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.

Today, two treats since I've missed the past two days!

First up is an Arthur Baker-produced joint from 1983, the electro-synth classic from Freeez, "Pop Goes My Love." With a stupidly catchy Hi-NRG-style main riff, classic early drum machine sounds, backing electric piano lending some soul, and some leftfield hallucinogenic moments, "Pop Goes My Love" is an essential track for any lover of early electro and house music-- easy to imagine this being played in all manners of Chicago spots back in the day!

Freeez- Pop Goes My Love



The second track I'm offering up is a strange beast-- a Larry Levan bootleg mix of a 1976 Philly International classic, Jean Carn's "Free Love." Released on white label in 2004, this is apparently an original Paradise Garage remix/edit that Levan committed to tape. Quite something-- the track is stretched to SEVENTEEN MINUTES and becomes the closest to disco hypnotism I've ever heard. Seriously, if this were pumping in a club, I wouldn't be surprised if the dancers didn't realize it is so long, as I certainly didn't before I digitized it! A real crazy gem, I think-- recommended!

Jean Carn- Free Love (Larry Levan Live at the Paradise Garage Mix)

Tomorrow, thinking Detroit!