Back on track...

It's been a long time since I posted. So there.

Since my last post back in August I have visited New York and all of it's amazing sites AND moved into a brand new, £18m, state-of-the-art school campus where I work. It's all very exciting, and a good enough reason to have been slack on here - or so I tell myself.

By the way - New York is an incredible place, I had an ace two weeks there and recommend a visit to anyone that's willing to listen. On a music tip, I went to 'Rock The Bells' on Governor's Island with an allstar line-up, followed up by the last Pool Party of the summer by the water in Williamsburg, Brooklyn - again with a sweet line up. Add that to an interesting trip to Cielo, and an underground, little known Jazz place called 'Nublu' and we have a shit hot adventure in the Big Apple. Might put some pics up soon. Maybe.

For now though - back to the music the best way I know how... LIQUID.





Balance - For What I Want I Can Wait (You) by RolandDubbs

And then this beauty from Unquote which i'm not even going to pigeon-hole. It deserves better than that...

Juicy / Zimboouicy

Probably the best ever cover of Notorious B.I.G's classic cut 'Juicy'...

More more more...

Firstly - get this club tune out of my system. It's a good'un...



Now two videos from UNKLE. Same track ('The Answer'), two different directors. Both sync up really well considering the stark contrast in content.
The first, directed by John Hillcoat, stars Ray Winstone with a story to tell set to some thought provoking imagery.
The second video, directed by Ross Cairns, accompanies the dreamy, feel good music with film-like-footage tastefully shot of extreme sports - surfing and snowboarding.
Considering the differing focus of both videos you would expect one to really work and the other to maybe not quite fit right. Whereas infact they both pull it off. Which one is your favourite?





Thanks to Discobelle once again :D

Big Fat Dope Shit

Some durty beats... because we can.



Can't help but snap my neck to this Bassnectar tune with added vocals from King Fantastic.



Starts off as bassy beats, finishes as a big bassy mess. Brilliant.



Don't know much about this guy, just discovered him in the blogosphere. Maybe one to watch out for?



Redlight's 'MDMA' tune has got a new name and a snazzy Ms Dynamite vocal. The original was BIG, will this be BIGGER?

Some Hot Treats

Served fresh by some of the best and hottest producers out there, taRDyboy brings you some tasty little treats to bump to this summer. A little something for everyone right here...

First up, Jesse Rose lays down a bumpin' remix of one of House music's old boys, DJ Sneak. A tasty piece of southern fried goodness. Get your Cooper Shuffle™ on people! The Cooper Shuffle™ is a registered trademark.



Next up is a sweet little J Dilla instrumental, recently given away with 5 other Dilla beats for free courtesy of the good folk over at Stones Throw Records. It's simple, it's catchy and has an 80's ish synth... all ingredients add up to one tasty little donut!



This beat sits you down real comfortable on a blanket and feeds you fresh strawberrys at a summer's picnic in the long grass. Lay back and chill out with Flying Lotus' delicious remix of Andreya Triana while the sun's rays break through the trees and dance across the countryside.

Magnetic Man

I have been meaning to post about Magnetic Man for a while now - and during that time every other blog has done the same - but they're making so much noise right now it's definitely still worth mentioning.
I will always remember being at The Warehouse Project a couple of years back and watching Magnetic Man enter the stage...

The lights went out throughout the underground air raid shelter, except for a small ultra-violet glow which was emitting from the front, behind a seemingly smaller stage than I remember. Long, black curtains had deliberately been drawn in across the stage, and the screen lowered above the deck stand in order to create this tiny square of UV light - it was the focus of everyones attention.
Then, with no warning the three dubstep musketeers - Benga, Skream and Artwork - filed in. Appearing in almost military fashion one behind the other, all three in a perfect line and wearing striking, pure white hoodies which obviously caught the glare from the blacklights and created this almost sci-fi feel to what they were about to do.
They were in perfect sync, not only with how they looked and what they wore, but also with what they had in their hands. Their white Macbooks were clearly visible, and again with this jet-fighter precision they layed them on the table - in sync - and opened them up together. They connected them in unison and the first tune dropped...

It was way back then that it was clear Magnetic Man had a plan. Shortly after this I found myself in Brighton and recall a friend of mine, 'Figure Of Wax', bumping into Artwork and the gang outside his work. They were in town for a show, and from what Artwork explained to him it seemed like he already knew big things were on the horizon.

