Chantilly Bass

The Sound of Perfection

2011-12-18T23:37:00.001-08:00

I don't think it gets much better than this.

El Guincho, Te Amo

2010-10-10T22:08:00.001-07:00

El Guincho at The Elbo room Saturday was the best live show I've seen in ages. I can't stop listening to Pop Negro; it's a beautiful thing. I keep getting high off the melodies over and over again. Their live act sounded just as good as their recorded performance does -- if not, better. Their sound is a winning combo of so many of the most beautiful components of music, borrowed from many different realms, many of which I love the most. Here's the enchantedly entertaining video for Bombay, one of the finest dance records around in 2010.

EL GUINCHO | Bombay from MGdM | Marc Gómez del Moral on Vimeo.

Little People (Black City) à la Mark E.

2010-09-16T18:00:00.000-07:00

So this has to be my favorite record of the year...so far. Check out his latest BIS mix for more delightfulness. Looking forward to "The Day" getting a proper release as well.

Really iTunes?

2010-07-01T20:13:00.001-07:00

I didn't expect any results, but I also didn't see that suggestion coming.

Modern Art

2010-06-21T23:04:00.000-07:00

I'm wondering if both of these covers were the work of the same graphic genius. After all, there's the Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis connection between the two records. I just recently rediscovered "Pretty Brown Eyes," which was one of my 12 year old self's favorites -- along with Ralph Tresvant's "Sensitivity," of course.

No Señor, Don Quichotte y Sancho Panza no estan aqui!

2010-06-01T13:31:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone out there had a fun memorial day weekend. Did you go to DEMF, and if so, how was it?

I've been meaning to post this fun little synth pop tune by Magazine 60 for a good while now. It's a nice *safe* party record that would work with a variety of different crowds if one was unsure of what people were into. The only beef I have with it is the old-time telephone ring that goes off occasionally during the track closely resembles my default ringtone. Even after a number of listens, I always end up thinking my phone's ringing and checking it. Even so, it's always a good listen when it pops up on shuffle. Enjoy!

Magazine 60 - Don Quichotte(Extended Mix)

New York's Finest

2010-05-28T16:40:00.001-07:00

It's a crime that I'm the only person that's ever scrobbled this on Last.fm. This needs to change immediately! Vocal house por vida! These are those special vocals that make you want to jump up and down like a total fool. I can never (and will never) get enough.

New York's Finest - Do You Feel Me

You Rock Me, Sea Lion

2010-05-12T15:59:00.000-07:00

You Rock Me Woman by twentyfourtracks

I'm really diggin' this weave right now. Be sure to listen all the way through for maximum results. Feist + Mr. White!!! I would love to hear this out in the wild someday soon.

I checked out Dan Bell's 9 hour set at the com# this weekend, and it was the most fun I've had in ages. Mr. Bell did a terrific job at keeping the groove danceable pretty much all night long. Looking forward to making it out of my cave more often this summer if good times like that are to be had.

LCD Soundsystem's Drunk Girls, where's the bass?

2010-03-31T19:53:00.000-07:00

The new LCD Soundsystem full length will be out in a matter of months, and I have to say that I find "Drunk Girls" to be entirely underwhelming. I can't dance to it, and have no real desire to listen to it again in its native form. Nonetheless, I still really look forward to hearing the rest of the album as it slowly rears its head, and I'm sure I'll end up buying a legit copy of This is Happening on the May 17 release date. Hopefully the other teaser "Pow Pow" is a better indicator of what the rest of the album sounds like -- not that I'm totally gushing over that one either, but at least it's danceable. Please don't disappoint. Bass or GTFO.

Drunk Girls on Pitchfork
Pow Pow on Juno

How do these make you feel?

Well, Color Me Badd!

2010-03-26T15:24:00.001-07:00

So it's been a while...
If there's anyone out there still lurking, have a listen to this. I love it to pieces.

Heartbreaker (Heart Attack Jack) Romeo Jones Broken Hearts Club Remix by twentyfourtracks

Also download Via YSI

Summertime Delight

2009-08-08T12:55:00.000-07:00

I'm still basking in the afterglow of the amazing selection of disco delights I heard at Amnesia last night, where Jacques Renault played one of the best disco sets I've heard in a long, long while. Needless to say, I covet his record collection; BIG TIME. I had a heck of a time trainspotting, and while that's a little bit frustrating, nothing compares to hearing great records for the first time out on a dance floor. (Let the hunt begin!) Luckily I have the luxury of rekindling a little bit of last night's magic today with his DFA Summer promo mix. While my love for them has fluctuated from red hot to lukewarm over the years, DFA records is still one of the definitive modern labels of my life's soundtrack, and this mix is probably the best promo mix of theirs yet. If I knew I could hear a new set of this calibre every time I went out, I'd probably leave my darling SF for NYC. (So please don't tell me if this is actually a possibility.) I hope Mr. Renault returns to SF soon, and has more mixes coming down the pipe. He's definitely one of my new favorite selectors.

Jacques Renault- Sound of the City (DFA Summer Promomix)

Like the Wolf

2009-07-08T18:56:00.000-07:00

Azari & III - Hungry For The Power

I know I'm a bit late to the party on this one, but this tune is toe-curlingly hot, and one of my favorites of the year so far. While I'm not particularly a huge fan of the 808, the vocals and warm chords totally do it for me. I'd love to experience this out in the wild, LOUD, as it already sounds great with a simple pair of earbuds. I can't find much out there about a proper 12" release, but I hope it's coming to a dancefloor near me soon. I wish Luomo's work was sounding more like this these days. It reminds me very much his classic The Present Lover, which is one of my favorites of this decade. If you haven't already, check out the mix that Tensnake did recently for Beats & Space, which includes Hungry For The Power and many more great moments, especially during the last 30 minutes or so.

Dominik Eulberg’s Sansula Video

2009-05-26T11:37:00.000-07:00

I can't say I've been paying much attention to Techno lately due to the lack of quality releases and my hectic schedule, but I happened to come across this via Motionographer. While the track by itself is nothing too special, the video is quite pleasurable to the ears and eyes, as Mr. Eulberg's hypnotic melodies are combined with Dirk Rauscher & Kjell Rijntjes' ravey naturescapes.

Happy Heart Day

2009-02-14T14:29:00.000-08:00

Here's hoping you and yours have a LOVEly day. I know I will.

Loleatta Holloway - Love Sensation

More Churchy Fun at 160 BPM

2008-12-12T23:55:00.000-08:00

Reeeeeeeewind!

2008-12-12T18:53:00.000-08:00

Quite probably the funniest bit of Youtubery that I've seen all week. Thank you TNL!

Jam du Jour: Sinnamon

2008-12-11T01:02:00.000-08:00

I had the pleasure of walking down Sunny (albeit chilly) Valencia St. this afternoon when this track was called up by the gods of shuffle-playback to grace my ears with its bouncy bassline, and nearly turn my brisk walk into a nice playful skip. Time to share the love with you, dear readers.

Sinnamon - Thanks to You

Buy it from vendors such as these.

Eternal Phil Collins Damnation

2008-12-07T20:20:00.000-08:00

I've never voluntarily listened to a Phil Collins song in my entire life, yet, somehow, through his various channels and outlets of darkness, he still managed to burn his awful DX7 melodies into my fragile, fledgling brain circuitry 20 years ago. I seem to have one of his top 40 terrors stuck in my head every 3-7 days; sometimes for hours on end, like a bad trip.

I've made a pie chart demonstrating how these instances break up by song to allow one to better understand why this phenomenon leaves me so beleaguered. If there was a very risky and costly procedure I could undergo that would allow me to live the rest of my life Phil Collins-free, I'd probably cut a check and ask if I could do it sometime after the holidays. There's only one lewd word that's not to be uttered in my household: it starts with an S and ends with an udio.

Does anyone want to go in on a class action law suit against the Phil Collins marketing machine of the mid 80's with me? Don't you think these servants of evil have caused us all an unreasonable amount of anguish over the past 23 years? Phil Collins everywhere! From the Laundromat, to the Grocery Store, to every single doctors office visit you've had since 1985; you can't avoid him. Even in the safety of your own home, his "hits" are bound to surface somehow. Face it, there's just no escaping this infiltration, no matter how hard you try. It's about time we've exorcised these demons once and for all.

Chuckles

2008-11-21T02:02:00.000-08:00

My sweetheart found this little tidbit in a defunct text book for Recording Arts and we both had a laugh.

Is it for real...

2008-11-10T22:07:00.000-08:00

Or is it just another dream?

Fancy meeting you here...

Appologies for the...erm...3 month hiatus. I've been preoccupied and mildly obsessed with the election since around late August. (And can you blame me? How 'bout that then?)

Last Friday I made it out of my cave to The Elbo Room to hear Daniel Wang play some records because it seemed like the thing to do. Within the first 15 minutes of my arrival, I hear THIS fucking tune. The last time it had graced my ears was probably during a beginning jazz class circa 1989.

Is it for real, or is it just another dream?

Let's just say there were exponential OMG's followed by flashbacks involving me in a fuchsia and black polka-dotted leotard; complete with a high ponytail that had been braided overnight for that oh so special crimped effect. (Pass the L.A. Looks, por favor.) I'm sure I have this tableau on VHS somewhere if you don't believe me.

But Cathy Dennis? Seriously? And not just any Cathy Dennis single, mind you. The Cathy Dennis single with the Rick Astley sound-a-like backup vocals. The same single that made me bounce off the walls and do cartwheels on that joyous day when I was finally able to tape it off the radio in its entirety back in the second grade. By this point in the evening I had enough alcohol in me that a sing-along was definitely in order, so away I went.

Whether you like it or not, the early 90's are on their way back in full gear: Shep Pettibone's later work, and all. Next thing you know, we'll all be Doin' the Do. I'm not sure how I feel about it at this point. Part of me is horrified, but my inner 8 year old is shouting "BRING IT ON!"

Hot Fun in the Summertime

2008-08-10T23:26:00.001-07:00

Jena Paradies- Wolf + Lamb Summer '08 Label Mix

I know I've been down on all things *minimal* lately, but I have to say this Wolf + Lamb promo mix from Jena Paradies has been a summertime treat since it made its way into my orbit last month. It's refreshing to finally hear something that swings and has my undivided attention in this neck of the woods. I'm looking forward to their Grand Sierra event next month, for I'll be able to get my W+L fix in the dessert sunshine without having to venture out to the playa for Burning Man.

Voxy Ladies: Jean Carne

2008-08-08T00:10:00.000-07:00

Jean Carne's is one of those voices one hears and thinks "this person has more than just a talent, this person has a gift." There's a spiritual quality that rings out with each one of her emotional crescendos, alluding to a connection that's much deeper than just a woman and some lyrics.

Jean Carne- Was That All it Was (12" version)

If I were to make the ultimate breakup *care package* mix tape, this would surely be included therein. Carne not only sings, but performs this tale of squandered love, giving the broken hearted listener just the right amount of shared insight to weather the storm and carry on. There's something bittersweet about melancholy desperation mixed with disco that makes the outpour of emotions at hand seem dignified. No matter how hopeless one seems, the groove continues on, enveloping misery in a cloak of suavity and confidence.

Voxy Ladies: Stephanie Mills

2008-08-06T23:26:00.000-07:00

Known mostly for her hit "I Never Knew Love Like This Before" and/or her portrayal of Dorothy in The Wiz, Stephanie Mills is an incredibly talented vocalist who has rightfully garnered a successful career with Broadway, Grammys, and opening for the Pope at Yankee stadium on her resumé.

Stephanie Mills- The Medicine Song

This is my favorite of Mills' work with "Watcha Gonna Do with My Lovin'" close behind. I really dig the grittiness of the industrial sound mixed with her hair-raising vocals, resulting in sultry, grindy fun. It's really no surprise that it hit number 1 on the U.S. dance charts way back when in 1984. Oh to have a U.S. dance chart that's actually worthy and relevant. It's hard to imagine that such a thing could ever exist.

