Good evening gentleman, and a tip of the cap to young Hodgson for a wonderful weekend with his nearest and dearest a week ago. I have been caning the spotify this week and this weekend especially as I did gleefully fuck all and enjoyed myself immensely. Theres nothing like music, books, films and box sets to keep you properly chilled. I have got a new iphone on the way as my ancient first edition is playing up and spotify keeps cutting out and cant play in the background - hopefully my new shiny toy will take care of that. Then its onto a nice laptop... but one thing at a time. Anyway, the previous 10 tracks:
The Delfonics - love this track, was on the first ever MJ video 'The Legend Continues' so knew it as soon as I heard it, although didnt know who it was by or what it was called. Well played for filling in the blanks Mr S. Top track.
Tom Jones - This man has a quite a voice. Very distinctive and this is a groovy tune. Can see why the ladies love him. Not really my bag but en enjoyable enough tune.
Stevie Wonder - this is a great tune and brilliantly done by the master, but im not a stevie wonder although I agree with what H said. The Nancy Sinatra version (from which film Kev ?) is the one for me.
Ozric Tentacles - Im sorry I just dont like hard rock, especially not with weird music in the middle.
Iron Maiden - Im sorry I just dont like hard rock.
Midnight Juggernaughts - Loving this. Its got M83 stamped all over it. Lovely sweeping, building synths, a great little melody, haunting vocals and minimal percussion. Not quite 'lower your eyelids...' but it is just a remix.
This Mortal Coil - Nice vocal and a couple of the notes she hits reminds me of something in braveheart - you know when you just get an instant flash of remembrance, well that happened here. Nice tune.
Ronni Simon - This would be a good warm up tune, I do find the bassline quite mournful though as I tend to with the soulful house so not really my bag. Nice enough though.
Stereogen - This is the one you sent us on the yousendit wasnt it Hodge, you seemed very enthusiastic about it then, but I just cant get into it. Sounds a bit early 90's to me - and its missing something not sure what. And that vocal shout is just annoying.
Union Jack - a touch of the psy-trance to end with. I do quite like this even if it is a little fast, its very hypnotic which I guess is the point. There was a time when I'd have been raving to this big time !
As ever gentlemen, I thank you for enriching my life and enlarging my musical spectrum. I have spent quite a while on this today so have a quite a versatile selection (although very pop heavy) and Im going to kick off with a track for which Ive just had a word with myself about it not getting on until DHS 9...
MJ - Billie Jean
Quite simply the single greatest bassline in dance music history.
Lily Allen - The Fear
Love the attitude, love her voice, quality lyrics - there is no arguing with that.
The Orb - Little Fluffy Clouds
The album was recorded for me onto tape back in 1991 by a fit bird at my first job, even though I hadnt asked for it. I thought I was in, I wasnt. Can still see her face now <sigh> seminal, seminal tune with an amazing melody and so original.
Plan B - She Said
How funky is this record ? Loving it. Hes got a great voice and this tune is impossible to place - sounds like it should be by someone else at another time but I couldnt say who or when.
Celeda - Be Yourself
Top of my wants list since day 1, its finally arrived. Sadly not the original mix, or more likely they only have it as part of a mix so it starts with a beat when it shouldnt - as otherwise it is the original. Proper deep house darkness and theres a very talented dj out there who mastered mixing it in using only the bassline... Digweed's tune of 1999 apparently. Who'd have thunk it ?
One love
Sunday, 29 January 2012
Sunday, 22 January 2012
DHS 9 - Part 11 (H)
Greetings Gentlemen,
'twas a good weekend - thanks for heading down.
I realise it is very early to put this down seeing as the last post was only 2 days ago but some of my recent discoveries are just too good to hang on to, one of which I purchased in order to send to you and a pal Down Under via YSI.
SO....
Stones - grew up listening to this in the old mans car. Bona fide classic record.
Cure - you're absolutely right the music is stupendous but sadly the vocal really REALLY grates on me. I have known myself flick on after two mins of this track when listening to the Disintegration LP - so very annoying because the music is ace.
Jay & Kay - chucked this entire album into my potentials list as had high expectations for it. Played it lots in the car and just could not get into it. I personally think they left it too late making this record, they should have made something edgier together several years back - now their duo's come across as trite imo. This is one of the better tracks and uses of a sample on the album it's just not for me sadly.
Sledge - MASSIVE. Utterly compelling vocal. Loved it as a kid, love it now.
