Thursdays can be great too

Last 2 Thursdays some good things were happening in Luxemburg, so I couldn't help myself but go out and check 'em.

1) Black Devil Disco Club @ Fete de la musique

I didn't know about this project before, so it was a nice surprise. The history of Black Devil is rather unusual and worth telling. Bernard Fevre — the man behind this moniker — together with Jacky Giordano released an record called Black Devil "Disco Club" back in 1978. That was an absolutely fabulous and innovative music for that time — a spooky and dark but truly original masterpiece of electronic disco without using any computers and MIDI. However, at that time the record didn't succeed to get attention it deserved. Until the Rephlex guys Luke Vibert and Richard James got a copy and found it so good that re-released it on Rephlex. Eventually, 26 years after the original release Bernard Fevre got back into recording and released a new album on Lo Recordings.

So, there they were — kind of fancy looking Bernard Fevre and his assistant performing at Exit Café. Both leaning over their macs, and Bernard singing with a slight French accent and his finger stickedinto his ear in order to hear his own voice better. Everything together looked and sounded a bit naïve but also true and enchanting. There was the element of originality and spirit that sometimes temporary electronic music lack. If you haven't heard of them, go and check immediately.

Tracks from the Disco Club record on Myspace.

Black Devil Disco Club - I regret the flower power


2) Coldcut @ Kulturfabrik

No doubt Coldcut are living classics of electronic and hip-hop music. As you likely know, these guys are also creators of Ninja Tune — one of the most successful and innovative independent record labels. They've been in this broken beats sampling crossover scene for 20 years, still being in avant-garde when it comes to music and technology. Their new show A Journey by VJ (do you still remember their A Journey by DJ mix series?)involves art-of-state technologies and is truly mind-bending, first of all because of the great video and sound sync. There was a guy (was it Coldcut's Jon More or somebody from Hextatic - creators of these videos?) simultaneously scratching videos and sounds. The result is a kind of post-modern meta-language with profound references to hip-hop/sampling and pop culture in general and Ninja Tune's history as well. Anyway, it makes sense to buy their DVDs instead of CDs.

They played some songs from their last album Sound Mirrors. When it came out, I had mixed feelings about it. Some pieces were just great, having that unexpected crossover approach (Boogieman, Aid Dealer etc.), whereas some others I found a bit too pop or too much leaning towards "the British club sound", for instance, the rocky "Out of Control" (with Jon Spencer) or "Walk a Mile in My Shoes" that owes much to UK's garage/soul thing. However, together with videos songs were entertaining. And it was funny that the video stream sometimes was so intense that people were just staring at screen instead of dancing along. "True Skool" made me think of UK music traditions again, this time particularly about bhangra music influence on London's scene. The artists like Asian Dub Foundation, Talvin Singh and all the others related to "Anokha/Asian Underground", and more recent MIA and Punjabi MC came to my mind. That was damn groovy music! I remembered my ass dancing off during ADF concert in 2004, or while Asian Equation explosive performance with live drummers and dancers at Arte Riga '99.

Apart from the entertaining aspect, Coldcut's music and videos contain a big amount of political criticism and the sense of social responsibility, employing technologies and multimedia as tools for contra-propaganda. In this sense, visuals are more effective than plain music. So, for instance, for me their old classic Timber made bigger sense when seeing the video — contrasting images and sounds of motor-saws cutting out the rain forests and peaceful chanting of a native Indian woman.



Or a fast motion mush-up in "Revolution" using the war related quotations from G.W.Bush, D.Cheney , T.Blair and the other suckers showing how absurd and amoral the war in Iraq is and the double-standards of the Western "democracies".



There were also some old-school hip-hop cuts in da mix — the classics from Erik B. & Rakim, Run DMC, NWA, House of Pain etc. Oh, what a trip!

And here comes a funky ninja bonus:

Passion not fashion

Although I like this type of music, when I see that at the moment Justice and all those French distorted house artists (mainly put out by Ed Bangers and Institubes) are featured in stylish fashion magazines and it's called a new hype, I just feel there is something wrong. Apart from the fact that this sound is not so new any more, I'm afraid that it may turn into another short-living trend. You know that may happen when mass media and fashion biz creates a buzz around a certain music style - new opportunists start copying "standards" and in the result music gets less original, less creative. That happened to electroclash and electrohouse, as we know. On the contrary, for example so called minimal techno despite being kind of trendy as well is not so much dependent on music press coverage and other marketing tools, because it's more a scene thing with a common culture codes and roots.

