Indian Summer MP3s

It's been a long time, so I suppose I should make something of a statement of intent. Here are the first of many more high-quality (I hope) mp3s from my personal vinyl archives.



Wake Up (Theme) (Stretch Silvester and Mike Monday remix) - Paradise Soul (Kinky Vinyl)

Excellent neo-Detroit stylings on an appealing slab of red vinyl. Harmonises effortlessly with your dancer's sixth sense and is predictable in the best way. Great end of night track.



The Phantom (It's In There) (original full-length version) - Renegade Soundwave (Mute)



Rave classic from '89. Your collection's not complete without it. Great cover art.




Atomfunk - Trankilou (KIF)

An ever-present on Parisian dancefloors when it was released, which coincided with when I was living there, maybe the happiest period of my life. Pepe Braddock more or less bursts on the scene with a classic slab of French filtered funk. One of six tracks from the "Escalope de Dingue" EP. Great cover art . . .again.



Pop Culture (Size 9 Live mix) - DJ Dozia (Ovum)

Josh Wink on form to remix fellow Ovum artist Dozia. I remember buying this from the now sadly defunct IQ Records on Lexington Street around ten years ago. I'm sure this will make a reappearance in certain bags sometime soon.

Minimal Bible

Thanks to John Hassay:

1. If you have some money to spend, feel free to bring lots of cocaine and
ketamine. Don't splurge it all on the actual party , as the after party is
where you drugs count - expect to be feeding your favourite minimal DJ's
with tons of nose candy until late the next day. Be sure you can hang. 2. If
you have a nice big flat and don't mind it being temporarily used as a crack
house, be sure to offer it to your favourite minimal DJ before he or she
leaves their respected party - be aware that you will most likely have no
say on who actually attends the after party, but rest assure you are on your
way to becoming a minimal hypster. 3. The haircut is very important,
although it is very important - you must not let this be the DEFINING
aspect. For tips on hypster haircuts, check on the internet for the latest
pictures of Magda - be sure the photo is hot and up to date, as this
commandment rotates about every 2 weeks - by that time there is thousands
with the same haircut. 4. Underrated but very serious in your quest to
minimal hyperstardom is the minimal scarf. Normally used by French artists
say to the world "hey I am an artist, shuchameblah" this is now a sure-fire
way to let everyone else know - hey I am down with the minimal sound.
Current minimal hypsters who sport the minimal scarf include Luciano,
Ricardo, Richie, Magda, Troy and Marc Houle. 5. If you ever have the chance
to meet Rich Hawtin, when talking with him - make sure you agree with
everything he says and most importantly REPEAT. If you do not have the
pleasure of meeting him personally, but have a friend who has - just repeat
to everyone what your friend has told you he said. If they are a true
minimal hypster they will surely repeat their whole conversation anyway.
With people such as Troy Pierce, Magda, Ricardo Villalobos, Luciano, this
same rule applies to a lesser degree, but still enough to get you on your
way. 6. This one is very important, forget about your health and live for
the moment. You must be willing to take as many drugs as your favourite
minimal superstar DJ. As long as your are willing to party until the last
moment on a broad combination of drugs all at the same time, such as
Ketamine, Mdma, lots and lots of cocaine, speed, LSD and the occasional
mushrooms you will surely be accepted and furthermore run the possibility of
being admired. You can never imagine the power of totally ruining your body
and mind in the conquest to being a minimal hype star. 7. This one is
simple! Keep it superficial. Under no circumstances should you have a
conversation with some depth or meaning. Recommended topics of discussion
are haircuts, the newest minus record, how cool magda is, how much drugs
Ricardo took the night before, how cool the current party is, and how
amazing of a musician Luciano is. Just tell yourself over and over, this is
not actually being superficial - it's just being minimal. 8. Sex, Sex, Sex -
in the minimal hypster world you should never expect to get laid before 48
hours of straight partying. Even if you have a special liking for that
certain someone, keep in mind that if they too are an aspiring minimal
hypster like yourself they will most definitely be at that after-hours, and
where better place to get down to sexual business. (This is the time when
taste, memory and morals are all flushed down the toilet) if you are a
female, this is the time where you chances are highest of scoring with your
favourite minimal superstar DJ, therefore immediately catapulting yourself
into minimal stardom.(most of the time you will just settle for someone who
knows Rich Hawtin). 9. Be sure to constantly read the writing of PHILIP
SHERBURNE - he is the man who will always keep you informed on the newest
and best hype on the internet. DO NOT EVER QUESTION HIS INTENTIONS OR
MENTION THE FACT THAT ALL HE WRITES ABOUT IS HOW COOL RICARDO, RICH HAWTIN,
MAGDA, LUCIANO, ROBAG WRUHME AND MUTEK CREW IS. He is literally the man to
go to if you want to be fed with the minimal hype. Although it seems as if
he is desperately trying to fit in and be accepted, everyone should realize
HE HAS ALREADY BEEN ACCPETED. He just loves his role as minimal hypster so
much that he wants to spread the love. As with Rich Hawtin the same rule
applies to Mr. Sherburne, everything he writes or says AKNOWLEDGE, AGREE AND
REPEAT. 10. THE MINIMAL CAPITAL OF THE WORLD BERLIN! If you wish to be a
minimal hypestar, one of the easiest ways is to come to Berlin with no plan
and frequent places such as the famous drug spots like bar25, club de
visionarie and panoramabar. It is these locations in which your minimal
fantasies become realities - expect to see people like Rich Hawtin, Matt
John, Konrad Black, Troy Pierce and Magda totally out of their minds and
much more easy to approach. It is here that you can forge those life long,
superficial - I mean minimal relationships. These rules are meant in no
specific order - ONE MORE GOLDEN RULE! Don't forget minus is the best label
to surface in the last decade with its revolutionary stance on music. Almost
as if they coined the term minimal

