Album Review: Isaac Tichauer - Devotion

     French M-F’ing Express. With a lineup featuring such talents as Moon Boots, Perseus, Chris Malincak, Jonas Rathsman, and more, unless you had your ears plugged this past Spring/Summer, you really could not -or at least should not- have missed the distinct sounds coming from this label. The tropical, feel-good Nu Disco and House they were pumping out really set the tone for the sunshine seasons (Their "About Me" page literally says, “french express. cultivating the sound of ‘feel good.’”). We found ourselves infatuated with the slick R&B samples being worked into their tunes, and were even lucky enough to catch a handful the roster at U Street Music Hall throughout the summer. Moonboots, Perseus, Chris Malinchak were pumping out jam after jam with their respective E.P.s and singles, but it’s Isaac Tichauer’s debut album (and the first album to ever be released on French Express) that I think slipped under the radar a little.


     This review is a little late to the (dance) party. But in all honesty I have been enthralled with the with the record since its July release. We were flooded this summer with tropical disco, and later on the Hot Creations-esque Deep House. Somehow this one came in somewhat low key, or perhaps the mood was not quite right for it. Whatever the case, I have had enough to time to marinate on it, and revisiting the record just makes me savor it all the more. Maybe it is the current season. Fall seems moody to me. Themes of change and introspection come to mind, and I think this album captures all of that in its soundscape. Deep and sultry textures that are sometimes a little melancholy, but bring about feelings of longing, lust, and love (both mutual and unrequited). There are not a whole lot of lyrics, but I can not help but think that thematically, the album is a sort of a double entendre for passion devotion to music and a significant other (that may be one and the same...). The music itself is a sort of sonic kaleidoscope. Isaac’s production bends and morphs its way through House, to create what Perseus describes as “...ethereal, metaphysical, futuristic, classic, atmospheric, tribal & tropical house music.” [source]

A few of my particular favorites include:

Track 1 - “You Were Walking” - I enjoyed it’s ominous synth tone and brooding bassline,
as well as the multi-layered rhythm of House andTribal flavors.

Track 4 - “Devotion” - The title track has a moody synth chord progression and pays homage to 90s vocal/piano house. Watch out for the spacey climax.

Track 5 - “Like it Raw” - This one is a playful, yet deep and lusty romp of House music.

Track 6 - “Every Word” - A moody collusion of portentous bass and tropical synth leads.

Track 7 - “Doing What I Got” - Hooks you with it’s familiar R&B sample. Then moves you with its warm and tender sub-bassline and syncopated tropical xylophone (the French Express staple).

Track 9 - “Falling” - There’s a bit of duality going on in this one. On one hand, it is sort of dark, with it is eerie synth leads and vox repetition of “I’m falling.” Yet the bassline would suggest something more... It is not until the the lyric is completed, “Falling...in Love,” that we’re able to see the other side. The angst and bliss of Love. Heavy stuff.

Hear them all for yourself below.

Did I mention the entire album is available for free?



 
  In all, Isaac Tichauer solid album that is sonically and thematically cohesive and can (and should) be enjoyed in a straight up listening session. It’s hard to believe that this was a six month project. It has very wide range of musical elements that are layered nicely throughout, and never busy. I find myself easily lost in its Deep House vibrations all draped in provocative textures. The bonus however, -besides that it is free- is that the tracks are of such quality production that they can each stand alone (have fun disc jockeys). Top to bottom, a fantastic record and affirmation of the production quality and versatility of French Express' Isaac Tichauer.

DPC Summer Series GuestMix Volume 2: Satin Jackets - Back to House

Today is a great day. It is a three-day weekend for DPC; some of us are still in Detroit dancing our asses off as you read this post, and today is the perfect excuse to bake some fancy cupcakes, throw some burgers on the grill, and blare some dance music in your backyard. We insist that you celebrate with us in the form of dance parties, and we'll be polite and supply you with the perfect soundtrack for your day.

The mastermind behind our second installment of the Dance Party Chronicles Summer Series GuestMix hardly needs an introduction.

