Duke Dumont - Regality EP (TURBO)

(Love the bandana! I am one to rock them as well)

Duke Dumont's Regality EP was released in July of last year but it still has a couple of real bangers on there. I first heard "Lean N Bounce" on one of Simian Mobile Disco's mixtapes for Mix Mag(which is the best electronic music magazine I have come across just fyi). Everytime I hear that song I feel like lighting up a cig and nodding my head if you know what I mean. I made sure to include it in my recent set last week. Also, "When I Hear Mu'Sic" is another awesome upbeat track. I am too lazy to look up who did the vocals for the track, but even though it sounds Madona, I really like them. Tiga's Turbo Recordings just keeps on impressing me. Peace & Beats











DL "Lean N Bounce" (Z Share)
DL "When I Hear Mu'Sic" (Z Share)
Both tracks thanks to another site, so don't come yelling at me TURBO like you do all the other blogs :-)

SXSW 2008

Spring Break has sadly come to an end and I am starting to get back into my normal routine of being a student (but lacking when it comes to my blog). I am stuck reliving the good times I had during that week in my head. SXSW was the best part of my spring break for sure. If you have never been to the festival you’re definitely missing out. Austin is unlike every other part of Texas for sure. Dallas and Denton can compare to it, but Austin surpasses them in all forms of enjoyment. The city is just jam packed with bars restaurants. The number of bars there are in Austin is the equivalent to the number of casinos in Las Vegas. Friday I went to the I Heart Comix! vs Mad Decent party. This party was so sick! From the free Dewars scotch mixed with ginger ale, actually surprisingly tasty, to the music, and everything in between. Simian Mobile Disco played a stellar set that night. A lot better one than I saw them play the following Saturday night. Diplo went off, although it only seemed like for 30 minutes. Luckily I had the chance to meet him after the show. Diplo was an incredibly chill guy, unlike JFK from MSTRKRFT who I met Saturday night and acted like a total douchebag. Saturday was awesome as well. I went to the Scion party at Stubbs BBQ. The vibe there was great. Digitalism played an impressive set followed by one hell of a performance by Chromeo. I can not wait to see Chromeo again at Coachella. Saturday we went to the party at VICE. The DJ sets were mainly hard electro. It was my first time to see the Bloody Beetroots. I was really impressed with their skills and showmanship. I don’t know how these guys play with those spiderman mask on. How are they supposed to smoke and drink? In the end, I would say SXSW was probably one of the funnest music festivals I have been to right next to Coachella.

CHROMEO

DIGITALISM

SIMIAN MOBILE DISCO

ME AND DIPLO

THE BLOODY BEETROOTS

ME AND MR. TOO COOL TO SMILE OR THROW UP THE PEACE SIGN

PRODIGY

Were the 90's really that long ago? Man it does seem like a long time ago when Prodigy put out The Fat of the Land. You know that album released 10 years ago with the tracks "Breathe," "Firestarter," and "Smack My Bitch Up." Sadly those songs have turned into what I call sports techno, or songs that you are likely to hear over and over at a baseball or hockey game. Those songs are out of style just as bad as the haircut the main guy from the group had. Well today while listening to my ipod on shuffle "Out of Space" by the Prodigy came on and really hit the spot. It made me remember that Prodigy has more to offer than just music to play while the team is introduced. I think Amazon's review describes the album fittingly as , " an album even the technophobic couldn't ignore, The Fat of the Land made Prodigy one of the first U.K. rave acts to infiltrate pop culture." It then goes on to describe the controversy that surrounded "Smack My Bitch Up" that gave the album much of its attention. Geez how the world has changed then. Luckily Prodigy has other tracks, mainly from their other two albums, that us folks in the electronic community can remember than by. Some of my favorite tracks are "Out of Space," "Girls," "Everybody in the Right Place," "One Love," and the tribal vocal breakdown of "Narayan."Most of their tracks have an older and harder rave feel to them, but whose to say we don't crave that every now and then. Peace & Beats





= The Hair Cut














Haha and what is that haircut without an awesome sweater and dance moves to go with it.