Nightclubs Are Hell

Something that made me laugh while I was holiday last week was this Charlie Brooker article on nightclubs. Despite loving the music, I agree with everything he says about the majority of institutions that play it. Let's be honest; most nightclubs take the piss. Anyway, read it here.

No Show

Back from me hols, but no show this Saturday. It's the FM launch on October 1st and everybody is receiving training over the next week or so on "the new desk."

I am playing the Box Tree this Saturday though. It's a "Horseplay vs The Priory Boatparty Afterparty." Expect to hear some good grooves.

Lazy first post after the holiday. Limbering up for a chart over the weekend. Keep it locked.

Machines Playlist: 11/8/07

I'm off to Provence tomorrow (see tiny map above). Here's last nights playlist and a new mix to download.

Der Mussolini - DAF (Virgin)
Electro Musik - Aux 88 (Creme Org)
Last man Up - Kerri Chandler (Deeply Rooted House)
Manyflexy (Delon & Dalcan remix) - Maxime Dangles (Scandium)
Love Love Love Yeah (Chloe remix) - Rework (Playhouse)
Next To Monchhichi (Adam Beyer remix) - Skoozbot (Plus 8)
Tuesday Paranoia - Jennifer Cardini & Shonky (Crosstown Rebels)
Can I Say - The Rice Twins (Kompakt)
Alabama Blues (Todd Edwards dub) - St Germain (F Com)



Demob Happy Mix: Download here

Transformers Theme
Missionary On Mars (Raiders Of The Lost Arp remix) - Bangkok Impact (Clone)
Fango - Pikaya (Cadenza)
Lime In Da Coconut - Cobblestone Jazz (Wagon Repair)
It's Between Women - Synchrojack (Ferox)
Somelightuntothenight - Cassy (Beatstreet)
Eyespeak - Ed Davenport (Liebe Detail)
Il Fantasmadi Hobanubi (Mark Henning remix) - Matteo Speclicati (Gumption)
In My Soul - Onionz & Tony (Siesta)
Dust - Tensnake Vs Suite 9 (Player's Paradise)
Union (Stacey Pullen remix) - Ultraviolet (Music Man)
Do It Again (Audion's House Arrest remix) - The Chemical Brothers (Virgin)
Cabana Fever - Sven Weisemann (Mojuba)
Viktor Casanova - The Italoboyz (Mothership)

Reel 'Em In

Two more beauties from my vinyl lagoon.

"Bottom Heavy" is by far the best track Tenaglia ever turned his hand to and is due a revival. This is "Danny's Bottom Heavy Remix" and is, imo, the pick of the double pack.

Bottom Heavy (Danny's Bottom Heavy Remix) - Danny Tenaglia (Tribal)

"Oh Baby" by Rasoul came out of nowhere to become a Jockey Slut single of the month and thus gain notoriety. A great piece of rolling, stripped-down vocal tech-house from California.

Oh Baby - DJ Rasoul (Soulfood)

A Very Moving Tribute . . .

. . .all the more so in view of what had happened at Heysel four years earlier. This European Cup semi-final between AC Milan and Real Madrid was played a few days after the Hillsborough disaster in April 1989. I was there, safely sitting down in a stand near the Nottingham Forest end. I saw everything happen though, in technicolor. The year before I'd been with a friend in the Leppings Lane End at the same stage in the competition against the same team, and spent the whole game standing on a partition, the crush being that bad.

Anyway, I digress. The Liverpool/Forest semi was stopped after six minutes as events gradually began to unfold. In the Milan/Madrid match, the referee stopped play after six minutes for a minutes silence. Amazingly the San Siro was filled with the sound of Italian and Spanish fans singing "You'll Never Walk Alone." A wonderful gesture of solidarity that brings a tear to the eye if you're a sentimental old git like me. Could you imagine anything like that happening now? Doubt it.



And here are the goals from one of the most comprehensive demolishings in European Cup history. The Milan of Rijkaard, Gullit, van Basten, Ancelotti, Baresi, Maldini et al. One of the best teams to ever grace the Earth.

The Damned United

Got turned on to David Peace by Olivier, and thought I'd start with his most recent output, and one that's not part of a series "The Damned United." So far, so excellent. You don't have to have any interest in football to enjoy this book. It could help if you knew a little about Brian Clough and his personality. He hated Leeds United so much he decided to become their manager. For a few opinions, click here.

Balil & Daft Punk/Armand Van Helden

Just to keep my hand in until I can find all the stuff that I really want to put on here, here are two more great tunes from yesteryear. "Parasight" by Balil aka The Black Dog is an acid trance classic that I've got The Secret Life Of Trance Vol. 2 (Rising High). It's got some ethnic Megadog traits, but it's none the worse for them and is still a great piece of music.

