History Of House Music...

This was a massive, massive track when UK garage was at its height.

And Tuff Jam are a legendary production duo. They banged out classic after classic...

This is one of many.

Unda-Vybes Vol 1 - History of House Music (Tuff Jam feat Tyree Cooper)

Subb Dominating...

Subb-an has been grafting for a while and, over the last few months in particular, he's really been making an impact.

His smasher of a remix of Noir & Haze - Around dropped like a bomb when it popped up in early October.

And this is another wicked little tune. Looking forward to hearing more from him in the coming months...

Subb-an feat. Anomaly Jonez - Positive Expression

Everybody Wants To Be A Big Star...

Nice little fusion of hip-hop and house by Huxley and Russo...

I don't update this blog much anymore purely because I'm so busy, but every now and then I post up a track that's worthy of a posting.

This is one of them.

Huxley ft. Russo - Reality Check

Forgotten Gem...

I LOVED The Shamen when I was a kid.

So when I heard this on an old Mr.C set from 1992, I was over the moon.

Totally forgot about it, but so glad I had my memory jogged.

The Shamen - Phorever People



As a bonus, here's another brilliant tune by Mr.C and the gang.

The Shamen - Move Any Mountain

Fire Fire...

This is a beauty... first heard played out by Seth Troxler back in July, a forthcoming Visionquest release.

My Favourite Robot mixing vocals, mysticism and atmosphere to great effect.

Instant favourite. Works at home and in a club too...

My Favourite Robot - Forest Fires

VQ007 - My Favorite Robot - Forest Fires - Visionquest by My Favorite Robot

1999...

This is one of those anthemic tracks that reminds of the days when I'd be locked in to pirate radio constantly... way back before downloading podcasts and trawling YouTube incessantly was the order of the day.

I have a very distinct memory of listening to a female DJ, whose name I forget, playing a garage/house set and dropping this in neatly somewhere along the way. I still have the tape and, one day when I have time, I'll convert it to MP3 and upload it to Soundcloud I'm sure.

In the meantime, check this track out. Classic Cassius.

Cassius - 1999

Late Late Late...

Well, this has been around a while and I had heard it on a mix somewhere - I think it was Lee Foss' Modern Amusement podcast.

Anyway, this and the rest of the album Changed by Mario & Vidis is absolutely sublime.

Great great music.

ENJOY!

Mario & Vidis feat. Ernesto - Changed

Slacking...

Well I've been neglecting this blog a hell of a lot recently.

Happy to say it's for a good reason though.. I've been ridiculously busy over the last few weeks.

Interviews, club reviews and so forth have been keeping me occupied - as well as my day job. So I've had no time to post anything on here.

Anyway, I'm off to Amsterdam next week and Turin the week after. Above all that though I'm dreaming of Miami already... seriously CANNOT WAIT to go back.

This tune is great - Dyed Soundorom has quickly become one of my favourite DJs in recent months and he dropped this on a set that's been posted online recently.

QUALITY.

Franck Roger & Mandel Turner - After All

Another Ibiza Trip Over...

So I went back to Ibiza again, for a short closing party trip.

It was a lot of fun, but now I'm back and not very happy to be here.

Of course, it's the music that's keeping me uplifted and here are two tracks that are helping ease the post-Ibiza pain and self-pity.

Murphy Jax - It's The Music (Mike Dunn Vocals)



Jamie Jones and Seth Troxler play Max Chapman & Julien Sandre - No Games

Music Sounds Better...

A few DJs have been playing a remix of this track this year.

It's really good, but I can't help reminiscing about this original version whenever I hear the remix.

Always brings a smile to my face.

Stardust - Music Sounds Better with You

Can You Feel It?...

This track is a right old stomper.

First caught it on Tobi Neumann's excellent podcast for Resident Advisor and since heard it a couple of times played out, most recently during Miss Kittin's epic and masterful 8-hour set for 'A Night With...' last week.

Smasher, I love it - the breakdown is special.

Scuba - Feel It

Dolly...

