Chirp Chirp

Today is the last day of OUR winter so start expecting a bit more brightness around these parts! Every year at the end of August I'm a bit surprised I actually survived the miserable months and this year is no exception. Bye-bye beanie, hello BBQ!

I don't know anything about this little 7" on new imprint Fresh Up Records except that it's from the UK and is supposedly by a group of big time session musos. In one sense it's real tongue-in-cheek fun, like a super vibing parody of Space. But that's not to say it isn't top-shelf music - It's a shit hot jam with masterful Mooging splattered all over the shop! The B is down at a far less ferocious tempo, it's really warm and dubby and again quite Spacey but with more of an Italo flavour. Who's going to own up to this?

BBII - Tropical Laser Fantasy [buy]

Here's a track I'm going to be spinning all summer to bump up the grin factor. This Baris K record is a real joyous gem - great 'Eurasian' edits and an amazing sleeve. So this tune appears to be by Turkish actress, Şenay, which has me pretty confused. The vocals have me less confused and more amused - excuse my ignorance but it sounds like total silly gibberish. I love it! Hope there's more where this came from.

Baris K - Honki Ponki [buy]

I have to say I was pretty unimpressed with Sounds Superb Vol. 8 which was all too jumpy and repetitive and frankly pretty annoying. This In Flagranti remix is just the opposite though, very restrained and groove-focused which is just want I wanna hear. Yay! The whole Maasa (Matthew Bandy) release is real lovely too, well worth checking out.

Maasa - Walking on the Moon (In Flagranti Remix) [buy]

This is the real spring pick of the bunch, a beaut D-Pulse remix on the latest Gomma release by The KDMS. A nice toasty Hot Toddy-esque sun drenched dub with blossoming pads and gentle muted guitars. Deck chairs, board shorts, sand and shore are a must. I haven't really kept up with what D-Pulse have been up to lately but had no idea it was anything like this! Really stunning.

The KDMS - Highwire (D-Pulse Instrumental Remix) [buy]

See you at the beach!!

PLUGSSS

Alright Sydney folk, listen good. We're doing a combined Death Strobe / Disco Delicious 3rd birthday party next Friday the 28th at Gilligans (Sydney) which will be super duper spectacular!! We'll be joined by a few special friends, but expect a minimum 4 hour set from Ash and I slopping out the discoest disco imaginable. I'm woeful at promoting so any help with spreading the word to wonderful dancing people would be greatly appreciated! First 50 people in get a CD of some disco faves of ours, including some tricky-to-find gems. Clickity click the flyer for deets.



Okies, now that's out of the way we can get down to business. Sounds Superb Vol. 7 was released digitally this week. No further explanation needed. As usual, In Flagranti deliver a finely balanced edits package. Vet is a classic soulful disco-funk groover, nice and simple, a great early dancefloor jam. Ahem is a dirty retro thumper saturated in Codek quirk and featuring a quick snake charmer break or two. I Sing sits more in the strange department - African chanting and warped hand drums that could make a great DJ tool if you're clever. Too easy!

Lemonade - Vet [buy]

I'd love if somebody could confirm for me if this is actually a legitimate Todd Terje edit of Chic's My Forbidden Lover. It's released on the same kind of white label with only the catalogue number on a sticker as many of his others have been, but I'm just not convinced by the editing style. It's still a really fun edit but all the effects and jagged cuts seem a bit un-Toddlike to me. Whatever, this is one of those tunes you really can't go wrong with.

Chic - My Forbidden Lover (Tangoterje Re-Edit)

Real fab acidic remix from Liv Spencer and DJ Spun of this track by James Chance & The Contortions. Picnic are hosting Spun on June 12th at The Civic - it's a collaboration with Adult Disco and should be a fucking killer party. And yeah, this tune is great.

James Chance & The Contortions - Incorrigible (Liv Spencer & DJ Spun Mix) [buy]

Lastly, this is the edit of D Train's 'Keep On' that was featured in Jacques Renault's Ones & Twos mix that I was wailing about a few weeks ago. This is ridiculously good stuff by Space Ranger! Would still love to know what the instrumental half of it is though, I heard somebody playing the original track recently but didn't catch the name. Spot away, spotters!

Space Ranger - Keep On Movin' [buy]

Have a great weekend, hope to see you kids next Friday!! xx

Band-Aid

This is getting silly, I'm waiting on 16 records at the moment from all different places... Have been trying to hold out so I've got some beasts to post but it seems futile. Please accept my humble offering of a couple of classics to see the weekend through. An old In Flagranti edit from Sounds Superb Vol. 2; a 1981 Kano staple as featured in this awesome episode of The Scene; the unspeakably funky albeit cheesy B-side of Instant Funk's I Got My Mind Made Up; and an epic Dan Hartman disco gift from Raketa4000 reissued on East End - thanks Alexander!

Fab Tack - House Of Funk [buy]

Kano - I'm Ready [buy]

Instant Funk - Bodyshine [buy]

Dan Hartman - Vertigo / Relight My Fire [buy]

Fingers crossed that next week is a 12" bonanza. Have a raaaad weekend!

Call, Listen

Incredible weekend. Now to follow up with a new In Flagranti track which is equally incredible. Typically brilliant twisted thumping disco named after a German film from the 70s which sounds right up their alley. I'll never be able to get enough of their irresistible sleaze - the first minute is a symphony of moaning, it's fantastic!

In Flagranti - The Swinging Co-eds aka Madchen, Die Nach Munchen Kommen [buy]

Picked up one of Ray Mang's super cool Mangled records from July last year while I was in Auckland a couple of weeks ago. Reminds me a heap of Chaz Jankel's 'Glad To Know You' - just stretched over twice the distance. Anyway, it's a really nice edit of a Denroy Morgan tune that features some big-biceps bass which is nicely evened out by some light disco-gal vocals and, at one point, some cute synthesised steel drums. A great slow burning track.

Ray Mang - Prozac [buy]

Another from the archives, a fab old Moxie edit from the Run Disco Run record. In some ways similar to that Black Cow sound I posted a few weeks ago, tight funk with a nice acidic synth thrown in. Wonderful strings too, and the sneaky keys hanging back in the right channel are just beautiful once you notice their little hiding place in the corner. I'd love to know what the original is if anybody can spot it! I think it's about time Moxie released their first record for 2010, I'm getting seriously impatient.

