In The Pocket

30 August 2011

Top 5 Tunes for August 2011

The good folks at SouNZgood.co.nz invited me to select my Top 5 Tunes of the Moment, for a weekly feature they run on their website. I never pass up an opportunity to press my musical preferences upon people, so thought even though you can link to the article here (for a short time, at least), I thought I'd share those tunes with you on this blog as well. So, here goes, in no particular order...

The Drop Out City Rockers
'Man On The Run'
Variously known as The Drop Out City Rockers, Drop Out Orchestra and other such pseudonyms, this Swedish outfit have been releasing modern disco gold for a minute now. 'Man On The Run' has all the ingredients required to make you wanna shake your tailfeather: lush soulful vocals, a clever arrangement and a bassline that goes for days.
Also check: 'Cool To Make A Million' featuring vocals from the legendary Leroy Hutson. The Man.

Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
'The Message' (Roots Manuva remix)
A stone cold classic track given one of the more respectful re-touches in recent memory by a man more renowned for his emceeing abilities than production/remix skills - Roots Manuva. He strips the instrumental back considerably, somehow giving Melle Mel's delivery even more swagger and punch (though I'm unsure how anyone could swagger more than he does here). Add some muted trumpet stabs, a bubbling organ riff and flip the script on the spoken word finale and you've got a tasty wee re-rub on your hands.
Also check: the brand new Roots Manuva single 'Get The Get', from his forthcoming album.

Rayko
'S&M (Sexy Music)'
Spanish producer and DJ Rayko gives a classic club track from 1983 a serious re-work for the discerning 2011 dancefloor. Originally recorded by legendary US producer George Kerr (The O'Jays, The Skull Snaps) and Reggie Griffen (who played keyboards on Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five's 'The Message' LP, among many others) with singer De De, this track has been sampled to death - but Rayko gives it that "slow disco" sound I'm loving at the moment.
Also check: the original.

Jayl Funk
'Piece Of Mine'
Another edit? Yep, another edit - and it's another scorcher. German producer Jayl Funk grabs the good reverend Al Green by the scruff of his collar, beefing up his track 'All Because' (from the album 'Al Green Gets Next To You') with a slight lift in tempo and a serious amount of bottom end. Apparently the secular Mr Green fancied a serious amount of bottom end too.
Also check: the original, of course...

Zapp
'It Doesn't Really Matter'
The opening track from Zapp's 1985 album 'The New Zapp IV U' is a gleaming example of how brilliant R&B used to be: fat squelchy keys, inspirational lyrics and the best use of a "talk-box" ever. Zapp's frontman Roger Troutman (RIP) pioneered the use of a primitive instrument which gave the users voice a distinctive synthesized sound - like T-Pain only way, waaay, waaaaay cooler. If you're wondering what I'm on about - Roger Troutman's the guy who sang the chorus on 2Pac's massive hit 'California Love'.
Also check: the song Dr Dre sampled for California Love... yep, Joe Cocker.

I hope you enjoy the tunes!

Review: Bohemian Thought 'Magnificent Dyslexic'

BOHEMIAN THOUGHT
Magnificent Dyslexic
[Dharma Records]

Anyone who describes themselves as a "poetic philosopher" makes me a little nervous. Mind you, anyone who uses "Bohemian Thought" as an artist name probably doesn't care a whole lot if he makes me nervous. Conquering nervousness is undoubtedly one of the first steps towards existing on a higher plane of being. Or something. Anyway, it turns out my nervousness is unfounded. Magnificent Dyslexic, the debut album from London-raised, Wellington-based singer and spoken word performer, Bohemian Thought, is a hugely enjoyable record. BT endeavours to channel Gil Scott-Heron and The Last Poets with deep, considered lyrical content - which is in itself a refreshing change for a local record. Seriously funky musical backing ranging from understated beatnik styles through bubbling afrobeat, future funk and soulful reggae comes courtesy of guests Mara TK and Myele Manzanza (Electric Wire Hustle), Lewis McCallum, Isaac Aesili and many others - including producer Brofessional. An accomplished debut.

3 and 1/2 stars from 5

28 August 2011

George FM Playlist Sun 28 Aug "In The Pocket"

Mr Scruff | Get A Move On
David Bowie | Let's Dance (Jean Claude Gavri re-rub)
Renegades Of Jazz | Moo Juice (Benji Boko & BOYCOM remix vocal)
Seductive Souls with Donald McCullum | Disco Jazz (Patchworks remix)
The Drop Out Orchestra | All The Time We Need
Ray Parker Jnr | For Those Who Like To Groove
Sgt. Slick | White Treble, Black Bass
Greg Wilson | C'mon (You Can Get It)
Mo' Horizons | Ah Mi Morena (Chocolate restyle)
Salmonella Dub | Platetechtonics (Fartyboom) (Groove Corp remix)
Recloose | Electric Sunshine
7 Samurai with Desmond Foster | The Moment Is Gone (Zilverzurf remix)
Massimiliano Pagliara with Sigrid Elliott | Gonna Get Your Love, Gonna Find You
Holy Ghost! | Hold On (Black Joy version)
Joseph Malik | Take It All In, Check It All Out
Sanchez Last Stand | Done With You
Funkommunity | Pass It On

27 August 2011

Radio Ponsonby Playlist Fri 26 Aug "Expansions"

25 August 2011

Interview: Mu from Fat Freddy's Drop

CHURCH IS IN SESSION

It seems appropriate Fat Freddy's Drop will be performing at an iconic Auckland venue most recently used as an evangelical church.

