So yeah there were a few tunes I thought I’d set aside for a slightly later post. These are fairly chilled, but in a way not. Just in comparison to the others below.
BAOBINGA & I.D. make sick tunes. I’ve mainly heard them cropping up in Fabriclive mixes by Tayo, Stanton Warriors and FreQ Nasty, but also here and there. They seem to blend what’s fresh at the time on a range of dance scenes, as proved by their recent remix of Wu-Tang Clan in the Wu-Tang Meets the Indie Culture, Vol 2: Enter the Dubstep album, which was immense by the way (BUY IT!). Anyway, their new track is frreeesshhh, and so is the Roska remix, but I won’t put that up ’cause I get a bit naffed by the random namechecks in the middle of tracks…”Roskaaa…RoskaaRoskaa”…then again I’m gettin used to them a bit. Check.
And this one came out of the blue – BRACKLES, who is great, turns up with this instant classic remix of MSTRKRFT (with John Legend). I’ve gotta admit, I wasn’t much of a fan of MSTRKRFT’s latest stuff, being a big fan of their first album and a bunch of their remixes a couple of years back. So when Brackles transformed this into a chilled out garage track to rival Joy Orbison and The xx’s Florence and the Machine fix, I have to admit, I wasn’t really prepared.
Another track I seemed to pluck out of the ether is this tribal madness from UNCLE BAKONGO, which sounds like some previously ancient African percussion processed and turned into a beautiful, harrowing dance piece. It’s dark, but in a mysterious way. I was pleasantly surprised to hear it crop up in Martyn’s Fabric mix recently (Fabric.50 if you’re interested, which you should be!) and I dunno, you should just hear it and see what you think:
BOK BOK, I think he’s buddies with L-Vis 1990. I seem to remember him doing a bunch of mixes or clubnights with him or something. But again, this is almost sickeningly fresh, I’m not usually a fan of vocoders, but this is at the Daft Punk end of the scale, and the synths are quite Hudson Mohawke/Dam-Funk-like which is always a good thing. I dunno. He just hits all the right notes with this remix, it all adds up. Again, he uses all the right sounds, it’s the way forward, and the structure is perfect. This is how you chop up vocals too, by the way.
So as I was saying before, my weekend was pretty good, heard some new stuff amongst all the rushin’ about, but here’s a bunch of stuff I forgot to post over the last few weeks…there’s quite a lot to get through actually
First up is some D’n'B goodness from BENNY PAGE – it’s a simple, down-the-line remix of Breakage’s new track with Roots Manuva (lovely man, what could go wrong), and I quite like it. It’s not too fussy, and I’m surprised how fussy I am – I usually just listen to Roni Size or some old junglist stuff. But give it a listen, hear you go (see what I did there?) – also, how cute is this pic of Benny Page? That’s actually what he looks like apparently, he has to stand on a shit load of Yellow Pages to reach the decks!
So yeah, we got off to a hectic start, so I’ll keep it up with a bit of ‘ravestep’. I know, you would expect it exists, what with clowncore and all that nutty shit, so yeah. Ravestep. That’s apparently what KANJI KINETIC’s music is described as. My friend went to see him the other day with 16bit and said he was pretty mental. But yeah, I don’t really know how to describe it other than…ravey dubstep? Still, sounds shit doesn’t it, but it’s not. It’s got a lot of cheese, and a lot of bassline. Try it, see if you like it, this particular track has an Anchorman sample so you cannot complain. Ever. And the remix he’s done that I’m giving you is called the “Fuck Yo Shit Up Remix”, which is also a reason in itself to download this shit up. Or something.
As we’re goin for the hectic at the moment, I think I’ll drop some heavier, dubbier, steppier stuff…this one’s a remix by BAR9 of one of the new Foreign Beggars tracks – their new album is pretty crisp actually, my favourite track being the one with Guilty Simpson (me being a Stones Throw whore of course). So the original is pretty suhweeeet, but Bar9 has upped the rowdiness to make it a laddish stomper rather than standard crunker. Check the video for the original, and the zshare link for the remix. Then comment and say thanks, cause nobody ever fucking does.