SHM - not for me but I can most certainly see how this would smash up a floor of teenager ravers. Essentially it's Insomnia / Don't You Want Me for the new generation. Big, bold, booming melodies.
Delfonics - Lauren Hill covered it with the Fugee's. Proper group Delfonics - like their other stuff too, this is a classic and a welcome addition.
Jones - I've heard this somewhere before but cannot place where/when. The break and 'uuungh' are just superb.
Wonder - I can't (ahem) sing this guy's praises enough. An extremely talented chap who has paved the way for modern soul artists. FACT. Super tune.
OT - the first 2mins of this, notably that melody on its own right at the very start are properly properly lush. There is a nice mid section of drawn out melody too - sometimes the guitar pulls away from that too much for my liking, I'd love to hear someone remix this as a pure electronic production to see what they'd come up with. Solid track.
Iron Maiden - reminds me of the changing room at old rugby club - the boys are into it. I'm not overly fussed - for this time of music I was a Gunners man. I thought Slash and Axl were kings and not much after "Appetite" made me want to get back into heavy rock to be honest.
Right - switching it back up pace wise....
Shadows (M83 rmx) - f-ing Midas touch these guys. Their remixes are as original and outstanding as their own music. Found this by accident and have been playing it A LOT at nighttime. The original is bouncy pop house - but M83 just piss all over that concept, it's an exceptionally moving interpretation; a true remix. The central lyric, repeated like a mantra, is well deservedly its own melody section outright - it is just perfect to my ears. Heroin tune.
Mortal Coil - two people have now sent me this track... something about that wobbly vocal (which sounds celtic and middle eastern at the same time) used to p1ss me right off... then it just somehow, overnight practically, became the most endearing thing in the world to me...Proper beautiful. Can't explain. Total Marmite track I reckon - intrigued to hear your thoughts.
THE MEMORY LANE SUITE:-
ALL HAIL NETWORK RECORDS!!!!!!! One of the best compilations I've ever found on Spotify. God I was SO pleased when I played this album, so many tunes from my childhood:-
R.Simon (SIP Vocal) - first time I heard this hit 2:08 followed shotly afterwards by 'that' bassline I think I did an accident. It featured as the last record on a freebie mix cd handed out with one of the usual suspects (Mixmag etc) back in the mid 90's.... I used to cane it. A classic piece of house/tech house which I will forever cherish.
Stereogen - Praise be to the good Lord. Wild in the Country 2005. Sasha & Digweed, on a poor soundsystem, manage to smash a tent up with this stone cold stomper..(they'd already played Tranceillusion I think, but this took the piss out of even that)... Proper, proper breakbeat house...dangerous bassline... simple yet powerful melody... super drum programming - and then: "ATTACK THE DANCEFLOOR LIKE A BULLDOZER" !!!! I kid you not they could have played two copies of this for an hour, and we would all have been teenagers again
This last one is from Coxy's FACT mix - '95 I think:-
Union Jack - The detail and effort of the canon-esque melody laid over the stretch melody steal the show here... but let me tell you; the kick drums and acid elemnts to this track are just f-ing totally savage - utterly brilliant. Definitely a record which has caused me hearing problems throughout my life and I don't think I care. It's that f-ing good... from 7mins and 58 seconds to close of play I am not even on a planet in this solar system... I'd like it to be longer.... and maybe for that beatless melody to just never, ever end.
Signing off,
H
'twas a good weekend - thanks for heading down.
I realise it is very early to put this down seeing as the last post was only 2 days ago but some of my recent discoveries are just too good to hang on to, one of which I purchased in order to send to you and a pal Down Under via YSI.
SO....
Stones - grew up listening to this in the old mans car. Bona fide classic record.
Cure - you're absolutely right the music is stupendous but sadly the vocal really REALLY grates on me. I have known myself flick on after two mins of this track when listening to the Disintegration LP - so very annoying because the music is ace.
Jay & Kay - chucked this entire album into my potentials list as had high expectations for it. Played it lots in the car and just could not get into it. I personally think they left it too late making this record, they should have made something edgier together several years back - now their duo's come across as trite imo. This is one of the better tracks and uses of a sample on the album it's just not for me sadly.
Sledge - MASSIVE. Utterly compelling vocal. Loved it as a kid, love it now.
SHM - not for me but I can most certainly see how this would smash up a floor of teenager ravers. Essentially it's Insomnia / Don't You Want Me for the new generation. Big, bold, booming melodies.
Delfonics - Lauren Hill covered it with the Fugee's. Proper group Delfonics - like their other stuff too, this is a classic and a welcome addition.
