Blah Blah Blah

Greatest Dance Act of All Time - Mixmag

2012-02-09T17:15:00.000Z

A couple of weeks ago Mixmag released the results of their public vote for 'Who Is The Greatest Dance Act Of All Time'.

The Top 20 are as follows:

01. The Prodigy
02. Daft Punk
03. The Chemical Brothers
04. Faithless
05. Deadmau5
06. Plastikman
07. Underworld
08. Fatboy Slim
09. Orbital
10. Moby
11. Leftfield
12. Kraftwerk
13. Pendulum
14. Depeche Mode
15. Justice
16. Basement Jaxx
17. Groove Armada
18. The Shamen
19. Above & Beyond
20. The KLF

Whilst the magazine contains interviews, facts and summaries of the acts, there's no real analysis of the artists, their order or what it says about dance music in general. That's where we come in. We're going to start by noting that whilst this list is (in general) fairly conclusive we're not going to argue against the results, as it was a public vote. It would be no more useful than disputing the top 40 or even the Beatport chart.

The list is interesting because it is a poll conducted largely within the global dance community, in this case anyone within Mixmag's reach. This gives us a closed sample group of a similar demographic - everyone here purporting to enjoy 'dance acts'. The results suggest a wide age spread of voters with the inclusion of acts that pre-date many a current clubber (Kraftwerk & KLF) alongside newer acts such as Justice, Deadmau5 and Pendulum. Three quarters of the acts released music during the 1990s, and apart from Deadmau5 the top 10 have all continued to release music through the 90s up to the present day. Therefore its reasonable to assume that in order to take the crown for 'The Greatest Dance Act Of All Time' the act would need to have been around for some time, or at least have had their music around long enough to still be relevant.

If that's what we have in the top 20 what’s conspicuous by its absence? There's no Dubstep. Not overly surprising when we take into account the average age and duration of the acts against this comparatively fledgling genre. But with people like Skrillex and Magnetic Man touring stadiums and fresh in young voters' minds, it can't have been far off. Drum n Bass also seems underrepresented when you consider it was born in the 90s, prominent throughout the 00s and as relevant today as ever. Notable absentees include pioneers such as Roni Size, High Contrast and current protagonists Chase & Status and Sub Focus. With the reforming of The Stone Roses and The Happy Mondays it would be reasonable to expect some Madchester acts in there, New Order being the more obvious choice. Of the other new genres that sprung up in the 00s like Nu Rave, Electro, Fidget etc we only have Justice not even Soulwax make the list.

To complete our analysis we tried to identify how these Best Of Dance lists have changed over the years. However apart from a 2010 Global Gathering poll listing a similar top 10 there is not much to find. Widening our search to include award ceremonies we interestingly discovered that in the UK both the Brits & NME Awards no longer have a ‘Best Dance Act’ category, ceasing 2004 and 2002 respectively. Suggesting that dance music throughout the mid to late 00s wasn't troubling the mainstream consciousness enough to warrant its own category.

NME Award Winners: 1999-2002
BRIT Award Winners: 1994-2004

In summary it would appear that it is much harder for newer electronic acts to break into these types of lists, perhaps because we currently live in a fast food digital age where genres and acts can storm to success, galvanise a sound and fade away equally as quickly, leaving the established 90’s acts to dominate. Or perhaps dance music has genuinely had its peak both in terms of quality and commercial viability?….which begs the question: “Is it actually possible to create a modern day act that will be looked at in twenty years as The Greatest Of All Time”?

Let us know you thoughts and who you think could topple the ever present trio of The Prodigy, Daft Punk, and the Chemical Brothers.

Written by Matt Allfrey (Battery Powered)

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WeAreBTN - WeAreBrighton

2012-02-04T17:22:00.010Z

Brighton has always produced its fair share of great music and in the last 2-3 years the electronic scene has been bubbling under with some truly exciting Producers, DJs, Record Labels and Parties. Its with this in mind that we present a new regular feature on the Blah Blah Blah Blog - WeAreBTN.

WeAreBTN as you no doubt have guessed stands for WeAreBrighton and therefore each article will discuss whats currently hot in the burgeoning Brighton electronic music scene. Each post will also present a guest mix from a Brighton DJ featuring exclusively Brighton based artists and record labels. Furthermore WeAreBTN will also be stretching its legs beyond the confines of the written word, details on which will be released in the coming months.

First up in the mix we are proud to present 'Love Sick' label owner Riskotheque who has recorded a majestically intricate set that weaves between electronica, house, bass and dubstep to stunning effect. Highly recommended.

To Download click (WeAreBBB EP39 - WeAreBTN)

As this is the first post in the WeAreBTN series we will use this article to introduce you to the various artists, labels, DJs and parties that are the fabric of Brightons bubbling under electronic music scene. We will be discussing all of these in greater detail in future posts. In no particular order........

Record Labels - Hypercolour, Well Rounded Records, Love Sick Recordings, Pictures, Shogun Audio, Blah Blah Blah Records.

Artists - Dismantle, Leon Vynehall, Lorca, Dauwd, Bobby Champs, Guy Andrews, Kasket, Side B, Maxxi Soundsystem, Russ Yallop, Kashii, Riskotheque, Southbound Hangers.

Parties - Blah Blah Blah, AKA AKA Roar, Warehouse.

If you are a Brighton based Party, Label or Artist we want to hear from you, email us at blahblahblah_brighton@hotmail.co.uk

Brainfeeder Sampler - Free Compilation

2012-02-02T17:27:00.000Z

Brainfeeder recently won label of the year at the '2012 Gilles Peterson Worldwide Awards' just pipping Jackmasters 'Numbers' to top spot. In celebration of this win and an all round impressive 2011 label boss Flying Lotus has elected to issue a free 12 track compilation showcasing his increasingly impressive rosta of artists. As you would expect from Brainfeeder this is pretty eclectic stuff that on occasion can be a little tricky to digest, but lets not quibble too much as it is free after all.

Thanks to XLR8R for alerting us to this one....

The compilation includes tracks from Lapalux, Martyn, Samiyam, Tokimonsta, The Gaslamp Killer, Teebs, Matthew David, Mono/Poly, among others.

Hit the following link 'Brainfeeder Sampler ' to download.

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Glade Festival 2012 - Sven Vath, Andy C, Rusko....

2012-02-01T11:29:00.004Z

Glade Festival originated from 'The Glade' area in Glastonbury and since 2004 has firmly established itself as the UK's premier underground electronic dance event, combining imaginative installations, immersive decor, and interactive shows with breath taking performances. Glade is not just a couple of stages lashed up around a patch of grass with Tuborg Bars as far as the eye can see. This year alone there are 8 arenas including the open air 'Meteor Stage' that lies in a crater inside their own private woodland, not to mention 'The Rabbit Hole' and Psychedelic Village.

As you can see from the image above the lineup is shaping up nicely with many more announcements between now and the 14th June, and if you squint top right second paragraph in you'll notice the immortal words Blah Blah Blah. We are very proud to announce that we have been booked to appear alongside fellow peers, Pelski, Discobelle and Sonic Router.

Glade runs June 14th to 17th in the picturesque Houghton Hall, Kings Lynn, Norfolk. Weekend Tickets are on sale now £135 + BF, however if you want to spread the payment of the ticket you can pay a £50 deposit now and the balance by the 14th May.

For More Information on lineups, arenas and tickets hit the link:
Glade Festival 2012.

Stuck on Repeat - Volume 7

2012-01-31T13:47:00.001Z

Stuck on Repeat simply collects together a load of tracks over an un-specified amount of time that we consider essential listening. As always with these types of things there maybe certain tracks you've already heard, tracks we've missed or accidentally overlooked, so please feel free to hit up the comments with anything you think is indispensable.

In no particular order....

Locked Groove - Rooted (Hotflush Recordings)
Boddika & Joy Orbison - Mercy (Hotflush Recordings)
Claude VonStroke & Eats Everything - Ignorance is Bliss (Dirtybird)
Todd Terje - Inspector Norse (Smalltown Supersonic)
Waifs & Strays - Back Down (Futureboogie Recordings)
REID - Diptera (BBB Records)
Objekt - Porcupine (Hessle Audio)
Matthew Burton & Kate Rathod - New Funk (Visionquest)
Christian Martin - Waiting (Dirtybird)
PanLeft - Electrika (BBB Records)
The 2 Bears - Ghosts & Zombies (Southern Fried Records)
Jack Dixon - 60 Miles (Losing Suki)
Jacques Greene Feat. Koreless - Arrows (Vase)
Roxy Music - Love Is The Drug (Todd Terje Remix) (Virgin)
Worthy - Shy Look (Dirtybird)

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News: Jacques Lu Cont - Church

2012-01-28T19:47:00.000Z

Stuart Price aka Thin White Duke aka Les Rythmes Digitales made a shock return to the decks and the studio last year with perhaps his most iconic and revered alias of them all 'Jacques Lu Cont'.

In recent years Stuart Price has been content to produce other artist’s music with the likes of Madonna and the Killers employing his services, and whilst highly commendable it did deprive the clubbing circuit of one if its more pivotal members. Hands up if you remember and still cherish his Fabriclive 09 mix.....putting my hands down now so I can continue typing.

The new single Church follows on from last years slightly underwhelming 'Reload' and instantly draw's comparisons to the cross toting Justice with its big electro synths and growling bassline, and while not particularly forward thinking it is a great slice of floor filling electro, game on.....

News: Madteo - Bugler Gold Pt.1 (Hinge Finger)

2012-01-28T18:19:00.001Z

New Yorks Madteo gets the honour of the opening release on Joy Orbison and Will Bankhead’s new label Hinge Finger. The opening gambit from Madteo suggests that Hinge Finger will strive to explore the more unconventional end of the electronic market, putting out sounds that are unlikely to appeal to the more mass market among you. Often this type of approach can come off as self indulgent nonsense, however with the long serving and iconic designer Will Bankhead working closely alongside the equally iconic producer Joy Orbison these worries are likely to prove unfounded, with each mind striving to innovate and push the boundaries of electronic music.

Listen & Buy 'Madteo - Bugler Gold Pt.1' from - Boomkat

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Blah Blah Blah meets The 2 Bears

2012-01-23T19:14:00.000Z

The 2 Bears are made up of one half Joe Goddard (Hot Chip) and one half Raf Rundell (Greco-Roman Soundsystem) and combined they make Indie-Electro House. We first came across them with their debut EP ‘Follow the Bears’ in 2010 and have since been hooked into their playful melodies and stomping beats.

Earlier this year their ‘Bear Hug’ track exploded into the public consciousness and with the latest single ‘Work’ having a similar affect we decided to pop down to their neck of the woods and ask a few questions about them and their imminent debut LP ‘Be Strong’ due for release 30th January on Southern Fried & DFA.

BBB: We read that initially the idea was to form an act with Joseph Mount (of Metronomy) and call yourselves The 3 Bears. Is this true and are there any interesting collaboration’s we should be looking out for on the debut album?

The 2 Bears: It was the fevered dream of our friend Steven that Joe, Joe and I should start a band. Mount was busy on the english riviera so it was just me and Joe Goddard who got started. There aren't any big name collabs on the record though lots of our friends gave us a helping hand. Joe's neighbour Ollie played Marimbas on 2 tracks, my friend Dan played pedal steel on one. There's some vocals from Alice Gold and Mara Carlyle.

BBB: The 4 EPs you've released to date encompass a range of genres not to mention the other projects you both work on. What would you say is driving the direction of your music and how has that influenced the recording of ‘Be Strong’

The 2 Bears: The album was inspired by so many things. London, clubs, our families and friends. musically it's mostly house but there's all kinds of other flavours in there too.

BBB: When writing a track what process do you go through?, do you lay down the drums first, start with a sample, send loops to each other……

The 2 Bears: It's different every time. Sometimes we make a track and decide to write a song to go on top. Other times there's a song that needs to be dressed up. Sometimes there's a loop or a sample, sometimes it's a beat or a title. It's never the same twice.

……………and when recording are there any pieces of kit you would never enter the studio without?

The 2 Bears: A computer is pretty crucial.

BBB: We're looking forward to the release of your debut album at the end of this month. How will it sound? Are you aiming it primarily at the dance floor?

The 2 Bears: It's an album you can listen to at home or in the car or on your headphones. The dancefloor is where it started but there are other places represented on the album .

BBB: Do you like Picnics?

The 2 Bears: Of course.

BBB: Your remix packages have all had some really memorable moments, such as Midlands remix of Church. Do you pick your remixers based on who currently impresses you? Come to that who impresses you at the moment?

The 2 Bears: It's a mixture of friends and people we like. Right now I'm into John Convex, Sepalcure, Objekt, Mosca, Robert Hood and Green Velvet, always Green Velvet.

BBB: Can we expect a remix package for the album?

The 2 Bears: Yes, there's great mixes from St Etienne, K-Alexi, Simon Ratcliffe from Basement Jaxx, Brooks and loads more....

BBB: Do you prefer honey or marmalade on your toast in the morning?

The 2 Bears: Honey. Marmalade is for domesticated bears like that chump Paddington.

BBB: One of the Blah Blah Blah DJs is somewhat bear-like in appearance. Have you any need for a 'backing bear'?

The 2 Bears: There's always room for an extra dancing bear in the box.

BBB: Finally, when you’re not making irregular dance floor belters what do you like to pop on the turntable in those more quiet moments, we’re quite partial to a little Frank.

The 2 Bears: I like Kitty Wells the country singer or Baden Powell from Brazil.

Thanks to Raf & Joe for talking to us, to preview and pre-order their debut album hit the following link - Be Strong.

Essential Mix - The 2 Bears (2012)

2012-01-21T11:51:00.004Z

The 2 Bears debut LP 'Be Strong' is due to drop Jan 30th on Southern Fried Records in the UK and DFA in the States. In the last 12 months the furry twosome of Raf Rundell and Joe Goddard have been making considerable waves with their unique brand of curios indie electro-pop. Their sound has been gathering fans from home and abroad, making this LP one of the first highly anticipated electronic albums of 2012. In the build up to its release the Bears have just recorded the much coveted Essential Mix (see below) and have also answered a few questions with us which we will be posting tomorrow. You can also currently stream 'Be Strong' via their website and you can catch them at BBB in Feb.

Feb 18th , BLAH BLAH BLAH presents TEED (Live) + The 2 Bears (Album Tour) Digital Brighton.

Another worthy addition to Radio 1's - Essential Mix legacy.

Click link to Download - (Essential Mix - The 2 Bears 2012)

Tracklist

01. The 2 Bears – Bear Hug (Acapella)
02. The 2 Bears – Work [Southern Fried Records]
03. 2 Bears – Work [Southern Fried]
04. The Orb – Perpetual Dawn
05. The 2 Bears – The Birds And The Bees
06. Mark Ernestus – Mark Arnestus Meets The BBC
07. Intruder – Amame
08. Ana Helder – What Club
09. Fast Eddie – Yo Yo Get Funky (Use To Hearin Mix)
10. Maya Jane Coles – What They Say (Dyed Soundorom Remix)
11. Kölsch – Opa
12. Cajmere – Let’s Dance (feat. Russoul)
13. Future – Inner City (Kenny Larkin Tension Mix)
14. Azealia Banks – 212 (BHQ Mix)
15. The 2 Bears – Ghosts & Zombies (Brooks Haunted House Remix)
16. The 2 Bears – Be Strong (Ratcliffe’s Mala Dub)
17. Gregor Salto and Chocolate Puma – Tragito De Ron
18. DHS – The House Of God
19. Big Futt – Butch
20. DJ Keze – Curl
21. Mosca – Orange Jack
22. L.F.O vs Fuse – Loop
23. Joe Goddard – Gabriel (Soulwax Remix)
24. Luke Slater – Kray Squid
25. Objekt – CLK Recovery
26. Richie Dan – Call It Fate
27. Champion – Sensitivity (feat. Ruby Lee Ryder)
28. The 2 Bears – The Heart Of The Congos
29. DJ Assassin – A Face Amongst The Crowd
30. Robert Hood – Baby Baby
31. Lord Finesse & DJ Mike Smooth – Bad Mutha

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News - DJ Kicks The Exclusives

2012-01-20T15:35:00.000Z

DJ Kicks is one of the longest serving compilation series within dance music, releasing its first mix in 1995 when the idea of a commercially marketed mix was the thing of dreams. Since then the DJ Kicks series has drawn influence from all facets of electronic music with mixes from the likes of Stereo MC's, The Glimmers, Tiga, Four Tet, Hot Chip, Chromeo and Scuba to name a few. However every man and his blog has a mix series these days so why should we care about 'DJ Kicks'...

DJ Kicks like its peers the Essential Mix and the Fabric Live series has stood the test of time through a combination of quality control, big names and exciting content. In particular every mix has to include an exclusive unreleased track from the selected artist. In 2006 !K7 the label behind DJ Kicks launched the 'Exclusives' Compilation to gather all these tracks together and present them in an unmixed format. This proved to be very popular and consequently the second in this series is due to be released early next month, featuring tracks from Four Tet, Scuba, Gold Panda, Kode 9, and Chromeo among others.

