Ok, I'm 7 minutes in listening to this new mix by the Phantom's Revenge and I just had to post this as soon as I could...
So enjoy ladies and gentlemen just like I am right now:
Mr. Brown out!
Friday, 25 February 2011
Thursday, 24 February 2011
The Numbers. What Do They Mean?
Like it or not, numbers rule everything around you, everything from temperature to test scores is dictated by them. So I was looking through my record collection today and numbers are a consistent element in my music; a lot of tracks I have either have numbers in the title, or are simply named after the numbers themselves. And with that, here are a few choice cuts from my catalogue.
Starting with the track that got me thinking about this post. Three is fittingly the third track on Massive Attack's sophomore effort Protection, The song itself has little to do with the number other than a brief mention in the opening verses and the sampled voice in the background that could be saying "Three" or "Free" depending on how much attention you're paying.
Boards Of Canada have always had a way with numbers, their own label Music70, Numbers Station samples on Geogaddi and finally: Twoism. Their first commercially available release, featuring remnants of their original techno stylings fused with the chilled out sounds they're now known for along with some pretty strange vintage samples.
Obligatory Danger track coming up, seeing as pretty much all his track names are numbers 'n letters combos. The best track he never released as well as the first I heard by him, the old but still fresh 13H12 ranks up there with my favourite electro tracks of all time. Pure dancefloor moving energy, 'nuff said.
One half of The Knife here with some of Karin Dreijer's solo project. Taking an upbeat turn compared to the rest of her solo album, Seven almost sounds like it could be a Knife track but has a much more... natural feel than the stuff from Silent Shout, Dreijer's distinct vocals and lyrical content being the only concrete similarities.
Alright, I'll admit I started struggling for ideas here so I came up with these. Years are still numbers right? right! Up first with 1983 from the album of the same name is Flying Lotus. This was before Warp signed him on and he was instead on L.A. based independant label Plug Research. While 1983 might not be his most popular album, it does have some great tunes on it. For example, if you ever wondered what 8-bit chiptune hip hop would sound like, 56 seconds in is where you wanna be.
Finally, Caspa. Yes, Caspa of "Where's My Money" fame. Only this time it's chilled out Drum 'N Bass, quite a bit different from the usual sound of the scene and more of the very early Dubstep, as in before it was even called Dubstep. He's done a few tracks like this and while it's not his best, and it might not be on par with some of Skream's tracks, it's still quite good and definitely worth a listen.
There were so many other tracks I wanted to post here but I either decided against it or it had been done already. The only one I really wish I could have put in here was Nine by Autechre, you should go check it out, it's in Part 3 of the warped posts!
11. 1. 5. 17. 5. 6,
-Claude Van Foxbat
Starting with the track that got me thinking about this post. Three is fittingly the third track on Massive Attack's sophomore effort Protection, The song itself has little to do with the number other than a brief mention in the opening verses and the sampled voice in the background that could be saying "Three" or "Free" depending on how much attention you're paying.
Boards Of Canada have always had a way with numbers, their own label Music70, Numbers Station samples on Geogaddi and finally: Twoism. Their first commercially available release, featuring remnants of their original techno stylings fused with the chilled out sounds they're now known for along with some pretty strange vintage samples.
Obligatory Danger track coming up, seeing as pretty much all his track names are numbers 'n letters combos. The best track he never released as well as the first I heard by him, the old but still fresh 13H12 ranks up there with my favourite electro tracks of all time. Pure dancefloor moving energy, 'nuff said.
One half of The Knife here with some of Karin Dreijer's solo project. Taking an upbeat turn compared to the rest of her solo album, Seven almost sounds like it could be a Knife track but has a much more... natural feel than the stuff from Silent Shout, Dreijer's distinct vocals and lyrical content being the only concrete similarities.
