Gastronomic Delights 7: Parts 1 & 2

Two more from the home of the spontaneous and raw:

A Two-Part Feast:



Gastronomic Delights 7 Pt 1: Pho

Ingredients
• Beef bones
• 1 lb stewing beef
• 1 roasted chicken or package of chicken bones
• 1 large onion
• 2 five inch pieces of ginger, peeled and crushed
• 3 carrots
• 5 stalks of celery with leaves
• 1 six inch cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon of pepper corn
• 7 cloves
• 7 star anise
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 1 tablespoon of salt
• 1 tablespoon of patis (fish sauce)
Directions
1. Charbroil beef bones for about 3 minutes. Rinse and remove marrow.
2. Bring 7 litres of water to boil.
3. Add the bones (again), stewing beef, roasted chicken / chicken bones, onion, ginger, carrots, celery, and cinnamon.
4. Also add in a tea strainer ball: pepper corn, cloves, star anise.
5. Once it boils again, bring down to a simmer (minimum) and cook.
6. Remove the stewing beef (as much of it as you can) after 1 hour
7. After (at least) 3-4 hours, remove broth from the ingredients and bring to a boil again.
8. Add sugar, salt, and patis (fish sauce).
9. Let it cool on its own, then refrigerate overnight and skim off fat in the morning.


Gastronomic Delights 7 Pt 1: Pho


20061019 - San Soda (We Play House Purple)
A1 - Specter (Downbeat 01)
Station 1 - Jacksonville (Doppler)
Haunted House - Kris Wadsworth (Boe)
KapTinKrunch - Galuszka (Siteholder Uncut)
The Playmaker (Dyed Soundorom Couger remix) - Anthea & Celler (Freak n' Chic)
Face To Face - Pan-Pot (Mobilee)
Homer (Dustin Zahn remix) - Sasha Carassi & Gianluca Luisi (Plastirules)
A - Traversable Wormhole 2 (Traversable Wormhole)
Applies Generics B - Forward Strategy Group (Forward Strategy Group)
Megamixx (Mr G's Movin' remix) - Jonny Rock & Luke Solomon (Disco 45)
Ten 1 - Ethyl & Huxley (Cecille Numbers)
Maddoxx - Ali Kuru (8-Bit)
Look Inside Sun - William Kouam Djoko (3120)
Right At It (Michael Cleis Deeper remix) - Baeka (Rekids)
The Medium Is The Message - Levon Vincent (Novel Sound)
A - Mofo 02 (Mofo)



Gastronomic Delights 7 Pt 2: Char Gio/Nems

To make about sixty cha gio, you'll need:

Rolls
225g cellophane (bean thread) noodles
4 carrots, grated
8 dried shitake mushrooms, soaked
8 water chestnuts
1 dressed crab
12 raw tiger prawns, peeled and deveined
350g minced pork
1 onion
5 spring onions
4 cloves garlic
6 shallots
4 tablespoons fish sauce (nuoc mam)
3 eggs
15 x 25cm discs of rice paper (available in oriental supermarkets)

Sugar and water for soaking
Oil for deep-frying
Lettuce and mint leaves for wrapping

Sauce
4 cloves minced garlic
½ cup nuoc mam
¼ cup caster sugar
1 teaspoon chili oil
1 diced red chili


Soak the noodles in boiling water and set aside, draining and rinsing in cold water after 15 minutes. Put the mushrooms, water chestnuts, crab, pork, prawns, onions, garlic and shallots in the food processor and pulse until chopped finely. Use your hands to stir in the fish sauce, the eggs, the carrots and the noodles.

Fill a mixing bowl half-full with warm water, and dissolve about six tablespoons of caster sugar in it - the sugar will help the rolls brown and help the sweetness of the carrots come through. Soak a rice-paper disc in this until it's soft and pliable. Cut it with scissors into quarters. Place a dessert spoonful of the filling on the curved edge, fold over the adjacent corners and roll up, as in these photographs.





Deep fry the little rolls (I use a wok, which helps save on oil) until they are golden brown.


To serve, wrap each one in a leaf of lettuce with some mint leaves. Dip in the spicy sauce and do your very best to nibble delicately. Delicious.

Gastronomic Delights 7 Pt 2: Char Gio/Nems

Vermillion Sun - Eve White (DNP)
Deep Sea - Story 001 (Story)
Sweeter Than - Audiofly X (Supernature)
Bebring - Alland Byallo (Nightlight)
Balkan 2 - DJ Wild (International Freakshow)
Refuse Greed - Queen Atom (Dumb Unit)
Blues Brunch (Catwash remix) - Mirco Violi & Fabio Gianelli (Adult Only)
Life Form - E.S.O.M. (Emphasis)
Cirkel 006.00 (Cirkel)
Isch - Thomas Brinkmann (Curle)
Kasmir (Peter Ford remix) - Onur Ozer (Vakant)
A. Frozen Border 003 (Frozen Border)
La Madone - Shonky (Contexterrior)
A. Odyssey - Kenny Leaven (Elenore)
Gamma - Nima Gorji (Murmur)
Just A Groove (Alex Cappelli & Leonardo Gonnelli Chic 2 Chic remix) - Marc Ashken (FVF)
A. - Horizontal Ground 01 (Horizontal Ground)
It's Funk, It's House (Damian Schwartz remix) - Frankie Flowerz (Hypercolour)

Done at Castle Corey, Haverhill, Suffolk, UK on two 1210s, two Pioneer CDJ200s an Allen & Heath XOne:32 and recorded onto a Mac Probook using Audacity. . .in the middle of coughing fits, but I'm not a swine.

Download pho here and nems here.

Machines Are Funky: 25.7.09

Here's the playlist for last night's show, which will resume in four weeks, as I'm off on my hols in the interim. Not until the 8.8 though.


All The Family - The Zohar (Quintessentials)
The Games People Play - Tony Lionni (Wave)
Habanero (without trumpet) - Sven Tasnadi (Poker Flat)
Electric Jones - Jamie Jones (Wolf & Lamb Black)
It's Because I'm Horacio - Horacio (Raum)
The Scene (Dyed Soundorom remix) - Geddes (Murmur)
Francesina - Patrick Zigon (Highgrade Digital)
Just A Groove - Marc Ashken (FVF)
Chocotox - Shonky (Contexterrior)
Casual Sax - Alland Byallo (Nightlight)
Amber - Galuszka (Siteholder Uncut)
Wet Hair -Dinky (Wagon Repair)
Menta (Peter van Hoesen remix) - Donato Dozzy & Cio d'Or (Time To Express)
Self-Reflection - Giorgio Gigli (Prologue)
The Game - Mark O'Sullivan (Nice & Nasty)
Col d'Aubisque - Matt Chester (11th Hour)
Kenton (Marcel Dettmann remix) - Mikkel Metal (Echocord Colour)
Seti - The Black Dog (Soma)
935 Lies - Mr Pauli (Clone West Coast)

Tonight's Show

The hits just keep on coming. After the previous show, which featured Sam from The Priory guesting with a mix during the second hour, we return to what could be termed as normality with a show packed with current boat floaters and grooviness. Marc Ashken's "Just A Groove" forthcoming on FVF Records out of Dublin will be present, if I can just decide on which remix to play, as well as Matt Chester on 11th Hour and Mark O'Sullivan dropping Nice and Nasty's debut album and The Black Dog representing Sheffield on Soma. It'll be deep and delectable at the start, chaotic towards the end.

Keep it locked.


Machines Are Funky: 7-9pm GMT

105FM in Cambridge

209radio.co.uk globally

Click on the link on the side of this page...

Three of The Best

Just to keep things ticking over, here are three more mixes from current electronic music luminaries who let the beats do the talking.