Tracklisting
01. Four Tet - Pockets
02. Henrik Schwarz - Imagination Limitation
03. Hot Chip - My Piano
04. Chromeo - I Can’t Tell You Why
05. The Juan MacLean - Feel So Good
06. Holden - Triangle Folds
07. Kode9 - You Don’t Wash (Dub)
08. Apparat - Sayulita
09. Soul Clap - Lonely C feat. Charles Levine
10. Motor City Drum Ensemble - L.O.V.E.
11. Scuba - M.A.R.S.
12. Gold Panda - An Iceberg Hurled Northward Through Clouds
13. Photek & Kuru - Fountainhead

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GoldFFinch - Point of Entry (877 Records)

2012-01-19T21:29:00.002Z

GoldFFinch first came to our attention with their sublimely accessible bass single Red Mask on Numbers, and now the Belguim duo are back with their 3rd single - 'Point of Entry/Arabian Prince' on 877 Records.

Leading off with 'Point of Entry' GoldFFinch demonstrate again that they have a sound that gives them both an air of credibility whilst appealing to the wider dancefloor. The combination of ground shaking sub, booty vocal loops, punchy drums and almost fidget type leanings mean this track is going to be on heavy rotation for a wide range of DJs. Second track Arabian Prince is perhaps less immediate on first take, however its powerful drums, sparce percussion and sinister overtones mean it will appeal to the more techno amongst us.

Overall a really tight release that strengthens their growing reputation.

Rating 3.8/5

GoldFFinch - Point of Entry (Out Now)

GoldFFinch - Arabian Prince (Out Now)

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News - Joy Orbison & Boddika - Froth / Mercy

2012-01-19T20:20:00.002Z

With the unprecedented success of Swims Boddika and Joy Orbison have announced that they will be doing a series of 12 inches together on the freshly launched Sunklouwn label. The first of these releases includes the superb 'Mercy' track that we featured on the blog back in 2011. Froth/Mercy is due to be released Feb 21st and is currently available for pre-order via the Rubadub site.

Thanks to XLR8R for the heads up on this one.

Boddika & Joy Orbison - Mercy

Boddika & Joy Orbison - Froth

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REID - Diptera/Fall (BBB002)

2012-01-17T12:29:00.004Z

Blah Blah Blah Records presents the second single from the hotly tipped Irish producer REID.

Since releasing his debut single ‘Genesis’ on BBB Records REID has been snapped up by a prominent management agency and his new single Diptera was recently used by US filmmakers Second Base Films for their documentary ‘From The Inside Out’ which also features tracks by Chase & Status, Nero and Digitalism.

With his second release the young producer expands upon the ethereal qualities of Genesis/Forrest and delivers two tracks that expertly weave washes of drama and crunching synth lines into an intoxicating mix of driving beats and percussion.

Lead track Diptera draws you in with a hauntingly distant bell chime, swirling synths and a delicately looping piano, whilst a punchy house beat drives the building layers towards a tension shattering lead hook. Diptera is a beautifully crafted mix of contemplation and raw adrenalin where as the second track ‘Fall’ is more of an understated poignant affair, with a dubstep type rhythm flowing beneath a mix of pads, percussion and drums.

REID is once again demonstrating finesse beyond his years, making him one to watch in 2012 and beyond.

REID (BBB002)
A - Diptera
B - Fall

Available from all major online retailers.

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Hessle Audio - Objekt (HES 019)

2012-01-14T11:51:00.002Z

By now you should be aware that Hessle Audio took the torch for Bass music in 2011 and under the guidance of label owners Ben UFO, Pearson Sound and Pangea they have helped solidify a genre of music into a brand of electronic music that both excites and pushes the boundaries, despite its often self indulgent nature. Next up on Hessle is Berlin based Objekt with a two track bass shaker.

At first listen the lead track Cactus comes off as one of those Bass tracks that you quickly dismiss as well produced but irrelevant to the dancefloor, encouraging you to move onto the second and more immediate track Porcupine. Porcupine has a strong rolling groove and beat that employs a nice touch of 90's prog in the breakdown almost early Hooj Choons in sound, before dropping back into the nicely driving beat and percussion. Porcupine's immediacy encourages you to revisit Cactus, and you will be glad you did. While it might be more stripped back in content and employ a slightly obvious dubstep type bassline it builds to a nicely judged crescendo that is ideal for those early hours dark techno moments.

Once again Hessle Audio have managed to carefully judge the balance between self indulgent recycled Bass sounds and put together a two track single that is worthy of their current Room 1 Fabric status.

Rating 3.8/5

Click here to listen: Hessle Audio - Objekt (HES 019)

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Win Bleeps Top 100 Tracks 2011

2012-01-13T17:48:00.001Z

Bleep have just revealed their Top 100 tracks of 2011 and for the third year running they are giving away all 100 tracks to one lucky winner. The Top 100 compilation which is compiled by Bleep staff boasts tracks from the likes of Blawan, Burial, Falty DL, Jacques Greene, James Blake, Julio Bashmore, Caribou and Scuba among many others, and for your chance to win these tracks plus a load of other extra vinyl goodies simply hit the following link to Resident Advisor and get entering.

Competition closes January 23rd.

For those of us not lucky enough to win this grand prize the compilation is also available to purchase until January 25th for £30, thats 30p a track!!.

Electronic Artist of the Week #15 - Jack Dixon

2012-01-11T18:15:00.000Z

2011 was the year that Bass Music officially severed its embryonic ties to Dubstep and established itself as a definable genre. Its fair to say that Bass music benefited from the ever increasing exploitation of Dubstep as a commercial sub genre of pop. Whilst majors were squeezing every penny from the genre and student nights across the UK hammered Dubsteps greatest hits week after week Bass Music was able to bloom as the new underground sound of choice. Its a new and exciting era for Bass Music with fresh and often mesmerising ideas being pushed by an increasingly talented fraternity of producers. The latest to catch our attention is London based Jack Dixon.

The South East Londoner has been busy over the last year steadily building a solid reputation for himself with his 'Running Man EP' release on Man make Music, and his 'Dead Mans Switch EP' on Skint Records amongst a number of other singles. However its Jack Dixon's imminent release on Hypercolour's sister label 'Losing Suki' that prompted us to write this article. Filled with floaty synths, dubby vocals, contrasting heavy bass and crisp warm drums the 'Knowledge EP' is arguably his best work to date and consequently has already received huge support from a number of major players, such as Mary Anne Hobbs, Tensnake, Eats Everything, Mosca, Christian Martin, Marcus Nasty among others.

Of the four tracks on the EP, two in particular stood out, '60 miles' with its bouncy 909 drum sounds, futuristic soothing synths and trademark dubby vocals combining to give off a spacious and summery vibe and 'You old' with a catchy main riff, vocal refrain and driving four to the floor drums. For overall content this is one of the strongest EPs we've heard in sometime, suggesting to us that Jack Dixon is one to watch for 2012.

Jack Dixon - Knowledge EP (SUKI006)

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Written by Jonny Cravenwood (Shimstar) & Jonny Cassell (BBB)

News - Jacques Greene to launch label 'Vase'

2012-01-10T15:33:00.001Z

Electronic artists have many more strings to their bows these days and the increasingly popular trend is to launch your own label, giving an artist instant credibility and status. However with the ever growing dominance of social networking in the consumption of music a new label really needs some sort of platform from which to launch itself, making an established artist the ideal choice. Next to enter the fray is Canadian born Jacques Greene with his Vase label. The first release 'Concealer' is due on the 30th of Jan featuring two solo productions and two collaborations with Koreless and Ango, check the preview below.

VSE01 / Jacques Greene - Concealer (preview)

A1 - Flatline (feat. Ango)
A2 - These Days
B1 - Clark
B2 - Arrow (feat. Koreless)

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Claude VonStroke & Eats Everything - Ignorance Is Bliss

2012-01-07T16:01:00.000Z

First post of 2012 and its a big one. We posted towards the back end of 2011 about the impending 'Hatched' compilation from Dirtybird and we can now confidentally reveal that the CVS & Eats Everything collaboration is the first big tune of 2012. 'Ignorance is Bliss' got its first airing on Pete Tong's Essential Selection last night and is available in the shops Jan 11th via the 1st part of the 3 part Hatched series. Check the radio rip below.....

Claude VonStroke & Eats Everything - Ignorance Is Bliss (Radio Rip)

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Blah Blah Blah - Top 30 Tracks 2011

2011-12-30T12:33:00.002Z

These are the 30 tracks that have been jostling for position in our respective record bags throughout 2011, and have most likely been hyping a dance floor somewhere near you. Feel free to mention any we may have missed.

The following list has been compiled and verified by the WeAreBlahBlahBlah writing team

30. Oliver $ - Doin Ya Thang
29. Danny Daze - Your Everything
28. Four Tet - Pyramid
27. Worthy & Eats Everything - Tric Trac
26. J.Phlip - Bootyberg
25. Mervielle & Crosson - The Day you Left
24. Objekt - CLK Recovery
23. Falty DL - Make it Difficult
22. Waifs & Strays - Be Patient
21. George Fitzgerald - Feel Like
20. Eats Everything - The Size
19. Justin Martin & Ardalan - Lezgo
18. Benoit & Sergio - Everybody
17. Joy O - Sicko Cell
16. Blawan – Getting Me Down
15. Daphni - Yes I Know
14. Scuba - Everywhere
13. Eats Everything - Entrance Song
12. Joy O - Wade In
11. Julio Bashmore - Ribble Amazon
10. Todd Terje - Ragysh
09. The 2 Bears - Bear Hug
08. Scuba - Adrenalin
07. Pearson Sound - Stifle
06. Midland - Through Motion
05. Burial - Street Halo
04. SCB - Loss
03. Jamie XX - Far Nearer
02. Mosca - Bax
01. Julio Bashmore - Battle for Middle You

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Blah Blah Blah - Top 20 (Remixes) of 2011

2011-12-29T15:24:00.002Z

Next up we are looking at the top 20 remixes of 2011 that simply refused to go away and proved to be essential in many a DJ's record bag. This list is by no means exhaustive, so feel free to mention any classic remix moments we may have missed.

The following list has been compiled and verified by the WeAreBlahBlahBlah writing team

20. Thugfucker - Disco Gnome (Tale Of Us Remix)
19. Tricky - Time to Dance (Maya Jane Coles)
18. The XX - Night time (Synkro remix)
17. Radiohead - Little by Little (Caribou Remix)
16. Friendly Fires- Hawaiian Air (TEED Remix)
15. DJ Phono - Gone (David August Remix)
14. Riva Starr & Major Lazer - Jump (Martin Brothers Remix)
13. Christophe - The Force (Julio Bashmore Remix)
12. The 2 Bears - Lunatics (TEED Remix)
11. Disco of Doom - Doomsday (Bowski Remix)
10. Fur Coat feat. Argenis Brito - Space Ballad (T.E.E.D)
09. Zed Bias feat. Jenna G - Fairplay (Zed Bias Old School Remix)
08. Catz 'n Dogz feat. Paul Randolph - I'm Free (Carl Craig Remix)
07. Adele – Rolling in the Deep (Jamie XX Remix)
06. Virgo Four - It's a Crime (Caribou Remix)
05. ZZT – Zzafrika (Julio Bashmore Remix)
04. Joe Goddard - Gabriel (Seiji Remix)
03. Girl Unit - Wut (Claude VonStroke Remix)
02. The 2 Bears - Church (Midland Remix)
01. Classixx - Into the Valley (Julio Bashmore Remix)

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Blah Blah Blah's Top 20 Albums of 2011

Blah Blah Blah's Top 20 Albums of 2011

2011-12-27T15:03:00.003Z

Its that time of year again when we cleanse ourselves of all the music we have digested and compile it into a nicely cathartic list. During the cleansing process last year we commented that 2010 was unlikely to be considered a vintage year, despite this we still had no problem finding our 'Top 30 Albums'. Unfortunately 2011 in our opinion has prooved even less historically significant, and consequently we have trimmed our list from 30 LP's to just 20.

The following list has been compiled and verified by the WeAreBlahBlahBlah writing team.

Blah Blah Blah - Top 20 Albums of 2011

20. Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues
19. Metronomy – The English Riveria
18. Tom Vek - Leisure Seizure
17. Jay Z & Kanye West - Watch the Throne
16. The Rapture - In the Grace of Your Love
15. Gil Scott-Heron & Jamie xx - We're New Here
14. Neon Indian - Era Extrana
13. Friendly Fires - Pala
12. Drake – Take Care
11. Jamie Woon - Mirror Writing
10. M83 – Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming
09. Fabric Live 59 - Four Tet
08. Tiger & Woods - Through the Green
07. James Blake – James Blake
06. Roman Flugel - Fatty Folders
05. SBTRKT – SBTRKT
04. Pinch & Shakleton - Pinch & Shakleton
03. Rustie – Glass Swords
02. Nicolas Jaar - Space is only Noise
01. Radiohead - The King of Limbs

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Joy Orbison - Hinge Finger (Mixtape)

2011-12-19T23:48:00.000Z

Its very rare you manage to catch the enigmatic Joy Orbison in the mix, but here he is on 'The Trilogy Tapes' announcing the imminent launch of his new label 'Hinge Finger'. Other than the label being called Hinge Finger everything else is yet to be revealed, which has already got us hyped for something special and like this mix its undoubtedly going to be worth the wait.

Joy Orbison - Hinge Finger (Mixtape)

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Dirtybird - Hatched

2011-12-19T17:02:00.000Z

Its been a big year for Dirtybird with Claude VonStroke and Justin Martin refreshing their sound and in the process giving us some of the biggest bass heavy booty shakers of the year. Most notably Eats Everything - The Size, J Phlip - Bootyberg and Justin Martins - Lezgo stand out as label defining moments. To follow up this stella year CVS is preparing the release of a 12 track compilation 'Hatched' which will feature 12 exclusive tracks from new and trusted Dirtybird artists. Before the full compilation comes out in February, the tracks will be released across three digital EPs beginning in January, "spanning a bird's full life cycle from hatchling to roast dinner" as VonStroke lovingly puts it.

Part 1 - Released Jan 11th
1. Claude VonStroke & Eats Everything - Ignorance Is Bliss
2. Sacha Robotti - The Major
3. Kingdom - SFX
4. A1 Bassline - Why Do You

Part 2 - Released Jan 25th
1. Kill Frenzy - Make it Clap
2. Worthy - Shy Look
3. Christian Martin - Waiting
4. DJ Cra$y (Breach rmx) - that Amen Track

Part 3 - Released Feb 8th
1. Catz n Dogz - Bring Me That Water
2. Samuel Dan - Bitch
3. Tom Flynn - Jerry's Liquor Store
4. Nick Monaco - Long Kiss Goodnight (Soul Clap Edit)

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Four Tet - Moma (We Are The Works In Progress)

2011-12-15T18:59:00.000Z

We Are The Works In Progress is a 14-song benefit album to support Japan and it's ongoing efforts to heal post-tsunami.

Compiled and organized by Blonde Redhead, the album will be available digitally on January 10th. The album features exclusive tracks from Four Tet (see below), Pantha Du Prince, Karin Andersson (of Fever Ray/The Knife), Interpol and Blonde Redhead the curators of the album.

Pre-order Album Here (We Are The Works In Progress)

Four Tet - Moma (Exclusive)

Tracklist

01. Moma - Four Tet
02. No Face - Karin Dreijer Andersson
03. G Song - Terry Riley
04. Nightcrawler - Nosaj Thing
05. Berceuse - John Roberts
06. Penny Sparkle - Blonde Redhead
07. Bird On A Wire - Pantha Du Prince
08. In Here The World Begins - Broadcast
09. Drip - Liars/Blonde Redhead
10. Curve - Deerhunter
11. Stalagmite - Stalactite
12. Castles In The Grave - John Maus
13. Bamboo House - David Sylvain/Ryuichi Sakamoto
14. Song Seven - Interpol

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Boddika & Joy O - Mercy (Swamp81)

2011-12-14T14:13:00.002Z

Another huge Boddika & Joy O collaboration, apparently this is due to be released fairly soon on Swamp81, although we've heard that before. Hopefully Mercy will not follow in the footsteps of 'Swims' which first appeared in March of this year and is still yet to be released. Anyway minor gripe aside this is another belter from the Joy Orbison & Boddika school of collaboration. Its a 4x4 monster that combines a techno style main riff with a little electro buzz and exquisite analog pads breaking through the main mix. Thanks to 'Only Vibes' for alerting us to this one.

Video removed from Youtube, but you can still hear the tune on his new 'Hinge Finger Mixtape'

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Laura Jones - Love In Me (Eats Everything Re-Work)

2011-12-14T13:40:00.000Z

Laura Jones - 'Love In Me' was originally released in June of this year on 'Leftroom' and while it had obvious addictive qualities we couldn’t help but feel that the main riff and its surroundings were a touch too mainstream for our personal taste. Not that it was a bad track it just needed slightly tougher surroundings to give it more punch. It would appear that Leftroom also identified this, responding with a 3-track remix package (out now). Our pick is Eats Everything's rework that stays faithful to the tracks core whilst toughening up the edges. Maceo Plex's remix dispenses with the main hook and gives the track a stripped back 80's tinged sound, think Scuba's Everywhere, and for those that love the original Kate Simko takes the main hook and fleshes things it out with a techy tribal sound.

Laura Jones - Love In Me (Remixes)

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DJ Polls - Do we need them??

2011-12-12T19:38:00.002Z

Its that time of year again when all manner of publications scramble to collate their definitive end of year charts. As always amongst this melee of differing opinions DJ Mag and Resident Advisor offer up their annual 'Top 100 DJ' polls. For the last few years these polls have passed with the relative certainty that the same Dutch behemoths will dominate DJ Mags top ten and that the same 5-6 global (never likely to be seen in your local club) names dominate Resident Advisor's list. For us we have always read them without dwelling too much on the validity of their content, I guess partly due to the fact the same names crop up every year with excepted certainty, and therefore we have never felt compelled to raise too many questions, until..........enter David Guetta, 2011.