Enough hating time to give them so cred

BEYOND THE WIZARD'S SLEEVE

Sadly I am just now getting into the whole psychedelic rock/electronic music genre thanks to Erol Alkan’s other half, Beyond the Wizard’s Sleeve (BTWS), and one of the main guys from Thievery Corporation other side gig Dust Galaxy. I just downloaded both of their albums so I am hoping they are good. If they are anything like BTWS remixes I am totally going to be sold on the music genre. Or at least go through a phase of listening to it to be honest. Peace & Beats

This is the first song I heard by BTWS while listening to Tiga’s great podcast.

I heard this song while listening to one of Simian Mobile Disco’s mixes for Mixmag. Some kid said that it should be in the Big Lewboski movie. I agree.

The great Midlake remix I posted on a previous blog.

PRYDA

I haven’t heard a good progressive house track in awhile. Well, since Pryda’s “Muryani.” That is why this EP was disappointing to me. I guess I had too high of hopes for Pryda (Eric Prydz & Cirez D). “Pjanoo” isn’t bad, but I don’t see myself playing it too often. Nothing too special about “F 12” either. They both sound like your standard progressive house. I suggest you save money, although I am sure die hard fans would tell you otherwise. Peace & Beats

Autokratz, The Ting Tings, Sport "G" & Mastermind, DJ Mehdi

Here on some tunes I found through the blogging community. Remember to support always support the artist by buying their merch and seeing them live. You know, what they actually want you to do. Also the RIAA is filled with douchebags ready to sue your ass for downloading online, so be careful where you download. Make sure you don't do it on campus or they can get you. Don't believe me? Check out this article from The Daily Wildcat. Apparently 14 students from my school are going to get prosecuted for downloading on campus! Absolutely absurd in my opionion. Peace & Beats

Sport "G" & Mastermind - Louder
This track has really grown on me. It has a fun 80's hip-hop feel to it.
DL IT HERE (ysi)


The Ting Tings - Great DJ (Calvin Harris Remix)
“Imagine all the Girls, and the Boys, and the Drums…” on the dance floor moving to this fun little indie dance song.
DL IT HERE (Z Share)



Autokratz - It's On (Fisher Preyes Remix)
Electro isn't dead yet
DL IT HERE (YSI)


DJ Mehdi - Signatune (Thomas Bangalter Edit)
I know this track is kind of old, but it doesn't mean its still not good.
DL IT HERE (Z Share)

DIGITALISM VS MSTRKRFT

So it looks like I am going to have to make the tough choice of choosing between seeing MSTRKRFT or Digitalism Saturday down in Austin for SXSW.

ROUND ONE: Coachella

Well I know MSTRKRFT is fun live....



Digitalism doesn't look too bad either...

But I think I will have to give round one to MSTRKRFT


ROUND TWO: I Love Techno

Digitalism 'Live' and with an awesome background


MSTRKRFT with awesome overhead lights...

Hmm tough to decide this round because it was such a bitch trying to find good videos from I love Techno. I'll consider it a draw.

ROUND THREE: SXSW?????

I guess we will just have to see because they are scheduled to play at the same time down in Austin. I think I am going to choose MSTRKRFT eventhough I have seen them before because Z-Trip is on before them and that man has some real DJ skills.

Some other Videos:
Haha it's hard not to laugh at the great German accent
MSTRKRFT INTERVIEW (kind of slow but it has its moments)
DIGITALISM INTERVIEW
Z-Trip spinning live

MONDAY MIXTAPE

Hot Chip - Ready for the Floor

My Favorite track from the #1 blogged about artists

DL IT HERE

Teenagers - Homecoming (Gentelmen Drive Rave Remix)
Smooth track from Kitsune to play during Spring Break.

