Don't do heroes, My mum is a fucking trooper though, love her dearly, she comes closest.
Is there anything else that you feel that we should know?
Well, I killed a duck once and left it's 12 chicks without a mother. I'm still paying mentally.
Danny started DJing in 1992 at The City Road Inn and then went on to promote a night called Kudos at Manchester Underground before moving onto Faded Alien at 10 Bar and occasionally he still resurrects Music Is Better and the ridiculously good Friends Of Music nights. Currently he is one of the bods behind El Diablos Social Club and after starting work at Piccadilly in 2003 he has been firmly entrusted with buying and sourcing the records that you spend your hard-earned on week in and week out.
Danny Webb - Stoned Alone at the Monday Club
TRACKLISTING
Sorry, no tracklisting.
Download the mix here. (Mix is hosted on Deepsoul3, check their site out for more mixes from the balearic guard.)
Parra
It's been a while since I did a piece on art and seeing as the original intention of the blog was not just to be solely music-based but rather to spread my wings over all forms of popular culture, I thought it was high time that we took an albeit brief look at another artist that I greatly admire. I'm going to try and make these sorts of posts a lot more frequent in the weeks to come.
Pieter Janssen, more commonly known as Parra, is the man behind those hand-drawn flat posters and prints that have been garnering a huge following the world over amongst the new bohemian streetwear-enthused hippie jetset and for good reason as his bold humor-filled designs are just the kick in the arse the overly serious art world needs. He's sold out shows in London and Los Angeles, which was at the HVW8 gallery, and recently his work has graced the cover of Juxtapoz magazine. If you see a poster of his on the streets anywhere take a picture because it won't be around long. This is his bio that I resourcefully plucked off the internet for your convenience, "An underground star in his hometown of Amsterdam, where fans scour the streets to tear down his posters, Parra's work is treasured by a new generation of design fanatics. A natural self taught Typographer and Graphic Artist, Parra grew up living with his artist father. Surrounded by colour, oil paint, wood, & Rubenesque paintings he immersed himself in early nineties music and street culture, developing the unique style he's know for today. Taking a handfull of selected commercial design jobs every year Parra prefers to make the bulk of his output flyers, posters & identities for friends & admirers, making his work available for everyone to use, keep or discard as they wish. His first solo gallery show, Jobs I did for friends for under £100 took place at London's Kemistry Gallery in March 2005 and sold out in three days. Hugely prolific, Parra also designs his own streetwear label, Rockwell clothing, launched in 2000 and stocked in London, Tokyo, Berlin and New York. "
His studio above his store in Amsterdam.
One of the many record sleeves that he has done in recent times. I've even gone as far as collecting these even though the music doesn't always tick the right boxes, which is quite a sad thing to admit in all truth.
You can read the interviews at Fecal Face or at XLR8R to dive even deeper into the man's mindset. What I really like about him is that he proves that the early bird doesn't always get the worm but that the night owl makes a killing as well.
Besides the myriad of cool shit that he produces and sells through the Rockwell Clothing website, he has also turned his hand to two designs for the seriously on it Stones Throw record label and they are the item de rigueur up here at the Academy after Egon made a killing after his talk a few weeks back.
These are words that every designer has heard and wanted to spit fire immediately afterwards. Tragically funny.
This is the music video that he did for his band Le Le Musique, it is as bonkers as I was hoping that it would be and then some.
The only thing that upsets me about Parra is the way he stores his records...
Pieter Janssen, more commonly known as Parra, is the man behind those hand-drawn flat posters and prints that have been garnering a huge following the world over amongst the new bohemian streetwear-enthused hippie jetset and for good reason as his bold humor-filled designs are just the kick in the arse the overly serious art world needs. He's sold out shows in London and Los Angeles, which was at the HVW8 gallery, and recently his work has graced the cover of Juxtapoz magazine. If you see a poster of his on the streets anywhere take a picture because it won't be around long. This is his bio that I resourcefully plucked off the internet for your convenience, "An underground star in his hometown of Amsterdam, where fans scour the streets to tear down his posters, Parra's work is treasured by a new generation of design fanatics. A natural self taught Typographer and Graphic Artist, Parra grew up living with his artist father. Surrounded by colour, oil paint, wood, & Rubenesque paintings he immersed himself in early nineties music and street culture, developing the unique style he's know for today. Taking a handfull of selected commercial design jobs every year Parra prefers to make the bulk of his output flyers, posters & identities for friends & admirers, making his work available for everyone to use, keep or discard as they wish. His first solo gallery show, Jobs I did for friends for under £100 took place at London's Kemistry Gallery in March 2005 and sold out in three days. Hugely prolific, Parra also designs his own streetwear label, Rockwell clothing, launched in 2000 and stocked in London, Tokyo, Berlin and New York. "
His studio above his store in Amsterdam.
One of the many record sleeves that he has done in recent times. I've even gone as far as collecting these even though the music doesn't always tick the right boxes, which is quite a sad thing to admit in all truth.
You can read the interviews at Fecal Face or at XLR8R to dive even deeper into the man's mindset. What I really like about him is that he proves that the early bird doesn't always get the worm but that the night owl makes a killing as well.
Besides the myriad of cool shit that he produces and sells through the Rockwell Clothing website, he has also turned his hand to two designs for the seriously on it Stones Throw record label and they are the item de rigueur up here at the Academy after Egon made a killing after his talk a few weeks back.
These are words that every designer has heard and wanted to spit fire immediately afterwards. Tragically funny.
This is the music video that he did for his band Le Le Musique, it is as bonkers as I was hoping that it would be and then some.
The only thing that upsets me about Parra is the way he stores his records...
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Some ideas...
Not really sure what to say about this in all truth. Max Knight built this for Yorgo Tloupas (I swear that's a real name and not a figment of my imagination) and what the point of it is, I'm not sure. Worth watching the guy try to ride it.
Yeasayer - Sunrise
I was put onto Yeasayer by my great mate Jeffo from The Bears Upstairs, and this Brooklyn-based quartet who describe their sound as "Middle Eastern-psych-snap-gospel". That's almost the whole story as you could easily throw in Rumors-era Fleetwood Mac some Brian Eno sonic gymnastics and while you're at it add a dash of David Byrne's brilliant leftfield charms and you might be even closer to the truth. What I like about Yeasayer is that they're completely and utterly original and certainly unclassifiable and that, my friends, makes them the best thing that has hit the musical landscape in a long, long time.
Their album kicks off with a healthy does of pan-ethnic spirituality, and Sunrise is the sort of record that lends itself to ears of all generations. The production values are superb and are best represented on the song's falsettoed chorus, which is then fleshed out with a vague Far Eastern vibe and droned out superbly in synthetic ambience. It is an unbelievably good record and hopefully in a sea of, well, middle-of-the-road bullshit records that record stores are drowning in at the moment this will rise to the top and it should be a compulsory purchase at your local record emporium instead of all those crap edits and all those throwaway plodding cosmic/nu-disco records, it is that good. 2080 is just as good as is the rest of All Hour Cymbals, it is faultless. Buy it, play it and I can almost guarantee that you'll fall in love with it just as I have.
I've also included the Hey Champ remix of Sunrise, which is a bit Shoreditch-shit haircut-trendy for me but I'll let you make up your own mind about it.
Yeasayer - Sunrise
Yeasayer - Sunrise - Hey Champ remix
Yeasayer - 2080
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
