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: 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: 20/11/2007

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 |

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: 01/2007

Another great release from the Belgian label Mindless Boogie (run by the guys from Eskimo). As you might have expected, it is more re-edits we are talking about. Wade Nichols is the man behind the edits this time. It is not the American pornstar/tv star/disco artist that killed himself not wanting to face death being AIDS positive. You know, the guy who wrote “Fly like an eagle” under the name of Dennis Parker.

Behind the alias is Norwegian disco and funkster Todd Terje aka TangoTerje. The man has been releasing own records and cheeky edits so frequently I wonder where he gets his creativity from. This time he is reworking psychedelic rock, disco and pop. More specifically Thin Lizzy’s “Fox on the run”, KC and the Sunshine Band’s “Boogie” and The Turtles’ “Happy together”. That means funky edits with an edge you just didn’t know was missing from the originals in the first place. With this level of quality it’s no wonder the man has become Norways greatest export since Lindström, oil and smoked salmon. 

Todd Terje | Mindless Boogie | Juno Records

Released: 18/08/2008

I first took notice of Feature Cast when he released the magnificent “Channel Surfing” (which ended up on an Apple iPod tv ad) and “Recipe for the perfect Afro” on the highly reliable Brighton label Catskills. It has always been all about the funk and the breaks for this dj and producer.

It is three tracks on this release. I concur with the sentiments saying “Take a ride” is a modern day “Rappers delight” with familiar samples. If you have heard his Bomb Strikes! releases (massive!) or his DIY edits (like Stomp) you will know the sound of this one. It is disco and funk food for your feet. “Let’s get up (get down)” and “Top billing” follows the same recipe, but is the first one which stands out for me.

Good Groove | Catskills | MySpace | Last FM

Released: 14/06/1974

Well, this might end up being a week where the soul sisters take charge of this blog. Minnie Riperton was definitively one of the greatest, and sadly she passed away at the brutal age of 31. A musical talent from an early age, she first came of real prominence as part of the Rotary Connection. In her short career, she released five solo albums.

Her debut “Come to my garden” (1970) was considered a classic by critics, but did not achieve commercial success. However, after being signed by Epic Records and releasing the “Perfect Angel” album she entered the spotlight. It is from this album my favorite Minnie Riperton is taken, namely the second single “Reasons”. Riperton’s stunning vocals on top of an incredibly funky disco beat makes this a dance floor classic. 

YouTube | Amazon |

Released: 19/07/2004

Taken from Fred Everythings second album “Light of Day”, this three track EP was originally released back in 2004. It includes remixes by Rob Mello, Jimpster and Maurice Fulton. All remixes adds a little extra to an already great album from Frédéric Blais.

Mello’s gives “Find your way” his characteristic bouncing Classic treatment, while Jimpster takes it down to its jazzy roots. However, Maurice Fulton’s remix of “Elevate” which Fred did with The New Mastersounds is the track of choice. The New Yorker gives the track an atmospheric, multi-layered, Ibiza ambient feel to it, and I absolutely love it. Haven’t left the box for ages.

Maurice is visiting Oslo again the 22. august, so make sure to stop by underground club The Villa to experience his soundscape.

20:20 Vision| Last FM | MySpace: M.Fulton | MySpace: F.Everything

Released: 07/04/2008

After seeing their great live performance at the Lovebox Weekender in London last weekend, I thought it was a good idea to post a tune by Dutch funksters Kraak & Smaak. I have been playing their tunes for ages, and they are providing a steady stream of good music that blends funk, house and disco to form a unique sound.

For those of you not familiar with Jalapeno Records, the label is also home to artists like All Good Funk Alliance, Dr.Rubberfunk, Kid Créme and Skeewiff. ”Squeeze me” was the first single from Kraak & Smaak’s second album “Plastic People”, and features a collaboration with Ben Westbeech. There is a quality set of remixes on the release from Lack of Afro, ASkillz and Jem Stone.

Check out the YouTube link as well for a peak at the fresh video that accompany the single. 

Jalapeno Records | Kraak & Smaak | YouTube |