Marcel Dettmann live at Sonar '09.

Herr Dettmann at full throttle here in an all too rare set. Is this the first one I've found of him this year since his RA podcast in January? I'm sure I've got a mammoth Harry Kelin jobbie from him somewhere buried in cyberjunk. Anyway, the last 15-20 minutes or so isn't him, at least I don't think it is. No matter. What is is brill.




Patrice Scott live at Room Madrid 5/09

The "Deep In Detroit" mix posted a while back was great, but too short. Try this for size.




Ben Annand live at the Tropical Beach Party 27/6/09

Top house from the best tech-house spinner on the west coast, imo anyway.

This Is The Season Of Not Being Arsed . . .

. . .with anything really. A temporary, unplanned hiatus has befallen me, and at the moment things are moving very slowly indeed. Still, some reviews for Resident Advisor are in the pipeline, as is an email interview with Siteholder supremo Daniel Mnookin. Meanwhile, here are some links to a few recent mixes I've been listening to.



Efdemin At The Room, Madrid. 8.5.09




Rob Hall, Leisure System, Berghain, Berlin. 12.6.09



Harri Summer Mix



Kyle Hall At Sunday Best. 12.7.09

Machines Are Funky:11.7.09

Last night's playlist for your perusal. The second half was a guest mix from local party starter Sam of The Priory.

Space Walk - John Daly (Mule Electroniq)
Memories - Alex Agore (4Lux)
Het Zwarte Kanon - San Soda (We Play House)
Linguetta Acida - Marcello Napoletano (Mathematics)
American Jones - Jamie Jones (Hotnatured)
Macrotones - Kris Wadsworth (Boe)
Peoples (Ekkohaus' Summer Touch) - Iron curtis (Morris Audio Citysport Edition)
It's Funk, It's House (Damian Schwartz remix) - Frankie Flowerz (Hypercolour)
Stop, Space,Return (Simon Baker dub) - Crazy P (20/20 Vision)
Cosmic Rapp - James Pants & Egyptian Lover (Stone's Throw)

Sam I Am In The Mix:

Scarlet House - Loko (Soulman)
Yeah - Tiefschwarz (Souvenir)
Bofe de Elite - Mastiksoul (4Kenzo Recordings)
Detroit (C2 remix 1) - Metro Area (Environ)
Human Jungle - Maskio (Mantra Vibes)
Energy - Gene Farris (Farris Wheel)
Munich Clubbing - Lutzenkirchen (Great Stuff Recordings)
Sweep The Floor - Joris Voorn (Rejected Music)
The Game - Boomcardona (Smoker's Area)
Poltergeist - Simone Tavazzi (Analytic Trail)
Take Out - Gus Brown (Mixtape)
Willys - Juan Kue (Overline Records)
Cyclone - Technasia (Sino)
Spastik - Plastikman (Novamute)
It Doesn't Matter - Chemical Brothers (Virgin)


Download Sam's mix here.

Tomorrow Night's Show

This weekend's show will feature a mix from The Priory's Sam, and will dominate the second hour. I'll be playing a few tunes in the first, including new grooves from Kris Wadsworth on Boe, Iron Curtis on Morris Audio and San Soda on We Play House.

Keep it locked.


Machines Are Funky: 7-9pm GMT

105FM in Cambridge

209radio.co.uk globally

Ra.H

Another obscure mix from a reasonably clandestine producer.


RA.H
Ra.H is Morphosis, is Upperground orchestra producer and member. Ra.H’s name is Rabih, is renew and revival. Ra.H is Sun, is Light, and Insanity. Ra.H is a state of mind that goes beyond sound and image
You are Ra.H
Ra.H is Ra.H
Music is a Language.
Through it you will express yourself. You will be opening new frontiers and knowing more people. Discovering a whole new world.
Music is a Universal language.
Through it you will understand the meaning of life, it will guide you and save you. You will speak and comunicate your feelings. And like every language you learn, a new personality you will acquire, You will find a new world, and through this language you will guide a revolution.

(BTW: I didn't write the above. I don't think I'm capable.)

Download Ra.H Stripped Down and Raw Broken Mix 71 here

Ernie PersonalDeeperMix Summer 2009

A while ago I reviewed 'Deeptical Tracks' by Ernie. Ernie is part of a new wave of Iberian talent, making it's presence felt on the globe's discerning dancefloors. The EP's name might have sounded a bit contrived, but the production talent is very evident. Ernie heads
Minuendo Records, a Spanish label that has already attracted the likes of Jus' Ed and Patrice Scott, amomgst others, to its roster. Their next release is a various artists EP called 'The Deepfathers' and is as good a representation of the current deep house sound as it gets. This is summer music so, as we bask in a heatwave (certainly in the UK, maybe it's just par for the course everywhere else), here's a link to downbload a mix Ernie sent me a link to.

Play loud.


Abycah Soul Project – Nimba – Symple Sound
Norman Talley – The journey – Third ear
Baaz – Peeps – Quintessentials
Chicago Skyway – Heaven (mix 6) – MOS Deep
Peter Van Hoesen – Strikethough – Morse
Ordell – Untitledmann – Minuendo
Andy Ash – For my city – Stilove4music
Chez Damier – Sometimes I feel like – Mojuba GOD
Trus´me – Nard s - Stilove4music
Jayson Brothers – Moster Box – Motor City Drum Ensemble
Patrice Scott – Nuonce – Minuendo
Keith Worthy – Lost in sound - Aesthetic Audio
Juju & Jordash – Deep Blue Meanies - Dekmantel
Dj Joey Anderson – Thee Analisys – Strength
Omar S – 1 Out of 853 beats – FXHE
Ernie – Sandstorm – Morris Audio City Sport

Last Night's Playlist

Last night's playlist:

Peeps - Baaz (Quintessentials)
Alice Miracle - Anton Zap (Uzuri)
Fo Eva (Gruber & Nuernberg remix) - Soultourist (Drumpoet Community)
Voices (Levon Vincent remix) - Jus' Ed Presents Nina Kraviz (Underground Quality)
From Chicago To Detroit - Deny Trajkov (Logos)
Mexican (Seuil remix) - Mirco Violi (Bloop)
Trust (Radio edit) - Tiefschwarz feat Seth Troxler (Souvenir)
Can't Get Out - Burnski (Morris Audio)
Under Control - Guido Schneider (Tuning Spork)
South Aphrika - Lee Curtiss (Wolf & Lamb)
Altra - Digitaline (Cityfox)
Omrop (Catz n' Dogz First Minute remix) - Pol On (Outils du Connaisseur)
Andrea - Mathias Mesteno (Upon You)
Rejektion (Gummihz remix 2) - The Rejekts (Rejekt Music)
She Comes (Alexi Delano remix) - Mike Wall (Dilek)
Between Visible And Invisible (Tomi Chair remix) - Itokim (Nice & Nasty)
New Life - Solab (Lifeworld)
The Infinity Symbol - Danton Eeprom (Tsuba)

Twas a lovely evening in Cambridge, passed through the Gwydir St fair on my way to the station. Very nice.

Tonight's Broadcast

This week's show will feature fresh goodies from the likes of Burnski, Mirco Violi, Jus' Ed & Nina Kraviz remixed by Levon Vincent and Itokim. The show is dedicated to the memory of Michael Jackson.

The Priory's Sam, who was supposed to be making an appearance this weekend has now been pencilled in for the next show in two weeks time.

Also thanks everybody for making the "Minimal Nation" comp from the last show the most popular one to be run up to now.

Keep it locked.


Machines Are Funky: 7-9pm GMT

105FM in Cambridge

209radio.co.uk globally

Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009)

Say no more.