DL IT HERE

Midlake – Roscoe (Beyond the Wizard’s Sleeve Remix)
My boy Brandon mentioned Midlake on his last post and it just so happens Erol Alkan’s more relaxed side (aka Beyond the Wizard’s Sleeve) has a nice remix of their track “Roscoe.”

DL IT HERE

DJ Apt One – Mickey Dreidels ‘92
Man this track is fresh, but way too hard to find so I recommend you dl it quick!

DL IT HERE

Pantha Du Prince – Saturn Strobe
Not to be a snob or anything, but I am not sure if Pantha Du Prince’s The Bliss is worth all the ass kissing it got last year but “Satellite Strobe” is for sure. It is just plain beautiful.
DL IT HERE

RELAX...ITS THE WEEKEND

So I have decided to go ahead and post some amusing videos I have come across this week. I am normally way behind when it comes to seeing the really popular internet videos, but I have seen these following goodies.

Sick ass Spike Jonze skate video complete with napalm explosions choreographed to M83


Dr. Steve Brule Monatage


Why wouldn't you watch this video? Do you have testicles in your mouth or something?


John Stewart and The Daily Show exposes the two sides of President Bush and puts them in a hysterical (actually frightening if you think about it) debate against one another.

ADAM FREELAND

Why is it that so many local DJs suck? Maybe it is just because I go to school in Tucson, but there should be good music everywhere damnit. Last night I asked the DJ at the local hipster/indie club, Club Congress, what style he is into and planning on playing tonight. The ignorant prick responded "why don't you just wait and see," and "I don't take request." Well he should. Of course he went on later and played dead jam after dead jam. Everyone was outside smoking cigarettes instead of inside dancing. The dj before him sucked too. The guys couldn't mix or beatmatch if their life depended on it. Being really into Crystal Castles at the moment, I asked him if he could play any of their stuff. I'm pretty sure he was lying when he told me that he couldn't because it wasn't his laptop. My roommate asked the next dj if he had any Mr. Oizo. Of course not. If only we had someone with talent playing here every weekend. Like an Adam Freeland spinning a set like he did for Global Underground: Mexico City? Now those are two sets that would fit the 'indie' and 'rave' crowd.

CRYSTAL CASTLES

So I finally got my room booked for South by Southwest (SXSW) and I am totally excited. It is my first time to go and I have really high hopes for it to be a good festival. I’m thinking about doing a series of posts showcasing some of the artist I am looking forward to seeing there. Here it goes.

CRYSTAL CASTLES
Crystal Castles remix of Health’s “Crimewave” is my favorite song of the week. Sadly my blog hasn’t become popular enough for me to receive free promos yet, so I don’t know all there other good tracks, but “Magic Spells,” "Untrust Us" and “Air War” are really tight. Their remix of "Goodbooks" by Leni is splendid as well their remix of Divebomb "The Whip." This simple Canadian duo of Ethan Kath and Alice Glass are in the midst of a tour right now with Health. I’m hoping to check them out in Phoenix on March 11^th; if I do I will let you know how they are live, but if not I am just going to have to wait until SXSW, which they have still yet to announce where and what day they are playing. Their debut album is due to hit your local record stores shelves March 18th. Peace and Beats

TOUR DATES WITH HEALTH:
02-28 Minneapolis, MN - Triple Rock Social Club
02-29 Winnipeg, Manitoba - Pyramid Cabaret
03-01 Regina, Saskatchewan - The Exchange
03-02 Calgary, Albert - The Warehouse
03-03 Edmonton, Alberta - The Starlite
03-05 Vancouver, British Columbia - Richard's on Richards
03-06 Seattle, WA - Chop Suey
03-07 Portland, OR - Backspace
03-08 San Francisco, CA - The Independent
03-09 Los Angeles, CA - The Roxy Theatre
03-10 San Diego, CA - Casbah
03-11 Phoenix, AZ - Brickhouse Theatre
03-12 Albuquerque, NM - Launch Pad
03-16 Denton, TX - Hailey's
03-17 Springfield, MO - Randy Bacon Studio & Gallery
03-19 DeKalb, IL - House Café
03-21 Cleveland, OH - Grog Shop
03-22 Philadelphia, PA - Transit
03-23 Baltimore, MD - Ottobar
03-25 Brooklyn, NY - Studio B
03-26 New York, NY - Mercury Lounge
03-27 Montreal, Quebec - Musee Juste Pour Rire
03-28 Toronto, Ontario - Circa

