la decadanse

Credit to the Edit

2009-02-28T12:53:00.007-05:00

Photo courtesy of Neil Vance on Flickr

Manchester native, Greg Wilson, really needs no introduction. For all of his contributions to dance music spanning almost three decades, words like "first", "pioneer" and "originator" come up so frequently in his biography that if you're drawing a blank, then it's time to hit the record shops and get familiar. For our purposes today, there's an excellent interview over at Cosmic Boogie where Wilson discusses what re-editing is, the origins of the edit and his thoughts on its current popularity.

Adriano Celentano - Prisencolinensinainciusol (GW Ruff Edit)

Adriano Celentano is a highly influential Italian entertainer (artist, singer, film actor, director, television personality, expert hula hooper, etc.) known worldwide. Since the late 1950s he's recorded a staggering 40 albums. In 1973 he released the Nostalrock LP which featured the track "Prisencolinensinainciusol".

If you're wondering why the lyrics sound nothing even remotely like the Italian language, well, that's because the entire song is composed of gibberish and non-sensical words. While the title itself, according to Celentano, is supposed to mean "universal love", he explains that the meaning behind the track is based on our inability to communicate in modern times (or at least in the '70s).

Check out the choreography for this song taken from an Italian variety television show. Shake it to the ground at 1:25, sister. Doesn't her vocal remind you of the girl in I-Frau's "Robots"?

Wilson's 2008 edit appears on the Ruff Edits #1 12" under the title "Adriano Italiano". Not too far off from the original, it also incorporates a vocal sample from the 1977 funk tune Instant Funk's "I Got My Mind Made Up". The B side has an edit of Boz Scagg's "Lowdown" under "Blue Eyed Boz".

Klein & M.B.O. - Dirty Talk (Greg Wilson Edit)

Tony Carrasco and Mario Boncaldo are the men behind Klein & M.B.O., most often described as an Italian post-disco outfit. "Dirty Talk" was originally released in Milan in 1982 but received very little attention until it was picked up by underground figures like the late Ron Hardy, one of the first Chicago house DJs. The track eventually blew up and became such a successful hit that the duo was signed by Atlantic Records for the release of their single "Wonderful" that same year.

Wilson explains his interest in the track and shares some interesting tidbits:

"'Dirty Talk' was a huge track for me on the Electro-Funk scene back in '82. I was the first DJ to start playing this in the black clubs as an import on Zanza and it soon became the biggest track at my nights at Legend in Manchester and Wigan Pier (it was also quite controversial, as the purists on the scene thought that this shouldn't be played). The Hacienda had only just opened and the DJ there, Hewan Clarke, picked up on it - it was as a result of hearing Hewan play it that New Order borrowed the record from him and used it as one of the templates for 'Blue Monday', which they were working on at the time."

You can find this edit via Belgian label, Flexx. The original was put out by Siamese Records who were also responsible for releasing Dance Reaction's "Disco Train", one of my favorite records, the previous year.

Classics

2009-02-27T17:43:00.001-05:00

Photo courtesy of jonas_france on Flickr

Wilhelm K. - Reach

During the late 1990s, Detroit electronic producer and DJ, Wilhelm K., was organizing epic raves out in the Midwest, the now infamous Get party, that has some attendees still reminiscing about it to this day. It was in 1991 that he first began DJing but about nine years later he would found his own (now defunct) record label, d-version, which featured releases by the likes of the Frankie Bones, Swedish producer Cari Lekebusch and more.

In 2001, Wilhelm's "Reach", with its short but sweet and classic Detroit house sound, was released on the "Colours - Vol. 2" EP by Soiree Records. While he's shared the bill with big names like Aaron Carl, Green Velvet and Moby, Wilhelm remains relatively obscure, only brought to my attention by Belgian wunderkind producer/DJ, Jona, who sent along a mix with this gem neatly tucked inside.

20 / 20

2009-02-26T01:18:00.005-05:00

Photo courtesy of Feral Percy on Flickr

Silver City - Shiver (Ewan Pearson's Bari Girl Remix)

Getting into the overall umbrella of dance music when you don't have the slightest clue where to start and nobody to guide you along the way is difficult enough. In the context of the digital age, it's even worse trying to navigate through a lot of faux music journalism. Sometimes it's just easier to go to the source. In the earliest incarnations of Ewan Pearson's "Enthusiasm" page, there were lists upon lists of recommended tracks that helped wipe the confusion off my face. Straight forward, no pretense, just good music. These were the things that made Pearson such an excellent virtual guide, an even better DJ and one of my all time favorite producers.

