DHS 10 - Part 7 (S)

H

Franz Kirman - Liza (Charlie May mix) - I can get how this would suit a lying-on-the-lawn-headphones-on-staring-at-the-stars moment.  Played it several times now looking for something more in it - something to lift it to a more important level - and can't find it.  Nice though.

Apparat - Song Of Los - Really nice.  Difficult to say much more than that - like the lyrics, like the music, really like the mood/feel. 

Modeselektor & PVT - Green Light Go - Nice.  Like the stuttering rhythm.  Vocal's ok.   But then, halfway through, the drums and the vocal stop - and so does the track for me.  Shame.

Tape To Tape - Pure & Easy - absolutely the sort of thing I've been buying/listening to/trying to build a mix from - got SO much that sounds like this that I've almost lost objectivity about it all - I've certainly got worse than this but I think I've got better too.  Nice though!  (Have got the new 'Future Disco' mix/unmixed comp. if you're interested - 'Poolside Sounds' - if you like this then it's loads more of the same.)

Tripswitch - Strange Parallels - first listen was nice, second was really nice, third was really very nice.  Beautiful.  The pick of your bunch.

(Shame that your original choice of 'Rings Around Saturn' hasn't made it onto Spot yet - would've gone straight onto the 'Best Of Contenders' list)

D

Fun - We Are Young - Outstanding.  Every now and again, in a slightly repulsive attempt to 'keep my hand in' as far as the charts are concerned, I ask Ashleigh for her current Spot favourites - this topped her list a while back.  Very Nice.

Agnelli & Nelson - Everyday - got quite excited when I first saw it and then realised it wasn't actually what I'd thought it was - favourite tune of theirs is (the Matt Darey remix) of El Nino, although it/they sound very similar!!  Decent Oaky trance.  Nice.

Delirium - Silence - Yes, yes, YES - fabulous.  And yet, at the same time, oh no mate, no, no, no, no, NO.  Wrong mix.  Immense tune but has to be Fade's Sanctuary Remix.  Why?  Well... to my ears the song has a melancholy, almost mournful, edge to it but the Tiesto version 'trances' it out too much and leaves me uncomfortable - the production doesn't sit with the song - edgy, melancholic, song crow-barred into a smiley trancer.  Fade's Sanctuary remix on the other hand leaves it dark, slightly sinister, and entirely appropriate - there's more 'space' left in the mix and it's just far more powerful.

Daft Punk medley - not for me - call me the chief protagonist in a minority of one but Daft Punk have never managed to do anything for me.

Lisa Gerrard - Sanvean - all the time in the world for her voice.  Very nice.

So then;

Blackbyrds - sometime around 1982 my Grandfather, hugely out of character for him, bought me my first ever bit of 'hi-fi' (a dreadful Binatone mono cassette/radio combination) - it wasn't even my birthday - weird.  One night, way past my official 'lights-out' time I was listening to Capital Radio, then on 1548 AM, and fumbled in the dark to turn the 'select' switch to Cassette and accidentally turned it to FM.  Even though I'd changed modulation the radio was, serendipitously, still tuned in to a station on the new FM frequency.  I didn't even know there were radio stations on FM.  It was a pirate 'dance' station - can't remember if it was Horizon or JFM - no matter (although I would go on to spend ages listening to both) - but I can remember that I was utterly transfixed by the sudden clarity of the sound when compared to the, relatively, dreadful AM that was all I'd ever (EVER) heard before.  I listened for ages - completely stunned by what I was hearing.  The following day I got back from school, got a TDK ready, turned the radio back to the new found FM nirvana and pressed 'play-and-record'.  For a kid raised on Cliff Richard albums and the AM based pop stations of Radio 1 and Capital Radio the music of an FM based pirate was almost incomprehensible.  I'd never heard any of these records before - or anything like them - and the clarity with which they were received almost literally made me tingle.  I played that first, home made, pirate radio, FM Stereo, tape more times in the coming months/years than is imaginable.  I found it again a week or so ago when clearing boxes of my old stuff out of the loft ready to move out.  This song is the first one on that tape.

