Credit to the Edit
28 February 2009

Photo courtesy of Neil Vance on Flickr

Manchester native, Greg Wilson, really needs no introduction. For all of his contributions to dance music spanning almost three decades, words like "first", "pioneer" and "originator" come up so frequently in his biography that if you're drawing a blank, then it's time to hit the record shops and get familiar. For our purposes today, there's an excellent interview over at Cosmic Boogie where Wilson discusses what re-editing is, the origins of the edit and his thoughts on its current popularity.

Adriano Celentano - Prisencolinensinainciusol (GW Ruff Edit)

Adriano Celentano is a highly influential Italian entertainer (artist, singer, film actor, director, television personality, expert hula hooper, etc.) known worldwide. Since the late 1950s he's recorded a staggering 40 albums. In 1973 he released the Nostalrock LP which featured the track "Prisencolinensinainciusol".

If you're wondering why the lyrics sound nothing even remotely like the Italian language, well, that's because the entire song is composed of gibberish and non-sensical words. While the title itself, according to Celentano, is supposed to mean "universal love", he explains that the meaning behind the track is based on our inability to communicate in modern times (or at least in the '70s).

Check out the choreography for this song taken from an Italian variety television show. Shake it to the ground at 1:25, sister. Doesn't her vocal remind you of the girl in I-Frau's "Robots"?


Wilson's 2008 edit appears on the Ruff Edits #1 12" under the title "Adriano Italiano". Not too far off from the original, it also incorporates a vocal sample from the 1977 funk tune Instant Funk's "I Got My Mind Made Up". The B side has an edit of Boz Scagg's "Lowdown" under "Blue Eyed Boz".

Klein & M.B.O. - Dirty Talk (Greg Wilson Edit)

Tony Carrasco and Mario Boncaldo are the men behind Klein & M.B.O., most often described as an Italian post-disco outfit. "Dirty Talk" was originally released in Milan in 1982 but received very little attention until it was picked up by underground figures like the late Ron Hardy, one of the first Chicago house DJs. The track eventually blew up and became such a successful hit that the duo was signed by Atlantic Records for the release of their single "Wonderful" that same year.

Wilson explains his interest in the track and shares some interesting tidbits:
"'Dirty Talk' was a huge track for me on the Electro-Funk scene back in '82. I was the first DJ to start playing this in the black clubs as an import on Zanza and it soon became the biggest track at my nights at Legend in Manchester and Wigan Pier (it was also quite controversial, as the purists on the scene thought that this shouldn't be played). The Hacienda had only just opened and the DJ there, Hewan Clarke, picked up on it - it was as a result of hearing Hewan play it that New Order borrowed the record from him and used it as one of the templates for 'Blue Monday', which they were working on at the time."
You can find this edit via Belgian label, Flexx. The original was put out by Siamese Records who were also responsible for releasing Dance Reaction's "Disco Train", one of my favorite records, the previous year.


Posted by La Decadanse @ 12:53 | |


Classics
27 February 2009

Photo courtesy of jonas_france on Flickr

Wilhelm K. - Reach

During the late 1990s, Detroit electronic producer and DJ, Wilhelm K., was organizing epic raves out in the Midwest, the now infamous Get party, that has some attendees still reminiscing about it to this day. It was in 1991 that he first began DJing but about nine years later he would found his own (now defunct) record label, d-version, which featured releases by the likes of the Frankie Bones, Swedish producer Cari Lekebusch and more.

In 2001, Wilhelm's "Reach", with its short but sweet and classic Detroit house sound, was released on the "Colours - Vol. 2" EP by Soiree Records. While he's shared the bill with big names like Aaron Carl, Green Velvet and Moby, Wilhelm remains relatively obscure, only brought to my attention by Belgian wunderkind producer/DJ, Jona, who sent along a mix with this gem neatly tucked inside.