So yeah, there’s this sick new track by COTTI which I faackin love. It’s got the right kinda swagga, all dub-like, with subtle bass rumbles and sweet vocals. He released it in a split 12″ with 501 I think, so look into it and buy it if you’re interested! Both tracks are sick but I think I prefer this one:
Everyone in the electro world seems to be teaming up and making epic tunes that you can’t help but nod your head to. For example, Diplo and Laidback Luke, and Crookers with Congorock, and then we have LEE MORTIMER and FOAMO. I saw the former last weekend, and I’ve gotta say, he was much better than the headliner (Fake Blood – who, if you’ve ever read this blog before, asked me to take a track down, spoilsport!) and Foamo has grown up and made some good music, much like Boy 8-Bit did too. Anyway just listen to it you’re probably not reading this anyway haha:
Oh yeah, and A1 BASSLINE has a new track and it ain’t bad. I found out recently that he was half of Partyshank, which kinda makes sense considering his first solo stuff, but he’s changed a lot. A little birdy tells me he’s a bit of a prick, but hey, he still makes good tunes.
Yeh so this next track is SIIICK! Cannae remember where I found it, but it’s pretty effin wrecky. It’s by some guy called BILL EFF. According to my minimal research he has been involved with the aforementioned Lee Mortimer – just gonna say, from where I stand right now, that guy seems like a saint. Until I meet him, I’m gonna stand by that. Anyway, this stuff is quite blow-your-hat-off heavy so be prepared Scouts:
HARVARD BASS are pretty sweet. I’ve heard his mixes and stuff pop up all over the shop. I noticed his stuff in the Buraka Som SistemaFabriclive tracklisting (BUYBUYBUYBUYBUY!!!), which looks incredible by the way (on my Christmas list fo sho), and I dunno, it’s pretty bangin’ stuff from the States. Good club music. Try this for size…oh yeah, is it me or does he look oddly like a dark-haired Diplo? Maybe they’re related?
And just to jump back a bit, and calm it down to a nice mellow pace, I’m back with a last bit of dubstep (please don’t groan). JSAXTON has come to my attention as one to watch out for. As far as I know it’s some 16 year old kid from Leeds, which is pretty, no wait, VERY astounding. I should go up there sometime, see what they’re feeding them, but last time I checked, I’m scared of the North, and they’re scared of me…this is my favourite edit this lad has done (I think it’s a lad?):
Had a pretty hectic weekend, remembered this tune by SHARPS (sampling both 2 Unlimited and clips from The Warriors), as well as this awesome’ track from RANDOMER, whose set I missed at Hospitality Oxford on Saturday night, but met him afterwards (nice guy, as was this guy). Check it:
I suppose you’re all wondering what the new COEN BROTHERS film is like? Well I went to see it this evening, and I’m gonna say this: it’s very different from their usual films, it’s more of a deep, philosophical comedy drama. Some (denser) audience members may leave feeling cheated, or fail to be entertained, but by the ending, I found the film to be very clever, and begin to make perfect sense upon reflection; when I left the cinema. Just go and see it, if you’re intelligent, and want to be entertained. It’s about as challenging to watch as Charlie Kaufman’s latest, I’d say, but possibly a little less complicated. But c’mon, it’s a Coens film, who’s not gonna go see it?
Yes. Yes you should. I’m serious.
Anyway, back to music. I’ve been listening to a bit of a mix lately; about half electronic, half other music? Well whatever, but I’ve bumped into a few incredible tracks from all different corners. Such as this – Erol Alkan’s latest signing, German dude BORIS DLUGOSCH, who has released possibly one of the biggest bangers of this year, immediately rivalling everyone from Jack Beats to Crookers, and mainly due to its simple formula of chopped up beats, wiping synths and high pitched groans, as well as steady popping bass.