There will be many Dubstep purists who will listen to what Magnetic Man are doing right now and have a massive hate-up on them. Vocalists? Big, trancey synths? Music videos? "Dubstep has gone pop!" you'll hear them cry. Fuck them and the horse they rode in on. The UK has always, but always been about discovering new sounds and pushing them on. New genres break out and EVERYBODY has something to listen to. It's exciting. It's us.

What, it seems, Magnetic Man are doing - whether deliberately or not, is sending Dubstep into the stratosphere. It's no longer a genre for dimly lit underground caverns, or reserved for ravers bedrooms. It's the sound of now and the music of the people. It's become an event. If Daft Punk made Dubstep it would resemble something like Magnetic Man - huge stages, incredible light shows, thousands of unified music lovers, and a dramatic but effortless stage presence.

Get ready for chart attacks, get ready for sell-out shows, get ready for Dubstep-ageddon - because for Magnetic Man, the lights are now most definitely on.

Magnetic Man's album is out Oct 4th.

If you don't believe, then listen...








Also - they have just done an Essential Mix for BBC Radio1 - search it and you'll find it. It's there.

Future Beginning

It's been a while since I've posted a new Roland Dubbs production. Some recent efforts have found their way onto my Soundcloud page but no further. Mainly because they were just little experiments using a few ideas. Nothing wrong with that, but as they were tunes I wouldn 't normally make I found it hard to relate to them, if you will.
I've been busy in the studio recently and I can promise you at least two more House tunes on the way - one is filter housey, while the other is most definitely jackin'! Back to the wobble.

The track that I bring you today is almost of Chemical Brothers ilk. An electronic journey, a release, a feel-good tune. With some polished production and some tidy compression of which I'm fairly proud (although that is through my monitors which aren't perfect!), I present...
'Future Beginning'.

It's a tune for your summer that punches in all the right places. It has a wicked drop and It's available for free through Soundcloud (first 100 downloads).
Roland Dubbs - Future Beginning by RolandDubbs

Iron Heart

Netsky's album landed a couple of weeks back and is already establishing itself as one of the contenders for album of the year - I know this because my girlfriend, a self-proclaimed hater of drum & bass, actually bought the album after hearing it! The boy from Belgium is certainly making all the right noises.
Standout tunes on his self-titled debut include the likes of 'Secret Agent', 'Mellow' and 'Let's Leave Tomorrow', which I recommend to anyone regardless of whether you like drum & bass or not.
However, it's the first single 'Iron Heart' that gets a rare video treatment that I want to share with you. Available to watch in HD, featuring the obligatory "person running in an dance music video", but this time with a twist. Hospital's foray into music video's comes up trumps once again! And keep them peeled for a brand new High Contrast tune and video in the coming months...you have been warned ;)

The Clap

You didn't see this one coming! Benga switches it up with an absolute banger once again. It ain't called "Baltimore Clap" for nothing, ya heard!
Also - how cool is the video? Well I'll tell you... way cool. Waaaay coooool.
Throw ya bmore hands up!

Saturday 5th June

THIRSTY EAR Presents
A PEACE IN THE PARK FESTIVAL FUND RAISER
A Night of Hip-Hop, Future Beats, Glitch, Electronic, Dubstep & More.

With Special Guests

**sixAM**
[Chibuku/Skanky Panky Records]

Buddha, WhiteNoiseBoy & Dogs Pocket make up the 3-man DJ/production team of sixAM. Mangling tough as nails hip-hop beats with blazing scratches, samples, and technical wizardry has earned them some raised eyebrows. They have become some of the few that have been pushing the state-side glitch-hop sound in the UK and have been devastating dance-floors at clubs such as Chibuku and laying waste to festivals as far afield as the Lake Of Stars Festival in Africa. Back in their hometown of Liverpool they have played alongside the likes of Andy C, DJ Hype, Diplo, Caspa & Rusko, Fake Blood, Joker, Digital Mystikz, Gentleman's Dub Club, Sukh Knight & Stenchman.

Do not miss a rare chance to catch sixAM smash it here in Sheff.

With Support FromFigure of Wax & JDevious
[Throw Some Shapes]

Hailing from Brighton, these guys are involved with one of the town's freshest club nights. 'Throw Some Shapes' have hosted the likes of Stones Throw main man Peanut Butter Wolf, Paul White, Bullion, JFB, Hint, as well as teaming up with the red hot Donkey Pitch crew.