I went to see Dolly Parton in concert last night at London's O2 arena.

To be honest I was slightly unsure about how it would be and whether I would like it or not - as much as I like to think I'm open-minded, I guess sometimes I'm not.



Anyway, it was BRILLIANT. Her voice is flawless, I mean 100% flawless... she didn't drop a note all night. Very funny, self-deprecating and honest. And she played like 10 different instruments!!

Amazing woman and seriously, she's like SIXTY-FIVE years old. SIXTY FIVE.

This is one of my favourites of hers.

Dolly Parton - Jolene

Follow up...

Following on from the title of the last post, this is one of my faaaaaaavourite old songs.

HUGE.

The Real Thing - Can You Feel The Force

Can You Feel The Foss...

It's a few months old, but it's such a good tune I had to post it up.

Lee Foss, the boss.

The guy's so consistent with his productions and his mixes.

This is another hot, hot track from Hot Creations.

Lee Foss - Keep My Cool

2000...

11 years ago I was just a month away from starting university - as you can imagine, things were a whole lot different back then.

At the age of 19 I'd never been to a full on club, wasn't much of a dancer and generally found life a lot more awkward than I do now. Bless.

Around about that time, I recorded 45 mins of Mr.C (of The Shamen) playing on Kiss FM. That tape was very special to me as I brought it with me when my mate Wil drove me (and most of the belongings I had) down to my halls in Bristol, and we listened to it on his van's stereo. And it was one of the first tapes I played in my stereo when I eventually unpacked...

Very clear, distinct memories of a time in my life that was crucial to my development and very much a milestone.

This track here is one of the ones that really stood out on that Mr.C tape.

And, later, Wil put it on a mix he did for me because I'd mentioned I liked it. Top man!

I was lucky enough to see Omid 16B in action in Croatia recently. See my write-up HERE.

Omid - The Top

Miami Miami...

Right, so just over 5 months ago I went to Miami for what was dubbed Music Week.

Had a brilliant time there as expected. Now there are plans afoot for a return visit next year, I NEED to make it happen!

Had so many great times over there, particularly at the pool parties and this track would be absolutely perfect for such an occasion... Takes me back there, even though I'm currently lying in bed in my pants looking out at grey skies.

Hot Creations are really going for it at the moment, lots of good music in the pipeline, strong signings, magical DJ sets and they've amassed a huge following.

Miguel Campbell - Something Special

Whistle Massive...

Dyed Soundorom has been spinning an edit of this for a while...

...I probably love that edit more than I like this original.

Still, this is great.

DJ Duke - Blow Your Whistle

Innervisions...

Almost two weeks ago now I went to the Roundhouse in Camden to visit Innervisions' special night in conjunction with Ron Arad's amazing curtain.

It was a really cool night... my review is now up on Resident Advisor, so go and check that - CLICK HERE!

Also check some of my pics..

Let's Go!...

Motor City Drum Ensemble came recommended by a friend, so when I saw a mix of theirs on the ever-prolific R_Co's Soundcloud I thought I'd give it a listen.

And it really brightened my harsh morning at work... 6am starts are always the bane of my life.

This helped me through a little. Belgian deep house duo taking it back. So fresh!

FCL - Let's Go



And here's that fantastic mix.

Tune Of The Weekend...

This dropped like an absolute BOMB at 2020's party yesterday... after spending most of the day on the rooftop in Hackney it started to rain a bit, so we all packed in to a downstairs room..

...this was THE ONE for me.

Osunlade - Envision (Dixon Version)

I'm Here To Tell The Truth...

Love love LOVE this tune.

I've probably said this already on my blog, but I'm a massive fan of almost ANY house track that has someone talking over the top.

One day I'll do a massive post with all my favourites, one day...

Anyway, this is likely to be included. I really love it, found it on a mix by Maceo Plex which I posted a while back.

Great tune, great sample too.

Big weekend ahead - SW4 and Shoreditch Underground. Can't wait.

ENJOY.

Robin Ordell - The Show

More More More...

