... after all that the Yann Tiersen track is ALREADY on the The Best Of. Who knew...?!
In which case I'm replacing it with;
Bjork - Dull Flame Of Desire (Modeselektor Remix For Girls) - ironically the Remix For Boys is an absolute steaming muck-heap of an effort but if there's a better remix than the one For Girls on the whole of DHS then I challenge you to bring it to my attention.
*crosses fingers that this too isn't already on the Best Of...*
Thursday, 8 November 2012
Best of DHS 9 & 10 (S) & 3rd Anniversary 3
Whose ridiculous idea was this then...?!
Six of the best from the previous 180 and then any three more from the remaining 720?!
Mentalism.
So, before I go completely round the twist never to return here are my six of your best from DHS9 & 10;
Frontside - Dammerung - probably THE best tune from probably THE best commercial mix CD ever. It's hard to leave some tunes out during this 'Best Of' pruning but to have left this off would've been barbaric.
Underworld - Two Months Off - dropping this for the first time at Pat Goodall's i-Witness was a moment I always remember very fondly - still got absolutely no idea how I was sent the tune so far ahead of release. So simple, so compelling, so relentless, so very, very, joyful.
Carter & Swain - Believe - first heard this during a mix session at D's many years ago, during which he gave me a vinyl copy. Can genuinely say it never left my record bag and was one of the *must* finds when I 'went digital'. Just a fabulous record.
Emeli Sande - Heaven - to be honest you could play pretty much anything over a loop of THAT drum break and I'd be in raptures. But to add in some nice lyrics, a BIG voice and some gorgeous strings well, I never stood a chance really.
Fun - We Are Young - from the moment daughter asked me to get this onto her phone for her I was hooked. Not sure why but it would never have occurred to me to sling it on DHS so I was mightily pleased when one of you did. Feel a slight fraud when I'm belting out the chorus but I simply ain't bothered innit.
Underworld - And I Will Kiss - What an amazing few moments they were - the gaze of the entire planet focused on London and out come Underworld with the most epic thing they've ever done - and while the rest of the world marvelled at the unfolding spectacle those of us who instantly 'got it' were just blown to bits. I just want to drink beer now for two hours whilst listening to H tell me all about it - get it in the diary sunshine...
So there you go - my six of the best of the previous 180. Wasn't easy but I'm 95% happy with them - although in moments of uncertainty I think about changing one or more of them for; Moby's OMD remix, Song To The Siren, the Djinxx remix of Steve Mills and PM Dawn. But, no - I'm happy with them as they are and that is that.
So - three more from anywhere?! After being initially mithered I hit upon a method; stick on Total DHS, put it on random play, keep clicking fast forward to the next track after 20 seconds writing down those that 'jump out' - stop when writing when ten are listed - whittle down to three. So based on that, and that alone;
Band of Horses - The Funeral - a more 'unlike me' song you'd struggle to find but there's something about it - I literally couldn't tell you what it is but there's something...
Yann Tierson - Comptine d'un autr ete, l'apres midi - one of the very best examples of the brilliance of DHS, without which I would never have heard this.
FSoL - Papua New Guinea - we can't really expect to have a 'Best Of' list and then not include this, surely?!
Onwards...
x
Six of the best from the previous 180 and then any three more from the remaining 720?!
Mentalism.
So, before I go completely round the twist never to return here are my six of your best from DHS9 & 10;
Frontside - Dammerung - probably THE best tune from probably THE best commercial mix CD ever. It's hard to leave some tunes out during this 'Best Of' pruning but to have left this off would've been barbaric.
Underworld - Two Months Off - dropping this for the first time at Pat Goodall's i-Witness was a moment I always remember very fondly - still got absolutely no idea how I was sent the tune so far ahead of release. So simple, so compelling, so relentless, so very, very, joyful.
Carter & Swain - Believe - first heard this during a mix session at D's many years ago, during which he gave me a vinyl copy. Can genuinely say it never left my record bag and was one of the *must* finds when I 'went digital'. Just a fabulous record.
Emeli Sande - Heaven - to be honest you could play pretty much anything over a loop of THAT drum break and I'd be in raptures. But to add in some nice lyrics, a BIG voice and some gorgeous strings well, I never stood a chance really.
Fun - We Are Young - from the moment daughter asked me to get this onto her phone for her I was hooked. Not sure why but it would never have occurred to me to sling it on DHS so I was mightily pleased when one of you did. Feel a slight fraud when I'm belting out the chorus but I simply ain't bothered innit.
Underworld - And I Will Kiss - What an amazing few moments they were - the gaze of the entire planet focused on London and out come Underworld with the most epic thing they've ever done - and while the rest of the world marvelled at the unfolding spectacle those of us who instantly 'got it' were just blown to bits. I just want to drink beer now for two hours whilst listening to H tell me all about it - get it in the diary sunshine...