Matter of Fact & Roland Dubbs
[Thirsty Ear / tarDYboy]

Drink Promos // Free Mix CDs
10pm-3am
£3 Entry
Last Entry 1am
****************************************
PROFITS GO TO THE AWESOME PEACE IN THE PARK FESTIVAL
SAT 12TH JUNE 2010
PONDEROSA PARK,
SHEFFIELD

Saturday 29th May 2010!

Throw Some Shapes presents:

* THROW SOME SHAPES BEACHSIDE ALL-DAYER

with

SIDE BY SIDE & BIG KAIJU
ATALANTA
MATTER OF FACT
ATTAK.MEDIA
FIGURE OF WAX
JDEVIOUS & ROLAND DUBBS
JAY C
LOST TWIN
----------------------•
SATURDAY 29TH MAY 2010
----------------------•
FORTUNE OF WAR,157 KINGS ROAD ARCHES, BRIGHTON
----------------------•
14:00 - 02:00
----------------------•
£ FREE ENTRY

▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀THE THROW SOME SHAPES NIGHTS HAVE SEEN PEANUT BUTTER WOLF, PAUL WHITE, BULLION, NATURAL SELF AND HINT COMING THROUGH THEIR DOORS.
SO WE ARE LUCKY THE FORTUNE OF WAR HAVE HANDED THEM THE PUB FOR THE DAY AND NIGHT TO CELEBRATE THE BANK HOLIDAY. LOOK OUT FOR FREE CDs, SPECIAL GUEST DJs AND FUTURE BREAKS AND BEATS MUSIC.

▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀
FEATURING MUSIC BY
JDILLA- MOS DEF-QUANTIC-JAZZANOVA-MIKE SLOTT-BULLION-PAUL WHITE- DUSTY SPRINGFIELD-SPANKY WILSON-STEVIE WONDER-OH NO-KOOP-GOLD PANDA-AARON NEVILLE-JILL SCOTT-FOURTET-HOT 8 BRASS BAND-NATURAL SELF-HINT-ALICE RUSSELL-JOHN BELTRAM-NIGHTMARES ON WAX-DE LA SOUL- MAYER HAWTHORN-DWELE-APHEX TWIN-SQUAREPUSHER-DECLAIME-NAS-EPMD-BIGGIE SMALLS-JOKER-KING TUBBY-PETE ROCK-RJD2-FS GREEN-SA-RA-WHITE STRIPES-JEHST-BRAINTAX-SLY & THE FAMILY STONE-STEVE SPACEK-4 HERO-ZERO DB-BIG BUD-DJ SHADOW-MILEZ BENJAMIN-JESSE ROSE-THE YOUNG LOVERS-ALAN BRAXE-DAFT PUNK-THE CHEMICAL BROTHERS-MR.SCRUFF-HIS MAJESTY ANDRE-AND MANY MANY MORE...

Jam Hot!

There is certain musical terminology that seems to have almost become a taboo subject. Phrases that send the "cool kids" running for the hills while they scoff at the naiivity of the common people for daring to discuss or enjoy such a thing. Phrases such as "funky house".

I like 'house', and I enjoy a bit of funk from time to time. But do I enjoy "funky house"?
Well, if it all sounded like this amazing Tensnake remix of Johnny Dynell's hit "Jam Hot" then I would have to say yes!

This sun-kissed remix brings with it a sumptuous bassline, a sax that isn't overbearing, and a deeper understanding of what turns house music into good house music.

So I say who cares that it has a funky house vibe to it, let the "cool kids" laugh - we all know they're the real twats anyway - plus, it's just damn good music! Go buy it from iTunes for just 79p :D

Infact, it's music that I shall definitely be playing on Brighton Beach next Saturday for a big, BIG Bank Holiday Special (more to come on that ;)

Jaaaaaaam HOT!

JOHNNY DYNELL "Jam Hot" (Tensnake Remix) SNIPPET by Tensnake

Scribble

Underworld cement their place at the top with another epic anthem, this time recruiting one of Drum & Bass's legends in the making - High Contrast. 'Scribble' is definitely one for the summer festivals - sun going down/hands going up kind of ish! If you're quick you might still be able to grab the radio edit FREE from the official Underworld website!! That's right, FREEEEE!!

"...and it's okaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyaaaaaaaaaayyyyyy".

Chali 2na & Rusko... YES!

I know what you're thinking...but it's true. The J5 man lays it down over a sick Rusko beat (Go Go Gadget) and it's a big tune. It WILL moooove the dancefloor.
Rusko continues to make serious noise as his sleeper hold grip on the USA gets stronger...good lad.
The track will feature on Chali 2na's new album, which will be released on Decon, and he has been kind enough to offer this little tit-bit for free!

Chali 2na - GO GO Gadget! (Prod. By Rusko) (mediafire link)

A nod goes out to Discobelle for the heads up :D

Things On My Stereo

'Nuff said.

Official Snoop Dogg entry!

Please support Roland Dubbs' entry!

Barking Up The Wrong Tree

Filthy remix business right here! Roland Dubbs is on point with a brand new, totally fucked up, and oh-so dirty version of Snoop Dogg's latest tune featuring Kid Cudi - 'That Tree'. Turn this dust-nugget upto 11 and bug out!
Snoop Dogg - That Tree (Roland Dubbs Barking Up The Wrong Tree-mix) by RolandDubbs

Set Me Free

I realise some of my recent posts have been fairly Hospital Records heavy, something for which I shall not be apologising. It seems Tony Colman et al have been super busy of late, and everything is coming to a head this summer.

With artist albums and compilations in the pipeline it's Nu:Tone who has raised his head first with the absolute storming tune "Hyper Hyper" which has been ripping it's way through dancefloors for a few months already.

You've all heard that tune though, so it needs no more discussion.

For me the real gem lies on the b-side to the single release which is due out May 3rd. "Set Me Free" is almost hypnotising with that incredible synth work that can only be attributed to Dan Gresham - and Pat Fulgoni's sultry vocals of course! Head over to the Hospital shop now to pick a sneaky promo copy - otherwise grab the release in a couple of weeks.

Until then - listen here...

Antony & The Johnsons - Another World (S.I.N Bootleg)

It was almost a month ago when taRDyboy got all excited about a beautiful remix of Antony & The Johnsons and posted a snippet of it up on the blog - a little prematurely. Of course, as a polite and respectful blogger I had to take it down. But now it's back, with permission - in it's full 320 glory and available for FREE DOWNLOAD!!!

I am quite happy to say that it is fast becoming one of my favourite songs... ever. By far one of the most delicate, balanced and beautiful tracks to grace my speakers this year. The whole production is sonically perfect; not only does S.I.N not tamper with the original too much, he adds electronic elements to it in such a way that it actually makes it more transcendent.

Just listen for yourself and spread the good, good word...
Antony & The Johnsons - ANOTHER WORLD [S.I.N BOOTLEG] - 320 MP3 - FREE DOWNLOAD! by S.I.N

Any jungle in, guy?

I've been away partying in Brighton for the last week - always good fun. It's also a good chance to catch up on some tunes in the car for the 10hr round trip. Amongst some other bits (Subfocus Mixmag CD, The Pacific Soundtrack) I got on with some more Hospital Podcasts. Their new compilation 'Sick Music 2' is fast approaching and here are a couple of choice cuts from the album.

First up is Illskillz tune 'Directions'. It's subtle yet sublime, the kind of tune that got me in to drum & bass all those years ago. You probably know Illskillz better as D.Kay and Rawfull, but no matter their name they are always on the button.


Second tune I'm going to bring to you is on the other, dirtier end of the vast D&B spectrum. Reso is a dubstep producer who has tried his hand and his basslines on a drum & bass tip, with outstanding results. Just have a listen to "Slap Chop" and you'll know that this is a tune that takes no prisoners.
Both tracks will soon be available through Hospital Records before the end of the month, and I strongly recommend you go buy the whole compilation - don't sleep!

Throw Some Shapes

How's about this for a biggie then? Courtesy of my boys down south, Throw Some Shapes bring you Peanut Butter Wolf, Paul White and JFB @ Digital. Gonna be largeness!

TSS "Interpretations" presents PEANUT BUTTER WOLF (Stones Throw)

with...

PAUL WHITE (Now-Again / One Handed Music),

JFB (UK DMC Champion 07 / Battlejam),

TSS RESIDENTS AND DONKY PITCH DJs.

----------------------•

THURSDAY 6TH MAY 2010

----------------------•

DIGITAL, 187 - 193 KINGS ROAD ARCHES, BRIGHTON

----------------------•

23:00 - 04:00

----------------------•

£8 (Subject to booking fee)

THATS NOT ALL FOLKS...

