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