So there you go - my six of the best of the previous 180. Wasn't easy but I'm 95% happy with them - although in moments of uncertainty I think about changing one or more of them for; Moby's OMD remix, Song To The Siren, the Djinxx remix of Steve Mills and PM Dawn. But, no - I'm happy with them as they are and that is that.
So - three more from anywhere?! After being initially mithered I hit upon a method; stick on Total DHS, put it on random play, keep clicking fast forward to the next track after 20 seconds writing down those that 'jump out' - stop when writing when ten are listed - whittle down to three. So based on that, and that alone;
Band of Horses - The Funeral - a more 'unlike me' song you'd struggle to find but there's something about it - I literally couldn't tell you what it is but there's something...
Yann Tierson - Comptine d'un autr ete, l'apres midi - one of the very best examples of the brilliance of DHS, without which I would never have heard this.
FSoL - Papua New Guinea - we can't really expect to have a 'Best Of' list and then not include this, surely?!
Onwards...
x
Wednesday, 7 November 2012
Best of DHS 9 & 10 (D) & 3rd Anniversary 3
Well I figured it was high time that we had these best of selections on here to be honest so I am beginning that trend that hopefully you biys will feel minded to follow. Ive loved the best of process, as it gives me a chance to re-visit some too hastily discarded and cast another ear over 120 tracks once more. Tremendous.
Its been a hard decision, which was 28 after the initial cull and has been quite difficult even fromt here. As I type, its still 13 left to go. I now have no idea whos they are so its completely random, so if one of you had all 6 then thats the way it is, no politics or making sure its 3/3 !
So going through the 13 remaining roughly in order of how much Ive played them and how I couldnt bear to leave them out, it is:
Dammerung - The Return
Staggeringly beautiful piano work, really moving piece of music.
Harder than you think
Damn this track got me, initially I didnt like it, especially the repetitive flavour flav - but those huge chords and some killer Chuck D lyrics got me hooked and its been on my fave list almost non-stop since it was added.
Jar of Hearts
I have to fess up - I utterly love this record, even if the ocean sessions version does it slightly better for me with the vocal. Builds and builds making great use of a strong voice and a simple piano and the crescendo with the change of lyrics just lets you feel the passion - this was definiately written about someone in particular. FACT as hodge would say...
Lie Down in Darkness (Photek Remix)
Its just bloody huge isnt it ? Taken an inauspicious original and turned it up to 11, making full use of the Moby strings with some fuck off beats and brilliant arrangement. Again this hasnt been off my playlist since it was added. Monster.
Pure & Easy
This is dripping with funk isnt it ? Such a happy, groovy record, I dont think its possible to love music and not love this record. Wonderful.
Distant Shores
Massive, massive prog record this one that ticks all the boxes for me - one day I will layer this at both ends with the perfect accompanying tracks as it deserves supporting acts. I could get lost in this record - it has it all, great riff, wonderful strings, top arrangement. Tremendous.
Shouts out to 8th Wonder, Heaven, Song to the Siren, Aviator, Paper Planes and Opus.
Amazingly we cleared 3 years at the end of July since this wonderful idea began and somehow we have to pick 3 tracks from ANYWHERE to add to the list. That like trying to select the best 3 pieces of hay from a haystack. Tough one. So I just plunged in and picked some at random.
Baunz - 'Let me Feel - Ejeca Remix'
Largely because I really needed to pick 7 records for 9 & 10 and I couldnt separate this and the Dundov track. The break is ridculous and rather unexpected. Love it.
Dr Dre & Snoop Dogg - 'Still D.R.E.'
Because quite simply, one of the greatest hip-hop records of all time just cannot be in there.
Tori Amos - 'Precious Things'
Great lyrics, great song, you can tell she means it. Love the live version with the crowd and of course that famous piano. Tune.
One Love
Its been a hard decision, which was 28 after the initial cull and has been quite difficult even fromt here. As I type, its still 13 left to go. I now have no idea whos they are so its completely random, so if one of you had all 6 then thats the way it is, no politics or making sure its 3/3 !
So going through the 13 remaining roughly in order of how much Ive played them and how I couldnt bear to leave them out, it is:
Dammerung - The Return
Staggeringly beautiful piano work, really moving piece of music.
Harder than you think
Damn this track got me, initially I didnt like it, especially the repetitive flavour flav - but those huge chords and some killer Chuck D lyrics got me hooked and its been on my fave list almost non-stop since it was added.
Jar of Hearts
I have to fess up - I utterly love this record, even if the ocean sessions version does it slightly better for me with the vocal. Builds and builds making great use of a strong voice and a simple piano and the crescendo with the change of lyrics just lets you feel the passion - this was definiately written about someone in particular. FACT as hodge would say...