Going back to the subject, the moniker "new rave" makes me grin - under this term quite loose stuff has been marketed lately - from The Klaxons to numerous electrorock bands to Riton to Justice etc. Who's invented this bullshit? Well, ok, some of them may be ravey, but rock bands doesn't have anything to do with raves, but stadiums, ok?

On the other hand, the media attention can be partly understood because some of these "new rave" bands have released albums lately. It's kind of funny that "DJs community" cares more about singles and EPs, whereas "standard" listeners and mainstream mags need albums. So, no surprise that these albums - namely by Justice, Simian Mobile Disco and Digitalism - are based on some solid singles actually been known for a while. This particularly applies to Digitalism's LP Idealism, where the only hit is the same old Zdarlight, then there are some weak imitations of it and some crappy electro/rock/pop tunes. However, SMD and particularly Justice deliver interesting records, smoothly balancing the old school influences with new techniques. Nice dance music, but I can't get really what all this fuss is about?

Justice - Phantom

Kuduro — a new ghetto beat from Luanda

As I've already mentioned, in the conference, where I took part, Frederic Galliano presented a new electronic music style from Angola, called kuduro. In fact, it's not so new, but just now it starts getting international recognition, and Monsieur Galliano has taken upon himself the role of "ambassador" of this style.

So, what kind of shit is it? Oh, it's the wild one. The core element is a rather unique rhythm, created electronically, even if it doesn't sound like a "computer music" — the traditional percussions, similar to the ones of batucada, are used. The real street style employs rough sounds and wicked beats. Then there are MCs aggressively rapping on beats. Rapping itself sound more like of hardcore dancehall than hip-hop. The dominating language is Portuguese. Another kuduro element is crazy dancing, which seems to be influenced by traditional dance and break-dance. To have a better idea of what kuduro sounds like and how it's danced, check these videos presented by Galliano:

Frédéric Galliano Kuduro Sound System



DANCA KUDURO




Tony Amado has been credited as a creator of kuduro sound. The style was born in the mid 90's, but it stayed really underground and local until recent. It's funny that Amado says that he got inspiration for creating kuduro after seeing how Van Damme dances in one of his movies.

The creation of Kuduro by Tony Amado



You can also check Galliano's myspace, where you can hear his Kuduro Sound System, which is somewhat milder and more production orientated version of kuduro, but still featuring original MCs.


Another bit worth watching is this video for a kuduro piece by a gang Os Lambas from Luanda, Angola. I've been told that when they had released this song, all the taxi drivers, when they entered their neighbourhood, were forced to play this particular tune.



Apart from Angola, there is a kuduro scene in Portugal as well. However, Portuguese kuduro is milder, smoother and in a way more commercial, too. The most known band is Buraka Som Sistema, which can be seen at different music festivals:

Their myspace page here.


I'm going to write more elaborated feature on kuduro for the next Jaffa Magazine issue.

Where the West meets the East

Hey!

I'm back from Casablanca, where I took part in a conference for indie magazines. It appears that there is an upcoming and thriving hiphop scene in Morocco. While some acts/MCs follow commercial h-hop stirring towards all that fucked-up bling attitude, there is some really interesting and original stuff with references to traditional Mahgreb music. Some of it, which is particularly close to suffi's spiritual music, is called issawa. MCs freely mix French with a kind of Arabian street slang.

I would like to share some groovy tracks from the CDs I bought in a market in Casablanca.

As far as I know, H-Kayne is the most successful Moroccon h-hop crew, with remarkable production qualities and cool rapping skills. This particular song had a huge dance response in a local resto where the conference's participants where dining.

H-Kayne - Issawa Style

Casa Crew, as their name suggests, is from Casablanca, and they seem to be quite popular there.


Casa Crew - La Slam La Klam

And here is a crew from another Moroccon city - Fes.


Fes City Clan - Arde L'baisse Nass


During the conference Frederic Galliano had an interesting presentation about Kuduro music - an electronic ghetto music from Angola - but this topic deserves a separate entry.

Back from Riga

Last couple of weeks have been a busy time in terms of travelling, meeting friends and partying.

First of all, the festival of avant-garde and contemporary music Skaņu Mežs took place in May 11 & 12. Lots of good music, lots of good people. I'd say that at some moments it was even too crowded to enjoy music properly.

My biggest discovery was Planningtorock — a singer with strong, distinctive and beautiful voice singing on top of electronic hip-hop and electro beats and grotesque orchestral strings. Imagine Janis Joplin produced by M.Herbert and you will be on a half way there. All that accompanied by wierd outfits and simple yet effective background videos that interfere with her stage performance. No wonder that she was having gigs together with LCD Soundsystem and The Knife.




