fijiama.net - more f*ing house music

Another superb eclectic show by Laks Recordings homies here.

Tracklist:

01. Innerzone Orchestra - At Les - Talkin Loud - 1999
02. Thomas Leer - Private Plane - Crippled Dick Hot Wax - 2006
03. Henry Flynt & Nova’billy - Left Ear - Locust - 2007
04. David Bowie - Space Oddity - white - 1972
05. Baikonour - Proto-Coeur - Melodic - 2005
06. Steve Moore - Dead Tide - Static Caravan - 2007
07. Miles Davis - Now’s The Time - Giants Of Jazz - 1945
08. Steve Lucky & The Rhumba Bums - Adam’s Rib - Rumpus - 2005
09. White Stripes - You Don’t Know What Love Is (You Just do As You’re Told) (Acoustic Version) - XL - 2007
10. Till von Sein & Aera - Ancs - Trenton - 2006
11. T++ - Worn Down - ? - 2007
12. 2562 - Channel One - Tectonic - 2007
13. 4 Hero - In The Shadow (Sundown) - Reinforced - 1993
14. Kaos featuring Khan - Cerebral Tremolo (Khan In My Head Mix) - Kitsune - 2006
15. Djunya - Inclined - Aphex - 2007
16. Kraftwerk - Expo 2000 (Kling Klang Mix 2000) - EMI - 2000
17. Kraftwerk - Aerodynamik (Intelligent Design Remix) - EMI - 2007
18. Titonton Duvante - Bedpost - Starbaby - 1999
19. François K - The Zone - Wave Music - 1998
20. Redshape - 2084 - Music Man - 2006
21. Pangaea - Deviant - Hessle Audio - 2007
22. Aril Brikha - For Mother - Peacefrog - 2007
23. Smith N Hack - Space Warrior - Smith N Hack - 2007
24. Kode 9 - Stung - Soul Jazz - 2007
25. Quinn - Stomper - Delsin - 2006
26. DJ Yoav B. - Energize - Wabi Sabi - 2005
27. Nicole Willis & The Soul Investigators - Invisible Man (Simbad’s Deepstep Mix) - Above The Clouds - 2007
28. DJ Shadow - Mutual Slump - FFRR - 1996
29. Modeselektor Feat. Puppetmastaz - The Dark Side Of The Sun (Original) - BPitch Control - 2007
30. DJ Lab - Walk Through (Echospace Redub) - Echocord - 2007

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Tiny Sticks - STICK 014

I have already revealed my soft spot for the dramatic type of tracks. Here’s one interesting record that fits the description. I’m talking about a group called Dflex, which according to Discogs and to my complete surprise consists of five more or less legendary producers - Ashley Beedle, Darren House, Darren Rock, Luke McCarty, Phil Asher. That’s a nice band for you.

They have produced an interesting 12” on the label Tiny Sticks. It caught my attention mainly for the piano-driven “Waltz”, which comes in two mixes, one essentially being the beatless version of the other. The main mix evolves nicely over the 8 minutes, starting off with sort of Ame-like beats (isn’t everything Ame-like these days…) and topping it with a decent piano track that travels from jazzy to impressionist to housey, being dramatic all the while. That’s enough to win me over.

The other track, “Evif”, is what people call “electronica” at Beatport, but which to me is jazz played on instruments both classical to the genre (saxophone, Rhodes) and electronic (analogue synthezisers). It is as enjoyable as “Waltz”, although not really a club track.

But enough of the pigeonholing now. Here it is.

A: Waltz (extended)
B1: Evif
B2: Waltz (am-bient)

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Versatile - VER 056

This one you already know from Chateau Flight’s Body Language. Or actually, you know both sides of the record. However, I insist on special attention! The damn record is so French you can smell the cheese, and it will grow on you before you can say “Daft Punk!”. Since I’ve always been a sucker for those dramatic types of tracks (the videos of which would usually feature eagles flying and huge fireworks and icebergs falling into water and men jumping off cliffs, all of that in slow motion, you know what I mean) my pick would be “Prophetization”. “Pazuzu” again is for walking down the street in a tuxedo and white shoes, wearing huge sunglasses and headphones – sophisticated funk, if you will. So anyway, if you still want to hear it after these stupid portrayals, here you go.

A: Prophetization
B: Pazuzu

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Rekids - REKIDS 018

Let’s talk about Rekids. In my view, it’s been one of the most productive and successful labels this year, with virtually every release worth checking out. I also dig their artwork, with the exception of the dead ugly blistered feet on the Radio Slave No Sleep series that make me want to vomit every time I get the record out of my bag. Original, oh yes; but seriously unappealing, even though I get the subtle dance-to-this-record-till-your-feet-hurt implication.