Alright, I'll admit I started struggling for ideas here so I came up with these. Years are still numbers right? right! Up first with 1983 from the album of the same name is Flying Lotus. This was before Warp signed him on and he was instead on L.A. based independant label Plug Research. While 1983 might not be his most popular album, it does have some great tunes on it. For example, if you ever wondered what 8-bit chiptune hip hop would sound like, 56 seconds in is where you wanna be.
Finally, Caspa. Yes, Caspa of "Where's My Money" fame. Only this time it's chilled out Drum 'N Bass, quite a bit different from the usual sound of the scene and more of the very early Dubstep, as in before it was even called Dubstep. He's done a few tracks like this and while it's not his best, and it might not be on par with some of Skream's tracks, it's still quite good and definitely worth a listen.
There were so many other tracks I wanted to post here but I either decided against it or it had been done already. The only one I really wish I could have put in here was Nine by Autechre, you should go check it out, it's in Part 3 of the warped posts!
11. 1. 5. 17. 5. 6,
-Claude Van Foxbat
Tuesday, 22 February 2011
Let The Children Techno
Hi everyone.
I finally found time to give LTCT a decent listen, not as good as I expected but it has got some very good tracks.
1. Mr Oizo – Let The Children Techno
Sadly, the first track is a big disappointment, Oizo did way better... But it's "just" the intro.
2. Busy P – Procrastinator
I never expect much from Busy P. Not incredible, but decent despite the lack of progression and repetitive lyrics.
3. Duke Dumont - Hipgnosis
I N S A N E .
4. Siriusmo - Idiot
Impressive track from Siriusmo, as usual I might say.
5. Para One & Tacteel - Infinity Riser (Remix Of Bernard Fevre’s Dali)
Para One AND Tacteel ? I was really excited to listen to that one. It's by far one of the best tracks on the compilation.
6. Breakbot - Shades Of Black
Alright, you'll fall in love after 5 seconds. Breakbot, you groovy funky genius.
7. SebastiAn – Enio
The worst track I've ever heard from SebastiAn, very bad. That song is so weak, I checked twice to see if it was really his. Sounds like Justice trying to do a song for a bad movie where nothing happens. Let's hope his album (hahahahahahaha.) will be better.
8. Mattie Safer – Is That Your Girl ? (Ft Telli From Ninjasonik)
No idea who the hell that is, but... N O.
9. Gesaffelstein – The Voice
Decent track, a bit too boring sadly, but I can understand what people would like in it. Simply not my type of music I guess.
10. Cassius - Shark Simple (L-VIS 1990 & The Neon Dreams remix)
L-Vis 1990 strikes back, amazing remix, gotta love those loud drums. Song of the month, at least.
11. Djedjotronic – The Invisible Landscape Different from Djedjotronic's usual style, but not bad at all.
12. Discodeine – Grace
Another average track.
13. Feadz – Far From Home (Ft Claude Violante)
Very catchy, I wasn't expecting that from Feadz, especially after The T.U.F.F. EP, that's not really the Feadz I like, but it's not bad at all.
14. Brodinski & Tony Senghore – Anagogue
I got bored after 3 mins (the track's 7:36 mins long) of bip bip bip, distorted sounds and weird voices.
15. Bobmo - Control
Craaaazy tune. That's not a constructive comment ? Yeah but still.
16. Zombie Nation – Relax
The 90's are over, but not in Zombie Nation's studio I guess. Like Brodinski's track, that's just not my type of music I guess.
17. Riton - One Night Stand
Riton's killing it one more time. Those drums are definitely gonna make your ears smile.
18. Skream - Boat Party
I wasn't sure about Skream, not that dubstep's being overplayed at the moment but... you get it, I was worrying about the WUBWUBWUBWUBs. Great news, Skream still knows how to produce music without that shitty noise. Lovely tune, epic synths, I don't need anything more.
19. DJ Mehdi - TragicoMehdi
DJ Mehdi at his best. There's something that reminds me of Fatboy Slim in the way he uses the vocals. I don't know if I can say that Mehdi's trying to go bit beat, but if he is, he's gifted. OH and, the trumpet... !