Jones - I've heard this somewhere before but cannot place where/when. The break and 'uuungh' are just superb.
Wonder - I can't (ahem) sing this guy's praises enough. An extremely talented chap who has paved the way for modern soul artists. FACT. Super tune.
OT - the first 2mins of this, notably that melody on its own right at the very start are properly properly lush. There is a nice mid section of drawn out melody too - sometimes the guitar pulls away from that too much for my liking, I'd love to hear someone remix this as a pure electronic production to see what they'd come up with. Solid track.
Iron Maiden - reminds me of the changing room at old rugby club - the boys are into it. I'm not overly fussed - for this time of music I was a Gunners man. I thought Slash and Axl were kings and not much after "Appetite" made me want to get back into heavy rock to be honest.
Right - switching it back up pace wise....
Shadows (M83 rmx) - f-ing Midas touch these guys. Their remixes are as original and outstanding as their own music. Found this by accident and have been playing it A LOT at nighttime. The original is bouncy pop house - but M83 just piss all over that concept, it's an exceptionally moving interpretation; a true remix. The central lyric, repeated like a mantra, is well deservedly its own melody section outright - it is just perfect to my ears. Heroin tune.
Mortal Coil - two people have now sent me this track... something about that wobbly vocal (which sounds celtic and middle eastern at the same time) used to p1ss me right off... then it just somehow, overnight practically, became the most endearing thing in the world to me...Proper beautiful. Can't explain. Total Marmite track I reckon - intrigued to hear your thoughts.
THE MEMORY LANE SUITE:-
ALL HAIL NETWORK RECORDS!!!!!!! One of the best compilations I've ever found on Spotify. God I was SO pleased when I played this album, so many tunes from my childhood:-
R.Simon (SIP Vocal) - first time I heard this hit 2:08 followed shotly afterwards by 'that' bassline I think I did an accident. It featured as the last record on a freebie mix cd handed out with one of the usual suspects (Mixmag etc) back in the mid 90's.... I used to cane it. A classic piece of house/tech house which I will forever cherish.
Stereogen - Praise be to the good Lord. Wild in the Country 2005. Sasha & Digweed, on a poor soundsystem, manage to smash a tent up with this stone cold stomper..(they'd already played Tranceillusion I think, but this took the piss out of even that)... Proper, proper breakbeat house...dangerous bassline... simple yet powerful melody... super drum programming - and then: "ATTACK THE DANCEFLOOR LIKE A BULLDOZER" !!!! I kid you not they could have played two copies of this for an hour, and we would all have been teenagers again
This last one is from Coxy's FACT mix - '95 I think:-
Union Jack - The detail and effort of the canon-esque melody laid over the stretch melody steal the show here... but let me tell you; the kick drums and acid elemnts to this track are just f-ing totally savage - utterly brilliant. Definitely a record which has caused me hearing problems throughout my life and I don't think I care. It's that f-ing good... from 7mins and 58 seconds to close of play I am not even on a planet in this solar system... I'd like it to be longer.... and maybe for that beatless melody to just never, ever end.
Signing off,
H
Thursday, 19 January 2012
DHS 9 - Part 10 (S)
Happy new year chaps - I'll crack on...
Lana Del Ray - it's nice
Dolle Jolle - prefer the longer remix to be honest but then that really is an outstanding tune
Martin Dawson - got it and been playing it. Lots. One of several tremendous Tale Of Us remixes last year and was on my list of possibles.
Michael Nyman - lovely. Really lovely.
Horse - I have several remixes of this, two by Sasha, one by Brothers in Rhythm and one ludicrously lengthy one by Sasha AND BiR. Having said that it is entirely possible that this original outshines them all. Gorgeous.
Rolling Stones - hmmm, one of the very few tunes of theirs that I can tolerate.
The Cure - Duffy? What's going on? Wonderful, wonderful song.
Jay-Z & Kanye - I'm trying to like this. Really I am.
Percy Sledge - timeless
Swedish House Mafia - you nailed it with the Adrian reference - this is him to a tee.
Ok.
Looking back on DHS9 it seems that pretty much every single selection I have offered so far has been a dance tune of one flavour or another so I'm going to redress that now. Kind of. I did have a full on rock selection picked out but then a few things came along and changes had to be made - for the better I hope you'll agree - my next few selections are going to shift some tracks that've been on my 'possibles' for ages and are aiming to be as eclectic as my last few have been esoteric.
