France is the New (Old?) France

Or France is the old new France? Or something. I've taken a step back into the world of Roulé and delightful memories of the French House explosion are flooding back in waves of ecstasy. How about a revival? I suppose Breakbot is doing a nice job preserving + updating the sound. Any other takers?

Here's some inspiration! Starting with the most obvious and heading down to.... still the most obvious. I feel like a tool, but I was never actually aware these remixes existed. Hopefully they're new to some other ears too, because I was super impressed. Bob Sinclar's mix of Stardust is the cooolest song I could think of sliding down a couch to. Dimitri and Bibi's adds some nice disco chic flavour with Dim's typically wonderful long progression stretching it out to a 10+ minute grooveee.

Stardust - Music Sounds Better With You (Bob Sinclar Remix)

Stardust - Music Sounds Better With You (Bibi & Dim's Anthem From Paris)

Bangalter, the glorious man responsible for human existence, put out plenty of great tunes on his label, but my faves are probably his remixes. His super funky mix of Roy Davis Jr's track, already an especially funky number, adds some typical Bangalter awesomeness, whilst the super-slow-to-start over-the-top-filter edit of Braxe's Vertigo breaks into an upbeat energetic bouncy ball. Bring back filter house!

Roy Davis Jr. - Rock Shock (Thomas Bangalter's Start-Stop Mix)

Alan Braxe - Vertigo (Thomas Bangalter's Virgo Edit)

More predictable classics I hear you cry? I like your enthusiasm. Let's go way mainstream with big French duos. Not much needs to be said about any of these, they're all solid gold (I'll take this opportunity to say a massive thanks to the brilliant Solid Goldberger, where i found most of the Roulé tracks!) and proof that just because music is hugely popular doesn't instantly mean it's shit. Cassius are amazing. Daft Punk are amazing. Bangalter/Falcon Supercombo are amazing. Easy.

Cassius - Cassius 1999 (Remix) (Long Version)

Daft Punk - Something About Us (Eastar Remix - Without Brass Version)

Together - So Much Love To Give (Archigram Remix)

Oh dear. I'm getting in DEEP here, soon I'll be posting the latest Ministry of Sound singles. I'll try and restrain myself after I get this out of my system: I'm guessing a lot of you agree with me (whether you want to admit it or not) that Stuart Price's remix of Four to the Floor was one of the sweetest tunes ever. I remember listening to it over and over when I was 15 or whatever, and years on it still has the same effect on me. C'mon, it's pretty fucking killer, yes? Don't be shy.

Starsailor - Four to the Floor (Thin White Duke Remix)

Ok ok, last one. I'm just in a self-dug chasm of blog shame here, so I may as well just finish off with a big blog steal (thank you discobelle) of Miami Horror's latest Presets remix. Usually I don't post Ben's stuff because within seconds of release it's all over every blog you can find, but this is just too good not to get a piece of the action. Without a doubt one of the best Aussie producers at the moment, and he keeps getting better, which makes me a proud boy.

The Presets - Talk Like That (Miami Horror Remix)

Oh well, I'm just having a bit of fun. Hope you enjoy these reminders like I have! To cap off this shameful message, here's some blatant self promotion: I urge any of you Sydney hipsters to swing by Candy's Apartment this Friday for the ridiculously fun night we're putting on each week of July. Calling In Sick are our special blog-cred guests this week, so it'll be well worth coming! Hope to see you there :) come say hello!

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!

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!

Happy Birthday!

Less one day, but yay, we've turned 1! I didn't actually intend for readership to extend past two of my friends when it started, so it's been pretty cool watching the blog grow a bit and get some looks. Thanks for reading! Hopefully we'll chug along another year yet, if not more than that.

I didn't do a best of 07 post or anything like that, but I think I'd like to do a personal 'Best of Disco Delicious so far' - some of the stuff Trentertainment or I have posted that I still love to bits. Just humour me and pretend to be happy with it. Note: [o] links to original post for nostalgia purposes.

OK. The Road to Recovery remixes were fucking brilliant. From the original powersynth Miami Horror redazzle to the dark and throbbing D.I.M mix to the insane Curses! power-banger - which has been a staple tune for me since first listen - you've got a broad armoury of amazing tunes. At first I was distraught that SebastiAn never ended up doing the remix he was commissioned to make, but these three are more than enough to compensate.