In Gent . . . .

Here's an all-too-rare live recording of Matt Styles Djing last weekend in Gent. Matt's main claim to fame is that he's the only person I can think of who's changed his Myspace profile picture fewer times than yours truly.Many thanks to the man himself for letting me host this. Get on it here.

Gastronomic Delights 6: Paella

In the spirit of Sonar (I won't be in Barcelona for the first time since 2004 while it's on) here's a little something I tossed off this morning. It's a little longer than usual, so what could be better than paella status. Olivier, I hope this Saturday will see a good one, or is it time for a change?

Where does paella, one of the most famous spanish foods come from? Everyone who hears of paella ( pa-eh-a ) automatically says that it is from Spain.


That answer would only be half right for a real gastronomy expert. It is the typical, rich rice dish from Valencia, located on the east Mediterranean coast of Spain. Even though you can taste this food all over Spain and even world-wide, its true origin is the area of Valencia and Alicante. The region of Valencia and north of the Costa Blanca had and still has an extensive area of rice fields, rich soil which was always generous in producing fresh vegetables and knowledgeable farmers who raised plump chickens and rabbits, Valencia used these quality local products to make paella. Not only this but its coastal situation added its abundance in seafood and shellfish to make up another variation of it. And if we add the use of the flavourable olive oil produced in Spain, we have everything necessary to make whichever paella we choose: meat and vegetable or seafood paella.

But now we must choose the correct utensils to make the paella in. We do not use regular frying pans although it seems that the word is in the valencia language the Castilian translation of frying pan. Pans is a special low border frying pan about 1 1/5 inches deep and has dips in the central part like a golf ball and two rather large handles on each side. Curious, isn´t it? There are paella pans measuring from 7 inches to 1 yard wide and for special occasions for hundreds of people to eat from. The size is very important, having to know the amount of people who will be eating it to be able to choose the correct paella pan.

The traditional, authentic paella propably the most well known spanish rice recipe, is still made nowadays over an open barbecue with kindling wood which, although does not seem to be so important, adds to the correct cooking of the paella.

The Real Paella Recipe

Now that we have learned a little something more about one of our favourite foreign cuisine, I would like to share the Authentic, absolutely TRUE paella recipe.

Ingredients for 4 persons

* 1 medium chicken
* 1 medium rabbit
* 2 medium ripe chopped tomatoes
* 165 grs. wide green bean ( spanish-bachoqueta)
* 130 grs. large white lima beans ( spanish-garrafon)
* 1 level teaspoon of saffron
* 3 cups of spanish rice
* 8 cups of hot water or ( even better chicken broth)
* olive oil ( enough to cover the bottom of the paella pan)
* salt ( to taste)
* 1 level teaspoon of sweet red paprika

First, heat the oil and when it is hot enough, add the rabbit and chicken (lightly salted ) and fry unitl lightly browned. Then add the white and green beans and cook them together with the meat. While they are cooking, make a clearance in the middle of the paella pans and fry the chopped tomatoes until they look a little pasty, quickly adding the paprika, stirring quickly and immediately adding the hot water or broth until it is almost to the top of the paella pans edge.
spanish paella in pan

Cook all the ingredients for about 20 minutes over a high fire and tasting for salt. After 20 minutes we add the rice, distributing it evenly, making sure the rice is covered with liquid. The fire should be fairly high, not interrupting the boil. It takes about 20 minutes for the paella rice to cook. Do not stir the rice once you have added it to the paella pans, just change its position so that the fire gets to all patrs equally. All the broth should be absorbed when finished. Take the paella off the fire and let stand for about 10 minutes covering the top with newspaper. If the rice has been cooked correctly, the rice grains should be loose, not clumped together or having a mushy texture.

For a fantastic table presentation, small wedges of lemon can decorate the border and branches of romero (aromatic herbs) in the middle. Now you are ready to dig into your paella with wooden spoons and eat directly from the paela pans!



In other regions and even in some of the best recipes, you will that peas and peppers are added. These are not authentic ingredients for a true Valencian paella recipe. Happy paella eating!

Here be the tracklist:

Miles Away (Intrusion Sunrise dub) - Linkwood Family (Firecracker)
Erol Peed (Sven's Dust Devil remix) - Sevensol & Bender (Kann)
Utopia - Oscar Barila (Parquet)
Solemn Days - Levon Vincent (Deconstruct)
Bon Melange (Afrilounge remix) - Veitengruber (8-Bit)
Trapped In Dub - Alex Celler (Tuning Spork)
Dirty Lips - Cascabel Gentz (Einmaleins)
Out Of Bound - Santorini (Bond)
Rush - Bruce Ivery (Stillove4music)
Mandaya - Julien Chaptal (Remote Area)
Caedmon Loop - Anthea & Celler (Cecille Numbers)
Doobs - Tom Ellis (Highgrade Digital)
Don't Phonk (Do Not Resist The Beat)
Can I Get?! (Matthias Meyer remix) - Alex Niggemann (Supernature)
Equinox A - Livio & Roby (Desolat)
Punch Bowl - Mark Henning (Clink)
Roudor & Capulet - Shonky (Freak n' Chic)
Gush (Justin Drake's Peace Division remix) - Jonny White (No 19)
Reise Nach Jerusalem - Ruede Hagelstein (Upon You)
Workshop 08 - Kassem Mosse (Workshop)
Acid Bells (Martyn's Dark mix) - Efdemin (Curle)

As ever, done at Castle Corey, Haverhill, Suffolk, UK on two 1210s, two Pioneer CDJ200s an Allen & Heath XOne:32 and recorded onto a Mac Probook using Audacity.

Download your own portion of paella here.

Designed With That In Mind - Leif (Fear Of Flying)

Read my RA review of Leif's 'Designed With That In Mind' here.

Last Night's Playlist & Rob Hood Comp Question

Here's last night's playlist with Rob Hood comp quessie:

Good Evening (Dirk Leyers remix) - Geiger (Firm)
My Little MIA Master - Ernie (Minuendo)
So What? - Baaz (Quintessentials)
Slow Hands - Fast Tongue (Wolf & Lamb)
It's Now Under - Shenoda (Sonidos)
Galactic Space Bar - Jamie Jones (Crosstown Rebels)
Sharpening Knives - Donk Boys (Siteholder Uncut)
Bring It - Inxec & Matt Tolfrey (Murmur)
Rhythm Of Vision - Robert Hood (M-Plant)
Gerbales - Ben Wijay (Canute)
Bambuhna - John Lagora (Eruptive)
La Alegria - Xpansul & Imek (Apnea)
Semper Eadem - Bloody Mary (Contexterrior)
Burera - EC50 (FVF)
Terp Nil - Deuce (Ostgut Ton)
Kilnik - Scuba (Hot Flush)
Massk - James Ruskin (Blueprint)
Fathoms Deep - Donnacha Costello (Look Long)
Unix - Robert Hood (M-Plant)
Make It Hot - Ican (Ican)

I've also got a couple of copies of the 'Minimal Nation' reissue, released on M-Plant tomorrow. 'Rhythm Of Vision,' 'Unix' and 'Museum' from the previous show all feature on it. Here's the question.

Jeff Mills made three albums in his "Waveform Transmission" series. On which one did Robert Hood collaborate with him?

Answers to corey.paul@209radio.co.uk . Mark your entry "Hood Comp" and make sure you leave all relevant contact details as well as the correct answer. Failing that, leave a comment on this blog, in any comment box between the entry for this playlist, and that of the next in two weeks time. If you choose to do this, don't forget to include your email address too. Good luck!