The Delfonics - from 1968, making it even, but only just, older than me. I would suggest it's ageing better than me though. Strings, brass, drums and voices - simple.
Tom Jones - (coincidentally from '68 again) oh boy. Oh boy, oh boy oh boy. Long story short - over the new year I picked up a 25 CD box set of the entire series of 'Ultimate Breaks & Beats' - a collection of 175 tunes from the mid 60s to early 80s all of which share the quality of having a drum break that's been used/sampled in hip-hop. So I whack all 175 tunes into my media player, hit 'random play', and go about my business. I'm a good few tunes into it, an hour's worth maybe, my head is well into the 'funk-zone' when all of a sudden there's some piano, this voice, that brass section, those words and yes, of course, those drums. Tom Jones has always been a bit of an enigma to me but, for this tune alone, he has taken on the status of a God.
Stevie Wonder - you should both know this song albeit probably Nancy Sinatra's version (as featured in Pulp Fiction) - I've played them both side by side several times and, whilst I'm not a big Stevie Wonder fan, this version edges it for me. Wonderful feel to it - it positively oozes something-or-other. Just looked this up and, believe it or not, whilst this was on an album he put out in '66 it was also the b-side of a single he released in... 1968!
Ozric Tentacles - Ok, all DHS choices are important but I've agonised over this one more than most. It was either this track or another from the same album. Two would've been overkill but they've both been on my possibles list since pretty much Day One. Gone for this one in the end simply because it's the album opener. I don't have much of a gift for describing music so bear with me - this is a kind of psychedelic-ambient-dub-metal-thing. Regulars for years at Glastonbury I managed to get in such a state I missed them when I went and had to take myself off somewhere quiet and have a fairly savage word with myself for so doing. Been playing tracks off this album on and off for maybe twenty years. Real 'journey-in-one-track' stuff.
Iron Maiden - Until a year or so ago I could only name you one Iron Maiden song - and it wasn't this one. Then I saw their 'rockumentary' on BBC4 which covered their attempt to play to worldwide crowds they'd never been able to logistically manage before. To do so, and I'm not even joking, they chartered their own 747 and the singer (Bruce Dickenson - a qualified pilot) flew them from continent to continent. The sheer scale of it was ridiculous. Anyway, the sight of them unleashing this tune in front of around 200k fanatics somewhere in South America was one I shan't forget quickly. Every single person in the crowd screaming along at the top of their lungs. Wouldn't catch me within ten miles of such an event personally but nonetheless an epic spectacle. And this song has stayed with me since. *dons wig and 'bangs head'*
Peace out Rabbits...
S
x
Lana Del Ray - it's nice
Dolle Jolle - prefer the longer remix to be honest but then that really is an outstanding tune
Martin Dawson - got it and been playing it. Lots. One of several tremendous Tale Of Us remixes last year and was on my list of possibles.
Michael Nyman - lovely. Really lovely.
Horse - I have several remixes of this, two by Sasha, one by Brothers in Rhythm and one ludicrously lengthy one by Sasha AND BiR. Having said that it is entirely possible that this original outshines them all. Gorgeous.
Rolling Stones - hmmm, one of the very few tunes of theirs that I can tolerate.
The Cure - Duffy? What's going on? Wonderful, wonderful song.
Jay-Z & Kanye - I'm trying to like this. Really I am.
Percy Sledge - timeless
Swedish House Mafia - you nailed it with the Adrian reference - this is him to a tee.
Ok.
Looking back on DHS9 it seems that pretty much every single selection I have offered so far has been a dance tune of one flavour or another so I'm going to redress that now. Kind of. I did have a full on rock selection picked out but then a few things came along and changes had to be made - for the better I hope you'll agree - my next few selections are going to shift some tracks that've been on my 'possibles' for ages and are aiming to be as eclectic as my last few have been esoteric.
The Delfonics - from 1968, making it even, but only just, older than me. I would suggest it's ageing better than me though. Strings, brass, drums and voices - simple.
Tom Jones - (coincidentally from '68 again) oh boy. Oh boy, oh boy oh boy. Long story short - over the new year I picked up a 25 CD box set of the entire series of 'Ultimate Breaks & Beats' - a collection of 175 tunes from the mid 60s to early 80s all of which share the quality of having a drum break that's been used/sampled in hip-hop. So I whack all 175 tunes into my media player, hit 'random play', and go about my business. I'm a good few tunes into it, an hour's worth maybe, my head is well into the 'funk-zone' when all of a sudden there's some piano, this voice, that brass section, those words and yes, of course, those drums. Tom Jones has always been a bit of an enigma to me but, for this tune alone, he has taken on the status of a God.