When Pearson jokingly ordained himself 2008's Supreme Overlord of Dance and wrote a list of pretty hilarious albeit brilliant decrees, it was evident that he was making an argument for quality and authenticity:

1. All producers will take a vow of chastity for the first half of the year. Have six months off. Learn to paint or to knit. Take up bird watching. Do some voluntary work in an old people’s home. Make yourselves useful.

2. Further to decree 1, all producers will count the number of remixes completed and records released in 2007 and release a third as many in 2008. Work harder than you did last year, but throw away everything you think is not genuinely going to add something to the world.

3. No releases will be allowed that are generated entirely by laptop or plug-in. All records should contain at least one certified example of someone hitting something real with a stick, yelling into a microphone, wrapping strings around an object and strumming them. That kind of thing. Documentary proof, photos etc, will be required.

I first saw 2020 Soundsystem live in New York (coincidentally alongside Pearson) not too long ago and I was pretty taken aback by seeing a stage crowded with artists. I know it sounds silly but when you're accustomed to just watching some semi-masturbatory, solo knob tweaking and laptop button pushing, seeing someone behind a drum kit, a bassist slouched over his instrument and a vocalist on the mic (with the aforementioned knob tweaker) suddenly becomes something mind blowing.

Prior to the set I had no idea Silver City was actually a part of 2020 Soundsystem until I heard that all too familiar, gorgeous but haunting vocal from "Shiver". Fernando Pulichino and Julian Sanza, the native Argentinians behind the Silver City moniker, began their careers in 1999 as Ciudad Feliz before moving to London in 2002 where they landed a deal with 2020 Vision Recordings (Leeds based masters of visual and audial acuity) and released their first 12", "Blah Blah Blah". They were then swept up by the Soundsystem crew alongside 2020 Vision label owners and DJs Ralph Lawson and Dubble D (Danny Ward). Granted "Shiver" and Pearson's remix were a 2005 release, but such a beautiful piece of soul-stirring euphoria that twinkles and dazzles the way that this does doesn't deserve to be shelved.

Silver City - Polytechnics

The last I'd heard of Silver City, they had released the electro-funky Polytechnics EP on UK label Deep Freeze Recordings in July of 2008 which also features "Victoria Jam" and an edit of "Pendulo" by the highly esteemed Pete Herbert. Herbert records under the name LSB and remixed Runaway's "Brooklyn Club Jam" among others and also goes by Reverso 68 on Belgian label Eskimo Recordings. This is Silver City's second release on DF, the first being 2006's "Dubby" EP.

Chaz Jankel & Ilija Rudman

2009-01-13T09:38:00.013-05:00

Photo courtesy of embellezca on Flickr

Chaz Jankel - You're Too Funky (Ilija Rudman Remix)

Back in March we saw the release of Chaz Jankel's "Get Yourself Together" single on Tirk Records with remixes by disco house denizens Hercules & Love Affair and Todd Terje. Despite being a native of Croatia, not exactly a stone's throw away from the ground where Paradise Garage once stood, producer Ilija Rudman has been dropping records that hearken back to the original days of disco. His work has caught the ears of everyone from Greg Wilson to the Rong Music crew.

Rudman's remix is taken from the Burning of the Midnight Minds EP which appears on the Electric Minds label. He's got a new single on Bear Funk, "Dance Disorder", that's scheduled for release on the 19th and he'll be DJing alongside Metro Area's Darshan Jesrani on January 23rd in Zagreb.

Ian Dury & The Blockheads - Reasons to Be Cheerful, Part 3

English artist/producer Chaz Jankel has had an extensive career in music stretching back to 1971. In 1977, prior to embarking on his own solo career, Jankel and Ian Dury formed the band Ian Dury & The Blockheads (often regarded as an art pop group that fused elements of rock, funk, jazz and reggae), with Jankel on keyboard and guitar. That same year, the Blockheads toured alongside soon-to-be big name labelmates Elvis Costello & The Attractions as well as Nick Lowe. Resident Advisor sums up the rest:

"Chaz Jankel had a number of dance smashes hit the charts. But, for some reason, his work was soon forgotten—none of the four albums released on A&M made it to CD. Enter Strut Records. In the middle of this decade, the label stepped in and started the long process of compiling a greatest hits from Jankel’s extensive back catalogue. When Strut went under, Tirk came in and finished the job."

Jankel only recently reappeared after the release of a restrospective of his work, Music is My Occupation.

"The weird thing about all this hype, is that Jankel is as surprised as anyone. Born in 1952, he hasn’t followed the disco re-edit scene and was oblivious to the emergence of cosmic disco. He’s an old-school singer-songwriter, a craftsman that works to excel across all genres."

Ready To Go

2009-01-12T14:34:00.007-05:00

Photo courtesy of HowAboutNo! on Flickr

Osborne - In Gear

Spectral Sound, subsidiary of the Ghostly International label, celebrates the work of its prolific talent with the release of Spectral Sound Vol 2.

