DJ Neil Armstrong
As a DJ, over the years I’ve developed a few routines that I like to break out here and there to keep my sets interesting. Sometimes I do this thing where I’ll play the sample source and mix it into the song using the sample. I call it “Single City.” Other times I’ll loop a section of lyrics and mix that into another song with the same or similar lyrics. I call this “Swing City. How do we filter out the teases? We don’t let them in. This goes for the guys, too, because sometimes the guys are tapped out. But check your lease man, because you’re living in “Fuck City!”
One better-known DJ who has also discovered the wonders of “Single City” (aka a standard DJ routine) is NYC’s Neil Armstrong, founding member of the 5th Platoon DJ collective and Jay-Z’s tour DJ. Armstrong has also appeared on Letterman, Carson Daly (is that still a show?), at the NBA All-Star Game and the Olympic Games.
Additionally, he has been steadily churning out mixtapes for over a decade now, among them Originals, which takes the sample->sample source idea to new levels and DNA of The Blueprint, which serves as Armstrong’s personal tribute to his current MC (both are available for download after the jump).
(more…)
Telephoned
There is a long history of ironic, white covers of popular hip-hop and R&B tracks — from Dynamite Hack singing “Boyz in the Hood” in golf sweaters and flip flops, to Little Boots’ recent melancholic cover of Kid Cudi’s “Day N Nite.” In general, these attempts range from the retarded to the horribly offensive — with the rare creative or interesting recreation emerging here and there.
The new Fool’s Gold-repped artist Telephoned has recently joined membership into this group and whether they are one of the rare, successful entries into the sub-genre, I will let you be the judge. One thing I can say for Telephoned is that its members are talented. The group is a collaboration between DJ/Producer Sammy Bananas and DJ/Singer Maggie Horn. Bananas has put out a number of solid dance tracks in the past two years, including a pretty wicked remix of Passion Pit’s “The Reeling.”
(mp3s after the jump)
(more…)
Felix Cartal x Christian Martin
A couple of things about ducks: 1) the males have giant, corkscrew-shaped penises and 2) they have an unfortunate penchant for gang-rape.
While I was in college, a few friends and I had just finished a delicious and affordable meal at a South Bay Chili’s when we witnessed one of the more disturbing spectacles of our young lives. A group of ducks were gathered near the edge of the parking lot and appeared to be reenacting a scene from “The Accused.” As we walked closer, we saw two ducks holding down the head of what we assumed was the female duck, while a third ravaged her from the rear. This continued for a few moments until the lucky duck (!) got off, withdrew and swaggered off down to the adjacent stream, followed by his accomplices.
At the time we were shocked, but apparently gang rape is as much a part of being a duck as flying through rainbows is part of being a unicorn. Also, female ducks have spiral vaginas with trap doors to mislead duck rapists. All of these things are true (except the part about the unicorn) and you can read all about it here.
(Here comes the segue… wait for it…)
(more…)
Classic Hip Hop Mixes: Dr. Dre x DJ Riz
Years before I got into smoking weed, drinking malt liquor and doing drive-bys, The Chronic was released and I, like every other 12 year-old boy on my block, quickly put away the Cooleyhighharmony and jumped full force into G-Funk. It wasn’t that suburban white kids like me could really relate to the content, or that we held real animosity toward EZ or Tim Dog (or knew who Tim Dog was). Instead, it was Dre’s flawless production and the smooth, at-times angry lyrical flow of the Death Row camp that had me singing “bitches ain’t shit” as I rode my sweet GT bicycle home from school.
It’s been 18 years (do the math) and there finally seems to be real evidence that the often-talked-about, never-produced album “Detox” might actually see release this year. Scott Storch, who has apparently been doing some detoxing himself, earlier this month mentioned that the release of the album’s first single “Under Pressure,” which features Jay-Z, should happen sometime this summer.
With an album from Big Boi also set to drop in the summer months, this could be a good year for the aging stars of rap. In anticipation of these alleged releases, here are some olllllld throwback mixes from two of hip-hop’s best known DJs.
(mp3s after the jump)
(more…)
RIP Guru
RIP to one of the greatest MCs of all time. What more can be said except that we lost a legend today.
The Bay’s Matthew Africa last month put together a tribute mix to Gang Starr that today serves as a perfect memorial to one of hip hop’s greatest duos. This shit definitely takes me back. Enjoy:
Stream here.
Download here.
(tracklist after the jump)
(more…)
Jokers of the Scene
When most Americans think of Ottawa, they picture the historic cholera outbreak of 1832 or the precise urban planning of Frenchman Jacques Greber. However, in addition to being recognized for these fascinating details, Canada’s capitol city supports a pretty solid little house scene. At the center of this lies Disorganized (now Frenzy), a monthly party which for the past 7 years has brought Ottawa’s dance community together to party with some of the world’s top DJs.