In October 2011 DJ Mag announced, that via popular vote David Guetta was the No.1 DJ in the world, instantly polarising opinion amongst fans, critics and fellow peers. In the main it seemed that if you were a casual electronic listener you were fairly content with the result, but for those of us who like to think we take our music more seriously this outcome was seen as a travesty. Twitter was awash with tweets of who was better, why he shouldn’t of won, what a joke the list was, and so on. The recriminations were endless. But are we all missing the point?

So with the DJ Poll fires fully stoked it was with considerable anticipation that people awaited Resident Advisors results, perhaps hoping that their more forward thinking and underground stance would deliver a more favourable result. However despite a list that boasted the likes of Ben UFO, Joy Orbison, Four Tet, Scuba, Julio Bashmore etc the eventual winner Jamie Jones was on the whole not well received, with one reader commenting 'Jamie who'.

In general the complaints for both polls seem to centre on the same issues, 'it doesn’t represent the best DJ', and it’s just a virally marketed popularity contest. In truth it doesn’t represent the Best DJ, but this hasn’t been the case since perhaps the mid 90's when a DJ could be just a DJ. These days DJs need more (see our article DJ vs. Producer). Therefore this is not a valid complaint, it may be called a DJ Poll but in reality these polls are attempting to identify the biggest names within DJ culture as apposed to the most technically gifted. So what about it being 'Just' a popularity contest? Well of course it is, it stands to reason that in an age where people can simply 'like' or 'follow' their favourite artists that those with the biggest followings or have been most active in the year are likely to feature higher in the list. Furthermore to win such an award you appeal needs to be fairly broad, and therefore its no surprise David Guetta won when you consider he has nearly 3 million twitter followers and 25 million Facebook fans, and that Jamie Jones won with a sound that both appealed to the underground and more commercially minded in a house resurgent market.

Overall the arguments against the validity of DJ Polls are fairly compelling but overall not valid. They are never going to please everyone and it shouldn’t be a surprise that those topping the lists are those who have been most visible during the year and consequently most popular. However there is room to perhaps reconsider the criteria for being included in the DJ Mag poll. For example are artists like David Guetta now more of a Pop act than a DJ? We would lean towards the former suggesting that perhaps the format should be a comprehensive list of names chosen by a panel of experts from which you can choose your top 5.

All arguments aside David Guetta's victory has certainly added a bit of spice and debate to what had become an annual procession of the same old names, and for that reason alone DJ Polls are a welcome yearly distraction.

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Blah Blah Blah Records - FREEB001

2011-12-07T13:35:00.002Z

As you know by now we have just launched 'Blah Blah Blah Records' with Irish sensation REID and his Genesis single. To coincide with this release we are also launching 'FREEBBB' which will basically run alongside the label and give away free material from artists featured on our imprint. Naturally as we are only one release in the first giveaway comes via REID, with his remix of Irish folk band 'Owensie's' Dark Place.

As you would expect from REID this is a pulsating and swirling slice of emotional electronica that strips away any thoughts of folk music and delivers a beautifully brooding slice of electronic music.

Owensie - Dark Place (REID Remix)

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Stuck on Repeat - Volume 6

2011-12-05T15:59:00.006Z

Stuck on Repeat simply collects together a load of tracks over an un-specified amount of time that we consider essential listening. As always with these types of things there maybe certain tracks you've already heard, tracks we've missed or accidentally overlooked, so please feel free to hit up the comments with anything you think is indispensable.

In no particular order....

George Fitzgerald - Feel Like (Hotflush Recordings)
GoldFfinch - Red Mask (Numbers)
Mickey Moonlight - Close to Everything (Martin Brothers Remix (Ed Banger)
Guy Andrews - Textures (Hemlock)
Riva Starr & Major Lazer - Jump (Martin Brothers Remix) (Snatch! Recordings)
Jakkin Rabbit - Blame (Hot Waves)
Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs - Dream On (White)
Maxxi Soundsystem - Make or Break / Never Stop (Need Want)
Lee Jones - Moment (George Fitzgerald Remix) (Aus Music)
Drums of Death - Red Waves EP (Civil Music)
Pinch & Shakleton - Torn and Submerged (Honest Jon Records)
Merveille & Crosson - The Day You Left (Visionquest)
Junior Boys - You'll Improve Me (Caribou Remix) (Polydor)

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Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs - Mix for 6 Music

2011-11-29T17:15:00.000Z

Its very rare to hear a TEED mix outside of a live DJ performance so it was with great relish that we hit play on his recently recorded mixtape for BBC 6 Music.

As you would expect this mix has real character starting from a deep and thoughtful platform as it gently builds in pace and intensity towards his latest release 'Dream On', as the mix reaches Dream On you have sense that this track is perhaps the template for the whole mix as each subsequent track is a blend of main room riffs and headphone pads with flecks of vocals, acid tones and white washed techno walls swirling around the listener. Highly recommended listening.

Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs - Mix for 6 Music

Tracklisting
01. Jozif Feat. Terri Walker — Twilight (Casino Times Remix)
02. J. Phlip — Fever feat. Lailah Reich (KRL Remix)
03. Discodeine — Falkenberg (Pilooski Edit)
04. Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs — Dream On
05. Roman Flügel — Bahia Blues Bootcamp (Original Mix)
06. Jakkin Rabbit — Blame
07. FaltyDL — Make it Difficult
08. DHS — The House Of God (Mele Re-edit)
09. Martyn — Masks
10. Dinky — Sealed
11. Beastie Respond — Syncopy (Blawan’s Trecther)
12. Djedjotronic — Uranus
13. Virgo Four — It’s A Crime (Caribou Remix)
14. Trey Lorenz — Photograph of Mary (MAW dub)
15. Degrees of Motion — Shine On (Junior Dub)

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Fabric 61 - Mixed Visionquest (Album Review)

2011-11-27T18:58:00.006Z

Two heads are better one than one, so the saying goes. It’s no surprise then that the four comprising Visionquest have achieved a staggering amount since formation two years ago. Made up of Lee Curtiss, Ryan Crosson, Shaun Reeves and Seth Troxler, Visionquest is the closest underground dance music has to a supergroup. Each successful in their own right, the Detroit exports came together under the Visionquest moniker back in 2010 as producers, before evolving into a charismatic DJ group. Finally they put their name to a label earlier this year, and subsequently have a roster of some extremely well received artists such as Tale of Us and Benoit & Sergio, the latter being responsible for one of the biggest tracks of the year, “Walk & Talk”.

(Promo Video) Mix Released - Dec 5th 2011

Fabric 61, their first commercially available mix, gives insight into how this highly regarded foursome have ended up at the forefront of the scene. Opening track “Wasteland” by Tin Man invites you to relax and prepare yourself for the next seventy minutes. What follows is a solid offering of dark, stripped down, hypnotic house music intertwined with proposals of classic tracks, nods to heroes and eclectic atmospheres which leave the whole mix just as suited to your headphones as it is to the dancefloor. The first part moves at a characteristic pace. Bass lines float lazily over a backdrop of deep, sparse beats. Cassius’ classic “The Sound of Violence” sits nicely just short of twenty minutes in, briefly brightening the mood before delving to a deeper, pacier plane.

The mixing style, whilst by no means revolutionary, is refreshing to hear from a group comprised of so many. Transitions are restrained, evolving affairs. Each is littered with subtle nuances and acute intricacies that indicate true masters at work. Stand out tracks “I’m Free” and “Passion”, remixed by goliaths Carl Craig and DJ. T respectively, usher in a flirtation with lush pads and that timeless stabby 80’s bass sound. Mr. White’s vocals eerily drifting over “Passion” could well become a feature of clubland for the next year, the track is that good.

Towards the end we spiral away from the dancefloor and into more peculiar surroundings. The sleazy , laid back flow of Dani Siciliano over Aquarius Heaven “Can’t Buy Love” envelopes the listener, coursing them off the beaten track. The following two selections, both from Visionquest’s label, show how acclimatised their ears are to a good record. “Tale/Foot Break” is an awesome and exhilarating foray into electronica, whilst the penultimate track, “Heaven Felt Like Night” from young Montreal duo Footprintz, is laden with pop sensibilities.

This is a deeply satisfying contribution to the Fabric series. Visionquest succeed in living up to the hype, in this case proving four heads to be better than two.

You can catch 1/4 of Visionquest 'Shaun Reeves' at Fabric on Saturday 3rd December, either in the comfort of your own home via the LIVE STREAM or on the hallowed Room 1 Dancefloor.

Tracklisting
01 Tin Man - Wasteland [Global A]
02 STL - Portside Waves [Perlon]
03 Soul Center* - Hal 2010 [Shitkatapult]
04 Seuil - In The Moon [Supplement Facts]
05 Konrad Black - Doodimbouttogay [Visionquest]
06 Cassius - The Sound Of Violence (Franco Cinelli Remix)
07 Terje Bakke - Ekaterinburg [Be Chosen]
08 Kollektiv Turmstrasse & Florian Schirmacher - Uneins (Aril Brikha Remix)
09 Catz ‘n Dogz feat. Paul Randolph - I'm Free (Carl Craig Remix)
10 Phreek Plus One feat. Mr. White - Passion (DJ T. Remix) [Compost]
11 Loosefingers - Winterflower [Alleviated]
12 My Favorite Robot - Forest Fires [Visionquest]
13 DVS1 - Polyphonic Love [Transmat]
14 Green Velvet - Abduction [Relief]
15 Aquarius Heaven feat. Dani Siciliano - Can't Buy Love [Wolf + Lamb]
16 Tale Of Us & Footprintz - Tale/Foot Break [Visionquest]
17 Footprintz - Heaven Felt Like Night [Visionquest]
18 Wildcookie - Song With No Ending [Tru Thoughts]

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Written by Tom Frisco (BBB)

Essential Mix - Eats Everything (2011)

2011-11-26T17:34:00.003Z

Local Bristolian folklore suggests that Dan aka Eats Everything has been 20 years in the making, which may seem a long time by today's "Ive got a laptop, check out my bass" culture, but it does mean he has arrived finely tuned as both DJ and Producer. Like fellow Bristol artists Julio Bashmore and Waifs & Strays before him he has taken the bass culture sound and melded into a more accessible house hybrid that effortlessly crosses over from the underground into bigger arenas, without ever sounding crass or calculated.

Eats Everything's Essential Mix was recorded live in front of a 1000 strong crowd meaning there's no clever posturing or credibility nods just straight up dancefloor energy, making it essential pre clubbing listening. Highly recommended.

Click Link to Download (Essential Mix - Eats Everything 2011)

Tracklist
01. Eats Everything — Entrance Song (Remix) - Dirty Bird
02. Murk — Amame (Eats Everything QI Rebeef)
03. Catz & Dogz — Jon Bovi - Dirtybird
04. Waifs & Strays — Yeah Yeah (Eats Everything Rebeef)
05. Shadow Child — String Thing
06. Eats Everything & Worthy — The Lost
07. Justin Martin & Ardalan — Lezgo (Acapella) - Dirtybird
08. Viadrina — Luna (Coat Of Arms Rework) - Your Mamas Friend
09. Clapz II Dogz — Ripgroove (Eats Everything Original Rebeef)
10. Freestyle — The Party Has Begun - Jam Packed Records
11. Freestylers — Don?t Stop - Freskanova
12. Green Velvet — Millie Vanillie - Relief Records
13. Subjekt — Dunky Frummer (Eats Everything Rebeef)
14. Riva Starr — Jump (Martin Brothers Remix)
15. Eats Everything & Worthy Vs Switch — I Still Love Tric Trac
16. Coat of Arms — Is This Something (Eats Everything Crunky Rebeef)
17. Krysko — Can?t Handle It - Peaches
18. Mosca — Bax - Numbers
19. Butch — Amelie (Format B Remix) - Great Stuff Recordings
20. Eats Everything — Entrance Song (Eats Special Edit)
21. Crazy P — Beatbox (Breach Remix)
22. Coat of Arms — What You Need
23. French Fries — Yo Vogue
24. Adam F — Circles (Eats Everything Rework)
25. Switch — This Is Sick (Eats Everything Rework)
26. Huxley — Let It Go - (Eats Everything Reprise)
27. Justin Martin — Kemistry - Dirtybird

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Alpines + Maya Jane Coles - Why

2011-11-22T19:54:00.000Z

Alpines, the south London electronic duo are launching a series of collaborative covers and new material to help showcase some of the UK's most promising producers and DJ's. The first of these covers is Carly Simons - 'Why' with the increasingly global Maya Jane Coles. Given that the Alpine sound is quite ethereal and epic in its own right Maya Jane Coles makes an obvious fit for the first in this series, bringing her crisp beats and lush pads to the mix. As covers go this is a pretty special piece of progressive music that feels as though both acts have taken reference from the melancholy lyrics and built a smooth and deep electronic track to fit those sentiments.

Released - Early 2012 (Highly Recommended)

Alpines + Maya Jane Coles - Why

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Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs - Dream On (Free Download)

2011-11-21T13:00:00.002Z

Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs (TEED) is currently applying the finishing touches to his debut LP, due for release February 2012. However despite this all consuming distraction he has still found the time to keep us hyped with three quality remixes, Friendly Fires - Hawaiian Air, When Angels Sing & Space Ballad and now a newly penned track 'Dream On', which is currently available as a free download. As you would expect from TEED this is a smooth mix of his voice imparting personal thoughts over a club friendly groover. Unlike his Trouble single Dream On is much more of a main room track with a big 4x4 beat driving an infectious synth hook and his trademark pads. For this track to be given away as a free download suggests that the debut LP could be something a bit special.

To download hit up the following link (TEED - Dream On).

You can catch TEED (Live) at Blah Blah Blah Feb 18th, support comes from The 2 Bears. Tickets Click Here

Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs - Dream On (Free Download)

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FabricLive 60 - Mixed Brodinski

2011-11-18T14:19:00.002Z

In all honesty the Brodinski phenomenon has always confused us slightly, whilst he's always been a good DJ and a really nice guy we've never quite felt that his productions quite delivered up to his perceived reputation. This is not to say they were bad records, just not as big as we wanted them to be. However despite this he has continued to carve himself a distinctive techno influenced niche that has enabled him to survive the collapse of his parisian peers French Electro scene and continue to climb the DJ Social ladder reaching the recognised pinnacle - recording a Fabric Live Mix. As you would expect from Brodinski (no not Hip Hop) this is a tight, warm and super slick techno driven mix with flecks of house, acid and electro throughout, making this a high octane mix of floor bouncing proportions, it also features a Gesaffelstein track from his new label Bromance. Once again Brodinski defies all current day thinking and effortlessly demonstrates that being a very good DJ can be enough to elevate you from local party starter to global DJ Don.

FRIDAY 18th Fabric Live 60 - Album Launch Party with Jacques Lu Cont, Gesaffelstein, DJ Falcon, Brenmar, Jaymo & Andy George, Maxxi Soundsystem, and many more. See you there.

Tracklisting
01. Bicep - Silk [Throne of Blood]
02. Low Jack - Slow Dance [unreleased]
03. Tomas Barfod - Beach Party [FOF]
04. Harkin & Raney - Workin & Steamin [Throne Of Blood]
05. Clement Meyer - Fire In Vitro [Correspondant]
06. Axel Boman - Purple Drank [Pampa]
07. Woodkid - Iron (Gucci Vump Remix) [Green United Music]
08. Renaissance Man - Stalker Humanoid [Turbo]
09. T. Williams - Heartbeat (Paul Woolford Remix) [Phonica]
10. John Roman - Petrified [unreleased]
11. TWR72 - Paradox [Sound Pellegrino]
12. Sian - Tropical Sci Fi (Sam Paganini Remix) [Octopus]
13. Samuel L. Session feat. Paris The Black Fu - Hype-Nosis
14. Rejected - For The People (DVS1 For No One Mix)
15. Sigha - HF029A1 [Hotflush]
16. Samuel L. Session - The Soloist (Reboot Remix) [Be As One]
17. Gingy & Bordello - Body Acid (KiNK’s On Acid Remix)
18. Gesaffelstein - Control Movement [Bromance]
19. Switch feat. Andrea Martin - I Still Love You [Dubsided]
20. Instra:mental - Pyramid [3024]
21. Glass Figure - Brightside Of House [Satellite Of Love]
22. Riton feat. Shani Cuppcake - Dark Place [Ritontime]
23. Objekt - CLK Recovery [Objekt]

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Electronic Artist of the Week #14 - Bowski

2011-11-17T17:24:00.001Z

Truth be told we thought we had already featured Bowski in our Electronic Artist series, but it would appear not. Which is no bad thing as he had a little break whilst completing his degree and now he's back with some frighteningly good new material. Bowski first caught our attention over a year ago with his bouncing Legging / Talkbox single and his XY - Me remix. Since then he's remixed Cassius, Disco of Doom to great effect and recorded one or two mixtapes. Plus he is from the Holy Grail of music 'Bristol'.

Some of Bowski's new material has a deep contemplative quality, perhaps suggesting that in his time away he spent his time reading philosophy whilst gazing thoughtfully across rolling mountainous vista's, look out for his 'Stranger In The Night Ft Tom Cowcher' single, due to be released early 2012. This is not to say he has set aside his trademark bounce, clicks and bumps, but rather refined them whilst broadening his musical direction. Preceding 'Stranger in the Night' is his 'Poppies EP' due for release Dec 12th on Blood Music and as you would expect from a Theo signing it's trademark Bowski, crisp beats, irresistible tweaks and plenty of dancefloor bounce.

