drift therapy

My brother in house, Leo, sent me a wonderful track from Fred P.'s latest split release with Connecticut's DJ Jus-Ed. "Theropy" is a 126-bpm deep bit, with hypnotic congas, a nice muffled kick, and synths reminiscent of Carl Craig's early work. Delayed vocal samples and crisp hand-claps make the track real winner, something nice and groovin' perfect for starting off a deep set. Check it, spread it!

Fred P.- Theropy



Next up, a track from Glimpse's upcoming record on Planet-E. Carl Craig's remix of "Drifting" is a 125-bpm, more restrained take on the original. The melodic loop is kept back until the point of breaking, then the piece explodes as excellently-panned pseudo-squelch and hi-frequency washes abound. The main loop itself is given more reverb, some hallucinatory alterations and excellent snips which will sound great on a big club system. The drum programming is also consistently more interesting and subtle than the original-- not surprising given Mr. Craig's penchant for such! Excellent stuff, hop on this.

Glimpse- Drifting (Carl Craig Remix)

Tomorrow, some stuff about books and some disco for your ears. I am in Chicago from the 11th until the 15th, so expect some wildness in the next week, especially because I am finally witnessing a live Moodymann set on Valentine's Day!!

you are

On this most historic of days, I thought I'd give you something with a bit of oration in it. Inspired by our new president and his predecessors? Goddamn right I am.

"You Are..." is the first single from the new Kenny Larkin album on Planet E. Channeling Ernestus and von Oswald in terms of percussive gestures, Larkin utilizes chordal octave changes and EQs to create much of the drama in the track, but it is the vocal bits that really give the track something different-- it is almost as if you are transported to the United Church of Techno whilst listening to this track, and at 134 bpm, it certainly allows plenty room for dancing. Great stuff from one of the best producers working today-- I only wonder why the lovely Larkin (who is quite the eye candy, indeed) never comes up to San Francisco from West Hollywood? Baby, it's a five hour drive and a shorter plane ride! Grace us with your presence!

Kenny Larkin- You Are...

Tomorrow, thinking something that you would never expect....

blinding

Today, a track from Common Factor, aka Nick Calingaert, who seems to have dropped from the scene completely after his last release in 2006. In 1998, Calingaert released his first EP on Carl Craig's Planet E label, and its second wave Detroit sound attracted many followers. "Will," perhaps the most complex track from that EP, is a 125-bpm monster, with a low humming bass-line, furious kicks, excellent secondary percussion elements, and several layers of harmonic intensity in both the mid- and hi-frequencies. Hypnotic in its splendid syncopation, the track has a stoned, dancing-by-myself quality that is hard to beat-- a real treasure of the late 90s, and most definitely a track from an artist whose work shouldn't be forgotten.

Common Factor- Will

Tomorrow, some new stuff for your ears!

lakes and love

Today, a 1995 classic Detroit techno jam from 4th Wave, aka Steve Paton. From his first release on Planet E, "Electroluv" begins as a nice, dry acid track with excellent percussive flourishes, then slowly turns into a synth-drenched, lush musical landscape filled with hi-frequency harmonies, siren-like punctuations, and a low rumble that is barely noticeable upon first listen. One of those tracks that is always on my iPod, I'm surprised that I haven't posted this before-- it is a real treasure of the second wave of Detroit techno, and should be rocked hard!

4th Wave- Electroluv

Tomorrow, might post something a bit noisy.