Encounter 2 - DJ Bone (Bastardo Electrico)

Read my RA review of DJ Bone's 'Encounter 2' on Bastardo Electrico here.

Tomorrow's Show

We follow up the last show's Dirt Crew comp with the chance to win a couple of copies of Robert Hood's seminal 'Minimal Nation', originally released on Jeff Mills' Axis label 14 or so years ago, now rereleased on Hood's own M-Plant and still sounding as fresh as ever. Of course the competition will be supplemented by some great music, the likes of which I can only begin to hint at, so there'll be new tunage from Jamie Jones, Deuce, Anthea & Celler and The Deepfathers, to name but a few.

The next show will feature a guest mix and interview with The Priory's Sam.

Keep it locked.

Mr Hood

On a bit of a go-slow at the moment. Consequently here's an attempt at a Robert Hood article, that is a copy of a letter I received regarding the great man's night at Nitsa this coming Sonar. This weekend I'll be offering a couple of copies of his M-Plant rerelease of his seminal 'Minimal Nation'. He plays Cable in London the night before.

EPM & Phonomonkey present:
Robert Hood’s ‘Minimal Nation’
Launch Party & M-Plant Re-launch Party
Thursday 18th June
00.00– 06.00
15 Euros / Free with Party Invite

Nitsa Club
Carrer Nou de la Rambla 113
Barcelona

Robert Hood (semi live set)
James Ruskin (Blueprint)
Ben Klock (Ostgut Ton)
Detroit Grand Pubahs (Detelefunk)

EPM and Spanish based music store Phonomonkey are joining forces to bring you a special party during this year’s Sonar Music Festival in Barcelona. On 18th June at Nitsa Club we will be celebrating the re-launch of one of the most revered releases in techno ever, Robert Hood’s Minimal Nation. A ground breaking tour de force when it was released in 1994 this Special Edition will see the original tracks remastered and include rare and previously unreleased extras and a bonus mix CD by Robert of material from Minimal Nation and his M-Plant label.

On the night Robert will be playing a rare semi-live set, showcasing unreleased M-Plant material with further DJ support from Ben Klock (Ostgut Ton), Detroit Grand Pubahs (Detelefunk) and James Ruskin who will also be celebrating the re-launch of his label, Blueprint. All DJs will be playing exclusively during Sonar only at this party which will be streamed live on the night by www.awdio.com <http://www.awdio.com> .

Minimal Nation (Special Edition) is released 15th June on M-Plant. The CD includes a bonus mix CD of M-Plant material and will also be available to download for the first time.

Robert’s Hood M-Plant website and logo have also been re-designed and re-branded by Dutch graphic designer Patrick Vogt. The overall design is inspired on the triangular shapes from the M-Plant logo. The triangular is in a way like a sound element from Robert’s music. At first glance these sound elements sound "simple", but because they are put together, in a well thought combination with other sounds, they start to sound sophisticated. Minimalistic sound = minimalistic artwork.

The new M-Plant website, designed by Rob Simons is launched the same day as the album is released.

JUNE – EUROPE RELEASE PARTIES
6: El Jardin, Gijon, Spain
12: Cable, London, England
13: MUV Festival, Florence, Italy
18: M-Plant / EPM / Phonomonkey party @ Sonar, Nitsa, Barcelona, Spain
19: Sarao, Toledo, Spain
20: Shine, Belfast, N. Ireland
27: Kozzmozz, Gent, Belgium

JULY – USA RELEASE PARTIES
3: Planetary Series, Compression, LA
4: Water Taxi, New York
10: The Works, Detroit

Magnetic Field EP - Giorgio Gigli (Prologue)

Read my RA review of Giogio Gigli's "Magnetic Field EP" here.

High Horse

I was forwarded this link to the High Horse blog, from which you can subscribe to their podcast. Tracklists look decent, and they provided a mix for FACT Magazine's podcast recently too. Check it out.

Last Night's Playlist And Competition Question

Last night's playlist for your delectation


Ooohhh! (Dubbyman remix) - Kai Alce (Deep Explorer)
Divine Being - Tony Lionni (Mule Musiq)
Tubular (Lauhaus remix) - Geddes & Alex Jones (Murmur)
Delirium Tremens 9Goldwill's Dementia Clemens remix) - Andomat 3000 feat F.L.O. (Einmaleins)
Adaptation - Butane (Crosstown Rebels)
Sketches (Kenny Larkin version) - Shlomi Aber & Kenny Larkin (Be As One)
Parade - Dirt Crew (Moodmusic)
Make It My Memory (Alex Jones & Julien's "vocal-off" edit) - Jozif (Hypercolour Digital)
Inessa - Marek Hemmann (Freude-am-Tanzen)
The Afterlife - DJ Rolando (Saved)
Summer Breeze - Mark du Mosch (SD Recordings)
Museum - Robert Hood (M-Plant)
Daddy Said That - Rossella (Cyclical Tracks)
Strain 4 - DJ Bone (Bastardo Electrico)
Variance (Marcel Dettmann edit) - N/A (Sandwell District)
Temporary Suspension - Planetary Assault Systems (Ostgut Ton)
Energy Fields (Quince's Dubbed Out reconstruction) - Taho (Delsin)
The Journey - Norm Talley (Third Ear)

There was also a competition to win a copy of Dirt Crew's forthcoming "Blow" cd, coming out on Moodmusic. Here is the boringly easy question:

What are the names, both real and imagined, of the two Dirt Crew members?

Answers please to corey.paul@209radio.co.uk marked "Dirt Crew Comp" and with all relevant contact details. You can also leave a comment on this blog in any comment box from this entry to that of the next show in two weeks time. If you do this, please remember to include your email address also. Good luck!

Machines Are Funky Tomorrow Night

A show that should be a groover. Lots of techno this week, including Marcel Dettmann on remix duties for Sandwell District, Robert Hood's remastered ground breaking "Minimal Nation," which is about to be reissued next month, Rossella on Cyclical Tracks and something from the recently released Delsin compilation, straight from the world capital of tulips. Add to that loads more and a competition to win a copy of Dirt Crew's forthcoming CD on Moodmusic, you'd be silly not to tune in.

A Further Chat With Kris Wadsworth

I caught up with Kris Wadsworth during his stay in the UK, basking in the reflected glory that only a 4.5/5 RA review can bring . . .

CB: So, it's your first visit over here other than getting deported the last time (September '08). How are you finding it, not too much of a culture shock?

KW: Not too much. I mean you guys drive on the wrong side of the road. I had to pay extra attention to that, but besides that nothing much.

CB: So, are you seeing any big differences in the way people get into the music over here? How different is it playing out here to playing out in the States?

KW: People actually come out to shows here. There's actually people in clubs man. People seem to be that much more into the music and know exactly what it is and what it can be. More people seem to appreciate it here. Of course they do in the States too, but it's few and far between.

CB: Why do you think that is? You're from Detroit, one of electronic music's global hotbeds and the impression you're giving me is that it's hard to get an audience. Would that be correct?

KW: Exactly. Especially in Detroit. You'd think it'd be hyper, but not even much on a small scale. It's very mudane.

CB: What about other places you may have played in the States. Is that pretty much the staus quo?

KW: No. I mean New York . . .a lot of stuff goes on there, Chicago too . . .it depends what's going on like anywhere. Sometimes LA and Miami but Detroit specifically sucks.

CB: I saw that interview you did for Data Transmission, which seems to ruffle a few feathers . . . that interview became a bit infamous because you don't seem to worry about speaking your mind. Is there a downside to this?

KW: I think about it sometimes. If somebody brings something up I try to censor it but if someone brings something up connected to a subject that you feel confident in speaking about, where you're from for example, I'll talk about it and say what I think. But I'm conscious of it, I question it . . .people might think I'm an asshole, crazy, but I don't know.