Bring on the Cheese

2008-08-06T12:31:00.001-07:00

Anthony White- Love Me Tonight (Xtended Club Mix) Stress Records, 1994

I finally tracked this little wonder down after a long hunt all over the Interwebz; and while it's jam packed with cheesy goodness that even Kraft would envy, the vocal is brilliant and simply cannot be overlooked. (You may recognize it from its brief cameo in this chart topper from '04.) In this day in age, one would probably fair best with just the acapella version used cleverly, but what's the point of me posting an acapella in shitty mp3 format? While this mix is a bit dark and ho-hum, the chorus still has the magic to raise one to their feet. Be sure to listen to it all the way through before blowing it off, for it takes a while for it to get down to business. Get your hands on this bit of vinyl for maximum potential.

Victims of Phats & Small Part One: Tony Lee

2008-08-04T22:59:00.000-07:00

When I visited the UK in 1999, the darlings of Brighton known as Phats & Small were all over the airwaves, the clubs, the pubs; every place I went. If the locale had speakers, Phats & Small were there to ambush my ears with their raucous revivals. "Turn Around" (at the time) was much like "Sussudio" is in America: the most invasive record imaginable, the mosquito in your ear that's impossible to escape unless you avoid any and all commercial and private spaces which you have no control over musically. (It's a shame they don't issue musical restraining orders, cause I'd really love it if I never had to listen to Phil Collins ever again.) By taking pieces of Toney Lee's "Reach Up" and giving it the Frankenstein treatment, they had a monster hit, alive and on the loose. I hope Mr. Lee received his fair share of the pie in this case, because it certainly couldn't have come to exist without him. Stay tuned for more of Phats & Small's prey to come. They certainly know how to pick 'em.

Toney Lee- Reach Up

Juan Night in The Mission

2008-08-02T13:28:00.000-07:00

Last night I ventured out of my cave to go hear the legendary Juan Atkins play a set at San Francisco's Elbo Room. With my disdain for Techno of the moment, I was intrigued to hear what one of the godfathers was playing these days. I had never been to a b.o.d.y.h.e.a.t. party, nor had I ever been to the Elbo Room, and I was pleasantly surprised by both in a good way. I arrived to find a jumpin' dance floor fueled by proper tunes, and set to work on drinking and dancing straight away. I haven't lost it on a dancefloor in a long while, and it felt wonderful to be in my element. I went wild when I heard Ten City's "That's the Way Love Is," and was surprised that the crowd ate it up as much as I did (I guess the fact that it was the acid mix didn't hurt). I don't know who the fellow was that played before Mr. Atkins, but he certainly had a nice repertoire and wasn't afraid to go against the grain. When Juan came on, he started off with The Quick's "Zulu" and proceeded into a history lesson ranging from ESG to A Number of Names, which I enjoyed for about 45 minutes until he went off the groove grid and the ZZzzzzz fest began in its usual fashion. However, when all was heard and done, I really liked the space (especially since it was within stumbling distance from my house) and the hour and a half or so of danceability made it worth it in the end.

Ten City- That's The Way Love Is (Steve Hurley's Acieed Mix)

The Quick- Zulu

I Like to Party, Everybody Does

2008-07-30T22:39:00.000-07:00

Oliver Cheatham- Get Down Saturday Night (Original 12" mix)

It feels kinda odd posting this on a Thursday, as it seems that it would be more apropos as a Friday, or even more so a Saturday type of affair. Another timeless, perfect, dance-pop record that's been reincarnated in states that are far from measuring up to the original. (Room 5 and Michael Gray, I'm looking at you.) I feel bad for the kids that are exposed to these impostors before the real McCoy, for they are seriously missing out if they fail to track down the original source. It's as if the original was given hormones and steroids for 2 years with the ridiculous colossal additives it been subjected to in these later productions. Lesson of the day: sometimes when the shoes are too hard to fill, it's best to just leave well enough alone.

Like a Ringmaster

2008-07-30T00:06:00.000-07:00

Dazz Band- Let it Whip

Released the year I was born (yikes), this tune has been a favorite of mine throughout the years. Every time I hear it, I can't get over the Dazz Band's cooler than ice cold performance. I can't help but wonder how many takes it took to lay this puppy down, for it's pretty much flawless in every way. T'was another dance studio playlist regular, and I remember what a pain in the ass it was to count it for choreography purposes. I can't imagine having to actually play it with 11 other people! (The band members numbered a full dozen, mind you.) Nonetheless, it was still a blast to dance to inspite of its detailed rhythm, and still is - especially now that I don't have to worry about nailing those foutté turns right on the down beat.

Voxy Ladies

2008-07-29T09:21:00.000-07:00

This is the first part of a series I'm doing that's going to feature dynamic female vocalists from the days of yore. I love me some good vocals with bite, and there are quite a few phenomenal vocalists who have fallen into oblivion over the years that deserve to be played over and over again. You certainly won't be hearing any auto-tune here.

In 1979, 17 year old Teena Marie met Mr. Rick James while trying to get a Motown record deal, and given this combination's divine talents, she was on her way to stardom in no time, with James producing her first record Wild and Peaceful. For her second and third full length albums Lady T and Iron in the Fire, she worked with Richard Rudolph (Minnie Ripperton's husband and creative partner), and her voice became the focal point of her work. Here are two tracks from both of these collaborations: "I'm a Sucker For Your Love" produced by and featuring Rick James, and "I Need Your Lovin'" produced by Paul Rudolph. I must say that "I Need Your Lovin'" is a remarkable effort with elegance and vocal suaveness that very few artists can carry off - especially nowadays with the sham known as auto-tune. I'm usually not one for ballads, but this one grooves.

Teena Marie- I'm a Sucker For Your Love

Teena Marie- I Need Your Lovin'

Dear John Techno

2008-07-28T01:08:00.000-07:00

If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all, right?

My appologies to some of you, for if you started reading my blog two years ago and don't enjoy the Disco-RnB hybird sound created in that sweet spot from 1978-1986 (give or take a few years), then you're about to feel even more alienated. I don't really have many nice things to say about much of the house and techno tracks coming out au moment. I don't want to sound like a broken record, but 95% of what I'm hearing is just too fast and/or doesn't have the password to the groove speakeasy, and perhaps, most importantly, lacks some serious soul. That doesn't mean I'm giving up on techno, I'll still be sampling the fuck out of it at a shitty bit rate, like a battered wife returning to her husband for the umpteenth time. I just have no desire to purchase and post records which I have no faith in whatsoever just for the sake of keeping up with my readers' fancy. I try and try, but my hope just gets crushed more with each listen. This girl is experiencing some major backlash, and yearns for the fullness and sincerity of analog sounds produced more by a person then a machine instead of vice versa. The loveliest disco record, compressed as can be, will always sound better than lifeless bleeps, blips, and bloats on vinyl. Even if the old school files are so ridiculously bad that it seems like someone is roasting potato chips on a campfire in my speakers, I'll still play them over boring myself silly with the latest techno tidbits.

Dear Minimal (with emphasis on the mal), and 95% of Techno,

I'd hate to say it to your face, but you've really let yourself go. You used to be sexy, but I'm just not that into what you've become. Hopefully I'll be the first to know if you change your ways in the future.

We'll stay in touch.

Love,

And with that said, I'll leave you with the only Rick roll worth giving, receiving, or mentioning. There shall be more from this pocket of time to come. (Sorry, this would be embeded if I had the choice, but Universal Music, much like Hall & Oates, can't go for that.)

Rick James- Give It To Me Baby

At Long Last

2008-07-24T20:58:00.000-07:00

My most anticipated musical act of the year (here's to real instruments!), Hercules and Love Affair is FINALLY going to be in San Francisco. I've been waiting for months with baited breath for this, and couldn't be more pleased that it's happening in collaboration with the one year anniversary of my current soirée de choix, Honey Soundsystem. Happy Birthday Honey! May you continue to bring the perfect mix of talent and fun to the San Francisco scene.

You won't see me here tonight...

2008-07-18T21:34:00.000-07:00

unless it involves roofies and a car trunk.

Ships Ahoy

2008-07-18T14:59:00.000-07:00

In spite of the 60 degree forecast, I'm still excited just-can't-hide-it style over this...

Whether performing live or playing vinyl, Tejada rarely disappoints, so pulling out the winter coat in July won't be too much of a drag. Tickets are, allegedly, still available here, as of this morning.

That's Some Bass

2008-07-15T23:33:00.000-07:00

Few things are better than the joy of listening to a special record for the first time. It seems like the older the record, the more the mirth, for suddenly all you can do is wonder where it's been all your life. As you accumulate more and more of those bygone wonders (both one-hit and otherwise) these precious moments of discovery happen less and less, and one can only hope they'll last forever. Oil Crisis you say? I'm more concerned about how long it will take before I've reached peak late 70's/early 80's disco-funk acquisition, and have to face a grim downturn of downloads until there shall be no more love-at-first-listens from the past to be had.

With a little bit of luck and lurking, I was able to dig up this Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis treasure a few weeks ago, and its bass-line has haunted me ever since. While I realize this particular superlative should rarely be entertained on a dance music blog, Mr. Lewis' bass on this track is absolutely tremendous, and possibly the most effective I've ever heard on a dance record. The velocity of each rift Lewis plays is so raw that you can feel his intent radiating from each note as they penetrate straight to your core; even if it's been layered 1,000 times over and under. Produced in 1983, this was part of the seedling from which Jam and Lewis' career bloomed to become one of the most prolific in recording history. In the future, I hope to write more about these two masters, as their iconic sound and production style are just as relevant (if not more so) than anything out of Berlin, Detroit or Chicago. The world must know that they are so much more than just the guys who pulled off that incredible Janet Jackson illusion for all those years. Those albums should really be credited as Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis featuring Janet Jackson, if the truth were known by all.

Captain Rapp- Bad Times (I Can't Stand It)

And for you wax warriors, it looks like there are a few for sale on Discogs for maximum bass results.

She's Back...

2008-07-10T18:40:00.000-07:00

Grace Jones, one of the fiercest femmes of all time, is set to release a new album this October. Hurricane will be her first effort in 19 years, and I must say that I'm intrigued. While this video isn't all too exciting, the song isn't half bad. I'm curious to hear what the rest of it sounds like. Even with all the distortion going on, Miss Jones is still as bold and striking as ever; a man eating machine.

Solid Gold

2008-06-12T14:37:00.000-07:00

From 1980-1988 America was blessed with Top 40 music that was truly worthy of a weekly showcase, and luckily Solid Gold was there to bundle up the tunes and the moves in a fancy package, and and sell them to the masses. From the time I could speak until the show ended in 1988, there was no doubt in my little head that my life's true ambition was to become a Solid Gold dancer. Though my mother thought the show was a bit risqué for a 3 year old, I couldn't yet comprehend her misgivings. After all, the ladies weren't dressed any worse than the "waitresses" who served drinks at Circus Circus. I still remember that Saturday in 1988 when there was no more Solid Gold. Of course, I was truly upset, for I thought my life's golden opportunity had gone down the drain, and I would now have to rethink my career plans entirely. Much to the relief of my Mother, within a week my new prospectus involved becoming both an opera singer and a ballerina on PBS- complete with 10 years of professional dance and vocal training to follow. Unfortunately after all the time and the effort spent, the tides of ambition turned once more and I never made it to PBS, but I did learn a thing or two about dance and music. Twenty years on, Solid Gold still continues to spark my fancy, thanks to the wonders of Youtube.

Here is the starting point to a terrific collection of Best of Solid Gold clips. Once it's finished, just continue on via the Related Videos field here, and more than an hour of footage and major flashbacks await you.