Moxie - Loving It [buy]

Start preparing for a month-long onslaught of plugging our label launch. Death Strobe will be officially kicking off on April 9th at GoodGod and it will be nothing short of spectacular. Put it on your whiteboard kids!!

A Real Three-Hanky Crime

Sounds Superb Vol. 6: FROTH CITY. The world's most insanely over-productive duo In Flagranti are back with another new 12" after what can't be more than two months, continuing the fabulousness of their Sounds Superb edits series. The A1 track is just incredible, really twisted and messy and fiercely groovy. Some Diana Ross vocals loop around some constantly changing and charmingly clashing funky instrumental bits. Yet another essential record, no surprises here.

Sana Doris - Pseudo Wind [buy]

Little London label Light Sounds Dark, who I was stoked to hear haven't disappeared after just one record, released this rad compilation a few months ago of concise psychedelic jams, alt-disco cuts and other difficult to describe rare tunes. Sherm Sticks and Other Nasty Joints (hahaha what a great name) is a really cool exploration of some mad record collector's favourite 70s relics, the kind of stuff you'd dig out and play to show off how much cooler you are than everyone else. Includes Diabolical Man which Lovefingers edited on his RVNG of the NRDS record which is an absolute gem! This is one of my faves, a classic sounding funky rock-out mini-anthem by Orange Peel.

Orange Peel - I Got No Time [buy]

I recently discovered this great microlabel called Future Times through this great record by Beautiful Swimmers. Not the only people who seem to express through their music the romantic idea that the future can be found in the past, but they do it extremely well with a paradoxically fresh 80s aesthetic. This track for me conjures up a bit of a sunset vibe, I really dig it. I'd definitely be keeping an eye on these guys!

Beautiful Swimmers - Swimmers Groove [buy]

And finally this is a great old record on Bear Funk by a duo called Secret Stealth, a small project by Bob Sadler and James Baron. I can't say I know much about them but all three tracks on this EP are thoroughly enjoyable. The first, Stealth 1, is a simple nu disco groove that nicely balances a few very Reason sounding synths. It reminds me a bit of Mylo actually. The second track is a really pleasant lounge number whilst Stealth 3 is a bouncier piano-plonky fun starter. Really a beautifully rounded 12".

Secret Stealth - Stealth 1 [buy]

Just a reminder about Shit Robot this Saturday night at GoodGod for those of you in town, I'm so stoked for it!

Disco Delicious' Top 10 Delicacies of 2009

What a wonderful year. I don't know quite how to sum it up, it's just been so completely packed full of astoundingly good music. I'm really happy with the direction everything's gone in terms of this blog and the kind of music I've been digging, and I really really appreciate all you groovy people dropping by and lapping it up. I hope it's been a help to the artists and labels behind the music too, it's so important to support and encourage the people who are responsible for all the beautiful sounds that have been floating around in 2009. It was pretty tough putting this together and I'm sure a couple of fists will be shaking at some (perhaps) obvious omissions but overall it's just all the stuff that's really hit the bullseye for me. Massive thanks to everybody who had some part in the music below, it's made my year extra extra special! Here goes...

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#10 Super Value Classics

Let's kick things off with a truly spectacular edits record from the Italian Super Value crew. Earlier in the year I felt a lot of the Super Value edits sounded a little bit dated and drab; however, this 12" showed me I'd completely misjudged them. Both tracks on this 'Classics' record are superbly snipped and arranged funky numbers. This one in particular, a snippet of a Gabor Szabo tune called Keep Smiling, is everything a disco edit should be. In a time when so many edits are being made 'just for the sake of it', this is both thoughtful and necessary chopping of mediocre song which turns it into a summer deck chair masterpiece. Bravo!

Super Value - Untitled [buy]

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#9 Prins Thomas - Mammut

The Prins has been on fire this year, that's no lie. Full Pupp has been churning out quality releases, as has sub-label Internasjonal, and this is without a doubt my favourite release on 'Pupp by the man himself. Mammut is a stunning deep plodding jam which features PT really cutting loose on the percussion - or at least cutting as loose as an extreme Norwegian chiller like himself can. Every aspect of the song just feels completely free; part of what makes it so great is how relaxed the groove is. This is seriously stress free music! Hats off to the Prins, he's had a great year.

Prins Thomas - Mammut [buy]

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#8 RuF DuG - Dirty

Wow, this was a massive record to kick off the Popular People's Front sub-label PPF Special Ops. Ruf Dug, also known as Some Freak, really made something special with this track. It's raw, tribal, primitive, a bit animal and, dare i say it, dirty. The tumbling drums have such a massive impact and overall it's the fundamental pounding rhythms that make this such a fantastic song to dance to. Instinctive and essential. It's a bonus that the three remixes on the 12" are all spectacular too. A must have record!

RuF DuG - Dirty [buy]

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#7 Leo Zero

Leo, you legend. Until picking up Glory's 02 early on this year I wasn't aware of this great man and his unique productions. Also on the headphones for A Mountain of One and a contributor to the elusive Popular People's Front camp, he's got many fingers in many delicious pies. From Bowie to Outkast, from Bob Marley to The Clash, one certainly can't say Leo is narrow minded in his music. His edit of Bonny by Prefab Sprout has been a staple in my car for months, and with summer about to properly begin it's looking at continuing its long residency.

Leo Zero - Bon Bon [buy]

Tele Music - Baby's Band (Leo Zero Edit) [buy]

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#6 Shit Robot - Simple Things

An obvious pick here, this was surely one of the highlights of many DJs and dance fans this year. For me I have to say Todd's mix comes out on top. The dark semi-brooding Shit Robot original and deep-and-classic Santiago remix are both stunning tunes in their own but Mr. Terje's version is sitting up a couple of rungs higher on its own plane of existence. It's certainly proof that simple electronic music can still be extremely effective if the producer really knows what they're doing. The steady and powerful build makes sure everybody is totally primed and ready to detonate as soon as those party-as-fuck rock out drums belt their way in, resulting in an orgasmic climax that encompasses everything that makes you feel good on the dance floor. In summary, GOOD TIMES.

