Laiiid Back I'll Give You Laid Back

Yeeeeee Boiiiiii! Just doing some procrastinating, figure I should share some relaxing goodies.

For a start - Tim Sweeney on Saturday was SO GOOD. Oh man. So refreshing! I'm instantly inspired to spend all my time/dollars record hunting again, none of this digital rubbish! One of his staple tunes seems to be The Rose by The Laughing Light of Plenty, and for very good reason. Bigstereo threw this one up a few months ago but it's well worth a delayed post here - a magnificent build with a whole heap of seemingly invisible energy that gives you no choice but to move. A brilliant song and a joy to hear Sweeney unleash it in the flesh! He sent me pretty schoolgirl..

The Laughing Light of Plenty - The Rose

I just finished a mix for GBH.tv (which I think is going to appear on friday's show) which admittedly was very rushed, but it got me looking through some records I got ages ago on the cheap and kind of neglected straight away. One in particular I'd forgotten about was a Brice Lee tune which I only bought in the first place because it had a Yuksek remix. Personally I think the original is way out in front. Really cool bassline groove, an overall really hot funky party feel. Hoping I find some other gems in my mystery pile.

Brice Lee - Spam (Extended Version)

High Life is a rrreally funky French collab between Askine, Begbie and Daze which I really should have blogged a long time ago. Especially love Too High - a really nice loungey number with some nice warm laid back rhythm guitar. A Kind of Feeling is more typical French House with a nice poppy vocal sample and tight slap bass. Not sure if they're still doing anything together, but fingers are crossed.

High Life - Too High

High Life - A Kind of Feeling

Still not going to stop yapping on about Us Two Music and Outcross Records. Seriously, they're the shit. Well Miguel Campbell isn't actually on Us Two, but he and Matt Hughes seem to be pretty tight - from what I can tell - so close enough. Need I say more? This tune is nice easy going soulful burner. Great production, great feel. Etc etc etc. Some new Us Two stuff got sent around today, some Outrunners tunes, go search them out.

Miguel Campbell - Can't Get Enough

The Phantom's Revenge aka the inventor of the 'disco banger' has more more more. Here's one from an upcoming free EP of short-and-sweet songs which, if it's representative of the rest, is going to be a winner. I'm not sure why I say most of this stuff anymore, it's all become quite obvious haha. TPR can't put a foot wrong; his consistency is undeniable. DISCO BANGERSSS!

The Phantom's Revenge - 3 Minutes with Apollo Creed

A couple of bonus songies just because I feel like it. I recently posted the Still Going remix of Anywhere, but I've since switched over to prefering the Compuphonic and Kolombo mix. It's got more character, a livelier feel, cooler sounds - it's just generally more exciting. Not to take away from the SG mix, but this is just more appealing to me right now. Also, I only recently (thanks to Kiyoshi) discovered that the amazing transformation of Da Funk in Alive 1997 is actually an Armand Van Helden remix. I can't believe I'd never stumbled across it before! Anyway, here it is in case anybody else made the same mistake.

The Presets - Anywhere (Compuphonic and Kolombo Remix)

Daft Punk - Da Funk (Armand Van Helden's 'Ten Minutes of Funk' Mix)

Hot hot hot hot~

Favies

I thought for this bad boy of a post I'd just unleash the beast and post Tiga's inthemix.05 disc in full, still my favourite electronic album/mixed comp. Done in late 2005, to me it still sounds fresher than 95% of shit I've heard in the last year. So ridiculously smooth, it seems like each track was written just for each other, all drenched in Eau de Tiga. I'm a lover of flow in a mix, and this is the absolute king of flow. I SERIOUSLY urge you to buy this album. Ajax's disc is just as good: some really creative mixing, amazing tracks. It's my favourite mix of his too. You can pick the album up here (cheapest and ships overseas) or here. BUY IT BUY IT BUY IT.

Tiga - inthemix.05 Disc 1 (Expired: BUY!)

Another fantastic mix from 2005 that has boldly stood the test of time is the Bang Gang's Ministry of Sound contribution, Mashed Two. Don't be too quick to judge with its ugly MoS branding, this is an amazing comp which really makes me uncontrollably sad that I wasn't clubbing at the time. Sigh. Like itm05, it still sounds fresh in its retro-ness. I guess 2 or 3 years isn't really that long, but blogs seem to make a month seem like a decade. Anyway, buy buy buy this album too. Here are the same two options, BUY AUS (again the cheapest option for intl.) or BUY U.S. I'd probably rate disc 2 over disc 1, so keep that in mind.

Bang Gang - Mashed Two Disc 1 (Expired: BUY!)

Kiyoshi sent over a really lovely unmixed compilation of French house tunes, mostly by artists I've never heard of which I'm stoked about. My two faves are by Acos CoolKAs and The LoFi Samurai. The first is a nice spacey Roulé flavoured journey, lightly seasoned with Bangalter, Braxe and Falke. Cool galactic synths floating above a delicious punchy French bass. The second, by The LoFi Samurai, is a funky guitar strutter which is plenty old skewl. The comp is well worth checking out, as I'm sure it'll introduce you to some new hot artists. Grab it here. Also check out Kiyoshi's MySpace blog - it's a treat!

Acos CoolKAs - Discotheque

The LoFi Samurai - Demonz

Been sitting on this one for ages but I've been very lazy and eventually got beaten to the punch by the magnificent Discodust, amongst others. But, I have such strong romantic feelings for The Phantom's Revenge that I'll just post anyway. He's a busy busy man, and the latest tunes he's churned out are big winners as usual. I'm really digging his pounding remix of Division Kent, blasting away with cool guitar samples and a huuuuuge fatty of a beat. The Tzarr edit of FCF was also on the Kiyoshi comp, so I figured instead of posting the original, why not prop two artists for the price of one. Expect some serious snowballing here!