Musically, they (or in fact, Matt Edwards, the guy behind the Radio Slave moniker and the Rekids label) have truly established their own sound, providing nice variety at the same time. The slightly irritating analogue hooks in tracks like the aptly titled “Beautiful Noise” by Spencer Parker or Radio Slave’s “My Bleep” (I loved the Roman Fluegel version) really eat their way into your brain.

This time, Radio Slave is bringing us “Bell Clap Dance”. What a title again, I must say. This one sounds like Jerome Sydenham on acid, with the cowbells and percussion. And it’s really a peak-time banger, which I bet will tear up every club. On the remix side, we have the much-admired German wonder Sebo K, going at it on a slightly deeper approach. This would be my choice for the start of the evening. Both tracks are really excellent, making me wonder how long Mr Edwards can keep all of this up. I, for one, am holding my fingers crossed for Rekids.

A: Bell Clap Dance (original mix)
B: Bell Clap Dance (Sebo K remix)

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!K7 - K7 218

So yesterday I played at Who Wouldn’t Like Johnny Depp?. Apparently, they’re closing it down by the end of this year to make room for a Nepali restaurant. I hope the food is good. Anyway, when I was told that besides myself a high school rock band would appear on the stage to perform, I kind of lost the faith in the event. Still, I had to do my best to entertain. And what do you know…

At one point, this guy in his 30s wearing an ugly necktie popped on stage and placed himself at the booth, staring at the mixer and at the same time trying to catch my sight to make conversation. I tried the usual balance-between-rude-yet-pleasant-keep-headphones-on-look-busy approach, but he seemed quite immune to that. At one point or another I had to remove my headphones to search for the next record, and during these moments he managed to tell me 1) he was going to sponsor the band that was going to perform; 2) he is an artist himself and has designed the plastic bags for Dancemix, a local record store; 3) it would be cool if I surprised him with a little Led Zeppelin OR Lenny Kravitz.

Also, a move that I had not seen before – he kept rolling up bank notes in little tubes and sticking the money into various places on the booth. At first I thought he was passing me a joint and when I found out it was money I was surprised enough to keep it. Anyway, he seemed pleased enough with some Villalobos instead of good ol’ Lenny, since he was especially happy at the booth when I made the mix between two Villa records. He gave me a thumbs-up and went on to harass some blonde glued to a Mojito straw.

Later that night, when I was waiting for the club manager, a security guard at the club approached me, saying he really liked the music and asking what style it actually was. So it seems I had made at least some difference which made the evening worthwhile…

I played Henrik Schwarz’s remix of “Bloodstream” by Stateless 3 times during the night (the crowd was changing a lot anyway). I think the last time I played something 3 times was with Henrik’s remix of Mari Boine. So, let’s wrap this post up with a great piece of emo-house that it is.

A1: Bloodstream (Henrik Schwarz club mix)
A2: Bloodstream (original version)
B1: Bloodstream (Pilooski edit)
B2: Bloodstream (Henrik Schwarz dub)

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Yesterday I played a local gig in Tartu, restaurant-club Maailm. The event was called “Ennu Ratas” and it’s famous for its absurd mixture of improvised poetry and weird selection of DJs. This time I had the honor of being one of the latter. Anyway, I threw together a short promotional mix for the event, and now that it’s done, why not share it here. Mostly classic producers, to my own surprise.

Too long an introduction for a mix so short (25 min). Without further ado:

Marek’s mix for Ennu Ratas Nov 16 2007

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Laks Recordings slapping around another bunch of quality tracks this week. Here’s the LaksFM mix (external link).

01. Sven Grünberg - Trust - Erdenklang - 1993
02. Jephté Guillaume - The Prayer (Haitian Preist) - Spiritual Life Music - 1997
03. Bass Clef - Get On The A10 And Drive And Drive - Blank Tapes - 2007
04. DFA - 3/5 Human - Surveillance - 2001
05. Rob Rowland - Recount (Envoy Mix) - D1 Recordings - 1999
06. Querida - Yes! - Kanzleramt - 2004
07. No Theory - Strictly Instrumental - Compost - 2007
08. Members Of The House - Reach Out For The Love (Trans-World Mix) - Shockwave - 1991
09. Random Noise Generation - Falling In Dub (Detroit After Dark Mix) - 430 West - 1992
10. Model 500 - No UFO’s (Remix) - R & S - 1993
11. Ron E - Let The Music Live - Simply Soul - 1994
12. Together Trax - Ain’t Nothin’ Wrong (Deep Different Dub) - Happy Soul - 1994
13. Kreem featuring Jennifer Kendall Williams - Now Is The Time (Claude Young Dub Mix) - KMS - 1993
14. Blake Baxter - One More Time (Logic Edit) - Mix Records - 1992
15. Inner City - Till We Meet Again (Carl Craig Remix) - KMS - 2007
16. The Reese Project - I Believe (Carl Craig A-Dub Mix) - Network - 1992
17. South Street Players - (Who?) Keeps Changing Yor Mind (Sure Is Pure Mix) - Sound Of Ministry - 1994
18. Logic - The Final Frontier (Acoustic Mix) - Strictly Rhythm - 1990
19. Revival House Choir Boys - Won’t God Heal You - Soul City - 1996
20. Goodpussy - Love Stranger - X-Rated -
21. M.K. - Decay (Techno Mix) - Network - 1991
22. The UnoLoops - Nocturnal Love (Sten “Gun” Saluveer Remix) - promo - 2007
23. Terrence Dixon - Links - Yore - 2007
24. LCD Soundsystem - Sound Of Silver (C2 Rmx Rev.3) - DFA - 2007
25. Dubtribe Sound System - El Regalo De Amor (Vocal Edit) - Guidance - 1998
26. François K - Time & Space - Wave Music - 1998
27. Alton Miller - Big Phreek - Soul City - 1997
28. Marcellus Pittman - There’s Somebody Out There - Unirhythm - 2007
29. Terry Kirkman - Pain et Fromage - Muzique Records - 1989
30. Van Christie - That Sh*t’s Wild - S12 Trax - 1990
31. Thunderheist - Bubblegum (Ghislain Poirier Remix) - Bigfoot - 2007
32. Farah - Law Of Life (Midnite Remix) - Italians Do It Better - 2007