Shit Robot - Simple Things (Todd Terje Remix) [buy]

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#5 Lindstrom & Prins Thomas - II

The masters of space cruising made a triumphant full length return this year; old mates Lindstrom and Prins Thomas exceeded expectations with II and really did put together one of this year's finest releases. I picture this being the soundtrack to relaxing on a beach somewhere in space, sipping on moon juice and soaking up some supernova rays. You really can't get a much better partnership than these two fellas. Prins bopping away having a grand old time on the drums whilst Lindstrom plays around with delicate synths and fluffy pads. It's classic yet forward thinking music for the whole fam to dig.

Lindstrom & Prins Thomas - Cisco [buy]

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#4 Clap Rules

With so much happening in the edits scene it seems to be getting harder to find 100% original 'dance' music, so this latest live project headed by saucy Italian Fabrizio Mammarella gets a couple of bonus points for being so original. Old Sequencer in particular was surely one of my favourite 12s of 2009, delivering a really broad scope of music in just 3 tracks. The title track in particular drives me crazy. Absolutely rocking sequenced bassline, aggressively hip drum programming, grimy guitar throwing in little comments throughout. I'm still desperate to see these guys bash their sounds out live, I'm told it's quite an experience. Super excited to see where Clap Rules go next year!

Clap Rules - Old Sequencer [buy]

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#3 Dirty French Psychedelics

Now here we have what IS my number one album of '09. You'd be able to tell by looking at how worn out my poor overworked record is how many times i've taken an hour out to sit on the couch and listen to this without distractions from start to finish. Whilst all the songs are each very beautiful in their own way, it's how the album flows and grows that really makes this such a special record. Dirty seriously know how to put together a compilation that sounds stunningly organic, as though the individual tracks were made specifically to slot right into their respective positions. This exquisite release is absolutely vital for those who enjoy a late night aural journey.

Nino Ferrer - Looking For You [buy]

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#2 In Flagranti

Massive massive year for my favourite disco-sleaze 70s porno pimps In Flagranti: Two albums - one of originals one of edits - two more twelves, a huge string of amazing remixes and plenty of touring in between. It's quite incredible that possibly two of the most over-productive musicians about are also maintaining such a high standard of quality. They just can't be stopped! Brash & Vulgar featured some, uh, quite vulgar sounds with drums bashing and crashing all over the place and dirty humour flowing out in copious amounts. Sounds Superb was an assembly of some of the freshest and finest edits of this year, despite many being made years ago (a couple feature on A Decade of Hero Worship.) I don't think anybody can argue that they are easily the best at what they do, whatever that might be.

In Flagranti - A Brag Mount [buy]

In Flagranti - Svelte Blonde [buy]

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(What would have been) #1 House of House - Rushing To Paradise

Well the recent reissuing of this has softened my negative feelings about this track, or rather its distribution, once again making way for pure love and affection. I just think it's criminal that the BEST track of the year should be for elitist collectors only, those who were lucky enough to get their hands on a ridiculously priced copy of the original Whatever We Want release. I don't mind the idea of these boutique labels but making great music only to deprive people of it is just wrong - it shouldn't be an exclusive thing, y'know? Thank god this injustice is being overturned and the House of House guys are releasing the record, along with a mouthwatering Harvey mix, independently and limitlessly. Although I've been hearing the pressing is totally shit which just rubs salt in the wound. Sigh. To get onto the song itself... There's not a whole lot that needs to be said, except that it's one of the most perfect house music compositions ever made. Carefully calculated yet free flowing, every part of this song fits together flawlessly resulting in a euphoric 13 minute dance floor anthem. I couldn't get permission to post a low quality version but the record is as essential as it gets.

House of House - Rushing To Paradise (Walking These Streets) [buy]

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#1 Faux Pas - Rose's Lament

So technically this came out in late December last year but I was overseas so I'm counting it in this year's running. Upon first listening this song completely knocked my head off; each listen after that somehow managed to deliver an even deeper impact. I still get goosebumps every time I sit down and blast this on my stereo. I'm not really sure how you'd describe the track musically... Maybe you'd find it in the 'psychedelic tribal folk' section of your local CD store. The density of emotion packed into this song, helped a great deal by haunting intermission clips of an old Bread track 'Look At Me', pushes this song over the finish line in first place for the last 12 months. There's no doubt that I've developed a really personal adoration for it which is one of the reasons it's right at the top, but at the end of the day it's an absurdly well produced song that I feel has a timeless quality that will preserve it for many years to come. Thanks, Faux Pas.

Faux Pas - Rose's Lament [buy]

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Honourable Mentions:

Golf Channel - Fantastic boutique edits, obviously some fierce crate digging is responsible for these great releases. Thanks Justin Vandervolgen!

Lars Von Trier's Antichrist - Simply the best piece of film making in recent times. Spectacular.

Dishonourable Mentions:

Steve Aoki feat. Zuper Blahq - I'm In The House - Are you fucking kidding me? It was released 6 months either side of April Fools Day so I have to assume this is a legitimate release. Nice one Steve...

People saying 'FML' and 'fail' every second sentence - Please please please just stop. Please.

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So there you go. I strongly urge everyone to buy this music if you really like it and help all these rad artists out. Would love feedback of course, and would certainly love to hear other people's top 10 lists - go comment crazy and give your 2 cents. Next year is looking to be even more exciting, particularly with our little label Death Strobe on the verge of launching. We've got some really cool music lined up which we have a lot of faith in so keep an eye out for more details as the months roll on. Thanks again y'all, much love! Have a really nice Christmas/silly season, stay cool and tell some strangers about how good disco music is. Spread the love! xxx

International Mischief

Really excited about a bit of Auckland action this Saturday! All you lucky lucky Kiwis come to Cassette for Golden Age. BOOZY TIMES. Inspect the flyer. For those of you in Sydney, well by golly you're also in luck! Wunderparty Picnic hosts Darshan Jesrani, one half of the legendary Metro Area, this Friday night at GoodGod. OH BOY. Not much else needs to be said - a brave and beefy Funktion One sound system, spectacular music and a non-stick non-toxic dancefloor. Grab tickets to the gig here. Also check out Darshan's Red Bull Music Academy lecture - he's a clever cookie.

Metro Area - We Also Not [buy]

I have no explanation why the only In Flagranti releases from their entire catalogue that I didn't own until the other day were Sounds Superb Vols 3 and 4. Makes no sense. Thank god I came to my senses and picked them up at long last. This edit is fucking brilliant. No idea what the original is but it's piping hot. Super sleazy, somehow droopy yet tight. That makes no sense. Awesome tune.

