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
Sunday, 15 January 2012
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
Friday, 23 December 2011
DHS 9 - Part 7 (S)
Nice to see you restored D and to get DHS back up and running.
Ok - the previous ten...
Dammerung (Return) - lovely, really nice
Callisto (Synthapella) - again, really nice - also like the Joris Voorn remix of same tune on the package
Heaven - outstanding bit of modern pop music
I <3 U So (Skream's mix) - I'm just a sucker for that drum break - must've heard it a million times by now and hope to hear it many millions more
Dammerung - *swoons*
Firework - hmmmm - I'm probably more into 'pop' now than at any time in recent years (and will drop some into DHS sooner rather than later) but this tune doesn't quite get me - the other half loves it though
Believe - *swoons again* - still sounded fabulous in Clapham recently - timeless, classic, dance record
Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall - sorry, not for me - shame 'cos I did think Coldplay were great. Duff, if you've only just 'got' them then go back and listen to the first two albums (specifically; Yellow, Trouble, In My Place, The Scientist, Clocks and Fix You (off the 3rd album)) - I don't know whether it's my ears that have changed or their sound but I haven't felt anything really off the recent albums. Shame.
Hey Jude - probably best that I just say nothing...
Embrace - it's very 'ATB' isn't it - I bet Oakenfold must've hammered this
Ok, the next five...
Public Enemy - Harder Than you Think - there was a BBC4 documentary about PE on recently - thoroughly enjoyable - featured this track for a couple of minutes towards the end, woven in and out of recent interview footage - the blaring horns grabbed my ears - took me a while to find which track it was but when I had the words grabbed me too. I know (from having posted it on Facebook) that Duffy's not feeling it particularly but, for me, this is an outstanding PE track
Moby - Next Is The E (Synthe Mix) - yep, Moby's back for his 14,372,159th DHS appearance - always loved this - bought two copies of the vinyl - played it at the recent Clapham outing - whole floor of people innocently grooving away to a 20 year old record - fantastic.
Maya Jane Coles - You (Edu Imbernon Remix) - two of the best new names that I've learnt during 2011 - rolling percussion, bassline, bit of piano, vocal hook, some melody - just a fantastic track that totally sums up what I like right now. Also got played at Clapham.
Nicolas Massayeff - The Motherland - just a straight up and down, fierce, tech-house stormer - the whole albums is really good
Way Out West - Apollo - 4th appearance for WOW on DHS - new track to me, heard for the first time on a Sasha/Digweed mix from 2004 on SoundCloud - love this sort of rolling breakbeat trancey-house stormer and WOW arguably do it better than anybody else
Enjoy what's left of 2011 - looking very much forward to what DHS brings in 2012.
x
Ok - the previous ten...
Dammerung (Return) - lovely, really nice
Callisto (Synthapella) - again, really nice - also like the Joris Voorn remix of same tune on the package
Heaven - outstanding bit of modern pop music
I <3 U So (Skream's mix) - I'm just a sucker for that drum break - must've heard it a million times by now and hope to hear it many millions more
Dammerung - *swoons*
Firework - hmmmm - I'm probably more into 'pop' now than at any time in recent years (and will drop some into DHS sooner rather than later) but this tune doesn't quite get me - the other half loves it though
Believe - *swoons again* - still sounded fabulous in Clapham recently - timeless, classic, dance record
Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall - sorry, not for me - shame 'cos I did think Coldplay were great. Duff, if you've only just 'got' them then go back and listen to the first two albums (specifically; Yellow, Trouble, In My Place, The Scientist, Clocks and Fix You (off the 3rd album)) - I don't know whether it's my ears that have changed or their sound but I haven't felt anything really off the recent albums. Shame.
Hey Jude - probably best that I just say nothing...
Embrace - it's very 'ATB' isn't it - I bet Oakenfold must've hammered this
Ok, the next five...
Public Enemy - Harder Than you Think - there was a BBC4 documentary about PE on recently - thoroughly enjoyable - featured this track for a couple of minutes towards the end, woven in and out of recent interview footage - the blaring horns grabbed my ears - took me a while to find which track it was but when I had the words grabbed me too. I know (from having posted it on Facebook) that Duffy's not feeling it particularly but, for me, this is an outstanding PE track
Moby - Next Is The E (Synthe Mix) - yep, Moby's back for his 14,372,159th DHS appearance - always loved this - bought two copies of the vinyl - played it at the recent Clapham outing - whole floor of people innocently grooving away to a 20 year old record - fantastic.