CB: It's rare that you read anything that questions Detroit in any way though. . . rare that you read anything that's negative. It's also good to read about somebody who's honest and not up their own arse.

KW: Well a lot of people from Detroit are up their own asses' It's one thing to honk your own horn because nobody else will, but another to be anti-social and disruptive with your views about whi you are and what you suposedly contribute to music. It upsets me because coming from a certain locale there's always this stigma . . .for a lot of guys from there and I don't agree with it. I want to make it clear that I like the city, inspirationally it's something to behold. You see a lot of inspiring things, the architecture, the way people look, the way they walk . . . Don't get me wrong, but the scene, a lot of the people involved . . . they're cunts, as you guys say. (laughs)

CB: I try not to (laughs). Let's talk about your forthcoming releases. 'Mainline' has just been released, and I put a few words up about it on this blog, it also had a very good review on Data Transmission. What's coming up next?

KW: I've just signed up an EP to Milton Jackson and Shur-I-Kan's label, Dark Energy. That's exciting. I'm doing a Mark Henning remix for Hypercolour, a track called 'The Right Time.' I've just done a remix of Aaron Carl for Millions Of Moments. I'm due to release a two part EP for them too. Myself and Stefan, who runs MOM, have to decide what's what. The BOE release should be coming out on the 12.6, and another release for Hypercolour plus another for Morris in the fall, but I've just been very busy with remixes, Steve Bug amongst them.

CB: What's your take on the "deep house revival"? Do you feel a part of it and, if so, how do you see your sound fitting into it because I'm sure a lot of people would lump you in with it?

KW: I kind of think that a lot of people labelling it don't know what it is. There's an article in IDJ that asks what the difference is between deep house and techno and for me it's kind of a little less narcotic and more organic. But people can call my music what they want if they feel they need to label it. It's just "dance music" to me.

CB: And how's your back carrying all that vinyl around?

KW: (Laughs) It's alright, but I'm thinking of making the switch to Serato for logistical purposes. Getting on a plane with 130 records and hoping it'll fit in the plane . . it's a pain in the ass but I'm makiing do with vinyl at the moment.

CB: So where are you heading after the UK?

KW: After the UK I'm going to Poland to Lodz, then to Berlin for a couple of weeks, then Switzerland and back home to July.

CB: Are you still playing Free Rotation in August?

KW: Yes. I'm going to come back over at the end of July, beginning of August.

CB: It's been good talking to you Kris. Have a good time while you're over here and speak soon.

KW: Cheers man.

Deeptical Tracks - Ernie (Morris Audio City Sport Edition)

Read my RA review of Ernie's 'Deeptical Tracks' EP here.

Tribute EP - Soul Minority (Pack Up And Dance)

Read my RA review of Soul Minority's 'Tribute EP' on Pack Up And Dance here.

Marcel Dettmann Is The Culprit

That's a rather pathetic title, but it's the only one I can think of at the moment so you'll have to make do with it. Here's another couple of mixes for your perusal, well, three actually. The first is a new set from M. Dettmann, along with Kink live, etc, at Munich's Rote Sonne a week or so ago. I haven't ilstened to it yet, and as it's almost eight hours long I've no idea at all where Marcel makes his entrance. I'm sure a substantial portion must belong to him though, so after you've downloaded ffwd to the grimiest techno section on there. One of the things I most like about Mr Dettmann is his way with rough edges. His mixes are raw . . .which is nice.

Here's the link.



A new set also from Dyed Soundorom and Shonky, Freak n' Chic stalwarts, form the top of that posh, ultramodern-looking hotel in LA, you know, the one that also gave us a bit of Simon Baker and Jamie Jones last year. Again, I've just downloaded these so feedback welcome. If they're crap do tell.

Here's the links.

Part 1, Droog and Bas
Part 2 Shonky and Dyed Soundorom


Finally, in view of the fact that I've been asked, very nicely, to take the CVS link below down, here's a link to Get The Curse, a splendid blog from the ancient kingdom of Gaul. Their latest podcast is by the man himself. Sign on for the whole series.

Last Night's Playlist And CVS Competition Question

Here's last night's playlist:

Mainline (Sei-A remix) - Kris Wadsworth (Hypercolour)
Sandstorm - Ernie (Morris Audio Citysport Ed)
Traffic (Agnes remix) - Gruber & Nurnberg (Bloop)
Alternate - Langenberg (Dessous)
Browse - DPlay (Drumpoet Community)
La Palma - Alex Celler (AreaRemote)
The Mantra - Lee Curtiss (City Fox)

Pete Lever in the Mix:

Stand On The World (Hot Coins remix) - Joubert Singers (Tirk)
Astro Travelling - Andy Ash (Universal Vibes)
The Formula (dub vibes) - 6th Borough Project (Instruments Of Rapture)
Smit Smot - Mock & Toof (M & T)
Don't Go - Justus Kohncke (Kompakt)
Gestures - Toby Tobias (Late Night Audio)
Picnic (Revenge dub) - Red Rack 'Em (Deep Freeze)

Tom Hallmark in the Mix:

Tuc Tuc Tuc - Frivolous (MInibar)
Cracking Up - So Inagawa (Relaxine)
Fleurette (Tobias remix) - D'julz (Circus Company)
Pheromonia - Tom Clarke & Benno Blome (Highgrade)
Kuhle Fliege (Hugo remix) - Matt Star (International Freakshow)

I chatted lugubriously to Pete and Tom during 'Alternate' by Langenberg. I also asked this question.

What is the name of Claude Vonstroke's label, and from which city does it operate?

I have three copies of his Fabric mix for the lucky winners. You can leave a comment in any comment box on this blog, with full contact details please, including email, or email me at corey.paul@209radio.co.uk The competion will be open until the next show, which will be broadcast on the 30.5.09

Good luck!

Machines Are Funky:16.5.09 With Claude Vonstroke Competition

This weekend's show will feature Labour of Love Founder Pete Lever and Tom Hallmark on the decks for a guest mix. Pete will be going down mid tempo street and Tom will be playing his usual selection of ginge house. I'll also have a little chat with them and get around to playing some music myself. There'll also be a competition as I've got three copies of the new Claude Vonstroke Fabric mix to give away. Keep it locked.

Here's a few words about the competition prize.

Title: Fabric 46
Artist: Claude Vonstroke
Label: Fabric
Cat Number: fabric 91p
Genre: New Age Boompty


01. Ekkohaus feat. R. Wurz – Cry Baby / Ekkohaus feat. Mensa – The Healer
02. Claude VonStroke & Bootsy Collins - Yabadabadooza
03. Rob Van Valen – Trampen
04. Holger Zilske – Mes Yeux
05. Detroit Grand Puhbas - Big Onion (Joakim Remix) / Roman Salanger - Galaxius
06. DJ Deeon – Shake It / Isomer Transitions - Downtime in the Hangar
07. Stimming - After Eight
08. Peter Lauer - Free Entry for Girls (Robag Whrume's Drikkibass Remix)
09. Voodeux - Just A Spoonful
10. Italoboyz – Bla Bla Bla
11. Varoslav feat DOP. - Inside Ways (Boris Werner. Remix)
12. Kiki – Immortal (Instrumental Dub)
13. Xpansul & Daweed - Pilsnerd / Marc Houle – Dirty Dirty
14. Dinamoe – Maceo / Clara Moto feat. Mimu – Silently
15. James Braun - Symphonia
16. Donk Boys – One Tooth Missing
17. Robag Whrume - Guppipepitsche
18. ICS – Espagnol
19. Markus Schatz - Running / Catz N' Dogz – SF
20. Marc Miroir - Kraft
21. Stimming - One Weekend
22. Claude VonStroke – Aundy

That's not new age as in tree-hugging hippy bollocks, just as in rebranded. CVS reminds me of Derrick Carter in his approach to the mix, which is as high a compliment as I can pay. He doesn't have the big man's skills, or way with a vocal, and he does rely on a veritable smorgesbord of what's hot and hip at the moment, rather than DC's ability to literally turn shit into gold. Derrick, (I can call him that because I've met him), is the most idiomatic DJ I've ever come across, the literal meanings of the tracks building his sets having a completely different relevance in the mix as opposed to when played alone. CVS isn't quite in the same league, relying a bit more on his funky machines to do the work for him, but, like DC, he's an unashamed party starter. His transitions don't always work as well as they should on this mix, but he's obviously not afraid to take a chance, and I wouldn't be at all surprised to hear that he hadn't even rehearsed parts of this mix. I like the element of surprise when mixing. Keeps things interesting.