Bruno Cried - No One Has Ever Pinned Anything On Me [buy]

Been listening to these Space remixes more and more, couldn't help posting up another. Bottin's fab remix of their first track is a loud and funky affair which goes big on the bass. Seriously this is a great release! Not that Space needed any updating but these are all really nice interpretations and reworkings.

Space - Tango In Space (Bottin Remix) [buy]

Just a bonus Andrew Weatherall remix because it rocks. Have rediscovered RVNG MX5 by Justine D which is where I first heard this rocking monster. Classic stuff.

My Bloody Valentine - Soon (Andrew Weatherall 12" Mix)

Auckland here we come!

Prodigious Disco

Have been listening to Harvey's famed '98 Essential Mix plenty in these last sunny weeks, and every time remember how much I fucking adore this song. It really is classic beyond classic. I think I slightly prefer Larry's remix to the original 12" mix, since it's a bit better structured for the club and it seems a hair beefier. It's just one of those songs where every element is memorable and the whole thing comes together perfectly. Pretty much as good as it gets as far as I'm concerned.

Instant Funk - I Got My Mind Made Up (Larry Levan Remix)

This is an absolutely colossal beast of a track upped and slightly edited by Rolfski on his excellent Deep Disco Soundcloud group. 14-odd minutes of epic spacey psychedelic disco jam. The original is the work of supreme producer/writer Celso Valli, perhaps best known for his groundbreaking releases as Azoto. This Patrick Cowley remix is just insanely big, a total sweat-factory. Thank you Rolfski!

Tantra - The Hills of Katmandu (Patrick Cowley Remix)

YES YES YES In Flagranti's latest Sounds Superb re-edits record is out on Juno Download. This one is a bit more of a party edition than some of its predecessors. The first track, Leach Power, is the most fun of the three - saturated in that signature IF sort-of-humourous/ironic merry holiday vibe. Sorta sounds like The Clash turned 80s flamboyant synth rock. I think I read somewhere the 12" is out on the 18th (this Friday) but you can get it digitally as of yesterday. Not that it wasn't predictable, but it's another expert release.

Servo - Leach Power [buy]

This is an awesome little disco nibble released as a 7" on the minuscule NYC Sound Record/Japanese Import Record imprint, somehow affiliated with/stemming from Loft Records. From what I can gather, Yoshi Nakamura aka King Onkyo is some hip collector from Tokyo who has clearly delved into some deep crates. The A-side here just pops in from nowhere with some cute funky disco, agogos and cowbells blazing, funky bassline strutting. The B is great too! This is pretty limited so snag a copy while you can. More goodies from Loft on the way.

King Onkyo - Untitled [buy]

Got a bunch more brilliant tunes to let loose this week (hopefully) so get excited!

A Flower of Unknown Colour

Sorry about the delayyy, brain has been fried. Dear me.

No clue how I missed this a couple of months ago, I'm horrified i could let ANY In Flagranti track slip past me. This remix of The Glass is just fantastic, nothing less than what I would expect. 20,000 different rhythms bouncing around, hypnotic forever-unresolving chords that keep reeling you in, this is extreme dance material. Play it loud loud loud. Cover the furniture in bubble wrap first.

The Glass - Wanna Be Dancin (In Flagranti Remix) [buy]

A couple of classic edits from a couple of true masters: Theo Parrish and DJ Harvey. Fuck, these are as groovy as you could possibly ask for. My only general complaint about this era of edits is, in my mind, they tend to drag on a little bit. That said, they're still streets ahead of most that are being done 5, 10 or 15 years on. Smooth ultra-hip breaksy jazz funk from Harv'; big bold disco anthem from Theo's Ugly Edits series. Genius!

The Dells - Get On Down (Theo Parrish Re-Edit)

DJ Harvey - Joyous

Just realised I haven't posted this before when I was sure I had. Well, this Light Sounds Dark edits record is a special one to say the least. Amongst some obscure disco cuts, this is my favourite - a cute laid back number with some adorable chirpy vocals and wandering flute. Certainly the most 'normal' of the bunch, the other stuff on this 12 is much more adventurous and out-there. If you can hunt it down it's well worth owning!

Sarr Band - Double Action (Light Sounds Dark Edit) [buy]

Promise I'll be good and post another by the end of the week. In other news, a Disco Delish night is definitely in the works for Sydney so stay alert.

Happy Days

It's getting a bit ridiculous just how dominant DFA are at the moment. The unexpectedly techy Happy House remixes EP, the hallowed 45:33 remixes, Shit Robot's new devastating single, etc. are all reminders of the label's silly level of superiority. Two of their latest releases, (at last) a new record from New Yorkers Still Going, and Aussie faves Canyons' first single since their recent signing, continue this trend of ultra high quality music. I really love this B side on Spaghetti Circus, which dons a classic James Murphy/DFA sounding bassline and an airy lounge vibe. Very relaxing. The Jacques Renault remix of Fire Eyes is the only thing that has disappointed me - it's certainly not very jungle-esque as it claims to be - but the original is a corker, sorta electro tribal. All Murphy need now is another lCD Soundsystem album and world domination would be well within his reach.

Still Going - Untitled Love (Instrumental) [buy]

Canyons - Fire Eyes [buy]

I think I'm going to declare the next 30 days to be Leo Zero Month on Disco Delish. This Clash reworking has heaps of slightly twisted crazy party energy. Way too addictive. Get into it!!

The Clash - Should I Say Or Should I Go? (Leo Zero Re-Work)

I love it when In Flagranti do a remix like this. Has next to NOTHING to do with the original Bag Raiders track, except for cut up and mixed up slithers of the vocal and a 15 second tease of the original synths popping in towards the end. As with their 'remix' of La Fumo Loco, I'd half expect that this was already an 80% finished original track which just had some insignificant elements changed to make easy work of the task. It's your typical IF groove, heavy on the percussion, and some sounds that remind me of old SebastiAn stuff sans overpowering distortion. Does anybody else get that vibe? Maybe I'm thinking of something else. Dunno about a 12" for this release, but it's been on iTunes for a little while now.