Bowski clearly likes to get down and party, however his new material demonstrates that he's not a one trick pony but rather a producer who likes to explore his musical boundaries. 2012 looks set to be an exciting year for this emerging talent.

Upcoming Tracks - Preview

Bowski - Winter Mix 2011

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Electronic Artist of the Week #13 - Hackman

2011-11-16T14:56:00.003Z

Hackman is yet another promising DJ/producer to spring out of almost nowhere in 2011. Stamping his authority on the scene with the EP “Close” which got tonnes of support from DJ's around the UK including Annie Mac, Robert Dietz and live act phenomenon Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs. He's had releases on labels such as Greco-Roman, PTN, Grizzly and Well Rounded as well as his 'Close' track featuring on a Ministry Of Sound compilation earlier this year. The 21 year old from Leeds has had comparisons to MJ Cole, Jamie XX and the like in recent months with his unique and radio friendly flare for poppy, melodic bass driven garage.

Hackman recently announced the impending release of his debut album 'As Above, So Below' whilst releasing his new single Agree to Disagree, both on PTN Records. The track “Agree to Disagree” is based primarily around a catchy, chopped up vocal and a sweet melody which is contrasted with a heavy sub and punchy tropical drums. Certainly one for those peak time moments in a club environment. The B-side “Sunburst” also caught our attention with its bright stabby hook, bassline and distant ambient synths creating a sense of space, warmth and happiness. All in all an intriguing introduction to the forthcoming LP.

Hackman - Agree to Disagree (Out Now)

Hackman - Close EP (Out Now)

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Written by Jonny Cravenwood (Shimstar/BBB)

Crosstown Rebels - Back from the Brink

2011-11-15T13:09:00.001Z

Crosstown Rebels is a label that has played an intergral role within the Electronic community since its inception in 2003. In those early years Crosstown Rebel releases furnished many a record box (including our own) with tracks such as, Supreme Bachelors - S&M George Thomson's - Laid Back Snack Attack Andre Kraml's Safari, and Jennifer Cardini - Stay (Roman Flugel Remix) to name a few. Crosstown Rebels was fast becoming the label of choice with its unique and often left of centre take on electronic music. However as the years passed the label began to loose its original spark and its long-term legacy seemed in some doubt as its relevance waned with every passing year. In 2006 and again in 2007 CTR's main distributor collapsed collectively owing the label £30,000 at which point it looked like CTR would cease to exist.

Enter 2011 and CTR look set to close the year out as one of the most hyped and talked about labels of the last 12 months, which is a remarkable turnaround for a label languishing in former glories and potential insolvency. Through a combination of dogged commitment and an ever reliable ear for a good record, label owner Damian Lazarus has risen again and rewarded us with an unbeatable selection of New Electronic Music that will be furnishing record box's for the forseeable future. If that wasn't enough CTR's standing has been further enhanced with the launch of its excellent sister label 'Rebellion'. Below are some recommended cuts from both labels:

Nico Purman - Fade Away
Fur Coat - Space Ballad feat. Argenis Brito (TEED Remix)
Art Department feat. Seth Troxler - Vampire Nightclub
Russ Yallop - Rock Me
Maceo Plex - Cant Leave You
Russ Yallop - Crossroads
Tim Green - Cherry
Jimmy Maheras - Space Jam (Matt Tolfrey Remix) / Original

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Riva Starr vs Major Lazer - Jump (The Martin Brothers Remix)

2011-11-11T20:13:00.000Z

Take it from us when we say this one bangs. Not a highly thought provoking statement but we've heard this played on a couple of occasions and it never fails to send the dancefloor into a frenzy of whoops and pogoing clubbers. Until now this bastard son of a Crookers track has only been in the hands of a few select DJ's, and it was not until today that Riva Starr announced its impending release as part of a 9 track compilation on his own label Snatch Records. File under "Break Glass in Emergency and press Play".

Out November 14th (Beatport)

Riva Star vs Major Lazer - Jump (The Martin Brothers Remix)

The Brighton Source meets Blah Blah Blah

2011-11-05T10:50:00.000Z

Apologies for a little self indulgence on this post, but its not everyday you get to be in a photoshoot, asked if you need concealer and featured on the front cover of Brighton's premier music & arts magazine 'The Brighton Source'. It was an amazing and very humbling experience to be considered an important part of Brighton's vibrantly diverse music scene, and our thanks has to go to James Kendall the editor for making us sound interesting and to Kenny Mc Kracken for the memorable pictures.

This months issue is available in most good local Brighton establishments, however if you live a little more internationally you can also grab a read online via the following, (flick to page 18). (Brighton SOURCE Magazine November 2011)

"They might be DJs - as well as promoters, producers and graphic designers - but the one thing you cant say about Blah Blah Blah is that they aint rock'n'roll. Their four year rise to the top of Brighton clubland - from indie electro, through fidget house to a more eclectic, medoldic party sound is littered with craziness............"

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Electronic Artist of the Week #12 - George FitzGerald

2011-11-04T16:10:00.002Z

George FitzGerald is an interesting and popular artist in the evermore progressing scene labelled by many as "future garage". He has had a handful of releases over the past few years on Hotflush, Aus Music and his own label Man Make Music, whilst also featuring on a number of compilations and recently recording a Resident Advisor Podcast. His work is certainly on a very modern tip but despite comparisons to the likes of Joy Orbison, Instra:mental, Mount Kimbie and the like he still manages to stand out from the crowd.

His next release 'Feel Like' is also coming out on Hotflush, following up last years 'Let Down' single, and is perhaps his strongest work to date. Feels Like is based around a classic garage synth hook and a vocal loop that filters in and out of the main mix, combined these two elements make the track instantly memorable and a surefire dancefloor mover. Think Mosca's - Bax meets Maya Jane Cole's 'What they Say'.

George Fitzgerald - Feel Like (HFT019)

George Fitzgerald - Shackled (HFT019)

For those new to George Fitzgerald we recommend checking the tracks, Fernweh, Hearts, Weakness, Reset and Dont You.

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Written by Kashii & Jonny Cassell (BBB)

Sei A - Frozen Flower (Midland Remix)

2011-11-03T16:33:00.000Z

Frozen Flower by Sei A is the latest release on 'Turbo Recordings' and its a bit of an ear gazing headphone inducing tinkling affair, with crackled beats, emotive piano stabs and threatening pads. Frozen Flower is certainly not for the dancefloor, however there are elements to this piece that have the potential to step out from the personal space. Thankfully the masterful Midland was given the opportunity to remix Frozen Flower and he has expertly tightened up the beats, raised the tempo and given the bass some main room presence, whilst maintaining the emotive feel of the track.

Frozen Flower (Midland Remix) is out Nov 14th and comes highly recommended from us.

Sei A - Frozen Flower (Midland Remix)

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WeAreBlahBlahBlah EP38 - Mixed REID

2011-11-03T11:41:00.000Z

A few weeks ago we announced the first signing to 'BlahBlahBlah Records', Irish born producer REID. REID's first single 'Genesis' will be out at the end of this month and in anticipation of his debut release he has recorded this exclusive mixtape. REID’s heady mix of tempos, jagged sounds, rhythmic flourishes, cinematic spaces and gentle melodies are all present in this mix, both reflecting what to expect from the single and also his passion for electronica and traditional song writing.

To Download click (WeAreBBB EP38 Mixed REID)

Tracklist
1. Sun Glitters - Beside Me
2. Com Truise - Sundriped
3. Solar Bears - Crystalline (Be Again)
4. Zombie Computer - Your Rules (Toby Kaar Remix)
5. Fuck Buttons - Surf Solar (7" Edit)
6. Nouveaunoise - Panaka
7. HEALTH - USA Boys
8. xxyyxx - Life On Repeat

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Electronic Artist of the Week #11 - Blacksmif

2011-11-02T16:56:00.002Z

Blacksmif is a very convincing future prospect for electronica/bass music. The North London raised producer has created a very unique and exciting sound using elements from genres such as dub, soul and jazz which are welded together to form a new ingredient in the ever growing bass music revolution. Blacksmif has a large catalogue of unsigned music and has been producing track after track of the highest quality, however does he have what it takes to rise above the growing clamour that is British Bass Music?

Yemi Olagbaiye originally started his musical journey at the age of 16 when he began playing the guitar. It wasn't until Yemi left university that he began Djing and producing drum & bass. Around 2008 he decided to completely change his style and try something a little different which caught the attention of several DJs. His debut release “...And The Sun Rose Out" opens with a lugubrious harp and mournful vocal before a contrasting gritty bass line drops into the mix and provides the main melody for the track, all supported by Blacksmif's trademark percussion. It's the sort of track you put on when you get back from partying in the early hours of the am. There is no doubting this guy's talent as he has already caught the attention of BBC Radio 1's Goldie Rocks, the Guradian's blog and 'Round the Houses' own, Tim Landslide.

The sound of Blacksmif certainly has a different twist on the bass music revolution. Unlike some of those around him he is not falling into the trap of following the herd and serving up watered down copy's with tried and tested sounds, rather he is finding his own path. It is our opinion that once the right people find out about him he will become a much more recognisable figure in electronic music!

Top 3 Blacksmif Tracks

Blacksmif - ...And The Sun Rose Out (Out Now)

Blacksmif - One Man And His Lighthouse

Blacksmif - Microweight

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Written by Jonny Cravenwood (Shimstar/BBB)

Boddika & Joy O - Swims (Swamp 81)

2011-10-26T12:23:00.000+01:00

This one has been floating around as a set rip on YouTube since March 2011, and has had many a comment asking for a proposed release date. In true 'Swamp 81' style they neglected to volunteer this information and the wait went on. However it looks like our long vigil may be coming to an end as Boddika has just uploaded 'Swims' to his Soundcloud account, suggesting a fairly imminent release.

Boddika & Joy O - Swims (Swamp 81)

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REID - Genesis (BBB001)

2011-10-25T23:58:00.001+01:00

We announced a few weeks ago the imminent launch of Blah Blah Blah Records, and its with great pleasure that we can announce full details of BBB001.

BBB001 comes from 22yr old Irish electronic artist REID. REID first released the Genesis EP via Bandcamp and Soundcloud generating 1000’s of plays with prominent blogs Slutty Fringe, Nialler9 and ourselves singing his praises. Since then his music has been snapped up by a US filmmaker, he signed a second release with us and has been performing all over Ireland culminating in a support slot with Com Truise on the 9th November.

REID’s heady mix of tempos, jagged sounds, rhythmic flourishes, cinematic spaces and gentle melodies have already seen him compared to the likes of Four Tet.

REID - Genesis (Out 28th November)
A - Genesis
B - Forrest

Available from all major online retailers.

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Stuck on Repeat - Volume 5

2011-10-25T16:58:00.001+01:00

Stuck on Repeat simply collects together a load of tracks over an un-specified amount of time that we consider essential listening. As always with these types of things there maybe certain tracks you've already heard, tracks we've missed or accidentally overlooked, so please feel free to hit up the comments with anything you think is indispensable.

In no particular order....

Eats Everything - The Size (Dirtybird)
Joe Goddard - Gabriel (Seiji Remix) Greco-Roman
XXXY vs Ike - Body Movin (Infrasonics)
Maurice Donovan - Call My Name (White)
Daphni aka Caribou - Yes I Know (Jiaolong)
Mosca - Orange Jack / Wray 'n Neph (3024)
Deepgroove - Creeper (Waifs & Strays Remix) Verywrongindeed
Presk - Love Again (Ten Thousand Yen)
Miguel Campbell - Something Special (Hot Creations)
Nico Purman - Fade Away (Crosstown Rebels) - Coming Soon
Boddika - Acid Battery (K7 Records)
REID - Genesis (BlahBlahBlah Records)
ZZT - ZZT - Party's Over LA (Jon Convex Remix) Turbo
Deadboy - Heartbreaker (Julio Bashmore Remix) Well Rounded
Tahoula - We Play House (M.A.N.D.Y Remix) Great Stuff

And one for Halloween......
Ray Parker Jr - Ghostbusters (Rex the Dog Remix)

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Eats Everything - Eats Everything EP (Dirtybird)

2011-10-23T16:36:00.000+01:00

For us Dirtybird has always been one of those labels you diligently check their every release, and pretty much find yourself playing one of their tracks where ever you are. However for a little while (Justin Martin - Mr Spock aside) we were beginning to un-consciously turn our gaze elsewhere. The tracks didn’t seem to have the same impact or relevance as they once did and their seemed to be quite a few remix packages. The production was always top notch and it wasn’t like the tracks were awful they just lacked that Whistler, La Conga, Rocket Surgery, Vocal Chords, Spock type sparkle. It felt like Claude VonStroke as both label manager and artist was in a state of flux, questioning what direction to take, and perhaps mirroring the shifting club scene as a whole. However the emergence of bass influenced house from the likes of Pearson Sound, Night Slugs, Joy Orbison, Julio Bashmore among others seems to have given Dirtybird a fresh new direction with their latest 5 releases back to their sparkling best, confirming Dirtybirds ongoing relevance to dance music.

Eats Everything - Eats Everything EP - Out October 26th

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WeAreBBB EP37 Mixed Waifs & Strays

2011-10-17T11:36:00.000+01:00

In partnership with the 'Nest' we are co-sharing this exclusive mixtape by the Waifs & Strays. The Waifs & Strays are yet another example of the growing significance of Bristol on global club culture. Like the preeminent Julio Bashmore before them they have a deep passion for House and consequently this is a smooth groove laden mix that melds looped vocal, chicago pianos, and hand claps into a 4x4 delight.

If you are new to the Waifs & Strays check their "Body Shiver" release on Jamie Jones Hot Creations Label (Out Now) - Waifs & Strays - Body Shiver.

You can also catch the Waifs & Strays supporting Clockwork (Hot Creations) on Sat 5th November at The Nest.

To Download click (WeAreBBB EP37 Mixed Waifs & Strays)

Tracklist

01. Hector Couto - Creampie
02. Nil by Mouth - Maxilla
03. Sase - Perc (Huxley remix)
04. 8A and &me - Empire State
05. Smalltown Collective - Wil Connected
06. Deepgroove vs Thieve - Fantasy Girl
07. Timos & Paris Liamis - Hey Hoe
08. MANIK NYC - Ruckus 80H8
09. Deepgroove - Fervour (Waifs & Strays Blacklight mix)
10. Someone Else - Little Helper 18-2
11. Waifs & Strays - Be Patient
12. Smash TV - World Wide Wet

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Will Saul (Aus Music) - Fabric Mix 2011

2011-10-13T12:46:00.003+01:00

Whilst scouring the net earlier this week we came across this 63m 22secs of mixing perfection by 'Aus Music' owner Will Saul.

Will Saul is an artist who started out as progressive house was going through its final death throws and the likes of Get Physical were picking up the slack. At that time you had two emerging genres beginning to vie for supremacy. On the one side you had the noisy indie electro sound and on the other the cleaner stripped back techy house sound. Around 04/05 these two sounds had considerable cross over with certain tracks helping propel both genre's in their respective directions. Tracks that perhaps exemplify this cross over are Tiga's Burning Down the House, DJ T's Timeout, Mandy vs Booka Shade Body Language, Spektrum Kinda New (Tiefschwarz Remix) and or course Alter Ego's Rocker . Despite Electro's tempting profile Will Saul stayed true to his stripped back melodic sound, and it would now seem that the industry is embracing this also with ever increasing verve. You only have to look at whose released on Aus Music to understand what we mean: Ramadanman, SCB, Midland, Joy Orbison, Appleblim, and George Fitzgerald.

Will Saul (Aus Music) - Fabric Mix 2011 - (Highly Recommended)

Tracklist

01. George Fitzgerald – Silhouette (John Roberts Remix) (Will’s b-down intro edit) - Aus Music
02. Tale Of Us – Dark Song – Visionquest
03. Lonely C & Baby Prince – Your Moms House – Wolf + Lamb
04. Voices Of Black – Take Back Soho (Tanner Ross Remix)
05. Kris Wadsworth – Barefoot (Jozif Remix) - One Records
06. Theophilus London - Overseas (Soul Clap Efunk Mix)
07. Tanner Ross – Goodbye, Summer - !K7
08. Lee Foss – Pyramid Scheme - Culprit
09. Todd Terje – Ragysh – Running Back
10. Julio Bashmore – Batty Knee Dance – 3024
11. George Fitzgerald – Silhouette (John Roberts Remix) - Aus Music
12. SCB – Loss – Aus Music
13. Midland – Through Motion – Aus Music
14. Maurice Donovan – Call My Name – Unreleased
15. Cosmin TRG – Magnetic Bodies – Rush Hour
16. Will Saul & Tam Cooper – Hi-Lo – Simple Records
17. Drake – Fireworks (Deadboys Tear Jerking Slo-Mo House Edit)

Maurice Donovan - Call My Name (White)

2011-10-13T00:50:00.001+01:00

Maurice Donovan aka Pearson Sound has just dropped this little house beauty on a limited vinyl only release. It would appear that Phonica have the scoop on this one, so if you're hoping to bag a copy I'd get in quick.