TSS presents "Interpretations LIVE" with

PAPER TIGER,

ACHILLES ("Yoga For Cats" Single Launch),

AFRODELIC and DJs

----------------------•

SATURDAY 24th APRIL 2010

----------------------•

THE FREEBUTT, 1 PHOENIX PLACE, BRIGHTON

----------------------•

20:00 - 24:00

Also, some free stuffs here from the good peoples Paper Tiger!

One last thing...

-TIME TO AWESOME @ RIKI TIKS (Bond Street, Brighton)

--Facebook Group Here!

---MONDAY APRIL 5TH, with...

----FIGURE OF WAX

-----JDEVIOUS

------MATTER OF FACT and

-------ROLAND DUBBS

--------8 TIL LATE

Another World... of S.I.N

I've spent the evening catching up on my Hospital Podcasts. I've been subscribing for years now and they never fail to deliver. After just listening to the one from last week I heard this incredible bootleg playing in the background. On the podcast it gets talked over - as is the way, but it instantly struck a chord with me. I had to find it. Difficult task considering it's a drum & bass booty - they're never easy to come by.
Calling it a drum & bass booty, however, doesn't do it enough justice. It's a pure slice of absolute bliss, destined for a release - legal or not. If it doesn't give you goosebumps you have no soul.

It's an ambient, minimal-esque remix of Anthony & The Johnsons' "Another World" by Estonian producer S.I.N.
Let's get emotional.
(it's only a little snippet - let's hope for a release!)

TRACK REMOVED AT ARTISTS REQUEST.
APOLOGIES FOLKS :)

Future Cooper

This beat tells the story of a man. A man who travelled back in time to warn his past-self about a grave mistake he was about to make.
The man spent 20 years of his life developing a time machine. All the effort and hard work not only caused his hair to receed, but stunted his growth too. Once the final blueprints had been drawn he committed the last of his energy to connect the wires and re-route the power.
The final product was a masterpiece. It revolutionised time and space as we know it. Prof. Hawkins was said to be "gobsmacked" and dubbed the man "a bit special".
So the man packed his 'Travel Cranberry' and set sail for March 6th 2010. His plan was complete. All that the man needed to do now was explain to the younger version of himself what not to do.
He was hesitant to meet his younger-self, with the fear that the world might implode. It didn't. He passed the message on with great success. His mission was complete.
There was however one huge problem... HIS YOUNGER-SELF IGNORED THE ADVICE AND WENT AND FUCKING DID THE THING HE WASN'T SUPPOSED TO ANYWAY!
NOOOOOOOOoooooooooooooooooo!!!!!
Roland Dubbs - Future Cooper by RolandDubbs

Kid Cudi

Nice little song from Kid Cudi here. The alternate video version is the obvious winner, as it's ace. However, you can't go wrong with MGMT and Ratatat on production. Get ready for a bit of a mindfuck. Some nice synths too!
(Thanks to Discobelle for the freshness!)

My DJ!

When I first heard about this collabo I spent ages trying to find it with no success. Then it popped up on Zinc's superb 'Crack House' mix CD for Mixmag last month. Since then it's been released on the 'Wile Out' single feat. Ms. Dynamite. ('Blunt Edge' with an acapella basically - but still oh-so moreish!).
'My DJ' also features the talents of Ms. Dynamite, albeit only on a few vocal cuts.
The thing I love about this track is that it doesn't go over the top with the wobble. Zinc & Benga have deliberately kept it in check, and it works perfectly - it never gets too silly. It just sits there, staring at you from behind the fence, knowing that it's getting to you and burrowing deeper inside, all the while there's nothing you can do about it but stand there and enjoy it.
And trust me, after a handful of listens you'll just get it. It clicks. Hard. Hence why I spent the journey home from work on Friday with this bad-boy tune on repeat and cranked up to 11.

You can go grab your copy on iTunes now for a ridonkulous 79p. Or just check it here, now.

Turn Up (The Music)

Following on from the huge success in 2009 of 'Sick Music', Hospital Records bring us the follow up: 'Sick Music 2'. And it really is just that - sick music. Sick as fuck infact. Promo's are flying out now on the Hospital store, which include this gem from Camo & Krooked. Turn Up (The Music) is a huge, uplifting slice of electro D&B that is currently stealing the scene - and you can see why. Do as the boys say - and TURN UP THE MUSIC!