Bag Raiders - Shooting Stars (In Flagranti Remix) [buy]

Will cap this off with a true 70s classic by Azoto, who have had some things recently re-released as strange (and pricey) white label LPs. I think the first time I heard it would have been in Erol's initial Disco 3000 mix which still holds a monthly residency in my car CD player. The vocals in the main version are a bit over the top for me, there's more than enough to hear in the instrumental so we'll leave it at that.

Azoto - San Salvador (12" Instrumental Mix) [buy]

Getting very excited for Mike Simonetti this Friday at La Campana! Get tix now!!

It's Sunday.

Bit of a post for the sake of posting here.. Need to try and get the post rate up, but don't want to compromise by sharing stuff that isn't A-grade. Anyway, this remix of Crazy P's latest single (is that correct?) by band member Hot Toddy would be A-grade if I could ignore the vocals. I guess they don't bother me that much but pop just generally irritates me. Aside from that, it's the usual funky summer sound you'd expect from both Crazy P. Perhaps this will be refreshing for you, perhaps it will be too stock standard. I reckon it's solid though.

Crazy P - Stop Space Return (Hot Toddy Mix)

12-odd minute disco epic here from Rahaan. No idea when this track was actually made but it came out on a white label some time recently. Big retro disco sound which always works wonders! That's it really... Just a quality tune. This version seems to end a tiny bit early - my apologies - but you get the gist.

Rahaan - Hit & Run

Here's where we get down to business. Recently picked up this obscenely good promo mix done by In Flagranti in 2004. It's hovering around my top 3 mixes of all time, I can't be any more precise than that. Packed with the usual overwhelming array of ill-defined and unlikely genres, their patented razor edge slap-in-the-face mixing, and the overall twisted humour you'd expect from Alex & Sasha. There are a few edits I'd violently shake a baby for, and some which have since been released on their '09 Sounds Superb edits album and RVNG 12". It's only in 128, but I don't think I'd be able to find a better copy no matter how hard I looked. Prepare yourself!

In Flagranti - A Decade of Hero Worship

YUMSIES.

Hallelujah!

It's a great day! At last I'm uncapped, AND I found 2 tracks I've been frothing over for EVER which, prior to this afternoon, I haven't known the track names or artists. Big big thanks to an anonymous caller for sorting out the first one which featured in Paul T's Beats In Space mix. Turns out the track is a remix by his partner in crime, Harvey. Both are the mad scientists behind Harvey Sarcastic Disco. The original track by Tommy Guerrero is also a beauty and well worth checking out - I'd never heard his music before but it sounds divine. Enjoy :)

Tommy Guerrero - Archaic Days (Harvey Remix)

The other was another tune I heard on a Beats In Space podcast, this time from In Flagranti's visit in 08. It's the first tune that's played before anything happens and again there was no tracklisting. Feel like a complete tool now finding out it's actually an In Flagranti track from one of the Codek 'Sounds Superb' records - not to be confused with the edits album which IF put out in January this year. Anyway here's the track I was looking for plus another from the edits album which I just lurrrve. Can't wait to see Alex and Sasha next weekend after We Love Sounds at The Cross!

In Flagranti - Low Dose Virility

In Flagranti - Mini Sell

I'm going to leave it there because these incredible tracks are worth 100 times their weight in kilobytes. YUM YUM YUMMO.

Not Worth Giving This A Title

Sorry folks, it's been a pretty uninspiring week. Haven't really come across anything that's rocked my boat... The new In Flagranti album was officially released which is good news for all - go forth and buy buy buy! Rock solid from the duo and, as expected, the more listens the better it gets. For me though, I find most of the songs aren't as good when taken out of the context of the album - which says good things about the album but isn't too handy for blogging. See if this works for you but whatever the outcome, grab the album anyway :)

In Flagranti - Svelte Blonde

Permanent Vacation, probably my favourite label, also released a really nice selection of past releases during the week: Selected Label Works No. 1. Plenty of beautiful old faves here - Lullabies In The Dark, Todd Terje, Junior Boys, Holy Ghost!, Woolfy ee tea sea. I've posted the Superpitcher remix of Iridium before and had to take it down, so just check out a 160 version of it then go grab it off Beatport or somewhere, along with the rest of the release. This track is just perfect. Stunning dreamy epic balearia, if I'm allowed to make that word up.

Lullabies In The Dark - Iridium (Superpitcher Remix)

Woah, until this very moment I had no idea Space were still making records! Can someone confirm that any of their stuff on Nang Records is actually new? I had no idea these crazy old Frenchies made it past the early 80s - and listening to these new tracks it seriously doesn't sound like they ever did. For those of you who aren't familiar with the band, they're responsible for possibly the greatest video clip ever. Be careful, it's some pretty high tech shit and contains some pretty questionable instrument playing and dance moves. I'm way too confused about their listings on Beatport and whatever else I can find so instead of being riskay I'll post something I KNOW is old. Space are fun.

Space - Tango In Space

Serge Santiago and Hardrock Striker have a new little 12" out, and I don't really like it that much. What's the deal? Nice production and all but just seems a bit boring to me. Maybe I'm not digging deep enough but I'm not nearly as excited by it as I am his older tunes. I have so much love for SS but recently his stuff have been a little hit and miss for me. Snap up these classic reworkings which have a nice retro disco air. Solid.

Kano - It's A War (Serge Santiago UK Re-Edit)

Serge Santiago - Black Jack (Alternative Mix)

Yeah I really don't have anything else worth sharing. This Sunday, disco enterprise Picnic are hosting a warehouse BBQ/danceathon in St Peters with a list of Sydney's finest turntable operators - Mark Murphy, Spruce Lee, Kato, Disco Not Disco AND SO ON. Can't recommend this enough. Gogogogogo!

Will hopefully return next week with some decent fresh music.

PLUGS

Love the plugs. This week coming should be a good one - Hugs (kinda the sequel to Bandits) is reeling in Perth sensation-boi Shazam for a big night this Friday at Nevermind, Sydney. I hear his sets are brilliantly eclectic and he's backed by Kato, Sleater Brockman and my old crush Sunday School. Gogogogo, should be an excellent night with excellent music in an excellent club. ALSO, tomorrow Spank Records and Bang Gang 12 Inches open the gates on a killer remix competition for Aussie producers. The best remix of Damn Arms' latest release 'Destination' wins a shitload of prizes plus has the track released on BG12". Inspect here for more deets and get cracking.