Man this track is absolutely sublime.

Featuring a vocal sampled from the late GREAT Teddy Pendergrass, it so smooth but with a punchy beat to it that keeps your foot tapping (or fist pumping when you're in a club, come on we all do it).

Larse has created a beauty here... first heard this on Richy Ahmed's Fabric Promo Mix a few months back. Still sends shivers down my spine.

Another one of those 'poolside Miami' type tracks. I seriously cannot wait to go back there for WMC again next year. It's an absolute must.

Have a listen.

Larse - The More I Want



And here's Teddy's original...

Teddy Pendergrass - The More I Get, The More I Want




And Richy's brilliant Fabric mix.

I'm Not Going To The Zoo...

I'm dedicating this post to my friends in New York - Ana Triana and Emiliano De Pasqual.

We all met in Miami and had a great time together, I had planned to go and visit them in New York for Electric Zoo, although sadly I won't be able to make it owing to cash/time (i.e. not enough of either, as usual).

Sad times, but I know you guys will have a brilliant time regardless.

Here are some tunes just for the both of you.

PS: We NEED to go to the Culprit Rooftop sessions at the Standard in LA!!

Shonky - Le Velour




Lee Foss - Your Turn Girl (Shonky & Dyed Soundorom Remix)




Lee Foss - Little Game (Original Mix)



Hot Natured - B4 The Bentley



Jamie Jones ft Art Department - Our Time In Liberty



Dyed Soundorom & Shonky @ Culprit Sessions, Standard LA

Love!...

This just popped into my head, so I had to post it before I forget about it and start playing another track on the jukebox in my mind.

Love it!

Red Hot Chilli Peppers - Californication

Life's An Adventure...

I got back from my travels last Sunday and it's been a painful week of 'recovery' to say the least - my recovery has consisted of long days at work, super early mornings and late nights. In other words, I've had no chance to get over my excesses in Ibiza and Croatia.

Never mind, life goes on.

I had an amazing time in both places, Ibiza for my 30th was intense, very messy and lots of fun... the party didn't stop for the whole five days I was there. We Love... at Space was seriously good (2ManyDJs killed it) and DC10 was incredible.

We walked in to the sounds of Maceo Plex dropping this little beauty... and when it dropped, it DROPPED.

Maceo Plex - Under The Sheets



In Room 2 Derrick Carter got the place jumping with his boompty, boomp.. followed by Dan Ghenacia.

At midnight Jamie Jones was supposed to be on for an hour and a half, but when I looked up at the DJ booth I saw him AND Seth Troxler preparing to get busy... what ensued was a surprise 3hr back-to-back set. Unbelievable.

In Croatia we visited the super sick club Papaya in Pag. Highlight for me was Omid of S.O.S smashing the place with hard and funky tech-house...

Here are some more tracks that are rocking my world at the moment.

Intruder - Amame (Murk feat. Jei)



Dyed Soundorom has been smashing this track recently, from 2009.

Where are you now? - Andre Lodemann



And if this a sign of things to come from Jamie Jones and Lee Foss I cannot wait to hear more of what they've been working on. Amazing track.

Hot Natured feat. Ali Love & Kenny Glasgow - Assimilation



Tanner Ross - bSide

Beep Beep...

Another extended break from the blog as I've been galavanting around the world again - this time I went back to Ibiza (for my 30th birthday) and headed over to Croatia too.

Both a hell of a lot of fun.

Anyway, neglected the blog a bit because I've been so busy/had very limited net access.

But I'm back and kicking it all off with a supreme piece of music from an utter legend.

Jamie Principle - Bad Boy (Unreleased Mix)

Birthday Boy...

So I turn 30 this week. Shouldn't be a big deal, but it is a little bit of a big deal.

Anyway, I won't go into my anxieties.

I'll be in Ibiza dancing in the sunshine with my friends.

Here are a couple of tunes that really went down well at the weekend when I went to Circus in Liverpool - SEE MY REVIEW HERE.