Osborne, or if you'd prefer to be more formally acquainted, Todd Osborn, is a double threat: part mechanical engineer genius and electronic mastermind. Not many producers can say they've been working on classified projects for the Air Force or build their own computers let alone lay down a plethora of tracks that resonate among critics and fans alike.

Beatport named Osborne's self-titled release one of the best albums of 2008, and rightly so. It takes you on a musical journey through the depths of electronic music, revealing the heart and soul that sadly gets lost among what (lately) seems like a sea of noise pollution. That may or may not be the direct result of the evolution of the technology that makes it easier to create and distribute as Osborne explains in his interview with Earplug. Suffice it to say he's made a career out of keeping the bar high.

"In Gear" is taken from the B side of Obsborne's third EP released on Spectral in 2004, Afrika. Other featured tracks include "Bout Ready to Jak" (his first release on Spectral), "Shift" and "Hydragil Exit" in addition to essentials from the rest of the label's roster like Matthew Dear/Audion and James T. Cotton. Bonus track time!

Matthew Dear - Free to Ask

For your viewing please, Current TV's feature on Ghostly which features interviews with label head Sam Valenti IV (most recent sighting at the People Don't Dance No More 2 year anniversary in NYC last weekend), Todd Osborne, Tycho, and Kate Simko. Check out those turntable slipmats!

Chavster Twockeri

2008-11-09T00:55:00.005-05:00

Photo courtesy of BigGolf on Flickr

Twocker - Chopper (Dopamine Remix)

I used to have my misconceptions about what "twocker" could possibly mean in British slang given its close proximity in pronunciation to two other commonly used swear words, that, when combined could equal... something disturbing. You'll find some people on Urban Dictionary refer to a twocker as a derivative of the species Chavster Twockeri, a personal favorite, but we'll just go with the "Taking Without Owner's Consent" acronym: TWOC.

Alex Calver and Will Bailey used to be known as Twocker, the wonky fidget/electro-house duo, but are now SUWAK in my book -- Split Up Without Audience's Knowledge. Twocker is no longer for reasons I have yet to uncover via Google. Looks like their Myspace page pulled a surprise ninja vanish. Rest assured, both are exceptionally talented UK-based producers with established individual careers. Bailey has already popped up with a new project under the name Rudi Stakker while Calver has successfully operated as Calverton for some time.

After dropping Bermuda Nights on Australian label, Vacation Records, Twocker's last and final release would appear to be Stitch which also featured the track "Chopper", later to be remixed by breakbeat/electro producer and Sydney native, Dopamine. Since Twocker has bitten the dust, keep an ear out for his remix of Circuit Freq's "Push Button Reject".

Erik & Fiedel

2008-11-08T23:02:00.004-05:00

Photo courtesy of planetenundblumen on Flickr

MMM (Erik & Fiedel) - Donna

While perusing the latest Boys Noize chart on Beatport, I happened upon an old favorite, released in the late '90s on Hardwax. So much Donna Summer love. I suppose it became a fairly recent digital exclusive hence the misleading 2008 release date but it's definitely been floating around for a while... and by "floating" I mean burned into the consciousness of most dance music aficionados. If you missed its appearance on the aforementioned chart, then you may have heard it on Boys Noize's contribution to the Bugged Out! Presents: Suck My Deck series, Swayzak's Fabric 11 compilation, the I ♥ Techno 2008 mix or on a European dancefloor.

MMM is Erik Wiegand (also known as Errorsmith and one half of techno influenced, disco-house outfit Smith N Hack) and mysterious counterpart/fellow Berliner, Fiedel. Despite a limited discography, after ten years together, MMM and Soundhack released an anniversary split on Hardwax which features new and old productions alike. It's worth picking up for Soundhack's aptly titled, romp in a disco hayfield, "Rodeo". You can preview all of the tracks here.

I <3 New York

2008-09-28T22:04:00.012-04:00

Photo courtesy of Luna Park on Flickr

Runaway - Shadows

Dug this one up from 2007 after getting my hands on Runaway's Brooklyn Club Jam released by the Rekids label. The first pressing of the 12" just sold out. This is probably one of my favorite edits which could be a testament to Jacques Renault and Marcos Cabral's talents, taste or a combination of the two.

"What do you get when you mix a classically trained, post-punk, disco-head; a Latin freestyle, Chicago house freak turned minimal-techno auteur; and thousands of records? You get Brooklyn's anything but inbred child: RUNAWAY. The duo have been informing each other's tastes since meeting at the Sonic Groove record store in early 2000, but Jacques Renault and Marcos Cabral didn't start producing their sound together until 2006."