Thirsty Ear / Matter Of Fact

As you should know by now, good friends of the blog Thirsty Ear hold their fantastic night at The Harley in Sheffield on the first Saturday of every month. And every month they give away free mix cd's. The current batch of cd's they're giving away is based on a simple idea, and one I mentioned in a previous post. 5x5 - 5 DJ's mix 5 tunes and all you have to do to grab a copy is turn up!

For February's CD Roland Dubbs provided a mix, which is still available on his Soundcloud page, and for March's CD fellow taRDyboy and Thirsty Ear resident Matter Of Fact has provided some superb sounds for you to listen too right here!

5x5 Mini Mix March by Matter of Fact

Tracklist:
1. Dizz1 - Here We Go Again (Percee P Mashup)
2. Exile - Summer sun (Take Remix)
3. Take - I Miss My Brains
4. Muhsinah - Lose My Fuse
5. Clause Four - Division

This brings us nicely onto this weekend's Thirsty Ear!

THIRSTY EAR... THIS ISH BANGS!
A Night of Reggae Funk Hip-Hop Beats Dubstep & Much More
WITH SPECIAL GUEST DJ PETER PARKER
**ON STAGE AT 12 MIDNIGHT**
[Fingathing DJ / Real Dolls / Parkertron]

Peter Parker first rose to prominince by finishing 3rd in the UK DMC finals. Soon after he joined Manchester's Grand Central crew and formed the marvellous band Finagthing. After some 10 years and 3 albums with Fingathing, Peter Parker has joined Real Dolls and become Parkertron. As well as having new albums due this year with both Fingathing and Real Dolls, he's also got some solo work due to drop...

This is a rare chance to catch one of the UK's best!

Plus support from the Thirsty Ear DJs
Dr Bad Touch // Dark Phayd-R // Infinite Soul
Drink Promos // Free Mix CDs
10pm-3am
FREE ENTRY BEFORE 11pm
£3 ENTRY AFTER 11pm
LAST ENTRY 1am

And it's JDevious' birthday - so fuck him up! ;)

Grab your shotguns... Zomby!

Two really contrasting tunes here from Zomby
The first is "Mercury's Rainbow", which recently featured on Martyn's sublime Fabric 50 Mix (which you should check out). The song plays out as if you've just shot into space in some future sci-fi adventure. And all the buttons and controls are sounding off at once. And through the g-force and adrenaline, all you can make out is the faint sound of this Zomby tune. Which basically sums up the video aswell!
The video is also probably the only one in existence that uses media-player visuals in a non-shit way, as it kinda suits what the song is trying to achieve. I can only link you to the YouTube page as embedding has been disabled for this tune (?)

Take a listen here...
Zomby - Mercury's Rainbow

The second Zomby tune is... well, it's a Skream remix. Ok. But that's a good thing... a very good thing. It's been doing the rounds for aaaaaaaaaaaaaaages. And since that now I've decided to post anything that takes my, and taRDyboys' fancy (rather than just strictly new unsigned acts, which was proving fruitless), I shall post it right here. And you shall listen. And maybe dance.

The original is off Zomby's album "Where Were You In '92?", which does exactly what it says on the tin and provides plenty of ravey synths and nostalgia for all you old folks to reminisce too. The remix, however, is switched up a notch courtesy of the London boy-wonder Skream. And he's done a mighty fine job of it too. If you've seen him DJ at all over the last year you'll probably have heard it. In fact, if you can find your own arse with your hands you've probably already heard it anyway. But basically, it's mighty fine dance music at it's best. It also has a brilliant name... 'Skream's I Was In Infant School, Where Were You In '92 Remix'.

Turn it UP!

(KA)BLAU!

Heard this on the recent Jack Beats Essential Mix, like 3rd track in, and had to snaffle a copy. Just wait til that fidgety goodness rolls in. Needs to be heard loud, on a dancefloor, preferably when hammered - but sober at the computer still does the job!



Laidback Luke & Lee Mortimer - Blau!
(right click - save as!)

Highest Calibre

Yeh.... so I may have slept on this for too long, but turn up this superb effort from Calibre, and take a swim around in that HUGE bass! Oh yes my friends, oh yes.