Parasight - Balil (Rising High Records)

Armand Van Helden's 1996 remix of Daft Punk's "Da Funk" (Virgin) was a track I heard Luke Solomon play at The Queen in Paris all those years ago and just had to have. It bears little resemblance to the original, instead becoming more French filter disco than Daft Punk were themselves. It's a backhanded Van Helden tribute to the sound he rode during one of house music's most fruitful periods.

Da Funk (Ten Minutes Of Funk Mix) - Daft Punk (Virgin)

Phonique & Matty

Read my RA reviews for Phonique's "Good Idea" here, and Matty Heilbronn's "The Jungle Dub EP" here.

CJ's Baby Mix

I was supposed to go down to London yesterday but instead stayed in sunny Cambridge. Just as well I did as JP Hassay was indisposed and preoccupied. I had a garbled telephone conversation with him in which he explained that his sister, CJ, had given birth to a 9lb baby which was two weeks overdue. If I remember right his name is Stanley. Suitably inspired I got battered and did this mix. I wouldn't play it to the baby though. I've got a white label of "How Much Is That Doggie In The Window" which I'll put up for download later.

It's ok for a spontaneous Saturday night workout. Gallops a little bit between "China Girl" and "Harajuku" and maybe "Confused" could have been a little slower, but I'm nitpicking. I think track selection more than makes up for it, especially "Lonely Winter."

Mixed on two Technics 1210s, two Pioneer CDJ200s and edited (very) slightly (I'm not used to the technology) on Amadeus 1.0.3

CJ's Baby Mix: 4/8/07

Colour Me Green - Tom Gilleron (TEC)
Vantage Isle (Echospace remix) - Deepchord (Echospace)
Hooked - Tiger Stripes (Liebe Detail)
Rainbow Delta (Jerome Sydenham remix) - Len Faki (Ostgut Ton)
China Girl - Adam Beyer (Mad Eye)
Harajuku - Jamie Jones (Cocoon)
Lonely Winter (Dubfire's Luv Dub) - Watergate (Deep Dish Records)
World Of A Woman - Naughty (Moodmusic)
Confused - Simon Baker (Viva)
All For One (Tobi Neumann's Swinging remix) - Johannes Heil (Klang)
System Vision - Little Mike & Ty Tek (Casa Del Soul)
Phunk (Ricardo Villalobos remix) - Innersphere aka Shinedoe (Intacto)
003 - Mountain People (Mountain)
Give Myself To You (Grand Ballroom mix) - The Daou (Tribal)

I've got the Bug . . .

No, not the Steve Bug, the posting bug.

Pick Your Poison - Chris Nazuka (Tweekin')

Another lesson in political spoken-word deep house techiness. This was originally released as part of a double 12" on the San Francisco-based label. Still powerful now. Where is Chris these days? Comments welcome.

Soulsaver - The Deacon aka Gerald Mitchell (S.I.D.)

Released in 1997 on "Interstellar Fugitives" (UR) and then purchased by me on the rare as hen's teeth Sold In Detroit from Atlas Records (RIP) in Soho this is vocodered robo-funk at its best. George Clinton and Zapp's bastard offspring.

Two More Lost Classics

Bon Voyage - Air Frog (Svek)

Possibly Svek's finest moment before it went all deep and noodly. "Bon Voyage"is a rambunctious riot of sound that is in a category all of its own, "sonic carnival music" by any other name, there's a little bit of everything in this.

Moonraker (Main mix) - Foremost Poets (Soundmen On Wax)

I first heard this at 333 when Derrick Carter was playing. He liked it so much he played it about three times scattered throughout his set. Spoken word soundalikes take note. This is how it's done. Upgrade the formula!

More Of The Good Stuff . . .

Seldom has the spoken word been used to more dramatic effect, well that's what I like about "Web of Deceit" anyway. One-time Derrick Carter sparring partner Chris Nazuka on fine form as Primary Colours on Fair Park straight outta Texas. Another firm underground favourite on the South London/Croydon underground from around ten years ago. Lovely. I'll post a similar track from his "Butterfly" EP on Tweekin' soon.

Web of Deceit - Primary Colours (Fair Park)

And here's another sure shot. The record that most people remember Siesta Records for. "Hear 'dis Sound" by Halo & Hipp-E aka H-Foundation. It's a true bi-polar mixing track with a great Michael Smith sample thrown over the top. You've surely heard this one. Came out at the beginning of the millenium.

Hear 'dis Sound - H-Foundation (Siesta)

John Ciafone In The House

Two of the tracks I'll always remember from my Wiggle days. I moved back to the UK from France in the second half of 1997, the perfect time to catch these two monsters. The first, a dub mix of King Britt Presents Sylk 130's "Whwn The Funk Hits The Fan" lays down a steam train of a groove that when played at optimum volume works the crowd wickedly. The second, Ciafone's Chiapet project on Yoshi Toshi is messy drug music of the highest order. "Tick Tock" comes in two mixes, the "Apocalypse Now" mix, and the one here the "War Of The Worlds" mix. Having said that, they could have got things mixed up as the helicopter in the background is more US Army than Martian.

Masters of the dark dubby house groove Ciafone and Lem Springsteen as Mood II Swing are sadly missed. For me they more or less define house music as I like it to be heard. A whiff of Basic Channel laying the foundation for chunks of groove. They are sadly missed.