Eats Everything - Entrance Song



Daniel Dubb & Strict Border - Jeebus (Detlef Botta remix)



And this is a lovely little bonus track for today... one for the pool parties and sunshine raving.

Lee Curtiss feat. Matt Tolfrey - Candy (Original Mix)

Wanna Spend My Time Wichu...

As much as I love dark music, I'm equally as obsessed with beautiful, emotional compositions.

This track right here is a perfect representation of the kind of music I'm talking about.

It's stirring my emotions seriously.

Shame it finishes so abruptly.

Booka Shade - In the Smoke Hang Around



I discovered the track through this superlative mix by Alex Niggeman.

Fire, Fire...

Got hardly any time to post anything of substance today, so two songs with fire in the title.

Both songs I loved when they were out and still do now.

Dance Into The Fire - Duran Duran



The Prodigy - Fire

Oh!...

N.O.R.E made some big boy tunes a few years ago - with production from The Neptunes, who were at their peak in the early 2000s.

Both of these tracks are club smashers. Taking me back to those days when I was an RnB pretty boy. (Oh the shame).

N.O.R.E - Nothin'



Noreaga - Superthug

Love For Fabric Restored (Thanks To Seth)...

On the 2nd July this year I made a totally unplanned visit to Fabric.

Now, having been a regular at Fabric around 8 years ago, in recent times I've been left a little disappointed by the club. It seemed as though it's worldwide reputation attracted a hell of a lot of tourists and people who were there because of the name alone, and not for the music.

But this night had such a strong line-up that I thought it was worth heading down...

On the way there my friend Hayley sent me a text to say the queue was massive - not a surprise with the likes of Jamie Jones, Lee Foss, Matthias Tanzmann and Martin Buttrich (to name but a few) on the line-up.

I get there at around 11.30pm and queue for 2 and a half hours to get in.

Once I'm in, that's it... I decide I'm not leaving until the club closes.

Especially once I find out that Seth Troxler has been added to the line-up as a last minute stand in for Craig Richards. And he's playing a three-hour set as well.

Goes without saying, Seth's set was an absolute must.

So, after spending a while watching Jamie Jones and Lee Foss smash Room 3, I headed to the Main Room for Seth's set, which began at 5.30am.

What ensued was one of the best sets I've heard in a long while. I'm definitely a little biased because Seth is one of my favourite DJs, but nevertheless it was a pretty special night and helped restore my faith in Fabric.

And, fortunately, somebody filmed a large portion of Seth's set and posted it on YouTube.

I've been reliving the night all weekend thanks to danielslota85. AMAZING.

Why?...

This 1982 track sung by Carly Simon is ridiculously infectious.

It's got such a summery feel to it, shame it's raining outside at the moment.

But as they said in Phoenix Nights, it's like sunshine indoors...

Why - Carly Simon

Freedom...

This track represents a time in my life when I'd escaped extreme repression in the form of a relationship... a messy relationship.

The words of the song held very true for me, and it's also a stormer.

It pretty much inspired my current lifestyle.

Freedom, that's what it's all about.

The Children - Freedom



BONUS** Let the music take you away... I first heard this on a mix one of my friends did for me when I moved up to Manchester on my own in 2004. Always been eternally grateful for that mix, kept me going through lonely times.

Serious music.

Rocky Jones - The Choice Of A New Generation

Everything I Touch...

This little gem crept up on me yesterday - I had the chorus, but stupidly couldn't remember exactly how it went.

My brain is rapidly becoming mush at the moment. I need a break.

Midnight star - Midas Touch

Mix Of The Week...

I've already come across some pretty special mixes this week, but this is by far my favourite.

I had the opportunity to go to Sonar this year, but in the end I couldn't afford the flight.

I was gutted at the time, and more so now I've heard this mix by Art Department.

PERFECT.

Art Department DJ Set @ W Hotel - Off Sonar 2011



By the way, these two mixes below came a very close joint second.