Posted by La Decadanse @ 17:43 | |


20 / 20
26 February 2009

Photo courtesy of Feral Percy on Flickr

Silver City - Shiver (Ewan Pearson's Bari Girl Remix)

Getting into the overall umbrella of dance music when you don't have the slightest clue where to start and nobody to guide you along the way is difficult enough. In the context of the digital age, it's even worse trying to navigate through a lot of faux music journalism. Sometimes it's just easier to go to the source. In the earliest incarnations of Ewan Pearson's "Enthusiasm" page, there were lists upon lists of recommended tracks that helped wipe the confusion off my face. Straight forward, no pretense, just good music. These were the things that made Pearson such an excellent virtual guide, an even better DJ and one of my all time favorite producers.

When Pearson jokingly ordained himself 2008's Supreme Overlord of Dance and wrote a list of pretty hilarious albeit brilliant decrees, it was evident that he was making an argument for quality and authenticity:
1. All producers will take a vow of chastity for the first half of the year. Have six months off. Learn to paint or to knit. Take up bird watching. Do some voluntary work in an old people’s home. Make yourselves useful.

2. Further to decree 1, all producers will count the number of remixes completed and records released in 2007 and release a third as many in 2008. Work harder than you did last year, but throw away everything you think is not genuinely going to add something to the world.

3. No releases will be allowed that are generated entirely by laptop or plug-in. All records should contain at least one certified example of someone hitting something real with a stick, yelling into a microphone, wrapping strings around an object and strumming them. That kind of thing. Documentary proof, photos etc, will be required.
I first saw 2020 Soundsystem live in New York (coincidentally alongside Pearson) not too long ago and I was pretty taken aback by seeing a stage crowded with artists. I know it sounds silly but when you're accustomed to just watching some semi-masturbatory, solo knob tweaking and laptop button pushing, seeing someone behind a drum kit, a bassist slouched over his instrument and a vocalist on the mic (with the aforementioned knob tweaker) suddenly becomes something mind blowing.


Prior to the set I had no idea Silver City was actually a part of 2020 Soundsystem until I heard that all too familiar, gorgeous but haunting vocal from "Shiver". Fernando Pulichino and Julian Sanza, the native Argentinians behind the Silver City moniker, began their careers in 1999 as Ciudad Feliz before moving to London in 2002 where they landed a deal with 2020 Vision Recordings (Leeds based masters of visual and audial acuity) and released their first 12", "Blah Blah Blah". They were then swept up by the Soundsystem crew alongside 2020 Vision label owners and DJs Ralph Lawson and Dubble D (Danny Ward). Granted "Shiver" and Pearson's remix were a 2005 release, but such a beautiful piece of soul-stirring euphoria that twinkles and dazzles the way that this does doesn't deserve to be shelved.

Silver City - Polytechnics

The last I'd heard of Silver City, they had released the electro-funky Polytechnics EP on UK label Deep Freeze Recordings in July of 2008 which also features "Victoria Jam" and an edit of "Pendulo" by the highly esteemed Pete Herbert. Herbert records under the name LSB and remixed Runaway's "Brooklyn Club Jam" among others and also goes by Reverso 68 on Belgian label Eskimo Recordings. This is Silver City's second release on DF, the first being 2006's "Dubby" EP.


Posted by La Decadanse @ 01:18 | |


Chaz Jankel & Ilija Rudman
13 January 2009

Photo courtesy of embellezca on Flickr

Chaz Jankel - You're Too Funky (Ilija Rudman Remix)

Back in March we saw the release of Chaz Jankel's "Get Yourself Together" single on Tirk Records with remixes by disco house denizens Hercules & Love Affair and Todd Terje. Despite being a native of Croatia, not exactly a stone's throw away from the ground where Paradise Garage once stood, producer Ilija Rudman has been dropping records that hearken back to the original days of disco. His work has caught the ears of everyone from Greg Wilson to the Rong Music crew.

Rudman's remix is taken from the Burning of the Midnight Minds EP which appears on the Electric Minds label. He's got a new single on Bear Funk, "Dance Disorder", that's scheduled for release on the 19th and he'll be DJing alongside Metro Area's Darshan Jesrani on January 23rd in Zagreb.

