The frenetic world of electronic music is full of distractions and diversions, hindering the ability to find transcendent music. Let Oggie James be your guru and lead down the path to musical Enlightenment.
Album, song and event reviews, mixtapes, and radio shows, light the way to Enlightenment, conveyed by Oggie James.
Woman of the moment, TSHA just keeps turning heads. Recently named one of BBC Radio 1's Future Artists, the London-based producer just launched her debut Essential Mix there Friday, while scoring an inspired remix from Demi Riquísimo on Ninja Tune today. While I'll admit it took me to near the midway mark of her Essential Mix to really get it in the groove, it took no time at all for Riquísimo's resplendent remix to colour me captivated.
Making masterful use of TSHA's trademark percussion and Trio Da Kali's killer vocals, the Detroit-raised producer brings both a new groovy bassline and an extra acid odyssey. Now stretching over seven minutes and sporting a more club-focused feel, "Demba" delivers dance-worthy energy in droves, especially as the bristling bassline, gliding guitar, punchy percussion, and strident synths come together in the extended groove sections. Like an electronic jam band, this remix is more than progressive and playful enough for me to just sit back and listen in awe. The same can be said for the second half of her Essential Mix, especially the section starting with Prospa's "Voyage." And this is where I reveal that half of my decision to write about this "Demba" remix is an excuse to share her Essential Mix.
Less than a handful of the 31 tracks played in the mix have been released, making the two-hour trip all kinds of exclusive. I listened to it on my bike ride yesterday and cannot wait for the next opportunity to get lost in its incredible allure. There's just so much to like about TSHA's blending of more typical organic instrumentation and acid-etched, technologically-driven club type tracks. And this remix of "Demba" is a prime example of that, in one wicked and warm package. Stream Demi Riquísimo's remix below, get it from your favourite outlet here and check out her exceptional Essential Mix now, here.
Every time I'm reminded of Scissor Sisters, my heart fills with joy and optimism. Their glamorous style (both musically and visually) is so undeniably inspiriting. When I was first able to explore the seemingly infinite world of music upon entering university, I immediately fell for their then-recent singles "Any Which Way," "Invisible Light," and later "Only The Horses." However, it was their earlier cover of the 1979 Pink Floyd classic "Comfortably Numb" that had me in pieces. Hearing it again in DJ Touche's 2004 Essential Mix yesterday, I figured it was time to return the spotlight to this sublime, energetic and disco-inspired affair.
Staying close to the original both in the lyrics and structure, albeit less on the latter, Scissor Sisters flip "Comfortably Numb" into a fabulous fever dream. Where the story of the original Floyd offering sees its protagonist Pink taking tranquilizers to make it through his show, the injection in the Scissor Sisters version is anything but a downer. Hallucinatory either way, the Grammy-nominated 2004 version sees Jake Sheers and the accompanying vocals take on the role of ostensible sprites singing a psychedelic siren song from the unexplored recesses of the mind. This fallacious fairy-godmother-like guidance takes the place of both Waters' and Gilmour's vocals, leading the newly lush, bouncy and euphoric electronic odyssey to new heights. And while I keep on about the Scissor Sisters take being the high, with the Pink Floyd being the low; the brilliance of both is that they are not exclusively one or the other. "Comfortably Numb" finds its timelessness in part thanks to that duality. It is empowering in its painkilling, sedative strength yet frightening thanks to those very same qualities. Like any high, it must be enjoyed sparingly and safely with respect paid to its power and addictive nature. That said, we could all use a little extra strength these days, so go ahead and enjoy this power-pill now, below.
Kieran Hebdan or KH, more widely known as Four Tet seems to be in the process of unloading a whole host of previously unreleased content. Last year we were treated to his track "Only Human," an incredible weapon which featured the finally cleared sample of Nelly Furtado. Today we're getting more of that kind of quality, albeit seemingly uncleared. At the time of writing, Hebdan has posted seven tracks, ranging from alternate versions of his own productions to bootlegs like that of "Only Human."