Satin Jackets, is the German producer behind one of my favorite tracks of 2012, "How Long Can I Wait For You", released on The House of Disco Records. Full disclosure: I enjoyed the track and EP so much that I bought the 12" immediately after its release, and before actually owning a turntable. The entire EP is top-notch, and if you haven't grabbed a copy, do. it. now. Also, I'd be lying if I said the pink and turquoise cover art didn't sell me either.

There are so many great pieces to this track. From the soulful vocals, to the reminiscent melody and classic House vibe that have your head nodding with the beat, it's easily a dance party staple.

Today is also a special day for the producer, Satin Jackets. His brand new label, GlamJamArtists, is releasing an EP. I predict that the single, "Hollywood" will be a summer time anthem for dance party enthusiasts. I envision myself by the pool with the most delicious strawberry margarita in one hand while watching the sunset. I think that that a true testament of a great track is when you can get lost in your thoughts and lose yourself in the moment.

Tim (SJ) took a moment to answer a few questions for us. We were also able to pick his brain about the mix, his new label - Glam Jam Artists, and his thoughts on the NuDisco movement:

AFTER THE JUMP...

Moises Mestas - Spring Mixtape

I love this time of year. The sun is shinning. The birds are chirping. The whiskey flows like water, and the dance parties get a bit more boisterous. Oh, did I mention the ladies in their sundresses? It’s as if there is a species of women that emerge as the season changes. Maybe it’s the pollen that draws them out, or maybe it’s the jovial soundscape of the springtime music? Well whatever it is, I’ve got something "Spring Fling Themed" (say that 3 times fast) that captures the pre-summer romance and jubilation of the season. 

Today’s "Hump Day" mix, comes by way of Moises Mestas. The Mexico City native has been doing it around the country for 10 years and currently holds a residency at the exclusive club, LOVE. Keep your ears open for some original productions and remixes from him. But in the meantime, let’s dive into it!

A DPC friend shared this one with me (shout-out Nicky T!) and I’m very glad he did. It’s got a great blend of the sounds I’m particularly fond of lately: lively Disco and and sexy House. It opens with Open Children’s “Down Fever”, which is a fun NuDisco track with airy vocals and an uplifting synth chord progression. Dublin Aunt’s Deep House track, “No Holding Back”, immediately follows. Both have those R&B vocal samples DPC has been infatuated with as of late. The former from Wayne Wonder’s “No Letting Go”, and +1 to whoever can ID the latter for me.

Illija Rudman’s Interpretation of Escot’s “Cameleon Chameleon” is light and lush disco romp. It’s classic disco elements keep things fun and allows it segue nicely into Roberto Rodriguez’s NuDisco love affair track, “Tell Me”. Listen up for the lyrical symmetry between the two tracks’ vocals; a lovely touch to the mix. “Tell Me” is a simply great selection in my opinion. The male and female vocals work well together and the love struck lyrics are what Spring is all about.

The mix takes a bit a of turn after the seamless transition from “Cave Disco” to “This Time Around”. It’s like a sunset into the sexyness of night as things venture into deep/jackin’ House territories. But like the sun never fails to, the energy rises again to close out the mix strong. I loved the refreshing breezes of Disco and House [see: hear: The Mekanism Can’t Believe (Mario Basnov Remix) and Storm Queen - Look Right Through]. If you couldn’t tell, I very much enjoyed listening to and writing about this mix, so I’ll shut up and let you get to it now!




Tracklist

Only Children - Down fever
Dublin Aunts - No Holding Back (2012 Mix)
Escort - Cameleon Chameleon (Ilija Rudman Interpretation)
Roberto Rodriguez - Tell Me (original Mix)
Astrolabe - Cave Disco (Discotexas Edit)
Softwar - This Time Around (Original Mix)
Jus' Bros - The Truth
Toomy Disco - What Goes Around
P@D - Le Lapin Magique (The Frost Remix)
The Mekanism - Can't Believe (Mario Basanov Remix)
Storm Queen - Look Right Trough (parts 1 & 2 Edit)
Ponty Mython - Take More Lessons (Casual Encounters Remix)
Kolombo ft Ange - Nothing More's Allowed
James Curd - Guide Me (Gigamesh Remix)
Philosophy Of Sound - Freedom, What For? (A.N.D.Y. Remix)
Justin Winks - All You Need Is Love


*DC readers, be sure to check out a our Shows/Events page for a DPC Approved Dance Party near you!

