DHS 7 - Part 17 (H)

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Right - sorry it's been a while....busy time of year and all that!

Summary of your previous tracks - as always; some ace new music:-

Ambition - not bad....growing on me with each listen.
Gary jules - it's ok, not really my cup of tea though.
Kahuna - think I heard this on Lavelle's GU23... loved it back then but find it a bit tiresome now - think I've heard it too many times.
Trisco - goes to show how much S+D used to 'clean up' their mixes.... remember this from Communicate and it sounds different in a fair few places (no vocals on the mix version).... was a corker in a club.
Shmuel Flash - utterly utterly brilliant....build, production, build, melody, build, bass, build, drums.... beautifully put together.

NKCole - classic, of all the Christmas related records this is my favourite.
OJ - fantastic - getting better with each listen too.
Morrison - LOVED this as a kid, got the cd somewhere in the crates! A welcome addition to our lists.
Delphic - ace, very uplifting (who is the record label sponsored by - Ferrari??!?)
Schwarzfahrn - I could talk about this track for a VERY long time (S will testify to the 3am text messages)...but don't want to bore you. Suffice to say; this tune is in my top 10 of 2010 - it's everything I like about modern electronic music currently. Do listen to the original and Y.A.R.N.O versions as well - the original really focuses on the melody but does have a kooky middle two mins which doesn't fit in my opinion.

Five to wrap up my side of things on this list....As we're just staring a new year I've decided to focus on tunes that were on heavy rotation in 2010:-

Krush (although it's named differently on the compilation Spot) - This is from '88 but I rediscovered it after all these years and owe it all to Mothersole who sent me a load of old Goa tapes this year which had some absolutely brilliant tunes on.... had all but forgotten this record, what a classic.

Caribou - First of two from this outfit - checked this out after hearing Midland's rmx of Sun and I have to say it's one of my fave LP's of the year. When I first heard the bass line in this I knew it was for me. Cracking melody and production.

Antix - first heard this on King Unique's Transitions mix, middle of the year... it was his first track and I just loved it straight away.... he stripped out the vocal and this really made the focus the melody which is simple but beautiful... When I heard the vocal it annoyed me initially but has really grown on me now - adds to the build. Superb beat/drum production to boot. KS used the techy rmx for his most recent mix - also a cracking version.

Triangle (KU rmx) - think this featured at the end of the KU Transitions mix...you just caught a glimpse of it before JD spoke over the top - again it was a "must find out what this is" moment. Turn this up loud - awesome remix; he balances the vocal arrangement really well... tempts you in with the early section, then brings in the melody - then the break and build which is pretty immense. Proper thumper.

Caribou - this is a top 10 track for me (all of the last four are, in fact) - first time I heard this in the car I had to pull over, get the ipod out and put it back to beginning - then I had to pull over again and put it on repeat. It's about five tracks in one this and that's not something easily accomplished.... I think it's a real Marmite job though; I can see how some people might think "this just doesn't work" or think that it's sloppy - there were times where I listened and thought it needed tidying up, but having listened many times on headphones I understand it better. If you aren't punching the air at 1:45 then it's very possible that you are in fact dead. Watch your inboxes for the cracking remix effort that Zabiela used on his Mixmag cd - superb record.

I hope you enjoy.

H

DHS7 - Part 16 (S)

Chaps - DHS continues to be fabulous - it's slowed down a bit in terms of quantity but not slackened at all in terms of quality.

Exactly 12 months ago we were coming up to the end of the 5th DHS list - something we'd achieved in less than a year. We've each got one more selection before DHS7 shuts down - it's taken us, for all manner of reasons, a full twelve months to add the last two lists - God willing we'll be starting DHS10 in January 2012.

Before I get going, your last 5 selections each...

H;
Revtone - knew this although thought it actually was an Ulrich Schnauss track rather than a remix by him. Lush.
One Dove - double lush - I threw a track off this album in some while ago - whole album's great. Lush again.
Four Tet - short and fairly sweet - they're a band I'm still 50/50 about.
Yppah - short and sweet again - vaguely familiar from somewhere. Very nice.
Alarm Will Sound - we are fast establishing a tradition for melancholic piano work on DHS - this is a very worthwhile addition to the cannon.