Please comment on the files if they're in any way defective. I'm new to this game and expecting plenty of teething trouble. If these go well, there'll be more.

When The Funk Hits The Fan (Mood II Swing's When The Dub Hits The Fan) - Sylk 130 (Ovum)

Tick Tock (War Of The Worlds Mix) - Chiapet (Yoshi Toshi)

Hope they come out well.

Machines Playlist: 28/7/07

Here's the playlist from last night's show.


Boys (Summertime Love) – Hazel Robinson (Republic of Desire)
Be Alone – Loran Waldek (Stratospherik)
Lost On The Way To DC10 (Berlin version) – Troy Pierce (Minus)
Kind Of Nitzer – Aril Brikha (Peacefrog)
Another Shan Deal – Kyoto Young Team (Clever Music)
China Girl – Adam Beyer (Mad Eye)
Funky Noise – Largo and Brian (Beiak)
Do It Again (Oliver Huntemann remix) – Chemical Brothers (cdr)
Lost The High – Vector Lovers (Soma)
Fire (Claude Vonstrokes “Like Fire” remix) – Jeff Samuel (Poker Flat)
Face Your Fate – DJ 3000 (Motech)
Rainbow Delta (Jerome Sydenham remix) – Len Faki (Ostgut Ton)
004 – Mountain People (Mountain)

Ewan Pearson Fabric Radio Mix:

Like A Child (Carl Craig remix) – Junior Boys (Domino)
Kazan – Motorcity Soul (Aus)
Do It Again (Audion's House Arrest remix) – The Chemical Brothers (Virgin)
Superjam – Superpitcher (Kompakt Extra)
Shadow Ray – Omar S (FXHE)
Put Put Put (Tobi Neumann remix) – M.A.N.D.Y. (Get Physical)

Magda Had a Little Troll & Wonder 21

Read my RA reviews of the "Magda Had a Little Troll" remixes and "Wonder 21" by Karmina here & here.

Back to Burn???

Some pretty nice computer-generated images of Liverpool's new stadium. Looking good . . .


Seems like I've been to the dark side of the moon and back when I've just been to friends in North Wales for four days. Had a nice, relaxing time, saw Mr Hurst, now resident in Oslo, who said I can come out there to play. Sounds good. He was with Rima, his girlfriend, and it seemed bizarre that I hadn't bumped into him since 2003.

Show tonight. I'll be paying the Ewan Pearson Fabric promo mix that he did for his recently released mix. I haven't worked out the rest yet, but it'll be fun-packed and guaranteed to satisfy. I had hoped to have Hector, my young assistant, with me to provide some cutting commentary but he's off to a party to consume X amount of jelly and gum-rotting sweeties.

On my tod for the next two weeks, so I'll be putting up some MP3s from my collection, older stuff, nothing that I'm currently being sent. Keep it locked.

Flex at The Compound: 14/7/07

Mark driving his Traktor.



A fish in the crowd.


Clean yer ears, Pickles.


That wire looks suspect.

"Got any Veras? Lavverrlly . . . "

Panoramic view and gratuitous "loved up" hug.


Largo and life behind the dj.



The author and Tom Hallmark.





Tom on the ones and twos






There's no need for that!


So it's been and gone already. I remember first getting wind of the latest Flex installment back in February, eagerly anticipating it then and now I've probably got to wait until next year for another one. Anyway it didn't disappoint. The music was wonderful from start to finish. Le Jockey slowly opening things up, passing the baton on to Mark Henning, then to Mr C, Largo, Tom & Alex and The Priory. To say it was messy is an understatement. The deep, druggy tech-house that soundtracked the evening provided the perfect backdrop. I couldn't stop moving all night.

Mark played a good set, despite being plagued by periodic feedback which was ironed out for Mr C. He took it into the depths and then gradually built it back up again. I played the trainspotter once and was surprised to hear that the track in question was one I have but have never played, the Oliver Huntemann remix of “Do It Again” by the Chems. I've always played the spaced out layered cake that is the Audion “House Arrest” remix, but Oliver's is the business too. An excellent set by the gap-toothed cockernee. Largo took over and rocked it, you couldn't spot the joins and then time took on an elastic quality. I remember speaking to various individuals and constantly milling around the warehouse gibbering. I eventually wandered over to Henning's house as him and Cat had given me their front door key, let myself in and crashed out straight away.

A brilliant night, and all for just a fiver! It reminded me of Wiggle when it was at Happy Jack's at the end of 1997. Same old messy vibe. God, if we could only do this a bit more often. Every quarter would be ok, just to make sure the novelty doesn't wear off too quickly. I doubt that around here though. The partygoers on Saturday night went for it like starving men.

Viktor Casanova -The Italoboyz

Read my RA review of "Viktor Casanova" by The Italoboyz here.

Machines Playlist: 14/7/07

Here's the playlist from last night's show.