Auckland's oldest surviving theatre, The Mercury, hasn't been home to a musical show since 1992, which was a large part of the attraction for the band when they began planning to play a few local gigs before heading to Europe for the seventh visit in as many years.

"We wanted to keep things fresh for us and our audience," says Mu, when discussing why they'd chosen The Mercury Theatre and Wellington's Front Room for these shows, rather than ramming a few thousand punters into bigger venues and banking some serious spending money. "The summer tours have been pitched at the younger end of our audience, so we thought this was a good way to appeal to the older demographic. It'll be much more intimate, classier, more comfortable, and you get the same Freddy's show with a mix of new and older material."

Did you say new material?! "Some new material and two older songs - 'Black Bird' and 'Afreak' - which we've just tracked and we're really happy with." So, new material, for a new album? "Yeah, there's new material and older stuff that's never been recorded being reworked. We're sifting through those to pick out ideas strong enough to make good songs."

While I pause to take in the good news, it seems Mu's just warming up. "We've found a great space, one of those classic old Welli warehouse spaces we all grew up in, going to awesome parties. We keep the PA set up there and just walk in and jam, so we've been writing some new material and jamming it loud to replicate a gig environment."

Anyone familiar with the Freddy's back story will know this is a huge departure from their set up at The Beach, Mu's home studio at Lyall Bay where they recorded both their albums, but Mu is resoundingly postive about the change. "It has injected new life and new energy into the band. It's cool to have our own space and it's exciting to go and jam there."

He laughs when I ask if he ever really thought Freddy's would make it to three albums. "It's been amazing to be involved. The personnel within the band is the main thing: whenever we hook up to tour, to record, to write new songs, it's still a lot of fun. We just love making music together."

I put it to Mu that, besides loving making music together, it must also be incredibly gratifying for the band to return to Europe year after year to bigger crowds and better venues - having made a conscious decision to do it all independently. "Definitely, very much so. It's been a lot of hard work, but being independent has been the right decision for us. I think it still is. In Europe there are different tiers of the industry, and when you operate at the level we're at, you can get over there, put on good shows and make enough money to bring some home."

This tour sees Freddy's in Norway for the first time, alongside their own dates in Poland and Belgium (where they'd previously only played festivals), plus Germany, France and the UK. "Berlin will be big. Brixton will be big," understates Mu (they're headlining Brixton Academy, expecting just shy of 5000 people). "We get well looked after in those places now."

He laughs again: "Though it's always about finding new ways to keep it fresh, there's still that spark when we get together, and it's still really enjoyable."

Hallelujah.

This interview was originally published in Groove Guide issue #368, 4-10 May 2011.

21 August 2011

George FM Playlist Sun 21 Aug 'In The Pocket'

19 August 2011

Radio Ponsonby Playlist Fri 19 Aug 'Expansions'

George FM Playlist Fri 19 Aug 'Key To The Groove'

Herbie Hancock | Magic Number (Disco mix)

Leonard Seeley's Heritage | Feel It (BT Magnum edit)

David Joseph | You Can't Hide Your Love Away (Larry Levan remix)

Don Ray | Standing In The Rain

Manujothi | Shake Your Body

The Jimmy Castor Bunch | E-Man Boogie

Sharon Redd | Never Give You Up

Oliver Cheatham | Get Down Saturday Night

Sgt. Slick | White Treble, Black Bass

Azoto | San Salvador

Candido | Thousand Finger Man

Class Action | Weekend (Larry Levan remix)

Eddie Henderson | Say You Will

Stephanie Mills | Put Your Body In It

Ramsey Lewis | Spring High

17 August 2011

Longroom Birthday Party

I'm looking forward to having a jam with the uber-talented Lewis McCallum (sax/flute) and Esther Stephens (vocals) this Friday night, as we kick off celebrations for Longroom's second birthday party. With Scotty Mayes and the Sweet Mix Kids taking over 'til the wee hours, Friday night promises to be a monster which will appeal to anyone up for a decent boogie. Come n' get amongst!

Review: The Sami Sisters 'Happy Heartbreak!'