Lie Down in Darkness (Photek Remix)
Its just bloody huge isnt it ? Taken an inauspicious original and turned it up to 11, making full use of the Moby strings with some fuck off beats and brilliant arrangement. Again this hasnt been off my playlist since it was added. Monster.
Pure & Easy
This is dripping with funk isnt it ? Such a happy, groovy record, I dont think its possible to love music and not love this record. Wonderful.
Distant Shores
Massive, massive prog record this one that ticks all the boxes for me - one day I will layer this at both ends with the perfect accompanying tracks as it deserves supporting acts. I could get lost in this record - it has it all, great riff, wonderful strings, top arrangement. Tremendous.
Shouts out to 8th Wonder, Heaven, Song to the Siren, Aviator, Paper Planes and Opus.
Amazingly we cleared 3 years at the end of July since this wonderful idea began and somehow we have to pick 3 tracks from ANYWHERE to add to the list. That like trying to select the best 3 pieces of hay from a haystack. Tough one. So I just plunged in and picked some at random.
Baunz - 'Let me Feel - Ejeca Remix'
Largely because I really needed to pick 7 records for 9 & 10 and I couldnt separate this and the Dundov track. The break is ridculous and rather unexpected. Love it.
Dr Dre & Snoop Dogg - 'Still D.R.E.'
Because quite simply, one of the greatest hip-hop records of all time just cannot be in there.
Tori Amos - 'Precious Things'
Great lyrics, great song, you can tell she means it. Love the live version with the crowd and of course that famous piano. Tune.
One Love
Tuesday, 30 October 2012
DHS 10 - Part 18 (D)
Alright already ! What is with all this 'short and sweet as I can make it' and 'I really did try and keep this short' nonsense ?! You two need to revel in the written word I feel. Sometimes some extra perspective or a bit of a preamble make for a better read I always find, although whether that is the case here I'll let you be the judge of. I do like a word or two as we know, and as the propensity for me to ramble on could hit at any time I'd better leave some room for that later and get a crack on with the job at hand for the final time in DHS 10...
Sully:
MacArthur Park - is this a piss-take ? The lyrics are just non-sensical, and you say Diana Ross covered it... surely a jest, there is literally no way I can imagine her singing those words. Is this really in your top ten or is this entire selection a piss-take ? You strange, strange man....
If You Could Read My Mind - Disco has to be very good to get me interested im afraid and this just isnt, some of the strings and the piano are ok, but the rest just leaves me fairly cold.
Helplessly - Now this is much much better, definitely a good disco record - great arrangement, especially the vocals - the bridge is top-notch and there is plenty of variation. Great voice too. Good shit.
May I - Hmmm, can see why its never really made it onto your lists, there isnt really much to it is there ? I know you like stuff like this, but I dont really get why. There's nothing wrong with it, but it just doesnt register with me at all.
Spake Katzle - This is easily your best selection this time for me, straight on my list and many listens it has had too. Totally agree with all your comments and I would play this no problem - top tune.
Hodge:
Here Comes the Sun - wow this is pretty deep deep house isnt it ? Like it, has a real atmosphere to it and in the right circumstance would really work well.
Sweet Lies - I have to admit Hodge, your desire to deconstruct things and understand how / why they work loses me at times - you do it a lot with films as well as music. Its just a difference of course, but I never concern myself with the why, just whether or not it does. This is ok for me, I would lose the vocal and that riff gets annoying after a while. Nice strings though. And as for all that other mullarkey, well I'll take your word for it fella...
A Very Different World - This has got Funk D'Void stamped all over it in big letters hasnt it ? Good tune that really comes into its own in the final third, especially with the drop after the break, which is pretty ace in itself.
Opus - Well I certainly cant improve on your description Hodge old boy. The best of your bunch for me (I do enjoy a good string) and it certainly has a moment or two in it. Epic and beautiful.
1000 Lords - Ridiculously huge. Ridiculously. Devastation on any dancefloor if played at the right time - I seem to recall this had people dancing on the tables at Inigo didnt it Kev ? Immense.
A special doff of the cap for a special homage to our creator and founder Ron L... (sorry, wrong meeting) Guru Kev. Very nice and sealed the deal on something very similar I am now going to do, beginning and ending with tracks from the man like Sully:
Immortal Technique 'Dance with the Devil'
I was round at Sully's place and he was playing some hip hop tunes and Ashleigh was knocking about, then told me he had a tune to play me but had to wait until Ash went out - I asked why as there were plenty of f-bombs coming out from the stereo to Ash's ears as it was. Then he played this. Could well be the darkest record ever cut. Lovely use of the tune and some great story-telling, and some decent rhymes. The bit at the end with the reprise is nonsense though. Seminal otherwise.
Guy J 'Lost & Found (Sahar Z& Guy Mantzur remix)'
Finally I can get into this dude, needed a remix to do it though. Much better than the original to these ears, the main part from around 4:40 being the money shot as it were. Its on TOTO2 and is a great builder for a certain kind of mood, with more oomph than the original.
