Posts from — September 2008

Released: 17/07/2008

On Germany’s brilliant Kompakt label, Closer Musik’s Matias Aguayo delivers a critique of the overcrowded and all to familiar minimal techno. Aguayo sidesteps the genre’s conventions by including a full on vocal line that targets music with “no groove, no balls” over funky guitar licks, lazy beats and a fair share of percussion.

It is all about the Dj Koze remix though. He delivers a beautiful deep house number where the vocal is laid on top of a neat new wave, dreamy filtered disco type groove you should be able to relate to – this tune as a lot going for it. I recommend you to check out more stuff from Koze if you like that warm, downtempo and minimal yet complex sounding techno. A starting point might be his 2003 remix of Heiko Voss “I think about you” that appeared on Michael Mayers “Fabric” compilation.

YouTube | Kompakt | MySpace | Beatport | Juno | LastFM | Boomkat | 

Released: 22/09/2008

I love the sound of Crazy P. Not long after I posted the Bionics’ “Love chains”, they are back with a new single under their own brand. As expected, “Lie Lost” does not disappoint. Soon the release their fifth album “Stop Space Return” on 20:20 Vision.

“Lie lost” is warm, organic and groovy house music of finest vintage. On remixing duties are the brilliant Maurice Fulton, and the Crazy P guys give us two versions under their Hot Toddy guise. The results are spaced, quirky disco funk, and dubby electronic disco. Much appreciated!

20:20 Vision | Crazy P | Fat City | Juno Records | Beatport | YouTube | 

Released: 22/09/2008

I can’t think of any reason not to love Jimi Hendrix. “Foxy lady” was definitively one of his finest moments, and I have picked up some good interpretations of that song over the years. The 1967 original is still a masterpiece, but you always appreciate remixes and covers that stay true to the original but manages to add a little twist to it.

This release does just that. It takes it down with a heavy, slow beat while still managing to keep the funk of the guitar. Behind the 7″ is Rob Tex from the same French community as Taggy Matcher and Mato, both of which have provided us with cheeky reworks before. I prefer the main cut, but the reggae version is not to bad either. Jimi for all occasions really.

Fat City | Juno Records |

Released: 28/08/2008

It’s a long time since I have hear about Dj Cam. The french trip-hop, jazz and lounge maestro was a consistent performer on the acid jazz scene in the mid nineties after he sprung to prominence with the release of “Underground Vibes” in 1994. I fondly remember his DJ-Kicks compilation and give it a spin every now and then. 

In love (for Minnie Riperton) is five tracks of sheer soul brilliance. Using the vocal talents of Inlove he has succeeded in creating that special kind of soul music Riperton consistently provided us with. It is that slow groove, melodic and tender, with a touch of fragile happiness. It has been a long time since I have picked up a fresh soul release of such quality.

Born and raised in Nigeria, InLove met Dj Cam after she moved to Paris with her French mother. The combination of his production skills and her voice have resulted in several good musical moments.”For Minnie Riperton” is the main cut on the 12″, but it would be rude not to mention the magnificent cover of Burt Bacharach’s classic “The Look Of Love”, and “Winter In New York”. Vocal and instrumental mixes included for good measure. Check out Inlove’s MySpace page for a taste!

Dj Cam is working on a new studio album entitled “Seven” with artists such as Fink, Chris James from Stateless and InLove. Sounds like a treat.

Fat City | Inflamable | MySpace | LastFM | MySpace | Juno Records |

Released: 08/08/2008

A relatively new name to me, but it did not take many seconds to take notice of his sound. On the other hand, I vaguely recall a connection. Together with partner Tim White Max Essa first sprung to prominence with a string of 12″s and an album as Essa on Paper Recordings in 2001. Originally from London, he is now living in Japan. 

He took some time off to spend time with his family, but returned to the scene when Chicken Lips maestro Steve Kotey signed him to his brilliant Bear Funk label last year. No wonder he was not top of mind, but seven years later he deliver the goods. I definitively recommend “Back to the beach EP” and “Midnight Garden EP”, and the label in general. Max Essa also provided a remix for Rubies “I feel electric” on the fantastic Tellé label earlier this year. 

This EP, however, is out on Feel Music. It is a very good package overall, with all three tracks packed with quality. “Theme from Superhorse” is a synth fueled, slow and beautiful balearic groove. “Threehouse sex scene” is just as sleazy as the title suggests, with Twin Peaksy mysterious pads and slow buildup. “Patrol” takes it up a notch, groovy building funk with just the right amount of congas and funky synths. A lot of emotion combined with elements that make you groove with the best of them in these tracks. If you like the sound of the Norwegian cosmic disco scene (Lindstrom, Prins Thomas, Todd Terje etc.) you will love Max Essa’s sound. 

I am also glad to announce that Max Essa is working on a full length release on Bearfunk entitled “Continental drift” and is due later this year. Keep your eyes open!

MySpace | Beatport | Juno Records |

Released: 20/05/2008

For a long time, Terry Callier was a hidden gem on the world music scene. His career has spanned nearly four decades, after signing his first record deal as a 17 year old back in 1962. However, the Chicago born soul singer only had regional success, and retired form the music scene after gaining custody of his daughter in 1983.