Norman Jay - Essential Mix - 27-08-1994



Fingers Inc. aka Larry Heard, Robert Owens & Ron Wilson - Live In Edinburgh, Scotland (WPRK, Orlando) - 1996

Blue Monday...

Short and sweet today...

The feeling this track evokes is very retro and instantly transports me to a warm sunny beach somewhere (basically Ibiza).

Shonky is a master of his craft, both on the decks and in the studio... as proven by this excellent track.

Listen right through to the end because it builds and builds into something very special.

Alex Celler - Blue Vaudeville (Shonky Remix)

Super Freak...

Funny how sometimes you can be searching for one song and find another that you'd completely forgotten about.

This first track I heard Heidi play a few weeks back (see my review on Resident Advisor here) and, to be honest, I completely forgot she'd played it until I accidentally stumbled across while searching for the lyrics to something else.

But that's how it goes sometimes. Fuck, I'm glad I found it... what a dirty, sexy track.

Mike Dunn presents Mr. 69 - Phreaky MF (Mike Dunn's 'Original Phreak' Mixx)



Next up, this is an all-time classic - summertime '88 is what it reminds me of, really great times.

Soul II Soul - Keep On Movin'



It was this mix that helped stir my memory of the track above... to have been at Amnesia, or anywhere in Ibiza, in 1989 is basically one of my life's dreams (that will obviously never come true)



And the original mix of this has been lodged in my head all morning - although this remix is something else.

Guy Gerber is one of a kind. Amazing remix.


Azari & III - Hungry For The Power (Guy Gerber mix)



Lastly, here's a brilliant video from Rebel Rave's (Seth Troxler, Damian Lazarus and Jamie Jones) appearance at the EXIT Festival, which I was fortunate enough to witness first-hand.

Watching these guys as the sun came up over the Petrovaradin fortress was pretty special, particularly when they dropped Can't Leave You by Maceo Plex.

Brilliant. Beautiful Tanner Ross track.

Silence...

There are moments in life you really hope you'll never forget.

Being at the top of a fort in Serbia - virtually unable to dance because of the state I'm in - the sun rising behind me and this getting played as the DJ's last song of the morning is one of many.

Enjoy The Silence.

Always On My Mind...

Today was a super hot one in London town, I was at work... but I was in a good mood and earning money, so can't complain too much.

These three tunes were lodged in my brain all day, going around and around and around.

The first one seriously destroyed me when it came out in 1997 - I remember Grooverider playing it on his Kiss FM show and being absolutely blown away by the chunky analogue sounds and that break, fucking ridiculous. The best thing it is, for all the chaotic percussion and creeping evil-esque bassline, there's a hint of serenity at its core and I love that.

Anyway.

Optical - High Tek Dreams



LFO - LFO (Leeds warehouse mix)



Cece Peniston - Finally

Kidnapped By Funk...

So there I was fully engrossed in staying in on a beautfitul and getting a load of work stuff done... then I heard this and it threw everything into chaos.

This track smashed down my front door and proceeded to pull me away from my work, tied me up, gagged me and chucked me in the back of a van... God only knows when I'll be back to my work. For now I'm totally distracted and listening to it on repeat constantly.

It's been around a little while now, Maceo Plex (formerly known as Maetrik, who I wrote about briefly last September - HERE) coming with 100% pure unadulterated digital funk. The guy has untouchable skills, and the new alias/direction is proof of that.

Music kills me.

Maceo Plex - Your Style



As an added bonus here's a podcast mixed by the man himself.

Going Back...

Some 80s selection..... happy Friday.

Yazoo - Situation



The Communards - Don't Leave Me This Way



Belinda Carlisle - Heaven Is a Place on Earth



Bangles - Walk Like An Egyptian



Europe - The Final Countdown



Gary Numan - Cars

I'm Feeling...

After the disappointment of missing out on both the Movement DEMF and Sonar music festivals, things have picked up substantially.

In the past week or so I've booked EXIT Festival (3rd year in a row) and today I got myself down for a return to Ibiza for my 30th birthday. Exciting times.