The first, and likely most exciting track, "LMB KH version" also found fame in his 2018 Essential Mix. The drumline early on in the track reveals it to be his beautiful take on Destiny's Child's "Lose My Breath." Ridiculously resplendent and overflowing with luster, it is exactly what we've come to love about Four Tet/KH. The following two tracks revert back to the Four Tet name as "Angel Echoes" get a VIP version with an upped tempo, while "128 oceans" seems to be a demo from his recent album, Sixteen Oceans. Another KH hit comes next as the percussion again runs rampant in "KH my money's gone." I'm not clear on whether this is a remix or where the sample is from, but it seems this has been played in sets or mixes before as there are a couple comments indicating anticipation around its release. Like the Destiny's Child before, this is another epic, powerful and acid touched offering, which removes int from the following three releases. These last three "Filter drums 132," "Raga to midi W" and "MTS guitar demo" are more generally ethereal and largely unfinished. However this does not preclude them from being brilliant in their own right as "Filter drums 132" has a real sweep you off your feet quality, while the latter two showcase thoughtful, introspective qualities which would make them perfect for mediation and yoga.
Each of these seven tracks is available absolutely free, and in the event that more are released, I will update below. Otherwise, enjoy and be sure to follow Four Tet's socials below for more of his magic.
UPDATE 2: The content dump continues into its second day. Eight new tracks have been added bringing the grand total to 16. He's since tweeted that "SoSick KH VERSION" was the last of them and to be quick with the downloads as they may be taken down. Enjoy while you can!
The genius that is Jamie xx graced the Essential Mix for a sophomore spin this past weekend. Fresh off his first release in five years "Idontknow," this new two hour exhibition is exactly what makes the Grammy nominated producer such a unique, can't miss talent.
There aren't many that occupy the same space as Jamie xx and it certainly shows here. That isn't to say that this mix is all xx or artists like him, but rather it is eclectic and varied just like "Idontknow." There's many moods amidst the mountains of movement in the mix as Jamie xx leans into all kinds of instrumentation, setting several scenes and soundscapes. It's all generally dance oriented, and often club inspired, but what Jamie xx does with the likes of Mystic Force, Vladimir Dubyshkin, Peter Gabriel, Pangaea and others is inspired. He sets up each move with incredible ease, never better noted than in the succession of LaTour's "People Are Still Having Sex" into percussive romp at the core of "Idontknow." This is also where this Essential Mix really seems to hit its stride as the next half hour is almost entirely dominated by the drums, again mixed together masterfully.
Without going into any further detail, I will close by saying that fans of Jamie xx will not be disappointed in this two hour expanse, nor will those looking for new music as this tracklist (here) is all but entirely unknown to me. Stream via Soundcloud below and visit the official program page here.
A couple legends have teamed up for two incredibly inspired collaborations. Fairytale Frequency, out now on Hot Creations, sees Jamie Jones and Alan Fitzpatrick match wits in truly timeless fashion. To little surprise, I'm more drawn to the beatific b-side "Sundancing." Simply sublime, it sails upon rhapsodic waves of warmth, ebbing and flowing fabulously through its buoyant, Balearic bassline. The subtle swells and sparkles make "Sundancing" a soothing and stunning cap to an overnight set; an aubade to beckon our star above the horizon. Get it now here and enjoy Jones' new Essential Mix.FOLLOW JAMIE JONES: FACEBOOKSOUNDCLOUDTWITTER FOLLOW ALAN FITZPATRICK: FACEBOOKSOUNDCLOUDTWITTER
I don't recall exactly when I first came across Horse Meat Disco, but after just one play of their 2017 Essential Mix (here) I was hooked. Last year I was able to catch Luke Howard and Severino at CODA for what was likely my favourite set of the year, ultimately introducing me to a handful of my favourite tracks of the year. So when I saw that they were going to release a 10 hour marathon set as recorded at Oval Space London on October 5th, I was absolutely ecstatic. It's hard to imagine how many tracks they must've played over such a crazy span or how many I'd just have to get my hands on for repeat rinsing. Dig into the epic set below, and stay tuned for more from the fantastic foursome as they say they've got lots planned for 2020. Here's hoping for a followup to the fabulous "Falling Deep In Love." FOLLOW HORSE MEAT DISCO: FACEBOOKSOUNDCLOUDTWITTER
The lead track from Estonian producer Sound In Noise's just released Shapes, Pt. 1 EP has been making massive waves since the beginning of this month. Premiered by René LaVice and given multiple rewinds on Andy C's recent Essential Mix (as recorded live at XOYO), "Cowards" has both the stamps of approval and the incredible quality necessary to make it a weapon in any DnB set.
