Ramadanman Fabriclive 56

The tracklist for the highly anticipated Fabriclive mix from Ramadanman (aka Pearson Sound) has recently been released, and it has served only to escalate interest and excitement for the 56th mix CD from Fabriclive. The mix CD will be released on March 21st, and it sees Kennedy explore a variety of sounds, predominantly house orientated although incorporating elements of garage, grime and dubstep. It is this focus on the more house focused sounds that really excites me here.

If the tracklist for the mix is anything to go by, this should easily be one of the highlights of 2011. There are no fewer than 10 of Kennedy's own productions featured, alternating equally between his Ramadanman and Pearson Sound alias'. A few of these are completely unknown also, so it will be very interesting to gain a first listen of tracks such as 'Hawker', 'Project' and 'Picon'. The stand out element of this tracklist is surely Kennedy's symphonic refix of J.O's stunning production 'Gr Etiquette'. The prospect of Kennedy refixing such a wonderful track is a brave move, but he has always delivered simply excellent results. New Addison Groove material (titled 'Fuck The 101' to join the unreleased brilliance of '5 Minutes Of Funk'), an unknown Elgato track as well as a special mix of J.O. and Ramadanman's 'J.Doe' and 'Work Them' respectively also cause quite a stir in this tracklist. Not to mention the support provided by Levon Vincent, Pangaea, Jam City et al.

The tracklist is brilliant, and I have no doubt Kennedy's mixing of such material will be second to none. Dubplates. Anthems. Deep Cuts. This promises be an outstanding listen. If not for Kennedy's own production, the 'Gr Etiquette' remix must entice.

Fabriclive 56 Tracklist:
1. Pearson Sound – Hawker
2. Levon Vincent – Late Night Jam
3. Elgato – Music (Body Mix)
4. Marcello Napoletano – Everyday Madness
5. Tiyiselani Vomaseve – Vanghoma
6. Pearson Sound – Wad (fabric Edit)
7. Julio Bashmore – Battle for Middle You
8. Ramadanman – Grab Somebody
9. Ramadanman & Appleblim – Void23 (Carl Craig Re-edit)
10. Pearson Sound – Project
11. Joy Orbison – GR Etiquette (Pearson Sound symphonic refix)
12. J Kenzo – Ruckus (Martin Kemp Remix)
13. Fugative – Bad Girl (Lil Silva Dub)
14. A Made Up Sound – Demons
15. Jam City – Night Mode
16. Mr Mageeka – Different Lekstrix
17. Pangaea – Inna Daze
18. Pearson Sound – Stifle
19. MJ Cole feat. Wiley – From the Drop
20. Pinch – Qawwali
21. Joy Orbison vs. Ramadanman – J. Doe Them
22. Pearson Sound – Picon
23. Burial – Pirates
24. Die Barbie Musik Kollektive – Face (Junk)
25. GIRL Unit – IRL (Original / Bok Bok Remix)
26. D1 – Subzero
27. 18. S-X – Woo Riddim / Ramadanman – Glut
28. Addison Groove – Fuck the 101
29. Mala – City Cycle / Joe – Claptrap (Tease)
30. Sigha – Light Swells (In A Distant Space)

J.O. - 'Ellipsis'

I've recently written on the surfacing of O'Grady's new track 'Ellipsis', however, it's of such a quality I feel it would be wrong not to dedicate another post to the track.

As to whether 'Ellipsis' will see a release we are still unsure, one can only hope such a track will be given a release in the near future. The gorgeous keys and Source Direct vocal sample provide the vital elements in this killer, backed by a strong Detroit house rhythm and acid basslines. It's those ethereal keys.

Resident Advisor says "he's only released four singles, yet he's revered as one of electronic music's most sacred prophets". This perfectly sums up J.O. for me, and 'Ellipsis' is testament to the truth of this quote. He is undoubtedly one of the most promising producers around at present, and I'd go as far as saying that his armory of unreleased and as of yet unknown tracks is very possibly stronger than his previously released material, which has already proven to have been a great highlight of music in the past 18 months. Pray for a release of 'Ellipsis'. It needs a 12" release desperately.