Midnight Juggernauts - Road to Recovery (Miami Horror Remix) [o]

Midnight Juggernauts - Road to Recovery (D.I.M Remix) [o]

Midnight Juggernauts - Road to Recovery (Curses! Remix) [o]

Simian Mobile Disco really stole my heart in 07. I find it hard to describe what it is about their music that makes them so good. It's so clear and precise and focussed, and generally they sound like extremely good musicians with a real talent for expressing ideas just how they want them. My faves, aside from the Muse remix, have been Wooden and the Presets remix. Both stunning examples of what these guys can do.

The Presets - Are You The One? (Simian Mobile Disco Remix) [o]

Simian Mobile Disco - Wooden [o]

Speaking of Muse, the DIOYY? remix of Map of the Problematique rocked my socks in a big big way. About as banging as they come, really. Not much needs to be said, the song explains itself more the louder it's played.

Muse - Map of the Problematique (Does It Offend You, Yeah? Remix) [o]

'07 saw the most ridiculously hyped event ever held in Australia - Daft Punk. Within a month of the official announcement, everybody who was anybody (and a lot of nobodys) magically became their #1 fan. I can't think of many music epidemics lasting just a few months that have reached the level of insanity that this did. I may be exaggerating... But anyway, it was of course deserved. Of the stuff on here, I'll re-up a couple of prior loves that aren't as painfully obvious as some others. Check out the Daft Bonanza post too with a bunch of yummy live sets.

Franz Ferdinand - Take Me Out (Daft Punk Remix) [o]

Daft Punk - Da Funk (Casino Inc. Amazing Disco Remix) [o]

The infamous Starfuckers continues to grow and grow into some kind of hideously deformed club monster. Still the best music, crowd and venue in Sydney by a long way. Check out the first Starfuckers mix Neon Nights here, if you haven't already. Many months prior to that though was resident Hookie's LESS HANDS, MORE RAVE promo. Sooo sensationally good. It dominated the car rotation for longer than many, which is no mean feat. Tracklisting is here. I'll also throw in the first thing Trent posted, a unique and astonishing old Bang Gang mix which I otherwise would never have stumbled across.

Hookie - LESS HANDS, MORE RAVE!!! Chapter 1 [o]

Ajax and Gus da Hoodrat - Art Killers [o]

A couple of tunes I enjoyed many listens over: the quirky, unexpectedly funky Oizo chop of Merrymaking, and the Mathematikal re-edit of DVNO, which I think is their best to date. Both add the perfect amount of freshness to already solid originals.

Calvin Harris - Merrymaking at My Place (Mr. Oizo Remix) [o]

Justice - DVNO (Mathematikal Re-edit) [o]

The blog almost certainly would have slowly dissolved and died if Trent hadn't come to the rescue some months ago. I'm sure nobody denies he is excellent. In particular this post had me questioning my sexuality. The SebastiAn remix of Das Pop... I won't even bother trying to articulate my erotic feelings for that song. The Destroy Disco mix also got me really excited about a new potential electro-producing volcano in Sydney.

Das Pop - Fool For Love (SebastiAn Remix) [o]

Klaxons - Atlantis to Interzone (Destroy Disco Remix) [o]

I know I only posted this a month ago, but in light of the Cut Copy hypefest washing over the blogosphere, coupled with my oh-so-tender love for this song, allow me to reintroduce you to a very fine remix. Oh that bass... Like a fat kid storming a party and gobbling up everything he can see. Really a beautiful thing! In additional new-Aussie-album celebration, cop the super Presets/Madonna mash for a third and (perhaps?) final time.

Mercy Arms - Kept Low (Cut Copy Remix) [o]

The Presets/Madonna - Hung Down [o]

And finally, maybe still my favourite mixtape ever, an Avalanches masterpiece, Gimix. A total change of pace from everything else on this blog, but top top top quality. Everything from Bob Dylan to Fatboy Slim, this is THE soundtrack to a carefree summer day. Tracklisting is here.

The Avalanches - Gimix [o]

New stuff is on its way, so don't get all grumpy and sulky. Lots of love, and keep reading! Still trying to sort this hosting issue, hold tight...

Lame

Sorry again blog friends, more trouble with hosting. Our music folder has been disabled since all those horrible mp3 leeching websites, particularly Skreemr and some Chinese one, have been crippling the server. Still waiting to hear back on things, hopefully it won't be much longer.

In the mean time just give Apocalypso a few hundred more listens. Good stuff. And don't use those filthy websites!

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.