Maya Jane Coles - You (Edu Imbernon Remix) - two of the best new names that I've learnt during 2011 - rolling percussion, bassline, bit of piano, vocal hook, some melody - just a fantastic track that totally sums up what I like right now. Also got played at Clapham.
Nicolas Massayeff - The Motherland - just a straight up and down, fierce, tech-house stormer - the whole albums is really good
Way Out West - Apollo - 4th appearance for WOW on DHS - new track to me, heard for the first time on a Sasha/Digweed mix from 2004 on SoundCloud - love this sort of rolling breakbeat trancey-house stormer and WOW arguably do it better than anybody else
Enjoy what's left of 2011 - looking very much forward to what DHS brings in 2012.
x
Monday, 19 December 2011
DHS 9 - Part 6 (D)
Yes yes y'all and you dont stop, keep it on, the suckers, the place to rock...
It really has been a long time and I shouldnt have left you. But now im back, from inner space and its time to get on with the programme. Apologies for the lengthiest delay so far, but well, you know why. When you have no interest in music then you know something is badly wrong and a sense of my restoration was indeed the knowledge of how wonderful it all is. Imagine no possessions ? It really is easy if you try, but imagine no music ? <shudders> well that I just couldnt do. So with no further ado, and my continuing thanks heres my humble opinion on the last 10 tracks...
8th Wonder - added to my personal playlist, this is the purist definition of a funky and fun record, doesnt take itself seriously at all and you need some tracks like that from time to time. Entertaining lyrics and simply not possible to listen to without bopping your head. Class.
Hupendi Muziki Wangu - staying with the funk on this one, enjoyable enough would sound nice in a bar but nothing more than that for me.
Legends (slow motion mix) - oh im sorry mate, I really dont like this at all - depresses the hell out of me with that arrangement, its just too melancholy.
Legends - however this version is much better, different strings offset the bassline to good effect and make it more to my liking, proper deep house I would say, nice.
Perfect Day - ha ha proper old school tune, the synth stabs and horns have dated it for these ears, but that piano hook is still as lush as it ever was. Top tune that gets better the longer it plays.
Dammerung (return) - Another one added to my personal playlist, and as we know im a sucker for a good piano line, I could listen to those all day, and this is a worthy addition. A truly beautiful composition - Hodgson a tip o' the cap in your direction sir.
Callisto - Bit of a strange one this, reminds me of something else to grace these pages but I cant put my finger on what. Would be a great mixing tool, but not sure if its complete enough to work with just the synth, nice enough tune though.
Heaven - this is a proper tune mate, great synth intro and a nice breakbeat but I really sat up when the vocal kicked in, thats top drawer. Is this the doris who had a hit single with something really slow, similar to Adele ? Anyway, cracking set of pipes.
I<3 U SO - ok definitely the most zeigeist tune on these lists, heard this in a couple of guises - that vocal hook is rather distinctive, as is skreams style. Its basically a new old rave record isnt it ? Rave for the 'teenies' sounds like this im guessing ?? Its ok, bit overly percussive for these ears
Dammerung - Words are not necessary. If you do check out first Hodgson, and even with the age gap you're definitely favourite I reckon... ;-) your request shall be most certainly honoured.
Excellent selections as ever gentlemen, my most sincere thanks. And for your help in pulling me back from the darkness, well one love is all I can say. I shall try and get halfway close to the standard of the latest selections...
Katy Perry - Firework
Ok im sorry about this, but I cant deny I really like it, although thats no excuse for some saccharine pop. However she is properly fit and very lovely, and that is. Got me on some documentary following her recent tour, add the uplifting vocal and strings and im done. If I was in a club where I didnt know anyone I'd be bouncing to this tune... ok disown me now. I understand.
Believe - Carter & Swain
As featured on TOTO1 (and there WILL be a TOTO2 at some point Hodge... :)) and also played at the Whitehouse recently. Massive tune, especially when loud.
Discopolis - Kris Menace
Another tune recently aired, another plenty big track that just gets bigger and bigger. Great arrangement and wicked to dance to as far as im concerned.
Every Teardrop is a Waterfall - Coldplay
Finally understood about these guys with the latest album, this as well as 'Paradise' are the standout tunes for me. This one sounds like classic Coldplay but is none the worse for that - properly uplifting.
Hey Jude - Paul McCartney
Amazing record. Its in my mind recently due to an amazing Xmas party we had in Romania that I'll tell you about when we meet. All im saying is 130 people on a 60 seater coach on the way to the after party... and you just cant get the hook out of your head...