Founders DJ Booth and Chameleonic, together known as Jokers of the Scene due to their early difficulties in earning respect from their Ottawan DJ peers, started Disorganized as a small loft party and it quickly grew into one of the city’s premier dance parties. They have since graduated from playing host to that party to touring the globe, signing with record label Fool’s Gold and releasing a handful of original singles, including the massive Baggy Bottom Boys. In addition, they have been commissioned to produce remixes for Passion Pit, Kid Cudi, Acid Girls, Thunderheist, Flosstradamus and Muscles, among others.
Next Friday (4/23), they join The Faint spin-off Depressed Buttons, LA’s Frankie Chan (iheartcomix) and San Francisco’s favorite DJ/Male Model Richie Panic (Blow Up) at 330 Ritch. Advance $13 tix are available here.
(mp3s after the jump)
(more…)
Thom Yorke x Atoms for Peace
Most people assume that using drugs you’ve found lying on a city sidewalk is a perfectly reasonable and safe thing to do. Thus, they’re often surprised when I tell them a story which reveals that perhaps, in some rare cases, found drugs are better left alone.
It was the summer of 2003, the war in Iraq had just been won, Gary Coleman was running for governor and Uncle Kracker was beginning to Drift Away (so sad). In the few years prior, I had developed an angst-fueled obsession with Radiohead and was excited when they announced two midsummer dates at Shoreline Amphitheatre. After a brief defeat at the hands of Ticketmaster, my hopes were revived when a girl that I had been hanging out with and (unsuccessfully) trying to make more than friends was able to leverage her role as passive victim of sexual harassment to score two tickets from her well-connected (but not well-endowed) boss. Platonic friendship paid off and I was graciously given the second ticket.
(mp3s after the jump..)
(more…)
Fake Blood x Boy 8 Bit
Everyone loves a good mystery, especially when that mystery is solved by a talking dog and a group of meddling kids. So in 2008 when some quality dance tracks (including the massive “Mars”) began appearing around the innertron produced by the then-unknown producer Fake Blood, there was active speculation in the dancenerd community as to the producer’s identity and whether it was just an alias for an already established artist. Turns out it was, as Fake Blood was until then better known as Theo Keating aka DJ Touche aka one half of the indie-electro band The Black Ghosts.
(mp3sss after the jump…)
(more…)
Pilooski
One of my favorites, French disco edit master Pilooski a month ago released a 12″ vinyl only single whose A-side was a house remake of Nora Dean’s “Angie La-La.” It’s titled simply “AAA” and it is a 9 minute early a.m. house epic. It wouldn’t hurt to be high for this one.
Enjoy:
Bonus:
DJ Riz
Last week, I came across this mix by DJ Riz — co-founder of Crooklyn Clan and arguably one of the best hip-hop DJs alive. Now best known for his website, where DJs can buy the latest BEP song mashed up with “Love is Gone,” Riz is also kind of amazing behind the decks and apparently the favorite DJ of some of my favorite DJs.
In this short set, he quick mixes classic hip hop and soul. Enjoy:
M.A.N.D.Y.
German production duo Patrick Bodmer & Philipp Jung, together known by the curiously effeminate label M.A.N.D.Y., gained fame in 2005 with their club hit “Body Language,” a collaboration with Booka Shade, with whom they also partnered in launching the Get Physical record label.
Tomorrow night M.A.N.D.Y. visits SF, headlining a show at Paradise Lounge. Opening will be Nikola Baytala, John Wander and Kuze. Advance tix are $12 and available over at Blasthaus.
(mp3s after the jump…)
(more…)
Afrojack
Dutch DJ/Producer Afrojack has been on fire for the past year, steadily churning out bangers including cross-over hits produced for Major Lazer and Pitbull. Yesterday, he dropped this throwback acid house number, which is vaguely reminiscent of The Chemical Brothers during their raver hey-day. You can buy this and other Afrojack tracks here.
Enjoy:
Bonus:
Will Bailey & Mikey Hook – Turn Out the Intro (Afrojack remix)
Solo
So, then she said, “What’s your favorite position?” and I was like, “the fetal position.” And then we made out.
Anyway, kind of a late pass on this one but I recently came across this EP by UK DJ Solo and it is pretty dope. UK Funky with shades of last year’s smash “Trompeta.” You can buy it here.
Solo – Minimood (Round Table Knights remix)
Enjoy.
DJ Jazzy Jeff
Brooklyn Circus made a last minute announcement today regarding their regular hip hop & soul party at Yoshi’s (SF) Le Cirque and it doesn’t get much bigger. The party has been moved downstairs to the main performance venue and headlining will be none other than DJ Jazzy Jeff. Friend of The Projects King Most and the City’s favorite DJ under 5-feet Shred One will provide support. Tix are $22 and you can buy them here. I will definitely be making this one.
(more…)
Happy Valentine’s Day!
My first Valentine’s Day in San Francisco was spent at the now defunct “Club Neon” hosted at the now defunct Hush Hush on 14th and Guerrero. The Hush Hush had become a popular hang-out for my friends and I as it offered, among other things, a 25 cent PBR special every Friday night happy hour, meaning that despite our elaborate weekend plans we would typically be in bed by 10.