Ian Dury & The Blockheads - Reasons to Be Cheerful, Part 3

English artist/producer Chaz Jankel has had an extensive career in music stretching back to 1971. In 1977, prior to embarking on his own solo career, Jankel and Ian Dury formed the band Ian Dury & The Blockheads (often regarded as an art pop group that fused elements of rock, funk, jazz and reggae), with Jankel on keyboard and guitar. That same year, the Blockheads toured alongside soon-to-be big name labelmates Elvis Costello & The Attractions as well as Nick Lowe. Resident Advisor sums up the rest:
"Chaz Jankel had a number of dance smashes hit the charts. But, for some reason, his work was soon forgotten—none of the four albums released on A&M made it to CD. Enter Strut Records. In the middle of this decade, the label stepped in and started the long process of compiling a greatest hits from Jankel’s extensive back catalogue. When Strut went under, Tirk came in and finished the job."
Jankel only recently reappeared after the release of a restrospective of his work, Music is My Occupation.
"The weird thing about all this hype, is that Jankel is as surprised as anyone. Born in 1952, he hasn’t followed the disco re-edit scene and was oblivious to the emergence of cosmic disco. He’s an old-school singer-songwriter, a craftsman that works to excel across all genres."


Posted by La Decadanse @ 09:38 | |


Ready To Go
12 January 2009

Photo courtesy of HowAboutNo! on Flickr

Osborne - In Gear

Spectral Sound, subsidiary of the Ghostly International label, celebrates the work of its prolific talent with the release of Spectral Sound Vol 2.

Osborne, or if you'd prefer to be more formally acquainted, Todd Osborn, is a double threat: part mechanical engineer genius and electronic mastermind. Not many producers can say they've been working on classified projects for the Air Force or build their own computers let alone lay down a plethora of tracks that resonate among critics and fans alike.

Beatport named Osborne's self-titled release one of the best albums of 2008, and rightly so. It takes you on a musical journey through the depths of electronic music, revealing the heart and soul that sadly gets lost among what (lately) seems like a sea of noise pollution. That may or may not be the direct result of the evolution of the technology that makes it easier to create and distribute as Osborne explains in his interview with Earplug. Suffice it to say he's made a career out of keeping the bar high.

"In Gear" is taken from the B side of Obsborne's third EP released on Spectral in 2004, Afrika. Other featured tracks include "Bout Ready to Jak" (his first release on Spectral), "Shift" and "Hydragil Exit" in addition to essentials from the rest of the label's roster like Matthew Dear/Audion and James T. Cotton. Bonus track time!

Matthew Dear - Free to Ask

For your viewing please, Current TV's feature on Ghostly which features interviews with label head Sam Valenti IV (most recent sighting at the People Don't Dance No More 2 year anniversary in NYC last weekend), Todd Osborne, Tycho, and Kate Simko. Check out those turntable slipmats!


Posted by La Decadanse @ 14:34 | |


Chavster Twockeri
09 November 2008

Photo courtesy of BigGolf on Flickr

Twocker - Chopper (Dopamine Remix)

I used to have my misconceptions about what "twocker" could possibly mean in British slang given its close proximity in pronunciation to two other commonly used swear words, that, when combined could equal... something disturbing. You'll find some people on Urban Dictionary refer to a twocker as a derivative of the species Chavster Twockeri, a personal favorite, but we'll just go with the "Taking Without Owner's Consent" acronym: TWOC.

Alex Calver and Will Bailey used to be known as Twocker, the wonky fidget/electro-house duo, but are now SUWAK in my book -- Split Up Without Audience's Knowledge. Twocker is no longer for reasons I have yet to uncover via Google. Looks like their Myspace page pulled a surprise ninja vanish. Rest assured, both are exceptionally talented UK-based producers with established individual careers. Bailey has already popped up with a new project under the name Rudi Stakker while Calver has successfully operated as Calverton for some time.