THE SAMI SISTERS
Happy Heartbreak!
[Parrot Diva Grump Records]

When did "fun" become a dirty word in music? Not the laughing-at-someone-else kind of "fun" which gets passed off as humour; but proper "fun"? Mind you, the subject matter of Happy Heartbreak!, the independently released debut album from The Sami Sisters, doesn't sound like much fun, with all eleven songs dealing with breaking up in one way or another. What does make this album fun - and lifts it from being kinda average to very nearly fantastic - is the vocal interplay between the three sisters. Individually their voices are good without being exceptional, but when they sing together magic is made, particularly as their gorgeous close sibling harmonies are matched with intricate, yet light-as-a-feather arrangements. With masterful production from Ed Cake and Jeremy Toy, the girls glide through retro-pop, country-folk, Motown and classic '50s/'60s girl group influences, all with an irrepressible sense of self. An unashamedly pop album, and yes, "fun".

4 stars from 5

15 August 2011

Radio Ponsonby Playlist: Mon 15 Aug 'The Long Black'

Review: Cat's Eyes 'Cat's Eyes'

CAT'S EYES
Cat's Eyes
[Co-Op]

Cat's Eyes is an odd collaboration between Faris Badwan, frontman for feted British indie-rockers The Horrors; and Canadian opera singer and multi-instrumentalist Rachel Zeffira. The unlikely pair bonded over a shared love of 1960s girl-group pop, deciding to use that unifying passion as a basis for writing the songs which appear on this, their self-titled debut album. Produced by Steve Osborne (New Order), Cat's Eyes stretch the boundaries of the genre almost beyond recognition with a heavily classical, Gothic bombast filtered through a myriad of machines - reinterpreting the sound of Phil Spector's female charges of the '60s for the post-dubstep generation. Imagine Massive Attack fronted by The Ronettes. Or, try imagining a porno starring Kate Bush, Nick Cave and Prefuse 73, directed by Vangelis' evil twin. Ooer! The money shot comes with the contrast between Badwan's part-Ian Curtis, part-Roy Orbison baritone and Zeffira's breathy, precise soprano. Flawed, but definitely intriguing.

3 stars from 5

06 August 2011

Radio Ponsonby Playlist Fri 5 Aug "Expansions"

Leroy Hutson | Cool Out

Stonephace | Wedgehead Gets Lucky

Kologbo with The Deacon | Freedom Back

Willowband | Willowman (Tangoterje edit)

7th Wonder | My Love Ain't Never Been This Strong

Conquest | Give It To Me (If You Don't Mind)

Diana Ross | Love The One You're With (Tangoterje edit)

Elsie Wheat | Tippin'

The Great Experience | Don't Forget To Remember

The Flirtations | Stronger Than Her Love

Big Mama Thornton | They Call Me Big Mama

Richard 'Groove' Holmes | This Is The Me Me (Not The You You)

Ray Parker Jnr with Raydio | It's Time To Party Now

The Main Ingredient | Happiness Is Just Around The Bend

The Chaplin Band | Madmen's Discotheque (Disconet Casey Jones remix)

Edwin Starr | Working Song

Change | Searching

Ronnie Jones | Video Games

Jimmy Ross | Fall Into A Trance

Kaso | Key West (Jellybean Benitez remix)

Marbeya | Gansta Reedflex

03 August 2011

Review: Seun Anikulapo Kuti & Egypt 80 'From Africa With Fury: Rise'

SEUN ANIKULAPO KUTI & EGYPT 80

From Africa With Fury: Rise

[Knitting Factory Records / Because Music]

So it does run in the family. From Africa With Fury: Rise is the second album from Seun Kuti, youngest son of Nigerian firebrand and Afrobeat innovator - some would say inventor, but I give Tony Allen props - Fela Kuti. Seun played alongside Fela in the mighty Egypt 80 as a boy, but age has not wearied the band, with the extraordinary power and scorching rhythms found here belying their many years in the game. This is a much more satisfying album than 2008's Many Things, showing Seun finding his own voice as a songwriter, singer and bandleader. Produced by Brian Eno (yes, that one) with John Reynolds, From Africa With Fury is a monster fed by breakneck tempos and combative lyricism. While there is weight to the argument it suffers from a lack of diversity, that's a minor gripe when the excitement levels are set so high. Embrace the fury!

3 and 1/2 stars from 5

31 July 2011

George FM Playlist Sun 31 July "In The Pocket"

30 July 2011

Bumps

The Bump this time 'round is hardly a rare one or even really an underground one, but it is a worthy Bump nonetheless. White Treble, Black Bass netted Australia's Sgt Slick an ARIA award & much club adulation - with good reason, methinks. Put down your drinks & shake what your Momma gave ya.

Radio Ponsonby Playlist Fri 29 July "Expansions"

28 July 2011

Live: Thursday Nights at Andrew Andrew

Wink Wink with 90
Rare Grooves & Good Times
From 7pm Every Thursday
At ANDREW ANDREW
201 Quay St, Viaduct

Radio Ponsonby Playlist Thu 28 July "The Long Black"

Step up to the plate: I had a call from Sweetpants yesterday asking if I'd like to cover his breakfast show this morning, as he'd managed to score an interview with Morgan Spurlock, he of Super Size Me fame. I said yes, as you do. So, check out the playlist and click here to listen to the audio - and the interview, where Morgan speaks about his latest "Doc-Buster" film, POM Wonderful Presents The Greatest Movie Ever Sold, which is part of this year's International Film Festival lineup.