'Call My Name' epitomizes everything that is good in the re-surgence of House, infectious looping vocal, 808 snares and claps, french touch style filtering and sub laden bass. Expect to hear this one being spun by anyone who can get his or her hands on it, including us.

Listen and Buy - Maurice Donovan - Call My Name

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Massive Attack & Burial - Four Walls / Paradise Circus

2011-10-10T19:19:00.002+01:00

On October 17, Inhale Gold and the Vinyl Factory will release a limited edition, two-track 12" collaboration between Massive Attack and Burial. One of the cuts, "Paradise Circus", is a rework of a track off Massive Attack's 2010 LP Heligoland, and the second, "Four Walls", is a brand new recording. The 12 inch can be ordered via Massive Attacks website.

Four Walls is an epic 12 minute cinematic piece that is unmistakably Burial meets Massive Attack, with Teardrop type beats and Street Halo atmospheric vocals and crackles. However unlike these two tracks the tempo is somewhat faltering, giving the track a gloomy lost soul feel to it.

Only 1000 copies of the 12" will be made, and they are packaged in gold glitter screen-printed sleeves designed by Massive Attack's Robert "3D" Del Naja.

Four Walls is currently streaming via (Pitchfork)

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Blah Blah Blah Records (Launch)

2011-10-10T13:15:00.001+01:00

In the 4 years since Blah Blah Blah’s first party in June 2007 we have continually pushed the boundaries of electronic music through both our blog and UK based parties. Hosting the likes of Chromeo, Joy Orbison, Fake Blood, A-Trak, Night Slugs, Julio Bashmore, Caribou, TEED, among many others, has resulted in our parties being voted in the Top Ten Club Nights In The UK by the Independent & Guardian, as well as earning the blog a collaborative partnership with the 2011 Exit Festival. Furthermore our social networks are among the largest of any blog, with our Facebook Fan Page pushing 120,000+ fans.

Our success has to be put down to our broad passion for music and relentless hard work and therefore we decided to further channel this energy into our own record label.

‘Blah Blah Blah Records’ will be built upon the same philosophy as our blog and parties, presenting a diverse range of new electronic music to a wide audience. Whether it be ambient electronica for the headphones, pounding electro for the dance-floor, or tech-house on the terrace, we wont be tying our colours to a specific genre - for us, if its good music, its music worth getting excited about.

We have three singles signed up and ready to go, and whilst we might be a little bias, it is our opinion that the young artists we have signed all have covetous amounts of talent. Details of the first single will follow in the next few weeks.

Written Jonny Cassell (BBB)

Martyn - Ghost People (Album Review)

2011-10-09T23:36:00.003+01:00

Today's post comes from guest columnist Ben White (Aka Aka Roar). Ben is resident DJ at Aka Aka Roar and has had the privilege of supporting the likes of Ben UFO, Appleblim, Kode 9, Joy Orbison, Julio Bashmore, Pearson Sound amongst many others.

Dutch DJ, producer & label head Martyn returns to the long player format this month with his second album Ghost People. Unlike his debut, 'Great Lengths', which Martyn self released on his 3024 imprint; Ghost People is coming out on Flying Lotus’s Brainfeeder.

Martyn's early productions and first album were influenced by Kode 9 & Spaceape’s 'Sine of the Dub' and it seems quite fitting that the opening track of the new album features Spaceape. Arpeggiated synths combine nicely with Spaceape’s beat poetry, not sounding too dissimilar to a Kode 9 production. Lead single Viper is a pretty relentless metallic techno affair, which would probably sound at home on the Berghain’s dancefloor, as would the next track – Masks. Other stand out tracks on the album include 'Horror Vacui', which takes the vibe of Patrice Baumel’s Roar or Plastikman’s Spastik to another level with squeaking synths and occasional 303 basslines creating a full on dancefloor workout. Distortions and Popgun both veer away from the more 4x4 inspired framework of Masks and Horror Vacui, with Popgun clearly taking reference from 'ardkore' with its plummeting breakbeats, hoover synths and cowbells. Distortions takes more of a steppy approach, sounding a little bit like Joy Orbison’s 'So Derobe' in the process.

The new album as a whole clearly owes a lot more to the dancefloor than Martyn’s debut. The 2 years he has spent touring the world and playing clubs has clearly influenced Martyn’s perspective on production, with less emotion and more straight up club sounds. This is not to say the album lacks subtelty but rather that its more club focused than its deeper and more cohesive predecessor. Suggesting that whilst this album should further enhance Martyn's reputation as a producer it is less likely to hold the listeners attention 2 years from now.

Ghost People - Released October 10th (Brainfeeder).
Click Here to Buy / Listen

Written by Ben White (Aka Aka Roar)

Electronic Artist of the Week #10 - Waifs & Strays

2011-10-09T16:49:00.001+01:00

Waif & Strays are another Bristolian DJ/Production outfit that look set to make waves in the ever evolving House market. It is clear from their music that they have a deep knowledge and passion for those early 90's records that birthed dance culture, and like Julio Bashmore before them they have taken that sound and freshened it up for a present day audience. However as the hype continues to build and build does the emergence of the Waifs & Strays and other such artists suggest we are on the brink of House saturation and the all too common genre back lash.

Amos Nelson and Rich Beanland had both been producing for a number of years before a chance meeting at a Bristol afterparty bought their divergent styles together. Their first release '3am' was snapped up by Leftroom Records and received plays from a number of key players. However it was their 2011 track 'Yeah Yeah' that firmly established their credentials as future House protagonists, with the track becoming Pete Tong's 'Essential New Tune'. Since then Amos & Rich have gone onto release on Bristols own 'Futureboogie Records' and have an upcoming release on Jamie Jones 'Hot Creations' imprint, Body Shiver.

The Waifs & Strays sound maybe undeniably House however they havent simply jumped on the potentially fraught band wagon and dug out a load of 808/909 samples and Chicago House piano's. Rather they have taken the groove and danceability of those early records and applied the principles to their own choice of sounds. This type of writing not only gives an artist more longevity but it also protects a genre from becoming yesterday’s news. All too often the sounds that spark a movement become the very same sounds that kill it.

Waifs & Strays - Be Patient

Waifs and Strays - Yeah Yeah (Original Mix)

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Zed Bias - Music Deep Inside (Swamp 81)

2011-10-06T17:29:00.001+01:00

WeAreBlahBlahBlah has expanded significantly over the last 6-8 months, and as a result we have been on the prowl for new writers who can match our passion for new music, and its with great pleasure and ceremony that we can announce our 3rd addition to the BBB writing team, Kashii.

Kashii is a Brighton, UK based producer who is signed to Southern Fried Records and is a self confessed music obsessive. In his own words "I talk about music all the time, so I might as well write about it". However Kashii doesnt just talk a good game he is also an emerging producer who is gradually building a strong reputation for his smooth bass infused 2-step influenced House. Look out for his Waves EP coming soon on Southern Fried.

Zed Bias - Music Deep Inside

With a catalogue of releases dating back over 10 years, Zed Bias is no stranger to the dance music scene and is perhaps Best known for his single "Neighbourhood," which reached #25 in the UK charts in July 2000. Zed Bias's sounds explore a more experimental side of 2-step, and are considered to have played a crucial role in establishing dubstep as a definable genre. His forthcoming release on Swamp 81 "Music Deep Inside" continues this unique exploration of 2-step influenced house and since it was first posted on YouTube in February of this year it has been the source of much hype and consternation, with fans desperate to get their hands on it.

As with most big House records at the moment there is a catchy vocal melody throughout that fills the gaps between the 90's esque piano and synths, however unlike most house releases Zed Bias opts for a broken beat rhythm, giving the track a fresh swing and groove. All in all another great piece of work from Zed Bias, and the ever more popular Swamp 81.

Written Kashii (BBB)

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Daphni AKA Caribou - Yes I Know

2011-10-03T16:17:00.000+01:00

Caribou launched his Jiaolong label today with a 3 track EP under his alias Daphni. This three track EP is made of two self penned productions and a remix of an obscure African record. The remix of Cos Ber Zam's - Ne Noya is a percussive and live sounding drum track with looping African voice's providing the main hook before a sinister bassline and an 80's apocalyptic Blade Runner type pad pushes to the fore. At first I wasn’t sure on this one, but with repeated listens its originality really works. The second track on the EP 'Yes I Know' (featured on Caribou's 2011 RA Podcast) is by far the standout moment on the EP, with its infectious soul/funk vocal looping incessantly against a filtered and heavily disguised Acid Bassline. This track is already firmly wedged in our record box. The final track on the EP is a quirky and twisted techno track with some odd eastern sounds creeping in and out of the mix. All in all a great first release making Jiaolong a label to watch.

Daphni AKA Caribou - Yes I Know / Jiao

Alternative YouTube Link Daphni AKA Caribou - Yes I Know

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Pearson Sound - Hessle Audio European Tour Mix

2011-09-30T18:18:00.001+01:00

Hessle Audio and crew are coming to a town near you, if you live in Europe at least. To celebrate that fact leader of the pack Pearson Sound has recorded an exclusive high energy mix, full of in your face percussion, bass, and inventive sounds. We highly recommend this mix alongside some other 2011 classics such as, Julio Bashmore's Essential Mix, Four Tet's Fabric Live and Scuba's XLR8R podcast (see links below).

Alternative Link Hessle Audio European Tour Mix

Click the following link for the European Tour Dates

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Blah Blah Blah meets A1 Bassline

2011-09-29T23:07:00.000+01:00

In my last post about Justin Martin I had a link to A1 Bassline's debut release on Dirtybird Records. This release not only represented a new sound for Dirtybird, but also for an artist who is perhaps best known for his Fidget than his thoughtful House.

Back in 2008 A1’s debut release ‘Girl Thing’ announced him on the dance scene and was heavily supported from the likes of Annie Mac, Trevor Nelson and Sinden. Since then the South Croydon raised DJ/producer has gone from strength to strength with several releases on Southern Fried and more recently on his own label Tighten Up Records.

I met with him for a quick coffee and a chat about his career and what he has in store for the future!

Shimstar: First of all, tell us a bit a bit about your background, what exactly got you into Djing?

A1 Bassline: Well my dad used to run rave magazine back in the late 80s so since I was a young kid I've always had club culture around me. I first got into DJing when I was about 12. My sister who has been a very influential figure in my life bought me my first turntables and later on a computer and Cubase. Originally I was mainly into scratching and it wasn't until I went to secondary school that DJing in public actually appealed to me.”

Shimstar: I take it when you were at school Garage was your genre of choice?

A1 Bassline: “No not really, I mean I wasn't massively into garage at first. I was more into grime and drum & bass (I'm a big fan of Metal Headz). It wasn't until I started hanging around with the likes of Kavsrave and Joy Orbison who I actually went to school with, that I began DJing/producing garage. I also produced drum & bass and 8 bar grime loops when I was about 15 years old, then later on in life I began producing fidget house”.

Shimstar: When did you actually release your first record?

A1 Bassline: “Erm, probably when I was about 17 years old, not under my current DJ name however.”

Shimstar: Ah ok, how did the name A1 Bassline come about?

A1 Bassline: “It just started as joke when UK Bassline was quite popular, I released a few tracks which were just for a bit of fun, however they seemed to catch on really quick. Before I knew it the likes of Annie Mac and Trevor Nelson were playing them on Radio One!”

Shimstar: Tell us a bit about the first time you started playing out in public?

A1 Bassline: “Back when I was younger me Joy and Kav used to put on parties at our local skate park. My first actual A1 Bassline gig was for Vice with Slew Dem Crew and Tempz. Loved every minute of it!”

Shimstar: Talking of gigs you actually run your own club night with your record label Tighten Up. How’s the label and night going?

A1 Bassline: “Really well, we did our first club night at the Den in London not too long ago. It was a great night it had a really nice family vibe about it which was really enjoyable to play at. The label is also doing very well at the moment, we've had 12 releases so far and its only been going for about year!”

Shimstar: Your new EP is out on the 28th September can you tell us a bit about it?

A1 Bassline: The new EP is more the sort of style I enjoy playing out. I've moved on from the whole Fidget sound and I'm now producing tracks which are more House orientated. Its had a huge amount of support from Dirtybird which I'm very honoured by.

Listen to the new EP here (A1 Bassline EP)

Shimstar: Yeh really like the new EP, have you got anything exciting in the pipeline for the rest of this year and 2012?

A1 Bassline: “Definitely! 2011 has been a quite quiet as I've spent a lot of time in the studio. Hopefully another release on Dirtybird and some other labels and with Tighten Up I'd like to go back to strictly releasing 12 inch vinyl. Possibly do a couple of artist collection packs including Dem 2, myself and Tek One.”

Shimstar: Releasing on Dirtybird is certainly an achievement to be proud of, have there been any other highlights in your career so far?

A1 Bassline: “I would say traveling in general. I'd never even stepped foot on a plane until I was 18! I've been lucky enough to see the majority of the world thanks to music, I am very lucky to be able to do the job I do!”

Shimstar: Being paid to travel is certainly one of my ambitions. Well, thanks for talking to us and good luck with the new EP. But before you go one more question......If you were organising the line up for the Pyramid stage at Glastonbury and could book anyone in the world dead or alive who would be your top 5 artists.

A1 Bassline: “Hmmmm very tough question! I think The Jesus and Mary Chain would have to be up there, I love a bit of Scottish metal, the Rolling Stones just because they're one of the all time greatest rock bands ever, David Bowie is a must, Blur because in my opinion they were the best band from the 90s and last but not least the Beach Boys....everyone loves a bit of the Beach Boys!”

Thanks to A1 Bassline for talking to us.
Shimstar (BBB).

ZZT - Party's Over Los Angeles (Jon Convex Remix)

2011-09-28T00:06:00.000+01:00

ZZT have been with us since 2007 and have consistently if not that regularly released defining electro bangers that have always found their way into the record boxes that count. 'The Worm' was perhaps their most notable achievement (2008), and despite Electro Bangers loosing a little of their former glory 'ZZT - ZZafrika' (2010) still managed to serve ZZT with another big release.

Off the back of these releases ZZT are currently preparing the release of the debut LP and like Boys Noize and a few others they are one of the few electro artists who have managed to maintain a credible profile despite the environment around them increasingly demanding more subtlety in their music. Unsurprising then to find that their next single 'Party's Over Los Angeles' is a fairly un-subtle main room Acid track, however it is interesting to find that the stand out track on the single is the remix by Jon Convex. Jon Convex aka one half of Instra:Mental is a producer who likes well textured layered sounds and he gives the single a much more subtle fuller main room sound, perhaps suggesting that even the mainstays of Electro are also gravitating to these newer sounds.

ZZT - Party's Over Los Angeles (Jon Convex Remix)

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Stuck on Repeat - Volume 4

2011-09-25T16:51:00.001+01:00

Stuck on Repeat simply collects together a load of tracks over an un-specified amount of time that we consider essential listening. As always with these types of things there maybe certain tracks you've already heard, tracks we've missed or accidentally overlooked, so please feel free to hit up the comments with anything you think is indispensable.

In no particular order....

A1 Bassline - Buoyancy (Dirtybird)
Scuba - Adrenalin (Hotflush Recordings)
Fur Coat - Space Ballad feat. Argenis Brito (TEED Remix) (Crosstown Rebels)
Waifs & Strays - Be Patient (Futureboogie Recordings)
Worthy, Eats Everything - Tric Trac (Dirtybird)
Waif & Strays - Eat into My Soul/Body Shiver (Hot Creations)
Hackman - Close (Greco-Roman)
George Fitzgerald - Hearts (Man Make Records)
Justice - Audio Video Disco (Para One Remix) (Ed Banger)
Mosca - Bax (Numbers)
Camel - Blue Room (Jack Mode)
Joyce Muniz - Malicia feat. Sketch (Lo Rise)
Alex Jones - Cowboy Trap (Hypercolour)
Four Tet - Locked/Pryamid (Text Records)
J. Phlip - Bootyberg (Dirtybird)

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Stuck on Repeat - Volume 3
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Essential Mix - Julio Bashmore (2011)

2011-09-24T17:39:00.004+01:00

Blah Blah Blah's next guest Julio Bashmore made his Essential Mix debut last night, bringing his slick brand of house to the Radio 1 masses. Bashmore has been pretty much an unstoppable force for House in 2011 with his 'Everyone Needs a Theme Tune' and 'Batty Knee Dance' EPs firmly re-establishing why House has always led the way when it comes to electronic dance music. His music undoubtedly draws influence from House music's US roots merging those classic sounds with the more contemporary sounds of the fresh Tech & Bass genres. Julio Bashmore has injected much needed life into a slightly flagging and confused dancefloor and this mix serves to illustrate exactly what we are talking about. Plus he enjoys a good cup of tea, legend.