Probably the kickiest band was The Killl from Norway which performs a kind of electronically manipulated extreme metal music. The psychedelic lights and the intense sound wall was amazingly effective.



Another merciless sonic attack was carried out by the breakcore hooligan Venetian Snares, who did a DJ-set. I was probably expecting something more "intelligent", but nevertheless people was jumping around and even performing some stage diving. However, he was unstoppable — after playing one hour more than supposed he boldly ignored requests for stopping and letting other acts perform. He reacted by hitting a monitor speaker aside. Eventually the promoters somehow managed to get him away to the backstage.

The highlights of the other day were The Books and Mouse On Mars. While I didn't see much from The Books, I really enjoyed MOM. They were playing surprisingly dance-floor orientated stuff, not really experimental. But it was good.

Meanwhile, me and my DJ-friends (ZeDmitry, Android, FXZ, Kone) were rocking hard at the Space:Garage, where an unofficial after-party was on. The venue was full of friendly dancing people and the vibe was cosy. Thanks everybody who came and supported. By the way, now the Space:Garage is officially open, for more info check www.fuckforfriendship.com.

The last but not least, it was a pleasure to play records together with Kone at Pulkvedis on the following Tuesday. Thanks for inviting over, and long live Riga scene! See you next time.

Rave steps

A little tutorial how to dance at a rave party :)

2nite: deadly dub & last exitech

Hey ho!

Tonight - it's Saturday May 5 - two recommended parties are on.

First one is Deadbeat performing at Pulkvedis, Latvia, supported by all my friends DJs - netcords/no rest crew, fuckforfriendship guys and others. Sadly I cannot join them as I'm not in Latvia at the moment, however I will drop another party in Luxembourg (read below).

Canadian Deadbeat is probably my favorite electronica-dub-techno producer, he's got that special talent fusing and creating various kinds of beats immersed in deep, echoing soundscapes. Last time I heard him live at Transmediale, some 3 years ago. His music was so incredibly deep and groovy, perfect for a proper smoke. I was already quite stoned when noticed Vladislav Delay standing not far from me. I approached him, we started chatting and blew up another joint. He was back from Rio, and told me how fascinated he had got from all that favela ghetto booty style.

I don't know why but this kind of deep e-dub music often makes me feel as rain would come. Sort of ritual music with a purpose to bring rain, you know. First I had this feeling many years ago when I bought and listened to the fantastic Monolake's Lantau track (unfortunately I don't have it as an mp3 to share it with you, and I'm too lazy to rip off the vinyl record).

Deadbeat - Little Town Of Bettlehem

OK, back to present. My friends from Luxembourg are very welcome to the third and closing Exitech soiree at Exit07 cafe. Deep tech-house meets a bit more cheerful e-disco and other kind of electronic dance music. Actually style doesn't matter, just good music does.

Hugs, and let the good groove roll!

April chart

Before getting down to the chart, a bit of intro. First of all - nice weather finally (pictured on the left).

Secondly, I'm back from St.Pauli Hamburg which was great as usually. Riga Party at the legendary Pudel Club was a sweaty and funky business, and great experience in general. Me and my DJ-friends, we fired out different stuff from freaky minimalism to epic melodies to classic oldschool bangers. Thanks Ralf for inviting us over, that was a true pleasure!

You can chech some pics at my Flickr site and at fuckforfriendship.com.


/////////////////////////////

OK, here are some trax which I've been enjoying lately. To some of them I listen, to some, cut on wax, I'm trying to make people dance, but mostly they suite for both purposes.

> Kalabrese - Rumpelzirkus Part 1 [Stattmusik]

A fantastic, highly recommended 4-piece EP, I just can't outline any single song, all of them are really good. Mellow, still groovy and innovative in the sense of blending together elements of "live" instrumentation and electronic production. Does anyone know something about Part 2?

> Junior Boys - In The Morning (Hot Chip remix) [Domino]

Junior Boys is one of the most melodic and catchy bands around, avoiding being boring or too standard though. Their In The Morning EP contained two astonishing remixes - by Alex Smoke and Morgan Geist respectively, and now there is the equally great Dead Horse EP that contains remixes of different songs done by Hot Chip, Kode9, Tensnake and Carl Craig. All are cool, but my favorite is cooked by Hot Chip - another outstanding semi-electronic pop band.

> Bruno Pronsato & Franco Cinelli - At The Club [Milnor Modern]

This track is from the newest Mod.Coop(erate) - the installment which stands for interesting and funky minimal techno records. Other featured artists are Mark Henning, Oleg Kastrow and Daniel Stefanik. It should be a sweet selection for any minimal lover.