D;
Ambition - the TFF original remains immense, The Gary Jules' version had large merit and the use of it on this track is lovely. Lush.
Gary Jules - definitely need to give this more listens. Evokes David Gray - not all of which is a bad thing. Will explore more.
FC Kahuna - I know I'm in a tiny minority here but I didn't like this track when Tong had it as his Essential New Tune of the week and it hasn't grown on me - it's the bassline. Silly really 'cos I'm sure it rocks - just something I'd never play.
Trisco - much prefer this to Kahuna's 'Glitterball' but still something about the bassline on this too - it's that cascading thing. Hmmmm.
Huge A - lush - lovely progression throughout the course of it - double lush in fact.

And my last shouts for DHS7...

Nat King Cole - 12 months ago I was on a wind up about including some Xmas songs in DHS - I was never completely serious but I did have one song in mind. I knew this old song as a kid but it hit home again in recent times when it featured in an episode of The West Wing. That version was sung by a vocal harmony group but this version is, if anything, even more powerful. Nat King Cole's extraordinary voice backed by a big choir. Regardless of season this is just beautiful.

Oran Juice Jones - Can't believe we've got this far without it. Couple of moody versions on Spot but this is the orig.

Mark Morrison - Yes mate. Oh yes mate. Mid 90s - you're only cool if you're deep into epic, progressive, trancey house. And this. The late 80s had Bobby Brown. This mid 90s had this fella - only ever did one decent tune but what a tune.

Delphic - mate turned me onto this band earlier this year - album was out late 2009 - this single came off it on R&S earlier this year - big remix package, none of which are bad, but this is the original and it's immense.

Schwarzfahrn - Hodge knows this already but I offer no apology for including it here. One of the biggest dance tunes I've bought this year. Is on the mix from my last gig - got a big reaction when I played it. Deep, disco-tech. Lush.

Happy Xmas chaps.

x

DHS7 (15) D

Well Im feeling a lot of spot love right now - the way you can just lose yourself in new and different and unusual music is second to none, and its all down to how its all linked. Im particularly loving the fact that you can find a dance artist whose stuff you like then see if they are on any compilations, then check other tunes on the compilation and off you go - I ask you what better way is there to spend an hour or 2 on a cold sunday afternoon by yourself ?

Firstly some very deserved shouts out to the DHS crew, purveyors of fine and quirky music they both are. Firstly to the Don, our very own guru of all this musical - K-dog:

A Beautiful Mine - Excellent ! Loving that ending and the full range of the percussion, already knew the bassline was a killer and cashback ! theres an extra long version.

Just the way you are - In the nicest possible way, you're an utter cunt Sullivan. I hate that I love this, but love this I do, totally and utterly - its a complete pop record and this lads voice is amazing. The fact that it is teenage girl fodder is what irks me - I feel Im being played (maybe im actually a 14 year old doris ??)but maybe I should just get over myself... !

Winter in July - Mate. Suddenly its 1990 again and im hanging around causing trouble with my boom box on the estate near where I lived. Had this on 7" bizarrely - nice change of direction after 'beat dis'. Tune.

Mr Gaunt PT 1000 - You have to be in the right mood for this I find - absolutely haunting piano and voice, a thing of beauty no doubt, great selection.

No Partial - Probably my least favourite of the 5. It does what its supposed to Im sure and its a nice beat and subtle melody but personally I'd like more of a variation and change up. Or to get stoned first.

All in all a top selection my man, now onto the H-Bomb:

Love Movement - This record is immense mate. It just washes over me in warm waves and is so well judged - it would be perfect to be playing on a beach while you swing gently to and fro on a hammock, sipping a cold one, soaking up some rays as a soft breeze went by. Lovely.

White Love - This is actually a really good track, but youve got to want it - that guitar at the beginning is not the best to these ears ! Nor to be honest is the whole composition until about 1:45, after that it really picks up. Surprising choice from you fella - but then Im sure you're a man of varied tastes !

Everything is Alright - How good is the guitar riff in this track ? Doesnt do a whole let else, although that melody is frankly good enough on its own and beautifully accompanied.

Never Mess With Sunday - This tune makes me feel quite melancholy, but in a good way if you know what I mean - I think its because the entire riff is in a minor key. Whatever, its a cool tune and the last minute or so is epic. Good stuff.

Avril 14th - Short and sweet on the piano eh ? You cant go wrong with a piano tune as far as im concerned - a nice track to end with.