SOULWAX

Soulwax consists of the Dewaele brothers (aka 2 Many DJs) and a couple of other kick ass guys. They released Nite Versions way back in 2005. They really rock live. It is really fun to watch them all go at their instruments in perfect sync with one another instead of turntables for a change. As far as I know, they only play live (with instruments). Otherwise I believe it is just the Dewaele brothers spinning as 2 Many DJ’s. To bad neither of the groups ever seems to come over to the U.S. The album starts of with a re-work of Daft Punk’s “Teachers.” It then smoothly goes from there to the nice track “Accidents and Compliments,” and into the 3^rdand kick ass track “E Talking.” No tracks on the album are a bust. They just keep the flowing going until the bangers like “Krack” come on. The album then proceeds to finish strong with last two tracks “NY Lipps” and “Another Excuse.” If you like electro, and even if you don’t, check this album out. Remember “Part of the Weekend Never Dies.” Peace & Beats

Top Tracks: “E Talking”, “I Love Techno”, “Krack”, “NY Lipps”, “Another Excuse”

So This isn't the same version of "E Talking" from the album, but luckily I came across it because it is one of the coolest music videos I have ever seen.

THIEVERY CORPORATION

Thievery Corporation’s The Mirror Conspiracy (2000) is one of my favorite albums to listen to when I am relaxing. It is also one of my favorites to listen to when I am studying, which I am doing way too much of today. It keeps you chill and focused. Good stuff for being romantic as well, or at least from my experience. You probably know “Lebanese Blonde” from the Zach Braff movie Garden State. I am pretty sure the soundtrack won a grammy. Thievery Corporation is dub, acid jazz, down-tempo, chill out, lounge etc. Many songs have a great Indian/worldly vibe to it. I saw them live at Vegoose and their performance was magnificent. It was refreshing and something new for me to dance to. I was impressed by how ‘into’ them everyone got. It might be credited to the substances everyone was taking in preparation for Daft Punk’s final ‘Alive Tour’ show in the U.S., but regardless it was a classic performance. If you like Air, you should definitely give these guys a shot. Peace & Beats yall, I am off to study some more.

Top Tracks: “Lebanese Blonde,” “Shadows of Ourselves” and “Illumination”

FASHION FRIDAY

Sorry for no post yesterday, especially the ones who don't even care about my 'Fashion Friday' post, but once again my laptop battery went to shit. Luckily this time it didn’t catch my computer on fire (Don’t by a Dell). So in order to save time and not have to use my girlfriend’s laptop all day I am going to keep it how yall like it; short and simple. Just click the picture to be linked to the site to purchase. Peace




Art School Vets, although I am not sure exactly where they are located, are my best find of the week. Some really fresh Tees.

'Girlfriend' by Chaunce Clothing. $26



Sick shirt by Growing Pains. $31
Fresh Nike kicks available at wellgosh. Make sure you wash dem feet before you put these babies on.