From the ominous first note and spine-tingling build that sounds like the battle horns of the Uruk-hai horde, it's clear that this track is a cold-blooded killer. However unlike the sheer brutish force of said unholy scourge, "Cowards" commands an exceptional skill in slicing up its enemies with precise percussion atop brooding bass and pernicious progression. That said, it does indeed inspire fear and will surely leave listeners shaking in their boots as the storm of snares approach. Unleash the onslaught that is "Cowards" and find the full Shapes, Pt. 1EP, out now on RAM Records, here.FOLLOW SOUND IN NOISE: FACEBOOKSOUNDCLOUDTWITTER
Whether it be through their own productions, their label Afterlife or their mixes, German duo Tale Of Us have been turning heads for years, first breaking through into mainstream consciousness with the runner up for Essential Mix of 2015. Last month they once again authored an awe-inspiring mix, the 13th edition of the Afterlife Voyage series, featuring countless forthcoming and unreleased tracks. Like Afterlife's motto "an odyssey through the realm of consciousness," this mix is one hell of a journey.
While writing this, and working on other odds and sods, I've made it through the first 47 minutes without it feeling like even half that length, however this is where I'm starting to notice a transition into more involving pieces, capturing my consciousness. Now of course this is not my first time listening to the voyage, and I am beginning to feel my favourite section coming to life. As many have noted in the comments, the second half of the mix seems to be the most widely appreciated, and I would agree as my two favourite IDs reside here. In fact when showing my friend this mix a couple weeks ago, I pressed play around the hour twenty-five mark but had to keep going back 5 minutes at a time because every time I moved back there was a banger waiting there for me.
So starting with the ID shortly after the hour mark through to what has been identified as NOID "125" and unreleased Ae:ther near the hour thirty-three mark, you cannot go wrong. But special attention has to be paid to the trio of tracks that starts with Ivory "Black Haired Sea" through to the aforementioned Ae:ther. This section is jacking, sweep you off your feet sensational, both with the blending transitions and the tracks' stunning sound designs. And while that section is truly a treat, a mere 10 minutes later we're welcomed to another exceptional run of IDs and unreleased cuts.
Much like Innellea "Vigilans," I was immediate awe-struck by the drop of Citizen Kain's "Indigo" at about 1:43:30. Of course the bleepy brilliance is all kinds of cool, but it wouldn't be nearly as effective without the deftly designed drums which add so much oomph there's no way you don't feel it in your core. Another one I cannot help but feel in my heart is of course the What_If edit of "Love Will Tear You Apart," which seemingly begins the descent into the expansive finale that includes Camille Luciani's take on "Sweet Disposition" and closes with a Kevin de Vries ID.
This more than two hour epic is most definitely a trip I'll continue to take whether I'm traveling, working out or just need a strong section for my shower and shave routine. Being that there's so many unreleased gems in here, I would not be surprised if it becomes one of my most played mixes this year, however I'll certainly be waiting with baited breath for the likes of that unreleased Ae:ther and "Indigo."FOLLOW TALE OF US: FACEBOOKSOUNDCLOUDTWITTER FOLLOW AFTERLIFE: FACEBOOKSOUNDCLOUDTWITTER
Friday's never disappoint when it comes to new music, and for this week's Enlightened Listening, I've honed in on a couple albums, and the latest Afterlife EP, alongside a handful of fantastic singles. As always stream below, find individual releases linked with brief descriptions at the bottom and enjoy!
