Life Elsewhere

Seducing A Republican.

2012-02-12T14:36:00.001-05:00

“I’m a Republican.” She announced abruptly to my drinking partner Mr. L who’d been ardently steering the conversation in a far more cozy direction. Her out-of-context comment wasn’t going to deter Mr. L, from his vantage point; any conversation is better than none if a conquest is possible. I could almost see and hear the machinery clanking away in his overactive brain. Her declaration only served to encourage Mr. L, “Great!” He purred, “Tell me what does being a Republican mean?” She froze with the classic deer-in-a-headlight stare. Mr. L imagines himself to be a latter day Lothario whose ability as a political pundit is essential to his seductive charm. I recall one particularly hearty evening we’d been enjoying a few glasses of Burgundy when Mr. L called for attention and declared to dinner guests, “Talking politics is like an aphrodisiac to women!” As empirical proof of his claim, he then went on to list the sexual exploits of among others, the Kennedy brothers, Bill Clinton and the implausible Newt Gingrich. “Well…” She began hesitantly, “Well…being a Republican means you don’t want a socialist government and you’re for less taxes and strict laws on immigration and…and…no socialized medicine and a stronger military and…and less taxes…and…” She was floundering. Mr. L was almost licking his lips, readying himself to pounce. He was going to captivate her with his expert understanding of politics. He leaned forward and reached for her hand, which she withdrew instantly to pick up a glass she’d already cleaned and gave it another once-over. Mr. L smiled, well OK, not exactly a smile, more like a smirk. “Yes, yes!” He said with a sigh and then gave her his well-used bewildered-but-all-knowing look that says “I pity you’re ignorance but I’ll still give you my attention”. Another customer called out for an order and she quickly moved away. “Poor thing.” He said conspiratorially to me, “A Republican no less! Ha! I can handle that!”

Earlier that evening Mr. L called “Come ‘n’ have a drink! Jeez! I haven’t seen you for weeks! C’mon you need to get out more!” He barked down the phone. He was calling from a restaurant and bar that’s nice enough if you can handle the faux “Sinatra Rat Pack” theme. Why not I thought, it would make a change and Mr. L’s company can be entertaining, although I can only take his braggadocio in small doses. By the time I arrived Mr. L was busy commandeering the attention of the attractive young lady behind the bar. He was on form gregariously talking about his favorite subject…Mr. L, while simultaneously probing her for personal details. She was now back in front of us, Mr. L wasted no time, “Are you single?” He asked perhaps a little too eagerly. “No!” She shot back with equal gusto, “I’m in a committed relationship.” Still unswayed, Mr. L pressed on, “He’s a lucky man, what does he do?” Did I notice a gentle smile on her face as she said, “She’s a nurse, her name is Linda, we’ve been together for over four years.” Mr. L’s girl-on-girl fantasy went from slightly aroused to decidedly flaccid in mere seconds as he realized there was no room for him in this scenario. It may come as no surprise that Mr. L suggested we leave rather abruptly. We strolled across the street to a new pub with an overworked Irish theme. The bored-looking barkeep took our order, then thrust two measly glasses of red plonk at us. Silence reigned until Mr. L cheerily said, “I’ve got it! She was trying to save me from embarrassment. It’s code. Instead of just saying I’m a lesbian, she says, “I’m a Republican!” Mr. L’s explanation may change the way I view the ongoing antics and pantomimes of the Republican Presidential candidates from now on.

While editing this post, news broke that Whitney Houston had died at age 48. Her talent touched millions including (I’m sure) the artists I’ve chosen to feature in LE Mix #144. The mix was already made so I’ll include it with little comment, suffice to say all these releases have come my way recently and each one is worth investigating. Hopefully I can speak for the artists featured and say Ms. Houston was an unparalleled influential talent. R.I.P. Whitney.

LE Mix #144

Dean Thomas - Glitters
Balue - Darlin'
BDI - Decoded Messages Of Life & Love
Ernest Gonzales - The Scattered Thoughts of Raindrops
Major Napier - Laugh Laugh/Make A Heart With Your Hands
Vague Horror - Kava
Milezo - Echoes Depict The Kid
Leyland Kirby - The Watcher And The Watched
Young Heel - Snow Walk
Mood Rings - Come Lay Down In Lined Arrangements
Poor Spirits - Benefits

Image: “A Republican?” 8.2008

Agitated.

2012-02-08T00:58:00.002-05:00

After about a bottle and a half of rather fine Malbec I reckoned I was lubricated enough to write a brilliant post about a package of vinyl I received from the UK. A rare surprise as these days most releases I receive arrive via email as a sterile MP3 file attachments. This stack of lovely tactile plastic discs were all the more intriguing because they had been delivered on the recommendation of my music-biz friend the erudite Mr. M whose excellent taste and connections are first class. Mr. M Skyped me to say the discs were on their way, but didn’t know when. I was out when the package arrived but Ted my next-door neighbor was home so he signed for it. Like two ships that pass in the night we hardly ever see each other, so Ted kept the treasure for over a week until we next laid eyes on each other. “I’ve got something for you.” He said with an unnerving twinkle in his eye, “Hold on, I’ll go and get it.” Ted rushed back, somewhat out of breath. “Just made a fresh pot of coffee, c’mon in.” I said and poured two steaming mugs of the delicious brew and hastily opened the package. Oh! Records!” Ted exclaimed, “What kind of music is this then?” Ted’s a kindly soul, probably not much older than me, but I do believe his taste in music kind of dried up around about the time the Beatles split. Did I detect a hint of sarcasm as he examined the sleeve for Moon Pool & Dead Band? Explaining the releases on Agitated records to Ted would prove difficult, then after listening to the platters many times I realized that explaining to you dear readers of Life Elsewhere would prove equally as difficult.

In an effort to clarify for you what Agitated are all about I checked out their Facebook page where they write: “We put records out. And we like what we release...” And yes, they should. Agitated releases have been categorized as Psychedelic Rock, Space Rock, Indie Rock, Rock & Roll, Garage Rock etc., which of course goes against the grain for me in that I prefer not to stick labels on everything. Truthfully, I’m not so sure I have the writing skills to describe these records even with the delicious wine, so I decided to make the latest LE Mix with only releases from Agitated so you can dream up your own descriptions. And to further aid in your understanding, I’ve included the startling video (above) courtesy of Koolaid (Global Tyranny) with Intercity Firm. Thankfully, Ted didn’t ask me to play the records, saving me from predictable quips like, “You call this music?” Perhaps he was disturbed by Mugstar’s green vinyl and clear plastic sleeve because he pushed it to one side a little too disdainfully, downed his coffee while making a feeble excuse about having to run an errand then made a speedy exit. As it happens, I do call it music and to paraphrase the geezers at Agitated, “I like what I hear!” Enjoy uncategorically.

LE Mix #143

Mugstar – Serra-Distant Sun
Moon Pool & Dead Band – Subterraneans
Koolaid – 11 18
Bardo Pond – Fallen
Moon Pool & Dead Band – Inches (Over Space)

Image: Video: Koolaid (Global Tyranny) - Intercity Firm

Influencing The Kills.

2012-02-02T09:05:00.000-05:00

My friend and incredibly skillful hairdresser, the “tattooed love-boy” Jimi Bob said, “You wanna go see The Kills?” Why not I thought, the show was on a Monday night and I had nothing better to do. Plus, after all those years of being in the “biz” I had rarely, if ever paid to get in to a show and stand in front of a stage with the rest of the punters. Instead, the “biz” had always kindly invited me to shamelessly huddle backstage or in some VIP area, where most often I was able to indulge in the free booze or whatever other recreational relief was available. As we walked up to the entrance my mind jolted back in time, this venue was uncannily reminiscent of my old Seattle haunt The Showbox; both places bearing the well-worn trademarks of once glorious dance-palaces or supper-clubs from a bygone era. As The Kills hit the stage, I looked around the room at the outfits and energy of the mostly 20 plus crowd, it was easy to imagine I was back witnessing one of those Post Punk – New Wave acts lumber onstage in the 80’s. On stage before me the band were now into their third number as Alison Mosshart strutted across the stage, managing a Keith Richards swagger, which evolved into a coquettish slump against a speaker-stack that Deborah Harry would have been proud of. Jimi Bob was in awe but to prove he wasn’t ogling Ms. Mosshart he asked with a terribly earnest expression, “What would you call their music then…?” Before I could slap myself silly to halt my “concise history of rock ‘n’ roll and the obvious influences” monologue I begun rattling off names as if on autopilot…Suicide…Young Marble Giants…PJ Harvey. In return I was getting blank stares, my hairdresser although appreciative of my encyclopedic musical knowledge was desperately keen to get back to devouring Ms. Mosshart with his eyes as she performed an intimidating slouch-pelvic-thrust-bum-wiggle move. It really was a great night and I thoroughly enjoyed The Kills but my “influence barometer” would not quit. So soon as got home I dashed to my trusty Mac and frantically scrolled though my music library. I found it…Too Many Creeps by Bush Tetras! It was Cynthia Sley’s voice I remembered. Hopefully, Ms. Mosshart or her partner, Jamie Hince are aware of Bush Tetras, not because it would prove my point about influences, but because it will make my night with The Kills even more special.

