The Magician - Magic Tape 102

The Magician launched us into June with another lush episode of his marvellous Magic Tape mix series. Like all previous editions, this new hour features a variety of funky disco house joints with a focus on new and forthcoming music. Also, just like its predecessor Magic Tape 101, the first twenty minutes are pure bliss. No matter my mood, I cannot bring myself to skip these sublime starts. In fact, these two most recent mixes have supplied some of my favourite tunes in the last month or two (see: the Perel remix of "See You Again," Dorothys Fortress' fabulous "Lucha Libre," and Krystal Klear's intoxicating "Piano Banana.") But, back to Magic Tape 102. The opening track, the only ID left, has a really familiar feeling. And here's where I get to the fun speculation as I have a sneaking suspicion (more likely just misguided hope) that this is new music from Joe Goddard and Raf Rundell, aka The 2 Bears. Musically, lyrically and thematically, it screams The 2 Bears, and I couldn't be happier if that is the case. However, and serendipitously punny, it could also be a new warner case production. Again, this would be a fit in his oeuvre, and we know he's been part of Magic Tapes and The Magician's Potion Records in the past. That said, there is no proper evidence either way as to whether this is The 2 Bears, warner case, or someone else entirely. Regardless, it's a fun, funky start to another exceptional edition of the Magic Tape series. Get down to it below and check out the largely complete (and correct) tracklist here.

UPDATE: The opening track has been released on Potion Records. It's Carl Chaste, "Change."

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Thool w/ Marieke - Je Sors (Cover of Joe Jackson's Steppin' Out)

The world of music is an endless, magical escape; it often leads me down rabbit holes from one track to another, via one artist, label or mix. In my previous post, I mentioned Boy 8-Bit's Beatport chart, which included an artist I was unfamiliar with, Bullion and his track "Blue Pedro." I've since been unable to escape the clutches of "Blue Pedro" and figured I better check out more of Bullion's back catalog. That's what lead me to his label DEEK Recordings, and their latest release, a compilation of covers entitled Covered In Gloria. And while it was already premiered over on Stamp The Wax, I couldn't help but shine further light on Thool and Marieke's cover of Joe Jackson's "Steppin' Out."

The original 1982 version remains one of my favourite tracks, with its stunningly simple yet strong piano hooks, and unrelenting rhythm. There's a majesty in its metropolitan atmosphere, and an incredible pride in the bounding strides of the groove accented by bright, sparkling bells and an almost twinkling piano presence. It holds within it both the elements of Night And Day, there's something very personal and down to earth about "Steppin' Out," while there's no questioning the message's universal appeal and instrumental's ascending, uplifting aura. And that's where I begin with this cover.

Thool and Marieke's version starts in the stars with alien atmosphere coming out the wazoo. While the new synths wobbles may not be as immediately gripping as the original, they lay the foundation for a more restrained, yet equally revealing, expression of the emotions inherent in "Steppin' Out." Even Marieke's vocals, while never more than subtle, seem to ooze over the whole song, covering it with an ethereal sheen. The whole delivery seems better suited to a jazz club than before, showcasing smooth musicianship and smart production sense. While the bones of Joe Jackson's original remain intact, the surrounding tissue has been remodeled, but still in the same depiction of the human form. Find "Je Sors" as part of Covered In Gloria, and if that turns your crank I'll make one more suggestion: Raf Rundell (half of The 2 Bears) and his take on Sade's "By Your Side" via Extraordinary Renditions.