Rudimental - Toast To Our Differences
Massive album from the masters. More features than you can count, including Jess Glynne, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Maverick Sabre, and more. The kind of quality and range you can expect from one of the world's best outfits. Some easy listening poppy bits with its share of heavier, DnB stompers. BOT - BOT New World
Serious callbacks to his crazy Crookers days with weird, often times trippy deliveries. Colourful, vibrant and transportive techno. If this means we're coming back to this style, I'm game. Fideles - Endless Sacrifice
I cannot get enough of Afterlife at the moment, and while I would've loved to have got my hands on some of the IDs in Tale Of Us's Voyage mix, this is certainly satisfying. At times overpowering and others spine-tingling, each track has an engulfing energy that, like BOT above, takes you places. Sheridan Grout & GXD - Dam
Was not expecting this kind of banger, but I am most certainly here for it. Reminds me of one of my favourite mixes of all time, Cosmic Gate's 2011 Essential Mix. Beyond brilliant, absolutely euphoric! Ducky - Day Zero
Lyrically and sonically punchy. Captures the same kind of energy as early Porter Robinson/San Holo. QUIX - Stronger (ft. Elanese) QUIX keeps innovating and moving the bar, keeping not just us listeners on our toes but his peers too. The consummate quality he always brings is astounding, and while we may already know that, it's hard not to get blown away by the drums and brass in the second drop. Wow, just wow. Rusko - Squeeze (Burnin)
The world is a better place with Rusko pumping out beats, and that's exactly what he did with this one: pump. Fat af, this simple stunner is sure to get rinsed out all summer long, in fact it might just speed summer along, and I don't think anyone's complaining about that...
Haus Of Panda - Kick It
I don't know what I like more: 1) that Haus Of Panda's been dropping fire like this with incredible regularity for over a year now, or 2) that he seemingly raises the bar with each release. Certainly seems as though speed house is here to stay! Dr. Fresh x BIJOU - Gangsta Party
The masters of menacing g-house combine for a couple chest rattlers. Not for the faint of heart, these are sure to do damage on the dance-floor.
With the long weekend looming, I'll be away from my computer as I attend a bachelor party in Montreal. With that in mind I've decided to share my five favourite episodes of BBC Radio One's Essential Mix that we'll certainly be turning to as the party rages on through Monday. It of course serves as a Throwback Thursday post as each of these mixes original aired between 2009 and 2011, an era I'll forever find close to my heart. Find each five linked alphabetical order with short descriptions. Enjoy!
Alex Metric - April 16, 2011
This has been my exemplar for mixing and track selection, and is best described by the man himself as his past, present and future. Records that he grew up listening to and takes in "80s synth, funk, italo-disco, nu-disco, techno, house, electro, indie, [...] filters the attitude and feeling of big beat through it, [...] that anything goes ethos, [...] no genres, just good music." Picking one highlight is nearly impossible, as there are so many, but the combination of LCD Soundsystem's "You Wanted A Hit" and Yuksek's dub of Katy Perry's "Peacock" is still stunning. (Tracklist) Boy 8-Bit - May 14, 2010
An obvious inclusion as this is my favourite artist, but what can be said about this epic mix? The crate digging and mixing reign supreme, showcasing so many of my favourite productions, soon to be legends, and just downright dirty deep cuts (see the unknown mix of Detroit Grand Pubahs). Again a single highlight is tough to pick, but the move from the groove of Thomas Shumacher's "Red Purple" to Joe And Will Ask?'s "Rusty Pig" gets me every time. (Tracklist) Cosmic Gate - February 12, 2011
The only non-house mix in this list, and an oddity in that I had really never heard Cosmic Gate before this. That said I still turn to this mix incredibly often, there's just such a grandness to it that fills me with an immense energy. I use it for long bike rides or other extended travels, where I may need to focus for short stretches, but can still enjoy the overall epicness. The track selection is again top notch, with so many now classics. Dune's "Heiress Of Valentia" still sends me into a tizzy, but the move from "Zero76" to Tristan Garner remix of "Rapture" is rave resplendence. (Tracklist) Fake Blood - March 14, 2009
Quite possibly the first Essential Mix I ever heard, and it was because of Fake Blood that I became introduced to Boy 8-Bit. Fake Blood was bloghaus at its best, but he was so much more. His skills on the deck, undeniable. His ear for fire mashups and acapellas, perfect. His own productions, awesome. At times it is pure explosive energy and others, sublime and sweet. The sledgehammer to the face that is the trio of Zinc's "Blunt Edge," Lazy Jay's "Float My Boat" and Ink & Needle's "Tattoo Number Three" is stupid good. (Tracklist) Jack Beats - February 20, 2010