Happy Christmas spotters
It really has been a long time and I shouldnt have left you. But now im back, from inner space and its time to get on with the programme. Apologies for the lengthiest delay so far, but well, you know why. When you have no interest in music then you know something is badly wrong and a sense of my restoration was indeed the knowledge of how wonderful it all is. Imagine no possessions ? It really is easy if you try, but imagine no music ? <shudders> well that I just couldnt do. So with no further ado, and my continuing thanks heres my humble opinion on the last 10 tracks...
8th Wonder - added to my personal playlist, this is the purist definition of a funky and fun record, doesnt take itself seriously at all and you need some tracks like that from time to time. Entertaining lyrics and simply not possible to listen to without bopping your head. Class.
Hupendi Muziki Wangu - staying with the funk on this one, enjoyable enough would sound nice in a bar but nothing more than that for me.
Legends (slow motion mix) - oh im sorry mate, I really dont like this at all - depresses the hell out of me with that arrangement, its just too melancholy.
Legends - however this version is much better, different strings offset the bassline to good effect and make it more to my liking, proper deep house I would say, nice.
Perfect Day - ha ha proper old school tune, the synth stabs and horns have dated it for these ears, but that piano hook is still as lush as it ever was. Top tune that gets better the longer it plays.
Dammerung (return) - Another one added to my personal playlist, and as we know im a sucker for a good piano line, I could listen to those all day, and this is a worthy addition. A truly beautiful composition - Hodgson a tip o' the cap in your direction sir.
Callisto - Bit of a strange one this, reminds me of something else to grace these pages but I cant put my finger on what. Would be a great mixing tool, but not sure if its complete enough to work with just the synth, nice enough tune though.
Heaven - this is a proper tune mate, great synth intro and a nice breakbeat but I really sat up when the vocal kicked in, thats top drawer. Is this the doris who had a hit single with something really slow, similar to Adele ? Anyway, cracking set of pipes.
I<3 U SO - ok definitely the most zeigeist tune on these lists, heard this in a couple of guises - that vocal hook is rather distinctive, as is skreams style. Its basically a new old rave record isnt it ? Rave for the 'teenies' sounds like this im guessing ?? Its ok, bit overly percussive for these ears
Dammerung - Words are not necessary. If you do check out first Hodgson, and even with the age gap you're definitely favourite I reckon... ;-) your request shall be most certainly honoured.
Excellent selections as ever gentlemen, my most sincere thanks. And for your help in pulling me back from the darkness, well one love is all I can say. I shall try and get halfway close to the standard of the latest selections...
Katy Perry - Firework
Ok im sorry about this, but I cant deny I really like it, although thats no excuse for some saccharine pop. However she is properly fit and very lovely, and that is. Got me on some documentary following her recent tour, add the uplifting vocal and strings and im done. If I was in a club where I didnt know anyone I'd be bouncing to this tune... ok disown me now. I understand.
Believe - Carter & Swain
As featured on TOTO1 (and there WILL be a TOTO2 at some point Hodge... :)) and also played at the Whitehouse recently. Massive tune, especially when loud.
Discopolis - Kris Menace
Another tune recently aired, another plenty big track that just gets bigger and bigger. Great arrangement and wicked to dance to as far as im concerned.
Every Teardrop is a Waterfall - Coldplay
Finally understood about these guys with the latest album, this as well as 'Paradise' are the standout tunes for me. This one sounds like classic Coldplay but is none the worse for that - properly uplifting.
Hey Jude - Paul McCartney
Amazing record. Its in my mind recently due to an amazing Xmas party we had in Romania that I'll tell you about when we meet. All im saying is 130 people on a 60 seater coach on the way to the after party... and you just cant get the hook out of your head...
Happy Christmas spotters
Sunday, 2 October 2011
DHS 9 - Part 5 (H)
Reeeeeeeewind....
End of DHS 8 - wound up nicely thanks to D:-
Do the right thing - was this written for the film by Spike Jonze? Cool track
House music - not really my thing - have seen it work a dancefloor very well indeed though
Pump up The Jam - LOVE this tune absolutely f-ing love it. So many superb memories of childhood. Do you remember the remix package that came out on Fire?! Quality DJ tool, tease minimal version with massive stabs - was a killer remix to use in a set.
All funked up - Bona Fide classic. Great dance record
Tyrantanic - very moody.... I loved the beatless version myself - quality haunting melody. Solid tune.