Joy Orbison - 'Untitled'

I eulogised about this man countless times in both 2009 and 2010, his exceptional work standing out from the crowd of releases that had been surfacing before and after. Peter O'Grady's production over the past 12 months has been nothing short of excellent, without doubt the most promising I've heard over this period. The steady flow of outstanding releases seems to be continuing, with 'Kissmequik' having just been signed to Hotflush, the b-side yet to be confirmed. J.O's quality control is of the very highest standard, something evidenced in his latest effort which is currently untitled.

The track was first played in Boddika's mix for Benji B's Radio 1 show just over a week ago, a mix which also featured the forthcoming 'Kissmequik'. As soon as the track begins to arise from Boddika's 'Basement', the mark of J.O. instantly impacts. A spoken sample comments "We just used to like, do our own thing, just used to like, and all that sort of thing". This is accompanied suitably by a piano chord arrangement that is so heart tearingly beautiful. This marks the wonderful introduction to a track which soon shows it alliances to deep Detroit house (as Orbison's last release signalled). A steady house rhythm begins to flow, with claps alarming on every second beat. This warms the track up, helped by the grumbling acid basseline works beneath the smooth beat and raw Detroit sounding percussion. Blissful chords once again dominate in the break, providing a brilliant foil to the deep bassline and steady beat. One other notable element within the track is also a recurring bleep sound, one which recently has characterised all J.O's work. If you listen closely the same sound can be heard in 'Kissmequik' and also 'Sicko Cell', although I can't say 'Sicko Cell' is definitely J.O's (although the signs are there).

Whether or not this will see a release almost impossible to tell. I've been waiting over a year now to get 'Gr Etiquette', 'Smother' and 'Tentative Bidding', so you can never be sure with J.O's material. However, the excellent 'Kissmequik' has been confirmed as forthcoming on Hotflush, with the b-side to the track still currently unknown at present. Perhaps this 'untitled' track will provide the flip side, especially with similar Detroit vibes and euphoric chord arrangements to 'Kissmequik' that amaze on every listen. If both tracks feature of the forthcoming release on Holtflush we may just be witnessing J.O's finest release to date. Undoubtedly so in my opinion.

Paris Underground Trax - 'Vol. 1'

This EP is one of the best I've heard in a while, and how I wish I had come across it upon it's immediate release back in October 2010. The EP is simply labelled 'Vol. 1', the artist remaining anonymous under the title Paris Underground Trax. It is the second release on the independent Parisian label My Love Is Underground, which is slowly but surely building a strong reputation with quality house releases. Even more impressive is the fact the label is strictly vinyl releases only, so passionate is label owner Jeremy "Underground Paris" about the format.

Classic/deep house seems to be the labels forte, with underground house releases forming the labels initial sounds. Paris Underground Trax 'Vol. 1' is a wonderful release, and clearly demonstrates an affinity to underground/classic house sounds, particularly of the early-mid 90s. The 4-track EP is smooth house at it's best, updating the sounds of 90s East Coast to present day, a transition which is so brilliantly worked. The tracks are composed of similar elements; swinging rhythms, deep kicks, diva vocal samples, heavy basslines and old school keyboard melodies. Each track playfully arranges these elements carefully, providing infectious listening. 4/4 beats and joyous keyboard melodies kick things off, and will keep dancefloors shuffling all night long. 'Sexy Thing' is probably the highlight of what is an excellent EP, with a soulful female sample, beautiful synth melodies and a forceful beat. A killer 4-track EP. Essential listening.

Paris Underground Trax - 'Vol. 1'
A - 'NYC Underground'
AA - 'Sexy Thing Remix'
B - 'Hardcore Deep House'
BB - 'GTFO!'