Guppipeitsche – The Wighnomy Brothers (Freude-am-Tanzen)
Honeymoon's Over (Konrad Black remix) – Snax (TNT)
Acid Drop (Hard mix) – TEK (Beiak)
Jungle River Cruise – Solomun (Liebe Detail)
Viktor Casanova (original) – The Italoboyz (Mothership)
World of a Woman – Naughty (Moodmusic)
Bumblebee – A. Reckitt (Horseplay)
Europa (Aux 88 Detroit mix) – Nukubus (SD Rcords)

Dave Congreve Mix:

Vertex of the Parabola – Quietpoint (PastaMusic)
Rhapsody in Pain – Pepe Braddock (Atavisme)
Trying to Stay Underground – Abe Duque (Abe Duque)
Anticlockwise – Digitaline (Cadenza)
ABN – Devolta & Aquatic (Kalkpets)
No Junk, No Soul – Peace Division (Crosstown Rebels)
Cygnet Glass – Chrom (Sushitech Purple)
Once Again – Luca Bachetti (Wagon Repair)
Innocence – Sierra Sam (Toys For Boys)
Between the Walls - Bart Skills & Anton Pieete (100% Pure)
L'delay – Automat 3000 & Jan (Cadenza)
Apnea – Marco Carola (+8)
Kimono – Chic Miniature (Musique Risquee)
Realtime Island – Dennis Karimani (Smallville)
RU OK? - Ambivalent (Minus)

Here's the comp question too.

To win two copies of the new compilationh on Dust Science "Faith is Fear" please answer the following, appalingly easy question.

In which UK city is Dust Science based?

Leave a comment after this entry with full contact details. Winners will be contacted after the 28/7. Good luck.

Feeling a bit fragile at the moment. Had by far the best night out of my Cambridge career last night. Photos and a match report to come over the next couple of days.

Machines Are Funky with Dave Congreve Tonight: 7-9pm

Because the last show was cancelled due to a dearth of Duty Managers, (volunteers who look after the building while shows are being broadcast, it's a compulsory requirement from Health and Safety), I'm going to broadcast Dave's mix on my show. I realise things are happening in reverse and that anyone who's interested who reads this blog will have already downloaded it, but some of the good people of Cambridge and beyond may need some swaying, and hearing it on my show could do the trick.

Straight after it'll be down to The Compound for Flex. I cannae wait Captain.

Full playlist tomorrow or Monday depending on my mental state.

Oh, and I'll also be running a competition to win two copies of the latest compilation on Dust Science "Faith is Fear." Full comp details to appear with the playlist.

Flex This Saturday

Flex returns this Saturday to the Coldhams Lane Compound. I doubt there'll be a better night in Cambridge all year.

Honeymoon's Over-Snax

Read my RA review of "Honeymoon's Over" by Snax here.

Cobblestone Jazz: Put the Lime in da Coconut

Read my review of Cobblestone Jazz's latest effort here.

Local Tracks but not neccessarily for Local People

Horseplay Records




Beiak Records Logo


I've had a sneak preview of TEK's “Acid Drop” on Beiak Records. TEK are Largo and Zero, and for this first release on the label they've drafted in Dave Angel's old school techno expertise to provide a remix for them. The track is an enjoyable piece of lively techno with a solid electro feel. I prefer the original to the remix and I'll be playing it on my next show on the 14th of this month.

I'll also be giving some exposure to “Bumblebee” which is the latest release on Le Jockey's Horseplay records. This track resembles TEK's in that electro is it's chief inspiration but it's a moodier, more European influenced piece. I understand it's a collaboration between Jockey and local clothes merchant Anthony Reckitt. It could be Reckitt's own work though, as it doesn't sound like Jockey's minimally slanted sounds at all.

Both acts are local, Cambridge talent (OK, Largo's Basque and now living in Bethnal Green), and will hopefully inspire others around these parts to go in the studio and get busy.

Rapture FM Mix: 27/6/07

The blurry images above are rumoured to be computer-generated pictures of Liverpool's new stadium. Has a certain insect charm that I quite like. I hope someone forms a multinational called "Scarab" and gets the naming rights.

They aren't the only images I've seen floating around, but they're better than the others.


This is a mix I did for local internet radio station Rapture FM (link on the right). It's a bit rough around the edges, but with the chatting over the top I think it's got a nice pirate radio feel to it, and it's worth listening to if only for the great transition between "Nip-Slip" and "In My Soul. . . . ."

. . .I've done better. . .

Tracklisting From Rapture FM Mix: 27/6/07

What Makes You Go For It – Prosumer (Ostgut Ton)
Lisa – DJ Spell (Mule Electronic)
We're Gonna Move – Brett Johnson (Hi-Phen)
Kazan My My remix) – Motorcitysoul (Aus)
Main Room (Jay Haze smack My Bitch Up remix) – Lullabad (Crack & Speed)
Nip Slip – Mathias Tanzmann (Moon Harbour)
In My Soul – Onionz & Tony (Siesta)
Plastik – Simon Baker (Infant)
Formaldehyde – Carassi & Capriati (Globox)
Club Silencio – Lazy Fat People (Planet E)
Sine E – Jambi (Horizontal)
Love Can Damage Your Health (Abicah Soul/Dennis Ferrer remix) – Telepopmusik (Objektivity)

Download it here.

Slim Pickings (Ben Mono remixes)

Great summer-leaning house from the Stick Figures via two Ben Mono (Compost) remixes. Of the two versions on offer I prefer number one. My only criticism being that there isn't enough variety between the two.

The World of a Woman

Read my RA review for Naughty's "World of a Woman" (Moodmusic) here.

Not A Happy Chap. . .

