Seasons Change

How exciting: everyone's favourite totally-misleadingly-named-until-now blog is welcoming a new member to the band. I do mean Disco Delicious, in case that was ambiguous. Expect a new level of professionalism and a steep decline in reader disappointment.

In the meantime, I've once again had an Avalanches fanboi relapse, so prepare for some classic excellence. Actually, I'll post a couple of remixed Avs tunes, because they're both killer. The Cornelius mix of Since I Left You is pretty much what you might expect if you're familiar with their stuff. A bouquet of pretty bright sounds floating around and somehow coming together to make a really uplifting spring edition of an already lurvly song. The Ernest St. Laurent remix is a loungey house number which I wouldn't feel self-conscious blasting out the car windows on a toasty day. Convertable recommended.

The Avalanches - Since I Left You (Cornelius Remix)

The Avalanches - A Different Feeling (Ernest St. Laurent Remix)

I find this song quite adorable - a tune by Disco Rockets, a dude from Portugal who now seems to be in amongst the D.I.S.C.O.TEXAS crew. It might have something to do with the picture that accompanies the tune on his MySpace player, which i find strangely cute in a totally heterosexual masculine way. And the vocal sample just makes me happy. Simple but effective. Anyways, I'm really looking forward to more!

Disco Rockets - Running to You

By strange coincidence, I've been reminded of this track in several unrelated ways recently, which is perfect timing with spring merely a matter of hours away for us southern-hemispherians. The Ones, in my eyes, had some shockers but were well and truly saved by Flawless. What I only found out (i think) recently though is that the song that blitzed the radio was the A Touch of Class remix (a duo who also run a label of the same name, to which The Ones are signed), not the original track. Anyway, it's still a fab tune. Fun bonus round includes another, more disco-ish remix by Harry's Afro Hut, and another tune reworked by The Rapture which is at least interesting.

The Ones - Flawless (A Touch of Class Re-Remix)

The Ones - Flawless (Harry's Afro Hut Remix)

The Ones - Picture Perfect (The Rapture Hushhush Remix)

If you aren't aware of Nikola Gala, you should certainly do some investigating. He's an extremely versatile producer, covering progressive, deep, electro and a range of other things you can tack 'house' onto the end of. I've always been especially fond of Night Walk, having heard it an unhealthy number of times as the first song on Ivan Gough's InTheMix.06 disc. A gorgeous bassline, and synths that may very well have the power to make large objects levitate. If you're a fan of good music, there's a good chance he's produced something you'll love!

Nikola Gala - Night Walk

And since this post has been a little neglectful to the club corner, I'll throw in an old Switch thang which I've always enjoyed but have never heard played out. Makes me feel strangely sedated/drugged whenever I hear it. In any case, it's a really mesmerising groove. Take it or leave it.

Switch - Just Bounce 2 This

Now watch and see how good Kiyoshi makes me look! :) Tehe

Me and You

Hi Friends! Sorry for the weeks of silence, been kind of busy with different things, and been kind of lazy with music exploration. But anyway, I've got a bit of a disjointed but tasty post to bestow upon you fab kids.

If I could I'd post 25 tracks from the Us Two Music label, but I'm limited to 2 so go attack Juno Download with your credit card to bathe in more FrenchHouseFunkyDiscoJams. A glorious label with glorious uplifting artists who all seem to have some kind of psycho-erotic connection with the bass guitar. The two lucky selections are by Geyster (from France) and Matt Turner (from the UK) respectively. The first is typical Lifelike soaring space synth delight, and the Turner tune is a sort of cruisy but sneakily energetic groover. You can scope out the original of the Geyster tune in Kiyoshi's magnificent compilation.

Geyster - Under the Fuse of Love (Lifelike Remix)

Matt Turner - Live & Direct

Ohkay, I'll just post these because I still squeeze plenty of listens and clubplays out of both after some time of enjoyment. I am, in case you hadn't picked up on it (!!!!), talking about Sam La More's lovely mixes of Pnau tracks. I'm particularly surprised his remix of Baby didn't blow up; it seems to really dominate when unleashed in a club, but it never got a glance on the blogs. Since the link has been down for yonks, I'll give it another whirl. Also surprised his Samabanova mix seems to be kept quiet too. More laid back but a really quality tune all the same. He's definitely still a producer to look out for. And of course Pnau fucking rock too.

Pnau - Baby (Sam La More Remix)

Pnau - Samabanova (Sam La More Remix)

Loved this little remix instantly - it's cute and cuddly and really just pleasantly enjoyable. It's the first I've heard of Gomez van Gomez, but I'm hoping slash expecting it's just the beginning of a string of delights to come from their corner of LA. Killer name too! And I really can't resist Simian Mobile Disco in any shape or form. Definitely check out their new Fabriclive disc, it's just what I expected in terms of unexpectedness: sounds verrry SMD but I could never have predicted the tracklisting. Probably because I don't know most of it. Whatever. Enjoy this.

Simian Mobile Disco - I Got This Down (Gomez van Gomez Remix)

A couple more inbox goodies. Not what I normally post, but both were surprises for me. The first is a dark and droning take by Remote, of an MTO track. I almost feel guilty for liking it. Maybe. I dunno... It works for me anyway. Just have a listen and take it or leave it. The second is by a couple of fresh Sydney lads, White Dorks, who are making an impact on the live scene, and are doing nice fidget things. I see potential here. Expect more.

MTO - Bring It On Now (Remote Remix)

White Dorks - Do the Wobble

OK, one more for self-indulgence. Just quietly. I love the idea of mashups. Why listen to one song when you could listen to two or three? Just tell me if you like this or if you don't. That'll do me.

Otto's Golden Journey - The Whitest Boy Alive / Mylo / Fred Falke / Cut Copy

In other news, Disco Delicious is aimed for a sweaty, euphoric blog comeback. Clench your teeth! And GET INTO USTWO!

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.

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!