Back to 9.
D
Set adrift - once again, so many cracking memories, nice addition.
Battle... - totally agreed re: the opening - great tension, ok track overall. I preferred his other soundtracks to be honest. I bought this LP and was overall disappointed - films were great fun.
Secret smile - was a massive hit at the time - listening to it now I find it a bit wishy washy but it I don't forward it on or anything, it just doesn't blow my skirt up massively.
Limited 4 - great - moody, head down nonsense with cracking scenic break - loved pretty much all their stuff to be honest.
Energy Flash - have had this on my potentials list to remind me to keep looking... this is not for me sadly as I so love the original (and this skips at one point) - i know all the elements are in this version, but I've been desperately waiting for the original - sort it out Spot :(
K
8th wonder - fair f-ing play - I'm gonna have to dig out "Adventures on Wheels of Steel" (The LP not the single obviously) and upload it for you both - the full version is class. Just immense music, the very near birth of a whole new way of life.
Hupendi... - like this very much indeed - nice soundtrack to the late summer sun. lots of plays
Legends - wowsers. Love both but the first one is for me, but then you probably guessed that with the way my taste is at the moment - moody quirky stuff is king.
(For the record mate; I opened one of my DHS additions with two versions of "Two Dots" ...it was back on #6 from memory - 'insufferable c.. t' that I am xx)
Perfect Day - great stuff. That piano/horn combo every time. All over it. Friday night, loud, on way home from work effort. WALLOP (to coin two of your favourite phrases in one posting)
Stromkern - I guess part of me feels terrible for sitting on this for such a while (it will not take long for you to know how I came across it.... and YES it was one of the first records I looked for). I guess one thing the three of us will always have in common, in whatever shape or form it may arrive in, be it electronic, house, or in its 'organic'/classical form, is the piano.
Stephan Bodzin/Marc Romboy - heroin tune. It's likely to be too 'euphoric' for one of our listeners but such is life - he might find himself, if he has any sense, clicking on the LP and checking out the Joris Voorn remix which uses kick drums and is typically deep and indeed is on my master list (the JV version's got a killer little vocal snippet which signals the beat drop) but this version has been just been poison in my brain.... the usual humming it in my brain at work and going out to the car for inspections and putting it straight on at top volume type effort. A heavy duty 4:4 re-work would be good (more emphasis than JV put on the melody) it'd make a wicked mid set thumper to kick the arse out of a crowd and get em moving - just my opinion, mind.
Opening myself up as I do from time to time - honesty is the best policy. I'm picking some pop for the next two...
Emeli Sande - sadly this has now been f-ed over by everyone including ITV for the rugby world cup. Not sure what the lyrics are all about tbh - sounds a bit dodgy at times to me. I heard this back in June on radio and have wanted it ever since (it got released about a month ago). It's been on my list since it arrived on Spot and has now been spoilt somewhat... still - it remains a great track to my ears and there's our old friend of a drum break :) Think that was the major pull to be honest - love hearing it in a more breaksy way as opposed to a d'n'b type of way....
Cassius (Skream rmx) - this was sent to me by a mate. Glad he did. Great opening and build up to unleashing the rave.... and oh, guess what - there's our old friend of a drum break again!! The young'un's are clearly getting influenced by some old skool at the mo. Long may it continue - god bless house music all the 'genres' it has spawned and their many reinventions/reinterpretations. Rave on. It's not a great track but it makes me grin and sounds ace up loud.
FrontSide - well....a long time coming really, quite surprised I made it all the way to #9 to be honest! One of those tunes where words fail me I suppose, having said that I don't mind admitting I find it hugely emotive - something about the composition just strikes me as unbelievably beautiful ... the haunting chant/choral overlay after the main drop is quite magnificent. The title means "Twilight" by the way. Can't think of a more lovely word for it really. When I check out of here for good; tip some large neat 12 year rum and play this for me.
H
End of DHS 8 - wound up nicely thanks to D:-
Do the right thing - was this written for the film by Spike Jonze? Cool track
House music - not really my thing - have seen it work a dancefloor very well indeed though
Pump up The Jam - LOVE this tune absolutely f-ing love it. So many superb memories of childhood. Do you remember the remix package that came out on Fire?! Quality DJ tool, tease minimal version with massive stabs - was a killer remix to use in a set.
All funked up - Bona Fide classic. Great dance record
Tyrantanic - very moody.... I loved the beatless version myself - quality haunting melody. Solid tune.