Xinobi's Hello November Mix

I'm in a House mood again. Deal with it. B)

And at the moment, I'm liking my House deep, synthy, and filled with hi-hats.

Xinobi's "Hello November Mix" starts off smooth and sexy with House-downed interpretations of some classic disco/funk tracks. Alexis Raphael's "Kitchens and Bedrooms" jump starts the energy with it's deep and playful bass line...and the mix absolutely takes off from there! Munk's remix of "Feel the Need" (by Mirror People) maintains the soulfulness over a bouncy House beat. Then Xinobi hits us with one of his own remixes of Saarid's "Future Lately" . The pace and energy continues to build in this affair; and just after 53 minute mark (whatever that track is..ID anyone?), shit gets ridiculous! The mix closes strong and begs to be replayed. It has a more than solid track selection (not given) with mixing to match. It's deep, fun, souful at times, and rowdy at others. Enjoy!

U-Tern - One Day Later Mix - Drive

The other day I went to Trader Joe's to pick up a few things. A few things turned into an entire bag of groceries. And the 10 minute trip ended up being over 30 minutes long because I am indecisive. Trust me; you do not want to go to the store with me. Ever. Unless you'd like to be slowly tortured while I stand there in the aisle trying to figure things out like... Do I want diced tomatoes with chile in them, or without? Do I want whole wheat pastry flour or all purpose flour? Do I want semi-sweet chocolate or dark chocolate? Do I want arugula or spinach? These are all important things, people.

Much like my grocery dilemma, I face the same dilemma with music. And I think you do, too! There's so many good mixes out there it's hard to choose, right?! I'll sit on Soundcloud and sift through mixes and try to figure out which ones should be shared, and what should be put aside for a rainy day. It's a tedious process, so last night I spent a good 30 minutes trying to figure out a scale system at the bottom of each post to gauge whether our readers (YOU!) enjoyed listening to. Some other minor changes were also made on the blog, including a bigger (therefore you MUST see it) sharing tool for Facebook, Twitter, etc - because sharing is caring, duh.

I think this will also assist in our "Mix of the Week" tab on our page, as we sent out a call on Facebook about a month ago and realized only two people answered the question. We either need something else to do on our Friday nights, more friends, more feedback on the website, OR all of the above. Probably all of the above - so really what I'm trying to say is please freaking use this tool.


One of our favorite artists to feature on the blog, U-Tern, released a mix yesterday via Soundcloud that he did for Brooklyn Radio as part of the "One Day Later" podcast he does. U-Tern features the latest remixes, dance tracks, and exclusives in these podcasts. Brooklyn Radio was launched in 2006 and showcases different genres of music from across the world. Every week, there is a one-hour stream that is influenced by the DJ's tastes and roots (source).

I had no idea that U-Tern had a podcast through Brooklyn Radio, and I will now be sure to keep up with it. In this "Drive" mix, U-Tern features tons of remixes and dance beats that will keep your head nodding and feet tapping. A straight up dance party with Julio Bashmore's remix of Von Stroke's "California" around the 9'ish minute mark is one of my favorite parts of this mix, along with the segue into the remix of Cassius' "The Sound of Violence" by Franco Cinelli. Obsessed is the only way to put it. Some other highlights? Groove Armada's deep house track "The Pleasure Victim" that drops around the 29.40 mark, and the mix rounds out with some slower, soulful tracks.

U-Tern's One Day Later radio mix is not a disappointment, so I suggest you get some headphone on now. And remember to "rate" the mix after you listen - we need YOUR feedback!