Another excellent example of handfuls of my favourite productions (from Jack Beats and otherwise) being brought together in incredible fashion. One hell of a start with their ridiculously wicked "Little Secrets" remix. But then there's what I've called the best 40 minutes of music starting from their remix of "Epic Last Song" through to Popof's "Serenity." Then there's the transition from "Peanuts Club" to "Donut" that still sends shivers down my spine. The release there with the drums and the depth of "Donut" underneath is almost more than I can bear. True and undeniable brilliance. (Tracklist)
House heroes of the moment Dave Whelan and Mike Di Scala, together known as Camelphat, just delivered a, dare I say, instant classic installment of BBC Radio One's Essential Mix. Although neither of their biggest successes "Cola" (which grabbed a Grammy nod) and remix of "Right Here, Right Now" (which sat atop the Beatport chart for weeks) appear in this two hour extravaganza, the quality of the mix is undeniable. They bring in trusted technicians Adriatique, Super Flu, Richy Ahmed, Pional and others to build a beautiful, brilliant and all around bumping episode. It's house through and through, but the elements of techno tilt the narrative nicely, giving it a bit more edge. It rolls through the two hours effortlessly, but that's not to say it's without highlights.
Sonically it seems the mix fully finds its footing with Sabb's shining single "Jeopardized" and again when the piano comes in during Black Coffee's remix of "Muye." Later the contrast of Camelphat's own "Dopamine Machine" and Anja Schneider's "All I See" showcases the sublime and wide-spanning nature of house. As the mix nears the three quarters mark in comes Bebetta's massive "Megalon" which continues to amaze, and appear everywhere, rightfully so. The fitting finale, at least in my eyes, comes with the mix from "Sand In Your Shoes" to another one of Camelphat's power productions, "Panic Room," while the following two tracks make for a marvelous denouement. Stream/tracklist here.FOLLOW CAMELPHAT: FACEBOOKSOUNDCLOUDTWITTER
Fridays are always crazy busy, and today was no exception; I had a ton of things to attend to and found myself unable to properly dive into my usual discovery avenues until nearly 5 PM. That said this track jumped out at me immediately, as I'd just been relistening to Horse Meat Disco's Essential Mix recently, in which they included "Salsoul Rainbow." Along with 1976's "Nice 'n' Naasty," "Getaway" topped out at #3 on the US Dance Charts as their highest successes, and it's no wonder why with such a funky swing, through strings, horns and drums. Dr. Funkenstein of DJ Pied Piper and Funkingham fame, has since remixed it ushering in an extended disco delight. Nearly twice as long as any other version and just as grand and groovy as ever, this is sure to satisfy even the staunchest of Salsoul purists. Enjoy!
Last weekend I was away and never got the chance to take in Four Tet's triumphant return to the Essential Mix. That said I was certainly enjoying his remix of BICEP's "Opal," as was my dad, who I had to explain the proper formatting of original artist - track name (remixer), so that he too could enjoy the eight minute epic. Finally I'm back home, nearly back to my normal routine, and able to sink my teeth into Four Tet's masterful mix. As Pete Tong says in the intro, Kieran Hebdan is "in the middle of an incredible run" and graces us with some never before heard tunes. As always his selection is eclectic and built around exquisite beauty. There's of course a slew of his own tracks, with standards like Ben Klock and Emmanuel Top to go along with surprises like Britney Spears and Selena Gomez. It is a beautiful two hour episode of atmospheric excellence expertly mixed with just the right amount of oomph and vocal diversions. There are times where you'll find yourself flush from the carefully crafted charm of the mix, agape at the wonder it instills, and others where you'll want to run to the nearest floor to get your dance on. Four Tet delivers, as we ought to expect, so whether you're nursing a hangover, catching up on some work, or just looking for a new mix to make your day better, look no further. Steam via BBC Radio One here, Soundcloud here, Mixcloud below, download here, and find tracklist here.FOLLOW FOUR TET: FACEBOOKSOUNDCLOUDTWITTER
Going back through the year I've already shared several masterful mixes, from the likes of Tiga, Point Point, and Alan Fitzpatrick (as well as five new episodes of My Mixtape). While I normally write more lengthy descriptions and sales pitches as to why you ought to listen, I've found that today I've become overwhelmed with wonderful musical journeys. So with that in mind I've compiled a dozen of my favourites of 2018 so far, and will share with very brief descriptions. There's everything from jungle DnB, experimental bass and trap, dubstep, disco, house, and chill. Since not all of these mixes are on Soundcloud there will be no proper playlist, instead I'll use individual embeds. Enjoy below!