It took me a while to figure it out, but this is a disco edit of Fever (a San Francisco based disco-funk group) covering a Motown classic, the Four Tops "Standing in the Shadows of Love", released in 1978. You can listen to it here. Runaway's version appears on Roy Dank's Wurst Edits label with "Ain't Afraid to Beg" on the flip side.

Brooklyn Express - Sixty-Nine

In keeping with the Brooklyn and covers theme, here's a 1982 special disco mix released by One Way Records, "Sixty-Nine". Popular number in contemporary culture and perhaps an appropriate title given that it's essentially a cover of Jimmy Bo Horne's "Spank". Is it getting hot in here? Cool down with this added bit of trivia: the quirky Madness sample in the beginning is taken from "One Step Beyond".

Generation Ecstasy

2008-09-28T13:09:00.011-04:00

Artwork courtesy of hirondellerustique on Flickr

E-The-Hot Presents Franchising - The Drugs

Let us travel back in time to 2006 when Italian producer, Lorenzo Mangani, released The Party EP on the Mantra Vibes label. Master of triple identities, E-The-Hot, Franchising and Pirate Robot Midget, Mangani who is now based in Amsterdam has been producing records since 2004. He's the owner of a digital only imprint, White Weed Records, where you can grab "Soda and Popcorn", one of his must-listen tracks.

So what you'll find here is something similar to that moog squelching sound perfected by the Universal Robot Band on their "Barely Breaking Even" single, but also what artists like Daft Punk are notorious for. The 12" B side is the more widely known funky disco house gem, "The People", which appears to take its cues from the first wave of French touch in the vein of Alan Braxe and Fred Falke. It's something I love to play out whenever I manage to sneak into the DJ booth and play pretend.

Mangani is currently releasing new material under his Pirate Robot Midget moniker: fuzzy, distored electro jams like those that appear on his latest release, It's My Beat Now! (which features two remixes by the prolific Riva Starr) out on Hell Yeah Recordings. He's also got a remix for Parisian electro outfit, Teenage Bad Girl, planned and a few upcoming dates in Germany.

Stand Up

2008-09-27T23:08:00.003-04:00

Photo courtesy of Luna Park on Flickr

Sawtooth Sucka - Sit Down

Lee Mortimer is back as Sawtooth Sucka with his Phat Chance EP Part 3 released earlier this month on UK house label, Dotbleep Recordings. I previously profiled Mortimer in a post featuring a remix he did of Randy Brusseto & JR From Dallas' "Jazz Ghetto City":

Lee is a resident DJ at the Slide party at the Zodiac club in Oxford which boasts over 12 years of underground house. In addition, he has a new label called Wearhouse Music...

I may or may not have poked fun at the Sucka moniker but it was all in good fun for it reminded me of the classic American film and timeless Wayans brothers masterpiece, "I'm Gonna Git You Sucka".

Suffice it to say I'm not quite crazy about bassline, fidget house, wonky house, that sort of squelching beat bass batty boom boom house (I'm making it up as I go along). I'm really enjoying "Sit Down", however, because Mortimer deviates just a smidge from his signature style, opting for a pleasant return to a more classic house sound that's much less aggressive. Sometimes I fear I might get punched in the face and knee-capped by the testosterone-fueled bass bursting out of the speakers while on the dance floor but there's no reason to sit this one out.

The Inferno

2008-09-27T21:56:00.007-04:00

Photo courtesy of el_fotografo on Flickr

Oliver Huntemann vs. Dubfire - Diablo

Here's a find from Coocoon Recording's Cocoon Compilation H which features, in addition to this collaboration between Oliver Huntemann and Dubfire, the likes of Joris Voorn, Simon Baker and Gui Boratto. Cocoon is actually a label founded and owned by beloved Papa Sven or Sven Väth as you may know him. I will never pass up the opportunity to post this video which is where that ridiculous yet suitable moniker originated. Ah yes, come and enter the blissful electronic world that Vath has nurtured until we emerge as fantastic butterflies that float upon the endless soundscapes of... whatever.

"Diablo" should shatter that imagery upon first listen, taking you a on journey down the devil's backbone instead of some hallucinogenic poppy fields. I'd characterize German producer Huntemann's work as altogether dark -- he has an undeniable ability to create a brooding atmosphere that erupts into something sinister, loud and ferocious. D.C. based producer Dubfire I've always considered just a tad bit more subdued than Oliver but with the same musical aura. The two pair off together quite nicely with the perfect combination of melodic intricacy and beat intensity.

High Control

2008-08-27T14:17:00.008-04:00

Photo courtesy of steveduteuil on Flickr

Spirit Catcher - High Control

Belgian producers Jean Vanesse and Thomas Sohet of Spirit Catcher originally met in sound engineering school where they became friends over a mutual interest in music and instruments like the keyboard. Years later they'd develop a sound they referred to as "modern disco" that captured the elements of their 2007 debut album, "Night Vision", released by 20:20 Vision. In live sets, Vanesse would hold the reigns as vinyl DJ while Sohet managed the keyboards, effects and electronic percussion.