Ha, I didn't know Mohamed Ali was an evil dictator. Sweet shirt though. $45

COMMIX

So I am not sure about you guys, but when I think of DnB I think the metal heads of the rave scene and how crappy it is. I had pretty much given up all hope on DnB, but then Commix, George Levings and Guy Brewer, came along. However, I wouldn’t consider them traditional DnB even though they are signed to the label MetalHeadz. Their album Call To Mind is definitely not as hard as most other DnB albums, at least the ones I have listened to, and is actually soft around the edges. I’m predicting that Commix is going to do to DnB what Burial did for the dubstep & grime genre. It’s just going to take them awhile to do it because music sites like Pitchfork Media don’t review electronic albums until months after they have been out. Seriously, today they are just now getting around to reviewing that not so great Steve Aoki album I heard in October. On that side note, how is it that kids from California are so in to Aoki when California is one of the few places that all the major DJs go to? It must be his fashion sense or something. Anyways, Call To Mind starts out with the track “Be True.” After listening to it I think you will notice a Burial feel to it. “Call To Mind” and “How You Gonna Feel (Feat. Steve Spacek) are the same way. Both tracks contain vocals that actually accentuate the beat, unlike many other albums where vocals take away tracks freshness (aka Pinch’s Underwater Dancehall). “Change (feat. Nextmen)” and “Emiley’s Smile” have a more traditional, but toned down, DnB feel to it. “Satallie Underground (Resistance Remix)” is another cool track; Lindstrom’s “I Feel Space” meets DnB. This album is probably the first DnB album I can actually relax or dance to. By no means do I consider myself an expert on the genre though. It just seems to be composed of many different styles. It has the bleeps, the basslines, the synths and the production I look for in album. I hope this album lives up to its hype. It did to me. I can’t wait to hear more from this young and talented duo. Peace & Beats

VA TURBO RECORDINGS

Turbo Recordings is a Canadian record label run by the multi-talented Tiga. Don’t judge Tiga by his very 80’s glam looks. The guy is great at what he does. He also has a great podcast that I seriously recommend you to check out. He plays all types of music and seems to just be winging it. They are free to download, if you didn’t already know, and I’m sure they will give you some great new tunes. His momentary in between tracks is actually very entertaining and way better than any radio DJs you hear on ‘real radio.’ Anyways, I think Tiga has a great ear for good music. He further enhanced my belief after I listened to Tiga Presents 12 Great Moments In Turbo. This is definitely one of the best mix compilations out there. Many other labels usually stick to one or two genres, but like his podcasts, Tiga’s mix is very eclectic. It starts off with the smooth as silk “Crockett’s Theme” by FPU. I am especially fond of this track because I grew up watching Miami Vice. What is even more embarrassing is that sometimes I think my style is very 80’s Miami Vice like, or at least my Ray Bans. The mix then smoothly blends into “Ocean Drive,” also by FPU, but remixed by Tiga. The next half of the albums is just stellar; including Techo, Electro, Acid House, Tech-House and Electro House tracks. Is it just me, or are there not many Acid House tracks being put out these days? Luckily “Azid Life” is a really cool one. Check out the album and let me know what you think. Peace & Beats

Primal Scream

The album I suggest you to buy or download today is Primal Scream’s Screamadelica. This album is golden for anyone who is coming down from an E trip. The concept of the album seems to be describing the whole ‘rollin’ experience. Taking ecstasy is an experience, to the people who have tried the drug, unforgettable, and the people who haven’t tried it, a mysterious a scary one probably never to be attempted due to the myths surrounding its use. Bob Gillispie tries to take you through the whole E experience with this remarkable album. The album starts out with “Movin’ On Up,” basically describing how he was once blind to the idea of trying , but now he can see, “You Made a Believer Out of Me.” My favorite song of the album is “Higher Than The Sun.” I think the track’s name speaks for itself. The second best track is “Loaded.” It starts off with the famous speech from the movie Animal House about wanting “to be free, to do what we want to do, and get loaded” before it breaks into an awesome old school house track. You might of heard it before if you have seen the great Peter Jennings special Ecstasy Rising. Then of course how could you describe your first experience on ecstasy without talking about the come down. That is just what the last track does in a nice a relaxed way. Peace & Beats

FASHION FRIDAY

A couple of cool t-shirts from MHI by Maharishi


"The Pop Girl Tee" by Insight. $40

"The Kick It Tee" by Insight


"A Opened Mind tee" by imaginery foundation. $30



So I'm not sure if this t-shirt is a big joke or not, but who the fuck would pay $45 for one of these shirts? My suggestion is to save your cash.