Back to 9.
D
Set adrift - once again, so many cracking memories, nice addition.
Battle... - totally agreed re: the opening - great tension, ok track overall. I preferred his other soundtracks to be honest. I bought this LP and was overall disappointed - films were great fun.
Secret smile - was a massive hit at the time - listening to it now I find it a bit wishy washy but it I don't forward it on or anything, it just doesn't blow my skirt up massively.
Limited 4 - great - moody, head down nonsense with cracking scenic break - loved pretty much all their stuff to be honest.
Energy Flash - have had this on my potentials list to remind me to keep looking... this is not for me sadly as I so love the original (and this skips at one point) - i know all the elements are in this version, but I've been desperately waiting for the original - sort it out Spot :(
K
8th wonder - fair f-ing play - I'm gonna have to dig out "Adventures on Wheels of Steel" (The LP not the single obviously) and upload it for you both - the full version is class. Just immense music, the very near birth of a whole new way of life.
Hupendi... - like this very much indeed - nice soundtrack to the late summer sun. lots of plays
Legends - wowsers. Love both but the first one is for me, but then you probably guessed that with the way my taste is at the moment - moody quirky stuff is king.
(For the record mate; I opened one of my DHS additions with two versions of "Two Dots" ...it was back on #6 from memory - 'insufferable c.. t' that I am xx)
Perfect Day - great stuff. That piano/horn combo every time. All over it. Friday night, loud, on way home from work effort. WALLOP (to coin two of your favourite phrases in one posting)
Stromkern - I guess part of me feels terrible for sitting on this for such a while (it will not take long for you to know how I came across it.... and YES it was one of the first records I looked for). I guess one thing the three of us will always have in common, in whatever shape or form it may arrive in, be it electronic, house, or in its 'organic'/classical form, is the piano.
Stephan Bodzin/Marc Romboy - heroin tune. It's likely to be too 'euphoric' for one of our listeners but such is life - he might find himself, if he has any sense, clicking on the LP and checking out the Joris Voorn remix which uses kick drums and is typically deep and indeed is on my master list (the JV version's got a killer little vocal snippet which signals the beat drop) but this version has been just been poison in my brain.... the usual humming it in my brain at work and going out to the car for inspections and putting it straight on at top volume type effort. A heavy duty 4:4 re-work would be good (more emphasis than JV put on the melody) it'd make a wicked mid set thumper to kick the arse out of a crowd and get em moving - just my opinion, mind.
Opening myself up as I do from time to time - honesty is the best policy. I'm picking some pop for the next two...
Emeli Sande - sadly this has now been f-ed over by everyone including ITV for the rugby world cup. Not sure what the lyrics are all about tbh - sounds a bit dodgy at times to me. I heard this back in June on radio and have wanted it ever since (it got released about a month ago). It's been on my list since it arrived on Spot and has now been spoilt somewhat... still - it remains a great track to my ears and there's our old friend of a drum break :) Think that was the major pull to be honest - love hearing it in a more breaksy way as opposed to a d'n'b type of way....
Cassius (Skream rmx) - this was sent to me by a mate. Glad he did. Great opening and build up to unleashing the rave.... and oh, guess what - there's our old friend of a drum break again!! The young'un's are clearly getting influenced by some old skool at the mo. Long may it continue - god bless house music all the 'genres' it has spawned and their many reinventions/reinterpretations. Rave on. It's not a great track but it makes me grin and sounds ace up loud.
FrontSide - well....a long time coming really, quite surprised I made it all the way to #9 to be honest! One of those tunes where words fail me I suppose, having said that I don't mind admitting I find it hugely emotive - something about the composition just strikes me as unbelievably beautiful ... the haunting chant/choral overlay after the main drop is quite magnificent. The title means "Twilight" by the way. Can't think of a more lovely word for it really. When I check out of here for good; tip some large neat 12 year rum and play this for me.
H
Thursday, 22 September 2011
DHS 9 - Part 4 (S)
First off a brief review of D's closing five selections from DHS8 and an apology for having been so remiss;
Do The Right Thing - total class
House Music - amibivalent to this for some reason
Pump Up The Jam - undeniable record but not a personal favourite
All Funked Up - one of the 90's highest points, massive (MASSIVE) thumbs up from me
Tyrantanic - not my favourite mix of this but still enormous
... and then onto the ten choices since my last go;
Slowdance - hmmmm, vaguely Sigur Ros'ish but not quite there...
