Going to keep this brief - want to get this posted before I'm due out in 15 minutes.
As is traditional a brief word on the previous two selections...
Clock Opera - growing on me slowly, but steadily.
Tom Trago - nice
Esa - really nice, chuggy-chug-chug
Shonky - nice again
John Dahlback - my least favourite of your five Hodgson but that's being a bit churlish. Overall a 'nice' selection!!
Bittersweet Symphony - hmmmm - as long as I don't get to hear it more than twice a year this remains a big old tune.
Baker Street - class
David Guetta - I'm going to give it another go...
Moogwai - reach for the lasers
Pavarotti - a welcome second DHS appearance for the big fella
Well done again Chaps.
Now then;
Jessie J - Price Tag - Junior S tells me that this is/was number one recently - don't let that put you off - just about a perfect slice of pop/r'n'b. Vaguely reminds me of Lauren Hill. Couple of killer hooks. Expect to see it covered really badly by some scuzzy chav Doris on X Factor at the end of the year. Immense.
Bob James - Take Me To The Mardi Gras - continuing my little homage to some of the all time great hip-hop breaks - you should get this one instantly. But once you've got it the tune itself then grows into a really warm, lush green forest of funk. Kind of thing.
Marva Whitney - Unwind Yourself - another hip-hop break classic. Should be instantly recognisable to you both.
Jase From Outa Space - Do What You Want (Infusion Remix) - complete change of tack. Understated remix - unfortunately their breakbeat effort isn't on Spot or I'd've gone for that but this isn't a bad fall back.
Hard-Fi - I Shall Overcome (Axwell Remix) - second time I've had an Axwell remix of a Hard-Fi tune - similar formula here and why not to be honest - build the track, drop for the vocal, 'new day dawning, sun is shining', build the track again, tease the vocal loop back and BOOM. Massive club record by numbers. Couldn't care less. I love it.
S
x
Thursday, 24 February 2011
Thursday, 17 February 2011
DHS 8 (Part 3) - D
Im constantly reminded (although I have no idea why I'd ever forget) that music really is the answer - and theres a future selection right there - to your problems. Or at least it soothes the pain and rights the good ship 'mood'. Got a dull flight at 'WHATFUCKINGTIME!? o'clock' ? Stick on your favourite old mix and daydream about what djing could have been... feel like the world is full of unnecessary cunts ? Stick your spotify faves on shuffle and forget all about it. Priceless, utterly priceless. And it means theres no need for guns. Large guns. And bullets. Which is probably for the best...
Ok as ever I peer out from underneath a rather large musical shadow and pay homage to the previous selections:
'Think' - oh my word, utter kudos k-dog. Not a chance I could have called this, and then the bassline kicks in the middle. What a tune, absolutely dripping with funk. Tremendous.
'Cavern' - ha haaa ! Its white lines... just with an extra spoonful of funkiness - never thought that would be possible. Not for the first time I am genuinely awed by your music collection my man.
'Garden Party' - hmmm not so sure about this one, doesnt really work for me. I have to be honest, it sounds like a daytime tv programme !! Sorry but it does...
'Livin inside your love' - how smooth is this record ? Never really got the whole Benson / Vandros / O'Neal vibe im afraid - but I bet they were never shy of somewhere to park their todger at the end of the night - I reckon this makes plenty of ladies slide off their seats.
'Without You' - A strange one this, bit of a warm up record per chance Kev ? It would be brilliant for that. You're right that vocal is a bit marmite - bit too depressing for me I think. On a completely unrelated note I had some marmite chocolate recently - it was like something out of charlie and the chocolate factory - ridiculous.
'Once & for all' - gotta agree with you H, a real superb vocal. I really like this, especially when the kick drum gets involved. Tidy.
'Lost in the Streets of NYC' - This is another strange one, very apt title I reckon and manages to be a bit funky and a bit melancholy all at the same time. I think I like it but I cant be absolutely sure and I quite like that about it !
'Luxarama' - This really is some chuggy detroit house, very nice indeed mate. Would also sound good in a warm up mix, would definitely get my head nodding.
'Le Velour' - ....whereas this is deep in the mix type music for me, when you're really lost in it. Kind of hypnotic I'd say, and in a good way. For that 3am head down shuffle !
'Late Night Worries' - Oh my what a tune this is, the stand out selection from you this time round bigman. Real peak time business, would sound incredible on a big system - im totally loving the mixture of sounds and the real energy to it especially as we come back from the break. I love shit like this. Take a bow son.