Two weeks ago I dug into the inaugural Electronic Music Awards, their new categories and the subsequent nominations. Read that article here. Today I'll be making my predictions, see noms below.
When I make predictions like this I usually make multiple picks: who I think will win, who I think should win, and make my own write-in winner. I'll be doing the same today, with a brief explanation as to why I believe my picks hold merit. I'll also be making them in reverse order, just for fun. Enjoy!
I've written about the Grammys and Junos before, focusing on their electronic categories, but always lament the lack of coverage they get, as both opt to announce those winners on their side shows. I've since wondered whether we should care about these award shows at all, since they so often leave a bad taste in our mouths (fans and artists alike). Everyone one knows about the DJ Mag Top 100 lists and the controversies they entail, particularly the so called "DJ" list that in the end is a popularity contest among producers, not DJs. Perhaps as a protest, two new award shows have arisen: The Goldie Awards (backed by A-Trak and THUMP, focusing on DJ and Beat Battles) and The Electronic Music Awards (backed by Paul Oakenfold and TV4, showcasing all that is electronic music). For the purposes of this post, I'll focus on the latter as the anticipation grows in the 3 weeks prior to the event.
Originally announced in January of 2016, as the Electronic Music Awards and Foundation Show, and set for broadcast on FOX, this seemed as large and legitimate as anyone could possibly hope. However in the following months the event was postponed for more than a year, renamed and relegated to a Twitter broadcast. The previously 7 categories have grown to 11, and the winners will be announced live September 21st starting at 7:47 PM PDT. So now let's take a look at those categories and their nominees. Note that I won't be making predictions today, but merely digging into the categories and nominations themselves. See the image below or find the direct link to the noms here.
As you can plainly see, the list of names here is absolutely packed with powerhouse producers, deserving DJs, and awesome artists. The organizers have done a good job of separating categories from Producer of the Year to DJ of the Year, and Live Act of the Year. However I wonder about the New Artist of the Year category, as arguably every act has been big since early 2016, if not before then. But since this is the first edition, I'll give them a little leeway in what new means.
Looking through this list it's clear that the same people who would argue that award shows are mainstream, could easily make that argument again here. There are no names that I'm unfamiliar with. It's absolutely jam packed with big names, but at least to their credit those big names come from all over the place. It's not just top 40 radio wannabes or techno titans. There's deep house, hip hop, electro and of course, what continues to be the style of the moment, future bass.
As always I wonder about how these names were chosen, and further how the winners will be decided. The official statement is that "nominees and winners are voted on by sixty-seven members who were selected to represent all aspects of the electronic music community, in a two-round voting process." But who selected these members? And how well are they balanced? Now, I don't mean to claim that there's collusion or foul play, I just always advocate for more transparency. And no matter what people will bitch and moan about this or that. The positive (and value of any award show) is to showcase worthy talent. Sure you can claim that some of these artists need no more showcasing, but their impact is undeniable, and ought to be recognized as such. Now back to those categories.
UPDATE: Justice have postponed their Essential Mix, as a result of being too "busy." Regardless, the release of Woman is still slated for release Friday, therefore the rest of the post remains true and intact.