Maladie D'amour

2008-06-10T08:24:00.001-07:00

Aural Exciters- Maladie d'Amour (Ze Records, 2003)

With a member line-up that reads much like the Mutant Disco hall of fame, there is no doubt that the Aural Exciters were dialed into the pulse of this ever so sprightly genre they helped pioneer. In 2003 the folks at Ze Records put out a solid EP that served as a rerelease of such pleasures as Spooks in Space and this wonderful little tune, Maladie d'Amour, 24 years after the fact. Between the Caribbean big band style of August Darnell (also known as Kid Creole) and Taana Gardner's tranquil twittering, it's the perfect blend of lushness and lunacy. After a full listen of the entire Emile (Night Rate) EP, I imagine you'll find that your ears have never been so overly stimulated at once, proving this troupe's title couldn't be more apropos.

V is for Vivien

2008-05-11T23:36:00.000-07:00

It's time, once more, to take it over the top with a record that I consider to be a passion fruit sweetened melange of Italo disco and something Chita Rivera would have sang in West Side Story. Miss Vivien Vee lent her voice to some of Mr. Claudio Simonetti's masterful disco productions in the early 1980's, and with the results came a handful of absolute firecrackers, this track included. Between Vee's arsenal of sass and endearing charm and Simonetti's signature future-forward grooves, this combination is one of my favorite collabs of the era- right up there with Sparks and Giorgio Moroder.

Vivien Vee- Remember

You can also sample more of her work here thanks to the marvels of Last.fm

Kitschy Klassiks Revisited

2008-05-07T11:11:00.000-07:00

Win- You've Got the Power

It's time for a bit of happy-go-lucky pop with Win's "You've Got the Power" off of their 1987 ...Ugh! Tears Baby album. Hailing from Edinburgh, Scotland, Win is pretty much the poster child for Kitschy Klassiks, though much more obscure than my previous selections, and probably the most quirky yet. Their MySpace headline that reads "Chewing gum for the ears, baby!" couldn't possibly be more apropos. ...Ugh! Tears... is definitely worth a listen in its entirety- especially if you're feeling a bit down and out, for Davy Henderson's carefree crooning is bound to make you smile and give you that ever important reminder to stop taking yourself (and your music) so seriously.

And if you were thinking "Gee, this song would make a great advert!" look no further...

Of course it's for beer, how could it not be?

A Little Something Different

2008-05-05T13:15:00.000-07:00

Tcheka- Sabu

Today we shall venture off the beaten path with a little something different. I'm an international Internet radio junkie (seriously, I cannot wait until that wonderful day in the future when I can get it on a mobile device and live happily ever after). One of my staples is Radio France Internationale for both news and music, and it's not just because French was one half of my double major and I'm desperately trying to retain as much vocabulary as possible. French is one of the worlds most widely spoken languages, so it's no surprise that RFI delivers the quality goods when it comes to World Music. It has led me to some great discoveries throughout the years, this track included.

Tcheka is a great talent from Cape Verde, who has breathed new life into the percussion based Batuque genre of his homeland with his gorgeous guitar melodies and dynamic vocals. As beautiful as it is on its own, ever since I heard Sabu for the first time, I've been thoroughly convinced that it would be the perfect starter track to an early evening set; especially with some added percussion and a solid successor coming in during all that wonderful jubilance towards the end. I'm usually not one for horns, but that trumpet is irresistible; right down to the very last note.

Get Yourself Together

2008-05-02T15:19:00.000-07:00

Chaz Jankel- Get Yourself Together (original mix)

Mr. Jankel is back and better than ever (well, as of two months ago anyway).
I'd heard this a while ago, and it's taken me forever to finally hunt it down and have it properly identified. I feel like a giant weight has been lifted from my shoulders, as it's a must-have; the lack of instant gratification has had me itching due to its smoking-gun-barrel hotness. The release also includes 2 Hercules & Love Affair remixes along with a Todd Terje reedit of the classic "Glad to Know You." Andrew Butler's efforts are rather disappointing, but the original mix is most certainly a tough act to follow. 'Tis for sure a tune of the year for me, for funk like this doesn't come around every day, and this little jewel has it oozing from your speakers. The Residnet Advisor rating of 3/5 seems to be a snub, and I imagine it was probably due to the H&LA letdown. You can download a sample of the original mix above, and once you've fallen in love, it can be acquired in full form at Juno. Big ups to these guys for helping me make the connection.

POW!

2008-04-29T12:16:00.000-07:00

Is this too good to be real?
If I had a time machine, this is one of many stops I'd make: Soul Train, October 7, 1978. It sure makes today's *talent* seem like a flea circus, even if it's not live after all. And if it is all smoke and mirrors, these cats still get a 100% credibility rating in my book.

"I'd like to thank God, and Larry Graham."
-Prince

Larry Graham & Graham Central Station- Pow

The Secret is Out

2008-04-26T18:04:00.000-07:00

Or is it?

The Secret Lips- Witch Queen, Secret Lips Voodoo re-imagined

Every once in a while I'm pleasantly surprised by something that appears in my radar from out of nowhere. This effort is tremendous, yet I know so little about The Secret Lips except they may or may not be these guys. If anybody can add to that, I'd love the scoop. I can't wait for a release, and to see what other secrets they may be keeping; more quality disco cuts with nice subtle vocals and a groove that makes me wanna stomp around, I hope.

Is it Just Me?

2008-04-14T21:47:00.001-07:00

Remeber the time when minimal wasn't macho?

Qu'est-ce qui c'est passé?

Just a thought..

The House You Know and Love

2008-04-03T23:38:00.000-07:00

By all means, do yourself a favor and go download the latest Beats in Space, for you'll find a nearly flawless (track selection wise) deep house mix by Prosumer. Dude's got the classics, and I'm all about this particular batch. Starts off deep, but I was up on my feet groovin' and singing along until the end once Colonel Abrhams "Trapped All Over" came in, twice in a row.

I'm going to try and make it out of my sweatshop this weekend for Kontrol with special guest Pan Pot. Their set at the Mobilee San Francisco soirée last year was top shelf. Definitely worth checking out if you're so inclined.

Reppin' the Bay

2008-04-02T10:13:00.000-07:00

If you haven't already, go check out the latest from San Francisco's it producer, Mr. Claude Von Stroke. Now, more than ever, Techno needs melody and The Stroker brings it with Ground Hog Day; a tune that I've been hearing out and loving for what seems like a year, so I'm happy that it's finally seen a proper release. Go check it out on Beatport, and buy it so that that god awful Jaguar remake gets knocked off the chart.

I'm pleased to FINALLY have a few other tracks worth checking out:

Lee Jones- Aria, Tiger Stripes mix (Aus Music)*
Junior Boys- No Kinda Man, Jona remix (Get Physical)
Sally Shapiro- Jackie Junior, Junior Boys Remix (Paper Bag)**

* Could swear it was a John Tejada record if I didn't know better
** Get it while it's still up at 24 Hours

Leave It Alone

2008-04-01T01:18:00.000-07:00

Here's a Chantilly Bass public service announcement, if you will:

I last left off with a blurb regarding Juan Maclean's Dubtribe redux, which has actually grown on me, and I'm finally going to go ahead and admit that he did the original justice and then some, but unfortunately this isn't always the case. While Beatporking this evening, I came across what I thought was a bad April Fool's joke- Sebastian Leger's dreadful rendition of one of Detroit's seminal anthems: "The Juagar". AYFKM? And it wasn't just featured as part of some god awful, annoying, Nitevibey banner ad! It's at the top of the Tech House chart. What is wrong with you people?!? Has all the garbage that's been inundating the scene caused you to lose touch with reality so badly that you can't tell a decent record from a dud anymore? All I have to say is this: friends don't let friends buy this record. Play them the original, and watch them cringe when they realize the injustice and down right poppycock that's going on here.

Prompt- Elephant (7 Noise, 2008)
After that initial shockaroo, I did manage to find something that's worth having a listen to. Much to my good fortune, this record was wildly miscategorized and thrown in the minimial (RIP?) section amongst all the tweaky, evil, overly complicated rubbish one finds there lately. You used to jeer at *evil* breaks and *progressive* house, but now look what's happened to minimal. Who's laughing now? This tune is a nice, smooth, refreshing trip back to when things weren't so over saturated and inappropriately sped up. It has the groove, the sex, a nice subtle grittiness, and even a tolerable saxophone. Not exactly an uber-killer by any means, but hips will definitely be provoked to shake, and maybe more. Go get your hands dirty with this sweet sauce and leave the Jaguar's reincarnation of damnation alone.

Happy House: a Dubtribe production

2008-03-06T12:59:00.001-08:00

In yesterdays roundup, I forgot to bring up Juan McClean's Happy House record, which made its official debut last week. It's pretty much a mediocre attempt at taking something good and making it better, which is actually saying a lot, considering I like the original so much. Maclean's fresh approach of making music (which is taking Dubtribe Sound System's "Do it Now" adding some racket and some vocals, and calling it his) really works, for he could have totally annihilated all the good things about the original and left us with a pile of shit. In the end, I think he came up even, and both the records sound just as good as one another in their respective time and place.

If you haven't heard the original, it's featured on
Dilated Choonz as of today, so be sure to check it out and pass your own judgement.

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March Happenings

2008-03-05T11:20:00.000-08:00

I'm going to get a little redundant here, but it's March at long last, which means that there's no excuse for not having purchased and poured over Hercules and Love Affair's already classic (in my collection, anyway),"Blind." Although you'll still have to wait another 5 days until its official release, the full length has been on repeat at Chantilly Headquarters for the last 3 weeks, and still sounding fresh as can be. My favorite track on the album changes from "Blind" to "Raise Me Up" and back again on a daily basis, and today I think I'm leaning towards"Raise Me Up," and it's surprisingly swinging, luscious, groove. "Raise Me Up" reminds me of some kind of faster, tricked up, futuristic Johny Mathis ballad, which sounds like an awful concept in writing, but actually works in this case. Thank god for live instruments and Antony Hegarty's vocals. In my future dreamworld, Antony will focus more on disco influenced projects like this, as I'd love to hear much more from him in this field. I'm hoping that they'll be a H&LA live date somewhere close to my neck of the woods, so if you're a San Francisco promoter and are reading this, get on it!

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And now to the new Kelley Polar album: I Need You to Hold on While the Sky is Falling...fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me. I honestly thought I was going to be into it when I heard "Feeling of the All-Thing," much like I thought I was going to be into Love Songs of the Hanging Gardens when I first heard "The Rooms in My House Have Many Parties." Well Kelley, you've fooled me with the same psyche out scheme two albums in a row. Why do you have to play such a dirty game of taunt and disappoint? You have the ability to drive these rich, vibrant, arrangements straight to my core, yet you go and ruin it all by slapping me across the face with that proverbial stinky salmon that is those dreadful vocals. Here I am lapping up all the texture of this lovely, organic, instrumentation and then wait a minute...is this the Fifth Dimension? Is this (dare I say it) The Postal Service? Where are we? Kelley where have you taken us, and why won't you make it stop? If you ask me, the title should really be I Need You to Hold On While I'm Still Singing but that doesn't mean I doubt your skillz one bit. Honestly Mr. Polar, you're instrumental talent and ear astound me. You're pretty much responsible for making those Metro Area hits sparkle like diamonds in my eyes. I still hold them near and dear, and still get giddy when your ambrosial contributions come in as if they've been cued as the soundtrack for the climax of the perfect love story. Just please, more playing and less chirping por favor. Third time's a charm?

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Dennis Parker- Like an Eagle Todd Terje Rekutt, 2007
I know this has been out for ages in Internet time as well as real time, but who can resist a brilliant Todd Terje fantasy disco edit? I don't think I've mentioned this before, but Terje's poorly attended, yet very special night in San Francisco was one of the highlights of my 2007 outings. I wish he had thousands of edits up his sleeve and his own radio station that played them 24/7, for I can never get enough.

Still waiting for new and upcoming Techno to rekindle it's flame (Stop being so boring already!), but nothings grabbed me and pulled me back just yet. I'm totally up for suggestions, so if you've got any, please, let me know. I'm vying for something that nails this sweet spot for longer than 10 seconds; something that's a little bit slower and more melodic than all the rubbish I've been hearing recently. I'll also be the first to admit that my life is rather hectic right now with starting a new career path. Most of my time is spent in my sweatshop or CS3 land, so I don't have the time to hunt down as many bangers as I used to, therefore help is greatly appreciated.

