that's how he works

I promised something new today, and I'm sort of keeping my promise. What I'm giving you today is our dear reader Confab's edit of Larry Levan's edit of the Celestial Choir's "Stand on the Word." A classic at the Loft and the Paradise Garage, Levan's edit of the track was a legendary peak-time floor-filler, and Confab's edit pumps up the kicks and extends some of the more breath-taking elements of the original edit. Quite an awesome tune, and quite an awesome edit! More excellent stuff from Confab!

The Celestial Choir- Stand on the Word (Larry Levan Edit) (Confab Edit)



Next up, another Gospel track, this time courtesy of Gospel-house legend Kenny Bobien. The reworking of the standard "I Shall Not Be Moved" is a lesson, not only in how Gospel has influenced countless house tracks, but also in cognitive dissonance-- you "shall not be moved," but the 126-bpm track compels you to move like wild. Some people don't understand why I love Kenny Bobien so much, but his New Jersey house sound and soulful pipes overpower any qualms I might have with his faith. This is an awesome track, and can actually be rocked at parties-- I've worked it with success before!

Underground Ministries featuring Kenny Bobien- I Shall Not Be Moved (DJ Meme Mix)

Tomorrow, thinking some dubby techno to ease you into Saturday.

ohhh

Today, another contribution from one of the blog's most dedicated readers, James Kent, who produces under the name of Confab. At 126-bpm, "7oh7" has deep kicks, a lovely and echoey ascending harp loop, old-school piano chord changes, and a muted bass that is Chicago as all get-out. Crisp, clean hand-claps and lush secondary synth harmonies make for something special, and that's before mention of the 'vocal' sample, which seems to be from a speak-and-spell type children's toy. Though the device has been used in house tracks before, its inclusion on a track that harkens back to second-wave Chicago house is quite refreshing. Awesome stuff!

Confab- 7oh7

Tomorrow, thinking about some hard, early minimal for you.

lovely death

Today, a reader submission that fits in quite nicely with much of what I've been listening to this summer. James Kent, who operates under the name of Confab, has crafted a smooth, deep house tune that would could fit right in with some slower Abacus tracks, and definitely would be welcome next to one of Julien Jabre's slower, loungier pieces. A lush, Chicago synth line flows throughout "Muerta Amour (Love Mix)," and it is punctuated by an excellent ascending horn sample, a soulful vocal loop, and hi-frequency harmonic flourishes every couple of measures. The percussion, with its deep kicks and crisp conga sounds, is quite something, too, and would mix quite well with other slower, deeper Chicago or French house tracks. Let's hope Confab continues to bring lovely sounds to our ears-- he could be at the advent of a new deep, loungey house era!

Confab- Muerta Amour (Love Mix)

Tomorrow, a Ron Trent joint that I've been rocking quite a bit, thanks to my man, Leo.