One Day Later Radio - 76 (Oct0911) (Drive) by U-Tern

Gotye - Somebody I Used To Know (Beni's Re-Rub)
Sneaky Sound system - We Love (Pleasurekraft Remix)
Savage Skulls - Watching You
Claude Von Stroke - California (Julio Bashmore Remix)
Cassius - The Sound Of Violence Franco Cinelli Remix)
Tom Trago Feat. Romanthony - Steppin Out
Maceo Plex - Falling
Friendly Fires - Hurting (Benoit & Sergio Remix)
The Rapture - How Deep Is Your Love (Emperor Machine Remix Edit)
Groove Armada - The Pleasure Victim
Max Chapman - Don't Go
DJ T - City Life (Maceo Plex Remix)
Edwin Van Cleef - I Feel You
Edit Murphy - Morning Light
M83 - OK Pal
Javeon McCarthy - Love Without a Heart
I Break Horses - Winter Beats
Nero - Reaching Out

Crazy P DJ Mix - September 2011

Dear DPC Readers,

Listen to this. Now. Don't worry, you can thank me later. Housey-Disco Dance Parties for everyone on Monday. I like 19'ish minutes into the mix > 21.40'ish in the best! Or maybe 24 minutes in, super funky-boogie time. So yea, 'let's go to work' and listen to this mix together, please.

Love,

Becca
Crazy P DJ Mix September 2011 1 by Crazy P

How do you like your House?

Deep? Jackin'? Electro?....

Well I have two House mixes for you all today. Both are spacey/cosmic coincidentally. Expect synth :)

Andrew Ingram's Expedition.Lunar Mix is a deep space journey by way of Jackin' House flavor. Hi-hats snares, synth, beeps and boops are all here and ready to blast off!

Tracklist:

Arcanoid - Protozoo

Daniel Andréasson - Ibis228

Legowelt - Moves For Cee Cee

Planet Gong - My Heart, My Soul

John Heckle - Inside Me

Elec Pt. 1 - Fukka

Obtane | Claudio Prc – Antikythera Mechanism

Mark Du Mosch - Reminiscing

Chrome - My Reflection

Mark Du Mosch - Getting Off

The Analogue Cops & Blawan - 45 Dollars

Syquest - Synapse

Trajical Bitch - Gang War (Elec Pt.1's A.C.III.DDDD Mix)

Format #1 - Solid Session (Legowelt Remix)

The Transhumans - Ethical System

Gosub - Touch Terrorist

The Exaltics - The Wrong Direction

Lost Trax - The Eye (forthcoming on Tabernacle Records)

Jackin' not your style? No worries. Need some bounce in your House? Tom Staar has you covered. His Death Staar Mixtape consists of variety of Electro and straight-up House tracks. All are either space themed or spaced-out, on top of bouncey rhythms. Ready for lift-off?

Tracklist:

01 Nalder & Quattro - Where Is The Love

02 Prok & Fitch vs Juan Kidd - Star Guitar

03 Toy Tigers - Golden (Tom Staar Rmx)

04 Tom Flynn - Budgie Smuggler

05 Tom Staar - Weekenders

06 Eats Everything & Worthy -Tric Tac

07 Style Of Eye - We Are Boys

08 Gregor Salto - Toca Bunda (Chocolate Puma Rmx)

09 Tom Staar & Paul Summers - Death Staar

10 Mumbai Science - Lotus

11 Disco Of Doom - Space 2.0

12 Dada Life - Happy Violence

13 Tom Staar - Galaxy

14 Firebeatz - Hidden Sound

15 Saturdays - All Fired Up (Tom Staar Rmx)

So, how do you like YOUR House?

New Mix series! Cassian Presents:Mix #1 Ava & Emery

I like this mix...a lot.

Here's a convenient checklist as to why:
[x] Sexy Deep/Jackin' House
[x] Dirty Synth
[x] Contains Tracks & Artists I haven't heard before
[xx] Makes me want to dance!




This is apparently the first of a new series presented by Cassian (who recently did a very nice remix of Lou Teti's "I know the way"). The mix was done (and done well) by Ava & Emery; two associates of Cassian from what I could gather from his description. But whoever they are, they've crafted a great House mix for our enjoyment.