Cupid Calling

2008-02-14T11:17:00.000-08:00

Taana Gardner- Heartbeat, West End Records 1981

I imagine this needs no introduction, or even commentary for that matter. Perfect poppy, lovey-dovey magnificence made possible by the late and much revered Larry Levan. Together with Miss Taana Gardner, they've perfectly captured the essence of that special spark that ignites a wildfire. Happy Valentines Day, especially to my most favorite record of all...

A Fine Affair

2008-02-12T13:11:00.000-08:00

*

"As a child I knew, that the stars could only get brighter..."

Though 2008 has only just begun, if you were to ask me what I was absolutely gushing over thus far I would give you 3 answers: Hercules (ampersand) Love Affair, Hercules And Love Affair (for the amp impaired of the Interwebz, like me), and Andrew Butler.

If I had a crystal ball, I know the future would surely look bright for Hercules and Love Affair (which is indeed, the nom de plume of Mr. Andrew Butler, as if you didn't know already), for he's actually done it; He's gone and single-handedly rekindled my romance with DFA records.

It was the lovely Athene who first intrigued me about a month ago, HOWEVER shortly thereafter discovered Blind the epic tune that the Miss Cleo in me predicts will be absolutely huge by the time it sees the light of a record store. After finishing my first listen of Blind, I felt such a mixture of disbelief and pleasant surprise wash over me, I had to give it another 6 listens through before I was convinced that this metamorphosis was actually happening to that DFA sound I thought was dead, and if not dead...barking...LOUDLY. Here he comes to save the DFA, at long last, with an LP that actually matters. For it's not just Blind that rings loud and clear as a prize here, there are many prizes, and I'm nothing short of thrilled with the entire album as a whole. I realize that there's some middy muck here and there, and there can be the occasional cacophony if you listen too closely to certain parts; but Butler's ear, clearly, has a knack for what works, especially when it comes to finding that sweet spot for Antony Hegarty's vocals, and talent overcomes such shortcomings in the end. I can't wait to hear this stuff out in the wild, for then I can truly be one to judge and pretend like I haven't already.

Kudos to you DFA for bringing on talent that breathes new life into your label, and more importantly Thank You Andrew Butler for breathing new life into my music library with this fantastic full length. And I must say, that should mean a lot considering I'm typically only a 12" kind of girl; an EP girl if you're nasty.

Sorry dear readers, I'm not going to post any of this gravy here because:

A. Chances are if you're reading this blog, you've probably pirated the entire thing already yourself.

B. I don't want to anger the gods. The DFA watchdogs will probably send me threats, although they may want to consider point A, even so, respect to them.

C. A lot of HLA material can be found during a number of Beats in Space shows (better hint: Tim Sweeny's '07 best of show), so go there if you have to, and stream them at a crap rate so the DFA can feel as though some legitimacy still exists in this world. Lord knows you'll probably buy the vinyl anyway on March 10th when it sees a proper release. At least you have something to look forward to, right?

LP release, March 10th
Blind 12" release, March 3rd

*Mrs. Condé Nast in one of designer Mario Fortuny's legendary pleated tea gowns inspired by the costumes of Ancient Greece. Fortuny's elegant pleat and drapery secrets were taken with him to the grave and no one has been able to recapture their magnificence nor Fortuny's techniques since then. If you have one of such pieces lying in an attic in a trunk somewhere wrapped up nicely for safe keeping, you're totally stoked right now, for it's worth a small fortune.

Klassikz Gotcha Krazy

2008-02-12T11:51:00.000-08:00

Or me, for that matter. This time around it's the trio of fine ladies who were MC Hammer's protegés known as Oaktown 357. When I was 9, I idolized these girls to the max and had both their albums (on casette, of course). I even bought B. Angie B.'s record after she disbanded after the first 357 record. Shit, I even know B. Angie B. was even in the group. Discogs doesn't even have this vastly important information. Can someone please identify the other girls in the group? Poor things, I don't have the aforementioned cassettes anymore and therefore am only able to identify Angie. Lord knows what they're doing now, the least we can do is let them live on in Discogs fame. As camp as an era as this was, they were still the hotness to many and it baffles me that they go nameless.

Perhaps nostalgia is overtaking taste in my selection, as I do remember loving this video, mainly perhaps because I had a dance outfit made of the same polka dot spandex-supreme featured therein. Say what you will, these girls were about as bad ass as they come and with talent to boot, even though it was always Hammertime wherever they were, and when it wasn't any more in '92, they were over.

What's scarier than seeing those pants again in the video?

FLASHFORWARD TO 2008

Come on! You knew the hipsters were bound to make them *ironically* their own at some point. The only question was when, and with this hideous throwback, that question has now been answered. Though these may put the hip in one's hipster, that crotch surely can't feel good on a ~~bicycle~~ fixie.

Kitschy Klassikz

2008-01-29T23:46:00.001-08:00

The Thompson Twins- Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, Red Hot & Blue, Chrysalis 1990

This week we are taking it down a couple notches and giving Sheffield it's first Kitschy Klassikz nod with the Thompson Twin's rendition of Cole Porter's hit made popular by the 1956 musical High Society with the voice of one Mr. Frank Sinatra. Tom Bailey's amazingly debonnaire vocals carry this piece entirely and help to ease the pain of those horrendous early nineties breaks. You'll find this one on 1994's must-own Red Hot & Blue compliation, and let me just say that this isn't even the best selection on the record. I'm not sure if it's still in print, but if it is, buy an original copy, for all proceeds from this compilation were donated to AIDS charities.

Beatport Cuts the Crap

2008-01-29T17:52:00.001-08:00

Have they heard my cries of disgust or what? According to the Resident Advisor Beatport plans to axe all labels that don't perform to specific revenue goals and/or consistently put out crap releases. Bravo Beatport, it's about time you've done some spring cleaning with the shitstorm of a selection you've been killing me with for the last year. Will this force producers and artists to step up to the plate? One can only hope so, it feels like we're reverting back to the dark ages with the oversaturation and mediocrity that's been happening lately. I only hope that those enforcing this new content policy know the difference between absolute garbage and absolute gold and don't end up cutting the little guys. And please, please, god let them hate trance as much as I do. If there are any big whigs at Beatport right now, please hear me out and get rid of as much trance as possible. I guarantee you that I'm not the only who would feel absolutely overjoyed and elated by this. I have no problem presenting you with a petition if necessary.

A Hero for our Time

2008-01-24T15:01:00.000-08:00

I wish there were more young people like this instead of the many spineless little fakers there are out there. Corey Delaney is much like a young Frankie Wilde staring in It's All Gone Pete Tong: The Prequel. Of course Corey now has an agent and throws parties for cash. It's refreshing to know that at least someone out there gets to live the dream.

Kitschy Klassiks

2008-01-22T10:47:00.000-08:00

Babyface- It's No Crime, Solar 1989
If I'm guilty of enjoying this, let me do my time. Round 2 of Kitschy Klassiks was a difficult decision, but I decided to go with this epic banger (and even more clichés than that) of a tune from an unexpected source. Here we have one the most prolific pop ballad producers of the 90's at roughly 120 bmp. Though usually he's too much of a sappy standard guy for my tastes, and I still don't understand, to this day, just exactly what *whip appeal* really is, the production on this record is absolutely tremendous and sounds incredible from the inside out. Come on, you know there's many a time in your life when you've just wanted to let out a great big quintessential Babyface WHOOO!, don't deny it. What today's dismal popular R&B could use is a nice dose of Mr. Edmonds making up-tempo treats with that "good-old" equipment, non-tampered vocals and percussion that's actually interesting. What a concept!

And incase you've forgotten about this treasure from the vaults of 1987, let me reunite thee....

They really don't make 'em like this anymore. REALLY

Chasanova

2008-01-18T10:38:00.000-08:00

Chas Jankel- 109 (Give Me Something I Can Remember), A&M Records, 1981

Here is Señor "Ai No Corrida" himself (which, in case you were wondering, is a combination of Japanese and Spanish which translates to bullfight of love) in full on self-deprecating mode. This is the lead-off track from his debut album as a solo artist Chasanova. I really wish this was the extended version, but I think you'll get the gist. This is a perfectly good record for one to drown in oneself in that well balanced mix of lust, love, loathing, humility, and smugness that he or she may feel from time to time...or if you're me, all the time.

Kitschy Klassikz

2008-01-15T08:29:00.000-08:00

With all the amazingly dated, once jaded, and even once hated music that's been in heavy rotation at the Chantilly Bassment lately, I've decided to pay homage to such records with a regular Tuesday Kitschy Klassikz posting. These are the tunes that are so wonderfully ostentatious that they remind you that life is a fucking circus, and that's sometimes a good thing. I've been doing lots of physical theraphy exercises lately, and in doing so, glaring and glittering dance-pop songs always seem to make the gruel much more manageable.

And for the maiden posting [smashes champagne bottle], I present to you the sheer kitsch perfection that is...

Sheila E.- Glamorous Life, Warner Brothers 1984
Though Miss E. supposedly wrote this, there's no doubt that Prince played a vital role in its delightful execution. However, one surely can't deny Sheila's skills when it comes to the percussion element, which is only overshadowed here by one of the only saxophone performances I've ever deemed worthy of listening to without the urge to shove rusty tent stakes into my ears to put me out of my misery. I have a gene that's been passed on through many generations on my father's side, that forces me to harbor a deep-seated hatred for saxophones. That being said, somehow I actually, truly, love this record in spite of every one of the many madcap saxaphone rifts it spews at me. This track, along with "A Love Bizarre," (which isn't quite kitschy enough to be featured as a kitschy klassic) are the only overly saxed records that somehow seem to overcome this obstacle and still ring true to this fastidious little heart of mine. Play it, freak out, embrace it, buy it on vinyl, and spread some kitsch love.

Down in the K-hole

2008-01-12T10:05:00.000-08:00

So I had a total Folgers morning today (On Saturday and everything!) In between drafting the wrap skirt pattern from hell and spending time with my Volcano, I managed to find two sweet remixes with Sebo K being the common denominator.
Thank you Mr. K, for being the master you are and for not succumbing to the mediocrity disease that seems to be spreading wildly amongst producers in this market these days.

Basic Soul Unit- Tunnels (Sebo K. and Metro Mix), Mule 2007

This track surprised me by the end, as I didn't think it would actually be this good. It starts out rather crap and boring, much like every other boring record that's over saturating the market these days. Like I said before, it's not 2006 anymore and everyone with a computer and a pulse thinks that they've got a crack at being a producer. Honestly give this a full listen before you throw it in the trash for good, you're in for a treat, as it gets all Deep Burnty on you out of nowhere. Not that it's as good as the aforementioned, but it's got bite in that lift me up sort of way that can be dangerous if it's over done (I'm looking at you, Vocal House). Same hint of soul stimulation, minus the cheese. Pretty techno gets lifted. Bravo.

Efdemin- Lohn & Brot (Sebo K version 1 mix), Liebe Detail 2007
It came out about a month ago, but I'm late to get on the train. I really dig this for the most part, with the exception of one minor defect: the totally burned out, zanny, yet awful, deep vocal. I'm not totally hating, as there's a time and a place for it, and that's to be determined by Claude Von Stroke. It just doesn't fit here, it's too elegant of a sound for it. However, I still like the track inspite of such a cheesy flaw. For all the other components at play, it still sounds good amongst the overstock of duds these days.

Who's Looking Good Today?

2008-01-11T12:00:00.001-08:00

Who's looking good in every way?

Neneh Cherry- Bufffalo Stance, Virgin Records, 1988

This is one of pop's finest moments during a time that was, in my opinion, the last time that sweet spot where R&B, Popular, and Dance music merged together perfectly, and still sounded organic. (Think 1987-1991) I'm currently crushing all over this fantastic era, as I mentioned previously. Just can't get enough orchestra hits, someone should get me a DX7 and put me out of my misery. Miss Cherry is more of a bonafide badass than any girl spewing the same message around today. She's just the right mix of beauty and grit, and genuinely so. It didn't hurt that Jonny Dollar was behind her either.

