Truly Golden

I'm sorry that I couldn't keep my hockey/music life separated, I just couldn't help myself. Congrats boys, you did it. Now on to the tunes.

Is your party dying? Are party-goers lulled to sleep with some sub-par tech house and minimal songs? How can I turn this around? Not to worry friends! Jakwob has been producing some serious remixes for the past year, provides your party jaws of life to salvage them. Wobbling basslines just seem to get the blood pumping, and that's exactly what these two tracks do.

I know what you're thinking, "Not another Starry-Eyed Remix!" Listen and you'll see why this one stands out from the others.

Ellie Goulding- Starry Eyed (Jakwob Remix)

One more tune for ya, not as woobly or as dub-steppy, but party music nonetheless. Riton has been just as busy as Jakwob pushing out remixes left and right. This is a live version recorded from Amsterdam but do not be fooled as the quality is superb, and I actually enjoy the crowd in the background. Not to fret though, I will post an HQ version when it is released.

If this doesn't resuscitate your party, it had no pulse to begin with.

Danger Dan-The Ritz (Riton Live in Amsterdam Version)

Nice to Meet You...

Keljet are new players to the electro world, but I think we should all give them a warm welcome. This duo from the Netherlands killed this track, a remix of The xx's Crystalized. With a great build up from the high-hat that leads to the pulsating bass-lines throughout the track, this strong first impression will be sure to help Keljet on their way up the ladder.

The xx- Crystalized (Keljet Remix)

Friday Flavour

I think it's safe to say I am now riding within the groovy, minimally styled and uplifting confines of the tech-house cruiser. As I posted a week ago, the genre has crept into my soul and is now running through my veins. On this lovely friday afternoon as we gear up for the weekend I have three big tracks for our much appreciated followers.

First up we have an older song, released in 2007, that I stumbled upon while viewing Sebastien Leger's beatport discography. With uplifting synths and violin chords, a pulsing baseline and great depth this remix of Ida Engberg get's me grooving on the coldest and soberest of nights.

Ida Engberg- Disco Volante (Sebastien Leger Remix)

Next we have a producer I was recently introduced to, Pablo Cahn-Speyer. Raised in Colombia he was introduced to Jeff Mills-Live at Liquid Lounge- Tokyo, Japan at the age of 15 and instantly became obsessed with the scene. Now based in London, and having recently released his E.P Descarga on recording label Cadenza in 2009, he is someone to look out for in the future. What makes Pablo's production so distinct is the groove and flow, which is somehow resemblant to his Latin Roots.

Pablo Cahn Speyer and Hector- Javanais (Original Mix)

Last we have a collaboration between two of the biggest producers in the game, Mark Knight and Dirty South. This track was composed during a 48 hour layover in Melbourne. "Everything about this record is HUGE - from the low pulsing side chained bass-line to the uplifting chords and euphoric melodies, topped off with a trademark massive drop and vocal hook that wont leave your brain." Enjoy.

Mark Knight and Dirty South- Stopover (Original Mix)

Twice as Nice

Two posts in one day? I know, I'm astounded as well. It is for good reason as I've finally hunted down Michael Woods' Remix of "Feels Like a Prayer". This tune is enormous as are most of the things that Michael Woods is remixing these days. I'm on board, and I suggest you purchase a life preserver and join me. You'll know what I mean when you hear how massive this tune is. So before I use up every synonym known to man for the word big, I'll let your ears feast.

Turkey and Mashed Potatoes:

Meck and Dino- Feels Like a Prayer (Michael Woods Remix)

Pumpkin Pie:

Deadmau5- I Said (Michael Woods Remix)

Jacked

First, I apologize for my atrocious titles, I will try to get better.

Second, huge new tune released yesterday on Size Records by the crowd favoutrite Afrojack. He has certainly surpassed his up-and-comer title and is well on his way to super-stardom. The Dutch producer has been tearing up the charts the past year and will be doing so again very shortly with this little number. "Pacha on Acid" is sure to get any crowd rowdy as I witnessed first hand when Steve Angello dropped it at Mansion. If you weren't sure of this song before, you can rest easy now knowing that it has the Angello seal of approval (and mine of course).