Great stuff H and as ever I thank you both for enriching my life most sincerely. Hope I can keep up with the quality...

Mad World - Ambition feat. Gary Jules
Never heard of this rapper before and stumbled across this as I continue to hope for the Gary Jules version of Mad World to appear on Spot. Seems this is as close as we'll get for now but it really works well for me, the rapping isnt bad and the Jules part has just been lifted from the aforementioned track. Some of the lyrics are quite sharp too.

Heroes & Heroin - Gary Jules
As I dug further after the above, this is probably the standout track of his one album on spot. It pootles along very nicely, but its when he really reaches out in the choruses and the bridge with his vocal range, that the track comes to life, worth it just for that for me.

Glitterball - FC Kahuna
This has been on my list for while now and was inspired to look for it after a recent H selection when he mentioned it or something similar and lo and behold its now there. You probably both know it but if you dont then you really should. Supremely funky but also brilliantly constructed - the tune in the breakdown and the build up is immense and very original to these ears. Its a real bumper of a track.

Musak - Trisco
There were fashionable remixes of this track, but I really love the original, its a got a real rawness to it. A very simply constructed dance tune but utterly devastating when used in the right place - the killer was its so unique it was incredibly difficult to use in a mix or a set (and believe me I tried !) but I heard it out in Brighton once and everyone went potty. The break ? Forgeddaboudit. Off the charts.

Like Minded - Huge A, Shmuel Flash
I'll save the best for last I think. As mentioned in my preamble this was found while searching through spot and having a liking for the Flashster. I cant even begin to do this justice with mere words so I wont even try. Lie down, close your eyes and let it take you.

Its been emotional.

DHS7 Part 14 (H)

Some good choices gents, of note; Beastie's (not listened to that for ages - well remembered), Fatboy Slim, Bomb The Bass and finally Rythym & Sound (possibly my favourite track on the list so far - HEAVY! You can just get lost/drown in that bassline - ridiculous).

Sorry for lack of attention, time keeping, tardiness - it's never through lack of listening to records, trust me! I've moved back into electronica mode recently so thought I'd share some tracks which have been feeling good in the moody weather:

1) Ulrich's Revtone remix - from Warren's GU30 in Paris. Watch your email inboxes. BEAUTIFUL.
2) One Dove - epic. S picked from this LP already but this had to go on. The haunting little vocal snippets are awesome.... lovely overall production - I find it very uplifting.
3) Four Tet - cheerful little guitar sample, always raises a smile - doesn;t go anywhere but doesn't need to!
4) Yppah - moody big beat track with lush melodies.... reminds me very much of Shadow.
5) Alarm Will Sound do Aphex Twin (figuratively) - sadly Richard's version isn't on Spot (check ya mail) but this version will suffice. Was reminded of this whilst watching a film at the weekend and have been caning it non stop since then. What's nice is that classical pianists are covering an electronic artist who used a machine/module to immitate a classical piano - I like that 'real'/ organic musicians realise that this is a superb melody and want to play their own version, despite the fact that it was written by what the majority of society would deem to be a 'button pusher'... I think tracks like this along with the Maxence Cyrin LP are proof, if it was ever needed, that electronic music can compete on emotional levels with classical music. Melancholic, simple, emotive. Lush

DHS7 Part 13 (S)

As we start the round of penultimate entries for DHS7 I offer the observation that we've just passed the first anniversary of DHS - at least I think we have, I can't be exactly sure but I think it was around late September, early October we got started wasn't it? Feel free to correct if you have a better memory than I do.

Your last selections;

H - your Bad Boy choices were an interesting twist. I keep waiting for the day when I grow into 'The Blues' - it hasn't happened yet though. My loss I'm sure but it meant I liked the last three much more than the Clapton and Magic Slim efforts.

D - The Paul Mounsey tune is familiar to me - no idea where from. Nice though.
The De Vit scares me but in a good way - the idea that I used to dance to music that fast is almost unimagineable! I can see why you like the breakdown. Beastie Boys is large - pretty sure I've not heard that before whilst the vocodered voice is familiar - sampled somewhere maybe? Apologies for my rant against 'You're The Voice' - I was 'tired' after an unsuccessful pub-quiz! That and the fact that I absolutely hate it. Totally irrational - first time it's ever happened for me with a DHS selection but there's no point lying about it - I cannot stand that song. *Cue H selecting it for the next Best Of...* Last five minutes of Fatboy Slim are especially wicked.