I've got a double pass to Hugs to give away to the first person who emails me answering this brain bending question: "What is your name?" Good luck.

Been treating my ears to the new In Flagranti album which is smoking hot. I'm not a particularly evil guy so I won't post any - sorry - but as a consolation prize enjoy an edit from their latest release on RVNG, a great record which you should buy buy buy! This tune is a nice glammy funked up nursery rhyme (Star Light, Star Bright) designed for some serious disco moves and daring hairdos.

Petite Storm - Stahl Rig

This edit by Loud Minority Radio is also pretty class. At first I'm thinking funky afro-rocking detective who always saves the day wearing colourful flares and a lass on each shoulder. Then throw some vocals in and it becomes a boot wearing power-woman respect drive. Again super retro, super snazzy. Loves it!

Patti Jo - Make Me Believe In You (Loud Minority Radio Edit)

I know I've posted the Prins Thomas miks of this big choon, but it's good enough / I'm lazy enough to put the original up too. It's a bit more full on, more stuff going on but still got that huge driving bass groove and percussion that forces you to fidget. I'm not sure why I haven't looked into more Force of Nature stuff actually... Go investigate!

Force of Nature - To The Brain

If you're in the mood for something a bit different, check out this awesome African disco set that was posted on Alain Finkielkrautrock. While some of the 'mixing' leaves a pretty nasty taste in my mouth, the music is just delightful. I have to admit I'm not really an African music aficionado (shocked?) and I honestly am not too sure when some of these songs would have been recorded. They mostly sound quite 70s but that's just my weak guess. Anyway, I highly recommend giving it a go!

Mike Simonetti - African Connection

OK have to go, tata.

Vegetable of the Month

Just a quicky today. Firstly, can I ask (not that I imagine this mumbo jumbo gets read much) that anyone sending music does it through my dropbox now pretty pretty please? As it stands I'm 1500+ emails behind and doubt I'll ever catch up so doing that makes everything HEAPS easier for me to listen to tunes being submitted. I feel really bad for having to neglect so many emails but there's just no way I can process it all. I do still love you though. All of you. Except SXSW. Fuck off with your 300 emails per day about nothing.

So anyway, at last a new Blackjoy remix has popped up. No surprises that it's a keeper. Really legit funk influences are still stuck right in there. The live-as-opposed-to-computeronized vibe puts them in a similar league as Escort, methinks. This tune in particular is really smooth and loungey. Enjoy with some kind of sparkling beverage. I also quite like the other remix on the release by The Phenomenal Handclap Band. Actually I probably wouldn't care what they made it sound like with a brilliant name like that. 10 awesome points awarded before first listen. Post-listen however, I'm happy to dish out more. Kinda similar mix, a tiny bit more glam disco ballish. Both are really easy going. Good stuff! The original by Bing Ji Ling isn't bad either.

Bing Ji Ling - Home (Blackjoy Dub)

Bing Ji Ling - Home (The Phenomenal Handclap Band Remix)

Been ripping into more In Flagranti because it's good for you. I missed the release of Sexx Piss Tool late last year but tardiness aside, quality music is still quality music. I'm Sorry, I'm Terribly Sensitive in particular really grabbed me. I'm sure I've heard it a few times before but couldn't name where. Typical Flagranti quirkiness, structure butchering and percussion+bassline groooove. A bit on the dirtier side. The older (and sensationally named) Vegetable of the Month is more... I don't know how I'd label it. I suppose it's nu disco. Whatever, it's In Flagranti, it's good. Listen.

In Flagranti - I'm Sorry, I'm Terribly Sensitive

In Flagranti - Vegetable of the Month

Enjoy your weekend dearest friends. Oh, since I'm quite out of the loop at the moment, can someone fill me in on some good nights in Sydney at the moment? Like... GOOD music?

Colours of Colours

Having a bit of a Prins Thomas moment right now after finding a record of his I thought I'd lost and giving it another whirl. I was supposed to post his Force of Nature mix before I left and somehow missed putting it in the pile, so here it is belated and brilliant. Super chunky bass, hot percussion. His ability to sound like a true master of everything inbetween cosmic disco and techno is pretty impressive.

Force of Nature - To The Brain (Prins Thomas Diskomiks)

These are a couple of really interesting tunes I stumbled across during the week. Although the majorness of the Mugwump tune kind of irritates me a bit, I guess I can peer through my haze of bitterness and see that it's a really nice fun song. Just really playful and happy. Raoul7000 runs a really neat albeit sparse blog where I found this amazing edit he's done. The editing style and sound really reminds me a lot of In Flagranti. Lots of fucking with the structure, a big emphasis put on the bassline, pounding drums. This is definitely one of the coolest tunes I've heard lately. Viva el kazoo!

Mugwump - Ignored Folklore

Skyy - Skyyzoo (Raoul7000's Acme Edit)

This is another tune that was in my 'to post' pile and somehow vanished. Love Todd Terje's stuff, gutted that I missed him in Sydney a few weeks ago. The Chaz Jankel edit is a delight - the song is given a bit more space and disco atmosphere. The beautiful keys always send me to the clouds. And for good measure here's his classic Stevie Wonder edit. As close to perfect as it gets..

Chaz Jankel - Glad to Know You (Todd Terje Re-Edit)

Stevie Wonder - Superstition (Todd Terje Edit)

How much WhoMadeWho is too much WhoMadeWho? I suppose it's easy to just keep posting stuff of theirs since it's always going to be a guaranteed winner. Easy blogging! Anyway I've really warmed to In Flagranti's mix of Out the Door over the months after not being totally sure about it initially. A little dark at first but slowly little things are added here and there to brighten it up. It's a nice listen.

WhoMadeWho - Out The Door (In Flagranti Remix)

More more more more more more more coming.

This Way

Ho hum. La Paz was the kuh-rayziest town yet! Had no idea so much wacky shit goes down there. I feel very satisfied (and still very ill) leaving with my "I survived the world's most dangerous vindaloo t-shirt." Highly recommend it to anybody, especially San Pedro prison.

