Massive rework of Aretha’s classic “One step ahead” by Featurecast! Turning it into a slow, uplifting hiphop anthem for the summer! Of course, the original was also  popularized by its use in Mos Def’s “Ms. Fat Booty” back in 1999.

I’ve been a big fan of Featurecast for some time now, after first picking up “Channel surfing” back in 2004. That release was on the groovy Catskills label and achieved commercial prominence after it was used in the famous iPod silhouette ads.

The other side sees Loot Beggar mash up Amy Winehouse (”love is a loosing game”) and Alton Ellis – and the result is a spaced out reggae interpretation. Half decent, but it is all about Featurecasts work on this release.

I speak highly of the Wah Wah 45s label and its limited pressings on Wah Dubplate. Check out one of last years mashup favourites for me – Marvin’s Holla. 

Wah Wah 45s | MySpace | Fat City | Picadilly Records |

We are approaching the end of summer here in Oslo, but I am not ready to give up on the feeling just yet. This is the third year I pick out Spanish singer and producer Gecko Turner to provide a soundtrack for the summer. Gauapapasea! was his debut album and, as far as I know, it was originally released back in 2003.

There are a lot of gems on this album. Its so good in fact, picking out favorites does not do it justice. ”Un limon en la Cabeza” is an old favorite of mine, I still play Quantic’s remix quite often. The album even includes a spanish language re-make of Bob Dylans “Subterranean Homesick Blues” and a cover of Bob Marley’s “Rainbow country”.

Influences ranges from almost every part of the world. You can hear the South American bossa, the african beats, Caribbean reggae and Iberian/Mediterranean sophistication. It is also musically diverse when it comes to the use of instruments and vocals. He is very much a part of the new wave/boss nova generation of musicians, so it is a record to celebrate life and opportunity. 

Gecko Turner | MySpace | Quango records | Amazon.com | Last.fm | YouTube | Juno |