The next morning I woke up to find my email inbox full of tantalizing MP3’s jockeying for inclusion in my next LE Mix. Well bugger me if I don’t discover Lost On Me a track from Command V (albeit an Optimo Remix) a new outfit put together by…wait for it… Cynthia Sley. The story goes that she decided to return to music after buying a Macbook and discovering Apple’s GarageBand recording software. Command V’s self-titled debut album comes out on March 14th. LE Mix #142 understandably begins with Bush Tetras segueing into Ms. Sley’s Command V (yes it’s a reference to the Mac keyboard). Next up Postiljonen, two Swedes Joel Nyström Holm and Daniel Sjörs and Norwegian Mia Bøe with the lovely dreamy 7, available over at Soundcloud. Pye Corner Audio with Electronic Rhythm Number Four reminds me of those wonderful offerings the inimitable Touch Records were so brilliant at. For more info and downloads go to Black Mill Tapes Vol 2. Bethany Skirt impresses with a nice Minimal Techno almost abstract House track, Racing The Sea from a 3 track EP on Horizontal Ground. I’ve listened to Belgian producer Locked Groove’s Rooted in repeat play mode as I plod along on the treadmill at the gym. I love the subtle changes throughout, at one moment frantic yet then smooth and even blurred. Wonderful, I hear something different on every listen, which helps me manage the steep gradient I force upon my tired old body. Out on 20th of February from French producer Jean Nippon a 5 track EP “Girl Complex”, I’ve selected the Voltron remix of Girl Complex. I guess I couldn’t really get away without including The Kills in this LE Mix unless I wanted my talented hairdresser performing dastardly snips to my treasured locks. What better than their cover of The Velvet Underground’s Pale Blue Eyes, an influence they proudly telegraphed the other night. Enjoy reverentially.

LE Mix #142

Bush Tetras – Too Many Creeps
Command V – Lost On Me (Optimo Remix)
Postiljonen - 7
Pye Corner Audio - Electronic Rhythm Number Four
Skirt - Racing The Sea
Locked - Groove Rooted
Jean Nipon - Girl Complex (Voltron Refix)
Dean Thomas - Glitters
The Kills - Pale Blue Eyes (Velvet Underground cover)

Image: The Kills at The Ritz, Ybor City, Tampa 1.30.2012 from a video shot on my iPhone

Arrrrrgh!

2012-01-30T18:24:00.000-05:00

Surely someone in the higher echelons of grandiosity at the Republican Party has an iniquitous sense of humor. Why else would the Republican National Convention in August 2012 take place in Tampa, Florida? A city that has a record number of strip clubs (at last count over 43), that's more than the city's hospitals (12), high schools (41), fire stations (21) or synagogues (13). The only place that rivals the clubs is McDonald's, which also comes in at 43. Perhaps just to prepare for what will most certainly be a lunatic event, excluding the anticipated riots and use of police tanks, the GOP staged a debate here and ushered all four candidates into town for the all-important primary while the city demonstrates it’s incomparable wackiness with it’s fabled Gaparilla celebration. There really is no way to adequately explain this peculiar affair. Think Mardi Gras with a pirate theme played out by wealthy lawyers, doctors and car dealers…public drunkenness, urination and titty-flashing… manic bead throwing and equally desperate scavenging… insane traffic congestion and extortionate parking fees…and you still haven’t come close to explaining the annual insanity that is Gaparilla. If those GOP candidates had been allowed by their minders to leave their suites in the Marriott Waterside to frolic amongst the masses we could be hearing a whole different rhetoric when it comes time for the speeches late Tuesday night after the Florida primary results are in. Arrrrrgh!

And speaking off different, I had no intention of continuing with the pirate theme with the latest LE Mix. Instead I rounded up tracks I want to draw your attention to. First up a mini-medley from an outfit I’ve raved about for possibly far too long in the hope they will garner a wider audience. The release of “Blueprint” may do the trick. This is a must-have even if you’re not a die-hard techno fan. 808 State have been making intelligent listenable music since the late 80’s and this overview of Greatest Bits will not disappoint. I’ve pointed you in the direction of Birkwin Jersey before, this track Satellites with Ian Keteku is available on the “Old Hands EP”. Sunik Kim aka Beat Culture has also had a mention at Life Elsewhere before, do check out "Tokyo Dreamer" where you’ll find Memory (Cassettes). My friend Mr. M whose taste and knowledge of so many genres of music amazes me kindly sent a file of Hookworms new 12”. Out of Leeds in Yorkshire, these lads impressed me enough with Resolution to suggest to Mr. M he cajole them into getting more MP3’s into my mailbox. It can get confusing when you have a number of aliases, Gunner Wendel is also know as Seltene Erden and for this outing with OS2009 he goes by the moniker Kareem Moser and that’s not enough he also happens to be in the group Chilling The Do.

Please note I now feature the artist or title links where available to make it easy for you to buy the music. Arrrrrgh! Enjoy.

LE Mix #141

808 State– Pacific State (origin)
808 State – Nephatiti
808 State – Flow Coma (AFX remix by Aphix Twin)
808 State – Lemonsoul ( featuring Guy Garvey)
Birkwin Jersey – Satellites (with Ian Keteku)
Beat Culture – Memory (Cassettes)
Hookworms – Resolution
Kareem Moser - OS2009
Image: Gaparilla pirates 1.28.2012

Cut.

2012-01-22T21:28:00.007-05:00

I’m at number140 with the latest LE Mix, that’s a lot of music I’ve selected, mixed, recorded and made available for you to download since 2008. It’s also a lot of file space and anyone who has dabbled around with “the cloud” soon realizes the more you use the more you need. LIFE ELSEWHERE is moving forward and I need to free up space. After 1.25.2012 I will be changing the availability of the LE Mixes. Don’t wait - download now!

Alex Smoke from Glasgow begins LE Mix #140. With a background in classical music he made his debut to critical acclaim in 2002 with “Random As”. This young producer works his innovative style by fusing minimalism with emotional strings and intelligent electro rhythms to full effect on Miyako. “We are two musicians Ian McDonnell and Dara Smith. We make electronic music of all styles.” So say Lakker on their Twitter page. After listening to Spider Silk check out these Dubliners effort’s on Soundcloud. I received Crosstown from Kid Counselor (aka Jacob Leech) some weeks back with the intention of including it sooner than later. I think Mr. Counselor/Leech will approve of the inclusion in LE Mix #140. Escape Myself from Answer Code Request is almost contradictory, being deep and catchy yet with a menacingly dark bass-line; surprisingly bright beats and grim static with unexpected effects poking in and out. Out of Düsseldorf on the Themes For Great Cities imprint Wolf Müller gives us Pflanzentanz from an EP titled “Lagerfeuer Tanz” (Campfire Dance). Discogs curiously list the genre as “Electronic, Folk, World, & Country” and the Style as “Tribal, Experimental, Disco”. So much for labels I say! A female voice and birds chirping float in and out of With You, a three-and-a-half-minute song from San Francisco producer Giraffage and everytime I play I hear something different. The Townhouse remix of So Sorry by Melbourne’s Geoffrey O’Connor reminds me that pop music should always be this good. We stay down under for Someone by Tuksta. I have no more information about this other than to report that the big fat dollop of bass and Indian(?) guitar samples work beautifully as does the syncopated percussion. You’ll find more on Soundcloud. On first listen to Drugged Out Quest by Ssaliva I reckoned I’d received a warped copy, until I clouted myself in the side of the head, noting it was an MP3 file, since then I’ve listened to the cut many times and like it warps n’ all. I played 10-20’s Bloomback for my long-suffering hairdresser and aspiring rock-star, the exceptionally talented Jimi Bob. As he wielded his lethal shears mere millimeters from my right ear he gave the track a big thumbs up while exclaiming, “Yeah! Fucking good man, love it!” We close this edition of LE Mix #140 with Hi-Fi Hi-Jinx a retro-funk-loop outing by Lasership Stereo, you can check out more at Soundcloud. Enjoy neatly.
LE Mix #140

Alex Smoke - Miyako
Lakker - Spider Silk
Kid Counselor - Crosstown
Answer Code Request - Escape Myself
Wolf Müller - Pflanzentanz
Giraffage - With You
Geoffrey O'Connor - So Sorry (The Townhouses Remix)
Tuksta - Someone
Ssaliva - Drugged Out Quest
10-20 - Bloomback
Lasership Stereo - Hi-Fi Hi-Jinx

Image: “Jimi Bob cuts James’ hair” 1.21.2012

What D’you Know About Martin Luther King.

2012-01-16T14:11:00.002-05:00

“Hey daddy!” Yelled my son as he squashed his beautiful face into mine just in case I hadn’t realized he was there, “It’s Martin Luther King Day on Monday…no school! Yeah! Hurray!” I was busy struggling with a recipe for pancakes…adulterating the ingredients to concoct into what I hoped would end up as crepes, half-heartedly I asked, “What D’you know about Martin Luther King?” Even though I now had my back to my gorgeous son’s face I could sense he’d instantly donned a snarling, ”Jeez…give me a break” look. Lethargically he sighed, “Oh dad! Dr. Martin Luther King told the people that racism is wrong and he made really important speeches and got shot dead by a man who didn’t want black people to have the same stuff as white people. He was a very good man and there are streets named after him.” He maneuvered himself alongside me and was now dipping a terrifyingly grubby finger into the batter; “And Martin Luther King made it OK for a black man to be President even though Barack Obama is not all black he is black enough for some people to think he shouldn’t be in the White House.” James, my son said all this with air of a bored lecturer, I wouldn’t have been surprised if he’d continued with, “Right, get you composition book out and write down what you’ve learnt today.” Instead continuing in his new-found teacher-voice said, ‘Think about it like this dad, imagine if everyone could change color for one day then they’d know what it feels like and understand the color of your skin doesn’t make you a better person.” I put my pancake/crepe adventure on hold to pay full attention to my son. He dunked another soiled finger into the mixture then announced, “I’m betting if you asked a racist person why they think that way, you’ll never going to get a good answer ‘cause the first person who thought like a racist didn’t take time to think sensibly and then passed those wrong dumb thoughts on from one generation to another so now you have people who think they don’t like people of color but they don’t know why. It’s like fat families who keep on eating, they know it’s not good for ‘em but they keep on doing it anyway.”

The batter now had suspicious looking grey swirls in it but the finished pancake/crepes were surprisingly good, especially when alternately filled with lashings of Nuttela or apricot jam. Enjoy respectfully.

LE Mix #139

Jacin - Human Rights
Dennis Brown - Declaration Of Rights
Rockers Hi-Fi - Free
The Twinkle Brothers - Solid As A Rock
I Roy - I And Equality
Fatman Vs Shaka - Repatriation Dub
Image: "James & Jerrod" 11.2011

Catching Up With The Music.