After dropping Bermuda Nights on Australian label, Vacation Records, Twocker's last and final release would appear to be Stitch which also featured the track "Chopper", later to be remixed by breakbeat/electro producer and Sydney native, Dopamine. Since Twocker has bitten the dust, keep an ear out for his remix of Circuit Freq's "Push Button Reject".


Posted by La Decadanse @ 00:55 | |


Erik & Fiedel
08 November 2008

Photo courtesy of planetenundblumen on Flickr

MMM (Erik & Fiedel) - Donna

While perusing the latest Boys Noize chart on Beatport, I happened upon an old favorite, released in the late '90s on Hardwax. So much Donna Summer love. I suppose it became a fairly recent digital exclusive hence the misleading 2008 release date but it's definitely been floating around for a while... and by "floating" I mean burned into the consciousness of most dance music aficionados. If you missed its appearance on the aforementioned chart, then you may have heard it on Boys Noize's contribution to the Bugged Out! Presents: Suck My Deck series, Swayzak's Fabric 11 compilation, the I ♥ Techno 2008 mix or on a European dancefloor.

MMM is Erik Wiegand (also known as Errorsmith and one half of techno influenced, disco-house outfit Smith N Hack) and mysterious counterpart/fellow Berliner, Fiedel. Despite a limited discography, after ten years together, MMM and Soundhack released an anniversary split on Hardwax which features new and old productions alike. It's worth picking up for Soundhack's aptly titled, romp in a disco hayfield, "Rodeo". You can preview all of the tracks here.


Posted by La Decadanse @ 23:02 | |


I <3 New York
28 September 2008

Photo courtesy of Luna Park on Flickr

Runaway - Shadows

Dug this one up from 2007 after getting my hands on Runaway's Brooklyn Club Jam released by the Rekids label. The first pressing of the 12" just sold out. This is probably one of my favorite edits which could be a testament to Jacques Renault and Marcos Cabral's talents, taste or a combination of the two.
"What do you get when you mix a classically trained, post-punk, disco-head; a Latin freestyle, Chicago house freak turned minimal-techno auteur; and thousands of records? You get Brooklyn's anything but inbred child: RUNAWAY. The duo have been informing each other's tastes since meeting at the Sonic Groove record store in early 2000, but Jacques Renault and Marcos Cabral didn't start producing their sound together until 2006."
It took me a while to figure it out, but this is a disco edit of Fever (a San Francisco based disco-funk group) covering a Motown classic, the Four Tops "Standing in the Shadows of Love", released in 1978. You can listen to it here. Runaway's version appears on Roy Dank's Wurst Edits label with "Ain't Afraid to Beg" on the flip side.

Brooklyn Express - Sixty-Nine

In keeping with the Brooklyn and covers theme, here's a 1982 special disco mix released by One Way Records, "Sixty-Nine". Popular number in contemporary culture and perhaps an appropriate title given that it's essentially a cover of Jimmy Bo Horne's "Spank". Is it getting hot in here? Cool down with this added bit of trivia: the quirky Madness sample in the beginning is taken from "One Step Beyond".


Posted by La Decadanse @ 22:04 | |


Generation Ecstasy

Artwork courtesy of hirondellerustique on Flickr

E-The-Hot Presents Franchising - The Drugs

Let us travel back in time to 2006 when Italian producer, Lorenzo Mangani, released The Party EP on the Mantra Vibes label. Master of triple identities, E-The-Hot, Franchising and Pirate Robot Midget, Mangani who is now based in Amsterdam has been producing records since 2004. He's the owner of a digital only imprint, White Weed Records, where you can grab "Soda and Popcorn", one of his must-listen tracks.

So what you'll find here is something similar to that moog squelching sound perfected by the Universal Robot Band on their "Barely Breaking Even" single, but also what artists like Daft Punk are notorious for. The 12" B side is the more widely known funky disco house gem, "The People", which appears to take its cues from the first wave of French touch in the vein of Alan Braxe and Fred Falke. It's something I love to play out whenever I manage to sneak into the DJ booth and play pretend.

