Tune Of The Week: Sbtrkt - Soundboy Shift

This is a release of epic proportions, rousing in me the same excitable amazement that Joy Orbison did last year. Sbtrkt (MySpace) is sneaking through his breakthrough statusand I'm sure is set to be everywhere soon. So much so, you won't escape him. Not that you'd want to.

Enjoy.


SBTRKT -Soundboy Shift by sbtrkt

Guetta Blaster - David Guetta's big ambition.

David Guetta is being talked about in The Guardian. Check out a feature on his world domination here.

And, this was something I stated last year in this post.

Tune alert: Saeed Younan - Yeah Ha.

As mentioned in the last post, my search for Ibizan tunes is awn! I think I'm a little late to join in the bounce of this tune. Then again, it's never too late to fall in love, huh? ;)

You can check out Saeed's website by clicking on the word website.

Enjoy.

Knee Deep in Ibiza bliss.

So, contrary to the previous year's attempt of 'taking a break' from Ibiza, it seems I'm off there again. Well, in my defense, what self-respecting raver can ever turn their back on Ibiza? That's like turning down a lifetime subscription to...Nutella.

Just me?

Although I'm venturing back to the holy land, this time it will feel like a fleeting visit. Thus, in pure childish excitement at the thought of being surrounded by ravers in the sun, the search for Ibizan tunes is on. It's self-gratifying, and to some possibly quite sad, for me to scope like I've never scoped before and predict tunes I'm likely to hear as well as tunes that I won't be able to escape.

The tune below has a beach-covered feel to it, perfect for complementing the mini daydreams within my mind depicting sunny days ahead. And with a vocal, that seems as though it's very purpose is to relax the after party brain of an Ibizan mash head, is from the delightful Cathy Battistessa. Knee Deep in Ibizan bliss.

Cathy Battistessa

This tune is creation: Michel Cleis - La Mezcla (Riva Starr Mojito Remix)

And so this anthemic soul-tugger of a tune returns in its many forms with this particular remix fronted by the man who seems to be in every dancing crevis at the moment: Riva Starr.

This is simply Michel Cleis featuring Toto La Mompasina with 'La Mezcla'. Riva Starr's handy work projects the original's tribal feeling and adds a carnival bounce, set for any party, any time, anywhere. Welcome back, oh life-affirming tune.

Big.

Club: Not so Skank-eys.

Manchester's pride and joy, an establishment that has plans to spread its Mancunian love across the globe, Sankeys is bigger than ever. I ventured to the club in the midst of historical warehouses for the first time in over 3 years and I was pleased with the overall night, the new layout, the exotic terrace and great sound system.

What you up to in a couple of weeks when the 2nd May bank holiday alleviates us from a day of work, enabling an extra day of hedonism?

Check out Sankeys on the Sunday for Mark Knight & Dirty Vegas.

Tickets here.

Biiiig tiiiings.

Flashback: Moloko

Moloko (from the Russian word meaning 'milk') were big. Now Roison flutters her shit in a solo fashion, and this below is a nice little remix by Someone Herbert from back in 2008.

Enjoy.

Parlez vous Real Tone?

French label Real Tone supply the global dance arena with smooth minimalistic ideas and one means by which they spread their sound is through globetrotting DJ Franck Roger. This week (17th May) he releases a 5 track EP entitled 'Same Old Game', where we're forced to submerge ourselves in the tribal depth of South American vibes. This kind of deep house is the perfect accompaniment to a dance floor. And if you're in Manchester, then there's no need to dream - check out The Roadhouse on the 4th June.

The track below, Jungle Beat, is but a highlight of his mastery. His MySpace Page provides the rest.

Enjoy.

Compilation: Rewind to what was.

Universal Music jumps on the obliteration of nostalgia fad-wagon that we consumers are currently, apparently, in awe of - that fad of looking to times before this apocalyptic recession came and bit us in the pockets. Those days when Netto wasn't an option; we all seethed at Tony Blair's homoerotic relationship with Mr Dubya; and garage music was widely acceptable as the forefront of dance music.

Remember this?



This old schooler is part of a new compilation called Rewind Old Skool Classics, presented by Craig David & DJ Spoony. It's not an unusual occurence for the above tune to be a part of garage compilation heaven - well, it is still a significant tune to that era. To add to this ever-repetitive list is a roster of artists being used in the hopeful task of locating those good garage times in the memory bank. These artists include Monsta Boy, Ms Dynamite, N n G, MJ Cole , DJ Zinc and many many more that quite simply don't need to be listed. To find out, just go to Google and search for 'garage compilation'.

It's a four CD compilation - quite a handful. Or a particularly good way to repackage yet another 'classics' album.

I must add, it is quite a collection though.

Artist: Thomas Bangalter

As I was researching the previous post I made for James Talk & Ridney's latest version of 'Forever', I came across this little man. Little not in height, nor in stature or even DJ status. So why did I use the term 'little'? I hear you ponder. Well, that I don't know. But what I do know is this man, along with DJ Falcon, collectively known as Together, was reason enough for me to stomp my feet back at a night in Nottingham called Love Zoo. The perfect accompaniment to alcohol, friends and light snacks ;)

A tune that was ripping through the airwaves at that moment in time when I was just learning the ways of rave was one quite romantically called 'So Much Love'. That tune is posted at the bottom of this post and provided many hugged-up, loved-up, hunchback moments. Aside from that tune, did you know that Mr Bangalter is half of the Daft Punk duo, as well as that he provided music for the French independent film called 'Irreversible' and consequently named his album the same thing? And now resides in Beverley Hills?