I'm really looking forward to getting home so I can spend weeks catching up on music I've missed. I feel bad for posting things I scrambled together more than 6 weeks ago... Just wait it out, promise I'll come back strong. For the moment, here are a couple of nice tracks from In Flagranti and Popular Computer. The Flagranti track is typically hip strutty rhythm guitar with locomotive disco drums which dance away oh so prettily. Gorgeous sounding synths too. Sorry that it cuts out early, I guess the album it's from is gapless. Otaku is just a simple laid back easy-goer. Don't have a whole lot to say about it I guess, it's just nice.

In Flagranti - Escapade

Popular Computer - Otaku

A couple more classic remixes here from the ever tiring DD vault by Ewan Pearson and Maurice Fulton. The Playgroup one should be recalled by many, right? It's a classic! And not what I'd usually expect from Ewan and his spacey quasi-weirdo bag of tricks. A little bit twisted, quite addictive. The Over and Over mix (SORRY, I searched every last corner of the internet for a version that isn't cut up at the start, but it doesn't seem to exist. Please explain iTunes and friends..) is again nice and simple. Just a cool bassline and the perfect vocals and you're set. Maurice makes it seem too easy, as with just about everything he does.

Playgroup - Make It Happen (Ewan Pearson Remix)

Hot Chip - Over and Over (Maurice Fulton Remix)

Around about 4 more weeks of this insanity before home time. Wheeeee.

Disco Delicious' Top 10 Delicacies of 2008

I didn't really do one of these last year, but figured i might as well keep going with the crowd and jump on the top 10 bandwagon. Love conforming. I know it's a little bit early but I wanted to get it out of the way before I skip the country in a week. Most of the tracks act more as representatives of a certain artist or label or album or whatever, so keep that in mind.

I've loved this year and the way it's panned out music-wise. My electro hangover began to creep up in earlier months and I was left in a bit of a 'what the fuck was I thinking' state for some of it. Oh the bangers... Listening to some stuff I used to post feels like witnessing a death metal band being murdered with chainsaws and cheap drum machines. As we know, what comes up must go down. I've since been drifting through phases of house, disco, nu disco and other stuff that's a bit more laid back. Perhaps senility and a sudden enthusiasm for playing bridge instead of going clubbing is just around the corner for me. We'll see. Anyway I feel like 08 has been great for me in terms of discovering new music that I really love. So without further ramblings, here are my 10 picks for two thousand and eight.

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#10 Heavinz - Ride (Matt Hughes Remix)

Matt Hughes has been a star this year. His gorgeous funky house music is just so refreshing and enjoyable in any situation. The same goes for everybody else on the exceptional Us Two Music label from the Netherlands. This song in particular really hits the spot for me. Uplifting spacey vibe with an irresistibly beautiful sounding bassline. Top notch production (I can even look past the blatant use of the drum line from Girl And The Sea) and just an all round nice feeling. Pleasant!

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#9 Mr. Oizo - Two Takes It feat. Carmen Castro

After a long wait between albums, Lambs Anger went above and beyond to meet every expectation I had of the genius Mr. Oizo. I don't like picking one song out since it's really all about the full album experience and the context the tracks provide one another, but this has to be my favourite. Such a super fun party mentality, and the production is ridiculously good. Nobody makes it seem as easy. An absolute must-own LP!

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#8 In Flagranti - Codependancy

Again I don't really want to just choose one In Flagranti song. And this one might have you cats scratching your heads (might) since it's probably not the most obvious pick. Regardless, this tune in particular really grabbed me. Such an insanely solid groove (hehe i said solid groove) all sitting on just about the one note. Pretty much. It just shows how magnificent they are at producing and the infinite levels of attention to detail that make their tracks extra special. They always stun me with their versatility and their ability to make it seem like they've been producing [insert genre here] forever and ever. Love it.

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#7 Ian Preece - Superfuzz (Disco Mix)

Ok so this wasn't originally released this year, but it does seem to have been re-released once or twice in 08 since its conception last year so WHATEVER. This is dazzling lounge disco at its finest. Such a sensationally smooth bassline groove with beautiful creamy synths, funky strutting guitar, melting horns and fiery percussion. Every detail is well thought out and perfectly matched. Gorgeous stuff! This kind of thing can surely never get old. Moral of the story: Ian Preece rocks.

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#6 The Whitest Boy Alive vs Mylo vs Cut Copy - Otto's Golden Journey

Alright, I really want to stress that this isn't some kind of self-indulgent wankery. I'm posting this because it's a good way to combine my heavy obsession in 2008 with Mylo, Fred Falke and, to a lesser extent, Cut Copy. It's also a way of including all three without addressing the fact that none of the songs involved were actually released this year, unless you count Hearts on Fire's re-release. Otto's Journey was undoubtedly one of my most listened-to songs this year. The Whitest Boy Alive remix is a dead set classic. Hearts on Fire, despite being one of the most overplayed songs of the year, is still a work of sheer brilliance and has to be recognised for that. Together I think they go quite nicely and allow me to squeeze all three infatuations into one space-saving slot here. I hope you, my dear friends, can accept my justification!

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#5 The Juan Maclean - Happy House

I live for summer! I pretty much spend the other 9 months of the year checking my watch, tapping my feet, generally looking very impatient. And cold. For me, this tune is a stunning musical representation of summer. 12 minutes of tropical jam! I just float away and imagine drinking all kinds of delicious alcohol out of coconuts while riding dolphins and having my back scratched by beautiful women in straw skirts who I can't understand. Usually the reality is more like 15 tonnes of meat on a bbq with a beer in one hand and a sweat rag in the other complaining about my 3rd degree sunburn, but I'm fine with that. The fact of the matter is that The Juan Maclean has summed it all up with Happy House, one of the most fun and enjoyable tunes to surface this year, from its bouncy beach start to its firey club end.

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#4 Syclops - The Fly

Syclops' album I've Got My Eye On You is my album of the year. A crazy genre-spicing experiment gone horribly right, the band pull together jazz, electronica, nu disco, indie, avant-garde wackiness and a whole bunch of other fancy categories in an amazing way. This is awesomely eclectic music. This song in particular just blows me away. You'll need to properly listen and pay attention to it to reap the rich rewards it offers, but it's well worth it. It really is just genius. The Soulwax-esque mono synth darts around for the first half of the song building up plenty of anxiety and then BAM - but a really gentle kind of BAM - a delightfully mellow synth comes out of nowhere and the song is immediately transformed into a dazzling lake of musical sex. The addition of one simple instrument is like a sudden injection of intense emotion, and from here the track just spreads out over a colourful psychedelic jam landscape. These guys are just too good - get their album!!