Without any further ado:

Afrojack- Pacha on Acid

Going Ape

The much anticipated new album from the Gorillaz "Plastic Beach" has already achieved some attention from a select few rising stars. The first to sink his teeth into the new single "Stylo" is Alex Metric. He has been impressing me for a while now both with his choice of music on his In New DJ's We Trust BBC Radio 1 program and the range of music he has created, produced, and remixed. He has always dabbled into the Disco but Metric has jumped in head first with this tune. If you like Disco this one is a can't miss.

Gorillaz- Stylo (Alex Metric Remix)

Louis La Roche is definitely a DJ to keep an eye on in 2010. This guy pumps out songs that sound like a mix of Daft Punk with Disco, a recipe for success if I've ever heard one. You'll probably be hearing about him in a more in depth post later this week. For now you'll just have to wet your appetites by listening to his take on "Stylo".

Gorillaz- Stylo (Louis La Roche Remix)

The Monday Mix

Although released a couple weeks ago, the new AN21 and Friends podcast has generated a lot of hype, and rightfully so. With it's balance of progressive, tribal sounding house, rounded out with some of AN21 and Max Vangeli's recent productions the mix is nothing short of spectacular. The podcast also features a mini-mix by AN21's older brother Steve Angello, who amazes with a great sampling of tech house, the opening song,"Fidelidade", was actually posted yesterday. While looking for a picture for the post I typed in "AN21" and got this picture.

1. Moby- Go! (Prok 'n Fitch Bootleg)

2. Submission DJs- Balearic (Original Mix)

3. Kenny D & Jaimy- Work It (Jaimy Remix)

4. Sultan & Ned Shepard- The Take (Recut)

5. Mischa Daniels- De Nuit (All That Matters)

6. Laidback Luke & Gregor Salto- Step By Step (Bigroom)

7. Tim Berg- Alcoholic (AN21 Bootleg)

8. AN21 & Max Vangeli- Gama (Original Mix)

9. Steve Angello- Monday (AN21 & Max Vangeli Remix)

Sunday Selection: Techno House

While this genre of music has typically been related to illicit drug use and is commonly, though erroneiously, referrred to as minimal, it has grown on me since the summer. Producers such as Richie Hawtin, Steve Lawler, Dubfire and Carlo Lio lead the techno house scene which features: a meticulous focus on nuances, a constant bassline, tribal sounds and mild crescendos.

Here are a few tunes by Christian Smith that have been buzzing in my head lately. Please let us know how you feel about this genre, and we'll focus more on it if you so desire.

Christian Smith and Reset Robot- Elixir(Gary Beat Beck Remix)

A mellow tune with obvious Brazilian influences reflected in the drum beat. While it may sound redundant to the untrained ear, there are many nuances that make this track distinct. Listen closely, especially when the trumpet slowly kicks in a couple minutes in.

Christian Smith and Gabe- Fidelidade

This track sounds very industrial and almost harsh with the chain-saw noise and cymbals in the first part of the song. However, it calms down and slowly grows on you as you realize your head starting to bop to the bass.

D.A.N.C.E

There is reason to do so. Gaspard Auge (one half of the globally renowned Justice) has reportedly stated that the duo is currently working on a new studio album to be released later this year. As if the new Daft Punk album and tour hasn't had the French house fanatics feeling like a kid on Christmas Eve, 2010 now promises to be a landmark year for the genre.

Here's an oldie to chew on while you wait:

Justice- D.A.N.C.E

Feel Well

If you don't know who Axwell is by now...who am I kidding, you do.

An essential part of the Swedish House Mafia has taken a run at Prok & Fitch's "Walk With Me". If you're a DJ, you probably already know about this tune, and you should.

I'm not sure what else I can really say other than this guy has done his piano roll homework and nails it just about every time.