20. Flying Lotus – Caravan Of Delight
One word : booooooring.
That's it for that bitter sweet compilation, it was worth the wait, but disappointing on some levels.
I couldn't not post about Mondkopf, because I just love the guy and he released an amazing remix. So dark, so good... I might have the chance to see him again in March, if any of you see him playing next to your town, go for it, he is incredible.
Mashed Paper Klub - Troy (Mondkopf Remix) (Track no longer available)
Enjoy ! -Here
I finally found time to give LTCT a decent listen, not as good as I expected but it has got some very good tracks.
1. Mr Oizo – Let The Children Techno
Sadly, the first track is a big disappointment, Oizo did way better... But it's "just" the intro.
2. Busy P – Procrastinator
I never expect much from Busy P. Not incredible, but decent despite the lack of progression and repetitive lyrics.
3. Duke Dumont - Hipgnosis
I N S A N E .
4. Siriusmo - Idiot
Impressive track from Siriusmo, as usual I might say.
5. Para One & Tacteel - Infinity Riser (Remix Of Bernard Fevre’s Dali)
Para One AND Tacteel ? I was really excited to listen to that one. It's by far one of the best tracks on the compilation.
6. Breakbot - Shades Of Black
Alright, you'll fall in love after 5 seconds. Breakbot, you groovy funky genius.
7. SebastiAn – Enio
The worst track I've ever heard from SebastiAn, very bad. That song is so weak, I checked twice to see if it was really his. Sounds like Justice trying to do a song for a bad movie where nothing happens. Let's hope his album (hahahahahahaha.) will be better.
8. Mattie Safer – Is That Your Girl ? (Ft Telli From Ninjasonik)
No idea who the hell that is, but... N O.
9. Gesaffelstein – The Voice
Decent track, a bit too boring sadly, but I can understand what people would like in it. Simply not my type of music I guess.
10. Cassius - Shark Simple (L-VIS 1990 & The Neon Dreams remix)
L-Vis 1990 strikes back, amazing remix, gotta love those loud drums. Song of the month, at least.
11. Djedjotronic – The Invisible Landscape Different from Djedjotronic's usual style, but not bad at all.
12. Discodeine – Grace
Another average track.
13. Feadz – Far From Home (Ft Claude Violante)
Very catchy, I wasn't expecting that from Feadz, especially after The T.U.F.F. EP, that's not really the Feadz I like, but it's not bad at all.
14. Brodinski & Tony Senghore – Anagogue
I got bored after 3 mins (the track's 7:36 mins long) of bip bip bip, distorted sounds and weird voices.
15. Bobmo - Control
Craaaazy tune. That's not a constructive comment ? Yeah but still.
16. Zombie Nation – Relax
The 90's are over, but not in Zombie Nation's studio I guess. Like Brodinski's track, that's just not my type of music I guess.
17. Riton - One Night Stand
Riton's killing it one more time. Those drums are definitely gonna make your ears smile.
18. Skream - Boat Party
I wasn't sure about Skream, not that dubstep's being overplayed at the moment but... you get it, I was worrying about the WUBWUBWUBWUBs. Great news, Skream still knows how to produce music without that shitty noise. Lovely tune, epic synths, I don't need anything more.
19. DJ Mehdi - TragicoMehdi
DJ Mehdi at his best. There's something that reminds me of Fatboy Slim in the way he uses the vocals. I don't know if I can say that Mehdi's trying to go bit beat, but if he is, he's gifted. OH and, the trumpet... !
20. Flying Lotus – Caravan Of Delight
One word : booooooring.
That's it for that bitter sweet compilation, it was worth the wait, but disappointing on some levels.
I couldn't not post about Mondkopf, because I just love the guy and he released an amazing remix. So dark, so good... I might have the chance to see him again in March, if any of you see him playing next to your town, go for it, he is incredible.