> Alexkid - Love Letters (Marc Romboy Remix) [F Communications]

The original track and Tim Paris' remix are good, but as for me the ravey version by Marc Romboy works the best. It is rather straight and simple, but sometimes there is just a need for such tracks.

> Minilogue - Elephant's Parade [Wagon Repair]

This one isn't that fresh, but just can't be missed. Excellent kind of James Holden meets Mathew Jonson sound. An absolutely brilliant technojazz record.

> Booka Shade - Tickle

Well, whether you like them or hate them but one should admit that Booka Shade's new track is surprisingly good.

> Herbert - Moving Like A Train (Smith N Hack Remix) [Studio K7]

This crazy and funky remix came out already last year, but I've found who is the author just a week ago. And it's still a smashing hit, so couldn't skip it. It was played by Ralf aka Ruftata 110 in Riga last December, that's where I heard it first. Now again I heard it played by Tiefschwarz in Hamburg, by the way, and it is included in the last Body Language compilation put together by DJ Dixon.

> Simian Mobile Disco - It's The Beat (Luke Vibert Mix) [Wichita]

The remixers takes this slightly bold electrofunk dance bomb even further, masterly playing around with the original hook.

> Mistress Barbara - Barcelona [Border Community]

A sweet and uplifting neo-trance on the Holden's label.

> D.I.M. - Airbus Baby [Turbo]

A frenetic and energetic piece of distorted house (or how that French style is called?).

Some other goodies: Tejada & Leviste - Multiplier, Riton - Thor, Sebo - Beirut Boogie, Mark Broom - Ping Pong, Digitaline - Anticlockwise LP, Joel Mull - The End Has Begun.

Riga @ Pudel

Hello! I'm happy to announce that me and my friends from Riga will play at the Golden Pudel Club - probably the best and trashiest venue in Hamburg!

RigaGig will be on Friday, 27.04.2007.

The line-up:


DJ Käpten le Spoink (mfoc/pudel, Hamburg)

Live + DJ: OID aka Android (Riga/Moscow)

DJ ZeDmitri aka Zagga (fuckforfriendship.com, space:garage, Riga)

DJ Hencha aka NeOn B. (netcords.net, fuckforfriendship.com, Riga/Luxembourg)


The atmosphere should be friendly there, taking account the size of the venue and that we (DJs) are good friends, after all. We will fire out the best records, should be fun. St.Pauli, get ready for the Riga invasion! :)


Briefly about the participants:

Käpten le Spoink is Ralf - a musical director of the Pudel club and record label, as well as one of the mfoc.de guys. Known for his brilliant music selection. Plus, he has DJed in Riga.

OID is a half of Alexandroid project (Lo Recordings, Lagunamuch). He is creating nice electronic music ranging from ambient to IDM to techno. Also participating in SCSI10 project.

ZeDmitri is a residentDJ in Pulkvedis, the most rocking place in Riga, and currently working on his own venue - Space:Garage. He has done some really good remixes and his own tracks.

Hencha - well, it's me :)

Supersound coming to the town

+++ Smalltown Supersound night at Exit07, Luxembourg, April 21 (that's tomorrow).

Line-up: Mental Overdrive (live), Kim Hiorthøy (live), Bjorn Torske (DJ), Joakim Haugland (DJ).

Smalltown Supersound is an independent label from Norway which apart from having one of the most original names around is also releasing interesting artists, including such stars as Jaga Jazzist, The Whitest Boy Alive, Lindstrom to mention few. They represent a mixture of different music styles - from electronica to jazz to disco to avant-garde - what really matters is originality.

Kim Hiorthøy is known for melodic, yet abstract electronic music. Watch the beautiful video for Alt Måste Bli Anorlunda:



Whereas Mental Overdrive, as far I know, is more into funny electronic disco, electro, acidfunk (that kind of disco that is more welcome by IDM labels than standard dance music labels). In a way Mental Overdrive sounds to me like other Norwegian project - Ost&Kjex. Check the video of Diskodans, which is based on the classic Finnish disco tutorial :)



Finally, Bjorn Torske is a king of heavy-wheight dubhouse tracks, but Mr. Haugland is a founder of the label.

This event is a part of label nights series in the frame of The European capital of culture 2007. The following one will be a showcase by the awesome French Diamonds Traxx label, which is responsible for the seminal Dirty Diamonds compilations. The edit master Pilooski is going to perform there (just have a listen at his myspace), so not to be missed.

Two previous label nights were dedicated to Warp Records and Morr Music. I missed the first one, but the Morr Music night was excellent, full of beautiful music and intimate, friendly atmosphere.