2012-01-13T00:55:00.007-05:00

Honestly, I’m way behind in getting to review a massive amount of music that has come my way recently in all shapes and sizes including a brilliant remix CD from my long-time faves 808 State, a box-load of wonderful vinyl from Agitated Records and a slew of amazing MP3’s from here, there and (it would seem) everywhere in between. I’ll catch up with the music in upcoming editions of Life Elsewhere beginning with this the latest LE Mix #138.

When I first heard Perc’s My Head Is Slowly Exploding I had a…wait for it…flashback to the golden age of Industrial Music…well bugger me if I wasn’t right on the money before I’d even looked at the small print. Released on the Londoner’s own Perc Trax imprint the 12” has three versions, one of which is reworked by Industrial figurehead Chris Carter. But I’ve chosen Berlin’s Ancient Methods version, which I’m rather confidant you’ll approve of. UK producer Graphics offers us The Provoker with a simple melody, and a vocal sample of a French child over a beat that stutters while unruly percussive noises dash in and out of background synths. Next up, international relations at their best with Stockholm-based The Whendays remixing of Austin duo Boy Friend's Egyptian Wrinkle single from the forthcoming LP of the same name. Not sure what is was that alerted me but something about Graintable’s April O'Neil said it had to come out of the Pacific Northwest. Kinda think it may have been because of the last time I was in my adopted hometown I heard music on a par with this effort. The Morning Clouds’ A Walk Home has been skillfully stretched out by Glaswegian producer Sad City into what my son describes as “That music you listen to daddy when you’re working”. I do believe that’s a compliment. Genesis comes to us from Canadian songstress Grimes' forthcoming Visions LP for 4AD…enough said. London producer Point B a.k.a. Richard Bultitude has been around for some time but Versus shows him so up-to-date with his shuffling, electro-tinged garage rhythms. We stay in the UK and head up north to Leeds-based producer Gavin Herlihy with In Space & In Time I will admit to having danced around the kitchen as I made dinner the other evening to this for rather longer than was probably appropriate or enjoyable to witness. We round up Mix #138 with daft spelling and lovely music, Time Wharp with yrLyf featuring a vocal sample that even non train-spotters may recognize.

As you listen do please take notice of our “Places We Like” list on the right of this page. We change this often and hope you enjoy and won’t miss some of the more interesting places we have found on the wibbly-wobbly web. Also on the same side of the page is our “donate” button. This is where I ask you to show your appreciation for the time and effort I put in by making a small donation. Thank you sincerely to everyone who has. Enjoy LE Mix # 138 knowing you helped just a little bit.

LE Mix #138

Perc - My Head Is Slowly Exploding (Ancient Methods Remix)

Graphics - The Provoker

Boy Friend - Egyptian Wrinkle (The Whendays Remix)

Graintable - April O'Neil

The Morning Clouds - A Walk Home (LA Remix by Sad City)

Grimes - Genesis

Point B - Versus

Gavin Herlihy - In Space & In Time

Time Wharp - yrLyf

Image: “And the band played on…” Live concert, North Tampa, Florida 1.8.2012

The Elvis & Bowie Fan.

2012-01-08T16:13:00.001-05:00

“If there hadn't been an Elvis, there wouldn't have been the Beatles.” said John Lennon in 1965. I knew exactly what he meant…yes, Lennon was referring to the inspiration and musical heritage but I also believe the late great Beatle was talking about the pure essence of rock ‘n’ roll that Presley oozed. Coincidently another artist who would not only agree with Lennon and most certainly studied the young Elvis’s penchant for outrageous clothes, eyeliner and rouge also happens to share the same birthday as The Memphis Flash. So, could it be more than just chance that the two rock artists I will openly and willing admit to being a fan of, were born on January 8th, Elvis Presley in 1935 and David Bowie in 1947? I choose to think not. From my very first exposure to Elvis when I was barely 10 years old to the day he died in 1977, I was able to bore almost any unsuspecting soul with my exuberant recital on the magnificence of Presley’s status in my world. Some years after his death I had just secured my first Talk Radio job and continued to rave enthusiastically about Elvis, apparently much to the dismay of my fellow talk hosts and the ornery program director. We had gathered together for a pre-station launch meeting where we sat around a conference table explaining why we were unique Talk Show hosts. To get things under way we were each told to name the person we would most like to interview, be they dead or alive. The answers from the other talk hosts were astonishingly predictable…Jesus x 3; JFK x 2; Ronald Reagan x 2. Then it came to my turn, I spoke with passion, “The most important figure of the 20th century, the man who changed our world…” I began. All eyes were on me, so I paused for dramatic effect, “Elvis Presley!” I said slowly. There was an immediate ripple of laughter. The man next to me who later went onto fashion a successful career pretending to be a staunch conservative and devout Christian quipped, “Seriously dear, that’s not clever…or witty!” With an exaggerated sigh the program director chimed in and said, “Is there anyone else, Norman?” I looked around the room and wished John Lennon was there with me, maybe then this bunch of tedious toadies would take my choice seriously. There was another person I had a longing to chat with, but decided to forgo the certain derision I knew the name David Bowie would trigger. While Bowie hadn’t changed culture or our world the way Presley had I did reckon he would make for an incredible interview, if I ever got the chance.

Oddly enough Bowie and I crossed paths a couple of times in London. The first was a rambling spontaneous party thrown by airbrush wiz Terry Pastor, who’d worked on the artwork for “The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars”. Drinks were flowing the music loud and everyone was having a grand old time. I drifted away from the hubbub of people and stood casting a quizzical eye over the whole room. Then something in one dark recess caught my attention, I moved closer and bent down to peer into a glass tank that was home to a huge hairy black spider. Studying intently on the other side of the glass case was a thin odd-looking fellow. “Bloody scary innit?” He mumbled. I agreed while he vanished into the throng. It wasn’t until we were scampering home bundled up against the cold London night that my girlfriend said, “You know who that bloke looking at the spider was, don’t you? Bowie. David Bowie!” A few years later I was doing well enough to be able to afford to dine in fashionable eateries. One evening we were at the elite Provan's on the Fulham Road, sitting two tables away was a large party that included the same thin man who’d commented on the scary spider. “Isn’t that…?” I attempted to ask my girlfriend, “Yes!” She snapped, adding, “Bloody hell he could be sitting right next to you and you’d still have to ask!” At that time Mr. Bowie was garnering much attention for his portrayal as Thomas Jerome Newton, an alien from a dying planet, in Nicolas Roeg’s “The Man Who Fell to Earth”, also once again he’d changed musical direction with the release of “Station To Station”, two important facts that clearly justified my appreciation of the man’s talent.

In a few years I too had changed direction…I began a new career as a DJ in America. Elvis was now dead but Bowie remained alive despite reports of his fragile state as he delved into a thick fog of drug abuse. It was too late to interview the first of my two idols but perhaps now I was on the radio I may hopefully one day have an opportunity to interview Mr. Bowie. Eventually that day arrived in 1991 when Bowie was fit and healthy and touring with his band Tin Machine and I was holding down afternoon drive at KNDD, The End. An interview was arranged but I was cautioned that Mr. Bowie would allow no more than 5 minutes and in that time he would promote his band, the new album and nothing else. Questions about his life past and present, political views, sexuality and anything else I may consider asking were strictly forbidden. On the day of the interview a jaded record company A & R man reported in that Mr. Bowie had a terrible cold and his doctor advised him to not leave his hotel room. Could we talk on the phone I pleaded. The A & R guy didn’t give much hope to that. Then just as I went on the air at 3pm I received a message that “David Bowie will call you sometime during your show”. Back in those days we used reel-to-reel tape machines to record telephone calls. I would edit a call and then play it on the air as if it were live. I’d just asked a trivia question about Bowie and was editing a response for playback on the air when the Hot Line rang. Nine times out of ten if the Hot Line rang it was the program director with a “Don’t let that happen again!” warning. With tape in pieces on the editing block I snatched up the bright red phone and prepared myself for the inevitable rant about not saying the station ID enough or something equally annoying. I carried on splicing tape trying to make the trivia caller sound reasonably coherent while I half-heartedly listened to the expected tirade instead I heard someone coughing, sniffing then blowing their nose down the other end of the phone. “Er…sorry about that…sniff, cough, ello…is that Norman?” Said an obviously cold suffering David Bowie. We did the usual introductory pleasantries then he launched into a hilarious story about trying to call me but managing instead to get a wrong number and bothering an older lady who had no idea who the hell David Bowie or Norman B were. We chatted away like we were old friends. I mentioned the two times our paths had sort of crossed and we both recognized we had mutual friends from back in the day in London. I had to go to a break, switch over to Travis the traffic guy and play some commercials. “I have to put you on hold”, I told a very amiable David Bowie. “No problem”, he said jauntily, “I’m enjoying this its bringing back great memories.” I put David on hold, went to the break, chatted briefly with Travis, played the commercials, came back and did a quick teaser for the up-coming interview with my idol. The play-list required me to play a couple more songs then I cued up Bowie’s “Young Americans”. As the music played I returned to chatting with the man. We had a great time, recounting places, faces and even clothes we wore. Then it was time to go on the air, “Stand by”, I told David, “I’m gonna introduce you as over “Young Americans”. “Great choice!” He replied, I potted up the mic and glanced over at the tape machine it was then I realized that I’d been chatting merrily for over twenty minutes to the man I’d wanted to interview for so long. We’d been having a wonderful intimate personal conversation and not a single word had been recoded.

Thankfully I did record my live on-air interview, you can listen to a small edit using the Divshare player below. My full interview with David Bowie will be available for download and I’ll explain how in an upcoming Life Elsewhere post. All you need to do is bookmark this site and make sure you visit often. Enjoy celebrating Elvis & David's birthdays.