. . .because my show's been cancelled tonight due to a lack of volunteers to duty manage. What a pain. It's only happened twice so far, but come every other Saturday I'm always on tenterhooks until the last moment and someone saves the day. Things will have to be better by October and the FM launch.

Anyway, this means that things are now going into reverse. I was originally going to broadcast an exclusive mix by Dave Congreve tonight, and then make it available for download from Monday. Now I can reveal the mix in all it's glory today. It's a deep, techy effort. Dave's one of the UKs finest and his online mixes are rare as hen's teeth, so here's one that he kindly did for me through Soma. Thanks to Don from Soma for negotiating this.

Dave Congreve Mix Live June '07:

Vertex of the Parabola – Quietpoint (PastaMusic)
Rhapsody in Pain – Pepe Braddock (Atavisme)
Trying to Stay Underground – Abe Duque (Abe Duque)
Anticlockwise – Digitaline (Cadenza)
ABN – Devolta & Aquatic (Kalkpets)
No Junk, No Soul – Peace Division (Crosstown Rebels)
Cygnet Glass – Chrom (Sushitech Purple)
Once Again – Luca Bachetti (Wagon Repair)
Innocence – Sierra Sam (Toys For Boys)
Between the Walls - Bart Skills & Anton Pieete (100% Pure)
L'delay – Automat 3000 & Jan (Cadenza)
Apnea – Marco Carola (+8)
Kimono – Chic Miniature (Musique Risquee)
Realtime Island – Dennis Karimani (Smallville)
RU OK? - Ambivalent (Minus)

Pity, had some really good stuff to play during the first hour too. Suppose it'll keep for a couple of weeks. Stay tuned for more reviews soon, including a few for Resident Advisor.

Mix Tomorrow Night

Tomorrow night I'll be guesting on Rapture FM in Cambridge between 8:30 and 9:30. Link on the right of the page. Try and tune in.

New Track On Horseplay

Heads up! Here's the latest offering on Horseplay Records, Johnny Davies' label straight outta Cambridge. Press HERE.

Any feedback welcome through this blog. It'll be forwarded to those at the controls.

Post-Sonar Jetsam

Post-Barcelona feelings? Motivated to get my act even more together and keep on top of things. Not easy with a four-month old baby to look after and, hopefully, about to move house. Anyway, I've been sent quite a few things recently, so now is the time to try and feedback a bit about them.

While over in Barcelona I bumped into the brains behind the up-and-coming net label Stratospherik and was given a showcase promo cd. The force is strong with this one and I intend to play a track on this Saturday's "Machines Are Funky." I was also given a "Fear of Flying 2007 Sonar Edition" 35 minute mix. I played the new Fear of Flying, the "Spookhaus" EP by Tim Gregor a couple of shows ago, well not the whole EP, I played "Lounge Art" and a fine piece it is. It also features on this mix, along with another Tim track and tracks by BLM, Leif and Dadableep too. Fear of Flying are a label to keep under close scrutiny.

Soma have been reasonably prolific of late. I've been getting a lot of stuff from them. Silicon Soul's Darkroom Dubs label has a few things lying around to test your restraint. Releases from Freska and the Jet Project are, I think, both already out. Again I played "To The Speaker" by the Jet Project on my last show, and a good piece of atmospheric break-laden Detroit-inflected dubby funk it was to. Forthcoming is a side project from everybody's favourite Argentinians (discounting footballers and ex-Nazis) Silver City. They have an album out in a couple of months as The Spirals, and it's sort of like what you'd expect. Full, throbbing basslines that will keep hips swinging into the wee small hours. I've only listened to this once and know it will sound better with successive scrutinising.

Vector Lovers also have a new collection out. Entitled "Afterglow," it's Martin Wheeler's third LP for Soma. Again, only listened to it once so far, but first impressions are good. It's a sophisticated piece of electronic serenity from a producer who's up there with the best in his respective field. Some of the tracks are old and unreleased, reassembled with Ableton Live. More on this in the future. Finally "Soma Coma" a compilation of ambient down tempo nuggets that have been put together by scouring b-sides and obscure album tracks. This should have been out by now but it's release has been put back until the 16th July. I'm definitely a fan of this kind of re-contextualisation and Soma's back catalogue is much better than most. The Henrik Schwarz remix of Alex Smoke's "Don't See The Point" is included, which should be a good enough recommendation.

Aril Brikha has "Ex Machina" out on Peacefrog at the end of July, and it's quite what one would expect. Full of soaring lush melody which is able to find it's niche at home, in the front room accompanied by a fine single malt a bong and a dog, or on the sweaty dancefloor, half paralysed by by weapons grade MDMA, Aril Brikha hits the nail squarely on the head with a dramatic piece of work that doesn't disappoint. Full marks to Peacefrog for returning to their techno roots with this work of simmering atmospheric briliance.

Other stuff has passed through my hands, so a big thank-you to everyone who's sent me the fruits of their labours. If I've forgotten anything the sight of it on one of my show playlists is a sure seal of approval. This Saturday's show promises to be a goodie as I've got a guest mix from Dave Congreve (Stealth, Dig Your Own Rave, Repeat Repeat) to feature. It'll be up for download on this site from the 2/7. It's deep techy goodness from one of the UK's best. I'm also playing an hour-long session this Wednesday, 27/6, on Rapture FM between 8:30-9:30. Keep your ears peeled.