Joakim - was having a bit of a Todd Terje feast a while back and stumbled across this - listened to the original before the TT remix and almost didn't bother - the original did nothing whatsoever for me and I couldn't see how any sort of decent remix could be made of it.  Fortuitously clicked play on the remix and BOOM - was immediately interested and after 19 seconds, when the bass line drops in, I was completely sold on it.  The mini-drop on 2m38s elevated it even further.  One of the rare tunes that not only have I adored upon first listening but does everything I'd want it to do, when I'd want it to do it, if I'd been producing it.  Played it on a non-stop loop for almost 24 hours the following day.  Became completely obsessed.  Still am.

Baunz - I'm aware I've been rambling a bit so I'll keep this short.  The. Best. House. Record. Of. 2012. So. Far.  (All the other tracks on the EP are also excellent - the Huxley remixes of 'The Same Thing' almost matching this but just lacking the sheer filth of the build in this track.)

Slideshow Park - one of my favourite tracks from last year - played it every night in Clapham, often twice. Originally heard, and really liked, the original which has a much different feel to it but was also hammering another Solee track at the time ('Legends' - which I picked at the beginning of DHS9) so was drawn to the remix.  Reminds me of some of the late 90s (vocal) prog - similar feel to some of the stuff on Hooj back then.  Just keeps itself on the right side of dark/deep whilst including all the twinkles and sprinkles you'd want.

Chymera - sometimes discovering a record that's new to me simply makes me happy, sometimes it simultaneously makes me happy whilst depressing me that it's been missing from my life since its release.  This was out 5 years ago and I'm still not over the fact I only heard it for the first time earlier this year.  Utterly joyous slice of immaculate techno.

DHS 10 - Part 6 (D)

Well here we are once again, apologies for the slight delay, was fit for absolutely nothing yesterday - Midsummer in Varberg was ridiculously good fun, but very heavy. Friday we were up until 5.30 am knocking them back and catching up - then a few hours kip and had to be up and make a 10 ft cross (4 nails, sorted) and cover it in flowers and shit. Then some team backgammon with regular drink forfeits, including the losing team having to each knock back a can of lager in 30 seconds - not as easy as it sounds... and we lost a few times ! Then daft swedish team games largely involving throwing things, again with drink forfeits and while the girls all had flower tiaras there was thankfully no dancing around the cross that had been threatened. Thats just too pagan, and we were already in a cabin in the woods miles from anywhere so you dont want to push your luck I reckon. Then with a brief interlude for extreme animal violence, when the mother of the 4 two week old kittens we had wandering around the place (and they were just too cute and too funny) took exception to a little yappy dog a couple had brought, and came out of nowhere to introduce extreme prejudice to this dogs life. Cue a few seconds of claws, yelping, hissing and feline rage and all was back to normal. Dog was shitting itself. Fair play I reckon, but some dog owners just dont think... there was a reprise later when I inadvertently reversed my chair onto one of the kittens, but the cat just figured it was the dog again and piled in. Life's a bitch eh pooch, and this one isnt mucking about. The kitten was fine. We then got back to the serious business in hand which was obviously playing a ridiculous counting / singing drinking game that was absolute carnage and then somehow I made it to my alarm and staggered to the plane suffering narcolepsy every time I sat down. Got home and just crashed out all afternoon, only just waking in time to make it round a mates for a roast which was enormous and utterly brilliant and just what my battered body needed. There was some football match on that they were all nervous about but I was half arsed if im honest. Still feel a bit fucked today, so wasnt at the best at work and one of my female mates decided today was the day to get stuck into me on email just because i didnt want to meet her new (2 dates) man this Friday. Got the lot as you know how it goes, long rampaging emails about everything that was wrong with me, how I never wanted to meet her friends and all the things I did wrong. Bit harsh I thought, its not like shes my bird, but you know what they're like - lunatic mostly. Still, as our friendship was terminated (apparently) I wished her well and wondered briefly what was up with her today, then thought about something far more important, like was it time for a toenail trimming or could I leave it a couple of days ? Still, someone sent me a funny email about the england team so all was not lost.