LE Mix # 137

Norman B’s interview with David Bowie (sample edit)

David Bowie – Sunday (Moby Remix)

Image: Jean Paul Bêzayrie “Elvis/David” 2002 90” x 40” Acrylic on board

It Took A Year.

2012-01-04T02:41:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year! There, I said it. And I mean it. I’ve thought a lot about what it means, what I hope for and what I fear in the coming year. At the far end of 2012 in the country where I reside an election looms. I don’t want to make any predictions but this could turn out to be even more significant and historical than the last in which Barack Obama was elected President. It is as peculiar as it is preposterous as it is tragic that the divide in the USA is so extreme.

My young son desperately excited to use his much-treasured gift certificates on yet more “Skylander” characters convinced me to join the throngs of post-Christmas shoppers at the mall. As he happily snatched up the last “super rare” Ghost Roaster (or was it Gill Grunt?) and we stood in a never-ending line at Gamestop I studied the hoards of shoppers scuttling from one “Gigantic New Year’s Sale” to another. It puzzled me how could this wonderfully assorted mass of humanity be so conflicted in their beliefs How is it possible for people who share such divergent opinions on the fundamentals of life gladly bustle along together shopping merrily as if running up more debt on their Visa was for the common good. For a moment (just for a moment) I wanted to shout, “Stop! Stand still everyone who hates a man of mixed-race in the White House and believes he is a raging socialist and uses the term Obama-care without understanding the criminality of the pharmaceutical/ insurance monopolies and are packing guns to defend themselves against attack on their person in Bed Bath & Beyond and were carefully conceived in wedlock and have nothing but heterosexual inclinations and are anti-drug unless the prescriptions comes c/o a doctor who wittingly bows down to extortionate pharmaceutical and insurance companies and pray to a fabled Jewish orator and think government is bad unless it spends pornographic amounts of money on military might that can never ever be used efficiently and the death penalty is a deterrent and abortion wrong and countries should be invaded if they don’t conform to our pleasure and immigrants kicked out and and….” The line in Gamestop was at last moving and my head was going to explode. “You look funny daddy?” Observed James, my beautiful son. I smiled, hugged him probably a little too tightly and assured myself of what I have to look forward to in 2012.

We begin the New Year with a new LE Mix designed with purpose, Different Morals a wonderful title perfectly sums up the mode for 2012 even though this track from Luca C & Brigante feat. Ali Love was released last year. We’ve had Wintercoats for some time (sorry about that, couldn’t help ourselves), but this remix of Forest Of Lovers by Southern Shores is sensible, cozy, comfortable…(sorry again). We keep thinking Dubstep each time we play Standoff from London, production trio Dark Sky and we approve. Not sure why such an awkward name but NZCA/LINES manage to make lyrics about leaving the office early and cooking alone, er, um enjoyable on Okinawa Channels We were admittedly hesitant about including the next track Nyår (New Year) because we deliberately avoid obvious seasonal themed releases but the teaming of labelmates Emil Jensen and Familjen from Adrian records managed to win us over. Trouble's At The Top from Young Heel yet another release from last year we were determined to include before January is over! 24 year-old Hip Hop producer Mike Volpe aka Clams Casino is from North Jersey but after carefully listening to Drowning we could be convinced he hailed from Grime central in London. We’ve already been impressed with Julianna Barwick’s work, so the remixes she presents as “The Matrimony Remixes” do not disappoint, the Prince Rama remix of Prizewinning being a fine example. Dot Allison fronted early 90’s outfit One Dove whose first single I would sneak on the air at KNDD, she went on to work with Death In Vegas and Massive Attack but it was her touring with Pete Doherty and Babyshambles in 2005 that led to a new interest in her talents. This lo-fi melancholy reading of I Wanna Break Your Heart with Mr. D convinces us to watch out for more from Ms. A. And now to the last track in LE Mix 136, some years ago I was extremely privileged to make contact with the legendary Klaus Schulze who very kindly would regularly send to me copies of his latest work. Work I should add that he not only recorded but also produced which resulted in my having a large section in my archives devoted to his output. Having been a long-time fan of Schulze’s work I was thrilled to receive his remix of Chrysta Bell’s This Train the title track of her current album produced by David Lynch. The track is being hailed as Mr.S’s “first ever remix” although to my ears it sounds like classic Schulze not unlike some of the valued treasures in my archives…and that is a compliment indeed. The track can be downloaded from Burn Studios who are also running a remix contest for The Truth Is another track from her album, details available here. Don’t forget to send us your efforts too. Enjoy looking forward.

LE Mix #136

Luca C & Brigante feat. Ali Love - Different Morals (Clockwork Remix)
Wintercoats - Forest Of Lovers (Southern Shores Remix)
Dark Sky - Standoff
NZCA/LINES - Okinawa Channels
Emil Jensen & Familjen - Nyår
Young Heel - Trouble's At The Top
Clams Casino - Drowning
Julianna Barwick - Prizewinning (Prince Rama remix)
Dot Allison - I Wanna Break Your Heart feat. Pete Doherty
Chrysta Bell - This Train (Klaus Schulze remix) (from This Train produced by David Lynch)

Image: “New Day, New Year, Windermere, UK” 1.10.2009

Some Answers.

2011-12-29T12:12:00.000-05:00

A: No matter how slight, it has to touch me in some way. People often tell me “Electronic music is devoid of soul, of feeling”, not true unless a computer actually composed and played the piece there has to a be human involvement. Even in the most extreme circumstances a human turns the power on or at least built the machine and designed the possible output. And we humans cannot help ourselves from peeing on our territory no matter how cool we think it is to be detached.

A: As much as possible, everyday. There’s no set time limit.

A: Because I can’t trust that they will always be relevant. I have editorial control over the music I select. Likewise I cannot be sure their verbiage and pictorial content will be consistent or at least worth the time to visit.

A: Usually I can determine by the first few bars. Often I only listen to a whole new track as I’m putting together a Mix.

A: No! I just happen to believe there is so much great music not getting exposed. It’s really not that different to my early days in radio…pushing against the formats. Even today with Soundcloud and Bandcamp etc there still remains masses of new music being unheard by legions of listeners.

A: The genres and sub-genres have driven the unsophisticated listener even further into the arms of iTunes, Spotify, Pandora et al. Where the maximum remains: Think less – Buy more”.

A: Everything has its place but I will admit to becoming somewhat less enthusiastic with bedroom-laptop-doodling featuring pitched samples from rare Soul 45’s.

A: It goes in cycles but a “back to basics” with real instruments will come to the fore in the mainstream and true “Lovers Rock” will make a return.

A: Good question! People who value my selection and trust my taste.

LE Mix #135

Magnum - All Over Me (Monster Playground Remix)
New Savages - Dive Out Loud (Oxycodone Mix)
DJ Khaled - I'm On One (Unicorn Kid Stadium mix)
TreeFNGR - Fine Fright
Per Byhring - Mr. Wednesday
Stay Ali - Loner
Anthony Rother - Thermal Tune
Tip Toes - Indecisions
Nocow - Sever Ties
Innergaze - Way of Life
Synkro - Presence

Image: “NB” photo by Ms. P 1.2010

So That Was Christmas.

2011-12-27T17:36:00.002-05:00

It was late on Christmas Eve, I’d just returned from a pleasant low-key evening with friends. As I leisurely prepared for bed, and hopefully a peaceful night’s sleep I pondered on the big day ahead. I was cooking a traditional British Christmas dinner for a house-full of guests and my carefully calculated preparation schedule needed going over yet one more time…don’t boil the soup too early, watch it often to make sure it doesn’t reduce down to sludge…the Yorkshire pudding’s timing is crucial...a floppy Yorkshire pud is er..um...useless…check the temperature of the roast, nice 'n' rare please…what if no one likes Christmas pudding…should I bake an apple pie instead? Then that little burp noise went on Skype announcing someone was online wanting to chat with me. It was Mr. A, who was thoughtfully sending me more files of rarities and bootlegs from his extraordinary collection. We settled into musing on about how the Grande Dame of Rock ‘n’ Roll sounded “so" inebriated or high or both as he mumbled away between songs on these recordings. This led us down that well-worn path of why some music and musicians sound so good when on the edge…walking that very thin line between absolute disaster and sheer brilliance. It was after we finished talking I realized I was now wide awake and decided to make an LE Mix comprised solely of music that sits atop of that wobbly and precarious perch. OK, I have no way of reliably knowing if all of these tracks were recorded under the influence but I can quite comfortably attest to the fact that a large proportion were.

So Christmas Day, then Boxing Day arrived and vanished almost without a trace if you happened to be struggling through the crowded shops today. Given all that has transpired in my neck of the woods in the past twelve months a little melancholy, possibly reflective music seems in order with or without the aid of booze or drugs or whatever you use to relieve the pain. Enjoy smiling.

LE Mix # 134

Les Stones – You Gotta Move (from: “Live’r Than You’ll Ever Be”)
Les Stones – Love In Vain (from: “Get Your Leeds Lungs Out”)
England's Glory - Bright Lights
Derek and the Dominos - (When Things Go Wrong) It Hurts Me Too (Jam) (from: “The Layla Sessions - Alternate Masters, Jams And Outtakes”)
Johnny Thunders - So Alone
Dillard & Clark - Don't Let Me Down
Lonesome Ghost - My Dear
Sunday Girl - Where Is My Mind? (The Pixies cover)
Daughter - Youth
This Mess Is Mine - Thief
Wooden Wand - Tiny Confessions
Nikki Sudden - The Last Bandit

Image: “Christmas Eve at our house” 12.24.2011

Total Distraction/Marvelous Confusion.

2011-12-20T12:46:00.001-05:00

Where we live the best…no the most spectacular sunsets happen during this time of the year…winter. Someone who knows all about these things explained to me the reason why, but predictably I’ve forgotten who it was and their scintillating explanation. No matter, I try as often as possible to enjoy the skillful performance of the glorious red/orange/gold heavens evaporating into a deep purple then inky blackness. Last evening was no exception, I stopped what I was doing, stepped outside, gazed in awe at the western skies then quickly dashed back in to grab my camera. I snapped away hoping to capture that moment when the sky is so magical that even with a vivid imagination you could not come close to creating the vast range of beautiful colors.