Michael Jackson 'Speed Demon (Nero Remix)'
This is a really good remix of a tune I never thought much of, and neither can I find much by Nero I like either. I'd imagine you really need to know the original to get it, and still might not like it anyway but I really do and its a top bit of a production for my money. Totally marmite.
Emily Sande 'Read All About It, Pt III'
Oh my, what a voice, and this is where it is best used, in a ballad with some amazing lyrics. The piano reminds me of Timbaland's 'Apologize' which is very good, but this is much better. This girl has something special I reckon.
Sigur Ros 'Untitled #3'
Not enough Sigur Ros you say Kev, well best I end with the first Sigur record you ever played me, as part of your 5 track mix for the bedrock board way back when - that had Jenny Miller (Newland) saying it had made her cry on the tube. There is something so simple and so pure about this record. I must have heard this 100+ times easily and like DHS it never diminishes.
To you both my sincere musical respect. Three years, four months and nine hundred records later. That really is quite something and every new update is always among the best emails I ever get.
One Love
Sully:
MacArthur Park - is this a piss-take ? The lyrics are just non-sensical, and you say Diana Ross covered it... surely a jest, there is literally no way I can imagine her singing those words. Is this really in your top ten or is this entire selection a piss-take ? You strange, strange man....
If You Could Read My Mind - Disco has to be very good to get me interested im afraid and this just isnt, some of the strings and the piano are ok, but the rest just leaves me fairly cold.
Helplessly - Now this is much much better, definitely a good disco record - great arrangement, especially the vocals - the bridge is top-notch and there is plenty of variation. Great voice too. Good shit.
May I - Hmmm, can see why its never really made it onto your lists, there isnt really much to it is there ? I know you like stuff like this, but I dont really get why. There's nothing wrong with it, but it just doesnt register with me at all.
Spake Katzle - This is easily your best selection this time for me, straight on my list and many listens it has had too. Totally agree with all your comments and I would play this no problem - top tune.
Hodge:
Here Comes the Sun - wow this is pretty deep deep house isnt it ? Like it, has a real atmosphere to it and in the right circumstance would really work well.
Sweet Lies - I have to admit Hodge, your desire to deconstruct things and understand how / why they work loses me at times - you do it a lot with films as well as music. Its just a difference of course, but I never concern myself with the why, just whether or not it does. This is ok for me, I would lose the vocal and that riff gets annoying after a while. Nice strings though. And as for all that other mullarkey, well I'll take your word for it fella...
A Very Different World - This has got Funk D'Void stamped all over it in big letters hasnt it ? Good tune that really comes into its own in the final third, especially with the drop after the break, which is pretty ace in itself.
Opus - Well I certainly cant improve on your description Hodge old boy. The best of your bunch for me (I do enjoy a good string) and it certainly has a moment or two in it. Epic and beautiful.
1000 Lords - Ridiculously huge. Ridiculously. Devastation on any dancefloor if played at the right time - I seem to recall this had people dancing on the tables at Inigo didnt it Kev ? Immense.
A special doff of the cap for a special homage to our creator and founder Ron L... (sorry, wrong meeting) Guru Kev. Very nice and sealed the deal on something very similar I am now going to do, beginning and ending with tracks from the man like Sully:
Immortal Technique 'Dance with the Devil'
I was round at Sully's place and he was playing some hip hop tunes and Ashleigh was knocking about, then told me he had a tune to play me but had to wait until Ash went out - I asked why as there were plenty of f-bombs coming out from the stereo to Ash's ears as it was. Then he played this. Could well be the darkest record ever cut. Lovely use of the tune and some great story-telling, and some decent rhymes. The bit at the end with the reprise is nonsense though. Seminal otherwise.
Guy J 'Lost & Found (Sahar Z& Guy Mantzur remix)'
Finally I can get into this dude, needed a remix to do it though. Much better than the original to these ears, the main part from around 4:40 being the money shot as it were. Its on TOTO2 and is a great builder for a certain kind of mood, with more oomph than the original.
Michael Jackson 'Speed Demon (Nero Remix)'
This is a really good remix of a tune I never thought much of, and neither can I find much by Nero I like either. I'd imagine you really need to know the original to get it, and still might not like it anyway but I really do and its a top bit of a production for my money. Totally marmite.
Emily Sande 'Read All About It, Pt III'
Oh my, what a voice, and this is where it is best used, in a ballad with some amazing lyrics. The piano reminds me of Timbaland's 'Apologize' which is very good, but this is much better. This girl has something special I reckon.
Sigur Ros 'Untitled #3'
Not enough Sigur Ros you say Kev, well best I end with the first Sigur record you ever played me, as part of your 5 track mix for the bedrock board way back when - that had Jenny Miller (Newland) saying it had made her cry on the tube. There is something so simple and so pure about this record. I must have heard this 100+ times easily and like DHS it never diminishes.
