This track is simply haunting. I’m not sure if it’s the low bass, the pulsating rhythm, or the low sporadic instruments that makes Kadebostan so appealing; but I do know that I hold a special place in my heart for those strings. They add a new dynamic unmatched in anything I have heard in awhile. Love in Looxor is featured on the Vodka Wedding EP which is available now.
Metro Area is the project of producers Morgan Geist and Darshan Jesrani. Those unfamiliar with them may have actually caught a glimpse of Atmosphrique through that Ford Fusion commercial (where its driving on the side of the high rise). Weird little media tidbit I know. Regardless of that, their music is pretty spectacular.
It combines the moods of R&B, disco and boogie while adding in a crisp house feel. Their 2001 album is absolutely delicious. It initially caught my attention and while none of the albums really had the same impact on me, each holds at least 1-3 spectacular
♫ Hugh Masekela – Mama (Metro Area Birthday Dub)
BONUS!
No we’re not getting into Christmas music. Noelle is another slipcover artist, although this time fronting for Kidz Rec artists like 80s Kidz and The Agniss (slightly better known as Scottish Fold west of the Pacific). This project focuses primarily on successful Japanese pop covers. I found a lot of their stuff extremely interesting. We have ITMS to thank for these two gems. They recently put together a ‘Hey Japan vol. 2′ post, which showcases tons of great stuff down this line. Check it out here if you dig these.
“World’s End Supernova” is a pretty exceptional song originally by QURULI, but “Dancer On The Horizon” is actually an original (penned by The Agniss).
Every now and then I like to open up the archives and reminisce about a couple tracks you may or may not have heard. It’s a little break from the usual flow of newer stuff one might find on here. So for the first installment I wanted to highlight the best funk and soul tracks to flow my way this past year. I know that’s a pretty bold statement considering the amount of tracks tossed up. This list is pretty subjective anyway. Each bring their own unique style to the genre. Real classy, I hope you enjoy em all.
Gwen McCrae was first introduced to me by my friend and local DJ, MEGAPHONETEETH. I think it came to him through the gems located on beat electric. This track is produced by Steve Alaimo for T. K. Prod., released in 1974 and is damn tasty.
Gwen McCrae – 90% of Me Is You
Electric Wire Hustle was a relatively new stumble for me that happened a couple months ago. I think I was just doing some random internet surfin and stumbled into a gem. I should have bought a lottery ticket that day. Oh well, at least I have this for the rest of my life.
Electric Wire Hustle – They Don’t Want
Raphael Saadiq is another piece introduced to me by MEGAPHONETEETH. What can I say, the guy has an ear for finding funk, soul, and jazz delights. When he showed it to me he described it as ‘a young michael.’ Do you agree?
Raphael Saadiq – 100 Yard Dash
Demis Roussos is another amazing soulful funk track I found last year while working on my last project. I simply love the vocals in this track. The horns, funky bassline all add different dynamics that made it easily one of my favorites and easiest to post.
BONUS!
Alright, while this is a little electrified rework it still has those delicious soulful elements. DCUP always know how to hit the spot. Another one from the archives but it’s just so damn good!
♫ Jazzanova feat. Ben Westbeech – I Can See (DCUP Remix)
If you have any tracks like these that you think others will enjoy, e-mail us or toss up a comment with the track info!
I scored this dandy just the other day. St. Louis based PhaseOne combine a rap element to psychedelic and shoegaze. The results are interesting. Some tracks I really dig, others are just alright. This new remix to Animal Collective’s Daily Routine is one of the better. Electric anthems are great.
Versant is a brand new project hailing from Sweden. Led by Carah Faye, the former frontwoman of Shiny Toy Guns, the group hit big on a couple of feel-good pop gems. Faye has removed herself from the scene that her previous project confined her too. The new project is an adaption into a new direction where she hope’s to inspire others through musical healing. Interesting stuff to stay the least.
Versant are playing a handful of dates over the next little while- tune in through myspace for those. Versant will drop their self-titled debut on February 17, 2010. Stay tuned for that.
Arturo is 26 year-old phenom from Victoria, British Columbia debuting with a great track in Transcendance. He has been making music for a few years now but recently decided to branch out a bit using the internet. Thank you! You will all want to hit up this track. Great disco-vibes throughout. The music is as captivating as his promo ads.