In interviews Spirit Catcher attribute their name to a work of art in spite of the possibility of being construed as pretentious, but its worth a look-see as it is a pretty epic piece.

"At the base of Maple Street on the scenic waterfront sits Barrie's majestic landmark, the "Spirit Catcher." Ron Baird was one of nine sculptors asked to submit proposals for EXPO '86 and he was one of the two sculptors chosen. The theme of EXPO '86 was transportation and communication. With this is mind the artist thought of his sculpture as spiritual antennae. The imagery of the "Spirit Catcher" was influenced by the west coast location and the Thunderbird of First Nations' mythology. The Thunderbird is a messenger who carries our dreams and desires to the Creator."

- MacLaren Art Centre

The "High Control" 12", the second to last release they've put out this year, also features the tracks "Core Memory" and "Total Confusion", the latter of which deserves a fair nod as well. This record is available via Marc Romboy's own label, Systematic Recordings which has seen releases by Robert Babicz, Dusty Kid, John Dahlback and Zoo Brazil.

Return of the 'Danse

2008-08-27T13:27:00.005-04:00

Photo courtesy of roly on Flickr

Matias Aguayo - Minimal (Markus Rossknecht Remix)

I'm thrilled to see Aguayo releasing new material on Kompakt having been a fan of his previous solo work in addition to his collaborative project, Closer Musik with fellow producer and German native Dirk Leyers. This would've been the perfect late night, sticky summer anthem but alas, the Fall is rapidly approaching.

You're probably already familiar with the DJ Koze remix of this track everyone's foaming at the mouth over via its appearance on Kompakt's "Total" 9 compilation series or RCRDLBL's free download. Against better judgment I prefer the few changes that Rossknecht brings to the table despite Resident Advisor's criticism that it only serves to make the track "more accessible".

Both Oliver Koletzki and Samim made their own failed attempts at fusing Latin flavor and techno beats with their respective singles "Technica Salsa" and "Heater". While I am a fan of both artists, they do fall dreadfully short of accomplishing what Aguayo has by way of his Chilean background and the mere introduction of his sensual Spanish language vocals.

Cosi Cosmico!

2008-07-22T22:40:00.020-04:00

Artwork courtesy of Edu Castelo on Flickr

Spirit - Potatoland Theme

Legendary Italian DJ and cosmic disco pioneer, Daniele Baldelli, recently put out his "Cosmic Disco?! Cosmic Rock!!!" mix, a collection of rare tracks, on Belgium's own Eskimo Recordings -- the label responsible for releases by Low Motion Disco, Aeroplane, Optimo, Lindstrom, Recloose, Ivan Smagghe and just about any other artist I love and respect for the caliber of their work and who, most likely, cite Baldelli as an influence. Prior to the full mix, these tracks were released in parts, the first of which featured, in addition to Spirit, Alicia Bridges with "Body Heat" and Bronx Irish Catholics with "Ulster Defense".

The original "Potatoland Theme", a mind-expanding psychedelic rock rarity, appears on Spirit's full-length, "The Adventures Of Kaptain Kopter & Commander Cassidy In Potato Land" first released in 1981. The track available here, however, is clearly edited for the dancefloor as opposed to some psychotropic fantasy day-trip into a sci-fi wonderland of starchy carbohydrates. Conceptual or not, it is so beyond my scope of comprehension, but I'll tell you what's not -- the unbelievably infectious nature of this edit.

Feels Like Drifting

2008-07-17T00:28:00.004-04:00

Photo courtesy of titleandregistration on Flickr

Codec - Drifting

The first time I went to Berlin I'd taken a train in from Prague, where I was living at the time, and couldn't believe how cheap it was to get there. It was like the European equivalent of the Chinatown bus only it was the rail and ten times more comfortable with a spectacular view. The only thing on the agenda that weekend was finding Club Maria to see the French-Canadian freakshow that is Les Georges Leningrad. Years later I'd look down at the flyer and realize I'd seen Ascii.disko in a side room without quite knowing who that was. Whoops.

If relevance is what you're looking for then here it is: This track appears on a 12" split that Codec did with Ascii.disko which features "Drifting" on one side and "Phoenix" on the other. It's the latest release from German label (and Codec's own imprint), Body Function Records.

Where I wasn't too excited about Codec & Flexor as a duo, Codec alone is really putting his best foot forward with this absolute beauty of a record. If people who aren't familiar with techno or electronic music as a whole complain about it's vapidity and disconnect from any and all human emotion with its synthetic sounds and composition, this provides an excellent example of the sort of depth you can achieve within the genre. It strikes an emotional chord in me, at the very least, and I didn't even have to drop E.