To you both my sincere musical respect. Three years, four months and nine hundred records later. That really is quite something and every new update is always among the best emails I ever get.
One Love
Thursday, 18 October 2012
DHS 10 - Part 17 (H)
I really did try and keep this short believe it or not...apologies... Buckle up and get stuck in:-
D:
Mt.Eden – Big fan of this in the car turned up loud,
worthy addition.
Clint Mansell – Not seen the film, it comes highly
recommended but with a health warning:- Don’t watch with even the slightest or
remote feeling of depression... Anyway, the music: beautiful arrangement, quite
powerful yet melancholic, great stuff.
Felix Da Housecat – I’ve never been able to get into this
record, I’m afraid... the best thing I’ve heard with it was someone ripping the
vocal and dropping it over a very deep acid number. Just can’t get into the original.
Dream Academy – Never heard this before; love it; great
addition. Good old Dario G nicking that
vocal chant J
Rose Royce – Classic tune, timeless vocals.
S:
Richard Harris - not sure why anyone would leave a cake out in the rain to be honest, what a waste. I’m a bit suspicious of these lyrics.
Viola Wills & Moment Of Truth – nice to have a classy bit of D.I.S.C.O on here. I think in a way there is no more joyous form of music and I don’t care how camp that comment sounds or how camp the music sounds, for that matter.
Richard Harris - not sure why anyone would leave a cake out in the rain to be honest, what a waste. I’m a bit suspicious of these lyrics.
Viola Wills & Moment Of Truth – nice to have a classy bit of D.I.S.C.O on here. I think in a way there is no more joyous form of music and I don’t care how camp that comment sounds or how camp the music sounds, for that matter.
Jamie Lloyd – can’t get into this as a stand-alone track
sadly..I find it just a bit too boring - could definitely see it working in a
mix very well though.
Motorcity Soul (Jerome Sydenham Remix) – smashing tune,
have played it a lot, it’s repetitive but in contrast to previous tune from a
very early stage it gets its “anticipation” hooks into you and builds on that
and keeps pushing. Very hypnotic,
addictive groove – one I can keep going back to and has been added to my Masterlist.
Right – I’m sure this will be considered very cheesy (but
I hope not a kop out just because we all have them), but even if so...frankly,
my dears, I don’t give a damn.
The next five tracks are a musical homage/‘Thank you’ to
a good mate who’s introduced me to a sh!t-tonne of music which has played a
MASSIVE part of my life across recent years, and no more fitting time to do it
than as my last selection of our collaborative 10th List. This was by no means an easy process AT ALL. It wasn’t until I seriously started looking at
what had and hadn’t been included in the lists thus far... then I kept adding
stuff and thought about trying to add tunes that represent the last four/five
years (one from each year type scenario) but in the end I’ve just settled with
those that have totally poisoned my brain (in a very, very good, infectious
way); that are now just part of my being; the ones which won’t leave me alone -
that I hum without realising I’m humming; that I jump around to whilst having a
crafty snout outside at midnight to – In short; the tracks I know I can always
rely on.
So without further ado/waffling... S; Thanks for the
music.....
The Timewriter (Stryke remix) – in reality this could
have been any of the modern DMTH stuff we’ve grown to love across the last 6
years or so, but nothing gives me the same tingle as the stretched moody
melodic synth section like this – it’s warmer than a hot bath on a summers day
and god only knows how it would make you feel if you were on one. 3:34mins.... big waves....vocal.... bass....I’m
melting.
Booka – Sweet Lies (PB mix). Good grief.
I distinctly remember sitting on a long, slow train home from Victoria,
half cut, wolfing down chicken with one hand and wrestling with a hard drive which
had just been newly furnished with 8gb of new tunes linked to my laptop in the
other, then playing this over and over, pissing people off cos my headphones
were far too loud.... couldn’t have given less of a fuck about anybody around
me in my entire life – totally engrossed... 3:36 things start to get
tense....build to that emotive vocal.... just stunning. I think this was probably the most cleverly programmed
track that came out that year. The beat/s
and the ability to interpret/hear that tricky melody in two different ways
falling on/off-each side of the beat....then the melody stretch, quickly tightened
back up only to stretch back out and fade.... beautifully trippy. Would love to hear this played out on a
decent system.
Vince Watson – Funk D’Void rmx – the ‘3-in-1 record’, as
I call it ...no better example of a modern tech house track taking you on a
journey than this in my opinion. I stand by my comment a few years ago that those
strings could somehow be manipulated into making a record all of their own.... Don’t
even get me started on the bassline... the crisp production and the melodies...A
true masterclass with dancefloor killing capabilities.
Davis – Opus.