It's a New Year with new priorities. In my other life, I've resigned from 8 hours on my feet all day, and am now concentrating on making a commercial line and beefing up my fashion portfolio. I know Chantilly Bass hasn't been what it was back in 2006, but the releases haven't been what they were since then either. I plan on continuing this project, however the music style might be a little off the beaten path when it comes to dance music and making it my top priority. Stay tuned...

Tanzing the cha cha

2007-12-28T15:04:00.000-08:00

Matthias Tanzmann- Rugby (No Tom Edit), Moonharbour 2007
In my other life as a fashion student, I was in this class that was directed much like project runway, only much more coldly realistic even though it was only in the simulated real world known as college. There was this guy in my class that had a thing for using the term "cha cha" to describe a garment that would allow that perfect bit of flatering movement to occur when the woman wearing it would move. Over time it became a distinct and amusing part of his vocabulary and vocalisms. In spite of my eye rolling, I didn't think it was necessarily too bad of an explication for what he was going for; not to mention the fact that his garments always did seem to radiate a great deal of this so-called cha cha; so much so that they'd evoke fantasies of shaking it out like Tina Turner. With taunting rhythms that are so genuinely his that one can hardly mistake them for anyone else's, Mathias Tanzmann never fails to make it impossible not to shake a tail feather and experience the cha cha effect in full force; with or without a chainmail gown made of 1,000 key rings from Home Depot. He's one of the few producers I can think of out there who know how to push that natural sounding rhythm envelope without resulting in a drum fury so bad, that it can only be be topped by those parties where about 3 or so old, presumptuous, and quite possibly deaf, hippies show up with their bongos and proceed to demonstrate what the drum section probably sounds like in hell. You weren't at the auditions, you're not part of the show, and nobody invited you, so quit ruining my cha cha.

Flashing Back

Michel'le- No More Lies, WEA International 1989
Over the holidays I've been compiling key tracks that are responsible for making 1988-1990ish probably my favorite time (that I've been alive and aware, at least) for pop music, particularly hip hop or RnB that boasts the most ridiculous yet so incredibly marvelous phony orchestration ever. Produced and written by her then-boyfriend, a pre-G-thang Dr. Dre, Miche'le's "No More Lies" is the sassiest of call outs with an even sassier bassline. Nothing says you mean business like a good scat in between telling someone off. Hips and fingers shake all too alike here. What a voice, really.

At long last: El Caliente

2007-12-16T16:38:00.000-08:00

Donnacha Costello- Black Bag Job (737), Minimize 2007

Finally a tune worthy of pulling me out of my sweatshop and inspiring enough to use to spread some holiday cheer (as if it's not making me sick already) by sharing it with the likes of my fellow Interwebbers. There's nothing really new or remarkable to hear here that hasn't been done in another time or place , but Mr. Costello gets it absolutely right and rings so true to the bygone sounds of inspiration with just the right dash of the new softer, lusher mechanics of today that it still sounds fresh, even though it hints that it could of been made ages ago in land without Live.

Last night I hobbled out of the house with a knee and back that are on strike at the moment to see one of the most prolific dance music duos of the 00's. It was quite an amusing affair to say the least, though I finally gave up an hour deep into a set that was dead in its own tracks on a sound system that's too big for it's britches. I won't say much about the performance or name the artist's out of respect, but I did have one thought...

After noticing that every few songs the music quality and vibe would fall like an Acme anvil, and that I'd look up and see that the current operator of the main controls was on an express bus to Gurnsville with his haphazard hat on backwards, I couldn't help but wonder what sort of action I might take if I were in a duo and my partner was (as it seemed) too *insert your favorite expression for complete and total inebriation here* to play. I think that there should be some sort of truce that you make, kind of like you would always be sure to tell them if they had food in their teeth etc. If one of us is way in over his or her head and bringing the ship down, the other assumes visible control of things. Seriously, give it up and if you still want to be part of the action start dancing around like Bez or something. That's what I wanted to happen so badly last night, but unfortunately that wasn't the case and the tag-teaming disasterthon continued much to my chagrin.

And one more *gift* and image with shitty resolution...

Wham! - Last Christmas, Epic 1984
Because I know there are people out there who simply cannot resist (especially those who aren't often subjected to the wonders of adult contemporary radio). Surely it's not the "Wham! Rap," so it could be worse. Christmas is simply not Christmas without George Michael's threats of giving his heart to someone else this year, year after year after year after year...even again, now, 23 years later.

The Luomo of Dubstep

2007-11-10T11:50:00.000-08:00

Though it strays ever so slightly from my usual selections, this is absolutely gorgeous and worthy of the Chantilly Bass seal of approval. Burial's sophomore album Untrue dropped last Monday, and I can tell you right now it's one of the best of 2007. As I've stated before, I've been shying away from the Techno sound (for the most part) because of it's lack of soul and substance, and this little gem has come at a perfect time to fill the void. I guess I can go as far as calling him "the Luomo of dubstep," because that's the level of talent and emotionally charged content we're dealing with here. Though the rest of the album is more on the downtempo tip, Burial polishes it off with this extraordinary 4/4 effort. Here's hoping that this ending was to serve a taste of what's to come from Burial, and we hear more of a sound like this from him in the future.

Burial- Raver (Hyperdub 2007)

Go now and buy the entire masterpiece that is Untrue, for this is one of those special revelations that occasionally creeps on you out of the blue and stands as a firm reminder as to you why you love music in the first place.

In Good Hands

2007-10-15T17:18:00.000-07:00

At long last, a tune ever so worthy of posting has come along and dazzled the ears of yours truly. To be honest, I have been waiting a couple months to get a hold of this lovely remix created the "loving hand" of DFA's Tim Goldsworthy. After rocking my world with the his remix of Joakim's Lonely Hearts last Spring, The Loving hand continues to please with this dreamy soundscape that's perfect for taking it down a few notches and letting your hair down. This Loving Hand definitely has the Midas Touch, so hears hoping that Goldsworthy continues to bestow it upon more tracks and spread more of this hot remix love.

Maps- To The Sky (The Loving Hand remix), Mute 2007

Buy it here

The Perfect Intersection

2007-10-12T15:33:00.000-07:00

The case of the missing melody continues to be unresolved, for my inquest has produced no further leads in the wild. (Thanks for at home listening recommendations though, as many of those were ace and inspiring.) Last weekend I made my way back out into the discotheque wilderness once more to further my quest to refind that ever perfect place one is taken to with the perfect combination of rhythm, melody, and bass. I spent a good 45 minutes to an hour waiting for something to inspire me to dance, and came up short. I'd hate to admit it, but there were even times when I wished there was an MC, or felt the need to break into song to fill the void. I found that most of the time there wasn't even a proper bassline involved let alone any melodic bits. Just because you can program rhythm doesn't necessarily make your record good, if even passable. Needless to say, I aborted my mission with two drinks in me and no desire to listen to another two or three hours of filler.

My angst (and being stuck at home due to injury) has led me to create this colorful Venn diagram that fully demonstrates the archetypal happy place that is my raison d'être.

It's Friday and the coming weekend does look quite promising with two more than noteworthy events taking place, thus my quest shall continue with contenders whom I consider to be more than capable. This evening at Mighty Blasthaus brings us another Further event with Loco Dice and the man responsible for what I deemed the best record of last year, Mr. Martin Buttrich. Tomorrow night at Temple the now rampant Kontrol crew has joined forces with San Francisco's Dubstep contingent Surefire to bring out some of London's finest Dubstep talent as well as Germany's D. Diggler on the Techno tip.

As alluded to above, I do have an injured knee and have been hobbling around in a brace if mobile at all, but my dire need to find myself inside that magical intersection and be "feelin' it" once more shall prevail; bring it on, break the mold, and give me a good reason to want to be able to dance again.

Long, but not lost

2007-09-17T22:45:00.000-07:00

Though it's been over two months, and intermittently at best, I haven't completely abandoned this project. My musical endeavors still greatly effect my time and efforts, but it happens more or so at home then out in the wild. I spent the summer choosing my battles wisely, as I haven't been all too inspired by my offerings. When I did make it out, the effects were underwhelming to mildly engaging at most. To tell you the truth, there have been nights where I've made the effort and have been bored out of my wits. I've actually got a major gripe regarding the sound trends au courrant, and what better an arena to entertain them then here, so here goes...

What has happened to the melody?
Where did it go?

DJ's and producers alike, I'm talking to you. The last seven times or so I've gone out, it sometimes takes 45 minutes or so before I hear any sort of decent melody that reaches out to me. Same goes when for the many hours I spend trolling the Interweb on the endless quest for the proverbial, ever changing, perfect record. 6 minutes into the sample I'm still listening for that juicy melodic hook to grace my ears, and it feels like 90% of the time it never even happens. Is this the result of technology allowing anyone to make a record, and the lack of true musicians making music? I don't know. The melody is your record's calling card, without it, it's just another arrangement of blips and beeps. Even a dope bassline can't save a shitty drone of a track with no melody whatsoever. Someone, anyone, everyone please bring the melody back.

I realize that I'm only a spectator, and I know it takes a lot of chutzpah to produce a track, as well as put oneself out there and throw down. Don't get me wrong, I have a great admiration for those that do, but I feel as though the Techno inferno of 2006 has cooled down a bit in 2007, for much of the artistry and innovation seems to be on a skewed path. There's still some great stuff out there, it's just not as prevalent as it was 6-8 months ago. Feel free to school me on what I should be listening to. I'd love some recommendations.

Like a Pheonix

2007-07-05T16:43:00.000-07:00

My life is sort of crazy right now. Schools out and pretty much completed, but my job is hectic to say the least (those of you who know me can probably guess why). I'm still alive and loving the sound, just on a very limited schedule this Summer, I'm afraid.

San Francisco's scene has blown up since I've gone into hibernation, and I'm sorry I can't indulge as much as I'd like to, but I'm still going to try my best to support the DJ's and Artists I admire. I'm still around, so stay tuned.

Here's a fresh cut from Fabio Giannelli AKA Oliver Hain's Logical Musik label. Be patient and wait for the break before you knock it.

Mark & Oliver Hain- Laid Back (Logical Musik 2007)

And because I've been on a major Salsoul binge lately, I must include this lovely little treat. I know it doesn't get much more cliché than this, but they really don't make 'em like this anymore. There's a sort of majesty that erupts in Norman Harris' blending of live instrumentals and vocals that are bleeding with lustrous soul. This is the kind of sonic rapture that gives angels wings. I'd even go as far as calling this one of the greatest disco recordings of all time.

First Choice- Dr. Love (Gold Mind 1977)

What Dreams Are Made of

2007-05-25T09:56:00.000-07:00

I desperately need to drag myself out of bed and get a move on, as to be ready to jump on an airplane to the most highly anticipated event of the year.

I'm leaving you here with a track that's very near and dear to my heart. And while it's not a quintessential Detroit selection, or even a Detroit selection at all, it pretty much sums up the joy and anticipation this trip holds for me. Needless to say, I can't wait to return to Hartt Plaza this year. If you see a tall blonde girl with her hands in the air, most likely near the Beatport Stage, there's a good chance it's yours truly. These are the things that dreams are made of.

The Human League- The Things That Dreams Are Made of (A&M 1981)

Renaissance

2007-05-20T17:22:00.000-07:00

School is over (for the most part), and I'm back in business. Last time we spoke, I was giving praise to one of the hottest labels around, and I have no choice, but to continue this praise for last night was all that and then some.