Oh, I almost forgot. One story of utter pointless point-making involved Rolando in Barcelona. Aparently after asking for his fee up front he was given it, and then told to fuck off by the promoter because "they didn't like his attitude . . ." I'm completely behind Rolando on this one. When I first heard the story I was waiting for the punchline, ie: he took the money and returned an hour later cracked out of his noggin. Having met Rolando last year in Barcelona though I would have been more than a little surprised if this had been the case. As it is, what a load of shite! Who benefits in a situation like this. Apparently once the deed had been done the promoter announced it over the mic to the packed club and everybody roared their support. Bollocks! Sometimes for reasons best left unsaid money is needed up front, even me with the most un-business brain of anyone knows this.

Bestiari in Poblenou

Barcelona during Sonar was it's usual swinging self, but the police definitely had the upper hand on the beach Friday and Saturday night, stopping anything from geting too interesting. BPitch went off ok on the Friday night, but that's about all. Of course there were lots of things going on, but with a four month-old son who doesn't sleep all night yet, I was happy just to get some uninterrupted sleep. Party animal, eh?

Anyway, the best thing that happened all weekend was this mad carnival called the "Bestiari" in Poblenou on Saturday night. We were eating patatas and drinking beer while being surrounded by carnival beasts and heavy-duty fireworks for around two hours. Check out the video above for a small taster of what went on.

Machines Playlist 16/6/07 With Tom Hallmark

Here's the story of how the Americans saved us all in the middle ages.




This is the full-length clip of the bombers ending up in Abu Ghraib prison. The last video posted is on it, with loads more.


Here's the playlist for last Saturday's show:

During the first part there was an interview with Tom Hallmark split into two parts.

United - Midnight Mike (Republic of Desire)
The Fly - Simon Baker (Conaisseur Superior)
To The Speaker - Jet Project (Darkroom Dubs)
The Fog (Darshan Jesrani remix/Sasse Edit) - The Green Men (Moodmusic)
Who Got The Flavour Again? - Abe Duque (Abe Duque Recs)
Fast Freeze - My My (Cocoon)
Nomads - Jackmate (Phil E)
Manifestation (Paul Rich remix) - Eyerer and Collins (Session Deluxe)
Consigliere - Marcin Czubala (Mobilee)

Tom Hallmark Mix

Beyond - DJ Marley Marl (West End)
These Days - Rhyme Fest (Shhh)
The Real Deal - Miquel Graca & Patrick Dream feat. Roy Davies Jnr (Mile End)
Dressed To Grill - Justin Martin & Sammy D (Classic)
What? - Lil' Mark (Disco 45)
Swamp Thing (Claude VonStroke remix) - Justin Martin & Sammy D (Dirty Bird)
Double Barrelled Babe (Bold & Beautiful remix) - Jahcoozi (Sugar Cane)
A-Sided - Jesse Rose (Dubsided)
Cockfosters (Patrick Turner re-edit) - Jacob London (Movim)
Weird To The Insane - Lee Mortimer (Greenhouse)
Seismic Thighs - Hot Lunch (Innuendo)
Pull The Other One - Chris Duckenfield (Odori)
Butterflies - Brett Johnson (Hi-Phen)
Sevens - Pete DaFeet (Robsoul)

Coming back from Barcelona tomorrow. It's been nice to visit but annoying that there was a clampdown on the beach parties. Sunday wasn't too bad but the atmosphere on Friday and Saturday was a shadow of the last couple of years. I suppose the natives are fed up of wading through coagulated sand and urine on their way to the water. Also it wouldn't be surprising if the police had tacit approval from the festival itself, after all, the beach parties are nothing to do with Sonar proper. Always beautiful to visit but I think I'll throw myself into the local scene a lot more.

Sonar and All That . . .

Off, rather predictably, to Sonar for the next few days. The Green Men have had a rather good single out for the last six weeks called "The Fog" and you can read my RA review for it here.

Back to burn next Tuesday. Keep it locked.

Pre-Sonar Flotsam

That's a big one . . .

So, quite a lot to get through before Sonar envelopes me for the next week or so. Releases that deserve a special mention are:

Fabric 35 mixed by Ewan Pearson: Ewan comes correct with a selection that more or less equals that with which he introduced Soma's “Sci-Fi Hi-Fi” mix series. Varied and spot on programming plus some eloquent blending mean that this is the best Fabric mix cd this year by far (only Marco Carola's comes close in the last twelve months imo) and paves the way for the long-awaited Ricardo Villalobos effort, and, after that, Steve Bug.

This week's show will have to be pre-recorded but it should be a goodie. I'll be welcoming in local reprobate Tom Hallmark, man-about-town and one of the brains behind the infamous rare as hen's teeth Flex warehouse parties. Next one on the 14th of July featuring Mr Hallmark plus Mr C and Mark Henning amongst others.

I'm not much for exclusives, and I'm not sure if this is one either, but the next instalment of the aforementioned “Sci-Fi Hi-Fi” Soma mix series will be put together by none other than Mr Andrew Weatherall, it should see the light of day around September and will feature an exclusive track from the man himself. Oh, and it's going out as “Sci-Fi Lo-Fi” too.