Go crazy progressive fans:

Prok & Fitch Pres. Nanchang Nancy- Walk With Me (Axwell V. Daddy's Groove Remix)

Disco For Lunch

The French Horn Rebellion have earned themselves some glowing reviews throughout the past year. They have effectively made the jump to indie phenomenon in the UK and can be heard regularly on the radio and inside the clubs. The Milwaukee based group consists of Robert Molinari performing the vocals, keyboard and of course french horn (his major in school), and brother David who also touches the vocals, keys and handles the programming.

With Influences like MGMT and Brazil's Database to guide them, the brothers have learned to never be afraid of who they are, and although when listening you may hear familiar influences, it is obvious that the final sound is their's alone. A perfect example is their new Database collaboration single "Beaches and Friends" which will be released on iTunes very soon. You'll want to buy this one folks.

French Horn Rebellion V. Database- Beaches and Friends

The Twelves, another Brazilian duo, have touched their golden fingers on this track to make it even more dance floor/DJ friendly. These guys have a special ear for remixes and this tune is no exception. If you like Disco prepare to purchase a new set of undergarments.

French Horn Rebellion V. Database- Beaches and Friends (The Twelves Remix)

New Swedish House Mafia Track?

There have been many postings about this track lately, given the affinity this blog has for the group's music, I felt obliged to post this. Personally, the instrumental nature of this track makes me think it's more for a Sebastian Ingrosso and/or Steve Angello production. However, Sebastian Ingrosso did mention on his Twitter that a new Swedish House Mafia song had been produced. I guess time will tell...

Impatient,

Lord Bass

Tuesday Tea Time

I've been feeling the British vibe for a while now so here are two of my favourite new artists and tracks to accompany them.

First are the Infadels. This rock/electronica group hails from London and have been making noise on the radio and blogs for some time now. In their upcoming CD "The Future of Gravity Boy" they team up with the sensational Alex Metric to produce a sure fire indie craze that will keep the kids up all night. Keep an eye out for the release soon on Moda. Their first single off the album "Ghosts" is a powerful and dramatic tune that I have fallen in love with. The vocals and melody are well put together and Metric has managed to balance the two quite nicely.

Infadels- Ghosts (Radio Edit)

My next UK dwelling producer, Tom Staar, is a relatively fresh face on the dance music scene. He's currently working on his new EP "Heavy Artillery" while playing at Moda in London with the likes of Crookers and Erol Alkan. I was lucky enough to hear one of his tunes on Radio 1 and immediately delved into his Myspace page. There are a few cool tunes there definitely worth checking out, but there is little doubt "Two Tone Simms" is his finest work. To be released soon on Moda, this song is a melodic rave tune whose bassline will get you moving in a straight jacket.

Have a listen on his myspace page here:

Tom Staar- Two Tone Simms

Cheers,

Young Byron

The Art of the Remix

It's amazing how a producer can take either a sub-par song, or a phenomenal one, and grind it with new vocals, wobble the bass-lines, and inject more drama to create something utterly unique and amazing. Two of the best known producers, Dirty South and Sebastian Ingrosso took a track that was plastered all over the blogosphere, and made it more dramatic, upbeat and ultimately club-friendly.

Miike Snow- Silvia (Dirty South and Sebastian Ingrosso Remix)

Also reigning from the same Swedish House Mafia camp, A2N1 the younger brother of Steve Angello, alongside Max Vangelli to totally revitalize a dreary sounding track through steel drums and classic keyboard additions.

Ellie Goulding- Starry Eyed (AN21 and Max Vangelli Remix)

Later days,

George Byron

A New Frontier

I figured providing some profound mission statement would be an appropriate way to mark the beginning of this aimless blog. However as we venture out to the depths of drum and bass, hip hop, indie rock, disco, house, electro, dub step, tech-house, tribal, minimal, progressive, fidget and anything else that is music to our ears, I realized there was not much more to say. This blog is as much a forum for us, as it is a source of information, inspiration and (hopefully not) indigestion for you.

Produced in 2002 off his first album "Deadringer", RJD2 combines with Blueprint to produce this lyrical masterpiece. More to follow.

RJD2- Final Frontier

Lord Byron