And then I thought how about some new music for those decent lads on DHS and I got my shit together. But first, the previous 10...

Dawn of the Iconoclast - Kev my cap is doffed, this is immense. Totally love it and agree its a real shame a dance record (albeit a good one) using a sample is more famous.
Into the fire - hmm not sure about this one, there are definitely likable things about it - agree the layering and the hook are good, but not sure what it is, possibly that it just hasnt dated very well
Walk on by - dont like this version im afraid, Dionne Warwick nailed this record and it hasnt been bettered I dont think and im sure the stranglers have done better record - golden brown for one.
Goodbye Horses - like the vocal on this a lot, really nice chorus especially, but the rest of it just doesnt do anything for me, that voice could have been used to more effect in a stronger record with more powerful supporting elements for me.
Hold that Sucker Down - Huge, in your face, total brilliance, there is literally nothing not to love about this tune, excellent selection.

Liza - I love the setting you describe Hodge, and in the right environment I imgine this could be just what you want. Not really feeling it so far im afraid, although it does pique my interest more at the end when more is happening.
Song of Los - This is very nice mate and definitely a worthy addition - love that vocal and the understated backing at the beginning, which gets bigger towards the end but not too much, and really you wouldnt want it to.
Green Light Go - Agree the melody in this is wonderful, but by then the combination of the offbeat kickdrum and weird bassy noise have put me off, would love to hear a remix with a better drum pattern and more of the melody.
Pure & Easy - for me this is your stand out selection this time round Hodge, its got a great warm, almost analog feel to it and it doesnt need variety, that tune is marvellous on its own, with a few key changes and a great break. Top, top tune.
Strange Parallels - starts off threatening to go a bit weird doesnt it, but love that piano line, just the right side of haunting for me, the second half is nice and I like the build, but the piano is the best bit here.

Ok some more from me:

We are Young - Well you might have heard this a lot recently but this is the latest great piece of indie pop for me - the lyrics are outstanding and its anthemic quality and the huge ending are marvellous
Everyday - Been after this since day 1 on here, and finally they have almost the version (no vocal on the original version) that is one of my best ever ecstacy moments in Gurnmills at the Gallery. The break is possibly one of trances best, bettered only by the next song...
Silence (Tiesto's Search for Sunrise Mix) - the greatest trance record ever made. End of. Weve had the acoustic for a while, but this one just has to be on the great DHS. I could bang on for a while about why this is great but I'll simply say every single element is pitch perfect and oh my fucking christ that vocal - its been enhanced of course but it all the better for it.
Alive - this has a couple of other tracks on the mix with it, but its all about the set up for the money shot which is very much Alive at the end - check from about 5-6 mins in if the sheer bloody minded techno pounding of it isnt for you. I love it and Alive was always in my dj box, not least because you could show off on the cdj800 with the loop and reverse buttons. Monster.
Sanvean - and just to calm it all back down before the end, this epicly, hauntingly beautiful aria that i find totally inspiring and uplifting. Wonderful.

One love

DHS 10 - Part 5 (H)

Right we've had almost a week and I slowed us up last time so coming out of the blocks swifter this go around.