Division Kent - Offshore (The Phantom's Revenge Remix)

The Phantom's Revenge - French Cheese Funk (Tzarr Edit)

And just a couple of oldies I've been throwing back into the listening rotation.. The Serge Santiago dub of This Mess, by one of my favourite Aussie rock outfits, Wolf & Cub. Honestly haven't had a listen to their new stuff but I thought Vessels was a stunner of an album. This version really brings out the great sneaky bassline. And the classique early SMD Peaches remix that first got my attention. Definitely a keeper.

Wolf & Cub - This Mess (Serge Santiago Dub)

Peaches - Downtown (Simian Mobile Disco Remix)

I'd be keen to hear what you cats think of that Tiga mix. Stay cooool yo! BUY THOSE ALBUMS.

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.

I'm Tired

I could spend forever bitching about blogs and how (particularly in the case of new blogs) they seem to have become everything they started out being against and how I'm really disheartened. But that would take too long. It's more something I'd drunkenly rant about to some poor stranger at a club. So think yourselves lucky. In any case, I'm far less enthusiastic about blogging than I used to be, hence the awful lack of posting. Sorry... I'll just roll with it.

All that aside though: I used to LOVE anything D.I.M. touched and in the last few months it's been a bit the other way around. For me his sound has become quite repetitive and stale. I really don't think it reflects the direction that electronic music is taking at this stage anyway. But I find myself strangely in awe of this not-so-newish mix of his. It's innovative, simple and very well thought out. I just go completely mental for the feel of those drums. It really seems like a love-or-hate tune, so judge for yourself. I found this on the always delightful redthreat - thank you!

Jape - Floating (D.I.M. Remix)

I've taken an instant liking/loving to The Phantom's Revenge, a lovely French fellow. He's really got a knack for gently butchering retro disco-ish sounds and this choon is no exception. Wouldn't have a clue what these samples are, but it's good fun discobanger party noise all the way. Can't wait for more.

The Phantom's Revenge - Moondancer

Another reluctant steal, this time from the marvelous discodust. I couldn't help myself here. Would never have expected Fancy Footwork to make a comeback, but the new remixes are pretty dope (note the cliché blog terminology? I'm really just blending into the rest of the pack now hey?) and particularly the Laidback Luke mix has me jiving around my room like I'm in need of some sort of help. Really nicely reworked for the club to bulldoze dancefloors. In a good way. So funky!

Chromeo - Fancy Footwork (Laidback Luke Remix)

Here's a classic that I'm posting because, after having the record for a while, I've had a hard time finding it online. The simply lovely Kawazaki dub of NY Excuse, featuring a splash of Funky Town and some fantasticly overdone cowbelling. Perhaps you've heard it, perhaps you haven't, but it's glorious.

Soulwax - NY Lipps (Kawazaki Dub)

Mash ups are cheesy. Boo hoo hoo, I'm not listening. Here's a great one from way back (which in blog terms could mean 2 weeks but not in this case) by Left Handed Bastard. Really just a nice alternative to play out, which is always handy.

Daft Punk vs Cosmos - Take Me Harder (Left Handed Bastard Bootleg Mix)

And finally, Hookie (from Starfuckers) makes a triumphant mixtape return with Less Hands, More Rave Chapter 2. The first was excellent. This is excellent. If you've heard the first, you don't need to be told he has a real talent for jamming things together and making it sound like one big long semi-retarded killer song. Despite the craziness it's got a nice flow, is what I mean. Tracklisting is here.

Hookie - Less Hands, More Rave Ch. 2

Hosting is still in the works. Fuck, I'm seriously going to flip about this soon. Also, thanks to those who keep sending stuff in - I'm about 150 emails behind but I WILL listen sooner or later. Sorry!

Disgoo

Came across some wonderful French disco-house gems in the last few days that I've been really enjoying. First up, Ice Cream. OK so these guys aren't actually French, they're based in Berlin, but they're on a label called French House Club. Speaks for itself really. Check out these nice fresh tracks: On my Mind features some classic funk guitar on top of floating 90s synth, and Rockerz jives and pumps along in big Bangalter style.

Ice Cream - Rockerz

Ice Cream - On My Mind

Then we've got The Phantom's Revenge, who actually is from France this time. Some big retro afro sounding songs on his MySpace, this one in particular again seems to channel Bangalter's ghost. Ooooooo spooky.. Since I like to march in two by twos, check out For Those That Come In Late as a funky bonus choon.

The Phantom's Revenge - The Furious Five

The Phantom's Revenge - For Those That Come In Late

Melbourne spunk 1928 pays a visit to Sydney this weekend, at Candy's Apartment on Friday, which appears to be a suspiciously good offer. His remixes are new to my out-of-the-loop ears and an exciting discovery. Each is a bit different, and it's clear he knows his way around a sound bank. Keep a hungry eye out for more, good things are bound to come from this.

Damn Arms - The Not So Progressive Punks (Narctrax Remix) (1928 Rework)

Menowah - Safemode (1928 Remix)

Yes yes, of course the Bag Raiders are brilliant. They've got one of the hottest sounds in the world at the moment, it's no secret. Check out a couple of newer releases they have on offer if you haven't already. That trademark soaring synth/guitar sound has a lot of life left in it methinks. It's huuuge!

Super Mal - Bigger Than Big (Bag Raiders Remix)

Headman - Catch Me If You Can (Bag Raiders Remix)

And here's a completely 'why not' track for the sake of adding one more to the list. You probably know it but I don't care, it's old but great. Really just good producing.

Dan Berkson presents Syntho - Concept

Excuse the plug, but if any Sydneysider wants a couple of cheap Climate Festival tickets, drop me an email.