Click link to download - (Essential Mix - Julio Bashmore 2011)

Tracklist

01. Ruffneck – Everybody Be Somebody feat. Yavahn [MAW Records]
02. Dem 2 – Reach [New York Soundclash]
03. Larry Heard – Missing you (Instrumental) [Track Mode Recordings]
04. Faith Evans – Love Like This Before (B&S Edit) [Boogiefutero]
05. Motor City Drum Ensemble – Raw Cuts #3 [MCDE]
06. FCL – Let’s Go [We Play House]
07. Maceo Plex – Stay High Baby [Visionquest]
08. Chip E. – Like This feat K Joy (DJ International version) [PURE INNERGY RECORDINGS]
09. Larry Heard – And So I Dance (Julio Bashmore Dub)
10. Robert Owens – I’ll Be Your Friend (OG Def Mix) [RCA]
11. Salt City Orchestra – The Book (Hardback Dub) [Paper Recordings]
12. KiNK & Neville Watson – A Saturday In Novembe (Vocal)
13. Daddykshun – Love to Learn (Doc Martin’s Sublove Remix)
14. Tevo Howard – Spend Some Time (Underground Mix)
15. Esteban Adame – I’ll Never Give Up [Underground Quality]
16. Julio Bashmore – Batak Groove [Soul Motive]
17. Julio Bashmore – Well Wishers [Futureboogie]
18. Karizma – In the D.E.E.P. (Kris Klayton Remix) [Ricanstruction Records]
19. D’bora – Going Round (MK’s Dub) [MCA Records]
20. Joy O – Ellipsis [Dub]
21. Jodeci – Freek ‘N You (MK Dub) [ZAC Records]
22. Maurice Donovan – Babeh [SSSSS]
23. Scuba – Adrenalin [Hot Flush]
24. Scratcha – Only in Dark [Dub]
25. Maddslinky – Compuphonic [Dub]
26. Femme En Fourrure – Bound [3024]
27. Kink – E79 [Ovum]
28. Classixx – Into The Valley (Julio Bashmore Remix) [Greensoundlabel]
29. Coat of Arms – Is This Something [Futureboogie]
30. Julio Bashmore – Battle for Middle You [PMR Records]
31. Larry Heard Presents: Mr. White – Sun Can’t Compare [Alleviated Records]
32. Terrence Parker – Loves Got Me High (Marc Romboys Systematic Soul Dub) [Systematic Recordings]
33. Zinja Hlungwani – Nwagezani My Love [Honest John's]

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Mosca - Wavey EP (3024)

2011-09-23T01:34:00.003+01:00

Mosca made his presence felt in 2010 with his excellent 'Square One EP' (Nightslugs), and 'Gold Bricks I See You' (Fabric) releases. However since then there has only been a few remixes and not much else, which had left us wondering if Mosca like many promising DJ/Producers before him had been forgotten. Thankfully Mosca has dispelled that concern with consummate ease with his recently released 'Done Me Wrong/Bax' single, and now he is preparing the release of his Wavey EP on Martyn's 3024 label.

As a whole the Wavey EP has a slightly sinister techno edge to it with all four tracks leaning on a brooding bass and atmospheric subplot with rays of percussion, vocal loops and synth stabs sporadically punching through the gloom. However this description is not to suggest that this EP is dark turgid Techno by numbers as each track packs plenty of dance floor punch. In particular the final track on the EP 'Wray n Neph' takes that sense of 'Jilted Generation' foreboding and carves it into a rolling techno stomper.

Mosca - Wavey EP (3024) - Released 7th November

Mosca - 'Done Me Wrong / Bax' (Out Now)

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When Angels Sing & Space Ballad (Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs Remix's)

2011-09-21T20:42:00.003+01:00

Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs (TEED) has had a pretty impressive year both in the studio and live, resulting in him signing to Polydor, recording alongside Damon Albarn in the Congo and receiving critical acclaim from every quarter. TEED continues this rich vain of form with 2 new remixes, Donae'o - When Angels Sing (Out Oct 10th) and Fur Coat - Space Ballad feat. Argenis Brito (Out Now) on Crosstown Rebels.

Much like his own work both remixes represent TEED's love for both musical content and club focused beats. 'When Angels Sing' is the more song based of the two remixes, with TEED expertly cutting up the slightly cheesy vocal and backing it with a punchier underground House sound. 'Space Ballad' is much more club focused taking the more funky & warm original and twisting into a colder techno number. Once again TEED demonstrates an innate ability to weave his or someone else's material into a coherently cohesive track. To often for me remixes can sound like two tracks, with the original and remix elements competing with each other for the listeners attention.

Donae'o - When Angels Sing (TEED Remix)

Fur Coat - Space Ballad feat. Argenis Brito (TEED Remix)

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Essential Mix - James Blake (2011)

2011-09-18T20:09:00.001+01:00

The Essential Mix is a weekly radio show broadcast on BBC Radio 1 and features all styles of electronic dance music. Originally the brainchild of Eddie Gordon, the producer of the show from the first broadcast in 1993 to 2001. In 1993, after months of receiving weekly mix shows on tape-cassette, featuring New York DJs Tony Humphries WRKS 98.7 Kiss FM and Frankie Knuckles WQHT HOT 97 FM, Eddie advised BBC Radio 1 that a weekly dance mix show with DJs of different genres of music would offer more variety and the chance for the ever burgeoning UK dance music scene to flourish with new emerging DJs as well as the internationally famous. Eddie further encouraged the DJs he scheduled to flex their musical knowledge as the broadcast was not essentially playing to a dance floor but to people listening in their homes all over the world and therefore DJs didnt just have to provide a 2 hour '4 to the floor' seamless club set. Since its launch Pete Tong has hosted the show and his influence on club culture is ever enduring. (Wikipedia)

Since 1993 the Essential Mix has become the most recognised and influential mix series in the World, representing on a weekly basis whats going on in clubland through the mixing and music selection of the worlds top DJs and producers.

Click Link to download - (Essential Mix - James Blake 2011)

Track List
01. Erik Satie – Gnossienne No.5
02. James Blake – Olivia Kept
03. James Blake x Drake – Half Heat Full Versus Up All Night
04. James Blake – Pan
05. SALEM – Trapdoor
06. Snoop Dogg – Drop it like it’s Not (Harmonimix)
07. [unknown] – Unknown
08. Klaus – Tarry
09. D’Angelo – One Mo’ Gin
10. [unknown] – Sicko Cell
11. Blawan – What You Do With What You Have [R&S Records]
12. James Blake – No More Than A Road (Dub)
13. James Blake – At Birth (Dub)
14. The Chain – Suffer For Your Art [R&S Records]
15. Peverelist – Roll With The Punches (Harmonimix)
16. [unknown] – Navigator
17. OutKast – Return of the G
18. Africa Hitech – Out In The Street
19. DJ Nate – 3 Peat
20. James Blake – Deeds
21. Gavin Bryars – Three Elegies for Nine Clarinets II
22. Gavin Bryars – Three Elegies for Nine Clarinets III
23. Odi et Amo – Johann Johannsson
24. Grouper – Vessel
25. James Blake – Untitled
26. James Blake – Untitled
27. [unknown] – What Was It
28. The Tallest Man on Earth – Love Is All
29. SALEM – Redlights
30. Rev. James Cleveland – Jesus Saves
31. Trim – Confidence Boost (Harmonimix)
32. James Blake – Evening Fell Hard For Us
33. James Blake – Placing Us
34. James Blake – Words We Both Know
35. Arthur Russell – Love Comes Back
36. Stevie Wonder – You and I

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Justin Martin & Ardalan - Lezgo (Dirtybird)

2011-09-18T16:28:00.004+01:00

The following article is written by our newest addition to the BBB writing team, Jonny Cravenwood. Jonny impresses with his knowledge and enthusiasm for Electronic music and his thoughts and opinions will be a welcome addition to the BBB writing team. First up Jonny discusses Dirtybird super producer Justin Martin.

In 2003 Justin Martin announced himself on the dance scene with his huge debut record “The Sad piano” on Ben Watt's Buzzin' Fly label. From A list DJ's such as Derick Carter and Pete Tong, to the international music press, everyone simply couldn't get enough of it.

Feeding off the energy of the San Francisco underground and mentored by fellow super producer Claude VonStroke, Justin was heavily involved with the development of Dirtybird records, appearing on its first four releases. Justin was soon ready to take flight, releasing several solo EPs which flaunted a very unique sound which earn't the respect among fellow DJs and heavyweights of the scene.

Last Summer the track Mr Spock featuring Ardalan topped the beatport chart for several weeks and was almost every DJs big tune on the white isle. It was undoubtedly one of his finest productions.

This summer he has teamed up with Ardalan again to create the track “LEZGO” (Out Now). The track is fuelled by bouncy ghetto/hip hop vibes and stuttery vocals as well as a garnish of the Dirtybird trademark sound. This is definitely one to have in your arsenal. As Mr Claude VonStroke himself quotes “this is the type of tune that gets everyone moving and smiling and makes you wish you had 10 of them in your bag!” All in all Justin Martin has done it again!

Also check the latest two releases on Dirtybird, both deserving of your attention, A1 Bassline EP and Worthy & Eats Everything - Tric Trac.

We Love Space Tensnake - Exclusive mix

2011-09-16T18:19:00.001+01:00

Tensnake exclusively in the mix for 'We Love Space' and as you would expect this is summery vitamin D injected House. From beginning to end Tensnake keeps the pace rolling with deep grooving bass, arpeggiated piano riffs and soulful vocals. If you like your music happy and warm look no further.

For those of you in Ibiza you can catch his final 'We Love Space' show this Sunday, and for those of you stuck at home (like us) hit the following link and download.

We Love Space Tensnake - Exclusive mix

For tickets hit the following link - We Love Space Tickets

WeAreBBB EP36 Mixed Maxxi Soundsystem

2011-09-07T13:35:00.012+01:00

The latest edition of our WeAreBBB mix series has arrived. This episode is from fellow Brightonian Maxxi Soundsystem. This guy has been turning out some mighty fine dance music of late. Blending the more refined sides of house and disco together to get chugging Chicago flavoured tracks reminiscent of the 80s, yet still fresh, exciting and new. For those who havent come across Maxxi Soundsystem previously you should check the Criticize single which Annie Mac featured on her Radio 1 show earlier this year.

This mix showcases his sound perfectly. Deep basslines, chattering retro hats, claps and toms and smooth vocal chops. This'll work at the last barbecue of the summer or after the last drink of a late night.

To Download click the following link WeAreBBB EP36 Mixed Maxxi Soundsystem

Tracklist

01. Adana Twins - Juicy Fruit
02. Maxxi Soundsystem & DRW - Open Your Eyes
03. Lazaro Casanova - I Got This Feeling
04. Waifs & Strays - Be Patient
05. Mario Basanov - We Are Child Of Love
06. Deepgroove & Thieve - Kings + Queens
07. Michael McLardy - Deep Nothing (Lazaro Casanova Miami Vice Mix)
08. MANIK - Right Now
09. Miguel Campbell - Something Special
10. 11:11 - Tourist Trap (Jamie Jones Mix)
11. Rockers Revenge - Walking On Sunshine (Maxxi Soundsystem Remix)
12. Solomun - See You Everyday Alone
13. Bonar Bradberry - Lip Therapy (Maxxi Soundsystem YehYeh Mix)
14. Richy Ahmed vs Volante - Kitchens & Bedrooms
15. Dances With White Girls - Bout Da House (Danny Daze Pool Party Mix)
16. Foster The People - Pumped Up Kicks (Soul Clap Mix)

Related Post
Electronic Artist of the Week #1 - Maxxi Soundsystem.

Juk Juk - Winter Turn Spring

2011-08-30T21:05:00.006+01:00

Earlier today Four Tet announced (on twitter) the next couple of releases on his label, Text. One of which is the debut release from Juk Juk and comes in the form of 'Winter Turn Spring'. You can see why Four Tet has opted to release this as it starts with a sample looped and chopped in a similar way to Hebden's recent offerings before dropping into a skipping garage beat. There's a hefty amount of bass thrown in as well so this'll go down nicely on the dance-floor.

Juk Juk is Caleb Waterman, a producer living in London. Check out his soundcloud for some more quality electronica and look out for 'Winter Turn Spring' out in September.

Toddla T - Watch Me Dance (Album Review)

2011-08-23T14:00:00.002+01:00

Toddla T is having a run of bad luck around the release of his second album 'Watch Me Dance'. First, an advance copy of the album was leaked by an irresponsible journalist who Ninja Tune quite rightly named and shamed. As a result, the album had to be rush-released digitally to try and mop up some online sales whilst the physical release was pushed forward. Then, all his CDs were lost in the fire in the PIAS warehouse meaning that the release had to be pushed back another week. Here's hoping that the next few paragraphs will convince you to go out and support an unlucky artist, label and industry in these challenging times.

'Watch Me Dance' shows a heck of a lot of progression for Toddla from his first outing 'Skanky Skanky'. The productions are denser and more complex, the instrumentation is hugely varied and features guitars and pianos as well as the whomping bass heavy synths of his debut. The humour has been toned down (although not altogether dispensed with) in favour of a more mature songwriting style. Title track 'Watch Me Dance' featuring Roots Manuva has a distinct tongue-in-cheek feel to it (especially if you watch the video) but is seriously radio friendly at the same time. Elsewhere Mr V and Serocee's involvement have been dialed down to make way for more female vocalists including Roisin Murphy and Ms Dynamite. The women on this album make it shine, 'Take It Back's rave piano and drums work delightfully under Shola Ama's vocal to give it a 90's feel. The, often brief, interspersed MC verses are far less overwhelming than on 'Skanky Skanky' and Mr V's between song banter has totally gone.

There's a real variety of genres on Toddla's follow up. The aforementioned tracks incorporate rave and electro but there's also R'n'B, Soul, Funk, Reggae and Dancehall all unified by large amounts of bass. Particularly surprising is the straight up soul/funk intro to 'Do It Your Way' which breaks into a jungle tear-out so abruptly yet competently that it might as well be a remix of a vintage track. Final song, 'Fly', is a totally genuine Reggae number with very little electronic production. Notably he's avoided Dubstep altogether and at a point when the genre is reaching saturation point this has got to be a good idea. He's opted instead for a collection of songs that, despite their disparity, come together for a very cohesive second album.

Tracklist
1. Watch Me Dance (with Roots Manuva)
2. Take It Back
3. Cruise Control
4. Cherry Picking
5. Streets So Warm
6. Badman Flu
7. Body Good
8. How Beautiful It Would Be
9. Lovely Girl
10. Do It Your Way
11. Fly

Written by Matt Allfrey (Battery Powered)

Toddla T's 'Watch Me Dance' is out now and available at Ape and all other good music retailers.

ZZT - Vulcan Alarm (Turbo)

2011-08-22T18:30:00.001+01:00

Got sent this one a few days ago on promo, however the combination of a family crisis and a 5am flight to Vietnam to prepare for meant I was unable to post before leaving. However despite being on holiday my compulsive BBB disorder means that I am typing this piece in the dark at midnight whilst the better half sleeps and is non the wiser. Anyway thats enough pre-amble, ZZT latest offering is another electro banger that compliments their already strong back catalogue (Lower States of Consciousness, The Worm, and ZZafrika). The single boasts an original mix which is our personal pick and three remixes by Proxy, Jan Driver, and Perc. Of the remixes Perc is the strongest giving the track an even noisier twist.

Vulcan alarm is released September 5th and precedes their soon be finished debut album, 'Partys Over Earth'.

Sorry no extra links, but I am on holiday after all.....

Jamie Jones - Fabric 59 (Album Review)

2011-08-18T16:00:00.001+01:00

With all this new, interesting bass music flying around it's nice to see that Fabric still have time to push the staple of electronic music: House. Jamie Jones' contribution to the Fabric series is just that.

Morph into fabric 59: Jamie Jones

The first half of the mix is a smooth journey through the sparser, less sensational side of the genre. Chugging bass synths, kicks and cymbals link up for hypnotic grooves, punctuated with vocal loops and sporadic stabs. It's a mesmerising listen, the subtlety of the tracks and the mixing manages to convey a greater sense of melody, space and movement than the simplistic nature of the components would suggest. The mix ebbs and flows thanks to Jones' careful track selection with the tiniest change becoming a real feature. The addition of a new hat increases the pace, a synth's modulation provides the progression and gently increased reverb ramps up the intensity. It's all very restrained.

The second half of the mix is a releasing of inhibitions. Crazy P's 'Open For Service' brings things to a halt, adding some funk and building to Holy Ghost's remix of Panthers. Jones' has succeeded in reigning everything in so tight that by the time 'Goblin City's guitar solo arrives it bursts into the mix like a blinding beam of sunlight through thick cloud. From here he rounds out the mix with some lighter tracks including 'The Lows' - one of his own productions peppered throughout in various guises. Still riding high on guitar-solo induced seratonin, the continual vocal and muted strings of soho808's 'Get Up Disco' saturates the senses, whilst final track 'Fear Of Numbers' further bolsters the melody with thick chords that gradually fade away.

Jamie Jones really impresses by providing a thoughtful mix that is also appealing to the dancefloor. Those 'in the know' will appreciate his inclusion of classics like Felix Da Housecat's 'Hollywood Madame', whilst newer fans of electronic music will relate to Metronomy's Remix of Sebastien Tellier and Jones' own productions.

Due to the fire in PIAS' warehouse we think the release date has been delayed until 22/08/11 but you can buy/pre-order it at Ape or Fabric.