We're sorry to announce that Justice have had to postpone tonight's mix as they're very busy and were unable to complete it in time. pic.twitter.com/3UafYLeyyl
This is a big week for the french duo of Gaspard Augé and Xavier de Rosnay, otherwise known as Justice. Tonight they'll make their triumphant return to "the world's favourite mixshow" BBC Radio One's Essential Mix, their first since 2007. That will be followed by the highly anticipated release of their third studio album, Friday the 18th. With Woman's immanent release in mind, today is the perfect time to ratchet up the hype machine, by revisiting their first Essential Mix and giving the first three tracks of the album another round of plays. Depending on your preference of streaming sources, you have your choice from youtube, soundcloud or mixcloud, the latter you can find below.
I've compiled "Safe and Sound," "Randy" and "Alakazam," the first 3 tracks from Woman, in a spotify playlist below. Pre-order the Ed Banger and Because Music backed album from multiple sources here.
Still to this day, I've never heard a remix that fits the original vocals quite so well. Right off the bat, its hollow, filtered sample strikes me as a perfect bed for Obie's lyrics, and reacts perfectly when Obie says come on, filling out that foundation. Throughout the track, Switch caters his production to suit Obie's inimitable lyrics and delivery. In a fashion reminiscent of Daft Punk, among other revolutionary producers, each added looped and layered sample compliments all those that came before it. I'm thinking specifically of the 'on-hold tone' beep that gives the track the feel that Obie is leaving himself a message reminding himself of what happened the night before. The constant utilization of effects, filtering, adding and removing samples add much needed depth to what could be an incredibly repetitive track. It remains one of my go-to tracks, when I want to impress my friends by reciting all the lyrics, as well as its constant and unmovable status in my 'dance-all-night' playlists.
As I like to do with my Throwback Thursday posts, I often refer back to the place/time I first heard the track in question. As I mentioned before, I first came across Switch's "Got Some Teeth" in DJ Touche's Essential Mix. And as is the theme, it remains one of my favourite and go-to mixes, in part because it showcases an era of electronic/dance music that I was never really a part of, but also because of Touche's incredible mixing of so many incredible tracks, such as Fatboy Slim's remix of Scissor Sisters' "Comfortably Numb," Mr. Oizo's "Flat Beat," the first ever Boy 8-Bit track "The Colonel," a mind blowing mashup of "Forgot About Dre" (starting just before 1:06:00), and maybe the only thing that could top that, Touche's scratch edit of ZZ Top's "Sharp Dressed Man" (starting just after 1:33:00). The way "Got Some Teeth" is sandwiched between two fabulously funky tracks in Pleasure's "Disco Doctor" and Dino's "Call Me," furthers the awesome arc of DJ Touche's set, touching on so many styles and genres. Highly recommended listening, especially with the extra time we've got this May 24th weekend, get the full stream from mixcloud here, and follow along with the tracklist, here.
This Throwback Thursday, it gives me great pleasure to once again revisit one of my favourite DJ duos, Jack Beats and their ever extraordinary production value. As a two part post, I'll first look back at their collaboration with vocalist John B, in "All Night," and second, still to this day, one of my favourite mixes ever, that just happens to start with that very track, a live recording of their 2011 set from Bang Bang night club in San Diego, listen and download here.
This post once again takes me back to the glory days of the Erol Alkan forum, which at the time led me to their live set, which hosted a number of then IDs, which turned out to be classics like their collaboration with Diplo, "War" and the incredibly hyped, aforementioned set starting track, "All Night."
It was immediately clear to Erol Alkanites that it was a forthcoming Jack Beats record, as it featured their trademark synths and subharmonic vocal manipulations, however it was the genius progression and perfect mood setting that had the forum followers drooling. Without a doubt "All Night," and the accompanying mix are quintessential Jack Beats; the duo's combination of incredible production value and songwriting from a single track perspective, and their unparalleled ability to combine tracks, and curate a top notch set that hits on all cylinders.
Listening back to this hour and half mix, gets me so excited to see Jack Beats, in just less than a month at The Hoxton, June 4th. It will be at least the 5th time I've seen them and I can honestly say that they never disappoint. Their mixes are always incredible, and as I look through my iTunes, I see at least 10 incredible mixes that never get old, whether it's their Essential Mixes (2010 & 2011), Promo mixes, for MixMag or their own EPs (Evolution Mix & Fabric Live), and even their live sets (Ultra 2013, Electric Zoo 2013 & Night Bass NYE 2015), there's hours of bass music to be enjoyed. Once again I've uploaded the 'Bang Bang Mix' for your listening pleasure, and remind you that tickets are still available for their show, here, while the facebook event is here.