EXITECH

Three saturdays with the deepest, twisted and grooviest records from my box. Everybody's welcome!

Culture

Club culture, particularly regarding electronic music, is indeed rather a cultural phenomenon than just plain entertainment. It has its own codes, habits, infrastructure, community... In this context word "scene" would be even more appropriate, but it doesn't really matter how we call it, I guess you know what I mean. Finally, it's rather experience than just entertainment.

Furthermore, time and place are important aspects that are linked to this club culture / scene concept. In this sense, Berlin likely is the most happening place for minimal techno at the moment. That's something special, even irrational, emotional, that can't be really understood by outsiders... However, film "Feiern" by Maja Classen is a good try to capture what's going on in Berlin's scene. I wouldn't say that it's the best film on clubbing, but it's worthy as a documental source. Another good thing - it is quite objective in terms of showing both aspects of clubbing, not just the positive ones. I can just agree with Ewan Pearson - DON'T FORGET TO GO HOME. Sometimes you just have to stop and have a break.

Besides, it's got a nice soundtrack. Superpitcher's remix of D'Ntel is one of my personal hymns lately, it's so sweet and sensual.

D'Ntel - The Dream Of Evan And Chan (Superpitcher's rmx)

Back on trax

Hey ho!

I haven't exposed here anything for a long time due to various reasons, but now it's time for some posting action again. First of all, I was quite offline and quite off-music too, meaning that not checking all the new shit coming out. However, life without music would be hardly bearable, so naturally there were some special records for me during these last couple of months - some new, some older, but (re)discovered just lately. Let's have a look.

> D'Ntel - The Dream of Ewan and Chan (Superpitcher remix) [Plug Research]

I just love this track, it's sweet, lovely and kind of sexy. Last week I came back from Berlin, which is actually another reason why this track seems particular for me - it's taken from the documentary film "Feiern" that depicts Berlin wasted youth and techno culture.

> Gus Gus - Moss [Pineapple]

Another sexy beast that is definetely worth tobe mentioned here. The original version is the best though.

> Insect & Matschiste - Da Ist Noch Sand [Etui]

Bought this one (Dschoanna ep) in Berlin. The artists are unfimiliar to me, but music is cool - electronic and deep house.

> Martin Eyerer & Toni Rios - Chorizo [Kickboxer]

The End of it all meets Automatic, that's it. Rough and swingy.

> Antilope & Tigerskin - Just In Case [Kompass]

The new Kompass offers some qualities that for me are essential in so called minimal techno - nice and crisp production, yet being energetic and dancefloor-friendly.

> Heartthrob - Baby Kate (Konrad Black remix) [M_nus]

Lately I've been really enjoying Konrad Black's world of dark and twisted melodies. This remix for Heartthrob is no exception. Sounds a bit like My My's Serpentine, doesn't it?

> Paul Kalkbrenner - Gia 2000 (Modeselektor remix) [Bpitch Control]

This isn't a new track, but I've discovered it just recently and couldn't share. Perfect piece of dub-techno.

> Guy Gerber - Belly Dancing [Cocoon?]

Deep, hypnotic and dreamy melodies, rattling drums, pulsating bass synth are sort of trademark of Guy Gerber lately, so no big surprises, nevertheless the track is full of beauty.

> Sid LeRock - Naked (DJ Koze remix) (Cereal Killers)

This track is also from 2006, but has made its way to my box few weeks ago. Koze is innovatively wierd as usual.

> BRNSLKR~ - K (Globox)

Last but not least comes from Latvian producer Max Brannslokker, which, in my view, is his best release so far. Check also his new release on i220 Records.

Dates

I'm off to Riga for a week or so. That means: intensive partying, drinking, smoking, and DJ-ing.

My DJ-ing dates are as follows:

Fri, 16 : Peahen Workshop @ Andrejsala. Also featuring: the "Sriķis" band, DJ Augusts Zarins, DJ Galka Kulio, Virsnieku Balle etc.

Sat, 17 : Pulkvedis. Together with ZeDmitry, from smooth minimal to sexually charged electro.

Tue, 20 : (possibly) at Maharajah's b-day party @ Andrejsala.

Fri, 23 : (not confirmed yet) Pulkvedis, hosted by ZeDmitry.

Sat, 25 : FuckForFriendship room in the Art Academy Carnival. Some dirty elektrodisko aktion together with: ZeDmitry, Alise G., Kone, Android etc. Dress yourself up!

See ya there!