Cassian Presents Mix #01 - Ava & Emery by cassian

Thursday Thoughts

Last night I could have used some of this.

Because I was trying to make my cubicle not look like this:


But I worked until 8:45 listening to this....and also this.

I probably should have done this, but instead I started playing this:

Downtown Party Network - Back To Basement by Downtown Party Network

Tracklisting:
1. Noir & Haze - Around (Solomun Vox Remix)
2. Cut Copy - Blink And You'll Miss A Revolution (A Chicken Lips Malfunction)
3. Phreek Plus One ft. Mr. White - Passion (DJ T Remix)
4. Genius Of Time - Houston We Have A Problem
5. Nicholas - When I Think About (Instrumental Mix)
6. PhonoKemi - Decompose (Original Mix)
7. Tom Budden - Someday (Original Mix)
8. Azari & III - Manic (Maceo Plex Remix)
9. Oliver S - Doin' Ya Thang (Original Mix)
10. Lance DeSardi - In The Midst (Bass Dub)
11. Vahagn - Relapse (Nick Chacona Remix)
12. Morten Sorensen - Burn Down (LPZ Remix)

I started looking at (godihaveahugebootproblemandimnotafraidtoadmitit) this.

And then maybe T H I S. So now I'm wishing I had some of this.

Seriously weekend. Get here now.

Will Eastman - Jack DJ Mix

Happy Friday DPer's!

Earlier this week I posted a mix from Volta Bureau's Micah Vellian. Today I have one from another third of the DJ troupe, Will Eastman. D.C.'s own has put together a mix consisting of "...re-imagining of some classic and newer jackin house and techno as deep and cosmic house in the disco bpm range" (Source). I couldn't have put it better. It's great blend of dark House and Techno tracks. The selection of House tracks are very good, but the hard untz of the Techno tracks got me moving. There's plenty of build up moments that will leave you with goosebumps when the tension is released. Eastman includes a number of Volta Bureaus productions as well. Their remix of Codebreaker's "Desire" definitely got my attention. Also, their unreleased track "Hot", which is just that, closes out the mix nicely.

Jack DJ Mix by Will Eastman

I mentioned it earlier this week, but the DPC crew will be getting our whiskey and dance on at U Street Music Hall this Saturday. Volta Bureau is throwing a shindig for the release of their debut single "Hope".

Essential listening: Jamie xx - Essential Mix

Got two hours? Sure, you do!

(Source: BBC 1 Radio)

London's Jamie xx..(of The xx), recently did took control over the decks at BBC Radio 1 to make his contribution to the "legendary" Essential Mix series. This one will be a classic for sure. Starts off a little wonky and weird (in a good way), but by hour mark it settles nicely into House. Jamie wanders around the House genre for the most part while sneaking in nuggets of Disco and other dance tracks. He's even kind enough to sprinkle in some of his own productions, remixes, and reworks into the mix. This a special one..Just take a peek at that
tracklist...Enjoy!

The mix is available to stream at BBC Radio 1's website for a short time.

Alternatively, someone has been kind enough to share it through Soundcloud.

Jamie xx Essential Mix by Young Turks
(This is NOT my Soundcloud account. I am not hosting nor do I have possession of this mix. If embedding this stream is in violation of any copyrights, please contact me and I will gladly remove the link.)

Tracklist:

Orbital – Belfast
Phanes – Lucky Woman
Ifan Dafydd – No Good
Harvey Mandel – Christo Redentor
Koreless – Lost in Tokyo
Floating Points – Sais
Wiley – Colder (Instrumental)
Fantastic Mr. Fox – Untitled
Pärson Sound – Untitled
DJ Deeon – Fine Hoes
Luke Vibert – Analord
New Look – Janet
John Tejada – Unstable Condition
Univac – Untitled (Track 1)
Aardvarck – Nosestep (Original Mix)
Jean Jacques Smoothie – 2 People
Instra:mental – Pyramid
Grimm Limbo – Fortune Favours the Brave
R A G – Rage (Spaventi & Aroy Raw Mix)
Ronnie Dyson – All Over Your Face
Jamie xx – Far Nearer (Bootleg)
Axel Boman – Purple Drank
Loosse – About You (feat. Yolanda)
Anette Party – Moreno (feat. Anita Coke)
Gino Soccio – Dancer
Mr Beatnick – Synthetes
Funke, Sacha vs Nina Kraviz – Moses (Stimming Remix)
Jamie xx & Gil Scott Heron – I’ll Take Care of U (Special DJ Version)
Genius of Time – Houston We Have a Problem
Austin Eterno/The xx – I Remember Shelter
James Blake – Libra (Edit)
Pangaea – Bear Witness
Holly Miranda – Slow Burn Treason
Peter Horrevorts – Siren
Chuck Roberts – My House (Acappella)
Virgo Four – Do You Know Who You Are?
Morning Factory – Diane’s Love
Karen Pollack – You Can’t Touch Me (Roc & Kato Vocal Beat Trip Mix)
War – The World Is A Ghetto (Special Disco Mix)
Marshall Jefferson – Mushrooms (Justin Martin Mix)
Radiohead – Bloom (Jamie xx Rework)

Kolombo: August DJ Set

Hey People

It's Friday once again, and for once I'm actually really looking forward to Monday! We've got something special prepped for you all. Sorry for the tease, but let's just say it's going to be "bonkerz" and exclusive. Until then, I've got something I think you all will enjoy.

It's a piping hot, fresh out of the oven mix from Kolombo. This house set starts smooth, deep, and sexy; but by the midway point the intensity gets cranked up. I'm diggin' this one. Should get you in that Friday state of mind.

Kolombo djset august2011 by kolombo

Mid-Day Disco Dance Party, Round III

I'm back for the third installment of "Mid-Day Disco Dance Party" for all of your afternoon dance party needs. Hopefully you were busy this morning listening to Magic Tape 14 or the Volta Bureau mix Rashad posted.

Last night I was doing what I normally do: stalk Soundcloud and Facebook to find new artists that I'm not familiar with to satisfy my DDP addiction. Don't you do that too?

I stumbled across Kiwi, aka: Alex Warren, who hails from the United Kingdom, and is currently taking the London Underground house/disco scene by storm. His moniker is "Orlando Boom", though I definitely read "Orlando Bloom" for awhile, wondering why the hell he did that... and then the lightbulb turned on. Funny how that happens, right? (source)

Anyway. Holy crap! I really liked this mix!

At the 4:30 minute mark, Genius of Time - "Houston We Have a Problem" gets dropped . I love the deep house this Swedish duo of Anira Records brings to this song. It's centered around basslines and vocal samples taken from the Whitney Houston song, "Million Dollar Bill" (source) and is one of the three songs that is featured on their album, "Drifting Back" that was released in January 2011 on the Royal Oak record label.

Genius of Time - Houston We Have a Problem by Alexander Berg

Following Genius of Time's song, the mix goes into Soul Clap's 'Bakerman's' remix, which gives a level of depth to the original soulful version. But we all know the reason why this song rules to begin with.

Why? Cause of the "Suck a boner, I'm a Johnny Wiener" lyrics. Duh. Please tell me I'm not the only one who caught onto that.

Around 36:20, Alex drops "Everybody" (kiwi remix) - Miguel Migs

And yes, Alex and I are on a first-name basis because we're BFF's now. You see, I was tweeting him last night about some of his mixes, and since he tweeted back, it means he really likes me back (But seriously, Alex, if you are reading this, I'm not that creepy. I promise.)

Hopefully, Alex releases that remix because it's a dance party that contains a lot deep undertones that remind me of some faster-paced Art Department. The transition into Maceo Plexx's song sounds flawless.

And well, you already know how I feel about Crazy P (aka Crazy Penis).

Truthfully, I enjoyed the latter half of this mix a lot better. And I am really glad that I stumbled across this mix because I had not heard the Jeremy Glenn remix by Perseus! And I always love the Sister Sledge song.... that is featured in some DFA mixes that I've listened to before.