Well played all round.

Next up;

RJD2 - you both know this well but possibly not in it's full glory. Quirky, with a different ending than you might expect.

Bruno Mars - if you like this I'll take the credit, if you don't then blame my daughter for it is her that has been hammering this into my consciousness. Back in the day this was the sort of thing you bought on 7" for a young lady you were keen on in the hope it would curry favour - I guess today you get a dodgy torrent download and bluetooth it to her mobile?!

Bomb The Bass - one of the first cd singles I ever bought - forgot all about it till a recent cupboard excavation.

Soap & Skin - currently featuring in adverts for the Ford Mondeo - another in a growing line of DHS 'fragile-moody-piano' tunes.

Rhythm & Sound - gut twistingly deep dub tune - I know it's a Marmite selection but it's SO deep, SO hypnotic and SO relentless...

S
x

DHS7 Part 12 (D)

Gentlemen; good evening.

I have been working hard and even have a few 'spares' on the possibles list so for once im ahead of the game - and with my lappy restored to its former glories after the old man "tidied it up a bit" its all go.

From the last 10, which were solid as usual - there was some real class. Favourites to these ears were 'over the rainbow' (you boys were spot on this guy has or indeed had a voice like molasses, silky smooth and beautiful), 'California Dreamin'' (stone cold classic, great switches from minor to major keys), 'Newborn'(great voice, even better track), 'Bad Boy' (The Clapton version - never heard much of his earlier stuff - very cool) and 'Bad Boy' (the theme from the film, wicked - loved it from seeing that - Will SMith was so good he even made Martin Lawrence look good !!)

Ok my next selection...

'North' Paul Mounsey
Spotters badge if you can tell where I got this from, but it was a true 'I have to know that tune' type moment. Took me a while to appreciate the rock guitar in the middle but great as the rest of it is, you do need something in the middle to break it up and give some variety. Wonderful melody.

'The Dawn' Tony de Vit
A late entry this one, inspired by a recent email from Hodge about the "late, great, Tony de Vit" as he was known posthumously. Ive never been a big fan and of course this track is boshing hard house, but stick with it - the break is utterly immense, as is the 2nd half of the track. A marmite track, especially for you lush melodic fans. Hope you like it.

'Intergalactic' Beastie Boys
This is a contender for their best tune for me and the competition is strong. Their lyrical interplay is as slick and clever as ever and the strings in the background are brilliantly judged. The rawness of the delivery and the smoothness of the melody contrast wonderfully - the dj cuts and scratches are just the coup de grace. And the end of the second verse is quality.

'You're the Voice' John Farnham
Fuck me how epic is this record ? Contender for best song of the 80's I would say - the soaring bridges, the even bigger chorus - even the bagpipes sound utterly ace. Massive, massive tune - singalongtastic and demanding to be played LOUD !

'Santa Cruz' Fatboy Slim
This is one of my favourite ever records. Thankfully not a popular track and from definitely his best, first album 'Better Living Through Chemistry' I could easily lose it to this record given the right set of circumstances. All of it is ace, the driving tune, the crashing breakbeats and the regular changeup. But the break, oh lordy the break. Gives me proper chills every single time, its the filter that does it I think. But the whole track has been wonderfully crafted even down to the extra crashing breakbeats towards the end. I love this record and I could never grow tired of it.

The dee to the you to the double eff...

DHS Part 11 (H)

On the last batch....

Very fitting lyrics to Duff's opener; absolutely class tune. Soul II Soul - can't believe not on lists til now! PSB - classic. Big fan of Teardrop too, so it's nice to see it on. Don't really buzz of ATFC but I guess I understand how this can work on a big system.

Iz :) Bought that a while back after it featured on an advert, such a superb take on original. Cali Dreaming - superb. Elbow, stunning, stunning vocals. T-Power - bet some dj's had a good time mixing with this... insane 'intro'! Mr C tune is quality, sadly not available already.
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I dared myself to do this, and now it is done:

1) Clapton - (from back in the day in the old man's Volvo)
2) Magic Slim - (as above)
3) RandomFrenchNeverHeardOfThemBefore - (Why does this sound so cool - I understand not one word yet absolutely love it)
4) P-Did - (smashed it at uni, just a fun track, no pretension)
5) Needs no intro... bump it up.

:)

H