Dilemma

This friday's gonna be exciting in terms of musical sensations. Not so many good events are happening in Luxemburg, but this time there will be two outstanding gigs on the same night.

First of all, Michael Fakesch, co-founder of now defunct electronic duo Funkstörung, will perform in a small intimate bar d:qliq. Funkstörung is something really special, but I suppose that his solo project shouldn't be worse.

Secondly, there will the Warp night in a bigger venue. Line-up includes 3 live acts: Plaid, Clark and Mira Calix. I don't want to miss any of them.

Furthermore, on january 17 Electronicat will perform at Luxembourg Philharmonie (!). Although the venue is really strange for this kind of music, must be fun - unfortunately I won't be able to see it because I'll be in Latvia then.

NeOn B. : January chart

Hey folks! It's time for a monthly resumé.

For me the end of last year and the beginning of 2007 as busy and messy time, I was aside from keeping track on new music. Now I'm settled down again, and it's time to look what I've missed worth not missing and to mention those special new tracks that anyway were in my playlist/record box.

> Gregor Tresher & Guy Gerber - Open Gates [Great Stuff]

Unlike Get Physical, which seems selling out, Great Stuff is a commercially based label, yet sticking to its in initial concept and standards, and they regularly have fairly good records. This one is a really nice co-production of G.Tresher, who is usually more into electrotech, and Guy Gerber, whose music is deeper. The combination of both is simply beautiful.

> Boys Noize - Feel Good (TV Off) [Kitsune]

This sort of silly, bleepy and catchy track is included in Kitsune Maison 3 compilation that have a remarkable freestyle selection. Looks like Boys Noize has become softer and more melodic recently.

> Radio Slave - Modena [Rekids]

The track comes from his No Sleep pt.1, and actually both tracks are solid dancefloor fillers, made in the best M.Edwards traditions - straight beat, slowly building atmosphere and some minimal melody. Be sure to check also No Sleep pt.2 (I love those jackin' tin snares in Screaming Hands!) and Secret Base.

> Steve Bug - Wet [Poker Flat]

Deep, moving and neatly produced masterpiece. I'm definetely going to buy it on wax. Right now.

> Robag Whrume - Pontifekks [Musik Krause]

This amazing electro track comes from Papp-tonikk EP that includes another great track - the jazz driven Ikke's Schlonze. This EP is somewhat untypical for him.

> Marcin Czubala - Gorky Park EP [Morris Audio Citysport Edition]

Although, I suppose, he is already quite known in electronic dance music community I've discovered this Polish producer just know through the last Mobilee release, which is OK, but I prefer funkier recent release on Morris Audio sublabel. All 3 tracks are amazing! What a smooth production! And lyrics on Gorky Park made me smile. By the way, I was surprised to find out on his Discogs page that he's also performed in Latvia - I've never heard of it. Can anyone confirm?

Marcin Czubala - Mini Cooper

> Jacopo Carrera - Olando [Lee Jones remix)[Lan Muzic]

Actually I know virtually nothing about Jacopo Carrera, but Lee Jones is the main hero in my favourite My My project. This remix is a piece of amazingly uplifting, beautiful and inspiring hymn.

> Minilogue - Leopard (Extrawelt remix) [Traum]

I haven't checked their much praised release on Wagon Repair yet, but the new remixes on Traum Schallplaten are if not exceptional but nice enough.

> Claude VonStroke - Who's Afraid Of Detroit? (Tanner Ross remix) [Dirty Bird]

Remixes of VonStroke's track are out on his Dirty Bird imprint. From the first listen, the remix by Tanner Ross impressed me most, however, Audion's one is good too, and there's also a remarkable try from the legendary Kevin Saundersson on this record.

> Fairmont - Pavilion [Bpitch Control]

A mellow, dreamy and melodic track from Jake Fairley, included in Camping 3 compilation.

Other remarkable tracks: Ben Klock - Warszawa/Czeslawa [Ostgut Tonetrager], Trentemoller - African People [Nam Nam] (finally oficially out and comes with a new remix), Sally Shapiro - I'll Be By Your Side (Rude 66 remix) [Diskokaine], Fuckaponydelic - Switch The Light/Pee On You [Ineedsuperfreak] (oh this is freaky, pure acid).

Oldschool vs. new-school or just Fuse it

Last Saturday there was one of the best gigs I’ve ever experienced: Jeff Mills DJ-ed in the big room of Fuse, plus Mobilee night in the small room of the same club. As you could imagine, it wasn’t easy which room to choose.