D'Angelo | Everybody Loves The Sunshine
Rick James | Gettin' It On (In The Sunshine)
Chet Faker | No Diggity
Gecko Turner | Monosabio Blues
Skull Snaps | It's A New Day Redux
Gene Harris | The Look Of Slim
Sola Rosa with Four-D | Del Ray
Rae & Christian with Veba | Spellbound (Old English remix)
Holy Ghost! | Do It Again
Rayko | Ipanema Boogie
Disco Tech | Get Lifted
Chapter Three | Smurf Trek (The Revenge edit)
* Morgan Spurlock interview *
40 Thieves | Backward Love
Cherie Mathieson | Tomorrow's Day
Ben Sidran | About Love (Seegweed edit)
Five Special | Why Leave Us Alone (Larry Levan remix)
BLT | Tighten It Up
Charanga '79 | Good Times

26 July 2011

Radio Ponsonby Record Review: Norman Jay Presents 'Good Times' 30th Anniversary Edition

Norman Jay MBE Presents
GOOD TIMES - 30th Anniversary Edition
[Strut]

Disclaimer: I am a massive Norman Jay fan. He's an inspiration to me as a DJ. I've all his previous Good Times compilations, alongside others he has put together. I shared Red Stripe, curried goat and spliff with strangers while dancing to he and his brother playing at London's famed Notting Hill Carnival. I was even lucky enough to meet the man himself when Sweetpants and I brought him to New Zealand to play, some years back. So, there's your disclaimer, given before I comment on his latest Good Times compilation - a celebratory 30th Anniversary Edition, released by the Strut label. Thing is, regardless of my personal views, if you've even the slightest inkling of who Norman Jay MBE is then you know you're in for a top drawer selection of soul, funk, reggae, house, hip hop, doo wop and plenty more besides. Rare Grooves and very Good Times indeed.

4 stars from 5

I don't usually post tracklists or other details when I review an album, but I'm such a fanboy when it comes to Norman Jay, that I'm making an exception. Hey, rules are meant to be broken, right? Right. Oh, and another thing: purchase a physical copy - or track down the liner notes - as my man Lloyd Bradley has written a career-spanning sleeve note based on extensive interviews with Mr Jay. Just sayin'...

Mark Capanni | I Believe In Miracles
Avery Sunshine | I Got Sunshine
Ted Taylor | Ghetto Disco (Norman Jay edit)
Zalmac | Dreamin'
Terri Wells | Who's That Stranger
Little Anthony & The Imperials | I Don't Have Time To Worry
Mario Biondi | My Girl
Jacob Miller & Inner Circle | Tired Fe Lick Weed In A Bush
The Basement Khemist | Everybody (L.I.F.E.)
J Boogie's Dubtronic Science with Goapele & Capitol A | Try Me (People Under The Stairs remix)
Attic Tree | Voar
Curtis Mayfield | Victory
Dante | Freak In Me
Fries & Bridges | Forever This
The Detroit Experiment | Think Twice (Henrik Schwarz remix)
Ashley Slater | Private Sunshine

25 July 2011

George FM Playlist Sun 24 July "In The Pocket"

Review: I, Ced 'All In My Mind'

I, CED
All In My Mind
[Record Breakin']

Jazzy Hip Hop. There, I said it. Hate away. Regardless of how you or I feel about those opening three worlds, they describe this style of music pretty damned accurately; particularly along with these three words: deep underground soul. Unfortunately, and despite the obvious and endearing charms of this outstanding debut album, underground is right where it's destined to stay - and commercial radio listeners will remain all the poorer for it. L.A.-based beat maker and musician I, Ced (yep, that's right...) has delivered a gorgeously layered and meticulously arranged album of genuine soulful (and jazzy!) hip hop music. Semi-recognisable snatches of songs, or hooks from songs, float by; the blend of samples and live instrumentation is on point; and the guest vocalists add rather than distract. Much like when you first heard D'Angelo or Maxwell, you'll inevitably slide sideways into this sensually love-drenched stuff. Don't even try to deny it.

4 stars from 5

Radio Ponsonby Playlist Fri 22 July "Expansions"

I felt like making you do some diggin' for the songs from today's playlist, so have provided only song titles for you. Shouldn't take a rocket scientist to sort it out, aye, especially with Google+ all up in our grills...