Mashed Paper Klub - Troy (Mondkopf Remix) (Track no longer available)
Enjoy ! -Here
Sunday, 20 February 2011
A Very Warped History 7.5: 1999
A very mini entry this time as we cover another instance of Warp gaining some mainstream popularity thanks to one of their flagship acts, Aphex Twin. The Windowlicker EP is infamous because of it's downright disturbing video (and the cover art of course). Like Aphex's other infamous video, Come To Daddy, it was directed by Chris Cunningham and is actually a big parody of how mainstream Hip Hop videos and how they portray women. And an exuse for Aphex to put his face on more things.
The full Windowlicker video (NSFW)
Onto the title track, Windowlicker is really the standout from this EP, and is probably the most accessible Aphex Twin song there is, being catchy enough to grab the casual listener, but still have that Aphex edge to it. It's also one of my favourite songs ever. Even more so when the mind melting breakdown at 4:50 drops.
The second song, reffered to as [Formula] or [Equation] by fans is well... completley strange, to the untrained ear, it's probably just noise. oh and the track's actual name is THIS:
Yeah, and to top it off, the last 10 seconds or so of the song actually contain a PICTURE of Richard's face. That's right, run the end of [Formula] through a spectrograph and you get THIS:
It's not all freaky faces and noise, mind. the last Track, Nannou is a sort of prelude to the stuff that would crop up later on Drukqs, an ambient-ish piano piece. It's one of the reasons I love Aphex, he's known for his harsh electronic beat fests, but he also makes some really nice downbeat stuff as well.
So ends Windowlicker, tune in next time where I'll be covering one of my favourite underrated Warp acts, Broadcast with their debut on Warp; The Noise Made By People.
J'aime Faire Des Croquettes Aux Chiens,
-Claude Van Foxbat
Friday, 18 February 2011
Stranger in a Strange Land
Sometimes, you have a need to expand your horizons a bit, you know, get out of your "safe zone" for a while. This is valid for anything: Food, clothing, etc.
But where i find most difficulties is in music.
I struggle to listen to something new and like it right away, and i have to think 2 or 3 times if i want to download it and keep it. But the great thing about having a music blog is have people send you stuff that i wouldn't normally listen to.
Case in point is the following artist, called L.A. Calling:
Real name David Corral, this L.A. born artist has created one the most peculiar and interesting i've ever seen. He describes himself as having a "multi-genre appeal" and here's why:
As you will be able to notice, the band that plays in this video seems like they should be a part of a heavy-metal band. And that's the whole point. David wants to blend metal stylings with electronic music, which at first glance looks odd, but it'll make more sense when you listen to the music.
The following stuff is all exclusive to ilictronix.
The first song is the one you hear in the video, called "Pussycat". This one sorta defines the artist's sound. It is a darker version of the Human League, in my opinion, less cheesy and less happy. However, i do believe that if this track was made in the 80's, it would've been a big hit.
Next one is "Krush". Here the rock/metal influences are more present, with the guitar making a constant marque on the song. But despite that, it still sounds very 80's, very synthy and all that.
Coming up is "Spin Head". I really like vocal work on this one, David is a very good singer indeed and this one has great vocals.
L.A. Calling - Spin Head
Finally, we have "Only Human Now", a slightly calmer song that doesn't really have much to be said that already hasn't been said.
L.A. Calling - Only Human Now
In case you want to know more, visit his website or Myspace. I also hope you comment, because i really think this guy can go far with this stuff, all he needs is some exposure.
Enjoy!
Lights and music,
Alex.
Real name David Corral, this L.A. born artist has created one the most peculiar and interesting i've ever seen. He describes himself as having a "multi-genre appeal" and here's why:
skip to 2:09 if you don't want to watch the incredibly cheesy beginning.
As you will be able to notice, the band that plays in this video seems like they should be a part of a heavy-metal band. And that's the whole point. David wants to blend metal stylings with electronic music, which at first glance looks odd, but it'll make more sense when you listen to the music.
The following stuff is all exclusive to ilictronix.