Well, Jeff started the first one, so naturally I checked him first. First impressions were rather mixed: he played really nice tracks, but his style of mixing irritated me a bit – he let a track last for some 45 secs before starting a transition which wasn’t that clean in many cases anyway. In fact, I was wondering how he manages mixing on 4 decks. Apparently the lack of precision he compensated by that special feeling of groove and excellent selection. Actually I was expecting much harder techno – although it was quite fast and percussive, music was deep and even soulful. Lots of Detroit stuff etc., quite eclectic, in fact. For example, I was rather surprised when he played out Rej. However, it was a pleasure to hear it on one of the best club sound-systems in Europe, on a dancefloor totally packed with responsive people.

Then I checked the small room, where Exercise One was on. There were two guys behind laptops, controllers and synths, making a solid click-groove. Well, to be honest I was expecting a bit more from these Berlin’s top producers. What I heard was a really nice minimal (or what term shall I use here?), some tracks were simply great, but anyway – after spending there an hour or so – I headed back to the main floor.

Meanwhile, Jeff Mills had started to play even better tracks (or I was just more drunk by that time), and it seemed that he let some tracks play for a longer span. I was standing in the mid of the floor readily absorbing all the vibrations that flew out of the speakers. Some moments were definetely kicking, bringing it that overwhelming feeling of irrational cosmic happiness. One of the peak moments came when he played Strings of Life together with the famous Martin Luther King’s speech. At some point he left just the voice – „I have a dream,” sounded over the crowd before Strings was mixed in again. Truly amazing! A bit later Jeff managed to play the classic Moskow Diskow by Telex, which was obviously a homage to Belgians, followed by some real disco track, then back to techno drums again. The last track was really minimal - nothing but a drum-machine. By the end, I was totally high, thanks to Jeff and the incredible tracks he played.

In another room Anja Schneider – the boss of Mobilee – had already started her set. After Jeff Mill’s banging beats first the music seemed too calm to me, but soon I managed to find a key to this another kind of beauty. Crystalic, spooky still subtle sounds, pleasent beats, perfectly balanced layers... Just immerse yourself and let it go. At some moment I clearly realized that this kind of music was dark, not evil, just dark, being positive at the same time, you know. If it was too joyous it just wouldn’t sound as good any more, I guess. Anja played many things from Mobilee’s catalogue, and many of them on the good sound-system were so good. What a night!

By the way, Mobilee was presented by the local promoters LessizMore – they do some really good events, check their site.

Respect!

It was 1999 or so, when I was playing records in the chill-out room at Metro Club. Monolake was on. Some girl approched me asking whether it was Chain Reaction record. I was positively surprised - yes, it was! (I know, I know, this is a kind of stereotypical attitude from my part, but, girls, perceive this as a compliment.)

Some weeks ago I was behind the decks in Pulkvedis, when I noticed a blond, high-heeled, rather main-stream looking girl leaning towards the booth with a request on her lips. My first thought was that in the best case she would ask for some Depeche Mode’s song. I was wrong! Actually she asked for Audion. When I couldn’t catch what she was saying because of a near standing speaker, she told something like: c’mon, don’t you have anything from Matthew Dear? I had to shamely admit that my copy of Mouth to Mouth staid at home. Then some other similiar artists were mentioned.

I talked to her later after the gig. It turned out that she used to be into more traditional house music, but then had got really hooked on deep/minimal and all that shit. So seriously that she was ready to go to Berlin for getting some records and start learning DJing. On the other hand, she was sort of doubtful about her skills etc. I tried to encourage her, telling that the most important thing is a good taste and that practicing can do miracles.

A while before that, going for a piss, I accidently met Moro there – one of Riga’s very first vinyl DJs. He certainly was one of those people who influenced me a lot when I was still a youngster (the mid 90s). Unfortunately, he quit spinning many years ago, but in a way it was with his help why I got into records and DJing. And then there was that girl willing but not entirely daring to become a DJ. I noticed Moro again and took the girl to him, introducing him to her as one of my „teachers” and briefly telling Moro what the problem was. Naturally he also tried to convince her to fulfil her wish... Probably, all this sounds a bit pathetic, but what I wanted to say is that no matter that people come and go, ideas or dedication to certain things or whatever you’d call these things – they stay, they live on through communication.

Things 2 see/hear in Brussels

First of all, briefly about The Clippers performance at Fuse, Brussels. The Clippers are actually Areal's guys Metope + Basteroid. Both were playing live, sounded as using Ableton Live. Honestly, the beginning, except few moments, was nothing spectacular - beats seemed a bit flat and predictable. Furthermore, I wished transitions/mix between tracks have been better. However, gradually they started to play better and better, and after a while they succeeded to set a right groove to make people dance. In fact, some tracks were rather amazing.