Stevie Wonder - you should both know this song albeit probably Nancy Sinatra's version (as featured in Pulp Fiction) - I've played them both side by side several times and, whilst I'm not a big Stevie Wonder fan, this version edges it for me. Wonderful feel to it - it positively oozes something-or-other. Just looked this up and, believe it or not, whilst this was on an album he put out in '66 it was also the b-side of a single he released in... 1968!
Ozric Tentacles - Ok, all DHS choices are important but I've agonised over this one more than most. It was either this track or another from the same album. Two would've been overkill but they've both been on my possibles list since pretty much Day One. Gone for this one in the end simply because it's the album opener. I don't have much of a gift for describing music so bear with me - this is a kind of psychedelic-ambient-dub-metal-thing. Regulars for years at Glastonbury I managed to get in such a state I missed them when I went and had to take myself off somewhere quiet and have a fairly savage word with myself for so doing. Been playing tracks off this album on and off for maybe twenty years. Real 'journey-in-one-track' stuff.
Iron Maiden - Until a year or so ago I could only name you one Iron Maiden song - and it wasn't this one. Then I saw their 'rockumentary' on BBC4 which covered their attempt to play to worldwide crowds they'd never been able to logistically manage before. To do so, and I'm not even joking, they chartered their own 747 and the singer (Bruce Dickenson - a qualified pilot) flew them from continent to continent. The sheer scale of it was ridiculous. Anyway, the sight of them unleashing this tune in front of around 200k fanatics somewhere in South America was one I shan't forget quickly. Every single person in the crowd screaming along at the top of their lungs. Wouldn't catch me within ten miles of such an event personally but nonetheless an epic spectacle. And this song has stayed with me since. *dons wig and 'bangs head'*
Peace out Rabbits...
S
x
Sunday, 15 January 2012
DHS 9 - Part 9 (D)
Good evening my friends and as the man like Hodgy says, Happy New Year indeed. Not feeling particularly wordy tonight so straight onto the music, starting with the previous 10 selections:
Public Enemy 'Harder than you Think'
This has grown on me to be honest. When I first heard it, it just didnt sound like PE so I instantly dismissed it. I agree with Hodge they should be rough, rugged and angry - thats what Ive grown up knowing and what all their classic tunes are like; PE no 1, mi uzi weighs a ton, fight the power, Black steel, shut 'em down etc. But I listened to it a couple of times and it is catchy, the minor and major keys are just right and I realised if this was anyone else I'd be raving about it, its just that PE hit such heights anything less just isnt enough. But on reflection and on its own merits its a cracking tune.
Moby 'Next is the E'
I cant say this does anything much for me. Its ok, but like PE Moby can do so much better and this wouldnt get anywhere near a top 20 moby tracks for me. I never had much to do with the rave scene and couldnt stand hardcore so while I appreciate this was probably good for its time, its just not for me - much prefer 'every time you touch me' from around the same era and genre.
Maya Jane Coles 'You'
As I came to write this, I have the tunes im writing about playing at the same time, and ive been listening to them a lot over the last couple of week. I drew a blank on this one and that sums it up for me, doesnt do an awful lot although that piano is quite nice - needs some variation though. The lyric over the breakdown is alright though.
Nicholas Masseyeff 'The Motherland'
Sorry Kev I dont really like this either - think its a just a bit moody and that vocal seems out of place somehow, something about it just doesnt seem right. It doesnt seem to do an awful lot either - are you having a minimal period at the moment ? Its also quite sinister isnt it, conjours up images of post apocalyptic wastelands for me...
Way Out West 'Apollo'
Hmmm you can easily tell its WOW on this tune, plenty of trademark WOW effects and samples. And thats just it, they have done similar stuff - progressive soundscapes to these ears - much better elsewhere, the fall being a prime example. Its pleasant but doesnt get the heart racing. The break is nice though.
Lana Del Rey 'Video Games'
This is an exceptional record, I fucking love this. From the opening harp strings, to the almost drawled vocal at times - its so languid in a beautifully sung way with some great lyrics 'I heard you like the bad girls honey' is an outstanding double entendre. The music is perfect, the vocal is amazing and the lyrics and delivery are brilliant.
Dolle Jolle 'Balearic Incarnation'
Well to use a Hodgivan expression this is properly lush. Very laid back with just the right amount of keys and subtle stretched out vocals that sound like waves to me. Gorgeous breakdown as well, love how it comes back in. Blissful - thats what this is.