Ok my turn and as ever I'll add some commerciality to the proceedings...
The Verve 'Bittersweet Symphony'
Why the fuck isnt this on DHS already ? Eh ? Eh ? Come on, why not ? Is it just me then - this record absolutely talks to me, theyve nailed it. And its got killer beats, great vocal and an unbelievable melody. This could well be in my top 50 of all time (and thats the lowest number Im prepared to commit any record to, uterly impossible to go lower with any confidence, ie top 10 !)
Gerry Rafferty 'Baker Street'
A nod to the recently departed, Im not sure what else he did of any note but this record is MASSIVE. That tune is outrageous and the understated vocal is perfectly judged - recognising its all about the melody. Tune. Absolute tune, no question.
David Guetta 'Memories'
I adore this record, the melodies are simply sublime and its such an in your face tune - wicked bassline and just gets me going every time - im a sucker for piano house even when its this commercial, and the secondary riff takes it to a new level. So much so I can ignore the inane lyrics and in fact quite like them by association. Tried to find a dub mix as that would be perfect, but alas no.
Moogwai ' Viola'
Have discussed this before, amazing trance tune. Yes its drug music but its fucking good drug music.
Luciano Pavarotti 'Nessun Dorma'
Two words - Italia '90 !! Englands last great world cup and surely the best ever world cup theme tune, still gets me going now - I can see Gazza, Lineker et al. The crescendo is everything great music should be - passionate and stirring the senses. As my man Bill Hicks says 'play form your fucking heart !' Well the big lad certainly does that here.
One love
Ok as ever I peer out from underneath a rather large musical shadow and pay homage to the previous selections:
'Think' - oh my word, utter kudos k-dog. Not a chance I could have called this, and then the bassline kicks in the middle. What a tune, absolutely dripping with funk. Tremendous.
'Cavern' - ha haaa ! Its white lines... just with an extra spoonful of funkiness - never thought that would be possible. Not for the first time I am genuinely awed by your music collection my man.
'Garden Party' - hmmm not so sure about this one, doesnt really work for me. I have to be honest, it sounds like a daytime tv programme !! Sorry but it does...
'Livin inside your love' - how smooth is this record ? Never really got the whole Benson / Vandros / O'Neal vibe im afraid - but I bet they were never shy of somewhere to park their todger at the end of the night - I reckon this makes plenty of ladies slide off their seats.
'Without You' - A strange one this, bit of a warm up record per chance Kev ? It would be brilliant for that. You're right that vocal is a bit marmite - bit too depressing for me I think. On a completely unrelated note I had some marmite chocolate recently - it was like something out of charlie and the chocolate factory - ridiculous.
'Once & for all' - gotta agree with you H, a real superb vocal. I really like this, especially when the kick drum gets involved. Tidy.
'Lost in the Streets of NYC' - This is another strange one, very apt title I reckon and manages to be a bit funky and a bit melancholy all at the same time. I think I like it but I cant be absolutely sure and I quite like that about it !
'Luxarama' - This really is some chuggy detroit house, very nice indeed mate. Would also sound good in a warm up mix, would definitely get my head nodding.
'Le Velour' - ....whereas this is deep in the mix type music for me, when you're really lost in it. Kind of hypnotic I'd say, and in a good way. For that 3am head down shuffle !
'Late Night Worries' - Oh my what a tune this is, the stand out selection from you this time round bigman. Real peak time business, would sound incredible on a big system - im totally loving the mixture of sounds and the real energy to it especially as we come back from the break. I love shit like this. Take a bow son.
Ok my turn and as ever I'll add some commerciality to the proceedings...
The Verve 'Bittersweet Symphony'
Why the fuck isnt this on DHS already ? Eh ? Eh ? Come on, why not ? Is it just me then - this record absolutely talks to me, theyve nailed it. And its got killer beats, great vocal and an unbelievable melody. This could well be in my top 50 of all time (and thats the lowest number Im prepared to commit any record to, uterly impossible to go lower with any confidence, ie top 10 !)
Gerry Rafferty 'Baker Street'
A nod to the recently departed, Im not sure what else he did of any note but this record is MASSIVE. That tune is outrageous and the understated vocal is perfectly judged - recognising its all about the melody. Tune. Absolute tune, no question.