Truth - nice little song - putting it onto the phone for further listens
Universe - lush - Giggsy's been hammering this on FB - occasionally irritated by the vocal but it is a great record
Far Nearer - loving the steel drums aspect - Jamie XX did a very well received mix recently that I keep meaning to get round to
Onice - given the label it's on I kind of expected it to be bigger but it's pleasant enough once I realised it wasn't going to be full on
Set Adrift On Memory Bliss - still remember exactly where I was (in the car driving through a storm in Devon) when Tong played it as his Essential New Tune. Probably the best hip-pop record ever?
Battle Without Honor or Humanity - first 40 odd seconds are immense, thereafter it tails a bit but WHAT an opening - brilliant film too
Secret Smile - vaguely remember this - nice little pop tune
Limited #4 - loving all the Circulation stuff
Energy Flash - hmmmm, not so much going for this 'live' version but the original cut is indisputable
... and then finally onto my next five;
The Sugarhill Gang - 8th Wonder - was listening recently to 'The Official Adventures of Grandmaster Flash' and remembered that the sample from this is my favourite part of that (epic) 12", so had a look for it on Spot and voila - first class party tune, cheesy-as-all-hell-ol'-skool-raps and THE funkiest horn section you can imagine
K.I.D. - Hupendi Muziki Wangu - partly because of the crazy title but mostly because this sums up just about perfectly the underground, original, disco stuff that is totally doing it for my ears right now. Just a wonderful old record. If it appeals then I thoroughly recommend the album and ALL the Horse Meat Disco stuff.
Solee - Legends - OK, not sure one of us has done this before and I have thought long and hard about it but, having done so, I think it's more than justified. Two mixes of the same tune in one selection. The first one is laid back and blissed out. The second one is absolutely firing. Both share top-notch production, some lush sweeps and strings and the most addictive, kind-of-synthesized-tuba, hook. Pick your favourite or, as I do, adore them both! And if that wasn't enough then the John Tejada remix on the same package takes it brilliantly in a slightly more tech-house direction. MASSIVE.
E.M.F. - Perfect Day (Chris & James' Epic Adventure Remix) - Everyone remembers EMF's 'Unbelievable' and I was always a fan of D:Ream's remix of 'They're Here' but, good though they were, this is totally different gravy. Chris & James did some full on remix stuff in the mid 90s but they've never bettered this. From the firing breakbeats at the beginning that give way to a stomping flat four pattern, the brass, the 'chorus voices', the relentless build, the beginnings of the piano, the breakdown, the perfectly sampled vocal, back in with the breakbeats, piano mayhem, the second build, the second breakdown is just disgusting - really shouldn't be allowed. And from there the breaks fire back in for a while and then, and only then, does it gradually begin to relax its grip as it starts to head for home, via one more little build and break. Gentlemen I cannot commend this record to you highly enough. Really I can't. Best remix of a pop song I have ever heard by miles. Possibly the best remix I've ever heard. Honestly. Remarkable.
*goes to lie down*
S
Do The Right Thing - total class
House Music - amibivalent to this for some reason
Pump Up The Jam - undeniable record but not a personal favourite
All Funked Up - one of the 90's highest points, massive (MASSIVE) thumbs up from me
Tyrantanic - not my favourite mix of this but still enormous
... and then onto the ten choices since my last go;
Slowdance - hmmmm, vaguely Sigur Ros'ish but not quite there...
Truth - nice little song - putting it onto the phone for further listens
Universe - lush - Giggsy's been hammering this on FB - occasionally irritated by the vocal but it is a great record
Far Nearer - loving the steel drums aspect - Jamie XX did a very well received mix recently that I keep meaning to get round to
Onice - given the label it's on I kind of expected it to be bigger but it's pleasant enough once I realised it wasn't going to be full on
Set Adrift On Memory Bliss - still remember exactly where I was (in the car driving through a storm in Devon) when Tong played it as his Essential New Tune. Probably the best hip-pop record ever?
Battle Without Honor or Humanity - first 40 odd seconds are immense, thereafter it tails a bit but WHAT an opening - brilliant film too
Secret Smile - vaguely remember this - nice little pop tune
Limited #4 - loving all the Circulation stuff
Energy Flash - hmmmm, not so much going for this 'live' version but the original cut is indisputable
... and then finally onto my next five;
The Sugarhill Gang - 8th Wonder - was listening recently to 'The Official Adventures of Grandmaster Flash' and remembered that the sample from this is my favourite part of that (epic) 12", so had a look for it on Spot and voila - first class party tune, cheesy-as-all-hell-ol'-skool-raps and THE funkiest horn section you can imagine
K.I.D. - Hupendi Muziki Wangu - partly because of the crazy title but mostly because this sums up just about perfectly the underground, original, disco stuff that is totally doing it for my ears right now. Just a wonderful old record. If it appeals then I thoroughly recommend the album and ALL the Horse Meat Disco stuff.