Martin Dawson 'Is this Goodbye'
Cracking little groover this one, would be a perfect early night tune. Has got that warm feeling running through and just enough insistence that something is going to happen, it builds wonderfully. It never gets particularly big but it doesnt need to. Great record.
Michael Nyman 'The Other Side'
This is very nice as you would expect from Nyman, but I think he has done better stuff. Cant think which film this one is from, but depending on which film / scene it could very much be enhanced by what was happening.
Horse 'Careful'
Thats quite a distinctive voice, sounds like a cross between Annie Lennox and the Beautiful South guy to me. A very simple but well delivered tune, obviously all about the vocal and very nice too.
Ok, seems a bit critical there dont mean to be - I always enjoy hearing the 'new' music so as always my thanks gentleman. I dont think I can get anywhere near the quality but heres whats caught my ear recently:
The Rolling Stones 'You cant Always get what you want'
Easily their best song for me - genius posh choir intro, great guitar and quintessential Jagger delivery.
The Cure 'Lullaby'
This track is all about the tune for me - I can take or leave the vocal to be honest, the whispery part seems OTT to me, but my god the music behind it makes it all worthwhile.
Jay Z & Kanye West 'Why I Love You'
There arent many dubstep records I like, but this one I do. Great tune, really crashes onto the eardrums and I like the slightly breathless delivery.
Percy Sledge 'When a Man Loves a Woman'
Stone. Cold. Classic. True lyrics too !
Swedish House Mafia 'One'
Ive loved this for ages, Adrian reminded me of it when he played it at full volume at peak time in the White House. An unashamed, unabashed good time house record with all the right key changes. Love it.
See you next tuesday
Public Enemy 'Harder than you Think'
This has grown on me to be honest. When I first heard it, it just didnt sound like PE so I instantly dismissed it. I agree with Hodge they should be rough, rugged and angry - thats what Ive grown up knowing and what all their classic tunes are like; PE no 1, mi uzi weighs a ton, fight the power, Black steel, shut 'em down etc. But I listened to it a couple of times and it is catchy, the minor and major keys are just right and I realised if this was anyone else I'd be raving about it, its just that PE hit such heights anything less just isnt enough. But on reflection and on its own merits its a cracking tune.
Moby 'Next is the E'
I cant say this does anything much for me. Its ok, but like PE Moby can do so much better and this wouldnt get anywhere near a top 20 moby tracks for me. I never had much to do with the rave scene and couldnt stand hardcore so while I appreciate this was probably good for its time, its just not for me - much prefer 'every time you touch me' from around the same era and genre.
Maya Jane Coles 'You'
As I came to write this, I have the tunes im writing about playing at the same time, and ive been listening to them a lot over the last couple of week. I drew a blank on this one and that sums it up for me, doesnt do an awful lot although that piano is quite nice - needs some variation though. The lyric over the breakdown is alright though.
Nicholas Masseyeff 'The Motherland'
Sorry Kev I dont really like this either - think its a just a bit moody and that vocal seems out of place somehow, something about it just doesnt seem right. It doesnt seem to do an awful lot either - are you having a minimal period at the moment ? Its also quite sinister isnt it, conjours up images of post apocalyptic wastelands for me...
Way Out West 'Apollo'
Hmmm you can easily tell its WOW on this tune, plenty of trademark WOW effects and samples. And thats just it, they have done similar stuff - progressive soundscapes to these ears - much better elsewhere, the fall being a prime example. Its pleasant but doesnt get the heart racing. The break is nice though.
Lana Del Rey 'Video Games'
This is an exceptional record, I fucking love this. From the opening harp strings, to the almost drawled vocal at times - its so languid in a beautifully sung way with some great lyrics 'I heard you like the bad girls honey' is an outstanding double entendre. The music is perfect, the vocal is amazing and the lyrics and delivery are brilliant.
Dolle Jolle 'Balearic Incarnation'
Well to use a Hodgivan expression this is properly lush. Very laid back with just the right amount of keys and subtle stretched out vocals that sound like waves to me. Gorgeous breakdown as well, love how it comes back in. Blissful - thats what this is.
Martin Dawson 'Is this Goodbye'
Cracking little groover this one, would be a perfect early night tune. Has got that warm feeling running through and just enough insistence that something is going to happen, it builds wonderfully. It never gets particularly big but it doesnt need to. Great record.