Here's a CVS mix released to promote the Fabric cd.


01 Drumming - Marco Carola [Minus: 2m]
02 Pitto - Feelin (Dub) [Rejected]
03 Martinez - Blue Lagoon [Moon Harbour]
04 Ink & Needle - One [Gu]
05 Worthy - Eight Yay Eight [Dirtybird]
06 Maetrik - Show Me [Mothership]
07 Tom Jam - Boom Da (Dub) [Mixhell]
08 This Is What I'm Doing - (Drama Queen Version) [Mothership]
09 Michel De Hey & M.i.r.k.o. - Close To The Beat [Ec]
10 Re - Up [Inside Us]
11 Arb Almub Almoh - Minlogue [Mothership]
12 Pit Spector - Miri [Minibar]
13 Re:direct - Coconut Bob [Terminal M]
14 Mauro Picotto - Living For The Times (Meganight Remix) [Alchemy]
15 Aka Aka - Nightingirl [Still Vor Talent]
16 Brett Johnson - Rubber Duck [Frankie]
17 Heinrichs & Hirtenfellner - Quantum Jump [Highgrade]
18 Feygin - Budva (Slum Dop Remix) [Diynamic]
19 James Braun & Dan M - Lessons [Mothership]
20 John Dalageis - Asio (Harada Remix) [Dieb Audio]
21 Omar Chibbaro - Vistebisti [Trazable]
22 Damian Marley - Jamrock (Vonstroke Sonar Bootleg) [No Label]

Link removed by request from somebody who has the right to request it.

Caballo EP - Mirco Violi (Hypercolour Digital)

Seems like bloody ages since the last post, which is probably because it is. Still, I've been keeping myself busy in many secret ways. Here's a review I did of Mirco Violi's 'Caballo EP', on Hypercolour's digital wing for RA.



I've also just finished reading Mark E. Smith's autobiographical "Renegade." Don't be put off by any reviewers that didn't quite get what they bargained for, it's a great and hilarious read.

Nick Craddock Interview

Here's the promised chat with Nick Craddock. Incidentally, there won't be a show this weekend as I'm on family business and haven't been able to find the time to prerecord. This means that the last show will be repeated and, therefore, Nick's mix will be rebroadcast.

Many thanks to Nick for giving such full and interesting answers.

What are you up to at the moment?

On the DJing front, things are a bit quiet if I’m honest, but these things do tend to ebb and flow so I’m just sitting it out at the moment. I haven’t actually played at the last few Sud parties, where I’ve held a residency for several years. They’re not that regular anyway, so it does feel like ages when I’ve missed one. I had some problems with my back last year, which kept me out of action for a bit, and through just trying to have a bit of a less hectic lifestyle, it seems to have put me out of touch with a few of the semi-regular haunts I have played at in the past. Some promoter called me up recently and asked if I was still living in London (I am), so I seem to have gone to ground quite effectively! I think, in London anyway, you need to be going out a lot and living within the scene to stay on the radar of promoters, and I’ve never been very pushy in that respect. I would say, though, it’s been quite nice to have a bit of a break. It’s nice to get back to your roots a bit, musically and listen to stuff because it appeals to you and not necessarily have to consider whether it will work in a DJ set. It would be nice to get a few more gigs now because I feel quite replenished from the time off.

Your website's an intriguing one. What's the idea behind the pictures linked to the mixes?

Originally, they were all photos taken around Huddersfield, where I’m from. A lot of them I took myself. It’s a pretty rural place, as you can see. It might have been the case, actually that I built the site when I was up there visiting. A lot of people comment on the photos. I didn’t really set out to make a big statement with them, really – it’s just what I had to hand, but I like that it makes the site quite personal. Also, I think techno/house imagery can be a bit clichéd, whether it’s the rundown urban cityscape, borrowed black imagery, or hackneyed futuristic stuff. I’d rather have something that represents my own background, I guess.

When you put a mix together for your site, or for download generally, do you have a specific methodology in mind, and does your style differ much from when you play out?

Yeah, when I’m recording a mix at home I’m mostly led by a mood or an atmosphere or a theme of that sort. I guess my methodology has changed quite a bit since I started using Serato, but the majority of the mixes on my site are with vinyl. I’m probably a bit more considered these days as Serato makes it easier to playlist and arrange your tracks, but I’m glad to say that most of the mixes have been happy flukes, in a way. There isn’t much planning and in more than one instance the tracks in the mixes were very new to me when I recorded it. I think a lot of DJs would tell you that they sometimes get best results when they’re on their toes with new music, though. My style when I play out is quite different. I think I have more of a ‘live’ sound, with more energy. I like to chop it up a bit and the EQing will be more pronounced. Lots of stop button kills and old tricks that the DJs I grew up listening to would use. Not that I’d put myself in the same bracket as Derrick May or whatever, haha.

How would you describe your sound?

I don’t know, really. I probably wouldn’t! I’m not sure if there’s one distinct sound that I’m more tied to. It might be easier to see a thread with the mixes on my site, because I think they’re quite moody, and textured, and those are certainly qualities that I like, but it depends what mood I’m in really. I tend to only record when I’m in a certain frame of mind, so you wouldn’t catch any scrappy hard techno throwdowns or whatever. I wish I could capture that kind of energy in a mix sometimes, but it seems to only work for me when I’m in a different kind of mental space.

Ever thought about making any forays into production? (Why/Why not?)

I have thought about it, but not very seriously. I’ve had bits of software around for years – I remember when Rebirth came out, and Fruity Loops was first being picked up by a few people. They were both things that I had access to and would mess around with, but then I’d have friends who would spend hours getting really competent and experimenting in ways my patience wouldn’t really lead me to. In terms of music, I’ve always preferred the quick fix outlet of having a mix. The older I’ve become, my inexperience with music production technology has seemed an even greater hill to climb. I’m not bothered, though, to be honest. I don’t believe that people should necessarily make tunes if they’re not inspired to do so. There are enough mediocre tracks out there from people just knocking out tunes to get gigs or whatever.

What are you listening to at the moment and how has your taste in music evolved?