I guess it's sort of pointless and almost rude (if you didn't make it, of course) to post this flyer considering it's the day after the big event, but last night was my official coming out party after two months of obligatory hole-up, and it couldn't have been a better time for reemergence. This was an underground done exactly the way it should be, with all the right people there (the heads), the perfect capacity, a full bar with gingerale, and clean facilities. Big (HUGE!) ups to the residents of the space who allowed for the magic to happen in their abode. Having just released their Dark Star 12", Exercise One leashed out the best live performance of the year so far. I really don't think it could have been better; their execution was solid, their grooves were undeniably danceworthy, and their energy was infectious. Flat out, and absolutely on point with every knob turned and button pushed. Pan Pot followed with a solid set full of gems that were sowing their seeds of bliss upon my virgin ears. The man had tunes that left my jaw gaping and head spinning, and were a solid reminder of why I love music the way I do. Unfortunately, the three hours or so of move-busting after a full day on my feet at work left me entirely spent and I could only make it through about 15 minutes of Jason Shorts set (whom I apparently mistook for GummiHz), and it was very difficult to leave, but I really had no choice. (What can I say? I'm out of practice!) Epic talent, epic night, and the perfect warm up for next weekend's DEMF hijinx. These guys are the real deal, believe the hype.

Rhythim is Rhythim- Nude Photo (Transmat,1987)
So it's on with the Detroit classics in honor of DEMF. I'm posting this not only because of it's definitive Transmat status, but also because my sweetheart and I have been curious as to where the laugh sample in this record originated from. It's been utilized by the likes of Yazoo and a few others, yet where are its roots? I've been meaning to consult the experts over at ILM, but I thought I'd pitch the question here before turning it over to the authorities and give them a chance to exercise their feeling of importance. ;)

With less than a week before DEMF and one final to go, I am on the homestretch and will hopefully be posting more frequently now, and will hopefully squeeze in a few before I depart for the haj.

A Very Dirty(bird) Weekend

2007-04-19T11:04:00.000-07:00

I'm coming out of sweatshop hibernation for Saturday's park festivities made possible by San Francisco's favorite feathered friends; Claude VonStroke's dirtybird label. Granted, Mr. VonStroke will be absent from this event, I still expect a solid selection of beats and bass to bump and grind to from one of the most genuine crews in San Francisco. I haven't been to one of their events in ages, so I'm looking forward to hear what they have in the works for the '07 Summer season. This is quite possibly the best free event our city has to over, so if you're in the area, stop by to get your groove on.

I really miss being able to devote as much time to my musical endeavors and all theyencompass with my ridiculous, hairpulling schedule, but this forced neglect will only last for about 5 more weeks and then I will return to my usual frequency of postings and such. Apologies for the truancy, but I have no choice.

Brett Longman- Raining Room (Clever Music 2007)
Here's a new release from Brett Longman on the Clever Music netlabel. This release is not available on vinyl, so if you like it, be sure to support the cause by downloading it legitimately on Beatport or checking out some of their other releases. I really like this cut a lot, as it reminds me of a good remix of M83 at times and has a nice flow to it.

Gummihz- Twisted (Mobilee 2007)
I had been strongly anticipating the release of the Bar Loca EP, until life got extra busy and it was forgotten, only to be rediscovered a short while ago. I must say, I'm pretty disappointed in the results, but I do like this particular track. I thought perhaps Mobilee might be slipping a bit after last year's paramountcy, but then I heard the latest...

Pan-Pot- What is What (Mobilee 2007)
What is the question? What is the Answer?
The question is whether or not the house of Mobilee would continue to deliver, and at about 3:04, the answer begins to slowly reveal itself, and is an astounding YES by the time one is 6 minutes deep and completely submerged in the realm of minimal dancefloor bliss delivered here. This is exactly what one has come to expect from Mis Schneider's outfit. Bravo!

Detroit-a-thon selection to come later, as I got a jet to class, so I can learn about the international trade of textiles. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

The Second Annual Chantilly Bass Detroit-athon

2007-04-04T23:39:00.000-07:00

Yes yes, I realize I may be jumping the ship a bit early, but I'm a busy bee and with the end of my school semester approaching, I'm afraid I'm not going to be able to devote enough posting to my annual Detroit-athon if I don't start it now with T-minus 1 month and 21 days to go. Posting has been few and far between since the beginning of the year thanks to my crazy-ass school schedule that forces me to devote all my time to making clothes and patterns from scratch in my sweatshop instead of wasting it away on Internet lurking and musical safaris. I haven't been out since the last Kontrol party; with the exception of last weekend's brief cameo at San Francisco's official start of the Summer party season (AKA the first Sunset party of the year). Luckily my Spring break begins this weekend, and I'll be out in full force for Dapayk and Justin Maxwell's live P.A.'s at Kontrol this weekend.

Anthony Shakir- Dub in Fuzztone, Dust Science 2005
I don't believe I got around to covering any of Shake's work last year, and this tune wasn't around digitally at the time. This has a very classic feel to it, yet it was only released in 2005.

E-Dancer- The Human Bond, KMS 1997
This track was the b-Side to the Heavenly 12," a precursor to the Heavenly LP with that amazing Carl Craig remix of "World of Deep" on it. This is a nice little ditty from Mr. Saunderson that starts off with slight puffs of soul and drums that trick you into thinking you're going on a serious vocal housecapade or maybe you're back on the tribal "OMG Kevin what are you doing?" route. Fear not, this is Saunderson at his very best just the way you like him. (Or at least me anyway.)

Hitting the Quarter Mark

2007-03-18T15:33:00.000-07:00

It's really sad that I'm turning 25 tomorrow and haven't done squat in 2 weeks (2 weeks people!) to celebrate or even drink anything, let alone my Birthday because I'm so ridiculously bogged down with everything until DEMF, which will be my relaunch party. (And everyone's invited to, by the way.) I don't have time to get my musical suss on, so I can't provide you with the latest and greatest.

Because it's my birthday already in most of the world, I'm just going to post one of my anthems. Ananda & Eulberg pretty much went ahead and captured a perfect polaroid picture of having one's youth here and now with this record. This is the national anthem for the state of being young,reckless,drunk and dancing your defects away. You have no idea what your getting into until you start to hear the dynamite singeing at around 1:44,and with this this sort of bass explosion you don't even stand a chance. For the next 10 minutes your ears absorb pretty much every good digital synth sound ever made- even if they even may sound a little, em...(cough) trancey(gurgle?). This record is every reason why I love dance music. Play this at my funeral, please.

Gabriel Ananda- Ihre Personliche Glucksmelodie (Dominik Eulberg Remix)

Wikipedia's Gonna Rock You

2007-03-08T23:49:00.000-08:00

I was on the verge of losing consciousness on a typical latenight outing to Wikipedia, where I noticed that today's featured article is none other than the K-L motherfucking F. Wow, I must say I'm...er... impressed(?). Wonder who's responsible for that little curveball. Sorry, no KLF post for commendation; just thought I'd share my amusement and bemusement. Isn't that what the Internet is for?

I rehashed some Strictly Rhythm memories via Beatport and had a serious flashback session yesterday evening. There's a very organic soulful quality about the garage sound of the early to mid '90's that just doesn't come through in the house records of today. It's so difficult to gage the climate right and make it bearable in this territory. A few degrees too hot or cool, and you end up with sticky cheese or frozen deadwood. You just got to risk enough soul to make it work without giving up the farm. Here's where they got it just right. WARNING TECHNOHEADS, THIS IS VOCAL HOUSE! DOWNLOAD AT YOUR OWN RISK. For those of you that appreciate this sort of thing, this will set your speakers on fire; no need for justification whatsoever. It's not the greatest, but it definitely takes you there.

M&S The Girl Next Door- Justify (Strictly Rhythm 1996)
*VOCAL HOUSE ALERT*

Have a swell weekend.

DEMFsahoy!

2007-02-27T17:02:00.000-08:00

OMFG.

A Guy Called Gerald - live
Abe Duque & Blake Baxter - live
Baby Ford & Zip
Booka Shade - live - First time in Detroit
Brian Sanhaji - live
Butane - live
Christian Smith
Claude VonStroke
Damian Lazarus
D. Diggler- live - First time in Detroit
Different World (Claude Young & Takasi Nakajima) -
live
Digitaline - live - First time in Detroit
Gui Borrato - live - First time in Detroit
Guido Schneider - live - First time in Detroit
Hardfloor - live - First time in Detroit
Heidi
Jeff Mills
Kate Simko - live
King Britt
Mirko // Lazy Fat People
Loco Dice
Losoul - live - First time in Detroit
Luciano
Marco Carola
Mathew Jonson - live
Michael Mayer
Mistress Barbara
Model 500 - live featuring Juan Atkins
Monolake - live
Moodymann - live featuring Pitch Black City
Octave One featuring Random Noise Generation - live
Onur Ozer - live - First time in Detroit
Paco Osuna - live - First time in Detroit
Pepo Lanzoni
Pole - live
Rhythm & Sound - 6 hour dj/live with vocalists
Richie Hawtin
Robert Rich - live
Sassmouth
Scan 7 - live
Steve Bug
Anthony Shake Shakir
Stacey Pullen
Vladislav Delay - live
+more TBA

CANNOT WAIT.

Forced Hibernation

2007-02-26T20:25:00.000-08:00

Yes, that's right the Queen of Carousal^TM is on hiatus due to the promise of graduating from Uni in 3 months if I can actually get all my work for the semester completed. You will still see me out and about and on here from time to time, but I'll be operating in safemode until May when I am finished and ready to get my DEMF on. Believe me, it cannot come soon enough as, life is one endless sewing project until then and the preliminary lineup propaganda I've read has made me drool with delight.

Namito- Joujou (Martin Landsky Remix) Kling Klong Records
This is rather dated, but I'm just now getting into it. Better late than never. For something new, I bring you this:

Klaus Schneider- Nothing is Real (Martin Buttrich Remix) dimmer Records

He's at it again. Will the Buttrich powerhouse continue deep into 2007? Let's hope so.

I shall be out and about this weekend, as what just may be the greatest [KONTROL] ever will take place chez Endup. Alex Under and Sammy Dee are this month's guests and I am fired up like a furnace in February for this one. We're gonna get semi-Perlonized in San Francisco. It's about time! Bring it!

Taylor Made Beats

2007-02-13T17:19:00.000-08:00

If you find yourself in Hermitville, USA on Valentines Day, loathing life and waiting for "lovers only" day to be over and done with for the year, don't fret, for you will be rewarded for your misery 24 hours later when Mr. Dave Taylor (AKA Switch, AKA Solid Groove, AKA "Incredible Bongo Band Gone Incredibly Right") comes to town to take you and your booty to levels of ass-shakedom you never thought existed. Unless you've been tied up in someone's basement for the past two years, you've surely found yourself trapped in this man's groove quicksand at some point. The "solid" in Solid Groove doesn't do his grooves nearly enough justice, and Narcotic Groove would probably be a much better title for a sound with a bass so addictive it should be illegal. My very first posting on Chantilly Bass in January of 2006 featured the Solid Groove mix of Only Freak's remake of Carol William's "Can't Get Away From Your Love." To celebrate the coming of Mr. Taylor and my first anniversary on the Interweb, (which I didn't even realize passed until making the connection between the track and when I posted it), here it is once more. Come dance off your post-Valentines Day angst and/or love fever with me. Oh, and I should probably mention that Mr. VonStroke is playing as well. International success has made him a delicacy around these parts, so we should be so lucky that he is around to bless our feet with his beats.

Only Freak- "Can't Get Away From Your Love" Solid Groove Mix, Free Range Records

And for the 'heads (Don't think I'd leave you hanging with old material two posts in a row!), here are some relatively current treats that have been making yours truly do some deskchair dancing:
Rejected- "Cliché," Rejected Records
Deadmau5- "Tau v1," Play Digital Records
A happy Valentines Day to all, with special kudos and kisses to Mr. Teddy Slaw.

It's Time Once More!