I was hoping it wouldn’t be too long before I had the chance to feature some Fred Falke on here. Falke started out as a bass player around 1995 before starting producing records in the late 90s. His first record, a collaboration with Alan Braxe named Intro, which sampled The Jets 1987 hit Crush On You, was released in 2000 on Vulture Music. The pair would form a very productive partnership up until 2008 when they went separate ways. Falke has also collaborated with France-based German producer, DJ and close friend Kris Menace, as well as having released records on Menace’s label Work It Baby.
Falke’s been busy these past few weeks releasing a bunch of new remixes for the blogosphere. His unique disco sound is piercing among the top in the genré. Absolutely exquisite and perfect in every stroke. Oh, and as a little added bonus I tossed in a new blend with Kris Menace and The Dream – so fucking good! Enjoy!
♫ Just Jack – Doctor Doctor (Fred Falke Remix)
♫ Annie – Anthonio (Fred Falke Remix)
♫ Kris Menace & The Dream – Walking On Lightning (U-Tern Blend) *
Added a few new Shazam remixes to my library just the other day… The disco-pop magicman from Perth, Aus. is at it again! We love him for the classics listed below but these brand new additions (among a few others recently added to his myspace) are spot on. He tours locally throughout Australia. If you get a chance to ever go down under one hell of a dance party may be waiting for you. I know some of my friends are heading to Sydney in the next few months so witnessing a Shazam-set could be a nice little add-on. Tour dates found here.
♫ Headman – Dirt (Shazam Remix)
Sub Focus are back with radiant dark synth and haunting melodies. Their remixes can take on a whole new form, especially that Empire Of The Sun remix. Still they find ways to transcend hypnotic synth rifts in pretty much everything. Also powerful in Drum N Bass, Nick Douma is setting up shop in England where you can find him on New Years celebrating at Brixton Academy. Check him out, the show’s pretty decent. Hesitant? check out footage from Pirate Station 2008!
♫ Sub Focus – Could This Be Real
Neverest is another fun, feel-good electro-pop party jam coming across AN. It’s pretty catchy. So much so, that I think you’ll all be boppin by the end of it.
Raw Man has been up to no good lately. Already killing it, he teamed up with Blanche to create one well-established duo. Blanche is the French producers girlfriend, and soon to be wife. From what I can tell this is her debut project. Raw Man realized her talent when she was singing in the shower one morning. Since then, the two have been making quite the impact at venues all over so stay alert for the next show date, you won’t want to miss it.
The track included below is one of their newest. I dig it for its dark electro house beats that is topped off with some soft serenading vocals from Blanche. Talk about your epic intro.
MidRaid is nearly set to release his brand new EP entitled, The Experiment. The Canadian based DJ and Producer from Charlottetown is holding on tight to a real dirty and gritty feel in his music. The samples below had us reminiscing about early raw samples from young Boys Noize and old school Felix Cartel. There is definitely something infectious and unique in that sound of his. Both are a great depiction of the technical vibes to come. We have heard word that he will be incorporating an analog synthesizer in the near future. We look forward to hearing that. Be sure to stay on the lookout for The Experiment due out very soon.
Broke’s One’s usual harsh and sporadic breaks in his music separate him from any other artist in the genré. He definitely shows some crazy skill when using a variety of different elements. That being said, we have two brand new tracks come our way from the Italian DJ and Producer that stay true to this statement.
The first to show off is Flight Of The Navigator. This track hits you with a compelling string sample laced into the irregular beat. In a way it reminds me of his previous work entitled Tempo. Next is a new remix to Pony Pony Run Run’s Hey You, a popular track that Broke One seems set on revitalizing out of its steady decline into the archives. Real stellar if you ask me.
Monarchy recently released their second official track. Following up Gold In The Fire, it sticks with their established low tempo sound with some big emotional vibes. The piano that kicks in accents the track so well. I continue to be impressed with these guys. Stick onto their myspace like glue as they continue to release some great stuff.
Rubix recently released a new video for the single Baiser Sur La disco. It’s a pretty dope retro take on a fun loving disco track. He is a very busy man lately with show lots of bookings lined up lasting throughout the new year. If you’re in the Netherlands or the area check out the show.
Rubix is a talented DJ/producer with lots of great stuff to offer. I recommend watching out for what appears to be a new EP that could be dropping soon, but even more exciting is hitting up his website for other dope electro beats fresh out the oven.
