Posts from — January 2009

Released: Not yet!

Being on MySpace has a lot of positives, even though the site has been branded a “virtual trailerpark” due to its interface. But as a community it is brilliant as there are so many fresh artists there to be discovered. The other day I was introduced to the yet unsigned act Sound Captives, and I am thrilled they got in touch. 

Behind the moniker are two familiar faces. Raj Gupta (aka Ray Mang) and Pete Zivkovic, was both part of Block 16 (together with Glen Gunner), who released the wonderful “Morning Sun” album on the brilliant Nuphonic label. The pair have been based in London for the last fifteen years making and releasing music under various guises and with numerous people. Now they have teamed up and dig deep into into their myriad of influences from exotica, soul and 60’s moog, through to orchestral and world music, to produce a captivating new aural experience for your listening pleasure.  

Between them, Raj and Pete have worked with a range of artists including Mylo, Zero 7, Roxy Music, Denim, Ian Brown, Xpress 2 and Donovan. The pair last worked together on the Block 16 album ‘Morning Sun’ which was released on the brilliant Nuphonic Records. They are also well known for their remix work which covers a varied roster, including Bloc Party, Terry Callier, Shirley Bassey and Freddie Mercury. 

Those influences and more can be heard on their new tracks. The key track for me being “Every minute every hour”, a beautiful ballade with lots of spirit, soul and emotion. Could easily be placed with Terry Callier in your collection, but after this debut expect to give the duo a more prominent place. 

Sound Captives debut album “After Silence” was recently completed and I am looking forward to the release once the duo signs with a label. In the mean time, visit their MySpace site to listen to their music…

Released: 21/01/2009

I am always curious about new business models in the music industry. This time, a new model is introduced with a brand new EP from my favorite artist Groove Armada. Released in partnership with Bacardi B-Live, the four track EP see’s the band moving into exciting new musical pastures, with some of the material being recorded live with their band for the first time. 

Launched by Tom and Andy at the Midem international music convention in Cannes, the EP will be delivered through an innovative sharing site called Bacardi B-live Share; a pioneering application encouraging and rewarding fans who share Groove Armada’s music with their own online communities. Andy Cato says of the model – “Sharing music has always gone on. It’s giving music away that’s the problem. We wanted to come up with a 21st century version of what we do with cassette tapes. When you give music away for free it’s disposable. When you share it, it’s done with love.”

B-live is a pioneering application, as it empowers sharing as the future model for music content distribution. Sharing music via this method is legal because the rights owners – the artists, BACARDI B-LIVE Records and the publisher — are all compensated for the downloads and shared files. The online sharing application is available January 20th through to March 2nd, when the EP will be available via commercial digital release.

‘Drop the Tough’ and ‘Go’ featuring vocalist Saint Saviour from electro-pop outfit The RGBs.  ‘Pull Up (Crank It Up) exploits the vocal talents of MC Slarta John, and enters a musical avenue not unlike ’Superstylin’ did a few years ago.  ‘El Padrino’ is the last song on the EP – an instrumental that showcases the true talent of the live band in Balearic style. If that wasn’t enough, there are also remixes of ‘Drop the Tough’ courtesy of Van She and The Twelve’s.

To receive the tracks and begin sharing – visit www.bliveshare.com now!

Released: 05/12/2008

Produced by the magnificent Patchworks, Mr Day returns with a new song from his next album. “Tears of joy” is a sweet, soulful song that might just have charted in the 70s, but these days I guess it is up to the vinyl junkies and genuine music lovers to make sure a wider audience get the message. 

As if the original weren’t’ enough, Mr Day invites The Dynamics to interpret the song. ”Tears Of Joy” became part of the bands repertoire when they had their first gigs, and they created their own version of the song. As expected, it is down reggae avenue, and definitively adds something special to this 7″. 

I have a lot of respect for Patchworks. Every track he touches, regardless of genre or starting point, ends up being something special. I guess that is one of the characteristics of a good producer, having a wide horizon and being able to interpret it through your own vision of how music should be. His live band The Dynamics is a true example of this.

MySpace | Fat City | NuLoop | Soul Seduction | Juno Records | Patchworks  

Released: 08/01/2009

Off the magnificent “Powers & Oils” album, this new 12 from Johnson & Jonson (aka Blu & Mainframe) is dope. ’Mama Told Me’ is a big band sampling floorfiller with old school rhymes and tons off quirky funk. A very good track for all occasions. 

But for all its qualities, it is still ‘Hold On John’ that the production of choice on here. It was also included on the album, as a hidden bonus track. A great piece of moody, indie hiphop and brilliant sampling using John Lennon’s brilliant ”Hold On” with backing from the Plastic Ono Band with fellow Beatle Ringo Starr on drums and Klaus Voorman on bass. The touch of optimism in Lennon’s voice is the perfect antidote to the rhymes describing a low point in life. 

Fat City | Underground Hiphop | MySpace | Juno | Tres Records

Released: 09/07/2008

I am a longtime Beatles fan and grew up with their music. As an artist you need a solid portion of confidence to attempt to do a remix or a cover version. Every now and then I discover someone that have manage to add something fresh and different to the classics, as when the Dj Nu-Mark re-touched John Lennons “Imagine”.

This time it is Japanese drummer Jimmy Takeuchi who deserves credit. Famous in Japan for doing covers of western hits delivered in his inimitable funky style, this track is his finest moment by far. Takeuchi shows his skills with an amazing drum break and adds a psychedelic, slow and funky melody. Beautiful. The 7″ single is taken from the much sought after Drum Drum Drum LP.

On the flip side, Jimmy Pryde re-edits the obscure 1976 Polydor album Pipe Dreams. I am no fan of bagpipes, but this is actually quite decent. A folk inspired number.

I highly recommend you buy this 7″, but it can be downloaded from here as well.

Fat City | Phonica | Hum Records 

Released: 08/12/2008

Two wicked re-edits of Fela Kuti and the one and only Marvin Gay. Fela gets chopped and twisted into a dance floor anthem on ´Shuffa´, and on the flip ´Holla´ turns Marvin´s classic into a slow and uplifting late night delight!! I think I might have worn out the Marvin side of the 7″ vinyl – One of the best releases of last year!

As you might have guessed, Wah Dubplates is Wah Wah 45s underground imprint, offering up sounds slightly out of keeping with the original label or things that might be difficult to release properly due to copyright restrictions. First one out was Citizen Cope’s “Bullet and a target“. Lots of other good artists on the label as well, such as Espen Horne, Unforseen, Aaron Jerome, and Hardkandy.

FatCity | Juno Records | Wah Wah 45s |