Dirty Jazz Jointz
Rise (Daz edit)
Late Night Drop
El Diablo
Whole Loada Shizzle
Sweet Bill
Thinking About Your Love (Koko Garito edit)
A Special Love
Flight 106
Funky Song (Jayl Funk edit)
All Green
Come Into My Life (Onur Engin edit)
Get It Up For Love
Put The Freez On (Rayko edit)
All The Time We Need (original)
Spinning
Disco Forever
Moo Juice (Benji Boko & BOYCOM remix vocal)
Chance With You (Stickybuds Reconnection)
Spottieottiedopealicious (DJ Angola edit)http://www.radioponsonby.co.nz

Review: Bachelorette 'Bachelorette'

BACHELORETTE
Bachelorette
[Particle Tracks]

The Air sure is rarified up there where Bachelorette operates. The South Island NZ-raised, East Coast US-based artist also known as Annabel Alpers has delivered yet another slice of sophisticated space case pop with her third - and apparently final - album as Bachelorette. Cleverly self-titled (her debut is called The End Of Things), Alpers brings her delicate indie pop music back to earth without sacrificing the enticing weirdness which has made all of her work so enjoyable. While the songs are more subtle and less overtly electronic than on her last album My Electric Family, she continues the lusciously dense layering of her own voice; sometimes building to massed-choir crescendos, sometimes sounding like Bjork or a seriously stoned Enya, and other times hinting at Stereolab or Radiohead fronted by a breathy-sounding... well, Bachelorette. The vastly talented "ugly duckling" has delivered a gorgeous swansong with this refreshingly strange and highly engaging album.

4 stars from 5

George FM Playlist Sun 17 July "In The Pocket"

Review: Asa 'Beautiful Imperfection'

ASA
Beautiful Imperfection
[Cartell/Border]

Beautiful Imperfection is the second album from Nigeria-raised, Paris-based singer-songwriter Asa (pronounced 'Asha'). While her gentle blend of soulful reggae rhythms and straight-up pop sensibility is nothing new, Asa's warm, husky, inviting vocals provide real magic - recalling Macy Gray mixed with Nina Simone. She also has a knack for knowing when not to sing, never over-reaching yet imparting every bit as much emotion as the average hyper-inflated vocoder chorus from commercial radio. While her self-titled major label debut from three years back linked the socially conscious music of Joan Armatrading, Tracy Chapman and Bob Marley with contemporary soulful R&B, Beautiful Imperfection sees Asa step back from any overly political or philosophical lyrical content and focus on crafting a highly enjoyable listening experience. Imagine a musically adept and classy Lily Allen crossed with a hip Katie Melua, mixing lyrics in English and Yoruba, and you're getting near the beautiful imperfection of Asa.

3 and 1/2 stars from 5

George FM Playlist Tue 12 July "The Selector"

The last in a series of recent covering shows for Karn Hall (and Thane Kirby, for that matter) yesterday saw a true Selector's Setlist emerge from my bags, veering wildly from chillwave to post-modern tech. A number of tracks were taken from the forthcoming Hit It & Quit It Radio Revue Vol. 1 compilation, put together by Recloose and Frank Booker. Watch for it - it's an absolute stormer, top to bottom.

The Oliverwho Factory | Goin' Back
Neil Diablo | The Feeling
Andy Ash | Hip Joint (Deep Space Orchestra remix)
Louis La Roche with Ad-Apt | Missing You*
Lewis McCallum with Tama Waipara | Way We Live
Mayer Hawthorne | A Long Time*
Recloose | Electric Sunshine
Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti | Round And Round
The Adults | Part Of Me (Magik Johnson remix)*
Jazzy Jens | Undisputed
The Jungle Brothers | I'll House You
Gramophoniedzie with Joey Negro | No Sugar
Underworld | Diamond Jigsaw*
Dubxanne | Roxanne (dub)
Reggie Blount | Why Do You Call Me Baby?
Brother2Brother | Chance With You (Stickypod Reconnection)
Trujillo | Looking Up Through You
Yuksek | On A Train (The Magician remix)*
Tricky | Murder Weapon
Gilles Peterson's Havana Cultura Band | Roforofo Fight (Louie Vega remix)
Starblazers | Sunshine
Amp Fiddler | Superficial
Aloe Blacc | Billie Jean (live)
Sepalot with Ladi 6 | Go Get It (AC Slater remix)
Icasoul with Capitol A | Givin' It Up
Resin Dogs | She's Gone
Falcon Punch | Where You'll Stay*
Grandmaster Flash | The Message (Roots Manuva remix)
Chic | I Want Your Love (Tangoterje edit)

George FM Playlist Mon 11 July "The Selector"

Another week begins with another opportunity to cover for Karn Hall on the George FM Selector. Much fun was had by all. I can only assume.