For this week's installment in my Throwback Thursday series, it's with great pleasure that I take a stroll down memory lane to enjoy Alex Metric's magnificent remix of Bloc Party's "One More Chance."
Lately, I've been enjoying Bloc Party's triumphant return to the world of music, through their new album Hymns. It's also spurred some nostalgic re-listening to much of their masterful back catalog, especially my favourites: the raucous "Hunting For Witches," the undeniably awesome "Banquet," the torturous beauty of their cover of Nelly Furtado's "Say It Right," the inescapable groove and funk of their version of Chromeo's "Needy Girl," and of course the topic of this post, the injection of energy that is "One More Chance."
My first foray into Bloc Party came back when I used to like "How I Met Your Mother" before its disastrous and alienating final season. During the season one finale their track, "This Modern Love" plays through one of the more dramatic scenes. As is the case with television and film the music can play an integral part, invoking the nostalgic feeling whenever you hear it. In fact, there are only five tracks in my iTunes with over 100 views, and two of them hold this sentimental value, of course, "This Modern Love," as you'll see below, and the incredible power of Blonde Redhead's "Elephant Woman," as it appears in the film, Hard Candy.
But back to Alex Metric and his remix of "One More Chance." I was inspired to write about this track in part, as I said above, because of Bloc Party's new album, but also because we are nearing the five year anniversary of Alex Metric's Essential Mix. The first time I heard Alex Metric was when Pete Tong premiered his collaboration with Steve Angello "Open Your Eyes" as essential new tune and declared that it need a festival named after it, it was so large. And quite rightly so, I believe it to still be one of the best tracks to open up a set, and even one of the best tracks of all time. The chords, the uplifting nature, the acid tinged twist, and then the insanity inspiring drop complete with whirling effects and tremendous tweaks, that in turn team up for syncopated psychosis, make it a force to be reckoned with, even after more than five years. But I'll let Pete and the chune speak for themselves below:
Once again I've fallen off track, this post is supposed to be about his "One More Chance" remix. Put bluntly, Alex Metric's Bloc Party remix is all of the best parts of his repertoire. It's got the necessary electro elements, punchy piano, sweeping strings, heart throbbing basslines, and masterful vocal usage, that is only amplified by Kele Okereke's inimitable style and grace. Metric adds, subtracts and manipulates elements the way a mad scientist conjures an invincibility potion, and boy did it work. "One More Chance," sounds as good and fresh as it did when it first came out. It's like he says in his Essential Mix intro: it's his past, present and future, filtering the attitude and feeling of big beat, the anything goes ethos, no genres, just good music. That philosophy run through his remix of "One More Chance," and is precisely what makes his Essential Mix, one of my favourites of all time.
The storytelling inherent in his mix is only made possible through his incredible tracklist. Whether it's old school funk from Chaka Khan or Colonel Abrams, genius combinations like The System and Daft Punk, brain busting remixes like Style Of Eye's dub of "Open Your Eyes," the freshness of Light Year's "Zzafrika" remix, the acid of King Cosmic and Djedjotronic's "Hot Mess" remix, the arching progression of Marc Romboy and Stephan Bodzin's "Triton," the awesome exclusivity of Yuksek's remix of Katy Perry's "Peacock" so brilliantly mixed with LCD Soundsystem's "You Wanted A Hit," the obligatory inclusion of New Order's "Blue Monday," his production credit on the Infadels' "Black Sky" leading to the fearsome finale of Toto's "Hold The Line" and fitting Beatles "The End." His mix hits on a cylinders and delivers in so many ways. It is perfect listening for just about any situation, doing school work, pre-drinking or after-partying. The blog "Blah Blah Blah" has a full tracklist and download link attached that you can find here. Highly recommended listening, that I'm sure you'll find inspires you to search for more Alex Metric of your own.