D:
Straight up and down - not bad bluesy, rock.  I think probably made better cos we both know what usually follows it!  Great series - vey much looking forward to s.3.
Sweet Dreams - absolutely beautiful - straight into my low bpm/nighttime list.  Long may he churn this sort of stuff out.
Fortitude - not for me this one.  It's reasonable but I prefer his downtempo nowadays.
Slow - very hypnotic, very listenable love the very high pitch melodic twinges when everything else has dropped out, classy touch. Again - straight into my night-time playlist.  Lush overall production.
Outro - very lovely.  I couldn't ever put it in the same bracket as 'Lower your eyelids..' to be honest, it's just not epic enough or as emotive for my ears.  It does have a superb build for such a short record of this nature.... vocal grated on first listen, now i love it... For what it's worth this is not one of his better LP's imo.  It's too 'bitty' - don't get me wrong there are some lovely sounds and noises on there but he really needed some stronger records in that central section growing towards the conclusion.  That's my take..... I guess it's tough when you've already made so many beautiful records already!

S:
Dead Can Dance - Glorious.  Sounds amazing up loud in the car - you look like some kind of psychopath in towns or built up areas though... like you're off to commit some kind of massacre.  Lapping it up.
Hitlist - there' every possibility this is new to me!  I like it a lot - I'll be clicking on the LP to check out more of this stuff.
Stranglers - sorry mate, I like the group, but this version of this record is not for me AT ALL - I rarely skip tracks but I have to buzz this one when it comes on!
Psyche - absolutely f-ing brilliant.  I  have CANED this track this week - superb addition.  (Who remixed it??  When I saw "Duke" I immediately thought of JLC in his Thin White Duke guise.... any idea??)
OT Quartet - :) :) :) :) :) I'll never forget the first time I heard this, it was on the very first "Annual"compilation that MOS did - think it was Tongy and Boy George on duty, 1 disc each.  This featured at the back end of an otherwise non-descript mix-by-numbers routine, no doubt knocked up by a music lab technician as opposed to the DJ's - that aside the last 20 minutes o the mix was brilliant and this track was most definitely the highlight.  Absolute belter.

Some tunes I've been listening to in the last 6 months, and one that I have been listening to since I was 16...

Liza (CM remix) - I could waffle a lot about this track... the original is ok, but May's pacific remix captures something missing from the original and turns the main melodic section into a thing of sheer beauty.  It's one of the most lovely pieces of music I've heard in years....lying on the grass at midnight in shorts and a t-shirt (yes it was that warm not so long ago) watching the stars, this on the headphones - proper bliss.

Song of Los - This is not a bad LP, some great moments, probably not as solid as Walls, but this is a real standout track which opens the record up...and it just stuck in my brain, found myself singing the main refrain and humming the moody melodies A LOT; a worthy addition I hope you agree.

Green Light Go - more evocative mood music from the German techno B-Pitch brigade.  Again, the melodies get stuck in your head.... that lyrics like "Go out and break their hearts while faking every part...Go".  Class.

Pure & Easy - don't expect this to go anywhere gents, it's just a nice warm summertime groove, a real slice of feel-good disco-house with a smashing bassline and smooth overall production.  Been listening to the mix which this track features on a lot recently.  Very good indeed.

Rings Around Saturn - errrr..this is THE track that started an obsession with the artist if truth be told.  One of the first records i sought when Spot started...I've been waiting to add it since dawn of man.... it keeps coming in and out of availability, i hope this gets added ok because my list now links it to my own digital copy...let me know.  Needs no introduction to KS.  But it will no doubt be new to D.  This featured on a couple of bootleg tapes taken from the Blue Note that my mates had in 95/96...Bukem then featured it on the mix cd of his Logical Progression double LP and we were all over the moon (a bar was set by this compilation in my opinion and I'm not sure it has been matched in this genre since to be honest).  I got some comments about a statement I made regarding my final track in my last selection 'potentially being in my top 20 of all time'...well the production on that first 'snap' on the Claro Intellecto tune took me RIGHT back to the first time I heard this record (despite its pace the overall production is incredibly moody and similar also)... Rings Around Saturn(originally known as "Pharoah" as a nod to Pharoah Sanders, who features by way of a subtle sample at the outset and througout - presumably a man of inspiration to Parkes and the mood set to the whole piece really) its drums and its production and its attention to detail is just immense.... and I will happily vouch for this track in my TOP 5 of all time, of all genres - it has just been like an old friend of sorts... one of the few tracks I can genuinely listen to over and over and over and still enjoy like I did as a kid; it's a cliche but I can still listen and hear new stuff in this record... intricate layers of drums, on and off beats - just crazy, haven't even mentioned THAT bassline....I like to deconstruct it mentally and listen to the snares alone, then I'll listen again and listen only to the hi-hats etc etc, but then I accept that I am not normal and that this way of listening to music may not be to everyone's tastes, nor the track for that matter.  If so, sorry for wasting nine minutes of your life reading this twaddle an listening to that pap.