Michael Nyman 'The Other Side'
This is very nice as you would expect from Nyman, but I think he has done better stuff. Cant think which film this one is from, but depending on which film / scene it could very much be enhanced by what was happening.
Horse 'Careful'
Thats quite a distinctive voice, sounds like a cross between Annie Lennox and the Beautiful South guy to me. A very simple but well delivered tune, obviously all about the vocal and very nice too.
Ok, seems a bit critical there dont mean to be - I always enjoy hearing the 'new' music so as always my thanks gentleman. I dont think I can get anywhere near the quality but heres whats caught my ear recently:
The Rolling Stones 'You cant Always get what you want'
Easily their best song for me - genius posh choir intro, great guitar and quintessential Jagger delivery.
The Cure 'Lullaby'
This track is all about the tune for me - I can take or leave the vocal to be honest, the whispery part seems OTT to me, but my god the music behind it makes it all worthwhile.
Jay Z & Kanye West 'Why I Love You'
There arent many dubstep records I like, but this one I do. Great tune, really crashes onto the eardrums and I like the slightly breathless delivery.
Percy Sledge 'When a Man Loves a Woman'
Stone. Cold. Classic. True lyrics too !
Swedish House Mafia 'One'
Ive loved this for ages, Adrian reminded me of it when he played it at full volume at peak time in the White House. An unashamed, unabashed good time house record with all the right key changes. Love it.
See you next tuesday
Friday, 6 January 2012
DHS 9 - Part 8 (H)
GREETINGS. A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU GENTLEMAN.
Good to have us all back firing on most cylinders and some new tuneage to report on...
Katy Perry - not for me. The tune that is, not her - of course.
Carter & Swain - This on the other hand is monumental. Bedrock the breaks room in full effect.
Coldplay - ok record but I prefer the first two LP's personally.
Macca - Fond memories of Oasis '97 gig - it got played over the system between support and the Gallaghers... whole crowd in unison - quite a buzz
Agnelli & Nelson - reminds me of Chicane. Same label from memory.
PE - not for me I'm afraid - PE are raw, rugged and tough - that's how I think of them. This is far too jazzy for them - the track sounds like they're trying too hard to be mainstream.
Moby - Jesus wept, cant believe the little vegan is up again. Prolific really. Superb record - classic "I feel it" vocal - think it was used on quite a few old skool tracks, reminds me of the old hardcore days.
Maya Jane Coles - very Midland-y track - could see him using it in one of his mixes. Solid tune.
Nicolas Masseyeff - Good record off a superb LP. Mugen gets my vote personally.
WOW - another Bedrock breaks room track. Have now remembered the little lad who used to rip it up in that venue: Steve Gerrard. Not saying he necessarily played this but brings back memories of that buzzing little bar area and dancefloor.
Have tried to put some variation in seeing as most of my selections are usually electronic/dance related...
Kicking off with my favourite pop track of last year; Lana Del Rey, Video Games. Can't explain why I like it really - great imagery, I suppose - butterlicious vocal - evokes a sort of 50's spirit but is fused with modern production. "Heaven is a place on earth with you, tell me all the things you wanna do"....."it's better than I ever even knew, they say that the world was built for two" - gets me every time, must be getting sentimental/soft as my years progress. If you are totally p1ssed off with this tune because of the radio, I make no apology - personally I can't hear enough of it.
Dolle Jolle - well I certainly have J.Doty to thank for introducing me to the Terje remix of this which is absolutely a f-ing brilliant, brilliant record.... but it struck me recently: "I've never even heard the original!"... I was tentative because sometimes in the electronic genre the original can be a little lacklustre in comparison to someone's reworking.... well blow me sideways if this track isn't twice as beautiful - everything I loved about the remix is in its purest form in the original and better in my opinion. The remix is good for the floor (albeit up a notch or two to get the groove going) - but this is just pure bliss. Pure hypnotic, whispering melodic beauty - new heroin tune - I can listen loud in the car to inspire me as I drive past some beautiful countryside or on the down low whilst dropping off to sleep. A modern classic in my book.
Tale of Us remix - these boys have been on fire over last 2 years. This is a highlight for me. Deep, hypnotic, melodic, that warm bassline... doesn't really go anywhere just builds gradually then the last two minutes unleashes a cheeky little synth melody. You'll possibly remember from Sasha's recent 4 hour Berlin set.