Rhythm Code vs. Popof

2008-07-13T13:43:00.007-04:00

Photo courtesy of jferree on Flickr

Rhythm Code ft. Simone Denney - Rise (Popof Remix)

Previously convinced that the producer Popof was German, I gave him the benefit of the doubt despite being completely unfamiliar with his work when I first picked up his Chomper EP on Turbo. I just assume all of the better techno producers grow on trees in Berlin or Cologne. That EP, by the way, is what freshcuts.ch describes as "somewhere in between minimal scarf vibes and full-on fire trance", quite possibly the best quip ever concocted in faux music journalism. I can't say this particular remix echoes the same vibes as Chomper, but it certainly takes you to a different sound dimension thanks to a wicked schizo-babble vocal sample that's used repeatedly until the end.

As it turns out, Popof, or Alexandre Paounov, is French and not only that, he's widely known in Europe for being part of the Heretik collective. The Heretik collective has been organizing raves and techno events since 1996, around the time Popof first began releasing records. His remix of "Rise" appears on the latest single from Rhythm Code which was released by the Rising Trax label. The label's single prior to this one is something you may have already heard out on the dancefloor, Deadmau5 vs. Jelo's "The Reward is Cheese".

Eat The Positive

2008-07-08T21:43:00.000-04:00

Photo courtesy of chrisjohnbeckett on Flickr

Terry Toner - Eat The Positive (Smash TV Remix)

Loving this remix right now. German producer Smash TV, or Holger Zilske, should be a familiar name given that he was one of the first artists to release a record on the BPitch Control label, home to artists like Apparat and Modeselektor, back in 2001. Zilske has had quite a career, credited for the production on two of Ellen Allien's best albums, "Berlinette" and "Thrills" (the latter of which still remains one of my favorite electronic records of all time) in addition to his own material. His last single, "Locomotive Breath", popped up out of nowhere after a two year disappearance following his "Yellow Asteroids" record. Since then Zilske has been recording under his own name and released the first record, "Enduro Disco", on Mobilee sublabel Leena Music in June of 2007. Totally slept on that one.

Smash TV will be appearing at Bar 13 in New York on August 9th so make sure you stay awake for that one.

Terry Toner aka Hans Jochem Dijk, on the other hand, is a newcomer in my book; a young DJ/producer from the Netherlands that surprisingly, for the type of music he produces, grew up on German rave records. He's building up an impresive resume what with his residency at The EGG in London in addition to having recently performed alongside two of my favorites, Jori Hulkonnen and Rekid's own Luke Solomon so get familiar! His latest record also features remixes by The Youngsters and Alexander Robotnick.

Putsch '79

2008-07-07T13:18:00.004-04:00

Photo courtesy of F@KE on Flickr

Putsch '79 - Gibson (Dub Mix)

Here we have a promotional white label being distributed by Clone (in limited quantities) from Putsch '79. The title, "Gibson", really refers to the song being remixed, Gibson Brothers' "Oh What A Life". Coincidentally, "Oh What A Life" was released in 1979 by the France-based group, three brothers originally from Martinique in the West Indies. They're probably best known for their biggest disco hit, "Cuba", which was written and produced in part by Daniel Vangarde (or Daniel Bangalter, Thomas Bangalter's father).

Now rewind to the remix, Putsch '79 are Sami Liuski and Pauli Jylhänkangas, two childhood friends originally from eastern Finland. Liuski first released material under the 8Bit Rockers moniker, a more electro-oriented outfit, on Bunker, still releases records on Crème Organization as Bangkok Impact (currently on tour) and continues to work on another side project on Clone with Jylhänkangas as Putsch '79. Jylhänkangas himself put out his own EP on Klakson in 2003, "Clutz", but prior to that had never produced before. All of those aforementioned labels are based in the Netherlands which is a testament to their strong ties to the Dutch electronic scene.

This record begs the question "vocal, instrumental or dub"? It's hard to decide which one is better when they all appeal to different facets of my own taste. If, contrary to what most copyright holders may think, I didn't have much of a conscience, I'd post them all. The vocal and instrumental would suit those more keen on a classic disco house sound, but if the Gibson Brother's scratchy throat, verse vocals don't work for you, stick with the instrumental. The dub would satisfy someone who wants a slightly faster BPM with a hint of electro.