Keep on keeping on,
H

DHS 10 Part 4 (S)

Chaps,

H - as per D's previous post, it's not my place to say anything about your first three.  God bless you for choosing them and God bless Carter and his memory.
Goyet - you say it's everywhere, and I'm sure it is, but that's the first time I'd heard it - and that says much more about me than either you or the track itself.  After a couple of listens, yeah, 'quirkyness' is slightly appealing - I'll be giving it time to grow.
Claro Intelecto - has been a name growing in my consciousness for a while - got a couple of remixes by and tracks of - production on this is almost brutally crisp, and you're right, it does get better the longer it goes - you've made very big claims for it - I'll give it more listens for sure and be interested to see whether it stands up to your claims for it in a while.

D - Straight Up & Down - not seen Boardwalk Empire so can only take it on the tune itself - not especially my cup of tea - the first 'slide' up the guitar fretboard grated on me and I hoped it wasn't to be repeated - unfortunately it was...
Moby x 3 - that ups the total of Moby tracks over Total DHS so far to 17 - remarkable - Sweet Dreams, Slow and Fortitude in that order for me - the first two of those each deserving more listens with potential for very good things indeed...
M83 - he's good at this sort of thing this fella - puts me in mind of a 21st Century Jean Michel Jarre - not sure about parity with 'Lower Your Eyelids',  for me anyway, but a worthy inclusion for sure

Right... 

My musical head has been a bit scrambled of late - long, tedious story that I don't even know if I understand or could explain, but lots of indecision and no focus, concentration or confidence for some strange reason.  So the solution is to put the 'Possible DHS picks' playlist onto random and just write a short bit about the first five tracks it plays.

Dead Can Dance - Dawn Of The Iconoclast - this tune's brilliance is its cinematic, sinister, mood - it's tragedy is that it will only ever really be known as the tune that Future Sound Of London sampled 'that' bit from for Papua New Guinea.
Hitlist - Into The Fire - mid 80's synth pop record - minor hit - not sure it ever troubled the Top 20 - one of the first 12"s that took me ages to track down - whether you like it or not is open to discovery but I think it's plain to see why I do - I'd agree the lyric doesn't stand up too well now but that's gone after the first couple of minutes - basically has all the elements of a great dance/trance record - the initial guitar hook is relentless, as are the drums/percussion - then in the second half 'The Build' starts -  layers of synth and voices build the intensity and the melody uplifts - loved it 26 years ago - still do.
The Stranglers - Walk On By - this is the second time I've chosen a cover of this song - the first one was by Isaac Hayes and was s.m.o.o.t.h as silk - this is entirely different and absolutely no less brilliant.  One of the greatest songs ever.  If you get a chance to watch them performing this live on a YouTube video then please do - mesmerising.
Psyche - Goodbye Horses - (a cover of) the song that was playing whilst the lunatic in Silence Of The Lambs dressed himself up, tucked his Hampton between his legs to dance like a girl and prepared to slaughter his dungeon-bound victim.  Quite literally the only song about horses that I'll listen to...
OT Quartet - Hold That Sucker Down - erm, wallop.

Soon to be single,
S
x