Stepping back into my studio I scrolled through the LE Mix I was in the middle of perfecting and realized I’d lost my train of thought. Earlier I’d been rummaging (love that word) amongst my vinyl archives and discovered a 12” EP that cried out for inclusion. Released in 1990 on the Tam Tam imprint this disc is deservedly considered an underground Rave classic. Put together by the late Caspar Pound along with Marc Williams and Tony Winters these UK gents adopted the inspired moniker of A Homeboy, A Hippie & A Funki Dredd. I’ve chosen the Heavenly and Reprise mixes of Total Confusion as bookends for LE Mix #133. As you listen see if you can spot the samples and remind yourself this brilliant recording is twenty-one years old! Marveling at the glorious setting sun had distracted me enough to forget why I came to include the next nine cuts…except I wanted you to hear them. Jensen Sportag are from Nashville and have reworked fellow Tennessean Madi Diaz’ original folk-rocky “Down We Go” into the dreamy discoish Trust Fall. Battant’s Feverish (Ise8 Pre Demo) came to me via a compilation c/o The Finger Prince album “White Light 47”. From Paris, France Andrea offers us After I’m Gone on the Anchor Factory label. Sweden’s Young Eagle managed to catch my attention with No One Is Holy Without Suffering…is that the ghost of Peter Perritt I hear? Canadian Sean Nicholas Savage’s new album “Flamingo” is available on cassette and Chin Chin the track we selected may explain why he has been described as eccentric, quirky even dorky. Won’t from producers Klic & Lokiboi’s four track EP is the type of subdued dance-floor toon we like slink around to. Even Tuell’s “Hula Vortex” EP features Mental Marathon a delicious slice of House music. Charleston producer Kwala leads off his new EP “Projections” with Tobias available for download at Freeform Records (you name the price). I received Foxes in Fiction’s The World Is As Soft As Lace (Felt Cover) as an MP3 file with the following note: “I stayed up late into the morning working on this cover to try and beat some pre-tour anxieties. Nowhere near as good as the original and I feel kind of guilty for even trying because I had to drastically simplify the song-long solo because I’m actually a really terrible guitar player, but this has been one of my absolute favorite songs / bands ever since I discovered them on the Pillows and Prayers compilation when I was 15 or 16, so I still had fun with it. Fun facts: I’m pretty sure this is the first recording I’ve ever made with a real bass guitar. Samples Atlas Sound and Coma Cinema for drums”. Enjoy with or without a sunset.

LE Mix #133

A Homeboy, A Hippie & A Funki Dredd - Total Confusion (Heavenly Mix)
Madi Diaz - Trust Fall (Jensen Sportag Remix)
Battant - Feverish (Ise8 Pre Demo)
Andrea - After I'm Gone
Young Eagle - No One Is Holy Without Suffering
Sean Nicholas Savage - Chin Chin
Lokiboi & Klic - Won't
Even Tuell - Mental Marathon
Kwala - Tobias
Foxes in Fiction - The World Is As Soft As Lace (Felt Cover)
A Homeboy, A Hippie & A Funki Dredd - Total Confusion (Reprise)

Image: “Winter sunset” 12.20.2011

Investigating Sound Energy.

2011-12-13T13:40:00.003-05:00

My son has been learning about the different forms of energy in his school science class, specifically investigating sound energy. His class has discovered that this type of energy has the ability to move and/or changes things and that sound is caused by vibrations. The class has been working with different types of instruments to explore sound and what makes them produce sound and how their pitch can be changed. As a culminating project the students have been asked to create their own instrument*. It can be inspired from one that exists or completely made up but each student has to make it from scratch.

What a brilliant project for a fourth grade class! To encourage my son I decide to put together a mix that covered a wide variety of instrumentation, rhythms and vocalization. Enjoy studiously.

*Yes, we will show you what the instrument looks like and how it sounds (if possible) in a future post

LE Mix #132
Sea Oleena - Milk
Loop 2.4.3 - Zodiac Dust
Gpsymth - The Cat On The Porch
Dollboy - Black Sun
Recondite - Backbone
Peaking Lights - Birds Of Paradise Dub Version
Babaar - Hilary Duff
Powell - The Ongoing Significance Of Steel And Flesh
Mux Mool - Raw Gore

Image: “Symphonic instrument #3” (detail) 2008 acrylic on canvas

Waving At Trains.

2011-12-09T16:35:00.000-05:00

Not far from where we live is an old railroad track. It curves dramatically into view then vanishes down a scrubby straightaway past a row of new houses built literally in spitting distance of the rails. You can hardly blame the people who bought the homes for thinking the line was unused. In the broad light of day, you can see weeds vigorously growing between the rusty and brittle rails. No doubt the first time a mighty roaring engine slowly pulling a never-ending haul of dilapidated box cars thundered by causing the foundations to scarily vibrate the “best china” to smithereens the new home-owners frantically tried to reach the nice real estate agent who never mentioned that the line was still active. My son and I often walk by the track hoping to see a train but it happens so rarely we are genuinely surprised and almost giddy with excitement when we hear the whistle blow from the unseen train around the bend. We stand and wave at the engineer, then James, my son races alongside of the train until it disappears once again out of view. That the train makes such infrequent and seemingly unscheduled appearances makes it all the more enjoyable, not unlike how I’ve come to appreciate music. Considering the amount of releases I receive in all formats and genres it never ceases to amaze me how wonderful it is to be genuinely and pleasantly surprised by new music, today’s LE Mix #131 is a perfect example…all of these tracks did just that. We encourage you to search out the music and artists we select, if you require additional information or details about the music we include, please contact us at: mister.b.is.here at gmail dot com. Enjoy the ride.

LE Mix #131

Reeko - Angels And Demons
Soosh - Take My Hand
Celebration - Open Your Heart
Get People - Macaw
Trailer Trash Tracys - You Wish You Were Red (Ital's Remix)
Beth Varden - I Can't Stand
Julianna Barwick - Vow (Diplo & Lunice remix)
Amycanbe - Truth Be Told
Milyoo - Tough Enough
Mux Mool - Raw Gore

Image” “James at the railroad track” 10.12.2011

Rock Bigot.

2011-12-06T12:17:00.002-05:00

Shawn was working across the street from our place, cutting and trimming an overgrown brambly-hedge. I nodded and waved “Hello”. He nodded in return then gestured to my ear-buds, “What’cha listenin’ to man?” He hollered over at me. It was beautiful day and I was lolling about outside, getting some air, drinking tea and contemplating riding my bike to the gym. “Oh, just some Techno…” As I mouthed the words Shawn had thrown down his saw and was loping with a gangly stride across the street. The morning sun was dazzling, a crisp golden ray caught hold of the shiny ring on Shawn’s hand and flashed an intense bold glare…surprising us both. If that acute zap of the sun’s power hadn’t beamed so brilliantly off of Shawn’s ring I may never have noticed the skull design. I seen him before, he worked around the neighborhood doing odd-jobs, trimming hedges, mowing lawns, sweeping driveways, washing cars and anything else that didn’t require filling out a job application. I'd heard the whispers that he’d been in jail, “drugs” they said. I always smiled and nodded but we’d never actually spoken. Now here he was less than a few feet away from me asking about the music I was listening to and he had that damn skull ring glaring from his finger. Was I being unfairly judgmental? OK, so he has a crudely shaved head, a goatee with a couple of beads dangling from the wisps beneath his chin, A tattoo around one side of his neck that reads, “M-O-F-O” and “Sun Don’t Shine” intertwined. His left arm sports a plethora of tats, some invading the others space, most likely the result of some really rough 'n' tough nights or lack of professionalism in the clink. His right arm, bare of ink except for just above the underside of his wrist and a bleeding heart with the word, “Denise” below in a fussy script. But it was that wretched skull ring I couldn’t shy away from. Men, who’ve spent time in jail, have bad tats on their neck and wear skull rings, don’t like effete Techno shite! They like Keith Richards and rock ‘n’ roll! “Got any 808 State?” deadpanned Shawn. I had to steady myself. “You like Techno?” I whined. My just-discovered terrible bigoted biases were almost showing. How could I be so wrong and prejudiced because of the style of ring the man was wearing? “Yeah, I love techno man!” Shawn yelled then launched into an encyclopedic overview of his knowledge of the genre. I never did get to the gym, we stood chatting for ages and I promised to give Shawn a flash-drive with some of my favorites from the last year or so. Shawn agreed to let me photograph his ring. This mix is dedicated to my new friend.

Alex Alarcon from Barcelona, Spain aka Sustainer begins LE Mix #130 with Diametro, setting the tone for the broad variety of music we’ve selected. Slow Dance a paired-down Dubstep rhythm next by young UK based duo Jake Jubba and Zan Crabbe being their first release under the lovely moniker Hunt In Paris. We’ve noticed a number of excellent offerings coming out of Australia lately, True North from Sydney being a perfect example with the haunting (dare we say Ambient?) Scope. OK, so there’s incredible music arriving from all over the planet, for instance here’s Nocow out of St. Petersburg, Russia with In A Way on a 4 track 10”EP on Ethereal Sounds. Darren Cunningham hails from the UK uses the alias Actress and apparently confuses DJ’s who need to classify what they play into genres. Maze comfortably stretching across many…House, Techno, and Dubstep? Here comes another track we’ve wanted to include for sometime, a nice slice of Minimal/Tech House on the Wonder Wet label, the unfortunately titled Crap by Alterboy. The Cocteau Twins always a favorite of mine and a young re-mixer from Manchester by the name of Star Slinger apparently as he melds J Dilla’s rhythms with Elizabeth Fraser’s distinctive vocals in rework of the Twin’s “Heaven Or Las Vegas”. Again, I will admit to having tucked this one away for perhaps a little too long, never mind, it’s a splendid effort still available for download at Bandcamp. Kyle Dawkins and Julie Phillips are Maps and Transit. He is a member of acclaimed chamber ensemble The Georgia Guitar Quartet and she is a bassist, percussionist, writer and a trapeze and aerial silks instructor. Together they make delightful music, Ponds is a perfect example. Enjoy without prejudice.