GTNP

2008-06-30T03:04:00.012-04:00

Photo courtesy of pamelaklaffke on Flickr

I:Cube - Gtnup

If you could guess the sample used in this track by the title alone... then you obviously read the title of the song download below. Get in the pantry and treat yourself to a cookie. Parisian label Versatile Records released "Gtnup" digitally back in March of this year as a Beatport exclusive. I:Cube, also known as Nicolas Chaix, is one half of the Chateau Flight duo alongside producer Gilbert Cohen or Gilb'r (the head of Versatile). While most producers come from relatively humble beginnings, Chaix's first record, "Disco Cubizm", released sometime around 1996 when he was still a teenager, featured a remix by Daft Punk. My first introduction to his work came about 10 years later with the release of his Acid Tablet EP -- the first disco-housey B side, "Un Proton Pour Toi, Un Neutron Pour Moi", certainly sealed my fate as a fan.

You can catch I:Cube this coming Saturday, July 5th at The Beach Party in Long Island City at Water Taxi Beach with resident DJs Justin Carter, Probus and The Brothers' Brothers for $5 or on Sunday, July 6th at Neil Aline's OPEN party downstairs at APT for $10.

Suzy Q - Get On Up And Do It Again

An absolute dance classic essential! Suzy Q, who I constantly confuse with Stacey Q, is better known as Carol Jiani, the Nigerian born Canadian singer responsible for the 1981 disco hit, "Hit N Run Lover". My only criticism of that track? Not enough cowbell in the intro. Jiani recorded "Get On Up And Do It Again" the following year under the Suzy Q moniker for contractual reasons (as revealed in her wine-fueled Q&A on the discomusic.com forums). My only criticism of that track? It's too funky to even register on my funkometer. It's also interesting to note that producer Jerry Cucuzzella, the wizard behind the curtain on Punkin Machine's "I Need You Tonight", worked his magic on this little number as well.

Re-Vamp

2008-06-27T14:17:00.006-04:00

Photo courtesy of jacobssalon on Flickr

Acidkids - Vamp (Markus Lange & Daniel Dexter Remix)

Germany's own Acidkids made their first appearance on this blog in March following the release of their single "We Were Wild". The Vamp EP, out on KarateMusik (Germany), predates that release by about a year yet is still every bit as relevant. In the current climate of new! now! next! style consumption it's worth going back a few releases to catch up on what you may have missed. Also on the EP are the tracks "Burnin" and "Twisterkitchen", the latter of which is often compared to Tomas Andersson's "Washing Up".

This remix by Daniel Dexter and Markus Lange (who, if you recall, are the two respective members of the Acidkids duo), has an undeniable aura of urban industrial malaise thus making it the perfect soundtrack to a dark and bleak, "rise of the machines" type future. Take Tekel's "Mycose the Night" and toss in a bit of Booka Shade's "Mandarine Girl" to get a proper idea of what this sounds and feels like.

Apart from having worked on a remix of Maral Salmassi's "Fire Gem", Dexter, in conjunction with fellow German DJ/producer Malente, will drop the "Hyperactive" single next month on Exploited, which features remixes by Riva Starr, Bobmo and Bird Peterson. Lange, on the other hand, will be making appearances in Austria, Belgium, France and Italy before heading down to South America at the end of 2008 for a tentatively scheduled tour of Brazil and Colombia.

New York Meets Spitzer

2008-06-23T19:27:00.018-04:00

Nine months ago I convinced Spitzer to send me their music to post after being wowed by "Kaspersky". Two days ago I got to hear that song and more booming through every speaker at Webster Hall while watching an out of control crowd below climb their way onto the stage. Pretty stellar U.S. debut!

Here's some video of their set which includes their remix of Kylie Minogue's "In My Arms" and their own original track "Avida Dollars". The more you know: Avida Dollars is the nickname André Breton gave to Salvador Dali which is an anagram of his name. That's what you get for taking courses in French surrealism.

In the unfortunate event that you missed the show both Spitzer and Danger will be at Bodega in Brooklyn (Bushwick) this Wednesday night. Flyer and more information under the "Upcoming" section.

IN OTHER NEWS:

The boys were kind enough to bring me a copy of French electronic music magazine, Tsugi, who did a little write-up on La Decadanse. This is probably the first in-print coverage I've ever encountered so I'm going to take this opportunity to gloat. Je presente mon quinze minutes warholienne:

(Click image to enlarge)

A 2 Z + D L

2008-06-16T04:53:00.006-04:00

Photo courtesy of Peppeh on Flickr

A 2 Z - Bread & Butter (Dada Life Remix)

A 2 Z's "Bread & Butter" is the most recent collaborative work from widely known John Acquaviva and Ramon Zenker. German-born Zenker has been around since the late 1980s, scoring hits with trance, eurodance and house projects like Fragma and Honesty 69 (who most notably brought back the simulated female orgasm a la "Je T'aime Moi Non Plus" in 1989 with "French Kiss"). As one half of the Hardfloor duo, Zenker is considered, in part, responsible for bringing acid house to prominence in the 1990s.