Also here is a video I just watched and thought was pretty cool, but not really the music. I watched off of some girls site that was bashing nu-rave.

Hadouken! - That Boy That Girl

MR. OIZO

So, I'm really into the whole electro thing right now. I know half of you think it is just a fad, and the other half just don't know anyone out there besides Justice. Well let me introduce you to Mr. Oizo. Mr. Oizo is yet another French producer now signed to the out of control, and also French, music label Ed Banger. I first got into him listening to the Transsexual-Patrick 122 EP released in 2007. The track "Ovoma" has a dark, 80's, and Kavinsky like feel to it. The top track on the EP however is "Patric 122." It's choppy, french house, and electro all in one. Not to mention the amazing saxaphone part! Can anyone tell me the last time they heard something like this before? Mr. Oizo also has two great breaks tracks("Monday Massacre" and "Sick Dog Try To Speak") and a nice electro house number with the title track on Flat Beat (1999). It is probably his best record. All three tracks are solid.

Mr. Oizo - Flat Beat

Sasha and John Digweed

Sasha and John Digweed are legendary DJs with decades of experience behind the turntables. They have played at everywhere warehouse and club known to man, and are one of the few DJs to stand the test of time and not fade out of the scene like so many artists from their time. They are booked to play a set at Coachella this year before an even more legendary group, and the pioneers of the electronic genre, Kraftwerk. The reason they have remained in the game for so long is because of their ability to pick timeless tracks for their mixes. There most renown mix/album being Renaissance: The Mix Collection which dates all the way back to 1994. Yes that’s right, the year OJ Simpson lead police on that infamous chase in his white Ford Bronco. Also the year when kids tried to embrace “2 more days of peace and music” by slinging mud, at the now corporate megastars Green Day, at the 1994 Woodstock music festival. However, Sasha and Digweed’s Renaissance is aimed at a more peaceful audience more in tune to the ideals of the old Woodstock. The 3 disc Mix Collection is jam packed with old school, but ageless, Trance and House tracks. Disc one is heavy on trance and disc two more house. My favorite mix is probably disc 3. It has more of club/rave feel to it. Unity 3’s “Age of Love” (which must have influenced the Field) transitioned into EMF’s “They’re Here” is just fucking amazing! The crowd must have been in heaven when they heard it. For one of the first mixes ever put to CD, you can’t help but be impressed by their track list and mixing skills. No wonder they decided to put out a 10th anniversary reissue with better audio quality thanks to new technology that was not at their use back in the 90’s.

Aphex Twin Is Weird

I've always thought Aphex Twin's Richard D. James and Windowlicker album covers were some of the creepiest ones out there. Like they were made using whatever program there was out there before Photoshop, or whatever everykid uses now days besides me because I can't afford a Mac. Anyways, it turns out that the only thing weird about Apex Twin is not just his album covers, but als his music videos. The guy is actually the electronic equvilalent of metal music fans' Rob Zombie, and by no means is that a diss on Aphex Twin at all. So, when I was first started watching the "Window Licker" video I was like what the fuck, is this really the video to one of Aphex Twin's best tracks? I mean, I find it hilarious and all to listen to ghetto ass people talk, but after four minutes into the video I was getting really sick of it. That's when the song and video finally started to get going. The visuals and cinematography in the video are great. It actually made me wish they still made cool music videos today, but then again MTV and VH1 don't even show music videos anymore. Peace & Beats

FASHION FRIDAY

I love to sport my "Leave Us Kids Alone" shirt by Soy. Almost everytime I wear it somebody will come talk to me about it; usually something in reference to Pink Floyd or the government. This shirt is also unique unlike the "Dark Side of the Moon" shirt everyone wears and probably half of them have never even listened to the album.

Akomplice "10 Shades of Blue"

Cool "Mixtape" t-shirt from Addict Clothing Line.


Some clean ass Aisics that I think can only be found at wellgosh, which sucks because they are located in Europe.


Dance Party Massacre's "Blood on the Dance Floor" t-shirt. $28