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Imprime - IMP001

I actually haven’t kept myself posted with Markus Enochson production since he sounded less raw and more MAW (I couldn’t resist the lame pun here, sorry). According to Juno, he has now subtly moved from the “Funky/vocal/disco/club house” section to “Minimal/tech house” category. So it is official now and purists can either start or stop listening to it.

With the Red Coffe, Enochson really shows the modern techy and a bit more raw approach. Even so, the original track gets no novelty points and is not much more than solid basic material for the Redshape mix. Well, I probably would have listened to the original a bit more carefully, if there was no tempting Redshape interpertation on the flipside. That’s what you get with bulletproof remixers on your 12″ single - you might get better sales figures, but noone will ever remember what the original track sounded like.

The ever mysterious and unidentified (he still is, isn’t he?) Redshape is definitely one of my favourite producers of the present time. Not so much because of the mystery part, more because of his freshly chaotic arrangement style. You may understand why lot of people firmly believe that the person behind the red mask on Redshape DJ-sets or live sessions is Carl Craig. Red Coffe remix has the nice 80s italo disco tension in it, building a nice drum programming with playful hihats and slowly rolling up an epic bassline with sharp synth stabs. The sound is probably a bit more laidback and relaxed than the usual Redshape production - compared to the previous Redshape singles like Unfinished Symmetry or Dog Day. But still a worthy dancefloor material.

Still not sure if it’s worth to buy? Get this - you can have it in transparent 12″ pressing!

Here’s a discussion about the identity of Redshape.

A: Red Coffe
B: Red Coffe (Redshape Sweat mix)

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Ostgut Ton - OSTGUTTON 10

Writing about „Fiori” (meaning “flowers” in Italian) seems kind of inevitable, considering that Ame have went over the top again with this record. This is not an easy challenge, when you have already come out with something as huge as “Rej”, created something referred to as “ame-house”, recently added more hits such as the remix of DJ Gregory’s “Elle” and their own “Balandine” EP (“Enoi”, oh my gosh!). Also, most probably I will very soon be writing about the sick remix for Etienne Jaumet, which is a 3/4 meter madness alike “Fiori”.

What’s already been said about this track? That it’s a piece created together with and for the Berlin Staatsballet. That it’s got references to Philip Glass and Jean-Michel Jarre. That it’s an epic minimal cosmic larger-than-life disco marathon. What do I even have to add to that? Maybe it’s a silly parallel, but I don’t recall a 15+ minutes hit like this since Blaze remixing Mondo Grosso’s “Star Suite”. Me being a sucker for slow build-ups, “Fiori” is like the slow build-up heaven. I personally intend to play the full version of the track in the club (although there’s actually a club-friendly edit included on the 12”) just to see people waiting for the beat for 7 minutes. So what? It’s not every day you get to dance to ballet music.

A: Fiori (Original Mix)
B: Fiori (Club Edit)

myspace.com/amevrank
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Natural Midi - NM 002

Isn’t that the most f***ing straightforward title? “Only 500”. Seriously. It’s like having a t-shirt with “This shirt cost 120 EUR” written on it.

Anyway, it might just be the interpretation of the stores that carry the record (that sort of thing has happened before), and it’s not that important anyway, considering that the real novelty factor here is the fact that Scott Grooves has made a decent record over a very long time. I was actually quite surprised to hear something like this coming from him. It’s deep, it’s dubby, and it makes a nice slow burner for warm-up or late night. This 1-sided 12” is definitely a must-have for me. Or I’m a just affected by the fact that it’s so limited? We’ll never know… Out on Natural Midi.

A: Only 500

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