Jack Beats Essential Mix

It's always a joy when artists, producers and djs you love and respect put together an Essential Mix for Radio1. This weekend it was Jack Beats who stepped up to the platters that matter at the Beeb to bring you two hours of AWESOME. Many a dope beat, many a big remix and many a Jack Beats production! Sickness guaranteed. Grab it here - Jack Beats Essential Mix

Check the tracklist...
1. Dead Can Dance – Dawn Of The Iconclast (Jack Beats Intro Edit)
2. Passion Pit – Little Secrets (Jack Beats Remix)
3. Lee Mortimer & Laidback Luke – Blau! (LA Riots Remix)
4. Jack Beats – Labyrinth
5. Pase Rock – Nights (Nadastrom Remix)
6. L-Vis 1990 – United Groove (MJ Cole Remix)
7. D1 – Pitcher (128 Mix)
8. Kissy Sell Out – This Kiss (Jack Beats Remix)
9. Black Box – Ride On Time (Zombie Disco Squad Remix – Jack Beats Edit)
10. Sound of Stereo – Button (Beataucue Remix)
11. Does It Offend You, Yeah? – Epic Last Song (Jack Beats Remix)
12. Foamo – Jookie
13. Tiga – What You Need (A-Trak Remix)
14. Zombie Nation – Seas of Grease (Harvard Bass Remix)
15. Diplo & Blaqstarr – Get Off (Jack Beats Remix)
16. Noob & Brodinski – Peanuts Club (BeatauCue Remix)
17. M.A.N.D.Y & Booka Shade – Donut (Boy 8-Bit Remix)
18. Mvsvem – French Jeans (Style Of Eye Remix)
19. Boys Noize & Erol Alkan – Waves (Chilli Gonzales remix)
20. The Black Ghosts – I Want Nothin’ (Jack Beats Remix Accapella)
21. Felix Da Housecat – Kickdrum
22. SonicC – Unicorns On Acid
23. La Roux – I’m Not Your Toy (Jack Beats Remix)
24. Jack Beats & MC Dynamite – What (Boy 8-Bit Remix)
25. Bag Raiders – Shooting Stars (Siriusmo Remix)
26. Claude VonStroke – Vocal Chords
27. Popof – Serenity w/ Fingers Inc – My House Acapella (Jack Had a Groove)
28. Breakage – Justified ft. Erin
29. 16-Bit – Jump
30. Joker – Tron
31. Calvin Harris – You Used To Hold Me (Nero Remix)
32. Subscape – Hardcore Members
33. Doctor P – Sweet Shop
34. Benga – Little Bits
35. Donaeo – Riot Music (Skreamix)
36. Jack Beats – U.F.O (K-Hole Bass Riddim)
37. Lady Sovereign – Got You Dancing (Jack Beats Remix)
38. Unknown Artist – BG (Crookers DJ Tool Mix)
39. Florence + The Machine – Drumming Song (Jack Beats Remix)
40. AC Slater – Jack Got Jacked (Jack Beats Remix)
41. DJ Zinc – Gimme A Camera ft. Angela Hunter
42. Hockey – Song Away (Jack Beats ‘Anger Management’ Unreleased Dub)
43. DJ Zinc – Super Sharp Shooter (Jack Beats Remix)
44. The Count & Sinden – Panther
45. TC – Deep (Jack Beats ‘2008 Unreleased’ Remix)
46. L-Vis 1990 – The Bird
47. Project Bassline – Drop The Pressure (Jack Beats Remix)
48. Diplo & Laidback Luke vs. Proxy – Hey vs. Raven (Will Bailey Bootleg)
49. Faithless – Never Going Home (Herve Remix)
50. Fake Blood – Mars (Jack Beats Remix)
51. Jack Beats – Get Down VIP

Get The Fuck Up!

I've just spent the last week partying in Brighton with some friends, both old and new - and all amazing, which was fantastic. We got bent to a wonky soundtrack all week, especially on the Thurs night at Donkey Pitch w/ Debruit and Slugabed which was rindonkulous! So I thought i'd share with you some rather large ish we were breaking our necks too...

It would be wrong to pigeonhole Slugabed as merely another Dubstep artist trying to cut his own path. With elements of glitched up sounds, 8bit fills, wonky basslines and some off-kilter hip hop drums, he's much more than your run-of-the-mill 140bpm-er. Just check out his latest EP - Ultra Heat Treated. It's full of little gems to get you bouncing!