Solee - Legends - OK, not sure one of us has done this before and I have thought long and hard about it but, having done so, I think it's more than justified. Two mixes of the same tune in one selection. The first one is laid back and blissed out. The second one is absolutely firing. Both share top-notch production, some lush sweeps and strings and the most addictive, kind-of-synthesized-tuba, hook. Pick your favourite or, as I do, adore them both! And if that wasn't enough then the John Tejada remix on the same package takes it brilliantly in a slightly more tech-house direction. MASSIVE.
E.M.F. - Perfect Day (Chris & James' Epic Adventure Remix) - Everyone remembers EMF's 'Unbelievable' and I was always a fan of D:Ream's remix of 'They're Here' but, good though they were, this is totally different gravy. Chris & James did some full on remix stuff in the mid 90s but they've never bettered this. From the firing breakbeats at the beginning that give way to a stomping flat four pattern, the brass, the 'chorus voices', the relentless build, the beginnings of the piano, the breakdown, the perfectly sampled vocal, back in with the breakbeats, piano mayhem, the second build, the second breakdown is just disgusting - really shouldn't be allowed. And from there the breaks fire back in for a while and then, and only then, does it gradually begin to relax its grip as it starts to head for home, via one more little build and break. Gentlemen I cannot commend this record to you highly enough. Really I can't. Best remix of a pop song I have ever heard by miles. Possibly the best remix I've ever heard. Honestly. Remarkable.
*goes to lie down*
S
Monday, 19 September 2011
DHS 9 - Part 3 (D)
Im back by public demand, you're now rocking with a one man band....only you're not and its a 3 man show - that was DHS 8style too. And its good to be here in part 9 where all things come to pass. Or do they... closing in on the big 10 for a selection where Im sure I struggled at times with DHS1, it just goes to show how much music there is out there eh, we may be at a more leisurely 2 a year (which is mostly down to me) but that just makes it a bit more fun I reckon. Or indeed special, although I was reading some gentlemans literature recently where the female lead used the line 'and I wanted the time that I got my puppies out to be special' so thats rather diminished in meaning for me, although they were spectacular puppies, so y'know, one door closes...
Anyway enough of the deranged ramblings of a confused mind, heres my take what we've just had:
Big Kev:
A typically eclectic and educational selection from the man like Sully. Loving Terminator, completely zeitgeist with some gorgeous synth action. Even the sound effects are endearing ! Not big on caterpillar, but then I never really liked Crystal Method - nice drop in the middle though, and afterwards its nice and lively. Base 6 - shocker - im not big on this to be honest. I mean its the chems, so its miles better than most stuff and its ok but far from their best for me, which they obviously used up all on the flip side. As for Spor, well im glad I was sitting down - bit too much for me, although as Kev said, some nice musical moments on there. And the Moby remix, well oh my fucking christ this tune is just ridiculously brilliant. Ticks every box for me and I even prefer it with the vocals - been on my playlist ever since K-Dog sent it over many moons ago and always brings a smile. All in all good work that man !
Big Hodge:
Well mate this really was quite a selection and I totally dig that about DHS. Marmite at its best, but as with any art form if it provokes a reaction it must have something in it. Slowdance is a good case in point, whats with the scratchy effect ?? Nonsense. Theres actually a cool tune underneath that - one that takes quirky and fucks it to within an inch of its life then gives it a dirty sanchez to boot. Truth, totally get the spaghetti western reference Hodge and a nice vocal with some cool lyrics - would have never thought in a million years this would rock your boat ! Love it. Universe is a track that I dont like im afraid, that vocal treatment just bugs me to be honest which is a shame as the rest of it is well put together. Far nearer isnt really my bag either but who doesnt like a good steel drum - would be perfect for carnival a definite outside in the sun record. Onice could well be the best tune of the selection its just sublime to these ears and I totally agree with the Jam & Spoon reference. Wonderful wonderful record and on the Rob playlist. Excellent work chap !
Ok well heres my humble selection...