The first song is the one you hear in the video, called "Pussycat". This one sorta defines the artist's sound. It is a darker version of the Human League, in my opinion, less cheesy and less happy. However, i do believe that if this track was made in the 80's, it would've been a big hit.
Next one is "Krush". Here the rock/metal influences are more present, with the guitar making a constant marque on the song. But despite that, it still sounds very 80's, very synthy and all that.
Coming up is "Spin Head". I really like vocal work on this one, David is a very good singer indeed and this one has great vocals.
L.A. Calling - Spin Head
Finally, we have "Only Human Now", a slightly calmer song that doesn't really have much to be said that already hasn't been said.
L.A. Calling - Only Human Now
In case you want to know more, visit his website or Myspace. I also hope you comment, because i really think this guy can go far with this stuff, all he needs is some exposure.
Enjoy!
Lights and music,
Alex.
Thursday, 10 February 2011
A Very Warped History 7: 1999
When Nightmares On Wax dropped Smokers Delight in 1995, Trip Hop was going from strength to strength with records like Massive Attack's Protection, Tricky's debut Maxinquaye and Portishead's Dummy leading the way. It wasn't to last however; fast forward to the edge of the new millennium, Trip Hop is slowly fading away in favour of Drum 'N Bass and Jungle. But George Evelyn, or Nightmares On Wax, remained undeterred and brought us Carboot Soul which moves away from the ganja infused vibes of it's predecessor and instead brings more instrumentation and even a couple of tracks with vocals, courtesy of obscure soul singer Sarah Winton.
Onto the tracks, if there's one thing N.O.W does well it's intros, and Carboot is no different. Les Nuits sets the pace for the album perfectly, at the same time highlighting the progression in N.O.W's sound in both title (Smokers intro was Nights Introlude) and the actual composition itself. Have a listen, it's worth it.
A song I posted before, Morse is simply too good to pass up. After the brilliant intro you are treated to another 6 minute slice of awesome that just gets better after every breakdown as more stuff is added to the mix. also features one of my favourite basslines ever at the beginning.
N.O.W said that most of the music on Carboot soul is inspired by tunes he grew up with, namely Soul. And it's probably most prominent on this track. Incredibly funky with some obscure samples, all driven home by that great beat.
This next one plays a bit like Morse, featuring another one of my favourite basslines from the album, but it's much shorter at just 2 and a half minutes. Not much happens in it compared to some of the previous tracks, but Nightmares' production is so solid you probably won't care.
A bit of a wildcard compared to what came before and longest track on the album; Argha Noah is all about the documentary samples and low frequencies until about 1:50 when some sparse piano keys are introduced, many things come and go from the mix after this, things like organs and guitars popping up from time to time. Very hypnotic, with just enough variation to keep it fresh throughout.
The second song featuring full vocals, Survival is a slow moving R&B-esque number. Like Finer, the other track with full vocals, Nightmares' production takes a backseat as the focus shifts onto the Winton's voice and lyrics. That's not to say the backing track isn't good though.
Carboot's closing track shares similarities with Les Nuits, but with heavier beats and being generally more upbeat (well, as upbeat as chillout can be I suppose). And so the album ends the same way it began, albeit in reverse as the stings slowly fade out instead of in.
Just one more release to go before we hit the big 2K, though it's not big enough to warrant it's own part, so look forward to Warped 7.5 coming sometime soon! there's plenty to look forward to in the 2000's, including Squarepusher, Broadcast and even more from Boards Of Canada.
...And Spring Would Be A Beautiful Time In Egypt,
-Claude Van Foxbat
Thursday, 3 February 2011
A Very Warped History 6: 1998
Ah, the ever elusive Boards Of Canada. One of my favourite electronic acts of all time. brothers Marcus Eoin and Michael Sandison have been making music as Boards Of Canada since 1987 and recorded more than 5 other albums in that time. Copies of which were only given to family and friends (all the supposed copies floating around the Internet are fake with the exception of the Old Tunes tapes and Boc Maxima) before their big break with Twoism in 1995, the record that would lead to Warp Records signing them on.