2007-02-02T11:37:00.000-08:00

Good thing there's a Kontrol party this weekend, as it's been ages since I've had a proper night out in this town. This will be the 20th installment of the Kontrol series. Can you believe it? Looking forward to hearing Mr. Plaslaiko lay down some treats because it's been rather dull around here these past few weeks. Is everyone hibernating instead of playing out and/or releasing (*quality*) material? I feel like we're in some kind of Winter slump here with the cold weather and all.

Mark Romboy- Who Got Da Beat (Matthias Tanzmann remix)

I realize this track isn't the latest and greatest in releases today, but frankly I haven't been too impressed by anything of late. Who can resist the Danceman himself? (Tanz=Dance in German) You would think that this was a camp little alias alluding to the man's artistry, but according to Discogs, this is his real name. Can someone vouch for this? I don't believe it, even though it's absolutely fitting. His remixes of Terry Lee Brown's "Our Rhythm" and Marlow and Delhia's "Movin'" should have been on my year end list, but I somehow managed to forget about these gems whilst making it and checking it much more than twice. Mr. Moon Harbour's excellency cannot be denied, even if his title his innate or self fabricated.

You Wern Something New Every Day

2007-01-20T00:07:00.000-08:00

Audio Werner- Flatfunk
Simply and juvenilely put, Audio Werner is just rad. I don't think he's ever done anything I don't care for- definitely one of my favorite producers out there right now. Here's hoping he dishes out the treats in '07, including a Kontrol performance that rivals the absolute bliss I experienced at The DEMF last year. This record starts off a bit more mellow than the rapturuous movement catalysts "Onandon" and "Just Wanna Get Down," but the signature A.W. hollow groove still does the trick in a much more subdued fashion. This sound makes me want to grab some rubber xylophone mallets and play along to the melody while dancing on a bar, using the bottles as my percussives. The baraphone perhaps? Can you dig it? Brings a whole new meaning to that Kerri Chandler record.

In other news, I am absolultely adoring the Martin Buttrich remix of Tracey Thorn's It's All True. Take my favorite record of last year, lush it up a bit, add vocals from one of the best vocalists of all time, and you get one smitten Chantilly Bass. I'd gladly post it, but I don't like posting unreleased material on here out of respect for the artists. Go find it and cherish it. Sometimes records just come along that go together ever so swimmingly with your life's circumstances, making them even more perfect than they already are. The last two months have left me jawdroppingly floored, and I couldn't be happier, though I become even more so on a daily basis.
...the music in my ears and everything...

Stacey Pullen is playing tonight at The Shadow Lounge.
Kind of uninspired due to the venue and the cold weather, but we shall see.

Chez 3 Day Weekend

2007-01-12T09:03:00.000-08:00

Kriss- A Gift For You (Luca Bacchetti remix)

There are some good parties this weekend worth checking out in San Francisco, including an appearence by the legendary Chez Damier. Word.

Oh and Stacey Pullen is coming next weekend too. Yay.

Party of the year?

2007-01-05T12:14:00.000-08:00

If you're anywhere NEAR the San Francisco Bay area tomorrow night you'd be an absolute dolt to miss this one:

And it's NOT Matthew Dear the ZZzzzzz fest as we know him, it's an AUDION LIVE PA!!!!

I cannot wait.

Here's my tune of the week:

Matt O'Brien- Serotone (Radio Slave's Panorama Garage Remix)
So evil,
so delightful...

EDIT: I almost forgot! This goes down tonight. Good Old Fashioned dirtybird fun that hasn't gone down around here in a long time. All the boys are home for once!

Weekend warrior mode in full effect!

Suspect Identified

2006-12-27T11:08:00.001-08:00

I have been looking for this track for at least a good month now. Blew my mind when Mr. Damian Lazarus played it at least a good 3 times when he was here for that epic weekend back in early November. After sending out e-mails to cohorts, pestering some locals, and eventually giving up, it's found its way onto my hard drive like magic. ("Guys it sounds like Yello!") And yes, a total doozy when a good soundsystem is involved.

Wighnomy Brothers-Hankkofloppe

Making a list and checking it twice

2006-12-23T21:50:00.000-08:00

Here it is, my 2006 rundown in all its glory:

Gold
1. Martin Buttrich- Full Clip
2. John Tejada- The End of It All
3. Gabriel Ananda & Cio D'or- Lauschgodengel
4. Salif Keita- Yamore (Luciano remix)
5. Lindstrom- Another Station (Todd Terje remix)
6. Audio Werner- Onandon
7. Dave DK, Holger Zilske- Midi Shower
8. Stefan Goldmann & Ame- Sleepy Hollow (Ame version)
9. Delia Gonzales & Gavin Russom- Relevée (Carl Craig remix)*
9. " " (DFA remix)*

*Dude, I couldn't decide! Apples & oranges!

Silver
11. Gabriel Ananda- Ihre Personliche Glucksmelodie (Dominik Eulberg mix)*
12. Daze Maxim- Simply Driving Gold
13. Alex Under- Untitled (7:38)
14. Lo Fi Fink- Wake Up (Justus Kohncke Remix)
15. Cobblestone Jazz- Dumptruck
16. Melchior Productions- Different Places
17. Audio Werner- Trust
18. DJ Fame- Name it X
19. Audion- Mouth to Mouth
20. Antena- Camino del Sol (Joakim mix)
*Would easily be my jam of the year if it wasn't a remix that bears resemblance to last year's original. Mr. Eulberg has made it so one turns into an out of control aerosol can, bouncing off the walls uncontrollably. Fucking stellar, number 1 jam. This is what trance would sound like if it was actually good.

Bronze
21. Pantha du Prince- Lichten
22. Hot Chip- Boy From School (Erol Alkan's extended rework)
23. Heartthrob- Baby Kate
24. Minilogue- The Girl From Bottany Bay
25. Ricardo Villalobos- Fizheuer Zieheuer
26. The Knife- Silent Shout
27. Donnacha Costello- 6.6
28. Luke Solomon- Ghouls (Claude VonStroke's Beats from the Grave mix)
29. Metope- Kobox (Ada remix)
30. Guy Gerber- Seagull

Honorable Mention
Peace Division- Blacklight Sleeze (Radio Slave mix)
Claude VonStroke- The Whistler (I heard it first when he played NYE '05!)
Joe Mull- Stepping
Joakim- I Wish You Were Gone
Hansepfred- BizmarkE
Sebo K- Horizons (Exercise One's Sleepless in San Juan mix)
GummiHZ- Isolate
Adam Proll- Hummel
Metrika- Time (Dirtcrew mix)
Dominik Eulberg- Bionik (Guy Gerber Red LIght remix)
Depeche Mode- The Sinner in Me (Virarobos' Conclave remix)
Alexi Delano & Xpansul- Echolocation
Patrick Chardonnet- Ledge
Ada- Call the Tune

Best nights out of the year (San Franciscocentric)
1. Jeff Mills@ Mighty
2. Alex Smoke@ Rx Gallery [KONTROL]
3. Alexander Robotnik@ Rx Gallery
4. [a]ppendics Shuffle@ The Endup [KONTROL]
5. Modeselektor@ [KONTROL] Underground (White T's and Stunna Shades pour vida!)
6. Jesse Rose+ Claude VonStroke+ Martin Bros@ dirtybird in Golden Gate Park
7. Mambatour (Pier Bucci & Argenis Brito)@ Rx Gallery (The closest thing San Francisco will ever get to Chilean dancefloor fevah until Luciano plays [KONTROL] or W's reign of antiterror ends and thus Virarobos ends his embargo.)
8. dirtybird (Claude VonStroke & Justin Martin) invades Stompy @ Cocomo
9. John Tejada@ The Endup
10. Damian Lazarus@ The Endup

Random (Again, very San Franciscocentric for the most part.)

Most special discovery of the year: DJ Bus Station John's Tubesteak Connection & Duble Dutch Disco nights. This is where I'll be on NYE if I actually end up going out.

Most fufillingly proud night of the year/best dream come true: Kontrol's successful move to The Endup

Best at home DJ set: [KONTROL] s Craig Kuna in his very ownliving roomm, post Jeff Mills

Biggest disappointment: Luomo's Paper Tigers LP

Worst venue that also needs to stop booking good talent: Supperclub

Best local DJ promo mix: Nikola Baytala- Live @ The Endup, Justin Martin- Take Me Out (tie)

Best promo mix from afar: Jenna Paradies- Latest Bits (Download this piece of goodness here.)

Drunkest night of the year: Booka Shade & M.A.N.D.Y. @ Mighty, a highly anticipated event that I am ashamed to admit I have no recollection of whatsoever- except my final memory of the evening: one of the above wearing Madonna like headsets. WTF???

Biggest luminary crush since he lost weight and got a haircut: Mathew Jonson

Most deserved rise to international superstardom: Claude VonStroke

Best surprise set: Derrick Carter@ Pink post Halloween Boat Party

Where the Hell Was I award: The Knife@ Mezzanine (2 hours too late made for a very disappointed C. Bass)

Top of the wishlist of acts to bring to San Francisco in '07: AUDIO WERNER LIVE! AGAIN! (An hour and a half at DEMF wasn't nearly enough.)

THE END

Wishing everyone worldwide a terrific holidays.
May your days be merry, bright and filled with infectious grooves, hefty bass and upstanding beats.

'Tis the Season...

2006-12-21T07:37:00.000-08:00

Technasia- Evergreen (John Tejada remix)
I posted the ever classic "Force" a week or two ago, and this is in the same vein with the magic touch of Mr. Tejada. The man seriously can do no wrong. A bit faster BPM than what we usually hear from him, but the same ace quality. Also check out his remix of James Figurine's "Appologies." I'm not usually in to Seasame Street-tronica, but it's pretty darned cute.

I'd like to give a speacial shout out to the boys at OH MY GOSH for staying afloat after being threatened by legal action from a major label. I was heartbroken upon hearing that they may close shop a couple days ago, as they are one of my favorite blogs and one of the main inspirations for starting my own. I wish them the best of luck the thrid time around. Thanks for all the great music guys. Chantilly Bass loves you.

Happy Holidays!

Vox Monday

2006-12-18T08:15:00.000-08:00

Monday.
Work.
Ugh.

Phonique- For the Time Being (feat. Erlend Oye)
This just came up on eyeT*nes as one of the first tracks of the morning. It's a nice little rehash to make getting out of bed and going to work a little bit more managable. Phoniques lucious melodies + Erlend's haunting vocals make for a perfect record. I'm over here...

Levon Vincent- The Thrill of Acid (feat. Jessica Elle)
A nice dose of acid pop for your morning pleasure. Obviously, I'm a big fan of this sound, so this is one hits the spot quite nicely, and at a faster tempo, it can be a viable form of dancefloor fodder. The vocal stylings of Jessica Elle work great with this noise. If I were her, I'd record an entire album with this track as my benchmark. Good stuff.

Weekday Woes

2006-12-15T00:27:00.000-08:00

Quelle semaine! It's been like a seven day episode of the twighlight zone in my world, having not gone out properly Friday or Saturday evening and pulling 3 all nighters (2 of them consecutive) in order to save my ass from having to stay another semester. The Queen of Carousal has paid her dues in full this week; big time. There was a vandalized vehicle, a lost phone, and about 12 hours of fun filled, action packed sweatshop-style sewing involved. I need a good Sunday afternoon at The Endup to clear my head and get myself straight. Too much real world for me, thanks.

Plasmik- Eight to Nine (Anja Schneider mix)
A lovely little remix done by the princess of Mobilee herself, Miss Anja Schneider. Lucky Plasmik. And how hot has Mobilee been in '06? Consistent hotness to the max. Can't wait to see what becomes of this camp in '07.

My Robot Friend- Swallow (Derrick Carter We An Army Dub)
If you and House have been seeking marital counseling lately, this track will definitely bring back that spark. This is why you fell in love with her in the first place. I first heard this back in October when Mr. Carter played the best house set I've heard all year post-Sunset Halloween Boatparty. Between a costume cruise, loads of intoxicating elements, and one of the greatest and most efficient public transportation experiences ever, this panned out to be one of the best nights of the entire year for me, and I'm sure there are others who would agree. I still can only name like 2.75 records the man played, and he rocked the party with at least a 6.0 on the richter scale. I'm pretty sure that this was included, as recollection bells are ringing away.

