but it lives here

Teengirl Fantasy have certainly come a long way since I first posted about them back in February of 2008— not only have they been one of the main attractions at the past two Whartscapes, they've also officially remixed Radiohead and Pictureplane, released numerous limited-edition records, and performed countless times with such a dizzying array of groups that it makes the head spin. Everyone from techno-heads to raging queens to psychedelic-neon-beard-rainbow types are into the Fantasy, and it makes perfect sense. It's like Nick and Logan are constantly sending out old-school PLUR vibes through their sounds and spirits. All the better for us.

Their newest piece is a four-track digital EP (available over at Pukekos for free) featuring two new tracks (which will be released on record in Amsterdam in September) and two remixes of the a-side, "Hollywood Hils." Though this track is some excellent deep house lushness, I have been aching for the b-side to be recorded and released since I first heard it live. "Love Don't Live Here" is an 81-bpm number that liberally samples Rose Royce's 1978 hit, "Love Don't Live Here Anymore," and turns it into a near-boogie track, layering on top with lush, swirling synths, some nice double- and quad-time percussive flourishes, and eventually landing thoroughly in a sound that's more Dam-Funk than not. However, with loops and samples as thick as on a good Moodymann track, this is most certainly a rawer, more soulful version of that LA electro-funk sound. Highly recommended!

Teengirl Fantasy- Love Don't Live Here

Tomorrow, a Cajual swing, if you know what I mean.

we is the freaks and we is sex

Yesterday was a bit hectic, and I apologize for the lack of dub. My promises to get you back later this week.

I've been going through my files recently, and came upon an old favorite of mine: "Things Just Ain't The Same" by Freaks, aka Luke Solomon and Justin Harris. The 125-bpm track track came out in 2001, but could have emerged from Chicago's golden era of seriously jackin' house— the duo's work begs to be mixed with some Cajmere or Derrick Carter or Ron Trent. With its tight drum programming (including some monstrous kicks), mid-range worming melody, and lovely vocal loops, "Things..." is a real gem, guaranteed to be heard in any set that I do for the next couple of months.

Freaks- Things Just Ain't The Same

Tomorrow, some great new tracks from the lovely boys of Teengirl Fantasy.

paradise dancin'

Sometimes, a track's title does a poor job of reflecting its sonic content. Such is the case with "Let's dance all night" by the almighty Mr. Fingers, aka Larry Heard. To me, the track's bright string and vibraphone synths, crisp handclaps and meandering, jazzy bass-line make it more of a late afternoon, lushly hot number. Perfect for lazing on the porch, driving into the nature, barbecuing, and maybe getting a little Sunday groove on. Dance all night? Maybe, but this track is for warming up. From the Amnesia album.\

FUCK THAT THIS IS THE BUSINESS.

Mr. Fingers- Let's dance all night

Tomorrow, dub sandwich for those hungry Mondays.

love and music are the same

I'm going to break a promise here and post something that DJ Bus Station John has been rocking recently, not only because I haven't posted any disco recently, but also because this track is so special.

A favorite of early house DJs in Chicago, Ris's "Love-N-Music" is one of the more epic italo-disco tracks ever recorded, perhaps being matched only by Doctor's Cat "Feel the Drive." With an excellent driving italo beat, warm synths, and truly disgusting pans, it is Celeste's vocals that put the icing on this already delicious cake. Her voice speaks, soars, moans, intones and just gets it so right that one wants her voice near at all times. This one, like most, is best played incredibly loud— you'll know what I mean when you listen to it.

Ris feat. Celeste- Love-N-Music

just juxtaposing

Today, a seriously rare piece from Mark Anthony Heide from his album, New Music for Use, released in 1983 and considered a weirdo-synth classic. "Dance in Juxtaposition Part Two" is some serious analog synth swells, electric guitar harmonies, and a vibe that's a bit like if you transported Jan Hammer to Ypsilanti or Canton and made him write according to those surroundings rather than Miami's warmer climes. Also would go well with some Arthur Russell, perhaps? Judge for yourself, but I know that I have been rocking this album ever since I got it from the truly excellent Mutant Sounds blog.

Mark Anthony Heide- Dance in Juxtaposition Part Two

Tomorrow, thinking something acidy.

and on

Dam Funk, the king of LA electro-boogie, has just released a new album of sexy, funky tracks titled Toeachizown Vol. One. On the venerable Stones Throw label, the record is a true gem, mixing LA boogie styles with 80s electro-rap vibes, plus a dash of Detroit electro-funk thrown in for good measure. "On & On" is slow grooving ride, replete with fuzzed-out bass, a sparkling main synth line, and some timely stabs and flourishes. Vocoded vocals add a nice lushness to the mix, and there you have it: a sensual piece of modern funk that is bound to get you all hot inside and out. Worth mentioning, too, is that Dam Funk is one hell of a great live DJ, and with his sets floating around the internet like wildfire, one has no excuse to not dig this man's vibes.

Dam Funk- On & On

Tomorrow, think I'm going to share something kinda weird and rather rare with you...so get ready.

so so hot

Today, a piece from Ron Trent's highly recommended recent double CD offering, Dance Classic. "It's Hot" begins breezily enough with bright, lush synths, moans and intonations from Trent himself, and a fuzzed-out electro-inspired bass-line. As the track swings forward, some vocoder, hi-frequency secondary synths, and piano make appearances. In truth, the track becomes so full with different sonic elements that the listener is overwhelmed by the sheer amount of material, and its power to elicit some very real bodily ecstasy. Seriously- this might be one of the best things that Trent has ever put out, and given the breadth of the man's oeuvre, that is saying something. Turn it up loud and hallucinate 'cuz it's just that damn good! On the revitalized Prescription label.

Ron Trent- It's Hot

Tomorrow, thinking something from one of the group's performing at Sunday's San Francisco installment of the Upset the Rhythm showcase at the LAB.