Their debut on Warp, the excellently titled Music Has The Right To Children is one of the finest electronic albums ever recorded and is a perfect introduction point for anyone new to Boards, showing off their style of trip hop flavoured beats with some ambient style synths just below the surface. BoC also have a habit of making short melodic interludes that break up the other tracks, The first of which acts as an intro to the album.
This is immediately followed by the psychedelic, sample heavy beat fest that is An Eagle In Your Mind. The drone-y synths and the samples combined make for an interesting listen, Headphones recommended for this one.
As with a few other tracks on here, Turquoise Hexagon Sun featured on an earlier release, the Hi Scores EP, and I don't blame them for including it again on here. It's a brilliant track exhibiting all the flavours that are uniquely BoC: The beats, the melodies, the samples, and just a tiny hint of nostalgia lurking beneath the surface.
Another of the brief melodic interludes follows, this being halfway through the album, you've come to expect it at this point. But what comes next is nothing short of fantastic.
One of my favourite tracks from the album, Roygbiv. (a mnemonic for the colours of the light spectrum: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo & Violet) It was the moment the album clicked for me, starting with that catchy menacing sounding synth, slowly adding more to the mix until it becomes something truly special.
Another one of my favourites and track I've posted before; Olson. BoC really have a way of weaving emotion directly into their music, and Olson is no exception. It's awfully short but in a good way, because then the track stays just as sweet on repeat listens. An absolute classic.
Coming into the final stretch we have something that sounds a bit like early Autechre: Pete Standing Alone. Opinions vary on this track quite a bit, but personally it's one of my favourites, so much so I once had it on repeat for about 15 minutes without realising.
To play us out, what is in my opinion a perfect closer to this album. I'll let the track speak for itself here, literally.
And so ends another Warped post, enjoy the sounds and don't forget to drop me a line about these tracks, especially those of you new to Boards Of Canada.
All Nostalgic,
-Claude Van Foxbat
Tuesday, 1 February 2011
Good promos
Everyday I get emails from artists or labels promoting their new "320 KBPS EXCLUSIVE CERTIFIED HOUSE MUSIC BANGER".
Most of the times I ignore these emails, mostly because the track is probably shit or because the promo was sent to another 1000 people, which sort of ruins the whole "exclusive" bit of the promo.
But sometimes I do get a nice little personalized promo, meaning some thought was put into sending this stuff. This song was sent to me back in mid-January, but I ignored it, thinking it wasn't any good. But the same man emailed me the track yesterday and I thought: "Meh, let's give it a go." And it is damn good.
That man is London-born singer Seb.
He's been releasing some stuff over the years, with some success, and now he put his vocals on Burns & Fred Falke's new collab "First Move", the successor of the dissapointment that was "You Can't Stop Loving Me".
This is a synth-filled, bassy and smooth track that's easy to listen to and it fits this cold weather we've been having (well, apart from Australians and Brazillians, the buggers).
And as a bonus, a remix from the good old duo of Alan Braxe and Fred Falke.
Enjoy!
Freezing my ass off,
Alex.
But sometimes I do get a nice little personalized promo, meaning some thought was put into sending this stuff. This song was sent to me back in mid-January, but I ignored it, thinking it wasn't any good. But the same man emailed me the track yesterday and I thought: "Meh, let's give it a go." And it is damn good.
That man is London-born singer Seb.
He's been releasing some stuff over the years, with some success, and now he put his vocals on Burns & Fred Falke's new collab "First Move", the successor of the dissapointment that was "You Can't Stop Loving Me".
This is a synth-filled, bassy and smooth track that's easy to listen to and it fits this cold weather we've been having (well, apart from Australians and Brazillians, the buggers).
And as a bonus, a remix from the good old duo of Alan Braxe and Fred Falke.
Enjoy!
Freezing my ass off,
Alex.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)