Mangani is currently releasing new material under his Pirate Robot Midget moniker: fuzzy, distored electro jams like those that appear on his latest release, It's My Beat Now! (which features two remixes by the prolific Riva Starr) out on Hell Yeah Recordings. He's also got a remix for Parisian electro outfit, Teenage Bad Girl, planned and a few upcoming dates in Germany.


Posted by La Decadanse @ 13:09 | |


Stand Up
27 September 2008

Photo courtesy of Luna Park on Flickr

Sawtooth Sucka - Sit Down

Lee Mortimer is back as Sawtooth Sucka with his Phat Chance EP Part 3 released earlier this month on UK house label, Dotbleep Recordings. I previously profiled Mortimer in a post featuring a remix he did of Randy Brusseto & JR From Dallas' "Jazz Ghetto City":
Lee is a resident DJ at the Slide party at the Zodiac club in Oxford which boasts over 12 years of underground house. In addition, he has a new label called Wearhouse Music...
I may or may not have poked fun at the Sucka moniker but it was all in good fun for it reminded me of the classic American film and timeless Wayans brothers masterpiece, "I'm Gonna Git You Sucka".

Suffice it to say I'm not quite crazy about bassline, fidget house, wonky house, that sort of squelching beat bass batty boom boom house (I'm making it up as I go along). I'm really enjoying "Sit Down", however, because Mortimer deviates just a smidge from his signature style, opting for a pleasant return to a more classic house sound that's much less aggressive. Sometimes I fear I might get punched in the face and knee-capped by the testosterone-fueled bass bursting out of the speakers while on the dance floor but there's no reason to sit this one out.


Posted by La Decadanse @ 23:08 | |


The Inferno

Photo courtesy of el_fotografo on Flickr

Oliver Huntemann vs. Dubfire - Diablo

Here's a find from Coocoon Recording's Cocoon Compilation H which features, in addition to this collaboration between Oliver Huntemann and Dubfire, the likes of Joris Voorn, Simon Baker and Gui Boratto. Cocoon is actually a label founded and owned by beloved Papa Sven or Sven Väth as you may know him. I will never pass up the opportunity to post this video which is where that ridiculous yet suitable moniker originated. Ah yes, come and enter the blissful electronic world that Vath has nurtured until we emerge as fantastic butterflies that float upon the endless soundscapes of... whatever.

"Diablo" should shatter that imagery upon first listen, taking you a on journey down the devil's backbone instead of some hallucinogenic poppy fields. I'd characterize German producer Huntemann's work as altogether dark -- he has an undeniable ability to create a brooding atmosphere that erupts into something sinister, loud and ferocious. D.C. based producer Dubfire I've always considered just a tad bit more subdued than Oliver but with the same musical aura. The two pair off together quite nicely with the perfect combination of melodic intricacy and beat intensity.


Posted by La Decadanse @ 21:56 | |


High Control
27 August 2008

Photo courtesy of steveduteuil on Flickr

Spirit Catcher - High Control

Belgian producers Jean Vanesse and Thomas Sohet of Spirit Catcher originally met in sound engineering school where they became friends over a mutual interest in music and instruments like the keyboard. Years later they'd develop a sound they referred to as "modern disco" that captured the elements of their 2007 debut album, "Night Vision", released by 20:20 Vision. In live sets, Vanesse would hold the reigns as vinyl DJ while Sohet managed the keyboards, effects and electronic percussion.

In interviews Spirit Catcher attribute their name to a work of art in spite of the possibility of being construed as pretentious, but its worth a look-see as it is a pretty epic piece.
"At the base of Maple Street on the scenic waterfront sits Barrie's majestic landmark, the "Spirit Catcher." Ron Baird was one of nine sculptors asked to submit proposals for EXPO '86 and he was one of the two sculptors chosen. The theme of EXPO '86 was transportation and communication. With this is mind the artist thought of his sculpture as spiritual antennae. The imagery of the "Spirit Catcher" was influenced by the west coast location and the Thunderbird of First Nations' mythology. The Thunderbird is a messenger who carries our dreams and desires to the Creator."