Tracklist
1. Hot Natured feat. Ali Love & Kenny Glasgow - Time Intro [Hot Creations]
2. Sebastien Tellier - La Ritournelle (Metronomy Mix) [Record Makers / Lucky Number]
3. James Teej - Don't Appear (Redux) [My Favorite Robot]
4. Coat Of Arms - Is This Something (Jones Fly Edit) [Futureboogie]
5. White Lions - DePalma [My Favorite Robot]
6. Karen Pollack - You Can't Touch Me (Murk Remix - Jones Fly Edit) [Slip N Slide]
7. Cajmere feat. Jamie Principle - God Sent (#10) [Cajual]
8. Felix Da Housecat - Madame Hollywood [Rude Photo]
9. Waifs & Strays - Body Shiver [Hot Creations]
10. jennygoesdirty - Amoureux Solitaires [Kill The DJ]
11. Hot Natured feat. Ali Love & Kenny Glasgow - Assimilation [Hot Creations]
12. Crazy P - Open For Service [2020Vision]
13. Panthers - Goblin City (Holy Ghost Mix) [Warner]
14. Oppenheimer Analysis - The Devil's Dancers [Minimal Wave]
15. Jamie Jones - The Lows [Crosstown Rebels]
16. soho808 - Get Up Disco [Dikso]
17. Footprintz - Fear Of Numbers [Visionquest]

By Matt Allfrey (Battery Powered)

Fake Blood - Deep Red EP (Teaser)

2011-08-17T18:46:00.002+01:00

Its been a while but Fake Blood is back with a new EP 'Deep Red', and as you would expect its premium Electro House. Having listened to the teaser its fair to say that Fake Blood hasn't attempted to re-invent himself with this release but rather build upon previous glories with a growling 3 track EP that is sure to appeal to the Electro heads among you. Of the three tracks Deep Red is the strongest and the one we expect to be on heavy rotation.

Fake Blood - Deep Red EP Out September 2011

Also if you have a little spare time you should check Fake Blood's 'Used' series which is 4 x 1 hour mixes solely made up of old tunes sampled in classic Hip Hop style. No compilations, reissues, bootlegs, or downloads were used All originals.

Fake Blood - "USED" Vol.1

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Scuba - Adrenalin (Hotflush Recordings)

2011-08-16T14:23:00.003+01:00

We'll start by clearly stating that this is probably the best EP from start to finish that we've heard this year.

For the un-initiated Scuba is the head honcho of Hotflush Recordings which was founded in 2003 and quickly became synonymous with the sound that came to be known as dubstep. Since then Hotflush has broadened in genre as it has explored and expanded upon its founding philosophy of presenting fresh new music, introducing us to the likes of Mount Kimbie, Benga, Joy Orbison, Marytn, Sigha and himself among others. In 2010 Scuba released his debut album 'Triangulation', and in 2011 he has already treated us to the singles Feel It and Loss which we featured in our recent WeAre4 mix.

Adrenalin is the lead track from the new EP, and is just that through a clever blend of soaring main room synths, underground bass, reverbed vocal loops, trademark melodic flourishes and a slamming house beat. This track alone has huge dancefloor presence, however the EP doesn’t stop there, with both B Sides 'Never' and 'Everywhere' equally well equipped to challenge Adrenalin for supremacy. This is a superb EP that will inject a fresh vitality into many a record box over the coming months.

Adrenalin released 26th September 2011 on Hotflush Recordings

Tracklisting:
A1. Adrenalin
B1. Never
B2. Everywhere

Scuba - Essential Mix - Live @ Sonar (June 2011)

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Survival of The Independent Music Industry

2011-08-15T09:51:00.002+01:00

Over the past week England has witnessed some particularly disturbing scenes of civil unrest and our thoughts go out to those who have been directly affected by last weeks rioting, looting and violence. The weeks events became particuarly poignant when we learnt that a Sony warehouse which shared its space with the largest UK Independent Music Distributor 'PIAS' was burnt to the ground. PIAS store and distribute music for most of the UK's independent labels and artists. Overnight they lost an estimated 750,000 CDs, records and DVDs to the fire.

Toddla T (Pictured above) - lost all copies of his soon-to-be-released album 'Watch Me Dance'

Indie labels are the vital grass roots to the future of our music industry and this fire brings into sharp focus how fragile the future prosperity and diversity of our beloved music scene is. Indie labels operate on very tight budgets, often with one release funding the next, and although much of the damage should be covered by insurance this does not take into account carefully timed promotion campaigns and disrupted time scales. In an already stretched industry it is vital such an incident does not deal a knock out blow.

Thankfully since putting this article together a number of initiatives have been launched to help those labels affected by the fire. The British Phonographic Industry, which represents British music companies is to create a fund of more than £100,000 (Read More Here). Whilst online music blog Drowned In Sound is co-sponsoring a campaign called Label Love where they're encouraging fans to donate to the cause.

To find out how you can get involved and support an already stretched Independent music scene hit up one of the following links:

Label Love Website
Label Love Twitter
Label Love Guardian

By Matt Allfrey (Battery Powered) & Jonny Cassell (BBB)

Blah Blah Blah T-Shirts Now on Sale

2011-08-11T16:23:00.000+01:00

Our Limited Edition We Are Four T-shirts are on sale now!

Please follow the link below to purchase one. We also have a handful of our Burger Logo t-shirts for only £15 before p&p.

Blah Blah Blah Shop

New Blah Blah Blah T-Shirt on Sale Tomorrow!

2011-08-10T10:56:00.002+01:00

To celebrate four years of Blah Blah Blah, we are releasing some very special limited edition t-shirts. Screen Printed in our trademark pink ink on high quality Continental tees.

Demand is usually high for our t-shirts and as usual we will ship to anywhere in the world at a cost that won't break the bank for you. The t-shirts are priced at £17 and will go on sale at a random time on Thursday 11th August.

We have limited numbers of this design, so we highly recommend acting quick to ensure you secure the size and colour you want. We will be revealing the link to purchase on our Facebook and Twitter so make sure you are following us.

We'd personally like to thank everyone who has come to our parties and visited our blog over the years. It's been a great ride so far and here's your chance to own a little bit of BBB history.

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DiSapia - Bass & Stuff (Released Sept 2011)

2011-08-10T10:47:00.003+01:00

DiSapia is an artist we have kept in contact with for the last couple of years ever since he sent us a Soundcloud link to his Pollum EP. Since those early beginnings DiSapia has continued to hone his craft creating a distinctive ethereal deep house sound that while atmospheric has a techy edge that gives his music tangible dance floor energy.

Since his Pollum EP he has gone on to release 'They Mostly Hunt at Night EP', 'Catch a Glimpse' single and is currently preparing the release of his superb 'Bass and Stuff' track as part of the 'Tones & Stuff' EP on Monog Records. Bass and Stuff is probably DiSapia's best work to date, demonstrating a real progression from his earlier releases and further cementing his growing reputation as a talented producer.

Recommended Listening

DiSapia - Bass & Stuff (Released Sept 2011)

DiSapia - Catch a Glimpse

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L-Vis 1990 - Lost In Love Feat. Javeon McCarthy

2011-08-08T16:31:00.000+01:00

"Lost In Love" is the first single to be taken from L-Vis 1990's forthcoming debut album, Neon Dreams. Lost In Love is a shimmering vocal House track that makes no attempt to ease in fans of his more underground gritty sound. For many this new direction may prove too much too handle, however L-Vis 1990 is not trying to fool anyone and Lost in Love is clear indication of what to expect from the full LP. However if the thought of shimmering vocal house makes your toes curl, dont worry as the single package includes a Club Mix and a Nightslugs Allstars Dub Mix.

Released - September 26th (PMR/Island)

Track List:

01. Original
02. Neon Dreams Club Mix
03. Neon Dreams Club Dub
04. Night Slugs Allstars Street Mix
05. Night Slugs Allstars Street Dub

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L-VIS 1990 - Neon Dreams (Album Preview)

Win Classixx - Into the Valley (Remixes) on Vinyl

2011-08-07T09:26:00.000+01:00

We eulogised about this track a few weeks back and now Green Label Sound have kindly given us 3 Vinyl copies of the single to give away. However please note this competition is only open to US residents, so if you’re not living the 'All American Dream' don’t despair as you can still download the remixes for FREE via the following link: Free Download

How to Enter
Simple Tweet us the following message and we will enter your name into the Blah Blah Blah Tombola for a chance to win one copy of Classixx - Into the Valley (Julio Bashmore Remix).

"I live in the US of A and want to Win Classixx - Into the Valley (Julio Bashmore Remix) on Vinyl" @Dew_GLS @blahblahblahdjs

Good Luck

Joe Goddard (Hot Chip / 2 Bears) - Gabriel

2011-08-06T15:57:00.002+01:00

Not content with just Hot Chip and The 2 Bears Joe Goddard is also pumping the tunes out under his own name releasing the stylish 'Gabriel EP' last week via Greco Roman and DFA Records. Gabriel builds itself around a haunting vocal refrain, live drums and solid house beat before unleashing the super smooth main vocal and bassline that combine to give the track unforgettable early hours dance floor energy. If you liked Joe Goddard's work as The 2 Bears this is an essential addition to the collection.

Joe Goddard (Hot Chip / 2 Bears) - Gabriel

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Foamo - Vibrations

2011-08-04T16:06:00.002+01:00

Somehow managed to miss this one among all my numerous emails, but as they say better late than never. Foamo is an aritst we've fallen in and out of love for over the years. When we first started BBB Foamo was right on the money with his fidget stylings and bang on DJ sets, playing for us in year 1. However fidget lost its original sheen and while Foamo's sets were still banging his tracks started to lack the originality that first caught our attention. Despite this Foamo has continued to establish himself as both artist and DJ and his latest release 'Vibrations' is Foamo back to his partying noisy best.

Vibrations nicely combines classic house beats, piano stabs and vocals with a crunching dubstep type bassline that works to great effect on the dancefloor. For some this track might sound a bit obvious, however not everything has to be breaking the mould. Highly recommended for those peak time moments.

Foamo - Vibrations - Out Now

Radiohead - Remixes (Pearson Sound + Four Tet)

2011-07-30T01:53:00.002+01:00

Of the 4 planned remix packages commissioned by Radiohead, this is perhaps the most eagerly anticipated with Four Tet and Pearson Sound on remix duties. Four Tet gets to remix one of our personal favourites from The King of Limbs LP 'Separator'. Four Tet keeps faith with Thom Yorke's superb haunting vocal whilst in the second half of the track adds an almost Massive Attack Mezzanine type dark quality to the mix amongst his trademark off kilter percussion, great stuff. Next up for us is emerging man of the moment Pearson Sound's remix of 'Morning Mr Magpie', however despite his growing reputation I cant help but feel that this is not amongst his best work. Whilst the production is impeccable and there are some nice ideas it feels more like his own track rather than a remix, with him only really using some of the deeper pad layers of the original, I suppose it depends on your definition of what a remix is. Lone finish's of the package with a tweaked take of Feral, which works well. Overall a good package with the standout remix coming from Four Tet in our opinion.

Released Monday 1st August.

Radiohead - Remixes (Lone / Pearson Sound / Four Tet)

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DJ vs Producer

2011-07-28T17:53:00.001+01:00

Can you make it as a successful DJ without your own music? This is a subject that often leads to much debate and no definitive conclusion. So what’s the answer?

Well the answer is not as straightforward as it may seem, and in order to fully understand what makes a DJ a DJ we need to delve into the past a little and work our way to the present day. Certainly when DJing first started to make a name for itself during the explosion of Disco, House and Northern Soul you most certainly could make it without the need of your own music. Clubs were built around (in the main) exclusive residents who developed an intimate understanding of their crowd, knowing exactly what to drop and when. However this is not to say that all these guys weaved immaculately thought out sets and that the best technical DJs became the biggest names, in fact in most cases far from it. What you have to remember is that during the rise of the DJ the majority of the general public did not have the access or finance to get their hands on the latest Disco or House record, and consequently the biggest names were often those with the widest and rarest selection of records or even just a selection of records.

As House, Techno and Acid started to explode in the UK in the late 80's and early 90's the DJ was able to maintain this level of exclusivity. Furthermore the art of beat matching started to emerge as a key skill differentiating a decent DJ from a great DJ, partly helped by the more consistent beat of purposely produced dance records and the advancement of turntable technology. With the advent of Rave and Trance, dance music began to crossover from the underground into the wider popular culture, a trend Ministry of Sound capitalized on with the first recognised dance compilation 'The Annual' in 1995 and thus the 'Superstar DJ' was born. And although some of the big names of that time did produce it was not a prerequisite as there was enough hype, DJ dexterity and exclusive tracks to keep people wanting more. However towards the end of the 90's to the present day the proliferation of the Internet, MP3's, CDJ’s, decline of vinyl and the increasingly commercial saturation of dance music led to the gradual demise of the 'Superstar DJ' in its original form. It was no longer sufficient to be a tight beat matcher with the latest tunes as DJs and Dance music could be found anywhere, thus killing the hype and exclusivity that once existed. DJs needed a new angle......

Today Producers are often the new DJs, and while some of the big names of years gone by can still pull big crowds it has become increasingly obvious even for these guys that in the fast moving impatient online society we now live in that if you don’t keep things fresh you are quickly forgotten. To be a successful DJ you need an angle, an angle that gets people wanting more, which is possible through being on the radio, running your own night, writing a blog, launching a record label etc, however if your desire is to be a DJ of some note you are most likely going to need to write your own tunes or do a few remixes. This is not to say you cant do well as a DJ who is recognised for their DJing ability alone, however if you have aspirations of taking your music beyond headlining a 200 capacity venue its time to start channeling that passion for music into writing your own.

In summary it is clear that successful DJ's have always had an edge, however that edge is no longer being able to mix the latest tunes perfectly, and whilst it's possible to pick up sets in your local area through knowing the right people and being a trusted hand it is very unlikely you'll get booked to play elsewhere or earn big enough fee's to quit your day job. The biggest names with the odd exception write and remix tracks and although this often results in Producers who cant DJ and DJs who cant produce its an unavoidable reality.

Recommended Reading
Last Night A DJ Saved My Life (History of the DJ) by Bill Brewster

Four Tet - Fabriclive 59 (Album Review)

2011-07-23T15:36:00.004+01:00

Kieran Hebden, aka Four Tet, has always pushed musical boundaries. Whether it be with his inimitable style of electronica - glitching up folk samples into haunting hip-hop melodies - or live laptop jamming with jazz drummers, he always manages to do something different and subvert expectations. With the release of his latest and most accessible album, There Is Love In You, he has found himself sitting alongside the likes of Joy Orbison and Pearson Sound on releases and line-ups alike. These pioneers are re-inventing bass music and Pearson Sound's recent Fabric Mix is a good example of where these new genres are headed. If you've come to terms with Four Tet's endless curve balling then you won't be as surprised to know that this mix doesn't pick up where Pearson Sound's left off.

Four Tet's contribution to the Fabric series is largely focused around garage and the genres it's subsequently influenced. Its enduring features are sparse notation, heavy beats with stuttering hats, lots of bass and a scattering of vocal snippets. Yet despite the clinical way his selections can be stripped down to their bare bones, as a whole the mix makes for a much more soulful experience. It's unlikely that you'd notice without being told, but each track is ripped from vinyl and then glued together on his trusty laptop. In a number of cases this meant cutting it to vinyl specifically to re-record it back to digital. It sounds like a surprising amount of effort but then surprising is what Hebden does best. It also succeeds in giving the mix a human feel, along with the cut-and-play blends and the 'found-sounds' taken from in and around Fabric itself.

The tracklist noticeably highlights the shunning of 'expected' names in the mix (with the exception of Caribou, Burial and Floating Points) in favour of rarer cuts and the 90s originals that inspired them. If you believe the press release, Hebden spent a great deal of time attempting to find music for this mix that even he'd missed out on two decades earlier. We're inclined to believe this, however unlikely, just because the man can't help but be three steps in front of everyone else at all times. On top of sourcing forgotten gems and format shuffling he somehow found time to produce a remix and two originals just for this outing. 'Pyramid' particularly caught our ear. A propulsive kick and bass line combine under shuffling hats and chopped vocals in an atypically straight up dance-floor stomper. These elements gradually dwindle to allow space for a delightfully melodic, tinkling breakdown which, in turn, dissipates giving way for the locomotion of the bass and kick to return. We're keeping our fingers crossed that this gets an official release as it'd be the ideal replacement for Julio Bashmore's 'Battle For Middle You' that we've played so many times our mp3 has disintegrated.

Four Tet has produced a Fabric installment that could well stand the test of time. The inclusion of older tracks gives it more substance than a zeitgeist mix and the field recordings interrupt the flow just enough to make it a suitable soundtrack for commuting as much as partying. Fabriclive 59 just goes to show how truly talented Kieran Hebden is but also how much effort and attention to detail he puts into all of his work. It marks another chapter, another string in his bow and another set of releases to get ridiculously excited about.

Tracklist
1. Intro
2. Michael Redolfi – Immersion Partielle [INA-GRM]
3. Crazy Bald Heads – First Born [On-Tick]
4. Persian – Feel Da Vibe [Same People]
5. KH – 101112 [unreleased]
6. Youngstar (Musical Mob) – Pulse X [Inspired Sounds]
7. Crazy Bald Heads – First Born (Four Tet Remix) [unreleased]
8. Floating Points – Sais (dub) [Eglo]
9. Apple – Mr Bean [Appsolute]
10. Manitoba – Webers [Leaf]
11. Big Bird – Flav (Urban Myths Remix) [Nice n Ripe]
12. Genius – Waiting [Kronik]
13. Four Tet – Fabric [unreleased]
14. David Borden – The Continuing Story of Counterpoint Part Nine [David Borden]
15. STL – Dark Energy [Something]
16. Percussions – Percussions One [unreleased]
17. C++ – Angie’s Fucked [Music For Freaks]
18. Burial – Street Halo [Hyperdub]
19. KMA – Cape Fear [KMA]
20. WK7 – Higher Power [Power House]
21. Ricardo Villalobos – Sieso [Cadenza]
22. Four Tet – Pyramid [Text]
23. Red Rack ‘em – How I Program [Bergerac]
24. Active Minds – Hobson’s Choice (Tune For Da Man Dem) [white]
25. Armando Gallop & Steve Poindexter – Blackholes [Muzique]
26. Outro
27. Four Tet – Locked [Text]

Fabriclive 59 Mixed By Four Tet is available to pre-order now from Ape and Fabric.