I listen to loads of music, all the time! Lots of different stuff. I spend a lot of time listening to guitar-based music – certainly as much as electronic stuff. Some weeks it’ll be the majority of the music I listen to. It’s nice to have that as a counterpoint to dance music. I don’t really feel that it’s that far removed. I’m quite comfortable jumping between the two, depending on what mood I’m in. As an evolution thing, it feels like it’s come full circle, as I used to be a lot more indie/rock focused as a teenager. When it comes to electronic music, it’s also pretty broad – I do like a lot of the ‘nu-ambient’ type stuff which seems popular at the moment, but there’s a lot to soft through as it’s getting a bit overkill. I check out a lot of the current crop of dubstep producers as there are some really fresh things going on there. Still listen to a lot of house music (deep or otherwise). I’m also into harder techno. It’s nice to bang it out from time to time – it would be nice to have an opportunity to play a bit harder / faster for a change. I do make a point of listening to new music, but I often find playing older stuff from whatever genre more satisfying, as I seem to have an aversion for whatever’s in fashion. I can’t really relate to what the ‘minimal’ scene became, having been an advocate of some of the earlier music that was around ten years ago or whatever. Similarly, I’m wary of the current deep house obsession as there’s a lot of watered down stuff around, so I think to some extent my taste evolves in opposition to what’s big in shoreditch (hmmmm, another reason the gigs have gone quiet? hehe)

If you had to choose a favourite period from the last twenty years or so of electronic music, which would it be?

I’d have to say the mid 90s. Obviously, that’s a few years after the real conception period in places like Detroit and Chicago, but if you look at what was happening in around 1994, for instance, it was such a fertile and diverse time. Amazing things were happening in Chicago with labels like Relief and Dance Mania – but something which is often overlooked is the importance of what was going on in this country at that time. UK techno was fantastic then – the GPR stuff, early Luke Slater, Black Dog, Ifach – I could go on. It was also a really good time for seeing Techno DJs – Jeff Mills was absolutely killing it, Dave Clarke was in his prime. Admittedly, this is the time when I got into the music, but I think the great points of this period are evident, bias aside.

Who are your favourite DJs, past and present?

In past terms: Derrick May, Claude Young, Jeff Mills, Richie Hawtin, Dave Clarke. I’d put Surgeon in this list, too, but he’s still one of my favourite DJs – probably the only one who I’d still count as such. Later on, I’d include Dan Bell, Theo Parrish… erm. DJ Pete? I dunno. I actually don’t have as many ‘favourites’ these days. Theo can be a bit self-indulgent. I’d always check out Surgeon and Dan Bell, I think. Michael Mayer was a big favourite for a while, but I think he fell right off. That’s how it goes, I guess. Derrick’s still impressively, technically, but I get the feeling he’s doing it for the cash. He used to be just electrifying, though. Mills – fairly explanatory. Claude Young had a wicked energy and would just throw down – loads of deck tricks. Dave Clarke used to be a stunning DJ and I’ll always be grateful to him for introducing me to Chicago, Relief etc. I still cherish some of his old mixes. I used to be such a Plastikman fanboy. Quite embarrassing, really. I’d travel the length of the country to see him play. He used to blow my mind. I can’t work out whether it was just me being young and under the influence or whether he’s just lost his way. I’m not gonna pass any further comment on that.

Where's the best place you've played and why?

Probably Room 2 at Fabric, just because it’s so solid and you can hear everything perfectly, the equipment’s shit-hot, the sound guys are very professional and you get a nice view when the lasers go off. I played ‘Plasticity’ by Plastikman in there, which felt like a bit of a gamble at the time, and it was nice to spot the people that knew it when a few whoops went out. I’ve had previous bedrooms that I’ve enjoyed playing in very much, too, but my current flat isn’t very comfortable for DJing in, unfortunately. Need to move.

How did you first get into DJing? Have you always bought music and gone through a few trends, or was it a business decision?

I got the techno bug, heard Jeff Mills ‘Live at The Liquid Room’ and I guess I wanted to emulate that. I think at first my only goal was to own all the records on that mix, haha. A mate in Huddersfield had a pair of decks so we’d mess around on those, and then a couple of mates at university, but I didn’t get any of my own until about 1998, I think. It was annoying as I’d mastered the belt drive decks I’d been messing about on, then got Technics and had to start from scratch. I’ve always bought music, but prior to DJing it had mainly been alternative rock CDs, of which I used to have hundreds. There’s never been a financial motivation, which is just as well as I’ve made sod all money out of DJing!!

David Cameron Raving At Sunrise In The Second Summer Of Love 1988

I have it on good authority that at around 14 seconds the fresh-faced toff-like fizzog that looms large in the foreground is indeed that of our current leader of the opposition, David Cameron. Judge for yourselves.

Get in touch and get down with the kids David. Is it you? The country needs to know.

Gastronomic Delights 5: Gratin Dauphinois

Another unplanned day off looking after Hector, another impromptu throw down. Named after the potato dish in itself. The photo is of an actual specimen that Hector had to make for a school cooking project (with a little help from yours truly of course).

Gratin Dauphinois

Ingredients

Knob of soft butter
1 clove garlic
568ml carton double cream
200ml whole milk
1kg waxy potatoes such as Cara, Charlotte or Estima
Method

1. Rarely will you find so many different recipes for what purports to be the same dish. Some books specify waxy potatoes; some say floury ones are essential. Some say soaking the potatoes first is crucial; others say it's anathema. Some insist you boil the potatoes and cream before baking. Some use lots of garlic; others only a suggestion. Some add onions, cheese or mushrooms; this horrifies purists. What follows is the method I've always used. It owes most to Nigel Slater's dauphinois: a very simple version with minimal preparation.
2. Preheat the oven to 190°C, gas mark 5. Butter a gratin dish, about 30cm x 20cm, with a 2-litre capacity. It must be broad and shallow or the potatoes will take ages to cook. The broad top allows maximum 'gratination'.
3. Peel the garlic, slice in half and put in a pan with the cream and milk. Heat to just below boiling and set aside to infuse. There's a lot of cream in this dish, but it is important: if you use a thinner mixture, such as milk and single cream, it's more likely to curdle in the oven, and it just doesn't taste as good.
4. Peel the potatoes and cut into slices 3mm thick. I use waxy potatoes because they keep their shape even when soft, giving the gratin a lovely texture. Plenty of cooks prefer floury spuds, which absorb the cream more readily and even dissolve into it. You can slice the potatoes by hand, but a food processor makes it very quick.
5. Layer the potatoes in the dish. Make the layers as flat as possible so there aren't gaps that will hold too much cream. Season every few layers with salt and pepper. For the top, overlap the potatoes neatly. Remove the garlic from the warm cream and pour over the potatoes; it must almost cover them, so add more if needed. Bake for 1-1½ hours, till the potatoes are soft throughout and have absorbed most of the cream, and the top is golden with patches of brown. Serve alongside a green salad, sausages, grills, or lentils.


Gastronomic Delights 5: Gratin Dauphinois

Bermuda Triangle - Spandex (Hand On The Plow)
Hope - Efdemin (Diamonds & Pearls)
Pulsemotel - Kvadratklan (DeepHartKasino)
I Believe (You And Me Make Love Forever) - Kettenkarussell (Giegling)
Stupidisco (Alex Q remix) - Mr Dynamite (Farbton)
Floorboards - Simon Beeston (Bond)
Skeleton Key - Voodeux (Mothership)
Yam Yam 02 (B) (Yam Yam)
The Sun - Cabin Fever Tracks Vol 3 (Rekids)
El Alma (B) (Joke)
Sad Little Piano - Rene Breitbarth (ContentIsMissing)
Sniff Them - Alan 1 (Final Frontier)
Nightstalker - Arne Weinberg (AW Recordings)
The Power Of Silence - Edgar 9000 (Pastamusik Ltd)
The Fall (Peverelist remix) - STP (Sub Solo)

Download Gastronomic Delights 5: Gratin Dauphinois here.

Technical specifications are the same as yesterday.

Gastronomic Delights 4: Steak au Poivre

Hector, one of my boys, has been throwing up all night so yours truly has had to take the day off work to look after him. What better occasion to throw together a quick mix, it's been a couple of months since the last one.