In at number one and after waiting since day 1 on spot a seminal record of my impressionable teenage years has finally rocked up and it is:
'Set Adrift on Memory Bliss' by PM Dawn
Theres nothing not to like about this record, a killer sampled riff, laid back beats and an even more laid back rap. A real seminal record for me... "she was right though, I cant lie, just one of those corners of my mind..."
My second record is one that just, well, has to be on our list, and I think thats all I need to say - one of the great film score moments...
'Battle Without Honor or Humility' Tomoyasu Hotei
Its just epic isnt it, and damn that film had some fucking cool tunes !
Which leads me on nicely to one of my favourite records of the last 15 years. Took me a while to get the meaning and when I did I thought it was simple yet clever - possibly even polite smut if there is such a thing:
'Secret Smile' Semisonic
And not a bad tune either. But its time to go a bit large, so here we go with an absolute monster from my early djing days - had to hide after dropping this its just insane:
'Limited #4' Circulation
Brutal but brilliant prog-techno I would call this, difficult to drop in as it left you really nowhere to go (unless you were a techno dj) and you couldnt play it last, went well after Alive by Daft Punk though. Play it loud and get ready for the bleeding ears...
And while we're on a techno tip, I have to sign off with a classic that really needs no introduction:
'Energy Flash' Joey Beltran
One love
p.s. you're both cunts and you know why. Toodles.
Anyway enough of the deranged ramblings of a confused mind, heres my take what we've just had:
Big Kev:
A typically eclectic and educational selection from the man like Sully. Loving Terminator, completely zeitgeist with some gorgeous synth action. Even the sound effects are endearing ! Not big on caterpillar, but then I never really liked Crystal Method - nice drop in the middle though, and afterwards its nice and lively. Base 6 - shocker - im not big on this to be honest. I mean its the chems, so its miles better than most stuff and its ok but far from their best for me, which they obviously used up all on the flip side. As for Spor, well im glad I was sitting down - bit too much for me, although as Kev said, some nice musical moments on there. And the Moby remix, well oh my fucking christ this tune is just ridiculously brilliant. Ticks every box for me and I even prefer it with the vocals - been on my playlist ever since K-Dog sent it over many moons ago and always brings a smile. All in all good work that man !
Big Hodge:
Well mate this really was quite a selection and I totally dig that about DHS. Marmite at its best, but as with any art form if it provokes a reaction it must have something in it. Slowdance is a good case in point, whats with the scratchy effect ?? Nonsense. Theres actually a cool tune underneath that - one that takes quirky and fucks it to within an inch of its life then gives it a dirty sanchez to boot. Truth, totally get the spaghetti western reference Hodge and a nice vocal with some cool lyrics - would have never thought in a million years this would rock your boat ! Love it. Universe is a track that I dont like im afraid, that vocal treatment just bugs me to be honest which is a shame as the rest of it is well put together. Far nearer isnt really my bag either but who doesnt like a good steel drum - would be perfect for carnival a definite outside in the sun record. Onice could well be the best tune of the selection its just sublime to these ears and I totally agree with the Jam & Spoon reference. Wonderful wonderful record and on the Rob playlist. Excellent work chap !
Ok well heres my humble selection...
In at number one and after waiting since day 1 on spot a seminal record of my impressionable teenage years has finally rocked up and it is:
'Set Adrift on Memory Bliss' by PM Dawn
Theres nothing not to like about this record, a killer sampled riff, laid back beats and an even more laid back rap. A real seminal record for me... "she was right though, I cant lie, just one of those corners of my mind..."
My second record is one that just, well, has to be on our list, and I think thats all I need to say - one of the great film score moments...
'Battle Without Honor or Humility' Tomoyasu Hotei
Its just epic isnt it, and damn that film had some fucking cool tunes !
Which leads me on nicely to one of my favourite records of the last 15 years. Took me a while to get the meaning and when I did I thought it was simple yet clever - possibly even polite smut if there is such a thing:
'Secret Smile' Semisonic
And not a bad tune either. But its time to go a bit large, so here we go with an absolute monster from my early djing days - had to hide after dropping this its just insane:
'Limited #4' Circulation
Brutal but brilliant prog-techno I would call this, difficult to drop in as it left you really nowhere to go (unless you were a techno dj) and you couldnt play it last, went well after Alive by Daft Punk though. Play it loud and get ready for the bleeding ears...
And while we're on a techno tip, I have to sign off with a classic that really needs no introduction:
'Energy Flash' Joey Beltran
One love
p.s. you're both cunts and you know why. Toodles.
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