Looking back, Looking forward – Hello 2012!

A quick post to wish you all a belated new year. Was flipping through some old tracks yesterday and thought this post would be a good way to usher in the new year.

Firstly, I was digging around and found this old gem from Slum Village’s first album “Fan-Tas-Tic (Vol. 1)” (1996). Its Dilla and Slum Village joy all the way through. What I didn’t know about this album is that is consisted of songs written in 96/97 but was not officially released until 8 years later. It had leaked in ’97 to critical acclaim.

 

Secondly, in anticipation of another Black Star album (its been 13 years since the last LP!), here is the single “Fix Up” released in Nov 2011. By the way Mos Def is now Yasiin Bey…go figure.

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Download: Twin Sister – “Kimmi in a Rice Field (Balam Acab Remix)”

20 year old Alex Koone (aka Balam Acab) lays down a great remix of “Kimmi in a Rice Field”, soundcloud download link below. This young American producer is doing some fantastic work, having recently put out a remix of Lana Del Rey’s ” Video Games”  and a fantastic mash up of UK bass genres and US rnb in  Ghost Town DJ’s “My Boo”, also included below.

Major Lazer – Original Don ft. The Partysquad

Not really into Major Lazer…but this video…white guys waving weapons around to Major Lazer #winning

Mr. Beatnick – Synthetes (Don’t Be Afraid)

Lovely rolling deep track. Reminds me a lot of Prescription tracks, where the kick is soft and low and everything builds nicely through the track.  Some more stuff and a solid Mary Anne Hobbes mix by Mr Beatnick here.

UPDATE: just heard “Casio Romance” and had to add it!

A bit of MPC magic from Exile

While touring with Aloe Blacc in France, producer Exile showed off his skills on the MPC. Its quite a sight to watch! Also check out a little combo of MPC and mic skills from French rapper Roce. Exile has a new album out “4 track mind”  on label Soulspazm.

 

 

Here comes your weekend: Shades of Gray – Midnight Lover

If your weekend is kicking off, this nostalgic chi-town track should get things going for you. This is from the debut album, out now, from Shades of Gray who have been putting out some good stuff on Om Records and Tronicsole. Enjoy!

Onra – Chinoiseries 2

Parisian based producer Onra is back with another Vietnamese/Chinese record sampling album. Chinoiseries 2 picks up on the success of the first series, released in 2007, and follows the same theme. Some good tracks on the album, check below.

Interesting fact: Chinoiserie is the French term, signifying “Chinese-esque”. Chinoiserie is a mixture of Eastern and Western stylistic elements for both the decoration and shape.

Dirg Gerner, very excited about this artist!

Wow, mixing together electronica with soulful jazzy sounds in a very exciting and refreshing way, Dirg Gerner is making some great music. He has an EP, “Loose Lights” coming out 21st Nov ’11 and if this track w/FLako feat. Dirg Gerner is anything to go by, we are in for some real gems!

This track is just too good…

 

A taste of things to come from Portico Quartet…

Modern jazz quartet Portico Quartet have a new, highly anticipated album coming out in Jan 2012 and as a taster of things to come they have made “Ruins” available for free download. You can find that here and the video below.

Interesting fact, they use an UFO shaped steel-drum-like instrument called a hang in all of their songs which has quite a distinctive sound. You can see it played in the video below…

 

Joe Goddard – Gabriel (Ossie Remix)

I really like this remix by upcoming producer Ossie, who seems to be rising through the ranks very quickly. Ossie recently released his second EP “Set the Tone” on Hyperdub and has been well recieved after his debut “Tarantula” on Lightworks. It has a different feel to his other material, beats and vibe are darker than some of the housier outings. Anyway, check it out and also have listen to “Alien” which is also available as a free download.

Joe Goddard – Gabriel (Ossie Remix)

Ossie- Alien