The Daily Street 009: Raffertie

The 9th installment of The Daily Street's mixtape series sees the talented producer/DJ Raffertie steps up to the decks, and he provides a wonderful 50 minutes of listening pleasure. The co-owner of Super records provides an exploration of fresh and classic house and UK garage sounds, aptly filling the gaps in between. The tracklist displays his talent as a DJ, blending diverse sounds in a smooth progression. Track selection is of a high quality also. Distal, Cajmere, Kelis and Untold provide absolute killers. You can stream the mix or download it by clicking here.

The Daily Street have been developing an excellent mixtape series over the past 9 months, one which continues to develop at a resounding pace. The first mix from Oneman was flawless, and one filled with brilliantly selected UK garage rarities and classics. xxxy, Blawan and Hackman have also more recently shone, and show the ever growing reputation this series is developing in the UK bass music scene. You can check out these mixes and download them now by clicking here. Enjoy.

The Daily Street 009: Raffertie Mix Tracklist:
01. Photomachine – Technicolour (Optimum’s 808 Reduction)
02. Distal – Apple Bottom
03. Malente & Jay Robinson (Unknown Remix)
04. Cajmere – Brighter Days (Underground Goodies Mix)
05. Tanka – The Movement
06. Throwing Snow – Align
07. Taylor – CMB (Girl Unit Remix)
08. Photomachine – Sine Language
09. Raffertie – Folly
10. Unknown – Supplement
11. Kelis – Brave (Dark Sky Remix)
12. Untold – Stereo Freeze
13. Girl Unit – I.R.L. (Bok Bok Remix)
14. Mr Fogg – Answerphone (Raffertie Remix)
15. Raffertie – A Breath That Finds You
16. Skinnz – TurnUOn
17. David Lynch – I Know (Skream Remix)
18. KLIC & Article.01 – Mustard Tiger (Pixelord Remix)
19. Andreya Triana – Lost Where I Belong (Flying Lotus Remix)
20. Alex Clare – Up All Night (SBTRKT VIP Mix)
21. Randomer & Foamo – Pull Up

2562 - 'Aquatic Family Affair' (doubt000)

2011 sees the return of Dave Huisman's work as 2562. Almost a year on since his last production under the 2562 alias, he is back with new production work, with his first release of 2011 titled 'Family Aquatic Affair'. 2010 was the year for A Made Up Sound, with Huisman's techno/house production work gaining much attention through the brilliant releases 'Rear Window' and 'Demons'. However, concentration seems to have returned to his more dubstep influenced 2562 monicker.

'Aquatic Family Affair' signals the return to form of 2562, a track characteristic of the melodic dubstep that complied the brilliant 'Unbalance' LP back in October 2009 ('Lost' being a particularly suitable example of this sound). A syncopated beat opens things, creating a stepping rhythm with outer space synths drifting distantly in the background. This provides a steady 40 second introduction, but it's after the drop that this track finds life. A heavy bassline works up a storm, but one in which a heartwarming, beautiful synth chord melody arises from. The wonderful arrangement seems to forever rise and in turn retreat, providing a layer of soul and emotion to the strong and intricate structure of the beat. The melody warms, and will leave you yearning for repetition of the sound after every listen, a heart felt low slung production. Listen to a clip of the forthcoming track in the player below.

The track will see release on 7th February to mark the launch of Huisman's new In Doubt label. It will be limited to 300 copies worldwide on blue vinyl sealed in hand printed sleeves. There will be no digital release or repress of this track, so make the purchase of the 12" quickly upon its release. An album from Huisman should also be surfacing for release in April. 2562 is undoubtedly back, don't miss out on his return.
2562 'Aquatic Family Affair' When In Doubt (doubt000) a side by stholdings