So, things have generally improved... a regular gig doing reviews for Resident Advisor seems to be going well, hopefully that will lead to bigger and better things. On top of that a blog for The Independent is on the cards too, as well as the scope to do features and so forth on the MailOnline which today was announced as setting a new national press record for the most new unique users in a month.. SEE HERE.

ALL GOOD.

Since when did this blog become a bloody online diary?!?! ON WITH THE MUSIC.

Some stuff I'm feeling at the moment...

Luca C, Brigante Feat. Ali Love - Morals (Clockwork Remix)



Nick Curly Live @ Viva La Electronica



Wolf + Lamb vs Soul Clap Live @ The Modern Love Affair Vol.3



Josh Wink & Agaric & Steve Bug Live @ Off-Sonar Ovum & Snatch! Boulevard Club Barcelona



Benoit & Sergio - Everybody

They Don't Know Me Like YOU Know Me...

It's been a little running joke over the last few weeks, "They don't know me like YOU know me..." which comes from this hilarious track by Oliver $.

Have to say, this tune is an instant classic... great bouncing beat, solid bassline and the sample (Moodymann getting on the mic and letting off a bit of banter with his audience) is so so funny, it makes me smile everytime I hear it.

Oliver $ - Doin' Ya Thang



In fact, it's been such a quotable line that I had a T-shirt made in the track's honour.

Boogie On Down...

Because I have virtually no shame anymore, here's a video that features a friend of mine and myself dancing like idiots because there's a camera pointing at us.

Listen to the whole thing because it's brilliant, but look out for Rose and I at around 21mins 26...

Maceo Plex @Ketoloco, Light Bar, Shoreditch - April 2011

Eighty Eight...

This mix has been throwing a few jabs and uppercuts at me over the past half hour so far. I'm now on the ropes in the 5th round, a gash above my right eye, blood dribbling down and blinding me while taking an absolute pounding from my Ivan Drago-esque opponent.

My opponent, in the blue corner is Eddie Neal rockin' a mix straight out of Boston 1988.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK THE MIX AND AN INTERVIEW

Checking the tracklisting for that mix led me to dig out a few old bits and pieces which I've posted below.

Every one of them a Total KnockOut.

Firstly, this footage is off the scale! I can't stop smiling watching it. AMAZING.

Model 500 - No UFOs



Derrick May - The Dance



Master C&J - When You Hold Me



Kevin Saunderson - Tranzister

Lost...

Sums me up.

Photo Week - Final Day...

Little bit late, but here's the last installment of my week dedicated to photos from my global adventures...

...Not much more to add than, enjoy!

Rest In Peace - Kenny Hawkes and Darryl Pandy...

House music lost two real important personalities over the last few days, British DJ/producer Kenny Hawkes and American singer Darryl Pandy.

Sad news all round really.



Kenny was credited with helping Girls FM to become the UK's leading house music pirate station back in the day, as well as being instrumental in the club scene with his night, Space, at Bar Rumba in London's west end.

I went to see Heidi play an 8-hour set last night (review to come on Resident Advisor soon) and she played the track below, which is a serious favourite of mine. Anyone who reads my blog regularly (there must be one or two at least?!) will know I'm a massive fan of dark, minimal tunes and this is a perfect example of the kind of stuff that really gets me going music-wise. That bassline is too mean.

Kenny Hawkes ft. Marcel And Kimra - Dance For Me



And here's a classic Kenny Hawkes mix, taken from Girls FM's 1st birthday, all the way back in 1995.



Another huge loss to the house music scene was the passing of Darryl Pandy.

If you're unfamiliar with his name just watch this... classic footage of an all-time classic track.

One that I'll never grow tired of - timeless.

Farley Jackmaster Funk (ft. Darryl Pandy) - Love Can't Turn Around (Live on Top Of The Pops)



And this is pretty cool too.

CZR Feat. Darryl Pandy - Bad Enough (Undergroundiscofunk Rmx)

Photo Week - Day 6...

Photo Week - Day 5...