- MacLaren Art Centre
The "High Control" 12", the second to last release they've put out this year, also features the tracks "Core Memory" and "Total Confusion", the latter of which deserves a fair nod as well. This record is available via Marc Romboy's own label, Systematic Recordings which has seen releases by Robert Babicz, Dusty Kid, John Dahlback and Zoo Brazil.


Posted by La Decadanse @ 14:17 | |


Return of the 'Danse

Photo courtesy of roly on Flickr

Matias Aguayo - Minimal (Markus Rossknecht Remix)

I'm thrilled to see Aguayo releasing new material on Kompakt having been a fan of his previous solo work in addition to his collaborative project, Closer Musik with fellow producer and German native Dirk Leyers. This would've been the perfect late night, sticky summer anthem but alas, the Fall is rapidly approaching.

You're probably already familiar with the DJ Koze remix of this track everyone's foaming at the mouth over via its appearance on Kompakt's "Total" 9 compilation series or RCRDLBL's free download. Against better judgment I prefer the few changes that Rossknecht brings to the table despite Resident Advisor's criticism that it only serves to make the track "more accessible".

Both Oliver Koletzki and Samim made their own failed attempts at fusing Latin flavor and techno beats with their respective singles "Technica Salsa" and "Heater". While I am a fan of both artists, they do fall dreadfully short of accomplishing what Aguayo has by way of his Chilean background and the mere introduction of his sensual Spanish language vocals.


Posted by La Decadanse @ 13:27 | |


Cosi Cosmico!
22 July 2008


Artwork courtesy of Edu Castelo on Flickr

Spirit - Potatoland Theme

Legendary Italian DJ and cosmic disco pioneer, Daniele Baldelli, recently put out his "Cosmic Disco?! Cosmic Rock!!!" mix, a collection of rare tracks, on Belgium's own Eskimo Recordings -- the label responsible for releases by Low Motion Disco, Aeroplane, Optimo, Lindstrom, Recloose, Ivan Smagghe and just about any other artist I love and respect for the caliber of their work and who, most likely, cite Baldelli as an influence. Prior to the full mix, these tracks were released in parts, the first of which featured, in addition to Spirit, Alicia Bridges with "Body Heat" and Bronx Irish Catholics with "Ulster Defense".

The original "Potatoland Theme", a mind-expanding psychedelic rock rarity, appears on Spirit's full-length, "The Adventures Of Kaptain Kopter & Commander Cassidy In Potato Land" first released in 1981. The track available here, however, is clearly edited for the dancefloor as opposed to some psychotropic fantasy day-trip into a sci-fi wonderland of starchy carbohydrates. Conceptual or not, it is so beyond my scope of comprehension, but I'll tell you what's not -- the unbelievably infectious nature of this edit.


Posted by La Decadanse @ 22:40 | |


Feels Like Drifting
17 July 2008

Photo courtesy of titleandregistration on Flickr

Codec - Drifting

The first time I went to Berlin I'd taken a train in from Prague, where I was living at the time, and couldn't believe how cheap it was to get there. It was like the European equivalent of the Chinatown bus only it was the rail and ten times more comfortable with a spectacular view. The only thing on the agenda that weekend was finding Club Maria to see the French-Canadian freakshow that is Les Georges Leningrad. Years later I'd look down at the flyer and realize I'd seen Ascii.disko in a side room without quite knowing who that was. Whoops.

If relevance is what you're looking for then here it is: This track appears on a 12" split that Codec did with Ascii.disko which features "Drifting" on one side and "Phoenix" on the other. It's the latest release from German label (and Codec's own imprint), Body Function Records.

Where I wasn't too excited about Codec & Flexor as a duo, Codec alone is really putting his best foot forward with this absolute beauty of a record. If people who aren't familiar with techno or electronic music as a whole complain about it's vapidity and disconnect from any and all human emotion with its synthetic sounds and composition, this provides an excellent example of the sort of depth you can achieve within the genre. It strikes an emotional chord in me, at the very least, and I didn't even have to drop E.


Posted by La Decadanse @ 00:28 | |