David Guetta 'Memories'
I adore this record, the melodies are simply sublime and its such an in your face tune - wicked bassline and just gets me going every time - im a sucker for piano house even when its this commercial, and the secondary riff takes it to a new level. So much so I can ignore the inane lyrics and in fact quite like them by association. Tried to find a dub mix as that would be perfect, but alas no.
Moogwai ' Viola'
Have discussed this before, amazing trance tune. Yes its drug music but its fucking good drug music.
Luciano Pavarotti 'Nessun Dorma'
Two words - Italia '90 !! Englands last great world cup and surely the best ever world cup theme tune, still gets me going now - I can see Gazza, Lineker et al. The crescendo is everything great music should be - passionate and stirring the senses. As my man Bill Hicks says 'play form your fucking heart !' Well the big lad certainly does that here.
One love
Sunday, 6 February 2011
DHS 8 - Part 2 (H)
Sorry for slow addition.
Some good records added recently. I had the "Silence acoustic" track in my potentials but it turned 'grey' a while back, so was waiting for it to come back...well done finding it elsewhere D.
Been left with a tough act to follow by S.
Once again I'm not theming my latest additions, only by way of mentioning that they are what I'm currently listening to/purchases which have been on heavy rotation on ipod... hope you enjoy a few:-
Clock Opera - I have both this and the more disco tinged Little Loud Remix.... opted for this one to kick off my 2011 on Spot, it's moodier than the original and LL versions... superb vocal and understated production.
Tom Trago - think this is a few years old now but is new to my ears... doesn't really go anywhere but doesn't need to... moody washed out piano, cracking drum licks and that 'scratchy' filter make for a cool production effort. Sounds like a record Benn Watt would use in one of his Buzzin Fly mixes.
Esa, Mervin Granger - chuggy detroit influenced house with a nice melody.
Shonky - picking up the pace and the funk a little.
J Dahlback - won't apologise for picking another KU remix.... talented lad, seems he can turn his hand to most styles of electronic music (certainly for remixing duties anyway) and make a big hit.... I should imagine this considered very obvious, cheesey, mainstream blah blah blah... couldn't really care a hoot - it works for me, usually loud on the way home from work.
Some good records added recently. I had the "Silence acoustic" track in my potentials but it turned 'grey' a while back, so was waiting for it to come back...well done finding it elsewhere D.
Been left with a tough act to follow by S.
Once again I'm not theming my latest additions, only by way of mentioning that they are what I'm currently listening to/purchases which have been on heavy rotation on ipod... hope you enjoy a few:-
Clock Opera - I have both this and the more disco tinged Little Loud Remix.... opted for this one to kick off my 2011 on Spot, it's moodier than the original and LL versions... superb vocal and understated production.
Tom Trago - think this is a few years old now but is new to my ears... doesn't really go anywhere but doesn't need to... moody washed out piano, cracking drum licks and that 'scratchy' filter make for a cool production effort. Sounds like a record Benn Watt would use in one of his Buzzin Fly mixes.
Esa, Mervin Granger - chuggy detroit influenced house with a nice melody.
Shonky - picking up the pace and the funk a little.
J Dahlback - won't apologise for picking another KU remix.... talented lad, seems he can turn his hand to most styles of electronic music (certainly for remixing duties anyway) and make a big hit.... I should imagine this considered very obvious, cheesey, mainstream blah blah blah... couldn't really care a hoot - it works for me, usually loud on the way home from work.
Friday, 21 January 2011
DHS 8 - Part 1 (S)
January. New DHS list. Nice. It's the beginnings of a tradition...
As usual though a glance back at the outgoing before the eighth instalment kicks off.
H - first off, that House Arrest tune is indeed an almost forgotten gem - I have the 12" - originally by Krush - and it's much better than the Spot version - shame but hopefully it'll appear one day. You had two tracks of the Caribou album - neither are bad at all - have to say though that for my money the best thing to do with that album so far is Midland's remix of 'Sun'. Obviously I like the Antix tune, although it's not my favourite mix of it. The KU mix of Triangle is proof positive that 'prog' is both still alive and can work with a vocal. Nice.
D - Pink Synth is pleasant enough, acoustic of Silence is nice too. I remember that Fun Lovin Criminals track - wasn't a fan - have given it several more tries, still unconvinced. Heretical though it sounds I'm not a huge Stevie Wonder fan - your choice, 'I Wish' is one of half a dozen or so that I'm ok with!! On the basis that if you've got nothing nice to say then say nothing at all I shall gloss over your last pick and officially open DHS8...