Anyway, there you have it. My thoughts about this mix. You're welcome.

And since I did all of that work last night, you should listen to it or you'll hurt my feelings.

The Summer Mix (Recorded live) by Kiwi by Kiwi_
1) Fear of numbers - Footprintz
2) Houston We Have A Problem (Original Mix) - Genius Of Time
3) Bakerman (Soul Clap Remix) - Laid Back
4) Envision (Ame Acoustic Remix) - Osunlade
5) Want You In My Soul ft. Stee Downes (Original Mix) - Lovebirds
6) The Shady Shores - Tanner Ross & Soul Clap
7) Best Of - Deniz Kurtel & Mykle Anthony
8) I Can't Get No Sleep - Joe and Will Ask vs Kiwi
9) Body Shiver - Waifs and Strays
10) Everybody (kiwi remix) - Miguel Migs
11) Falling (Original Mix) - Maceo Plex
12) Open for Service - Crazy P
13) Cruel Summer (Summer Dub) - Bananarama
14) Love Recycled 1 (Original Mix) - Solomun
15) Got To Be Real (The Giraffe, the Pelly and Us edit) - Cheryl Lynn
16) Lost In Music (Gay Marvine edit) - Sister Sledge
17) New Life (Perseus 'Summer of 83' Remix) - Jeremy Glenn
18) Get up disco - Soho808

Cause nobody likes a sad panda.

Thursday Thoughts

Because of this. . . Or maybe this,

I feel like this:



So now I want to eat this. Or maybe this.

But really, I'm eating this.

I don't have a post cause (remember?!) I was celebrating this. So maybe you should go read this.

I'm excited for this. And especially for this. Oh yea, and this.

And now you should listen to this:

Future Classic DJs - August is Late - 2011 by future classic

11:45 minutes in made me do this:

Hey House Heads!

Have you pledged allegiance?




I have a not-so-secret, secret love affair with House music. I was doing my daily rounds through some mixes and came across one I had to share with my fellow DPer's....then I came across another.

Hmmm..
Dilemma?

Which one should I share?

Then it hit me. If you (really) like House, you probably can't get enough of it anyway. So enough of my blabber. Here are two really dope mixes I think you all will enjoy. One from the folks over at Gomma, and another from the lovely Ms. Kate Simko!

Podcast #53: Mercury Summer Mix by Gomma
Tracklist:
1. Ralphi Rosario - Up So High (Dub Mix)
2. Pol_On - Molala (Mercury Remix)
3. Jesper Ryom - Godt Begyndt (La Fleur Remix)
4. Medlar - Terrell
5. Mercury - You Lift Me Up
6. Prince - Erotic City (Paul Johnson Edit)
7. Mercury - Special Place
8. Jaqué - Love Will Save The Day
9. Jamiroquai - Comsic Girl (Mercury Edit)
10. Byron Stingily - Get Up (Roger S's Narcotic Mix)
11. Barbara Tucker - Stop Playing With My Mind (Dub Mix)
12. Ian Pooley - Higgledy Piggledy
13. Tom Trago - Corrupt feat. San Proper



...Can't stop the House!

Louche Podcast May 2011 by Kate Simko

Identity Fest Spotlight!: Booka Shade

Personally, these guys were one of the few deal sealers for me to attend Identity Festival. From Berlin, Arno Kammermeirer and Walter Merziger, have been delighting ears and moving bodies for just under a decade. Booka Shade’s music is difficult fit into a specific genre, but at its core it is dance music plain and simple. It’s minimal with hints of Techno, but straddles the line into House (often deep/progressive) at times.



Six albums deep, their most recent, “More!” gave us just that. A bit different than their previous approach, this album was “..built from the dance floor up” (Booka Shade). Their single, “Regeneration”, was a hit in clubs around the globe. Their live show is an audio-visual insight into the duo's music. While Arno takes control of percussion, Walter does his thing on synth and various midi controllers.