Steak au poivre

Serves 4

By Mark Hix

A real forgotten classic. When green and pink peppercorns became trendy and French bistros fell out of favour on the high streets, steak au poivre lost its identity. But black shouldn't ever go out of fashion, especially pepper. The important thing here is to buy a decent piece of beef - fillet, sirloin or rump - and preferably from a good pedigree. You may think you can't go wrong with fillet, but believe me you can. Because fillets fetch such a high price they are not so often hung on the carcass these days but are cut out from under the sirloin and vacuum packed so they don't lose weight. This generally means they leak blood, though; when you open the bag there's loads of it, and the result is that the meat's dry and tasteless when it's cooked.

The best way to crush your peppercorns is in a spice grinder, mortar and pestle or an old coffee grinder. If you haven't any of those, put them in a tea towel and smash with a hammer. Maybe that's why people think of steak au poivre as a guy's dish. Ideally cream shouldn't be used, just natural meat juices such as the nice concentrated veal stock restaurant kitchens have. As that's not something you're likely to have at home, I have used a little cream and stock together to thicken the sauce.

4 sirloin, or fillet, steaks weighing about 180-200g each
3tbsp coarsely crushed black peppercorns
1tbsp vegetable or corn oil
Salt
A good knob of butter
3 small shallots, peeled and finely chopped
2tbsp brandy, or Cognac
100ml beef stock
150ml double cream

Spread the crushed peppercorns on a plate. Season the steaks on both sides with salt and press one side into the peppercorns so they stick to the meat. Heat the vegetable oil in one, or two heavy-bottomed frying pans, depending on the size of your pans, and cook the steaks for 3-4 minutes on a medium heat on each side for medium rare and 5-6 minutes for medium. Remove the steaks and keep warm.

Add the butter and shallots to the pan and stir well on a low heat for a minute or so. Add the brandy and turn the heat up so it ignites then pour in the stock and cream and boil rapidly until it reduces by half and thickens.

Season if necessary and pour over the steaks. Serve with watercress salad or chips or rich, cheesey, puréed aligote potatoes

Gastronomic Delights 4: Steak au Poivre

North At Night - Adam Marshall (Cynosure)
Shift - Ribn (Styrax Leaves)
The Only Way To Win Is Not To Play Me (A) - Donnacha Costello
Reainy Stroll (Don Wlliams Nostalgic Redraft) - Yoshihiro Arikawa (Kodaira Tracks)
03 (Hobo remix) - *** (Snork Enterprises)
Guilty (B) - Oddvar (Pour la Merite)
Love Tempo - Agnes (STHMLAudio)
Source - JC Freaks (Wandering)
Omul Care Nu Se Duce (Afrlounge remix) - Ali Nasser (Supernature)
Blown Valvetrain - Omar S (Sound Signature)
Truckin' - Huner/Lauhaus (3120)
Re-Kidz - Mr G (Phoenix G)
(A) - Frozen Border 002 (Frozen Border)
Seldom Felt 005 (Seldom Felt)
Sadim - Leonid (Sistrum)

Download this spontaneous and raw mix here.

Done at Castle Corey, Haverhill, Suffolk, UK on two 1210s, two Pioneer CDJ200s an Allen & Heath XOne:32 and recorded onto a Mac Probook using Audacity. Luvverly.

Machines Are Funky Playlist: 18.4.09

This is the first hour of tonight's show. The second was Nick Craddock's "A Darker Shade of Spring" mix, for which I am yet to be awarded the tracklist.

I Remember House - Soul Minority (Pack Up And Dance)
Gridlock - Losoul (Playhouse)
Nashu - Cally (Fear Of Flying)
22 - Alex Under (Net 28)
25th - Derek Carr (Styrax Leaves)
Mysteries Of Nazerus - Mario Bernardi (Clone)
Spacepops - Ra.H (Morphine Doser)
Starslider - Kiki (BPitch Control)
King Of Fools - Damian Lazarus (Get Physical)

A Darker Shade Of Spring Mix - Nick Craddock. Download it here.


1. Soulcapsule ‘Waiting 4 A Way (Acapella)’ (Perlon)
2. Kassem Mosse ‘Shaqued’ (Mikrodisko Recordings)
3. DJ Minx ‘Crack’d House’ (Women On Wax Recordings)
4. Freund Der Familie ‘Sark (Taron Trekka remix) (Freund Der Familie)
5. Isomer Transition 'Loop Me Through To Control The Mains' (Moodgadget)
6. Louis Guilliaume ‘Missbelieve’ (SD Records)
7. Robert Dietz 'Klondike' (Deep Vibes)
8. G. Family feat Nombongo 'People with Bullets (Dubin Dark Dub)' (Earthrumental Music)
9. Modi ‘Aputicat’ (Sunplay)
10. Klockworks ‘Grab Me’ (Klockworks)
11. Scuba ‘From Within (Marcel Dettmann remix) (Hot Flush)
12. Seth Troxler ‘Love Never Sleeps’ (Crosstown Rebels)
13. Christian Morgenstern ‘Lydia To The Edge Of Panic’ (Forte)
14. Melchert ‘Swerve’ (SD Records)
15. Octave One ‘Burujha’ (430 West)

Machines Are Funky Tonight

The second half of this weekend's show will be given over to a guest mix from Nick Craddock.

Sud Electronic resident, Nick Craddock, hails from the North of England and began DJing in the late 90s, taking initial inspiration from some of the hard Techno DJs of that time. Since moving to London in 2000, he has pursued a more refined House and Techno sound - avoiding the pitfalls of recent trends and fads - securing his credentials as an individual DJ with a knack for tasteful selection.

Meanwhile the first half of the show will be a battle to squeeze in as much as possible. Expect something from Damian Lazarus' album on Get Physical and from the new "Net 28 2" compilation. Of course there will be more.

If you have a night that you want promoted, get in touch.

Keep it locked. Link to listen on the right.


Machines Are Funky: 7-9pm GMT

105FM in Cambridge

209radio.co.uk globally

S'All Good EP - Mark Henning (Tic Tac Toe)

Read my RA review of Mark Henning's "S'All Good EP" here.

Nick Craddock In The Mix

This weekend, Machines Are Funky will be hosting a mix from the mind of the talented
Nick Craddock. Meanwhile, here's one to download to keep you all satiated. There are more mixes to
choose from on his website and they're all very good.

Nick Craddock 'Disc Operation'

1. As One 'Shambala (Balil Reflection)' (New Electronica)
2. Stasis 'Sound File Nos: 13' (Peacefrog)
3. Balil 'The Whirling Of Spirits' (ART / Warp)
4. Plez 'Can't Stop (Acid Rainforest Mix)' (Plezure)
5. Anthony Collins 'Rabouine House (Dyed Soundroom Tropical Mix) (Freak 'n' Chic)
6. Jug 'The Skye Is Always Greener' (Unreleased)
7. Nick Curly 'Dubnoise' (Cécille Records)
8. A Made Up Sound 'Density' (Subsolo)
9. DJ Minx 'Into Oblivion' (DEQ)
10. Freund der Familie 'Sark (Taron Trekka Remix) (Freund der Familie)
11. Blackdown 'Crackle Blues' (Keysound)
12. Ramadanman 'Offal' (Soul Jazz)
13. Untold 'Kingdom' (Hessle Audio)
14. 2562 'Enforcers' (Tectonic)
15. Benga 'Emotions' (Tempa)
16. TRG 'Broken Heart (Martyn's DCM Remix)' (Hessle Audio)

Download here.

I'll be getting an interview together with Nick which, if I move quickly (and he does too), will be put up on the blog next week.