Something in this incredibly simple yet stunning melody pattern just
takes me away from wherever I am and transports me – I’m not even sure where I
go but I don’t exist on earth for 9 minutes, I know that much. 5:40mins “please just never let the following
sounds end”. It is a rarity in that I
would love to hear it banged out mid-set and get lost in it (Can’t imagine how
good that would feel), yet I also play it quietly before going to sleep because
the melody is just too lush to miss out on before drifting off. Splendidly hypnotic, uplifting magnificence.
Butch – ZB rmx. UNRELENTING
PEAK TIME AURAL HEROIN : KILL ME NOW PLEASE.
*Most honourable mentions MUST go to – DeadMau5 - Faxing Berlin,
a proper modern classic (Arguru was shortlisted also); Masseyeff – Mugen (the
sort of record I would love to use if I played out...an early eve, deep and twisted
groove but one which has a kind of signal “right; here we go then”); Thalstroem
– Springtide (could SO easily have been in, perhaps I’ve been mean to it cos it’s
relatively new, but hey, it made the cut); Pedro Cali – Misty (Rdrgz Jnr mix),
absolutely LUSH*
K.O.K.O
H
Tuesday, 9 October 2012
DHS 10 - Part 16 (S)
Short and as sweet as I can make it...
Alicia Keys - will still be played on the radio in ten years time
Hackman - slaughters the slightly saccharine original but, unfortunately, won't be getting radio play in ten years time. Loads of good 'UK Bass' music coming out like this.
Clash - classic, end of story.
MIA - real earworm when it was out - nice to hear it again after a decent break
Isley Brothers - right up my alley. Lovely.
Mt.Eden - it's fine but there are similar tracks that I prefer
Clint Mansell - very, very familiar without having seen the film. Nice.
Felix Da Housecat - Nope. I've tried, really I have. But no.
Dream Academy - only real surprise is that it took so long for Sunchyme to use the riff. Liked this 27 years ago and still do.
Rose Royce - an absolute classic but, strangely, not my favourite version - those 70's electronic drum pad sounds irritate me after a while - indisputable song though
Richard Harris - MacArthur Park - some of the most surreal lyrics ever penned, sung by one last century's classic hellraising actors (who couldn't really sing very well) and backed by an orchestral arrangement that is beyond epic. The older I get the higher up my list of favourite ever (EVER) songs this climbs - it's just about into the top ten now. If it hadn't been complete overkill I would also have included the 18 minute Diana Ross cover version which is also magnificent.
Viola Wills - If You Could Read My Mind - we don't have anywhere near enough disco on DHS and I will address that from hereon. Nice, poignant, lyric, wonderful voice and sumptuous arrangement. Very nearly went for the 12 minute version - the arrangement is even better - so check it if you like this.
Moment Of Truth - Helplessly - continuing to address the disco imbalance... Produced by Tom Moulton who, given the amount of influence he had over modern music and the sheer number of classic records he was involved with, should be far more of a household name than he unfortunately is. Listening to stuff like this it is SO easy to see the progression into house music. Check the tightness of the drums with the bassline and the sheer sumptuousness of the strings. And all done in the 1975 with real people playing real instruments and not a computer in sight. Beautiful record.
Jamie Lloyd - May I (Quarion Remix) - included here 'cos I feel sorry for it - it's been on my possibles list for very nearly 18 months and has been sixth choice any number of times. Deep, techy house.
Motorcity Soul - Space Katzle (Jerome Sydenham Remix) - been a favourite of mine for five or six years now - played it out loads of times and it's never failed - was also on the recent TOTO I think... Just a fabulous, fabulous build to it. Slightly mournful feel and yet also very uplifting. AND an absolute dream to mix in with and out over.
That's me done. See you in The Best Of...
Alicia Keys - will still be played on the radio in ten years time
Hackman - slaughters the slightly saccharine original but, unfortunately, won't be getting radio play in ten years time. Loads of good 'UK Bass' music coming out like this.
Clash - classic, end of story.
MIA - real earworm when it was out - nice to hear it again after a decent break
Isley Brothers - right up my alley. Lovely.
Mt.Eden - it's fine but there are similar tracks that I prefer
Clint Mansell - very, very familiar without having seen the film. Nice.
Felix Da Housecat - Nope. I've tried, really I have. But no.
Dream Academy - only real surprise is that it took so long for Sunchyme to use the riff. Liked this 27 years ago and still do.
Rose Royce - an absolute classic but, strangely, not my favourite version - those 70's electronic drum pad sounds irritate me after a while - indisputable song though
Richard Harris - MacArthur Park - some of the most surreal lyrics ever penned, sung by one last century's classic hellraising actors (who couldn't really sing very well) and backed by an orchestral arrangement that is beyond epic. The older I get the higher up my list of favourite ever (EVER) songs this climbs - it's just about into the top ten now. If it hadn't been complete overkill I would also have included the 18 minute Diana Ross cover version which is also magnificent.