Canadian producer, Acquaviva, in addition to sounding like the perfect brand name for a cologne, has spent almost 25 years in the music industry. Sadly, in my insular little universe, he'd always remained a sort of enigma for ages. Releasing a steady mix of material on respected labels like Studio !K7, Definitive, Turbo and Mute seem like minor accomplishments when you consider the following: he's the co-founder of both Plus 8 Records and Beatport with minimalicious Richie Hawtin. He was also one of the first people to ever record with Final Scratch.

On to the third part of this equation, Dada Life. One can only deduce that
Stefan Engblom and Olle Corneér, in spite of their names, must be Swedish given their string of releases on John Dahlback's Pickadoll label. If they describe their sound as "crashing into a wall with a smile on your face" then this remix must be like riding a rollercoaster without a safety harness. Their current mix for June features some of my favorites this month as well (ie. T.Raumschmiere who was one of the first electronic artists I'd ever seen way back when), so it's worth a download as is a majority of their back catalog.

Now that you've all been properly introduced, put 'em all together and what do you get? Bing bong.

Fashion Feelings

2008-05-21T21:09:00.008-04:00

Photo courtesy of Cherie on Flickr

DK7 - Fashion Feelings (Arveene & Misk Remix)

For a minute there I was convinced that Trevor Jackon's label, Output Recordings, had returned from beyond the grave to distribute this record by DK7, the brainchild of Swedish producer Jesper Dahlbäck and Irish producer Mark O'Sullivan. Output was responsible for releasing previous singles by DK7 like "Life is Everywhere", "Disarmed" (touted as an electronic essential) and "The Difference", the latter of which features a remix by Jori Hulkkonen, probably the first time I'd ever heard of that producer (circa 2003). The original is the second single off their forthcoming album, "The Great Hunger".

After a brief hiatus, DK7 returned with the "Instone" single followed by the "Fashion Feelings" 12" which features remixes by Lifelike, Tomas Almgrem and Blackstrobe. But, as you can plainly see, I've chosen the remix by collaborators Arveene & Misk who've been blazing trails with their own individual material in the electro/techno and breaks genres. Certainly a duo to look out for in the future, this being the proof in the pudding, so to speak.

Etruscan Disco

2008-05-21T19:34:00.008-04:00

Photo courtesy of goblinqueen on Flickr

Victor Delicato - Midnight Gazette

I mentioned in a previous post that I owe most of my finds to record store charts and new release listings. If it weren't for those audio snippets I'd be completely lost (or forced to kick it old school, go to the record store, wait in line to pop the record on the turntable to preview it while making a "hmm" face in either approval or disapproval -- it's a process). Big kudos to Dutch shop, Clone Records, for hand-picking some of the finest releases, past and present and for making this about as easy as it looks. Those releases include this fairly obscure record from Italian producer, Victor Delicato.

"Delicato's sound is quite difficult to pin point. It has elements of italo, but it's definitely not spaghetti dance. There are aspects of electro disco in here, yet the sound is not there either. There's even a bit of a nu disco and Lindstrom taste, but that's not it either. This sound, found lying between southern Tuscany and Rome, has absorbed the sun and sounds of past years to produce passionate electro disco that is as individual as it is enthusiastic."

- Igloo Magazine

It's an excellent debut that deserves a little recognition in lieu of the popularity of DFA-ish nu-disco and some of the italo influenced tracks on the latest Cut Copy record. Delicato's "Self-Titled" EP is currently out now on Sterpete Dischi and is limited to 275 copies.

Tan Ta Ra

2008-05-19T22:58:00.002-04:00

Photo courtesy of Ren Rox on Flickr

LFO - Tan Ta Ra (Moby Remix)

Admittedly, not that big of a fan when it comes to Moby despite other people going absolutely bonkers in his presence. When the CUT crew brought him out to do a rave DJ set at their first Masters of the Universe party, there were some pretty "enthusiastic" fans clinging onto the DJ booth for dear life, watching, filming and photographing his every move. Beyond creepy. I always thought the highest compliment you could pay a DJ or an artist involved dancing to your heart's content, not so much of this wacky fandom.

Moving on, what I do love about Moby has more to do with white pomegranate tea and the goat cheese and artichoke salad you can grab at his cafe, Teany. Now that they have yerba mate, it's easier to get your organic, crack esque fix during daylight hours.

This remix off of LFO's "What is House" EP, released in 1991 by Warp, grabs and shakes me by the shoulders every time I hear it. Sure, I may not have the best ear for music out there (self-deprecating blogger strikes again) and this is your run of the mill, typical house remix but it is undeniably my favorite track on the EP. Oooh! Listen! I think I just heard the thud of a DJ dropping dead after reading that one.