Elgato LWE Mix

Outrageously good. The relatively unknown producer/DJ (of whom very little background information exists) Elgato provides a simply wonderful mix for the Little White Earbuds 70th podcast. Elgato has been djing on the underground scene in Bristol for quite a number of years now, building a great reputation for his seamless mixing of rare and classic UK garage cuts, many of which originate from the mid 90s, considered by many as the heyday of the genre. This 55 minute long mix displays his talent perfectly, blending and excellent selection of deep cuts from UK and US garage and house. As soon as I saw the tracklist, I knew the mix would be nothing short of excellent. When you see artists such as Mood II Swing, Underground Solution, Groove Chronicles and Anthill Mob listed you know the DJ in hand can select, and very well indeed. A brilliant mix, which makes for essential listening. Enjoy. The tracklist follows after the video. Download the mix by clicking here.

Elgato's LWE Podcast Mix - Tracklist:
01. Classic Man, “Here’s The Sample” (Bassment Jam Mixdown)
[Nervous Records]
02. Norma Jean Bell, “Dreams” [Peacefrog Records]
03. Kerri Chandler, “Downtown” (Dark Mix) [Downtown 161]
04. Oscar G, “Movin’ On” (Original Vocal Mix) [Kumba Records]
05. Janet Rushmore, “Joy” (Choice Mix) [Released For Pleasure Music]
06. Rick Wade, “Harsh Thoughts” [Harmonie Park]
07. Underground Solution, “Paradise ‘97″ [Quench Recordings]
08. Mood II Swing, Do It Your Way” [Groove On]
09. A Baffled Republic, “Sweetness (I Wanna Ho)” [Catch]
10. Tuff & Jam, “Track No Name” [Unda-Vybe]
11. DJ Disciple, “Keep On Movin” (Laid Back And Funk Mix) [Interstate Records]
12. Anthill Mob, “Promise Of…” [Confetti Records]
13. US Alliance, “All I Know” (N.Y.S.C. Dub Mix) [Locked On]
14. Groove Chronicles, “The Beginnings” [Old Dog Recordings]
15. Indigo, “Fly To The Moon” (The Mood II Swing Sentinal Dub) [Defender Music]
16. Jovonn, “Don’t Wanna Let U Go” [Goldtone Records]

HomePark - 'What A Day' EP (ER 0005WL)

The first release of 2011 that I have purchased, and what an excellent way to start the year. HomePark really made an impression on my tastes last year, with strong releases on both the Bliq ('Estimated' EP) and 3rd Strike ('Forever Walking' EP) imprints. The duo, comprised of Rob Glassett and Sam Fussell, produce deep house, with the results being effortlessly smooth. This is displayed in the 'What A Day' EP which is released on Monday on the Enterbt imprint, an example of their best work in my opinion.

The 4-track EP begins with the title track 'What A Day', providing undoubtedly the highlight of the record. This is their best track to date, showing signs of maturity and progression in their work. As ever patience is and progression are vital in this 7 minute killer. The track slowly builds, with a steady 4x4 beat immediately established, with a flurry of synth chords arrangements slowly growing in prominence as the track's introduction advances. It isn't until the introduction of the snares and the hand claps around the 1:10 mark that the track really kicks into life. The wonderful synth chord arrangement soon takes dominance from the reserved beat, with the soulful female vocal sample crying 'what a day' lying perfectly beside such chords. Soulful and deep, you wouldn't have expected any less. A beautiful track. 

Alongside 'What A Day on the a-side of the record is 'You Tell Me'. This is a strong follow up to 'What A Day', adopting a similar template to create a deep, soulful house sound. The house rhythm is smooth, with a slow, fluid beat which sits beside a soft chord arrangement and intermittent synth lines, whilst the diva vocal sample wailing 'you tell me' frequents. The b-side is composed of two unknown tracks which I haven't previously heard. You can listen to the track briefly on Juno in the preview. And if the previews are anything to go by, the quality control on these two is very high. HomePark's best yet, simply purchase it by clicking here.

What a day (enterbt) by HomePark

You tell me (enterbt) by HomePark