Regarding the club itself, I hadn't been in Fuse for ages. I keep wondering what makes it one of the most popular techno spots in Europe - the darkish room does not impress much, and the crowd mostly sucks. But it should be the soundsystem - it's a true pleasure to stand/dance in the midst of the dancefloor, being able to recognize all the details from a record. Plus if music is really good, you don't care about people any more.

I'm thinking of going there next saturday (20.01.) again, just can't miss it. Figure out yourself: the techno legend Jeff Mills stops there while being on his world tour. And that's not all - at the same time it's gonna be a Mobilee label night featuring Exercise One live and Anja Schneider. Said this I must add that Mobilee is one of my favourite labels at the moment.

A day before, on Friday (19.01.), another superproject from Berlin - Pan-Pot - is performing in Brussels. As far as I know their live stuff is something really special. Besides them, Quenum and Lee Van Dowski will rock the floor. So, Exercise One and Pan-Pot in one week-end. Not bad, not bad.

Getting back to Fuse. Some other remarkable dates: 10.02. - Robert Hood + Mikael Stavostrand (live); 17.02. - Alex Under (live) + Alexi Delano.

Summary of 2006

Everybody's is doing some round-ups and charts of year 2006, let's also have a look at my faves. Most of them are the usual suspects, and - like it or not - these popular tracks just simply deserve this scale of recognition, because they are just... outstanding productions. In fact, the previous year delivered plenty of interesting records. Let's hope for quality music in 2007, too!

5 LPs:

+++ The Knife - Silent Shout [Brille]

At first I was expecting some cheesy still groovy synth-pop, something like the duo did on their Deep Cuts LP, and I got quite surprised to find out that the new record is much deeper and darker. After every listening I started to like it more and more, until it became a very special record for me. Spooky and pitch-shifted vocals, outstanding melody hooks and crisp production - a perfect combination of techno and popmusic!

+++ My My - Songs For The Gentle [Playhouse]

Quite different tracks, but still having something in common. That funky playfulness? Phat groove? Outstanding use of samples? Whatever it is, My My have created a true masterpiece, which sometimes sounds as nothing before.

+++ Ellen Allien & Apparat - Orchestra of Bubbles [Bpitch Control]

Another highly original record that contains smart beats, epic melodies and unexpected twists.

+++ Booka Shade - Movements [Get Physical]

Even if we are getting fed up with that Get Physical sound, we must acknowledge that Movements is something really special - it was a really big suumertime record.

+++ Alex Smoke - Paradolia [Soma]

That typical, original Smoke's sound - sophisticated, filled with melancholy and layered melodies. Brilliant.

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30 tracks:

Anja Schneider - Lily of The Walley [Mobilee]
Salif Keita - Yamore (Luciano remix) [Cadenza]
Ricardo Villalobos - Que Belle Epoque 2006 [Frisbee Tracks]
Konrad Black - Coma Couch [Things & Items]
Trentemoller - Take Me Into Your Skin [Poker Flat]
Cobblestone Jazz - India In Me [Wagon Repair]
Dominik Eulberg & Gabriel Ananda - Harzer Roller [Traum]
Booka Shade - In White Rooms [Get Physical]
The Knife - Like A Pen [Brille]
[T]ekel - Smet [Initial Cuts]
Joel Mull - 4 Me [Underwater]
Format:B - Sex Drive [Opossum]
Gabriel Ananda - Doppelwhipper [Platzhirsch]
Xpansul & Daweed - What It is [MSX]
Junior Boys - Equalizer (Morgan Geist rmx) [Domino]
My My - Swiss On Rye [Playhouse]
Sebo K - Horizons (Excersise One rmx) [Mobilee]
James Holden - Lump [Border Community]
Jens Bond & Benno Blome - Tentacular [Sender]
Heinrichs & Hirtenfellner - You Are I [Supdub]
Extrawelt - Fernweh [Kompass]
Latex - Porcupine [Rebelone]
Gavin Herlihy - Machine Ate My Homework [Moodmusic]
Claude VonStroke - 7 Deadly Strokes [Neuton]
Inxec - Clay Pigeon [Contexterrior]
John Tejada - The End Of It All [Palette]
Rekorder - Rekorder 6.3 [Rekorder]
Hot Chip - Over And Over [EMI]
The Egg - Walking Away (Dusty Kid Pop Ga-Ga Remix) [Great Stuff]
Blackwall - Hairy popper [Force Sense]

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Labels:

### Mobilee
### Get Physical
### Opossum
### Contexterrior
### Tiny Sticks