Viola Wills - If You Could Read My Mind - we don't have anywhere near enough disco on DHS and I will address that from hereon. Nice, poignant, lyric, wonderful voice and sumptuous arrangement. Very nearly went for the 12 minute version - the arrangement is even better - so check it if you like this.
Moment Of Truth - Helplessly - continuing to address the disco imbalance... Produced by Tom Moulton who, given the amount of influence he had over modern music and the sheer number of classic records he was involved with, should be far more of a household name than he unfortunately is. Listening to stuff like this it is SO easy to see the progression into house music. Check the tightness of the drums with the bassline and the sheer sumptuousness of the strings. And all done in the 1975 with real people playing real instruments and not a computer in sight. Beautiful record.
Jamie Lloyd - May I (Quarion Remix) - included here 'cos I feel sorry for it - it's been on my possibles list for very nearly 18 months and has been sixth choice any number of times. Deep, techy house.
Motorcity Soul - Space Katzle (Jerome Sydenham Remix) - been a favourite of mine for five or six years now - played it out loads of times and it's never failed - was also on the recent TOTO I think... Just a fabulous, fabulous build to it. Slightly mournful feel and yet also very uplifting. AND an absolute dream to mix in with and out over.
That's me done. See you in The Best Of...
Sunday, 23 September 2012
DHS 10 - Part 15 (D)
Greetings mere mortals and fellow denizens of the world of escapism - it seems one of our number is getting into his films at present and this is long overdue IMO, we shall try to guide the young padowan through the plethora of bad films and take him to the righteous place of DH's amazing good taste and film knowledge.
However we know that music is of course our first love and if we could take a projector or a stereo to a desert island then the projector is staying at home - anyway you'd also need a white sheet and nails and thats just too much effort. So as ever an eclectic and enjoyable selection from you both - my comments are as follows...
Pass Out - Not for me at all. Improve the lyrics and then we'll talk as the rest of it is ok.
Wildest moments - I agree this is really nice mate, although since when was 'into it before my daughter' a badge of honour ? It should be the other way around surely.. great voice and while I think she has more to offer, this peaks at 'nice'
Pixelated People - Yeah this is good, and the subtle rob base sample is cool. Agree with Hodgson, its very well produced and a great vocal - Jess Mills is one to watch.
After Light - See what you mean about the car thing, this is a track that gets better the louder you play it. Would have preferred less minor keys myself, but hey without the bitter the sweet aint as sweet - great break in the middle and the comeback is ENORMOUS ! Excellent.
Limit to your Love - James Blake is quite clearly a cunt. He makes a beautiful soulful record with a beautifully melancholy piano line and mourning voice and then pronounces it 'wa'erfall' which grates like you would not fucking believe. Its like being in the record shop and hearing an amzing record that has stuck in a vocal stab for no good reason. Would have been a best of possible, but if I never hear it again that will be fine as its just frustrating.
No One - Is there such thing as a bad Alicia Keys record ? Great voice as ever and faultless production, top tune.
Close - first time I was listening I thought this was still the same record that had just gone a bit left at the traffic lights all of a sudden. Its ok, but some of the keys sound out of place to me, not musically, but just the format they are on - cant describe it any better than that im afraid and its not a patch on Keys.
Straight to Hell - wow - so this is where that amazing hook is from ! Recognised it immediately as the next tune - but not being a fan of the clash didnt know about this. The Clash just dont do it for me - I think its the guys voice, doesnt work for me when slowed down. London Calling and Should I stay are both where he's at vocally for me. Again its ok, but nothing more for me. Not really interested in music getting political personally.
Paper Planes - I always judge records after a few listens by how I feel whenthey come on the shuffle and this one always lifts me up. Technically it shouldnt, I dont want to like it - not a fan of sound effects and I think that 'all i wanna do is BANG ! BANG ! BANG !' is verging on glorifying guns. But they have taken the sample and improved it and her vocal is ace. The track Jay-z appears on is very poor could have done a lot more with this.
Footsteps in the Dark - ha ha ! Love that hook, Cube was a very wise man to use it and have heard it was a good day hundreds of times, so much in fact that this original doesnt sound right - I did exactly what you said Hodge and the Cube lyrics were going through my head. This one is a bit lachrymose for me and Im gonna stick with the O'Shea.
As ever gentleman, my thanks.
My 5 picks are:
Mt Eden 'Oh that I had'
Totally dont classify this as pop AT ALL Kev, be interested what makes you think that it is ? I could wax on again but I wont 'I JUST NEED ONE MORE FUCKING HIT' !!
Clint Mansell 'Requiem for a Dream'
Loved this so much, the film is ace (one for you Kev) if very bleak - reminds me of Santa Monica as I tracked it down in LA when I was there for a couple of gigs back in 2004. Been done to death since then - was used in another film (which I didnt know you could / should do) and sky used it too. Huge.