Gazeebo | School Boy Chubby
Erykah Badu | On & On (Leo Zero rework)
Fat Freddy's Drop | Flashback (The Electric remix)
David Dallas | 'Til Tomorrow*
APlusD | I Keep Forgettin' To Regulate
I Blame Coco | Turn Your Back On Love (Plastic Plates remix)*
Marina & The Diamonds | Shampain (Fred Falke remix)*
PNAU | Solid Ground (Adrian Lux remix)*
Natalie Walker | Cool Kids
SBTRKT with Little Dragon | Wildfire*
Tim Richards with Edward Waaka | Chatterbox*
Two Bears | Bear Hug*
Jayl Funk | Piece Of Me
The Gary Byrd Experience with Stevie Wonder | The Crown (inst.)
Oliver S | Doin' Ya Thang
Sgt. Slick | White Treble, Black Bass
Norma Jean Bell | I'm The Baddest Bitch In This Room (Moodymann remix)
Riva Starr | Splendido*
Party Ben | Single Ladies In Mayberry
Maverick Sabre | Let Me Go*
Carte Blanche with Alexis Taylor | With You*
Toddla T with Shola Ama & J2K | Take It Back*
The Count & Sinden with Katy B | Hold Me*
Wiley | One Hit Wonder*
Rasmus Faber with Melo | Get Over Here
Quick-Jaxx | Hey Bill (Bang Bang) (Club remix)
Drop Out Orchestra | West Gothic Climax
Yuksek | On A Train (The Magician remix)*
Drop Out City Rockers | Man On The Run

Big thanks to the show's producer, Johnno; and to George FM lawyer Johnnie K for dropping in and talking about the Law Of The Land. Nice one.

Review: Beastwars 'Beastwars'

BEASTWARS
Beastwars
[Universal]

One of the best ever names in rock n' roll and the incredible artwork all over the untitled debut from Beastwars made me very excited about subjecting my stereo to this album. New Zealand's fast growing stoner/sludge rock scene has thrown up some very good bands and at least one great album (take a bow, Arc Of Ascent), and this was recorded with Dale Cotton (HDU, Dimmer, Die! Die! Die!) and mastered by John Golden (Melvins, Sonic Youth, Faith No More), two huge names in music of this size. So why does the album sound so tame? Arguably they've all the elements in place (gruff vocals, loud guitars, grunty bass, slow drums) and I guess it's difficult to break new ground in stoner rock, but they never get out of second gear. I'm sure live they're a terrifying prospect, but this sounds more like a Pokemon fistfight than a Beastwar.

2 and 1/2 stars from 5

George FM Playlist Sun 10 July "In The Pocket"

Review: Beatchild 'Something Forever' (Special Edition)

BEATCHILD
Something Forever (Special Edition)
[BBE]

J Dilla has a lot to answer for. The legendary Detroit producer, crate-digger and DJ was a sonic maverick who crafted a sound all his own - one which has been unselfconciously aped by a laundry list of artists ever since. Add Canadian producer Beatchild to said list. BBE have re-released his Something Forver EP with four new tracks, and while much of this doesn't develop beyond dinner party music often enough to really engage, there are fleeting moments when I hear Pete Rock, Raphael Saadiq and even D'Angelo among these smoky, chocolate-smooth grooves. Soulful, jazzy, head-nodding, slow-burning vibes and positive lyricism abound, but when the tempo is slow the cliches mount up and he sounds like a poor man's Maxwell. When the tracks bump along Beatchild sounds at his most original and exciting - Down, B-Boy Beef V2 and D.A.N.C.E. are clear iPod picks. Promising, yes, but ultimately just not delivering.

2 and 1/2 stars from 5

George FM Wed 6 July "The Selector"

George FM Playlist Tue 5 July "Tuesday Drive"

Review: Dub Colussus 'Addis Through The Looking Glass'

DUB COLUSSUS
Addis Through The Looking Glass
[Real World]

Addis Through The Looking Glass is the second album from Dub Colussus, an Ethiopian group centered around renowned British musician Nick Page aka Dubulah. Page founded the critically acclaimed Trans-Global Underground and recorded six albums with them before leaving to form Temple Of Sound, produce a couple of Natcha Atlas albums and begin a love affair with the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa. Building from the debut Dub Colussus set A Town Called Addis (2008), this Real World-released album bears witness to a gorgeous and uplifting blend of traditional Ethiopian music with jazz and reggae rhythms, given a dub (not dubstep!) re-rub. Imagine The Abyssinians, Sun Ra, the Buena Vista Social Club and King Tubby hanging at one of the Mad Hatter's infamous tea parties. From wide-screen, drifting jazz-dub to breathy love songs, from horn-laden reggae to high-energy Ethio-pop, Addis Through The Looking Glass is a sophisticated and thoroughly enjoyable listen.

4 stars from 5

03 July 2011

George FM Playlist Sunday 3 July "In The Pocket with 90"

02 July 2011

Review: Arthur's Landing 'Arthur's Landing'

ARTHUR'S LANDING
Arthur's Landing
[Strut]

Arhur Russell was a key figure in the downtown New York music scene of the late '70s/early '80s, who tragically passed in 1992 aged just 40. His diverse tastes saw him mix reflective acoustic work ('World Of Echo'), disco (Loose Joints, Dinosaur L), experimental pop (The Sailboats) and modern classical ('Singing Tractors'); and collaborate with artists from Talking Heads to Philip Glass. Arthur's Landing is a broad collective of musicians who worked with Russell back in the day, and this album is the first in a series of "tribute" projects. While some argue his inner circle of disciples muzak out the kinks which made Russell's originals so charming, the counter-argument is more compelling: a gorgeously languid re-work of Is It All Over My Face (under its original title Love Dancing) sums up the lovingly reverential touch lavished upon all of these tracks. Painstakingly assembled, beautifully rendered and highly recommended.