Also from Germany is minimal techno duo AKA AKA, who sample some crazy stuff (including Batman & Robin), but in this track utilise a bit of didgeridoo in place of the usual repetitive electronic percussion, which I thought was pretty raaaaaaaaaad:
A while ago I found these two Portuguese guys called OCTA PUSH, who are incredible. They’ve pretty much popped out of nowhere, and they mix all kinds of styles together to form some kind of supersound. I can’t really explain it, but it’s very accessible. This is their signature track, I think, and it’s pretty sumptuous when you first hear it smother your ear-holes…
So THE BLACK KEYS decided to go hip-hop for their newest stuff, and collaborated with a ton of rappers and vocalists, including one of my favourites, Mos Def. But the track I’m gonna show you features RZA of Wu-Tang fame, and Pharoahe Monch of “shut the fuck up” fame. It holds a significant amount of soul, psychedelia, and swagger. Raw:
I saw TURBO FRUITS a while back when whiting out at a festival, and I remember them playing pretty well for a Be Your Own Pet spinoff. I actually bought their debut album, despite it not seeming fully thought-out. This new stuff shows a stronger side to them, with a balls-out Black Lips-style tightness. This is how mainstream rock music should sound nowadays, brilliant production too. Apparently they’re soundtracking the new Drew Barrymore film though…ugh…
INVASION are insane. I first read them described as “wizard metal”, and straight away got on that shit. First listen sounds like Death From Above 1979 with crazy soulish vocals. And I’m happy to say it all sounds that good! It’s pretty spacey, you should check out their videos actually, I’ll post one now just to keep you entertained – watch their other videos though, they’re really cool 90’s video montage-based! Can you handle:
To New Zealand artist LEN LYE, whose animations I have recently discovered and find incredibly genius and want to watch them over and over again. There are plenty on YouTube, but not in the best condition (they’re better projected if you can find copies). But here’s one of the best condition on the ‘Tube – this one was created by scratching into the film, so as you can see was handled by an absolute master of animation. All of his films are upbeat and vibrant. I hope you’ll enjoy Free Radicals:
So been listening to a lot of heavy, dubby, grimey stuff recently, and still not bored yet. Most recently, I’ve realised how good DZ is at producing, whether its his own tracks or his remixes. They’ve been popping up everywhere. C’mon, he even managed to make Major Lazer’s worst track sound half-decent! Anyway, his style is a rumbly dubstep bass with clattering percussion and occasional waving synths, so what’s not to like? If you haven’t injected this stuff into your ears yet then watch out, you might eject something else…
I put the sickest mixes up, none of his own productions though, you can find them for yourself if you like him. Heads up though: look out for his track with Excision. That’s all I’m saying…
So for my course I was asked to make a short film in 5 days, and I managed to make this in 2 days (filming and editing with whatever spare time I had), and it’s gone through a few edits (I removed some of the effects and couldn’t find the original font I used in the first edit), but this is pretty much the finished product. It’s a tribute to the wonderful minds of Kieran Hebden, Daniel Dumile and Otis Jackson Jr, and dedicated to anybody who actually reads this shit:
As a bonus, here’s a couple of new tracks – one by the lovely Kieran Hebden, another a DJ /rupture remix of the incredible Yeasayer. When will these people stop making such brilliant music?!
Is anyone else confused by the weather? Not sure what it’s like near you, but one day it’s sunny, the next it’s like the underside of a sodden moose. It does mean we can snuggle up all warm though, and gives us more excuses for drinking, sleeping, watching telly and listening to music…
So RINGO DEATHSTARR are an ace new shoegaze band…they sound a little bit too similar to My Bloody Valentine, The Jesus & Mary Chain, or even The Cure, but there’s nothing wrong with any of that. They’re a little looser and punkier than the aforementioned though, which sets them apart really. I think they’ve got a few 7″s out, and a self-titled EP/mini-album, so keep an eye out!
THE FLAMING LIPS are back, and this time they’re…moody…experimental space/Krautrock-stylee, with guests including Karen O and MGMT…what’s going on here? Not saying it’s bad, just an odd change of direction considering their last few albums! Anyway, it’s really good psychedelic stuff, so it’s worth checking out. Double album too – it’s called Embryonic. Go go go!
NEON INDIAN does this crazy lo-fi synth music, reminiscent of Metronomy and the like, with distinctly cheesy 70’s/80’s overalls and a few surprising crackles and pops. Not bad! Try him and see if you like…reminds me a little of White Williams actually, anyone remember him? What happened there?
I’ve recently been getting into STARKEY, who’s an American dubstep producer (from Philly! Go Philly!), and his style is often quite grimey, like this following track. I heard his stuff a while back in various places but never thought to look into it really, just heard a few mixes here and there. He’s got a really nice straightforward style, not too chilled, not too hectic, way focused. Pretty good for beginners of dubstep I reckon, or even those who are looking for something a bit better.
Similarly, 2562 has made some impressive tunes I’ve noticed recently. This dude’s Dutch, and makes some deliciously calm dubstep, a little like Joy Orbison who I mentioned recently…it’s got little bits of techno and garage but is overall just lovely calm popping noises and shuffling bass…bliss. Really really nice. I was just going to put up the new Joy Orbison track but I thought I’d put something a little different up…
I’m a bit late on this, but I didn’t realise how many remixes Four Tet had done for Madvillain – that’s MF DOOM and Madlib’s project by the way. They’re all very different, one of them’s quite jazzy, another quite deep, all really different to the originals, which I’m not surprised about. I’m currently making an experimental video accompaniment to one of the remixes (of “Great Day”), but I think you guys’n'gals’ll like this one, which I was very close to choosing for my video…
You may or may not have heard of the style of dancing big in Holland called ‘jumpstyle’, which is often to really really tacky Euro-trance/house…but somebody showed me this video to an absolute tune by L-VIS 1990 that I couldn’t just pass…
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