(mp3s after the jump…)
(more…)
Morse Code
Former San Franciscan and now Southern Californian DJ Morse Code just released an indie dance mix today that should appeal to any fan of synths and disco basslines. I’ve managed to catch him live a number of times and his shit is generally sick. You can catch him February 20th at Medjool.
Morse Code – Walking on the Moon
Tracklist after the jump…
(more…)
Stretch Armstrong
This weekend legendary hip hop turned house dj Stretch Armstrong pulls double duty, playing a pair of parties here in The City. First, Stretch headlines SF’s premier hipster rave Blow Up at The Rickshaw Stop, with support from regulars Richie Panic and Jeffrey Paradise. Saturday night, you can catch him playing 90’s pop hits at 111 Minna for their monthly party Club 1994.
Here’s an electro mix from a 2008 that was one of my favorites from that year (after the jump). Not for the faint of heart:
(more…)
French Fries
French Fries, the appropriately named French producer who scored a hit with his afro-beat single “Coconut” last year, has just released a new EP on Youngunz entitled “Arma.” This time FF combines several current dance music trends and the resulting beats are perfect for any tech house or UK funky set. Or just for folding your laundry to. Trust!
Cop the EP at Beatport. Also includes remixes by Bok Bok, Tomb Crew and BeatauCue.
DJ Excel
Ol’ head DJ Excel of Philly’s Skratch Makaniks crew is one of those rare DJs that possesses both insane turntablist skills and the rare ability to rock any party. After regrettably missing Edan’s set last week at SOM’s Change the Beat party (which was apparently unbelievable), I’ve been rabidly devouring classic hip hop sets in an attempt to make up for my absence on Tuesday.
Fortunately, DJ Excel just posted this gem up last week and it is sick. I just wish it were longer.
Mix of the Month
2010 is but a few weeks old and already we’ve seen the release of a number of really bangin’ mixes. My favorite thus far is a tech-house mix from D.C. duo Nadastrom. Originally posted as a promo mix for New York monthly Flashing Lights, which includes Fool’s Gold’s Nick Catchdubs, Night Shifter’s Jess Jubilee and The Rub’s DJ Ayres.
Direct D/L from The Rub website
(tracklist after the jump)
(more…)
Idioma
It was about two years ago that a friend and I, suffering from some mid-20s angst, decided to rent a giant SUV, drive up to Point Reyes (pic above), get high on mushrooms and “figure things out.” One thing we figured out is that Point Reyes is extremely cold. Another lesson was that driving giant, rented SUVs while high on mushrooms is kind of amazing (and maybe kind of dangerous, sooo… ummm….).
The soundtrack for that day was Broadcast – Tender Buttons. If I were to do it again (and don’t worry, I won’t), I might choose something like the new track “Landscapes” by Tim Paris project Idioma.
It’s that perfect ephemeral, atmospheric track that can make staring out your window into a profound experience. DFA’s Shit Robot has also contributed a tastefully drummed-up remix that thankfully leaves much of the original production alone.
Mellow out y’all:
Caligula
If there’s one thing Americans love, it’s 1st Century Roman-style orgies. It’s that unique mixture of old world hygiene, sex slaves and exotic STDs that you just can’t find at your typical contemporary “sugar party.” No one understands this better than bicoastal production team Caligula, made up of sometime San Franciscan Vin Sol and weirdo production duo Skin & Bones.
Their debut single “The Countdown” dropped on iTunes at the end of ‘09, and is now available all over the innertron. Buy here.
Here’s a sample (abbreviated tracks):
(more…)
The xx
Oh hey, have you heard of these guys??
Okay well…. a couple new remixes have come out of late that you can add to your collection and they’re not bad. The first is a disco edit from Grand Theft — one half of Canada’s bottle service duo Team Canada. Second is a simple edit of the melancholic “Stars” by Skinny Friedman of The Philadelphyinz.
Who says dancing and crying can’t coexist?
The xx – Crystallised (Grand Theft remix)
The xx – Stars (Skinny Friedman edit)
– White Mike
Shiny Toy Guns
LA-based and Grammy-nominated electropop act Shiny Toy Guns this past month released a remix album entitled “Girls Le Disko” that compiles the best of their remixes over the past few years, including reworkings by Boys Noize, Evol Intent and Kissy Sell Out, as well as trance names BT and Ferry Corsten.
Nadastrom and Hervé have more recently jumped on the bandwagon and spread their vocals over some ear-splitting electro goodness. LA duo Classixx also goes in, this time abandoning their typical synth-ey disco style for something with more wobble.
You can buy the album here. Enjoy:
Shiny Toy Guns – Rainy Monday (Hervé remix)
Shiny Toy Guns – Ricochet (Nadastrom remix)
Shiny Toy Guns – Starts with One (Classixx remix)
– White Mike