Okey dokey dinkum - funk trousers on everybody.
Lyn Collins - Think About It - the pair of you should get the tune that sampled this immediately but if you don't the break at 1m26s will give it away somewhat...
Liquid Liquid - Cavern - the inspiration and source of several samples for Melle Mel's 'White Lines'.
Mezzoforte - Garden Party - it's summer 1983 and I've just discovered the joys of pirate radio in London - LWR, Horizon and JFM specifically - I'm all over the pause button and maniacally recording tapes - Westwood is on LWR playing early electro and this was an absolute favourite off a JFM tape that I played to death that summer. Been after this on Spot since Day One - very recent addition.
George Benson - Living Inside Your Love - this was released before the Mezzoforte track but pretty sure I had this on the same home recorded pirate radio tape. Summer funk jam.
Art Department - Without You - bit of a shift this - although it does sound for all the world like a mid 80's tune it was released last year to rather large critical acclaim. Absolute 'marmite vocal' - personally it works for me. Retro-proto-whatever. Deep and hypnotic. Lovely.
On a closing note can I just say that one of the things I love about DHS is it get's honestly opposing reactions to tunes - witness the two following quotes from your recent posts about a track I picked recently...
"Oh my word this really hasnt dated well for me - sounds ancient, cant say its really my thing..." and,
"fantastic - getting better with each listen too."
Tremendous.
*tips hat*
As usual though a glance back at the outgoing before the eighth instalment kicks off.
H - first off, that House Arrest tune is indeed an almost forgotten gem - I have the 12" - originally by Krush - and it's much better than the Spot version - shame but hopefully it'll appear one day. You had two tracks of the Caribou album - neither are bad at all - have to say though that for my money the best thing to do with that album so far is Midland's remix of 'Sun'. Obviously I like the Antix tune, although it's not my favourite mix of it. The KU mix of Triangle is proof positive that 'prog' is both still alive and can work with a vocal. Nice.
D - Pink Synth is pleasant enough, acoustic of Silence is nice too. I remember that Fun Lovin Criminals track - wasn't a fan - have given it several more tries, still unconvinced. Heretical though it sounds I'm not a huge Stevie Wonder fan - your choice, 'I Wish' is one of half a dozen or so that I'm ok with!! On the basis that if you've got nothing nice to say then say nothing at all I shall gloss over your last pick and officially open DHS8...
Okey dokey dinkum - funk trousers on everybody.
Lyn Collins - Think About It - the pair of you should get the tune that sampled this immediately but if you don't the break at 1m26s will give it away somewhat...
Liquid Liquid - Cavern - the inspiration and source of several samples for Melle Mel's 'White Lines'.
Mezzoforte - Garden Party - it's summer 1983 and I've just discovered the joys of pirate radio in London - LWR, Horizon and JFM specifically - I'm all over the pause button and maniacally recording tapes - Westwood is on LWR playing early electro and this was an absolute favourite off a JFM tape that I played to death that summer. Been after this on Spot since Day One - very recent addition.
George Benson - Living Inside Your Love - this was released before the Mezzoforte track but pretty sure I had this on the same home recorded pirate radio tape. Summer funk jam.
Art Department - Without You - bit of a shift this - although it does sound for all the world like a mid 80's tune it was released last year to rather large critical acclaim. Absolute 'marmite vocal' - personally it works for me. Retro-proto-whatever. Deep and hypnotic. Lovely.
On a closing note can I just say that one of the things I love about DHS is it get's honestly opposing reactions to tunes - witness the two following quotes from your recent posts about a track I picked recently...
"Oh my word this really hasnt dated well for me - sounds ancient, cant say its really my thing..." and,
"fantastic - getting better with each listen too."
Tremendous.
*tips hat*
DHS7 done & dusted
As per the traditions of DHS our seventh list is now closed for business.
We've had six turns each at choosing five tunes - time to close list seven and move on to DHS8.
*raises glass*
We've had six turns each at choosing five tunes - time to close list seven and move on to DHS8.
*raises glass*
Sunday, 9 January 2011
DHS 7 - Part 18 (D)
Alright then, my first one of 2011 - tremendous. Firstly gents a review of your last few choices which I have head on heavy rotation for a couple of weeks now...
O holy night - not my favourite christmas track, but you can beat a bit of Nat King Cole can you ?