Bangalter has stated some interesting quotes:

Upon being asked about celebrity status;

"We don't believe in the star system. We want the focus to be on the music. If we have to create an image, it must be an artificial image. That combination hides our physicality and also shows our view of the star system. It is not a compromise."

And about drug usage;

"Personally I don't like ecstasy. It makes me lose any sense of critical judgement, it makes me like every track I hear. All the music we've done, I think people can enjoy it and really go crazy even if they're not on any drugs. Maybe that's why it's successful and has crossed over."

Very smart indeed.

So here is Eric Prydz 'Call On Me'. Oh, sorry, I mean Bangalter's 'So Much Love'. Similar, much?

Enjoy.

Tune Of The Week: James Talk & Ridney - Forever

This post probably provides a little too much promotion for Pete Tong and his Essential Tune, with it's branding slapped across the face of the above YouTube video. Like the world doesn't know him and his "essential tune" already? No, I'm not bitter!

Though this tune was released a couple of months ago, it is now that I'm posting it because the momentum behind the popularity is in the airwaves. It's summertime vibe, only applicable to people on holiday at the moment, along with a repetitive mantra of 'We'll live forever' provides a platform for meditation. Or, maybe it just reflects a young man's attempts of clinging to an everlasting youth.

Either way, I'm sure it conjures up memories for house heads who remember the original. And it's nice to see Ridney is all over the place too.

The summer is nearing and the festivals are calling. Let's get this party started!

Enjoy.

Tune Of The Week: Ridney - At Night

Defected puts forth another little blinding debut release from a guy who has been storming the house scene over the past couple of years. Here, Ridney delivers a dancefloor winner incorporating twisty echoes of synth build ups and a happy clapping, infectious beat, bouncing sounds of a deeper side of Deadmau5 and Josh Wink's 'A Higher State Of Consciousness'.

Sure to be a hit on peak time dance floors, we shall await Ridney's next instalment.

Enjoy.

Tune Of The Sheet: Remady P&R - No Superstar

This tune took my thoughts back to the days when David Guetta's name wasn't on everybody's lips, to his early releases, to the time when people were discovering his music and the slow dispersion of his sound began shaking through the world's airwaves. Remady have actually been around since 1995, starting their shniz in drum & bass, progressing into UK garage and remixing various big named superstars Roger Sanchez and Fedde Le Grand.

Though relatively unheard of, people in the underground scene within cheesey club pop sounds in Europe will know of P&R parties. As will anyone who attended their gigs at Ministry Of Sound in London.

This tune lacks an edge, a sound of difference or anything that stands out - though it has been remixed successfully and is getting a bit of air play on your biggest UK radio shows. For me though, the substanceless lyrics and predictable sitar plucks don't take away the commercial viability of this tune.

This is my tune of the sheet. Interesting video though.

Enjoy?

New Single: Gramophonedzie - Why Don't You?

Well, well, well. Since I moved to London to pursue some kind of music industry career, my blog has been neglected. My sincere aim was to post at least 4 times a week. What happened?

So, now I'm settled, my attempts at keeping my word won't be so futile.

This tune below was big last year in Ibiza, and it's release date is so close to Miami's Winter Music Conference that I'm sure it's presence will be felt following it's rather late release date of 25th February.

It combines a 1930's war-time vocal with disco house, slightly unique and all the more easy to get your step on to.

Enjoy.

Tune Of The Week: Wiley - Take That / Wiley feat Emeli Sande - Never Be Your Woman

Wiley's single 'Take That' was released at the end of December last year and stirs up a love-hate response within me. I find the chorus overbearing and repetitive, a defiant message to all of those who 'thinks he can't do it anymore' - is this the workings of a man who is responding to a bit of slander? And the tune is based upon his visit to a Bedford nightclub where he saw a member of the group Take That. Nice, catchy inspiration.

What I do respect is his return to the kind of production that fits in well with today and the fact that he's been here for 15 years is enough for us to know that his talent is continously being strengthened. I'd prefer to hear a lyricless version when out raving, as the dirty electro beat is enough to get the feet stomping.

However, he is receiving much critical acclaim for 'Take That' and I completely understand why. He observes the rules of a dirty electro bassline along with fierce lyrics and balances that somewhat with an upcoming release of his -which is more my cup of chai. Wiley collaborates with Emili Sande for a second time, previously having worked together alongside Chipmunk & Kano on the UK number 1 track 'Diamond Rings'. In their latest offering, the chorus sang by up-and-coming soulstress Sande is cut from White Town's huge hit 'Your Woman' and slots together with Wiley's rap as a dialogue of banter between two opposing sides. 'Never Be Your Woman' subscribes to a UK funky sound, with a rolling, bouncy house beat and soulful percussion - a perfect progression in the UK urban/funky scene.

Wiley's noticeable attribute that fairs well in such an interchangeable music scene is his ability to successfully weave in and out of the very structures of differing urban genres and for that I salute.

This below is the Solo's Love Garage remix and my CHAOON of the week.

Enjoy.

If you like this, check out the original and Herve's remix.

Peace.