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

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

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.

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

Bass Bass Drum

Signed to Ellen Allien's label, Bpitch Control, Modeselektor released their second album "Happy Birthday!" late in 2007. Modeselektor is a German duo composed of Gernot Bronsert and Sebastian Szary. By no means would I put "Happy Birthday!" in my top ten list of albums from last year. That’s because there are 17 tracks on the album when there should only be about 10. If the duo chose to slim down the track list then the whole album would just be brilliant! However, considering they made the album in some kind of mobile recording studio you have to be more impressed than disappointed. The album transcends all genres. If you are looking for electronica tracks then check out "Godspeed," "Happy Birthday" and "Deboutonner" featuring Siriusimo. Hip-Hop fans check out "Let Your Love Grow" and the "The Dark Side of the Sun." Or if you are more into Dubstep & Grime; "Hyper Hyper" is fantastic. Techno fans should download "Sucker Pin" and "Black Block." So, as you can see there is a wide variety of genres in "Happy Birthday!" There is even a track with radiohead's Thom Yorke titled "The White Flash. I think they will put on one hell of a live show so we all should be hoping they go on a tour in the U.S. before they play Coachella this year.

What I'm Listening To

Gui Boratto is an excellent minimal, house and techno composer from Brazil. Signed to the Kompakt label with other talented acts like Superpitcher and Michael Mayer; this is one of the labels releases. Gui Boratto's "Chromophobia" is not a minimal album like you probably would expect from German label. The tempo is always changing in the album. You got your minimal tracks like "Gate 7" and "The Blessing." You also have "Beautiful Life" which has a house vibe to it. Finally, you have a nice electronica track titled "Xilo" and the standout techno track "Shebang" to really get your head nodding.

Gui's Tour Dates

Techno Thursday

DJ Tocadisco - The Black Series (Part 2)

Tech-House at its finest. Amazing build up before the bass drops on "Morumbi."


Deadmau5 - Faxing Berlin [Mau5trap]











Deadmau5 is one of my favorite progressive house djs from last year. With Chris Lake's take on "Faxing Berlin" I know why. I can't wait to see Deadmau5 at Coachella this year. I wonder if I will enjoy seeing him early in the afternoon in the blistering heat as much as I would if I saw him at night like at TAO or something. For some reason I don't think I will.

In honor of MSTRKRFT releasing their spring tour dates and their new kick ass poster I have been listening to MSTRKRFT The Looks today. I remember walking into the front gate of Coachella last year and hearing MSTRKRFT play Daft Punk's "Rolling & Scratchin." The bass was so loud and could be heard over all the other stages. Needless to say, my friend and I sprinted over to the stage as fast as we could. Peace & Beats

Top Tracks: "Easy Love" "Paris" "Street Justice" "Neon Nights"