And here's the first track of his I heard which totally sold me. It's one of, if not THE best remix of Pharoahe Monch's classic slice of hip hop "Simon Says". It keeps all the original aggression, but notches it up to 11 with some serious bassline deviousness making you feeling ten feet tall! Turn this motherfucker UP!




Next up for you to check is a Flying Lotus beat from last year. A serious head nodder on the hip hop side of things, with extra added spacey synths and twinkley bits! It also contains possibly our most quoted saying of the week... SWEET BERRY WINE. It's only short, but perfectly formed...




Now for a totally different sound.

Swiftly moving on from the wonky weavings of bassy hip hop to the more straight-paved slickness of well produced house with an electro twang.
I bring to you a Rory Philips Remix of heartfelt proportions. It's a remix of a tune from 1980 (1980 for fucks sake! I wasn't even alive. That's mad old!!) that includes some understated vocals sitting perfectly on the uplifting, feel good vibe the song creates. The original is from an outfit from San Francisco called The Units who now seem before their time with their synth-punk sounds.
If you do listen to the original (which i recommend), then you can see that Rory hasn't had to do too much to it, as the quality is already there. He's just brought it forward to 2010 and made it dancefloor accessible - of the hands in the air variety. It's a great tune, enjoy the synthery goodness...




ALL THESE TRACKS ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE IF YOU SEARCH FOR THEM, BE SENSIBLE FELLOW CONSUMERS.


And finally, a little BONUS treat for you. A straight-up, brash, uncoof and definitely stupid dubstep remix of Jay Z's 'Big Pimpin' courtesy of Roland Dubbs. It's not big or clever, so don't encourage him. It is, however, a bit of fun. TURN IT UP...a litte louder!
(available for free 320kbps download if you follow the link!)

Jay Z - Big Pimpin' (Roland Dubbs Ridonkulous Remix)

Roland Dubbs - Waiting For Tomorrow

New song for you from Roland Dubbs. Some lovely synths and an uplifting vibe to this chopped up, vocal driven, slice of goodness! Enjoy!

Roland Dubbs - Waiting For Tomorrow

Thirsty Ear Feb 6th / Roland Dubbs Minimix!

THIS ISH BANGS!

It's all about the lovely residents for this first TE of 2010 - it's about time we gave them some time to shine!
They'll be craftily joining the dots between Reggae, Funk, Hip-Hop, Beats, Dubstep, Some Future Sh*t, and the rest...
Your DJs for the night:
Dr Bad Touch / Dark Phayd-R / Infinite Soul / Matter of Fact / Ian Cracknell / More TBA

Drink Promos / Free Mix CDs
10:30pm-3am
FREE ENTRY BEFORE 11pm
£2 ENTRY AFTER 11pm
LAST ENTRY 1am

Facebook Event Page HERE
--------------------------------------------------->>>

In anticipation of the night on Feb 6th the Thirsty Ear boys kindly asked Roland Dubbs to do a minimix to be given away on the night.
The rules were simple; 5 tracks currently big in your box and no longer than 15 minutes.
So he obliged and came up with this little chibber....

Tracklist:
1. Hot City - If That's How I Feel
2. Helsinki 78-82 - Cruising
3. Martyn - These Words (Feat. dBridge)
4. Mosca - Nike
5. JJ - Pure Shores

Roland Dubbs - Thirsty Ear 5x5 Mini Mix Jan 2010 by RolandDubbs

From The Kites Of San Quentin

Remix of From The Kites Of San Quentin.
Definitely a band worth keeping your eyes and ears on. Hopefully they'll approve of this little effort!
I just took the track for a walk down the wonky side, nothing clever here people - just a wobbly bassline to wil' out to!!
Skank.

Martyn

I first came across Martyn a number of years back on a Fabric compilation mixed by High Contrast. As my music listening rotation swings back and forth from drum & bass to other forms of electonic music it's easy to lose track of artists from time-to-time.

I noticed over the last year or so that Martyn hasn't been making Drum & Bass per se, or rather what i've heard hasn't been deebee - (I may be wrong?). There has been odds and sods of dubstep and techno and the like, but not what I expected. A fleeting glance at his myspace address would lead you to believe he is making d&b, but a quick listen to the the tracks on his player would suggest otherwise...

Martyn's Myspace

After having an adventure through blogland over the last few days (no work - snow days FTW!) I found some links to some truly awesome songs by Martyn. Have a listen, I hope you'll agree.