Last week I saw the legendary
Late Nite Tuff Guy's name above an hour long track entitled "
Soul Mix 3" and got really excited. The recording from 2009, features the likes of Barry White, Chaka Khan, Marvin Gaye and many more. While it's a super cool insight into the mind of
LNTG, its more about selection rather than transitions and easy flowing enjoyment. That said, today's search led me to 3 other mixes that bridge that gap better, so I've decided to showcase these live sets/mixtapes both for selection and mixing quality. They're all on the funky, disco end of the spectrum so if hard hitting stuff is what you're looking for you're out of luck. However you'll surely find some favourites, new and old. So let's get started, working back towards
Late Nite Tuff Guy. Stream below and grab free downloads.
The Magician - Magic Tape 82
Finger firmly on the pulse,
The Magician always has the hottest commodities in his show. He's got two of the new
Disclosure tracks, his own remix of The Chainsmokers and the killer collabs of
SG Lewis/
AlunaGeorge and
A-Trak/
Todd Terry. The vibes are very laid back and groovy, before things pick up in the second half with
FISHER's smash "
Losing It,"
Riton's raucous "
Up & Down" followed by
Angelz "Yeah Yeah." While I'm sucker for disco, this deeper darker section may be my favourite.
Dr Packer Live @ Downtown Disco [25.08.18]*
So much great stuff in here.
Dr Packer's ear is extraordinary, always finding the best edits and grooves. Strings and bongo stand strong throughout, while bass riffs beckon your feet to the floor. The extended nature of this set allows for longer more subtle transitions, and like the strings these swells are oh so sweet. Of course there's a number of his own productions, while other highlights include
Late Nite Tuff Guy's "
Startin' Somethin',"
Todd Terry's "
Love Sensation" and the Deep&Disco rework of "
Stomp." If you're looking for pure pleasure look no further than the final half hour.
Erol Alkan (Disco Set) @ Homo Electric [25.08.18]
While only the final hour of Erol's "disco/italo/hi-nrg" set it's better than nothing. Funky, groovy and gritty, it is Erol through and through with his penchant for powerful records. Going for the classic killer "
Right On Target" early, sets the stage for more high octane heat. There's a ton of bleepy brilliance in this more electronic-tilted disco mix with the likes of "
Remember" and "
Cybernetic Love." Hearing this hour gives a greater appreciation for the evolution of electronic from disco to house.
Late Nite Tuff Guy - Soul Mix 3
A considerable cool-down from the above sets, but still sublime. It is the opposite end of Erol's mix, the foundation from which those artists built upon. You don't have to look far to find the love at the core of this mix, as it emanates not just through the lyrics but the music that later inspired the edits used above. It's just so incredibly powerful to hear these tracks together especially after the other mixes. Watch out for the section of Prince, Roberta Flack and Minnie Ripperton: it's too nice.
* asterisk indicates free download