Nyman - there is a high possibility that this is the most emotive, moving, beautiful, inspiring and exceptionally well written pieces of score music that I have ever heard. Thanks be to little baby Jesus who died on a cross to save us all that Spotify now have it available, I have been looking since 2008. Taken from Gattaca - one of the most under-rated movies I think I've ever watched/known - this was, I admit, a total tear jerker upon first viewing/hearing. And anyone who dismisses it "....Because it's Sci-Fi" is a cretinous fool who doesn't even deserve to watch a well crafted character's very pure and human struggle to achieve a dream. Back to the music; simply put - Nyman deserves his spot up with Morricone, Vangelis, Williams, Mansell and Tiersen when it comes to score music. Legend. The End full stop
Careful. Two words: Thanksverymuch, Sasha.
AT THE RISK OF REPEATING, MAY I BID YOU; A HAPPY NEW YEAR GENTLEMAN.
H
Good to have us all back firing on most cylinders and some new tuneage to report on...
Katy Perry - not for me. The tune that is, not her - of course.
Carter & Swain - This on the other hand is monumental. Bedrock the breaks room in full effect.
Coldplay - ok record but I prefer the first two LP's personally.
Macca - Fond memories of Oasis '97 gig - it got played over the system between support and the Gallaghers... whole crowd in unison - quite a buzz
Agnelli & Nelson - reminds me of Chicane. Same label from memory.
PE - not for me I'm afraid - PE are raw, rugged and tough - that's how I think of them. This is far too jazzy for them - the track sounds like they're trying too hard to be mainstream.
Moby - Jesus wept, cant believe the little vegan is up again. Prolific really. Superb record - classic "I feel it" vocal - think it was used on quite a few old skool tracks, reminds me of the old hardcore days.
Maya Jane Coles - very Midland-y track - could see him using it in one of his mixes. Solid tune.
Nicolas Masseyeff - Good record off a superb LP. Mugen gets my vote personally.
WOW - another Bedrock breaks room track. Have now remembered the little lad who used to rip it up in that venue: Steve Gerrard. Not saying he necessarily played this but brings back memories of that buzzing little bar area and dancefloor.
Have tried to put some variation in seeing as most of my selections are usually electronic/dance related...
Kicking off with my favourite pop track of last year; Lana Del Rey, Video Games. Can't explain why I like it really - great imagery, I suppose - butterlicious vocal - evokes a sort of 50's spirit but is fused with modern production. "Heaven is a place on earth with you, tell me all the things you wanna do"....."it's better than I ever even knew, they say that the world was built for two" - gets me every time, must be getting sentimental/soft as my years progress. If you are totally p1ssed off with this tune because of the radio, I make no apology - personally I can't hear enough of it.
Dolle Jolle - well I certainly have J.Doty to thank for introducing me to the Terje remix of this which is absolutely a f-ing brilliant, brilliant record.... but it struck me recently: "I've never even heard the original!"... I was tentative because sometimes in the electronic genre the original can be a little lacklustre in comparison to someone's reworking.... well blow me sideways if this track isn't twice as beautiful - everything I loved about the remix is in its purest form in the original and better in my opinion. The remix is good for the floor (albeit up a notch or two to get the groove going) - but this is just pure bliss. Pure hypnotic, whispering melodic beauty - new heroin tune - I can listen loud in the car to inspire me as I drive past some beautiful countryside or on the down low whilst dropping off to sleep. A modern classic in my book.
Tale of Us remix - these boys have been on fire over last 2 years. This is a highlight for me. Deep, hypnotic, melodic, that warm bassline... doesn't really go anywhere just builds gradually then the last two minutes unleashes a cheeky little synth melody. You'll possibly remember from Sasha's recent 4 hour Berlin set.
Nyman - there is a high possibility that this is the most emotive, moving, beautiful, inspiring and exceptionally well written pieces of score music that I have ever heard. Thanks be to little baby Jesus who died on a cross to save us all that Spotify now have it available, I have been looking since 2008. Taken from Gattaca - one of the most under-rated movies I think I've ever watched/known - this was, I admit, a total tear jerker upon first viewing/hearing. And anyone who dismisses it "....Because it's Sci-Fi" is a cretinous fool who doesn't even deserve to watch a well crafted character's very pure and human struggle to achieve a dream. Back to the music; simply put - Nyman deserves his spot up with Morricone, Vangelis, Williams, Mansell and Tiersen when it comes to score music. Legend. The End full stop
Careful. Two words: Thanksverymuch, Sasha.
AT THE RISK OF REPEATING, MAY I BID YOU; A HAPPY NEW YEAR GENTLEMAN.
H
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