Booka Shade tours extensively and has shaken dance floors from hottest clubs in Europe to the renowned Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado. You are in for a treat if you are able to catch them as they play a number of the Identity Festival tour dates. Look out for the DPC crew in Camden, NJ this weekend as we will be getting down to Booka Shade and a host of premier electronic dance music acts. Also, stay tuned for more IDfest Spotlights…

If you’re not completely convinced of Booka Shade’s dance inducing sound just yet, do yourself a favor and check out this fantastic DJ set from earlier this year.

(30 min Sample, Full set download below)


Booka Shade Global Dance Session 1/8/2011 (via mixing.dj)

Getting Weird with Nicolas Jaar

So. I'm going to change the tempo up a little bit and mix it up. This isn't disco. This isn't a rant about hipsters and lamps... or me bitching about any failed baking attempt. And I won't be discussing my drinking adventures either. You're welcome.

Enter: Nicolas Jaar.

I was first introduced to the music of Nicolas Jaar in an Orchard Lounge mix a few years ago, and I was obsessed with the song, but had no idea who it was by, or what it was called. Maybe you're familiar, too??

Nicolas Jaar - Mi Mujer (Wolf + Lamb 2010) by Clown and Sunset

After some detective work, and learning about Nicolas Jaar, I was hooked.

He produced his first record before he graduated high school, and is currently a student at Brown University. Did I mention he's only 21 years old? And really attractive? Clearly the last quality is the most relevant and important. . .

While he's cited as a house DJ, I think his music is unlike many other DJs out there. When I listen to his mixes, or his album, "Space is Only Noise," I get lost in his jazzy-soulful beats that uplift me while strangely calming me and making me forget that once again I'm stuck in a cubicle having a thoughtful dance party by myself. Mind = blown when I learned he has a live band that he occasionally tours with. His music is taken to a different level and his music, and the 'story' with the music isn't lost with the band.



This may not be for everyone, but I recommend giving his XLR8R Podcast a listen. Jaar gets a +1 (Google+ talk, DUH) because his track listing also has track times!

CSP04 ∆ NICOLAS JAAR for XLR8R by Clown and Sunset
0:00 - love sick - bob dylan (sony)
0:25 - what my last girl put me through - nicolas jaar (unreleased)
4:22 - after laughter comes tears (nicolas jaar edit) - wendy kane (unreleased)
7:31 - materials (nico's bluewave edit) - nicolas jaar (unreleased) /> 9:48 - thief (live set edit) - the enticers (unreleased)
11:03 - meeting john coltrane - pharoah sanders
11:54 - variations - nicolas jaar (circus company)
14:48 - hage chahine (featuring willl epstein) - nicolas jaar (wolf + lamb)
17:03 - dubliners - nicolas jaar (clown & sunset)
25:35 - colomb - nicolas jaar (circus company)
28:38 - avalanche (tribute to leonard cohen) - nicolas jaar (unreleased)
31:34 - russian dolls - nicolas jaar (clown & sunset)
35:52 - encore - nicolas jaar (unreleased)

Happy Friday! TRAVELS by Tensnake (oki-ni Mix)

Here's a fresh mix by another DPC favorite Tensnake!

This mix is patient and well thought out.  The first few tracks clock in some low BPM's. "Open Arms" by Synkro kicks off the mix with a sexy R&B/downtempo hip-hop vibe. Not something I expected, but a pleasant ease into the progressively more dancey tunes to come. At about 14 min in, Tensnake kicks it into full on dance mode with Tiger and Woods' "Girls Like Boys". Watch out as he dabbles in some house/disco-house a little after the midway point of the mix. A welcomed treat and change in vibe. The tail end gets deep, and finishes off with his remix of Mark E's "Call Me". Be patient with this mix; anyone can throw together a collage of dance floor bangers. The Hamburg native shows us what it means to be a skilled DJ in taking us a sonic journey, rather than smacking just us with an hour of 4-on-the-floor beats. This one is smooth and sexy overall. Let it get you loose and into that Friday dance party mode. Enjoy!

TRAVELS by Tensnake by Oki-Ni on Mixcloud