Felix da Housecat 'Silver Screen (Shower Scene)'
If ever there was 'music noir' then this is it - extremely atmospheric for what is essentially a banging electro track. And boy does it bang, play it loud. Great vocal hooks and changes in the track.
The Dream Academy 'Life in a Northern Town'
I remember when I was trying to track down 'Sunchyme' that Paul 'Homer' Stubbs in swag mentioned it sampled this record but i couldnt have cared less - he didnt have it. That hook makes this record and takes it away and lifts it up, would sound good in any record but the contrast to the minor vocal is spot on and im loving this. Not sure which is better actually.
Rose Royce 'Love dont live here anymore'
Oh my what a vocal ! The rest of it i can take or leave, but that very first line is just immense and I couldnt listen to this woman sing all day long. Marvellous.
Hope you like
One love
However we know that music is of course our first love and if we could take a projector or a stereo to a desert island then the projector is staying at home - anyway you'd also need a white sheet and nails and thats just too much effort. So as ever an eclectic and enjoyable selection from you both - my comments are as follows...
Pass Out - Not for me at all. Improve the lyrics and then we'll talk as the rest of it is ok.
Wildest moments - I agree this is really nice mate, although since when was 'into it before my daughter' a badge of honour ? It should be the other way around surely.. great voice and while I think she has more to offer, this peaks at 'nice'
Pixelated People - Yeah this is good, and the subtle rob base sample is cool. Agree with Hodgson, its very well produced and a great vocal - Jess Mills is one to watch.
After Light - See what you mean about the car thing, this is a track that gets better the louder you play it. Would have preferred less minor keys myself, but hey without the bitter the sweet aint as sweet - great break in the middle and the comeback is ENORMOUS ! Excellent.
Limit to your Love - James Blake is quite clearly a cunt. He makes a beautiful soulful record with a beautifully melancholy piano line and mourning voice and then pronounces it 'wa'erfall' which grates like you would not fucking believe. Its like being in the record shop and hearing an amzing record that has stuck in a vocal stab for no good reason. Would have been a best of possible, but if I never hear it again that will be fine as its just frustrating.
No One - Is there such thing as a bad Alicia Keys record ? Great voice as ever and faultless production, top tune.
Close - first time I was listening I thought this was still the same record that had just gone a bit left at the traffic lights all of a sudden. Its ok, but some of the keys sound out of place to me, not musically, but just the format they are on - cant describe it any better than that im afraid and its not a patch on Keys.
Straight to Hell - wow - so this is where that amazing hook is from ! Recognised it immediately as the next tune - but not being a fan of the clash didnt know about this. The Clash just dont do it for me - I think its the guys voice, doesnt work for me when slowed down. London Calling and Should I stay are both where he's at vocally for me. Again its ok, but nothing more for me. Not really interested in music getting political personally.
Paper Planes - I always judge records after a few listens by how I feel whenthey come on the shuffle and this one always lifts me up. Technically it shouldnt, I dont want to like it - not a fan of sound effects and I think that 'all i wanna do is BANG ! BANG ! BANG !' is verging on glorifying guns. But they have taken the sample and improved it and her vocal is ace. The track Jay-z appears on is very poor could have done a lot more with this.
Footsteps in the Dark - ha ha ! Love that hook, Cube was a very wise man to use it and have heard it was a good day hundreds of times, so much in fact that this original doesnt sound right - I did exactly what you said Hodge and the Cube lyrics were going through my head. This one is a bit lachrymose for me and Im gonna stick with the O'Shea.
As ever gentleman, my thanks.
My 5 picks are:
Mt Eden 'Oh that I had'
Totally dont classify this as pop AT ALL Kev, be interested what makes you think that it is ? I could wax on again but I wont 'I JUST NEED ONE MORE FUCKING HIT' !!
Clint Mansell 'Requiem for a Dream'
Loved this so much, the film is ace (one for you Kev) if very bleak - reminds me of Santa Monica as I tracked it down in LA when I was there for a couple of gigs back in 2004. Been done to death since then - was used in another film (which I didnt know you could / should do) and sky used it too. Huge.
Felix da Housecat 'Silver Screen (Shower Scene)'
If ever there was 'music noir' then this is it - extremely atmospheric for what is essentially a banging electro track. And boy does it bang, play it loud. Great vocal hooks and changes in the track.
The Dream Academy 'Life in a Northern Town'
I remember when I was trying to track down 'Sunchyme' that Paul 'Homer' Stubbs in swag mentioned it sampled this record but i couldnt have cared less - he didnt have it. That hook makes this record and takes it away and lifts it up, would sound good in any record but the contrast to the minor vocal is spot on and im loving this. Not sure which is better actually.
Rose Royce 'Love dont live here anymore'
Oh my what a vocal ! The rest of it i can take or leave, but that very first line is just immense and I couldnt listen to this woman sing all day long. Marvellous.
Hope you like
One love
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