TGI motherfucking F

Back 2 Life...

2006-12-12T04:35:00.000-08:00

Soul II Soul- Back to Life (However Do You Want Me?)

I just finished 20 hours or so of work for a school project, and I'm so elated that I can't even sleep for the 2 hours I have before I have to wake up and go to class. This just came up on my iT*n*s and it's ever so apropos. I used to tap dance to this back in the day, and it has its own special place in my musical legacy. Definitely one of the best of the late 80's/early 90's top 40. Is anyone in the Bay Area hiring tap instructors? I'm so ready!

Use the force!

2006-12-10T12:36:00.000-08:00

Technasia- Force (voxless version)

A classic for Sunday. ♥

Orange is the new black

2006-12-07T14:50:00.000-08:00

Orange Bud- Deep Inside
As if we needed another Techhouse record with that title.
Rather basic, but gets the job done. Is it just me, or have the last couple weeks been kind of dry releasewise?

New posts will be at a minimum for the next week, for
I'm bogged down thanks to the approach of the end of my second to final semester at uni.

Metope is playing this Saturday night in San Francisco at Rx Gallery for Diskotronik. I know it's Rx, but show some love.

See what I mean?

2006-12-05T01:13:00.000-08:00

God bless YouTube.
Jeff Mills, the master at work:

Movin' on (End)up!

2006-12-01T11:28:00.000-08:00

Before I get to the music, I have a very important announcement for San Francisco: Tomorrow night will be monumental for our fair city, as [KONTROL] is moving to the internationally notorious Endup. A chance meeting of one of my favorite parties and my favorite venue is some seriously good fortune. Hopefully I'll make it out of there in one piece and in less than 14 hours. For its maiden voyage, we have The Kooky Scientist and the return of [a]pendics. shuffle. Come out and support your local Techno community! You saw what we were capable of last week with the ultimate turnout and amazing vibe at Might for His Holiness, let's turn that kind of magic into a regular occurrence.

Pantha du Prince- Lichten
Kind of late on this one, as it was released a few months back. This sucker had me at first listen with its insanely addictive repetition and its clever use of wind chimes. Great stuff from the other "prince of techno." I'd like to see this talent as a guest at Kontrol in '07.

Repeat Repeat- Flipflop
This is the second cousin to DK & Zilske's "Midi Shower," which is certainly in my top 5 of the entire year. Same undertones, but the storm has progressed into rain, as you can now hear the drops as they hit the dancefloor. An umbrella will definitely be necessary if taking it up to 11.

Happy Friday! Stay out of trouble!

Water Under the Bridge

2006-11-28T17:14:00.000-08:00

Octave One- Blackwater (String Instrumental Mix)

Lovely
Lovely
Lovely

Memories
Memories
Memories

How could I ever post "Knights of the Jaguar" without rounding up this beauty?
Never.

Last night a DJ changed my life

2006-11-27T01:29:00.000-08:00

Words are all too trite for what I experienced last night when Mr. Jeff Mills blessed my soul with his godly sonic forces. I have done my fair share of partying, but have never experienced anything so absolutely divine in all of my 24 years. With 3 decks, 2 CD-J's and a 909, Mr. Mills created this amazing creature that was both angelically pure and sinister as hell, that tore apart my entire being and made me feel what it's like to be alive from the inside out. You just know that "it's" coming, like a freight train, a wild beast out of it's cage, and it hits you with the force of an anvil dropped from the 21st floor, but it doesn't stop, it won't stop, but you like it...you love it. It's the most magical and spiritually enlightening collision that one can ever experience. That's all I can say. One of the greatest nights of my life, no doubt. Mountains were being moved, stars were shooting, and buildings were being imploded, all by one man and his 909. I will never be the same again.

Aztec Mystic- Knights of the Jaguar (Jeff Mills mix)

Attention kids on the other side of the pond: this amazing individual will be touring your side of the great Atlantic next month. You need to catch this enigma in action while you can. Pawn your mothers jewels, beg, steal, or borrow, there is no other option. Tour dates here.

Happy Beaverkey Day!

2006-11-23T10:34:00.000-08:00

Not so much going on around here in the Chantilly Bassment except music acquisition and the occasional drunk dialing of a family member. I need to prepare myself for Saturday night when The Wizard himself, Mr. Jeff Mills, touches down in San Francisco. While the fact that he's playing at a substandard venue with even suberstandard sound makes me nervous, I am still very excited about this prospect. JEFF MILLS! JEFF MILLS! JEFF MILLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That's all.

Here's a Thanksgiving cornucopia of delicious techno for you to feast upon. Everything else might be closed, but I'm not.

Christian Smith and John Selway- Silver Bullet

Sebo K- Horizons (Exercise One's Sleepless in San Juan mix)

Daze Maxim-Simply Driving Gold

Go support artists and buy music this holiday season. Word.

Club Satan

2006-11-22T04:52:00.000-08:00

Here is your morning dose of Heartthrob:

Ambivalent-Boîte Diabolique (Heartthrob Mix)

The man is on fire!

Showers Likely

2006-11-21T00:19:00.000-08:00

The first time I ever heard this record played was last October at one of my favorite parties of the year, the ever notorious superior Sunday, when John Tejada threw it down for a very, very, pie eyed Chantilly Bass who was in her own orbit at that point. I had completely forgotten about its glory until a week later when Jason Kendig played it in a sideroom, and I had a dancetastic flashback. So later that weekend, I go looking for it, thinking it was probably a Tejada record as my first guess...WRONG. I spent a good 4 hours or so on Beatport etc, sampling and sampling, hoping that I'd eventually run across it. I found an arsenal of terrific tracks in the process, so it wasn't all in vain. Still, I really hoped to find it, though eventually I called of the search until it made it's way back to my ears. (If you love a record, set it free...) Mr. Damian Lazarus played it for me at one of his three San Francisco appearances two weeks ago, and tried to remember to inquire about it later, but NO LUCK, I was beyond capable of inquiry by the end of that 24 hour escapade. So I just now found it...On Beatport...A month and a half later. Loser. That was some serious lag time, LAME. Oh well, here you have it now:

Dave DK, Holger Zilske- Midi Shower

May not sound like much in your earbuds, but on a good soundsystem this KILLS. Beware.

Herbert- Thinking of You
I hope your hungry for deep house classics. Herbert's premier record 100lbs was rereleased a couple weeks ago for its 10 year anniversary with some bonus stuff. Go buy it if you don't have it already. You need it, even if just for shagging and whatnot. Rawr.

DJ Fame- Name it X
If you're tired of being stationary, throw this one on and you'll have instant uncontrollable dance fever once that little vocal kicks in with the delay and all. I love this. Loads. The other two tracks on the 12" aint so bad either, 'cept I'm not sure how I feel about the whole reworking of "When I hear music it makes me dance" bit. No shit, Sherlock. May as well be "When I drink vodka it makes me drunk," right?

Totally Booted

2006-11-19T11:41:00.000-08:00

Sorry about ZShare giving my files the boot. I guess they were on to my illicit activities. Here's an excellent Carl Craig remix to tide you over until I can actually do a proper posting with substance. It's from 1993, so it may sound a little passé for all you modern nerds, but I sure like it. This is the epitome of a dance record. Happy Sunday! Off to The Endup!

R-Tyme- Use Me (Carl Craig's Piano Mix)

Where your bunka at?

2006-11-13T22:07:00.000-08:00

Dear Mode Monkeys,
I would like to appologize for all the smack I talked about your performance here in San Francisco last May. I was in a crap mood, and the purest whore in me was in the market for a more traditional type of techno sound than what you delivered. Alas, I ended up completely knocking your sound without actually giving it a real chance, and I was wrong...very wrong. You guys unleashed a lion at last weekend's "WHITE T'S AND STUNNA SHADES" event that will go down in history as one of the best (if not the best) Underground Parties I've ever been to in this town. Thank you for turning me a darker shade of dumb. I believe the hype (or maybe I should say "hyphy"), because it's real.

Sincerely and remorsefully yours,

Chantilly Bass

Here's probably one of the dumbest tracks I've ever heard, but I can't help but love it. Nazi raves and such...

Hansepferd-BismarkE

Oh, and this Alex Under remix is hot too! Sauciest title of the year? Perhaps.
Molder- Tongue in the Hole (Alex Under remix)
This almost sounds more Audio Wernery than Alex Undery. Don't you think so? Which is, surely, not a bad thing.

Big Love

2006-11-10T00:13:00.000-08:00

I have a horrendous amount of projects to do for school, and if I blow it, I'm pretty much going to either get thrown out or resign (AKA dropout). I have one semester left, so that probably wouldn't be so wise. Just so my shit doesn't get stale here in Interwebland, here's a tidbit from the new Jeff Samuel LP on Trapez. It's purdy, and makes it easier for me to sweatshop away to get this stuff done.

Jeff Samuel- The Cave

EDIT!

REWIND!

So after 5 minutes or so of posting this bit, I'm cruising through the aisles at Beatport and I notice that Pete Heller has a new release, and his older releases are catalogued on Beatport as well. Pete Heller you say? HOLY TEENAGE FLASHBACK BATMAN! Once upon a time, a little Chantilly Bass went to visit a friend of hers in sunny Brighton, where she was exposed to the marvels of the 1999 discohouse craze via her friend sneaking her into gay clubs and such, and getting her trashed on pints of cider. (Oh, bless.) Jon M, wherever you are, I love you for that. Yes, I dug this sound. Yes, I still do. Yes, I'm listening to The Dronez mix of "Big Love" right now, and getting goose bumps at the break. Perhaps I'm not as big of a purest as you thought I was.

Pete Heller- Big Love (Dronze Mix)

Screw movie love. Discohouse love is way more rapturous. I'd take discohouse love over movie love any day.

And my navigational skills later led me to find that the entire Subliminal Records catalogue is on Beatport, which leads me to another treasure from the '99 bin:

Harry Choo Choo Romero- Just Can't Get Enough (Live Element mix)

I had searched all corners of the world wide web for years for this, but gave up thinking it was out of reach, yet here it is at long last! Months ago, when I wrote about the beginning of the Cliviles' remix of Lisa Lisa's "Let the Beat Hit 'Em" I mentioned how the little keys at the beginning were like the lullaby of my entire musical experience. These vocals pretty much evoke the same emotion, and do a fine job of conveying how I feel about all this. ♥

Alas, seriously- you have no idea. I am jumping for joy, having found properly digitized copies of these puppies. I have them both on CD's that look and sound like they've been used as knife sharpeners. You can hate all you want. (Lord knows I do on many an occasion.) These records are pure magic and were an essential part of my musical coming of age.

Bon weekend! Back to playing sweatshop.

Scandanavian Splendor

2006-11-02T16:11:00.000-08:00

I'm very pleased with the Swedes right now. For one, I just ordered two amazing pairs of glasses from my notorious neighborhood eyewear designer Bjorn Thuvesson. Please check out the bjorn* website if your in the market for some dazzling new specs. I was just given the go-ahead to wear contacts by my optician for the first time in my life, but I'm WAY more excited about these frames. The website doesn't really do the goods justice, if you're in San Francisco, you must come check out his work for yourself.

The other Swede in question would be Mr. Joel Mullen, whose new release on Harthouse is rocking my socks as I type this. With tracks like this, it's easy to forget about the cats and dogs that are falling from the sky outside my window.

Joel Mull
-Stepping

Spooks in Space

2006-10-30T15:19:00.000-08:00

I just had a pretty awesome 20 or so hours. The Halloween boat party was probably the most fun I've had all year, followed by Derrick Carter's surpise set at Pink that was off the charts and reminded me that I really do still like house music. A lot.

Here is the official Halloween anthem of 2006. Thank you Barclay!
Luke Solomon-Ghouls (Claude Von Stroke's Beats From the Grave mix)