4 stars from 5

Radio Ponsonby Playlist Friday 1 July "Expansions with 90"

Live: Trusted Friends at Tyler St Garage

TRUSTED FRIENDS
With your hosts Sweetpants & 90
Every Friday night from 9pm
A new weekly night of classic rare grooves & proper good times music
At TYLER ST GARAGE
120 Quay St, Britomart
www.tylerstreetgarage.co.nz

29 June 2011

Radio Ponsonby Record Review: Massimiliano Pagliara 'Focus For Infinity'

MASSIMILIANO PAGLIARA
Focus For Infinity
[Live At Robert Johnson]

Patience is a virtue, as they say. The Berlin-based Italian producer Massimiliano Pagliara is clearly a believer, as his debut album demands and richly rewards patient listening. It's not that Focus For Infinity is a difficult listen; quite the opposite - crystalline synths and deep, warm bass drape themselves languorously over the sub-110bpm codeine-funk chug of classic drum machines, which threaten/promise to swallow the unwitting listener whole. It's only after repeat listens the album's subtle charms slid their way properly into your ears, and Pagliara's talent for arrangement is revealed. While there are a handful of songs featuring vocalists - including standout Gonna Get Your Love Gonna Find You with Sigrid Elliott - most of the tracks are slow burning instrumentals, with snatches of manipulated vocals sometimes bubbling up amongst the lush layers of sound. This is simple, incredibly effective stuff. The perfect soundtrack for a steamy, loved-up, 4am slow motion disco.

4 stars from 5

28 June 2011

Live: Dewey Decimal Sound System at Library Bar

DEWEY DECIMAL SOUND SYSTEM
With your hosts SWEETPANTS and 90
Spinning a selection of music suited to lounging, foot-tapping & soft-shoe shuffling
From 8pm til close
Saturdays in July: 2nd - 16th - 30th
At THE LIBRARY BAR
Cnr Market Place & Pakenham Street East
www.thelibrarybar.co.nz

26 June 2011

Review: Holy Ghost! 'Holy Ghost!'

HOLY GHOST!
Holy Ghost!
[DFA]

Apparently everything that goes around does come around. NYC duo Holy Ghost! have quite the pedigree - playing with The Juan Maclean, remixing MGMT and Mark Ronson - and the blogosphere has duly lit up with the arrival of their self-titled debut album on the DFA label. But why, exactly? While marketed as synth-heavy disco, boogie and sleek Italo, it sounds more like Yacht Rock got into New Wave's make-up kit after a night on the alco-pops. Obvious touchstones are New Order and Pet Shop Boys, but Holy Ghost! lack the latter's singwriting chops and the intensity and swagger of the former. Wafts of A-Ha, Pseudo Echo and Duran Duran are also present and there are a few really good, strong songs here, but little in the way of new ground being broken. The overwhelming feeling is that Holy Ghost! are more concerned with striking their hipster pose immaculately. Sad face.

2 and 1/2 stars from 5

George FM Playlist Sunday 26 June "In The Pocket with 90"

24 June 2011

Radio Ponsonby Playlist Friday 24 June "Expansions with 90"

A bit of a Yin Yang type situation with regard the playlists from today's two radio shows - the uptempo Yin in the post below, and the downtempo Yang listed here. It should also be noted the sun came out in Auckland Town today during the 2hrs Expansions was broadcasting on Radio Ponsonby. True.

Roy Ayers | Programmed For Love
Bill Summers | Come Into My Life (Onur Engin edit)
Duff Disco | A Tribute To Barry
10CC | I'm Not In Love
RAMP | Everybody Loves The Sunshine
Al Jarreau | Ain't No Sunshine
Quincy Jones | Summer In The City
Sarah Vaughan | Summertime (UFO remix)
Handsome Boy Modeling School | The Truth
Jeffree | Mr Fixit (Recloose HIQI edit)
Sublime | Doin' Time (Marshall Arts remix)
DJ Fitchie & Joe Dukie | Midnight Marauders
Erykah Badu | Bump It
Lowrell | Mellow Mellow
John Legend & The Roots | Hard Times
Arthur's Landing | Love Dancing
Mid-Air | Ease Out (The Revenge edit)
Rayko | S&M (Sexy Music)
DJ Wick-It | Rolling In The Fire

George FM Playlist Friday 24 June "Key To The Pocket" or "90 In The Groove"

What a rainy old day today has been. Never mind. It's always sunny in the George FM studio, and I had a ball filling in for the salty ol' seadog himself, Bevan Keys, so who cares about the weather?