By Matt Allfrey (Battery Powered)

Damon Albarn DRC Music (Oxfam Charity Album)

2011-07-22T19:14:00.001+01:00

A collective of producers led by Damon Albarn will visit the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to produce a new album for Oxfam. Travelling with Damon to Congo are Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs (TEED), Dan The Automator, Jneiro Jarel, Richard Russell, Actress, Marc Antoine, Jo Gunton and Kwes. They hope to make an album in 7 days.

Wracked by years of conflict, the DRC is home to one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, and proceeds from the album will go to helping Oxfam's work, helping thousands of the DRC's poorest people.

Damon Albarn is possibly one of the most prolific producers of our era with countless projects under his belt and most likely just as many bubbling away. Damon's unquenchable thirst for new and more creative sounds always results in him pushing the boundaries of whats expected, such as writing a Chinese Opera and producing the Gorillaz fourth album 'The Fall' entirely on the iPad. This project is likely to be no exception especially as it includes the hotly tipped producer of the moment TEED.

You can follow their progress via their dedicated DRC Twitter feed.

Kingdom Feat. Naomi Allen - Take Me (Fools Gold)

2011-07-20T12:30:00.000+01:00

New Yorks Kingdom is someone we have featured on the blog a number of times whether it be another superbly crafted mixtape or a fresh new tune. Each time Kingdom has put something out there we are always straight on it to have a listen as he has an innate ability to combine ideas from a variety of sources and twist them to his will. For those who haven’t come across Kingdom previously his sound predominately centres around a Bass House, Dubstep type flavour with a tasteful blend of R&B often thrown in. 'Take Me' is just one of those moments and it works really well, in particular the breakdown at 1.44 and the vocals that clock in at 3.12 standout.

Take Me is released July 26th on Fools Gold Records and is backed by the track 'If You Buck' which can be found on his XLR8R mixtape.

Kingdom Feat. Naomi Allen - Take Me

Thanks to Pitchfork for alerting us to this.

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Solo - Strawberry Swing (Great Stuff)

2011-07-19T17:50:00.000+01:00

Bit of a Tech-House day, no sooner had I put the polishing touches to my Camel post and this landed in my inbox. So if you enjoyed the Camel EP this should be right up your street. Solo aka Stefano Ritteri (also of Italian roots) is no stranger to strong releases, what with EPs on Dirtybird, Deadfish among others, and Strawberry Swing is no exception. Right from the off Strawberry Swing (not to be confused with Coldplay's version) will have the dancefloor shuffling to its tight groove, chopped vocal loops and melodic flourishes. Overall this is a club track designed to get you moving, and Im sure it will sway even the most stubborn of crowds.

Strawberry Swing is out July 25th as part of Great Stuff's 'Munich Discotech Series' which has reached its 12th installment and is always worth a listen.

Solo - Strawberry Swing (Great Stuff)

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Camel - Blow Up (Jackmode)

2011-07-19T16:19:00.001+01:00

Always been a bit partial to summery Tech-House, however of late ive grown a bit tired of the incessant use of eastern brass type sounds, however there is one producer who never fails to disappoint, Camel. It could be argued that Camel aka Andrea Floris doesnt really vary his style much from EP to EP and the more discerning arm folded chin scratcher's among you have probably stopped reading already. However its my opinion that Camel is simply one of the best at this sound with crisp production, punchy drums, always a great groove, and an impeccable choice of vocal samples and lead hook lines. For me Camel has yet to fail to deliver, and his latest release is another example of what a talented producer he is. If you like the Camel sound you should also check Homework who we recently featured on the blog.

Camel Blow Up - Out in August on Jackmode Music.

Camel - Blow Up

Camel - Blue Room

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The Black Ghosts - When Animals Stare (Album Preview)

2011-07-15T12:26:00.000+01:00

Here's a quick history lesson. The Black Ghosts released their debut, self-titled album in 2008 and are formed of Simon Lord (formerly of Simian and currently Lord Skywave) and Theo Keating (formerly of The Wiseguys and currently Fake Blood). In the lead up to the release of their new album 'When Animals Stare', The Black Ghosts have uploaded five tracks for us to sample.

Theo's the man on the buttons here whilst Simon takes to the mic. If you've heard Lord Skywave's output then the vocals will sound familiar, but there's something about knowing the dance floor prowess of Theo's productions as Fake Blood that always makes The Black Ghosts' songs seem surprising. It's like they've been wound up tight with high energy and hands in the air potential but are never allowed to unravel. 'In The Clouds' is a good example. It starts in a broody fashion, slowly building ominously to what feels like an almighty drop. Except it doesn't arrive. Then there's a snippet of that signature Fake Blood bass synth and the skipping drums and just when it's all about to kick off Lord's vocals reign it in for a smooth instrumental break. The other songs in the sample give 'In The Clouds' context, there's 'Water Will Find A Way' which is loaded with subtle horns, a glockenspiel and punchy drums in an updated 1960's film soundtrack. 'Talk No More' has a driving, low slung, scuzz-rock bass line and amusingly, self deprecating subject matter. Whilst 'Forgetfulness' merges folk and dance in the same way Miike Snow's 'Animal' did. Final track currently available to our eager ears is 'That's All There Is' which initially harnesses a reggae rhythm but quickly blossoms into a smooth 80s synth pop chorus. It's an apropriate finale for this sample as it ends with the title's lyrics "that's all there is".

'When Animals Stare' looks like it will continue The Black Ghosts' theme of taking cues from a range of genres and blending them with electronic production and traditional song writing. There's a whole host of intriguing ideas and sounds on display in this teaser but it leaves us aching for something to play on the dancefloor. Previously their choice of remixers has been thoroughly on point so here's hoping the singles will yield some dancefloor friendly versions to be enjoyed alongside the originals.

Tracklist
1. Water Will Find A Way
2. Walking On The Moon
3. In The Clouds
4. Even In The Darkness
5. Diamonds
6. Sanguinella
7. That’s All There Is
8. Talk No More
9. Aurora Borealis
10. Forgetfulness
11. Your Soul Is Free

The Black Ghosts - When Animals Stare is released 25/07/11 and can be pre-ordered from Ape.

By Matt Allfrey (Battery Powered)

L-VIS 1990 - Neon Dreams (Debut Album)

2011-07-13T15:35:00.000+01:00

L-Vis 1990 is probably best known for his forward thinking bass sounds and innovative Night Slugs label which he runs with label mate Bok Bok. Since Night Slugs was launched in 2008 L-Vis 1990 and crew have been hailed as significant contributors to the rapidly emerging bass sound, and of all those involved at Night Slugs it's fair to say that L-Vis 1990 has been arguably the stronger and more prolific producer, and therefore making a full length record seems like a natural next step.

So what to expect? Well, we were lucky enough to get a 5 track preview a few months back and we were quite surprised at what we heard. It was not the sparse bass rumblings and quirky synth sounds we have come to expect but rather a much more rounded and evidently a broadly influenced electronic record. A record that plays to the crowd (in a good way) and not the minority. Broadly speaking the following quote from L-Vis 1990 sums up what to expect from the record.

"In the late nineties the likes of Daft Punk, Chemical Brothers and Basement Jaxx defined the art of the dance music album," says James. "Their albums transcended time and any musical fads, but most of all they took you on a journey. Creating Neon Dreams for me was about recapturing these elements that made me fall in love with dance music all those years ago."

NEON DREAMS is released on PMR Records on September 26th.

Track List

01. Vague Flashes ft. Corey Black
02. Forever You ft. Javeon McCarthy
03. The Beach
04. I Feel It
05. Play It Cool ft. Samantha Lim
06. Shy Light ft. Para One & Teki Latex
07. Cruisin'
08. Feel The Void ft. Para One & Teki Latex
09. Illusions
10. Tonight
11. Here With You ft. Para One & Teki Latex
12. Lost In Love ft. Javeon McCarthy
13. True Romance
14. One More Day ft. Javeon McCarthy & Julio Bashmore
15. Neon Dreams

Arkist & Kidkut - One Year Later / Vanilla Imitate

2011-07-12T11:19:00.000+01:00

Continuing the 'Bristol' theme (see post below) the upcoming release on Hotflush features Bristol based producers Arkist & Kidkut with their debut release on Scuba's imprint. 'One Year Later' is an early hours House record that is built around a cinematic bass riff, subtle pads, and crisp percussion giving the track enough energy that it doesn't fall into the 'nice tune, cant play it out' category. 'Vanilla Imitate' follows in a similar vane with the exception that it is underpinned by a shuffling Garage type groove. A real nice package that I will be filing under warm up. Released - July 25th 2011

Arkist & Kidkut - One Year Later / Vanilla Imitate

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Real Scenes: Bristol (Video)

2011-07-11T16:50:00.001+01:00

A local promoter pal recommended checking this Video out, and Im very glad he did as its a very interesting piece on the thriving music scene in one of the UK's great cities 'Bristol'. The documentary features a number of interviews with key promoters, record label owners and artists all discussing the bubbling Bristol scene. For me this video is a real inspiration as both a promoter, blogger and producer to see the tangible growth of a scene from a single city.

The Video itself is the first part of Resident Advisor's recently launched 'Real Scenes' series. Real Scenes aims to explore and highlight the musical, cultural and creative climate within electronic music's key destinations across the globe.

What Cities would you include within this series?

Friendly Fires - Hawaiian Air (TEED Remix)

2011-07-11T13:51:00.003+01:00

Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs is most definitely surfing the crest of a wave at the moment and he delivers again with his atmospheric Balearic House take on Friendly Fires - Hawaiian Air. Thankfully TEED hasnt made the mistake many Indie remixers make which is to leave the original largely intact and simply add a pumping House beat and a little extra percussion. Love this remix.

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Stuck on Repeat - Volume 3

2011-07-10T21:40:00.002+01:00

Stuck on Repeat simply collects together a load of tracks over an un-specified amount of time that we consider essential listening. As always with these types of things there maybe certain tracks you've already heard, tracks we've missed or accidentally overlooked, so please feel free to hit up the comments with anything you think is indispensable.

In no particular order....

Pearson Sound - Stifle (Hessle Audio)
Instra:Mental - Pyramid (3024)
Boy 8-Bit - Phase IV (This Is Music)
Disco Of Doom - Doomsday (Bowski Remix) (Discobelle Records)
Yes Wizard - Elephant & Castle (Duke Dumont Remix) (Tiger Sushi)
Benoit & Sergio - Everybody (DFA)
Virgo Four - Its a Crime (Caribou Remix) (Rush Hour)
SBTRKT - Right Thing To Do (Young Turks)
Jamie XX - Far Nearer (Numbers)
Rick Wilhite - What Do You See (Moodyman Remix) (Rush Hour)
Sigha - Politics of Dying (Our Circula Sound)
Maya Jane Coles - Senseless (2020 Vision)
Sebastian - Love In Motion (Ed Banger)
Kingdom - Uptown Buck (Trouble & Bass)
SM Soulrack - Do What U Want (1989 Mix) (Tenax Recordings)

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Electronic Artist of the Week #9 - Homework

2011-07-06T12:31:00.000+01:00

If its deep soulful summery house that gets you in a twist, look no further than Amsterdam's 'Homework'. Homework's Tom Waist and Zip Stolk first grabbed the collective interest with their Fissa Tune EP on Exploited Records. The lead track Fissa Tune seemed to get most people into a frenzy over its Middle Eastern pipes and chopped vocals, the sort of track you could imagine Riva Starr banging out. However for me it was the rest of the EP that caught my attention, in particular the filtered funk of 'I Got Two', a sound that reappears in subsequent EP's and in my opinion is where Homework's greatest strength and perhaps interest resides. Whilst the Tech-House Brass tracks such as 'Trumpet Express' work they lack the warmth and depth of the more funk fuelled numbers. Overall Homework are building an impressive portfolio of tracks and look set to build on their early success.

Recommend Listening:

Homework - Rally Racquet Club

Homework - The Street

Homework - Hudson Square

Homework - I Got Two (Fissa EP)

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Radiohead - Little by Little (Caribou Remix)

2011-07-01T17:00:00.001+01:00

We tweeted a little while back that Radiohead were planning to release a number of specifically commissioned remixes of their 'King of Limbs' Album, well that time has come and the first two tracks remixed are 'Little by Little' and 'Lotus Flower' by Caribou and Jacques Greene respectively. To say this must have been a daunting task would be an understatement when you consider the supreme talent that is Radiohead, furthermore having witnessed them play 'King of Limb's at Glastonbury just last weekend I couldnt see what more could be added to these already fabulous pieces of music.

Overall I still prefer the originals, however both remixes are really good with both Caribou and Jacques Greene injecting a little more weight into the mix, with punchier drums and crisper percussion. Of the two remixes Caribou's is definitely the stronger making better use of the source material and adding well suited additional sounds, where as I feel Jacques Greene missed a trick by not making use of Lotus Flowers powerful bassline. Overall a strong package that is available on limited 12" Vinyl July 4th.

SBTRKT - SBTRKT (Album Review)

2011-06-29T17:38:00.001+01:00

After hearing Sbtrkt's debut streaming on Hype Machine last week we decided to give it a full review. Unfortunately with the head honchos in Glastonbury, the less lucky writer for this blog ended up in the Isle Of Wight which, it turns out, is just as difficult to blog from as a muddy field due to the island being eternally stuck in the 80s and not knowing what WiFi is. Anyway, we're back on solid ground now so here it is.

It's been a while since electronic music has had any serious purchase in the mainstream consciousness. There's been one-off Ibiza anthems and the production houses have been appropriating it at a whim for established pop stars (think Britney's dubstep or Gaga's electroclash). But not the kind of heartfelt, respected electronic albums that we'd like to see gaining success and being represented in the mainstream. Diplo is making some headway, letting Beyonce do kareoke over his Major Lazer hit Pon De Floor and producing Nicola Roberts debut solo effort. We're not saying we agree wholeheartedly with these decisions but it's nice to see people we respect getting noticed (and paid) by the bigger record labels, radio stations and fans. Fusing production with pop even more seamlessly are the likes of Jamie Woon and James Blake who have released two equally challenging yet commercially viable albums that both happen to be excellent.

SBTRKT fits in rather neatly with the latter two of these artists, his self titled debut is an electronic album produced and sung (in places) by him. Elsewhere his use of guest vocalists lends the album a distinctly commercial appeal without betraying the authenticity of his music. The music tends to be built on a frame work of skipping and shuffling percussion glued together with great dollops of low end. This alone would win him fans in the dubstep and 2 step genres but he doesn't stop there. Over the top of these musical bones he laces an array of synths; dainty trickles, ravey stabs, acid bubbles and even ascending trancey chords. Then there's his exceptional use of vocals, both as an instrument and a hook, cutting and co-ordinating non-lyrical noises as backing for the more conventional verse and chorus formula. Sampha takes on the majority of vocal duties and envelopes Sbtrkts already warm productions with a smooth soulful attitude.

Sbtrkt's debut is a truly joyous yet unlikely melding of niche music with pop sensibilities that should gain the man behind the mask (and the genres he's less guardedly representing) a great deal of attention. Add to this the album is released by Young Turks - the label behind surprise big hitters, The XX - and he could well have a winning combination.

Tracklist
1. Heatwave
2. Hold On
3. Wildfire
4. Sanctuary
5. Trials Of The Past
6. Pharaohs
7. Something Goes Right
8. Right Thing To Do
9. Ready Set Loop
10. Never Never
11. Go Bang

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Review by Matt Allfrey (Battery Powered)

Blah Blah Blah DJs - WeAre4 (Mixtape)

2011-06-28T14:21:00.000+01:00

In true Blah Blah Blah tradition we have spent days and days hunched over our decks carefully crafting our 4th Birthday mix - WeAre4. This mix probably took more days than initially planned however we are really pleased with the results, and would probably go as far as to say this is one of our best mixes to date, a bold claim I know. WeAre4 starts at a sedately thoughtful 110bpm before shamelessly dropping its trousers and leaving nothing to the imagination as it bangs out some main room destroyers before settling back down and letting you know that it has tender side. Hope you enjoy.............

To Download (Click Here)

Track List
01. Chemical Brothers - Hanna Theme (Intro Edit)
02. Art Department - Vampire Nightclub
03. DJ T - Sense
04. Benoit & Sergio - Walk and Talk
05. Ramadanman & Appleblim - Void 23 (Carl Craig Edit)
06. SCB - Loss
07. The 2 Bears - Church (Midland Remix)
08. Classixx - Into the Valley (Julio Bashmore Remix)
09. Julio Bashmore - Ribble to Amazon
10. Scuba - Feel It
11. Boy 8-Bit - Phase IV
12. XYME - B Acid (Bowski Remix)
13. Clouds - Sucker
14. Strip Steve - The Beast
15. Kingdom - Uptown Buck
16. Pearson Sound - Stifle
17. Joy O - Wade In
18. Midland - Through Motion

Related Posts
WeAreBlahBlahBlah - Left
Blah Blah Blah DJs - WeAre3 (Mixtape)

Out of Office - Glastonbury 2011

2011-06-23T04:30:00.000+01:00

Back in 4 days........