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#3 Hercules and Love Affair - Blind (Serge Santiago Version)

Yep, a terribly obvious selection. Seriously, who didn't Hercules & Love Affair impress this year? Aside from people who just couldn't get their head around Antony's unique and perhaps gender confused gorgeous voice (I'm not saying I don't love it! I do!), did the album actually disappoint anybody? I can't see how it would have. The simple and superfresh nu disco vibes certainly had an influence on our little corner of music this year, and I expect will continue to inspire in years to come. Yes, the Frankie Knuckles mix is just the epitome of exquisite, but I reckon the Serge Santiago version is just as special. So deep and brooding, and a perfect match for the vocals. The sheer weight of it always leaves an impact on me. Can't wait for more H&LA in years to come, if we're lucky enough!

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#2 Holy Ghost! - Hold On (Mock & Toof Remix)

Holy Ghost! have to be the most consistently brilliant act of the year for me. Yes they've been blogged like crazy and in a lot of cases that would turn me off a bit, but these guys are simply too good to let that worry me. If they reached Daft Punk stupidfame status I'd still openly admit to listening to them non stop. Once again being a bit of a sneak, this fantastic Mock & Toof remix means I can post this track as a tune which was released in 08. And oh my god I've been loving Mock & Toof this year too. I wouldn't be at all surprised to see Hold On appearing on a bunch of 'best of 09' charts too - it seems ridiculous that they haven't exploded by now even with just that track. Their upcoming debut LP is my most anticipated release right now, bar none. Enjoy these peachy plodding summer sounds.

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#1 The Laughing Light of Plenty - The Rose

Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you Tim Sweeney - if not for going to see his brilliant set in Sydney I would probably not have known of this perfect track. To be totally honest, upon first listening to this after hearing Tim was punishing it as a set opener, I was a little underwhelmed. I guess listening to so much 'dance' music in the last few years has made me a bit impatient. I kind of wanted some crazy explosion after the build up and didn't feel properly satisfied. Five listens later I was nearly in tears over the unparallelled concentration of joy pumping through my body. The amount of energy this song manages to ever so sneakily cook up is just absurd. I think it might one day be used as a healthy alternative to caffeine. Perhaps it will eliminate the need to give adrenaline shots to people having bad allergic reactions. Listen to this AS LOUD AS YOU CAN. For me it still gets better with every listen, which must be defying some sort of scientific laws of existence... I can only hope that The Laughing Light of Plenty will release more.

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What do you guys think? I know top tens are always a bit controversial, but I tried to really just represent as a whole everything I've loved about this year. It really has been a great one: one in which I feel like music has really moved forward in. Maybe that's true, maybe it isn't, but that's how it's been for me. Hope you're all still enjoying the stuff I'm putting up here! Keep reading! Kisses.

Hello

Have to keep this short, too much to dooooo!

In Flagranti must be seriously busy guys. Keep seeing new things popping up all the time - it's swell. This Act Yo Age remix in particular is one of my favourite things of theirs I've heard lately. Solid solid solid bassline groove. So solid. A FlagrantiHunt also sent me in the direction of Ajello, a couple of Italian guys making some interesting music on a predominantly techy label. See what you think.

Act Yo Age - La Fumo Loco (In Flagranti Remix)

Ajello - Dolphy (In Flagranti Re-Edit)

Love Mock & Toof. Really. This is one of the nicest songs I've heard lately. A lovely spacey disco cruise with some very pretty production. And this Pilooski edit has dominated my stereo for quite a while now, I've only just worked up the courage to post it. How outlandish! Seriously it's quite sensational, Pilooski is just stupidly good.

Mock & Toof - Zomby Disco

Del Shannon - Gemini (Pilooski Edit)

I'll have a top 10 of '08 up within the week to make sure it's out of the way before I go get South Americanised. Tata.

Sneaky Tuesday

Ahoy there. I just got the new Metro Area Fabric CD and nearly pissed myself listening to the intro. Love those dudes. Great idea, I'll post some! I swear I heard Morgan Geist talking on Beats In Space about a new Metro Area release that came out recently, but after minimal searching I can't really find anything. Any ideas? Anyway, here are a couple of my faves of theirs. Orange Alert is a total classic of course, and coming back to it after listening to the DFA remix non stop was really refreshing! The arrangement, sounds, composition - everything! - is so well done. The special dub of Read My Mind really does it for me too, they're just so good at making things sound simple and easy and amazingly groovy. Grab their Fabric album - it's a winner!

Metro Area - Orange Alert

Metro Area - Read My Mind (Special Dub)

Two songs I really can't stop listening to the moment happen to be on pretty opposite ends of the spectrum. #1 is Codependency by In Flagranti. Who knew one note could be so much fun? It's really rare to hear a song that's based on something so simple with such a colossal amount of feel and groove. Play it teeth shatteringly loud, it's fantastic! #2 is a Pilooski edit of Elvis Presley. Retaining, accentuating and modernising Presley's ultra high cool factor. This is a seriously brilliant edit.

In Flagranti - Codependancy

Elvis Presley - Crawfish (Pilooski Edit)

Hmm what else is new... Found a couple of gorgeous new tracks the other day by Chateau Flight and Lullabies In The Dark, two artists I'm really digging at the moment. I just spilled tea on my keyboard :( lame. The Chateau tune is a beautiful relaxed disco number slash space cruise with plenty of bongos to boot. Love bongos. Bongos and cowbell should be mandatory instruments learned at school I reckon, not shitty recorders and xylophones. The Lullabies track, remixed by Superpitcher, is a 10 minute journey of gliding synths which make you float away off to awesomeland. Where everyone plays bongos :)

Chateau Flight - Prism

Lullabies In The Dark - Iridium (Superpitcher Remix)

Last but not least, I feel i should probably give our neighbour Miami Horror's EP a plugging since it's finally out. It turned out really nice too! Not that it wasn't expected. This song has bongos so it's already a winner! And coupled with a glorious Voyager-esque bass it secures itself nicely. Definitely grab a copy of this when you see it around.

Miami Horror - Make You Mine (Instrumental)
NB: Replaced with the instrumental by request.

OK, I'm done.