Isaac Hayes | Pursuit Of The Pimpmobile (Onur Engin edit)
Rayko | Sweet Sensation (edit)
Natalie Walker | Cool Kids
Nikola & Sasha | Gene
Killer Funk Disco Allstars | Shake Your Booty Baby!
Rock Master Rus B | Dirty Lowdown
Lindstrom & Christabelle | Baby Can't Stop
Yaxkin Retrodisko | Bonanza
PBR Streetgang | J2ThaB
The Drop Out Orchestra | Release Myself
Mr Fudgesickal | Mash The Right Thing
Eva Gina | Gappy Daze
Greg Wilson | C'mon (You Can Get It)
Drop Out City Rockers | Man On The Run
Justin Simmons | I Need My Disco Fix
Masters At Work | Backfired (Joey Negro remix)
Bob Sinclar | Ultimate Funk
Real El Canaria | International Style
Dez Andres | As We Rock On
Me&You | How Can I Hold You When Your Body Keeps Moving?

21 June 2011

Review: Beastie Boys 'Hot Sauce Committee Part Two'

BEASTIE BOYS
Hot Sauce Committee Part Two
[Capitol]

The Beastie Boys' first album, Licensed To Ill, was released in 1986 - alongside debuts from New Kids On The Block, Poison and Crowded House (!!). Hot Sauce Committee Part Two is only the Beasties' eighth studio album since, but we crave quality, not quantity, right? With Part One's release delayed due to a cancer scare for Adam "MCA" Yauch, most of the tracks from that album were jacked for this release. That's irrelevant though, as the trio show they still know how to rip it like few others, bouncing off each other with ridiculous ease. Disappointing guest spots from Nas and Santigold aside, this is a full-tilt, back-to-form party rocker from a resilient group of guys who've perfected their nerdy-braggadocio niche and flavour it just enough to keep it interesting, even after all these years. No-one else from the Class of '86 can say the same. Here's to growing old disgracefully.

4 stars from 5

19 June 2011

George FM Playlist Sunday 19 June "In The Rainy Day Pocket with 90"

Proper rainy ol' day inna Auckland Town today, which brought out the feelgood factor in the tune selection process; because there ain't nothin' quite like dancing in the rain...

Arthur's Landing | Your Motion Says
Johnny Adams | Feel The Beat (The Revenge edit)
Andy Ash | Hip Joint
Killer Funk Disco Allstars | Avoid The Question (I Gotta Go edit)
Rayko | S&M (Sexy Music) (club edit)
Curtis Mayfield | Love Me Love Me Now (Onur Engin edit)
Aaron Neville | Hercules (Anthony Mansfield's "Son Of Zeus" edit)
Gazeebo | You Ain't So Tuff
Neil Diablo | The Feeling
Greg Wilson | Booty Dance
Rock Master Rus B | Dirty Lowdown
Bing Ji Ling | Home (Blackjoy remix)
Nikola & Sasha | Gene
Yaxkin Retrodisko | Bonanza
Cool Million with Leroy Burgess | Cool To Make A Million (The Drop Out Orchestra rework)
Prince & Sheila E | Chelsea Rodgers
Prince | I Wanna Be Your Lover (Dimitri From Paris edit)
Kid Sublime | Fruitsugar

15 June 2011

Review: The Revenge 'Reekin'structions'

THE REVENGE
Reekin'structions
[Z Records]

Disco edits are de rigeur in dance music at the minute, with a number of so-called producers' content to slap a sixteen-bar intro and outro onto a track and call it an edit. Bollocks to that. Reekin'structions, released on Joey Negro's Z Records, shows them how it's done. The compilation features ten tracks given a re-rub by Auld Reekie's own Graeme Clark aka The Revenge, who has developed quite the reputation for his lovingly assembled disco and funk re-edits, showcasing an innate ability to encapsulate the essence of an older - usually lesser-known - song and repackage it faithfully for new ears. Clark tweaks basslines, beefs up the intensity and builds his edits brilliantly; in the vein of Greg Wilson or the enigmatic Onur Engin (who is also doing fantastically considered re-edit work at the moment). Sure, it's not rocket science, but it's most certainly rocket fuel for a dance floor.

3 and 1/2 stars from 5

12 June 2011

George FM Playlist Sunday 12 June "In The Pocket with 90"

Review: Jonny Love 'Courage'

JONNY LOVE
Courage
[Warner]

Jonny Love's 2008 self-titled debut album was a limp acoustic pop offering which left your humble scribe cold, so this hard-hitting collection of ballsy ballads and stadium-sized rockers is a refreshing change and a serious step forward. Courage is the Auckland-based singer-songwriter's second album, and it's aimed directly at filling venues and racking up radio spins - much like Opshop, Muse or Mumford And Sons. Recorded in the UK with a cast of famous names, including producer/drummer Greg Haver (Manic Street Preachers, Opshop), Courage is good old-fashioned rocking pop very well packaged. Love has a great voice and he doesn't over-reach, instead concentrating on hitting his notes effectively; with the huge, guitar-driven wall of sound behind him a more than useful foil. While I personally cannot stand this sort of shit, I also cannot deny this is a fantastic pop-rock record from someone clearly worth keeping an eye on.

3 and 1/2 stars from 5