LE Mix #130

Sustainer - Diámetro
Hunt in Pairs - Slow Dance
True North - Scope
Nocow - In A Way
Actress - Maze
Altarboy – Crap
Star Slinger - Elizabeth Fraser (Cocteau Twins “Heaven Or Las Vegas” Rework)
Maps and Transit - Ponds

Image: “Shawn’s ring” 12.3.2011

Discover.

2011-12-01T00:46:00.004-05:00

From the very beginning, when we set about putting this blog together we were determined to share our musical discoveries with you. From House to Dub-Step, Reggae to Folktronica we listen to (almost) everything that comes our way…and a lot of music has been coming our way lately. The popularity of our blog has encouraged a whole new breed of artists, labels and promotion companies to send us exclusive tracks, remixes and (occasionally) tickets for upcoming shows. So, we encourage you to discover the enormous variety of music we select by downloading the LE Mixes. Search back through our archives to discover music you certainly have not heard before and may not have ever thought of listening to. Our latest Mix #129 is an ideal example of what we would like you to enjoy, a combination of the ostensibly familiar with the unusual. German techno/house wiz Nicolas Eller starts things of with a Dub remix c/o Cassique of the title track from his “Nightshift” EP available for download from Supafeed. On the Sandwell District imprint Rrose along with Bob Ostertag give us a Minimal/Drone/Experimental…(shall I go on?)…release titled “Motormouth Variations”, we offer you the track Shadow Pocket (Variation One). The lovely moody photo on the sleeve of “Color” a collection of songs including Luv (Someone Else) belies Raja’s previous incarnation of InfinitiRock which is OK by us ‘cause we like this direction much better. New Zealand’s Wet Wings album “Glory Glory” is residing high on our repeat play list, We've Lost Her will explain why. My friend Mr. W who knows a thing or two about music especially anything on the edge… after all the bloke was involved with early Punk then early Techno amongst others at one time or another…never misses an opportunity to rave on about his latest discovery, ”Effing brilliant!” is his usual opener. Curiously he’s been a bit quiet of late about Maya Jane Cole and her workout with Alpines on their cover of Carly Simon’s Why. Why indeed? Hearts On Fire from Saturn Never Sleeps arrived unannounced in our mailbox a couple of months back, we were determined to include the track sooner or later, I guess it was later. But as my aunt Dottie always said “Better late than never”. Ben Billington is Quicksails and the album is “A Fantasy In Seasons” we included Two Crowded because we love the juxtaposition between Hearts On Fire and Somebody That I Used To Know, we’ve chosen the Rüfüs Re-edit, one of a number of Gotye remixes we've discovered. Enjoy the treasures.

LE Mix #129

Nicolas Eller - Nightshift (Cassique's Random Noise Dub)
Rrose - Shadow Pocket (Variation One)
Raja - Luv (Someone Else)
Wet Wings - We've Lost Her
Alpines and Maya Janes Cole - Why
Saturn Never Sleeps - Hearts On Fire
Quicksails - Two Crowded
Gotye feat. Kimbra - Somebody That I Used To Know (Rüfüs Re-edit)

Image: “Ms. A” 2005

Thankful? Redux.

2011-11-24T05:42:00.002-05:00

Originally posted: Wednesday, November 26, 2008*

Seriously, does anyone really care this year what Thanksgiving means except supermarket chains? We stopped into the local Publix last evening to grab some ingredients for a fine shrimp stir fry and were overwhelmed by the mountains of rock-solid frozen turkeys, endless bags of potatoes, stacks of tasteless pumpkin pies and never-ending racks of drab looking dinner rolls. Worse still, there were hoards of mothers struggling with unruly infants, cramming packets of stodge into already overcrowded shopping carts; reluctant boyfriends being dragged by their diligent girlfriends to paw through mounds of plastic wrapped frozen bird-flesh; elderly couples comparing prices and arguing over everything and exhausted check-out persons carelessly crushing and squishing delicate fruit with anything hard and heavy. The bizarre ritual was once again in full force with urgency in the air; normal reasonable people were frantically shopping as if their lives were ending for tons of bland foodstuffs, destined to be crammed into Tupperware containers by late Thursday evening.

It’s a nice old-fashioned sentiment Thanksgiving. A splendid tradition if we could just overlook almost eight years of deplorable behavior by government officials; an idiotic senseless and illegal war; the economy out of control; thousands unemployed; attempts to retract the marriage vows of same-sex couples and more…much more. But perhaps all those harried faces we dodged in Publix are sincerely thankful. After all, in less than two months Mr. Obama will take the reins. Conceivably all my fellow citizens can see past the commercial hype that is Thanksgiving and will join hands at the dinner table on Thursday and say a little prayer of thanks to whatever goddess they choose. I hope so. I know I will. I’m thankful Mr. Obama won. I’m thankful for my beautiful son. I’m thankful for my wonderful dear loving friends. I’m thankful for my family. I’m thankful I have my health (despite the complications of the last year or so). I’m thankful to be able to reach so many people with my musical discoveries and my thoughts.

*When we first wrote this post back in 2008, innocently we didn’t consider the volume of visitors we would have from outside the USA. Our observations and references to Thanksgiving and the election of Obama may still leave some of you perplexed but the sentiments remain applicable.

The music selection for LE Mix #128 was created with recent releases to be used as a seamless backdrop to escape from the ennui of Thanksgiving or whatever else you may wish to avoid. For detailed information about any of the tracks or buying them, please write to us. Enjoy thankfully.

LE Mix #128

Mosis - Outwash
Naminé - Haruka (feat. Marcus Whale)
Saroos - Yukoma (Opiate Remix)
Myrryrs - Blood Of A Slave (Obey City Remix)
Boy Friend - Egyptian Wrinkle
Savile - Woman & Man
Mario & Vidis - Illum
Reeko - Angels And Demons
Telescope Thieves - Library

Image: “Thanksgiving table” 2008

Disco Devils.

2011-11-22T16:21:00.002-05:00

Disco! Merely saying the name can turn some normally sedate music-lovers into frothing-at-the-mouth reactionaries. Try it, especially when you’re around determined Rock fans…Disco for so many people, even those who are not immediately repulsed by the word conjures up images of glittering-mirror balls, strobe lights, cheesy thump-thump-thump beats, velvet ropes and characters straight out Saturday Night Fever. Mention Disco in the company of truth-n-rights Reggae aficionados and their reaction maybe more zealous. To the casual observer Disco appears so incongruous when coupled with Reggae, yet truth is Disco or Discomix has been a vital part of Reggae music since the mid 70’s. The early Jamaican reggae sound systems used 7” platters, deftly handled by the “Selector”, “Operator” and “DJ” or “Toaster”. Because the dance crowd would be enjoying a song so much, versions were made for the flipside. These mostly instrumental tracks, heavy on drum and bass with edgy reverb, spacey echoes and assorted sound effects including the sound of the actual tape being rewound. The “DJ” would “chat” or “toast” as the record was being turned over, the crowd, enjoying his boasts of encouragement to keep on moving would in turn provide inspiration for the “DJ” to keep on “chatting” over the instrumental and so the Reggae DJ phenomenon was born, in turn leading the way for what eventually became known as Rap. The Discomix or simply Disco became popular in part because of the fidelity provided by the bigger grooves on a 12” disc better suited to the pounding range of the bass in dub music but also because by that time the DJ’s were stars in their own right and recording what had started essentially as impromptu crowd encouragement. Typically the Disco is an extended single featuring the vocal track followed by a dub or DJ version. The format became so popular the UK’s Black Echoes magazine (later Echoes) published a weekly “Reggae Disco Chart”. 7” Reggae releases all but vanished in the UK during the 80’s as Disco’s took over with the inimitable Greensleeves Records taking the lead with their Disco 45 series. It’s worth noting if you’re hunting them down, Discomixes were often released not only on 12” vinyl but also 10”. As the 90’s arrived the 12” single went into decline, as the 7” record once again became the preferred format for Jamaican music.

Here then is LE Mix #127 featuring only Discomixes, we chose exceptional favorites from our library beginning with a man we could write volumes on because of his extraordinary output and unparalleled influence not only on reggae but modern music in general…The Upsetter…Lee Perry. This is his unabashed homage to the Disco format Disco Devil, our version being on regurgitated Jamaican vinyl complete with lumps and bumps and who knows what buried into the plastic. Barry Brown teams up with producer Scientist and Toaster Jah Thomas for Peace & Love and the wicked Peace Dub, from one of Brown’s finest sessions. Our 12” copy of Horace Andy’s Serious Thing has four versions displaying his unique vocal talents to full effect. One of our all-time favorite singers of any genre, Mr. Cornell Campbell receives a brilliant remix c/o Radikal Roots on the R ‘n’ B hit Be Thankful For What You’ve Got. The cool ruler Gregory Isaacs put out numerous Discomixes during his lifetime but this has to be our all-time favorite, teaming up with a lady named Christine Uth who according to our sources only made this recording before adopting a strictly Christian lifestyle. Rock On + Saturday Night produced and recorded by Niney The Observer has to be one of the most beautiful examples of Lover’s Rock ever released. Johnnie Clark, alternately known as Johnny Clarke having a distinctive voice and managing to switch seamlessly from Rasta preaching to sexy crooning is teamed with Jah Stitch by producer Bunny Lee for a near perfect Discomix on Aggrovating. Pay careful attention to the second part of this disc where the Dub effects go into overdrive. Finally in this brief overview of Reggae Discomixes, we present Break Down The Walls & Wall Street Rock a 1980 UK release from Michael Campbell also known as Mikey Dread for his own Dread At The Controls label. Campbell an accomplished radio DJ took careful note of the change Punk had bought about and wasted no time in getting a truly modern sound to his work. This 12” features the track Jumping Master on the B-side and both cuts were hugely influential to many of the so-called New Wave acts of the period. Please contact us if you want more info on any of the music we feature. Enjoy dancing.