As I'm at Sonar this weekend and not back until the 19/6, the playlist for the show will be a bit late. I do hope to film a few rudimentary videos with my camera, so I'll post them up. I'll be looking for crabs amongst the overpriced caparinhas on the beach. Hopefully there'll be no naked hippies pissing into the sea. If there is though, I'll nail them on this blog.

I've had quite a few bits lately and I apologise to everyone I've promised detailed feedback. Truth is I'm rushed off my feet at the moment. Thanks to Mark Henning for the latest two releases on Clever Music and for forwarding me his brother's release on Fear of Flying. Also to Soma for keeping me busy, I'll hopefully put some names to faces over in Barcelona, (or should that be faces to names?) In any case, everything is getting an airing on the show so if I don't mention it here, the good stuff gets heard.

Motorcitysoul

Check out my RA review of Motorcitysoul's 'Kazan' here

Machines Are Funky At The Fair: 2/6/07

The board outside the Circus Tent.



Yours truly in full broadcasting effect.



James and Sam in jocular mode.



Having a few words with a drunk who pissed against the side of the tent, got slapped for his troubles and tried to argue the toss with a certain Mr Fish.




Club Global rocking the hot joints.



This young lady was typical of the many beauties on show yesterday.




At the after party. Giovanni on the ones and twos.

Here's the playlist for last night's show, which was live and direct from Strawberry Fair on Midsummer Common in the heart of Cambridge. It was a scorcher! (The day, and the show).

Black Jack (Serge Santiago version) – Baciotti (Arco Edit)
The Dark Side Of The Spoon – Alexander Robotnick (crème)
Staccato Rave – Slam (Soma)
Incoming (Motorcitysoul mix) – David K (Tsuba)
Natural Gum – SWAT Squad Vs Paul Ritch (Resopal)
Another Moment Of Silence – Stardiver (Speicher)
A Flauta Encantada – Chris Carrier (Freak N' Chic)
Sadm Svek Pearl (Loop) – Magda (CDR)
I'm A Man (Audion's Donation remix) – Black Strobe (Play Louder)

The Priory manned the decks for the second hour of the show but I was too lazy to write down a tracklist. They opened with a track by Chris Carrier and Fine Cut Bodies on green vinyl, and also played the Serge Santiago version of Black Jack which opened my hour, but apart from that my mind's a blank.

Oh, and am I the only person that thinks Audion's Black Strobe remix isn't the best thing since sliced bread? It sounds like Engelbert Humperdinck on crack.

Friendly Fire & The Friday Night Special

Another jihad gem from Monkey Dust.

The Friday Night Special:

I put this together last night, so here it is warts and all. Too lazy to edit. Anyway, live mixes are the only true reflection of a dj. Feedback appreciated as always.

Grab it here.

Tracklisting:

Up in Flames (Glove remix) – Captain Comatose (Playhouse)
Nip Slip – Mathias Tanzmann (Moon Harbour)
Set The Limit – Shyza Minelli (Tuning Spork)
Feuervogel (Guido Schneider remix) – Solomun & Stimming (Diynamic)
Hermano – Monoblock (Freak N' Chic)
Track B1 – Glory B (Grow 002)
Apnea – Marco Carola (+8)
Mr G remix – Mark Henning (CDR)
Do It Again (Audion's House Arrest remix) – The Chemical Brothers (Virgin)
Kazan (My My remix) – Motorcitysoul (Aus)
Son Of Raw (Locodice remix) – Dennis Ferrer (Objektivity)
Think Twice – Ephebe One (Ferox)
Dark Star – Exercise One (Mobilee)
Bal Masque – Handycraft (Kick Boxer)
Munch – Redshape (Delsin)

Strawberry Fair in Cambridge today. The show is coming live from the 209 Radio tent at the usual time, 7-9pm GMT. The station is broadcasting all day from this location. It's a lovely day so it promises to be a laugh. Efforts to have a party after have been rumbled though, as the Box Tree got cold feet on opening for the day as an “unofficial dance tent” and the Loft will let us play, but only from 6-11. I'll be swinging past there after my show. Match report tomorrow, and show playlist.

Rendez Vous?

Read my Resident Advisor review of the new Freak n' Chic compilation here.

Been ill and on my hols. A bit of catching up to do . . .Watch this space. . . .

Springfield Gorge and Competition Questions

One of the funniest moments from the best tv show ever.

There were two comps in last Saturday's show. One to win two copies of Alexander Robotnick's "My La(te)st Album" and one to win the same amount of "Boogie Bytes Vol. 3" mixed by Modeselektor. Both come highly recommended so here are the questions.





Robotnick: Which Detroit artist released "Problemz" in 2000 as a homage to Robotnick's Italo classic "Problemes d'Amour"?




Modeselektor: Who was behind the first installment of the "Boogie Bytes" series?

Answers and all relevant contact details can be left as a comment. This comp wil be open until the 4/6. Good luck.

There are some other things I've got to plug as well. The Dissonanze Festival in Rome, which is getting b igger every year and is a nice little warm up for Sonar and something going on in London this weekend.



This is a party that cousin Mathieu (Harpo; God knows why he chose the same name as one of the Marx Brothers) is doing with Digs (DIY) and Dan Foat (Phonica). It's a freebie and I'd be there myself if I wasn't in France at his auntie's.