In the 90’s british dj’s picked up his records from the 60s and 70s, and revived his career. In addition to his numerous albums, singles and live albums, he has collaborated with artists such as Beth Orton, Koop, 4 Hero, and Massive Attack. His 1998 album “Timepiece” won the United Nations’ “Time For Peace Award For Outstanding Artistic Achievement Contributing To World Peace.” I strongly advice you to check out his releases.

Callier’s intense, spiritual live performances are widely acclaimed, with deeply moving poetry and musical eclectisism that builds on a history of soul and jazz. This album was recorded by Mr Bongo on 14th March 2008 at Terry’s UK home – The Jazz Café in Camden, London. As Mr.Bongo describes in the press release, his live performances are regarded by many as spiritual experiences rather than a gig. Time and time again audiences return to see Terry and his immensely talented, long-standing band (all of whom are top players on the world jazz circuit) to witness something different, be it a new story or a new take on a track. 

You should also check out the “Total recall” remix album that was released by Mr.Bongo back i 2003. A great record that still gets a lot of playtime in my house. Also look out for Terry’s new album ”Hidden conversations” that is out soon, including collaborations with Massive Attack.

Terry Callier | Mr. Bongo | MySpace | Amazon | Juno |

Released: 20/11/2007

I picked this one up quite recently at electronic music store Beatport.com. As in all record-stores you have the urge to buy more than you should, ending up with a few records that don’t really stand out. This time, however, the ones I bought were all great – and considering that this still stands out gives it a lot of credit.

Behind The Bionics is Danielle Moore and Tim Davies from Crazy P/Crazy Penis and Ben Davis (Shaboom/Paper). No wonder the production is good. I have been a huge fan of Crazy P for a long time. Few house acts are able to keep the organic soul and funk in the genre as they are. Certainly liberating in times where electro seems to dominate dancefloors. The single is taken from the album “Solid Silver” that was also released on Nottingham label Bocajito late last year.

There is a solid package that make “Love chains” stand out. You have the beautiful voice of Danielle mixed up with a solid organic bassline, funky percussion, wonky tonky synths and piano lines that compete with the best of the US soulful house. It is a slow and groovy number, perfect for the lounge or for those early/late occasions where there is a lot flirtation and sensuality on the floor. Remixes come from personal favorite Greg Wilson and Heavy Deviance. 

Beatport | Juno | MySpace | Bocajito Records | Crazy P |

The fabulous Tirk Recordings are releasing some smokin’ comilations in the next few months. 

They have teamed up with The Unabombers to release the fourth volume in their ‘Electric Souls’ compilation series celebrating 13 years of music at their legendary Manchester club ‘Electric Chair’. I can’t wait to see the tracklisting and get my hands on it.

Furthermore, personal favourite and Norwegian disco maestro Todd Terje is to compile and mix the next ‘Press Play’ compilation.It has been three years since the first release in the series was mixed by Idjut Boys. You can expect a lot of nudisco/cosmic disco and plenty of the man’s own re-edits. 

Released: 02/06/2008

This record immediately caught my attention. Tirk has been one of my favourite labels since it sprung out of the excellent Nuphonic imprint back in 2004. Furthermore, this record had a scandinavian sounding name and behind the production is Groove Armada’s Tom Findlay. So who is Morten Sorensen?

The grand story from the label reads that ”…hailing from a small mackerel fishing village in southern Norway, 22-year old Morten Sorensen enjoyed a ten year spell spent in New York whilst his dad worked for the UN’s international maritime commission developing a love of dusty old NY disco that was to irrevocably shape his future”. Sound like Maurice Fulton and the Tirk guys have done some creative writing if you ask me. Fiction or non-fiction, the sound is definitively Tom Findlays.

Those of you familiar with Tom Findlay and Tim Hutton’s collaboration under the name “Sugardaddy” will recognize the sound (on Tirk as well). The special cut on this release is the title track – “Start something”. Slow grooves and a touch of building electro before it breaks down into the soul bliss of Chic’s 1982 classic “I feel your love comin’ on”. Good use of the sample and a great breakdown for those early hours.

There are three other tracks on the EP as well. “Cyclick”, “Visage” are both decent productions, minimal with that element of funk – however, none of them really stands out. “Woo hoo” enters the sound of Chicago and samples “Jack your body”. Accompanied by some funky stabs on the synth and a bouncy bassline it should go down well on the floor.

Tirk | Myspace | Beatport | Juno Records | 

Released: 1990

An all time Ibiza favourite. The piano line and dreamy pads reminds me of the sunset at Café del Mar, pure ambient bliss while having a meal at Savannah. Something about that Balearic vibe on the white isle never seems dated, yet so peaceful. 

Of course, did not pick this up at the time of release as I would be about eight years old. But that is the beauty of music, digging out stuff years later and it is still beautiful. When it comes down to it, I don’t really know a lot about it. It was written by Ben Angwin, Phil Hope and Tony Newland back in 1990. The first edition included a “Happening mix” and a “Impulse mix” both by Nick Addison. It is included on a couple of great compilations, Groove Armada’s “Back to mine” being one of them, “Renaissance – The classics” another. 

Do you know more about BBG or this release? Let me know! Leave a comment or send an e-mail.

YouTube |