LE Mix #127

Lee Perry & Full Experience / Bob Marley & Wong Chu - Disco Devil
Barry Brown, Scientist & Jah Thomas - Peace & Love + Peace Dub
Horace Andy - Serious Thing (UK Mix)
Cornell Campbell - Be Thankful (Radikal Roots Re-Edit)
Gregory Isaacs & Christine - Rock On + Saturday Night
Johnny Clarke & Jah Stitch - Aggrovating
Mikey Dread - Break Down The Walls & Wall Street Rock

Image: “James & Jack demonstrate what a Discomix looks like” 11.22.11

Happy.

2011-11-17T22:15:00.003-05:00

I’ve known Mr. T for years, he’s an ex-music-biz scallywag, occasional curmudgeon and persistent first-class wit who has a disdain for, as he so eloquently says, “Ignorant miserable sods!” We’d been chatting via Skype, separated by 3,000 miles or more but the connection was so good I could hear the incessant thumping and banging coming from his kitchen where a contractor of apparently dubious skills was attempting to install new bamboo flooring. Earlier I’d sent for Mr. T’s approval, a rough version of the latest LE Mix (#126). Because he has a vast knowledge and a learned appreciation of music I’m always keen to hear his thoughtful opinion. But Mr. T had other things on his mind, “Complete Philistine!” he shouted, “That Neanderthal git asked me to "turn that miserable racket down!" He even had the nerve to say he couldn’t concentrate!” Mr. T was clearly upset, ranting on breathlessly, describing in alarming detail how he’d begun to listen to Mix #126 when the laborer obnoxiously requested Mr. T change the music selection. Mr. T recounted, “How do you know you don’t like it if you haven’t listened to it yet? I asked the moron. He answered, "Well it’s miserable innit? It’s all that electro rubbish innit?” I knew I shouldn’t but I couldn’t help myself, so trying to keep calm I asked the ignoramus if that was the case what did he consider “happy music” to be? He stopped scarring my expensive floor with badly positioned nails to look me straight in the eye and without a hint of irony, listed almost every lame “big-hair-metal-band” from the last two decades!” An exasperated Mr. T ranted on for ages but he never did get around to offering up his opinion on this Mix. No doubt in due course I’ll get his full uncensored appraisal, after all Mr. T has the perfect rule when it comes to music, “You don’t always have to like it but unless you’re a tone-deaf bugger, you should always listen!” Enjoy smiling!

LE Mix #126

An Animal - Sutra
The-Drum - Euthanasia
Different Sleep - Drive Me Crazy ft. Soleman
When Saints Go Machine - Parix (Taragana Pyjarama Remix)
Chris∆re – Vertigrow
The Blank – Clouded
Bones - Always Falling
Bon Chat, Bon Rat - Cerberus
Kuhn - Back 'N' Forth (Drop/Dead Alternative Mix)

Image: “The other Ms. C being happy” 8.10.2008

You Are What You Read.

2011-11-15T10:44:00.000-05:00

We’re not quite sure what to make of this…our previous LE Mix #124 has received a record number of downloads and plays. Why this Mix more than any others? Was it the image we used? Mr. H in Seattle writes: “I just read Life Elsewhere for the pictures” A smart take on the old quote used by “respectable” men when caught with a copy of Playboy, “I read it for the writing!” Our memorial to Amy Winehouse “Another Obituary” (Monday, July 25, 2011) had up until now scored the highest number of hits. Should we determine then that a mournful tribute mix to a dead diva or a provocative image is the way to catch your attention? We’re constantly dreaming up themes and ideas to encourage your regularly visits this site while bringing you thoughtful entertaining music mixes. Today’s, LE Mix #125 being no exception of course, except we wanted to feature only recent releases that worked together.

First up in the latest LE Mix See Through You by Beacon, Brooklyn duo Thomas Mullarney and Jacob Gossett their four track EP “No Body” out on Moodget Records this month. We like how Submerse a young UK producer takes sultry R & B vocals then mixes ‘em up with almost discordant drum patterns and thumping bass line on Your All Mine to craft what should rightly be top-ten hit. Regal Safari hail from one of our favorite places Brighton, so you’d think we would have gotten around to including Lake earlier. No matter, their EP “R G L S F R” is quite lovely and available via Soundcloud. Staying in the UK we continue with Microburst a new producer who’s worked up a potent remix of Talk In Colour’s Nightshift. While not completely dismembering the original he certainly gives it a depth lacking in the original. Manchester producer D/R/U/G/S had us first of all tapping our feet, nodding our heads then up out of seats doing a jerky puppet-like dance around the kitchen table to Mila. Perhaps it was the cut-up male and female samples but most likely the steady four-to-the-floor beat. Berlin, Germany is home to Dewalter’s studio where he engaged the vocal talent of Judith Ahrends to full effect on Keep On from a three track House EP. You’d be right if you recognize the name Rhiannon and yes you’re correct in noting that Essáy & Stumbleine have sampled Fleetwood Mac. We’re still trying to figure out who is Kyodai, we know the name means brothers in Japanese and that remix specialists Genius Of Time are a duo from Sweden who craftily tease Mi Rumba with a deceivingly smart intro and false ending, leaving us wanting more. Just the way we like it. Enjoy satisfied.

LE Mix #125

Beacon - See Through You
Submerse - Your All Mine
Regal Safari - Lake
Talk In Colour - Nightshift (Microburst Remix)
D/R/U/G/S - Mila
Dewalta - Keep On
Essáy & Stumbleine - Rhiannon
Kyodai - Mi Rumba (Genius Of Time Remix)

Image: “Ms. T reads The New York Times” 1.2009

The Female Difference.

2011-11-10T20:31:00.001-05:00

The keen observer will notice that all the tracks in our latest LE Mix are by females. Not by chance of course. Recently I’d engaged in an ongoing discussion with Mr. T a long-time friend on the subject of “Female Music” or if there really was such a thing. Mr. T sternly maintains that there is no such thing. He argues that music is music and as regards to lyrics, either sex can have a go. As an example he cites Elvis Presley and his inspired version of Hound Dog, first made popular by Big Mama Thornton. The bawdy song in that lady’s hands is a rollicking put–down of a needy misogynist whereas Elvis turns the tables and trashes a woman who’s complaining too much. I on the other hand believe that some music is distinctly female and would loose all impact in the hands of men. To prove my point I put together the latest LE Mix with music from divergent female artists. Imagine if you will a male taking the lead on any of these tracks…it just wouldn’t work…would it? As always we welcome your feedback. Enjoy differently.

LE Mix #124

Nico & The Velvet Underground - All Tomorrow's Parties
Anika - Yang Yang
Meshell Ndegeocello - Love You Down
Neneh Cherry - Red Paint
Rebecca Pupkulies - Burning Boats (Masomenos Remix)
Ana Caravelle - Black Canyon (Shigeto's As I Inhale Mix)
Aisha - The Creator

Image: “Ms. V” 2005

Being Difficult.

2011-11-03T13:37:00.001-04:00

Ever so modestly he said. “Oh I suppose it could be called Difficult…yeah, that’s it…Difficult Music.” I’d asked him about “Low” one of my favorite albums. Mr. Bowie, a lovely man and certainly one of my all-time favorite interview subjects was unpredictably self-effacing about his celebrated work. Since it’s release in 1977 the album is often cited as one of Bowie’s more influential efforts for instance before adopting the name Joy Division they were known as Warsaw, reportedly after the track Warszawa; Philip Glass based his 1992 classical composition Low Symphony on Low and Nick Lowe humorously flipped things around by naming his 1977 EP “Bowi”. The album has also garnered endless debate and criticism but David Bowie’s own darkly sardonic description of the music on “Low” especially side 2 which comprised of longer, mostly instrumental tracks is perfectly fitting. Ever since that interview (in the mid 90’s) whenever I’m faced with piece of music that’s hard to categorize I summon up Mr. Bowie’s definition…Difficult Music. Today’s LE Mix #123 leads with David Bowie’s sublime Warszawa followed by The Chakras with Soma, I’m predicting a you’ll about to hear a lot more from these Irish lads now based in London. Their album came out about a month ago, check their site for details. On Lone Runner you may hear the ghosts of Suicide or even Nick Cave but for my money Dirty Beaches have a lot more going on which is why they are included. Their 7” single is out now on Suicide Squeeze. No it’s not a typo, Wondr is a soon-to-be discovered producer out of LA. Down Love arrived in our mailbox with one other track Rough Start…no...good start...more please. We continue to be amazed at the amount of wonderful releases coming out of Finland, no exception is Anaalivaihe with Nälkä 1 on a 3 track single. Swedish duo Korallreven team up with sound-manipulator Julianna Barwick who provides the ethereal ahhhs loops on Sa Sa Samoa. Their imaginatively titled album “An Album” is out this month. Dani Baquet-Long was Chubby Wolf a talented musician who died tragically at 27, she also performed as half of the husband and wife duo, Celer. Baquet-Long left a legacy of recordings which we urge you to search out. If There's an Elephant in the Room, Introduce It is from the album “Turkey Decoy”, for more info about her work please write to us. Waitin’ For The Orange Sunshine, our final track in this mix is by Lorelle Meets the Obsolete from Guadalajara, Mexico. Their debut, "On Welfare", was released earlier this year via Captcha Records. We are quite positive that Mr. Bowie would agree there’s nothing Difficult about this selection of music. Enjoy easily.