The Rain - Oh my word this really hasnt dated well for me - sounds ancient, cant say its really my thing, especially the chat at the end (the synths are pretty good though)
Return of the Mack - I once got into a big argument in Tooting for playing this track ! This version really adds something to it as well, nice pick (even if you didnt mean to)
Counterpoint - is it me or does the tune sound a bit like gamemaster ? Its ok, but the singer sounds a bit morbid to me im afraid
Blaumachn - this is the best of yours for me Kev, a wicked little groover that has an ace melody
House Arrest - Never heard this before but you gotta love it, its a cracking tune, another one showing its age I think these types of tracks really were the zeitgeist
Hannibal - I know you're feeling a lot of the caribou love Hodge old man but im not really getting it im afraid - personally I'd call this bar fodder or background music. It would be nice, for sure, but nothing more than that.
Lost & Found - This is a corker mate, took me a couple of listens to really get it - but a cracking melody and the vocals not bad and it really goes for it in the second half. Tune !
Five / We've Found It - Same singer isnt it, even though its spelt differently ? He sounds much better here I reckon and this is a top tune mate, the production is excellent. I'd go quite mad for this in a club !
Jamelia - This tune sounds so familiar, yet I dont know why. For me this track just overdoes the quirky. All those extra effects and there is just too much going on in the second half and it doesnt quite work I dont think.
Reading all that back I think in future I will not do spotify posts when im on a bit of a downer (way too much booze on Friday - depression always kicks in for a day or so on a Sunday !) so apologies but ive started now...
My tracks are:
Pink Synth
Another product of searching around spotify, its a corking chill out tune. And the break with the piano is gorgeous.
Silence
The acoustic version of the big trance tune really adds another dimension to it.
Scooby Snacks
Cracking tune, im sure you both know it - pop with a sense of humour, wicked.
I wish
Stevie Wonders best tune or simply his best base line ? Heard this at the restaurant on NYE and it reminded me of how funky it is !
Im Gonna Be (500 Miles)
I always thought this was a pile of shit until we did the Hogmanay thing at my folks and I paid attention to this tune. Its simple its effective and the 'da da lada's' are sing-a-long-tastic.
O holy night - not my favourite christmas track, but you can beat a bit of Nat King Cole can you ?
The Rain - Oh my word this really hasnt dated well for me - sounds ancient, cant say its really my thing, especially the chat at the end (the synths are pretty good though)
Return of the Mack - I once got into a big argument in Tooting for playing this track ! This version really adds something to it as well, nice pick (even if you didnt mean to)
Counterpoint - is it me or does the tune sound a bit like gamemaster ? Its ok, but the singer sounds a bit morbid to me im afraid
Blaumachn - this is the best of yours for me Kev, a wicked little groover that has an ace melody
House Arrest - Never heard this before but you gotta love it, its a cracking tune, another one showing its age I think these types of tracks really were the zeitgeist
Hannibal - I know you're feeling a lot of the caribou love Hodge old man but im not really getting it im afraid - personally I'd call this bar fodder or background music. It would be nice, for sure, but nothing more than that.
Lost & Found - This is a corker mate, took me a couple of listens to really get it - but a cracking melody and the vocals not bad and it really goes for it in the second half. Tune !
Five / We've Found It - Same singer isnt it, even though its spelt differently ? He sounds much better here I reckon and this is a top tune mate, the production is excellent. I'd go quite mad for this in a club !
Jamelia - This tune sounds so familiar, yet I dont know why. For me this track just overdoes the quirky. All those extra effects and there is just too much going on in the second half and it doesnt quite work I dont think.
Reading all that back I think in future I will not do spotify posts when im on a bit of a downer (way too much booze on Friday - depression always kicks in for a day or so on a Sunday !) so apologies but ive started now...
My tracks are:
Pink Synth
Another product of searching around spotify, its a corking chill out tune. And the break with the piano is gorgeous.
Silence
The acoustic version of the big trance tune really adds another dimension to it.
Scooby Snacks
Cracking tune, im sure you both know it - pop with a sense of humour, wicked.
I wish
Stevie Wonders best tune or simply his best base line ? Heard this at the restaurant on NYE and it reminded me of how funky it is !
Im Gonna Be (500 Miles)
I always thought this was a pile of shit until we did the Hogmanay thing at my folks and I paid attention to this tune. Its simple its effective and the 'da da lada's' are sing-a-long-tastic.
Sunday, 2 January 2011
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
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
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