Solid Effort

Thanks again to everyone who read and replied to the last post. Keep the chatter happening if you think of any more wisdom you might want to impart.

Perhaps I'll change the blog name to The Phantom's Revenge Fanclub. I'd say he's definitely a contender for my favourite producer at the moment. That perfect fusion of disco and electro with a few unique tricks splattered around the place makes me go all crumbly. He's done an impressive surging remix for Sydney scenesters Amy Meredith which is certainly on par with his other masterpieces (Moondancer is.. SO GOOD). Really enjoyable vibe! Definitely keep both eyes fixed on him for more big things to come.

Amy Meredith - Running (The Phantom's Revenge Remix)

Was having a listen to Felix Cartal's contribution to the NLLR mix series and was reminded of some really nice tunes. Particularly Vancouver, my favourite of his productions. A dark and deep banger-in-disguise with one of those irresistably catchy repetitive hooks that loop in your head when you can't get to sleep. His other stuff is a little heavy for me at the moment, but I think this song is a great balance. Claude Von Stroke's remix of Andy Caldwell was also a pleasant reminder of a nicely put together track with some infectious sounds and rhythms. Both of these tunes are pretty versatile I think, so bonus points for that.

Felix Cartal - Vancouver

Andy Caldwell - Warrior (Claude Von Stroke Remix)

The mix also directed me to a tune by Fukkk Offf (on the intriguing Coco Machete label) which, like just about everything, passed me by without me noticing. Huge sound! The kind of thing that would give you a fantastic full body massage if you listened to it through some giant stacks. A track that I reckon, in the right place at the right time, would nicely tear up a d-floor. The sound migh be a little dated, but I'm ok with that - tunes like this are necessary sometimes.

Fukkk Offf - I'm A Freak

This remix in particular stood out from the hundreds of emails I'm struggling to churn through, and at first I wasn't 100% sure that it should have. Maybe just due to electro overload, but having revisited countless times since and road testing it in a club, I'm a huge fan. The Living Graham Bond has a staggering 134 MySpace friends, which bewildered me... His mix of Music Sounds Better is a really killer effort and sounds like it's been done by someone who really knows their stuff. It's a great alternative if the original is getting a bit overdone, which it does from time to time for me. I know both eyes are supposed to be fixed on The Phantom's Revenge, but I reckon TLGB deserves some regular glances to stay updated.

Stardust - Music Sounds Better With You (TLGB Remix)

It's been a while since I've heard anything from Belgian buddies Mascotte, but a nice email in response to the previous post came with goodies attached that have me perked up and paying attention again. They're a rare duo that I think are making some really musical stuff with distorted sounds - something that seems to be almost unusual the more modemsex music I hear. This was my favourite track on the album they sent, which you can grab here. Hotttt~

Mascotte - Futura Bold

Ok, I'm just going to post these for my own amusement. Yours too I'm hoping. Certainly two of my favourite covers ever, which get me giggling every time. Biz Markie on the mic with the Beasties blabbering out some Elton John, and Ben Folds transforming Dr. Dre into a touching ballad. Have a laff yo.

Beastie Boys - Benny and the Jets (feat. Biz Markie)

Ben Folds - Bitches Ain't Shit

Yum yum yum yum yum.

Implications

Hey friends. Not really a music post here; rather, I'm asking for some opinions of you groovy blog readers. I've spent many hours thinking about the state of music (electronic is a narrow field I know, but extending to just about everything) and its future. A year or two ago I thought the idea of music blogging was the greatest thing that could ever happen to the development and growth of the industry in the still early stages of the digital revolution. It's certainly a very cool thing that anybody has the opportunity of having their own musical creations shared and promoted to the e-masses, and that careers can be built not on just luck but on recognition and appreciation of quality and potential.

Lately, though, I've become pretty cynical about the whole thing and I'm worried about what the implications may be in terms of the music industry, in terms of musical creativity and genre exploration, and in terms of both the immediate and perhaps more long term future of the way music is consumed. I won't say too much, because I could ramble forever and ever, but it's something I'm really interested in and I'd like to do some more research and thinking. I'd love to hear from anybody who has any thoughts on this though. Is this whole concept of blogging (and everything that's tied to it) actually doing good things, or is it going to end up having detremental effects? Are we taking steps forward or taking steps back?

Give me an email if you've got a view on the matter. My address is over on the top right. Or leave a comment or something. I'd really appreciate any input you guys might have!

As for tunes.. I suppose I'd better post something. So for your aural pleasure, check out a few lovely gems that need no polishing. A cruisy Avalanches B-side groove, an upbeat strutting funky remix of Justin Timberlake (don't judge yet!) by the marvelous Casino Inc, and the slightly dark and twisted SMD tweaking of Bjork.

The Avalanches - Thank You Caroline

Justin Timberlake - My Love (Casino Inc Amazing Disco Remix)

Bjork - Innocence (Simian Mobile Disco Twelve Inch Remix)

Drop me a line yo!

Oh, and for those who have been asking, I'm reuploading the Daft Punk live sets now. Uni holidays start this weekend for me so I'll start sorting shit out then. Sorry for the wait!