LE Mix #123

David Bowie - Warszawa
The Chakras – Soma
Dirty Beaches - Lone Runner
Wondr - Down Love
Anaalivaihe - Nälkä 1
Korallreven - Sa Sa Samoa (featuring Julianna Barwick)
Chubby Wolf - If There's an Elephant in the Room, Introduce It
Lorelle Meets the Obsolete - Waitin' for the Orange Sunshine

Image: “Difficulty with photographing the lovely Ms. D” 10.2009

What Goth Is.

2011-10-31T03:43:00.002-04:00

It took me by surprise when he announced, “That’s Goth!” I was reviewing music for today’s LE Mix, my son was leaning against me, determined to get my attention and engage me in a game of Ninja Saga on his iPod Touch. His impetus was because I’m such an easy mark and rubbish at any of the games he excels at and he knows he can thrash me. I didn’t realize he was paying attention to the music blasting from my computer speakers. He was so nonchalant, yet there was also an air of “Mr. Clever-Socks” about his attitude, prompting me to ask, “How do you know that?” As soon as I’d spoken I realized I’d left myself wide open for mockery. If he wasn’t able to beat me at his computer game then he was gonna one-up me in the musicology department. “Oh Dad!” He sighed, “Everyone knows what Goth is…and that’s Goth!” I discovered after a little surreptitious probing he knows what Goth is because after nine years of life he’s become accustomed to a steady diet of me blabbering on about musical genres plus the Disney channel has a program featuring a Goth character and numerous video games make Goth references.

It would appear that Bela Lugosi’s Dead is considered by most people (including my son James) to be the first and quintessential Goth song, so it’s Bauhaus who lead off LE Mix #122. Released in 1979, it was the band’s first single, running to over nine minutes in length. Recorded "live in the studio" in a single take. David J, the band's bassist, claims on his website to have written the lyrics with the title referencing horror film star Béla Lugosi (1882–1956), who did much to establish the modern vampire image as the title character in the 1931 film Dracula. Goth purists will argue as to which record or band comes next in line to Bauhaus with Kirk Brandon fronting Theater Of Hate as a popular choice. But for me it’s Brandon’s earlier incarnation, The Pack. Formed in 1978, they put out an extraordinary double A-sided 7” single on Rough Trade. Listen carefully to Brandon’s vocal styling on Number 12, then cross-reference to some of the other Goth tracks I’ve selected for this mix. Any Goth collection has to include The Virgin Prunes, I’ve chosen the Irish band’s Baby Turns Blue. Their 1982 album “...If I Die, I Die” would be a wonderful addition to any collection. The name The Sisters of Mercy was influenced by Robert Altman's film McCabe & Mrs. Miller (1971), which featured the Leonard Cohen song "Sisters of Mercy". Formed in 1979 in Leeds, UK the band has gone through numerous line-up changes with Andrew Eldritch, being the one constant. Lucretia, My Reflection was released as the third single from the album "Floodland" in 1988. Flesh For Lulu’s Postcard From Paradise released in1987 on Beggars Banquet, covered in 2002 by Paul Westerberg as a secret bonus track on his 2002 album "Stereo" and The Goo Goo Dolls selected the same song for their 2010 album “Something For The Rest Of Us”. Formed in late 1982 at the Batcave club in London, Alien Sex Fiend became known in the gothic scene for its Psychobilly, Dark Electronic, Industrial sound, heavy samples, loops and manic vocals. Ignore The Machine, released in 1983 remains a much heralded example of Goth. Never quite reaching the fame and status as some of the other Goth acts Fields Of Nephilim none-the-less are regarded as hugely influential, their 1987 release Blue Water actually making the lower reaches of the British charts. The last track in this mix may come as a surprise to some, released on the ubiquitous 4AD label as 12”single L'Esclave Endormi by Dutch singer Hubertus Richenel Baars aka Richenel offers a curio in more ways than one and certainly a favorite amongst the well-informed at Goth nights. Enjoy with or without candy.

LE Mix #122

Bauhaus – Bela Lugosi’s Dead
The Pack – Number 12
The Virgin Prunes – Baby Turns Blue
The Sisters Of Mercy – Lucretia, My Reflection
Flesh For Lulu – Postcard From Paradise
Alien Sex Fiend – Ignore The Machine
Fields Of Nephilim – Blue Water
Richenel – L’Esclave Endormi

Image: “James & his Goth pals” 10.31.2010

Occupy This.

2011-10-28T15:41:00.001-04:00

The “Occupy Wall Street” headlines are hard to miss. As I pondered on voicing an opinion and how to tie in a music mix I received this email from my friend and talented writer, Mr. A:
“So I was over at the gym yesterday (yes, I know how weird it is for me to be at any gym). Like most gyms, it has a bank of TVs tuned to various stations. Some guy next to me on another stationary bike (again, hard to explain what I was doing on a stationary bike) was watching footage on FOX News Channel of police beating down protesters at Occupy Oakland. Suddenly he smiles and all but yells, "Fuck yeah! Beat those scumbags!"

Could the disparity be made any clearer? I’ll save you from wading through my pontifications by offering for your listening pleasure LE Mix #121. Formed in 1988 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania’s Anti-Flag sum up a lot of folk’s sentiments with Protest Song. Disney has always been a wonderful source for illustrating a point of view; I couldn’t resist Poor Unfortunate Souls from the Little Mermaid soundtrack. One of my favorite reggae artists Barrington Levy tells a sad tale, Poor Man Style, unfortunately familiar to more people than the ignoramus at Mr. A’s gym must realize. When The Glimmer Twins wrote Gimmie Shelter the events unfolding on the streets around them are being compared to today’s protests. Zed’s Dead Dubstep remix brings them comfortably into the 21st. century. The UK’s Ragga Twins have addressed many social issues with their music, The Homeless Problem being a fine example. I urge you to check out their releases, particularly the 12” EP versions. The Atom Dubstep remix of The Clash’s I Fought The Law persuaded me to revisit the band’s work after tucking them away in a “Been There Done That” folder. Democracy is a subject Killing Joke clearly has strong opinions about. This track comes from a 12” EP with three versions. The Russian Tundra Mix is in fact courtesy of The Orb. Someone described Nicolette as Billie Holiday on acid…not sure if I agree with that but I do believe her 2007 release No Government is one powerful song. Wall Street Shuffle was released in 1974 proving how little things have changed and that 10cc were at that time keen on doing a Beatle Paul impersonation. And that is not a put down because “I’m Not In Love” still has to be one of the greatest pop recordings of all time. We close out this mix with one of reggae’s seminal bands Dub Syndicate with their self-explanatory Fight The Power. I’m sending a copy of this mix to Mr. A so he can play it perhaps a little too loudly the next time he’s at the gym. The photo above accompanying this post was taken just before the election in 2008. On reflection it’s hard to recall just how enthusiastic we all were for change and yes…we certainly had hope.

LE Mix #121

Anti-Flag – Protest Song
Little Mermaid Soundtrack – Poor Unfortunate Souls
Barrington Levy – Poor Man Style
The Rolling Stones – Gimmie Shelter (Zed’s Dead Remix)
The Ragga Twins – The Homeless Problem
The Clash – I Fought The Law (Atom Remix)
Killing Joke – Democracy (The Russian Tundra Mix)
Nicolette – No Government
10cc - Wall Street Shuffle
Dub Syndicate – Fight The Power

Image: “Nude in front of the Obama “Hope” poster 10.2008

Getting Away With It.

2011-10-27T12:50:00.000-04:00

I was thinking about all the genres and sub-genres in music and how many if not most are never recognized by the majority of the listening masses. Grime being one recent moniker that even fervent proponents will argue about it’s true meaning. But one thing is for sure Grime evolved from similar roots as Punk (all those years ago). It’s not so odd then to reflect on how confused things were back when Mr. McLaren and his charges hit the headlines, got bounced from record labels, made an album, toured America and broke up while the rest of the world was scurrying about trying to figure out what Punk meant and ending up getting it wrong. In London, October 1976, Colin Newman, Graham Lewis, Bruce Gilbert and Robert Gotobed formed Wire a band that to this day train-spotters shout each other down with alternating categories for the music…Punk, Post Punk even New Wave? Their first album “Pink Flag” remains a brilliant landmark piece of work and in my humble opinion, beyond mere labels, to illustrate we begin this edition of the LE Mix with a Fragile from that album then segue into Floating on Clouds from Lioness a young London artist who is hailed as a Grime favorite. A here is another example of how labels confuse…this track veers far away from the harder more typical Grime tracks on her recent album RoarNess. The point being is this is a talent who deserves more attention beyond one narrow typecasting. Check her out on Soundcloud and you’ll hear why I’m raving about her. Londoner Khalid Rafique is the man behind Shells, his new single Arctic builds seductively; you’ll be tapping your feet as it fades wanting more. German producer Cio D'or may despise labels for all I know but it really would be hard not to mention Drone after hearing Magnetfluss from her new EP on experimental techno imprint Prologue. The distant crackle of beats and eerie industrial hum taunt us to find a recognizable rhythm as we mix into No More by UK producer Elphino and more familiar territory. A name to watch. New Zealand’s Glass Vaults are Richard Larsen and Rowan Pierce and if I ever get around to interviewing them I’ll ask, “What do they put in the water where you kids come from?” Their new EP “Into Clear” about to be released features 5 tracks, Gold Star is a perfect example. Next Slow Magic’s lovely remix of Sun Glitters’ Too Much To Lose followed by OkTaSeeYou with Snow City. These two last tracks arrived in my mailbox without info which prompts us to remind you, we really do appreciate you sending your work for us to play but please do include just a little info so we can pass it on. We don’t mind even if you give yourself a label, we’re not promising to use them though…the labels that is. Enjoy categorically.

LE Mix #120

Wire - Fragile
Lioness - Floating on Clouds
Shells - Arctic
Cio D'or - Magnetfluss
Eliphino - No More
Glass Vaults - Gold Star
Sun Glitters - Too Much To Lose (Slow Magic Remix)
OkTaSeeYou - Snow City
Image: “James & Jerrod get away” 10.24.2011