TONIGHT ! CRUCIAL & FRESH w/ GLOWING PALMS

Ahead of tonight’s Crucial & Fresh Party at the London Fields, Glowing Palms has sent us his track of the month. Keeping it all in the family, it’s Australia’s FREEKWENCY feat Sarah Bates – ‘Do What’s On Ya Mind’ on Gulf Point Records.

And the GP Bonus Ball:

“This is a sweet one – still not been able to locate a vinyl copy props to Ruf Dug for diggin’ it”

Tonight going to be a ripper. Need we say anymore. Click the link through to the Facebook Event Page. THX

Check our PROMO VID below.

Crucial & Fresh w/ ZTG (REALLIFE)

Our lovely guest ZTG of REALLIFE fame will be joiningg us at the Lost and Found Tent at Bestival. There’s some serious rippers in this one. Really looking forward to this one. In the words of ZTG “going to drop some wonk on these lads.” ENJOY

LISTEN AGAIN – Crucial & Fresh w/ BELL TOWERS

We’ve gone enough now but here’s your chance to listen to our last show where we were joined by BELL TOWERS. thx

BONUS BOLLYWOOD PARTY

In light of the overwhelming response to the last Bollywood party held at Sneaky Pete’s we have decided to have another one.

This time for free, at Filament Coffee which will have a bar and club pop up, as if by magic, for the duration of the Festival.

FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE

Pentland & Pierross – Project C

“The hills glowed like purple amethyst;
the sky glowed topaz and vermillion colours.
I never saw a finer screen than Pentland.”         

A few post’s ago we put up a TPA mix by Chris Raeburn aka Pentland. We mentioned circuit bending and taste: here are the results. The first track to go up with an enigmatic Pieross, this is:

 ‘Varied, deadly, minimalist to contemplative, slower House.’  

We’re not into this because he’s an associate, we’re into it because its actually good. Smoked out, swirling pads and gentle arps that will tickle your fancy. As usual follow and like Pentland’s new facebook page for more of the same and be sure to check Moskalus‘ youtube channel for more LoFi visual gold.

Crucial & Fresh w/ Bell Towers

Friday night was a ripper. Thanks to all that came down danced and talked shite to each other. Follow the links and check the quality gear that Rohan has out there already. He also mixed with us on our radio show prior to the party, this will be available shortly. More events in the pipeline.

“Having recently made the jump from Melbourne to London, Rohan Bell Towers hasn’t wasted anytime making an impression. After releasing two records on Munich imprint Public Possession, delivering an impeccable Juno Plus Podcast and just partaking in the mandatory Boiler Room mix we are in no doubt that Bell Towers is more than qualified to bring the heat.” 

and our daft promo…

 

LISTEN AGAIN: Crucial & Fresh Radio w/ Saul Wilks (Boogie Cartel)

In his own words “I’ll be hitting L Town’s airwaves tomorrow night playing backto back with Edinburgh’s finest and one half of Crucial and Fresh Tom Russell. Tune in and get a meaty fix of sleazery that’ll see you right for the weekend ahead.”

That was just over a week ago and now is your opportunity to listen again. Watch out for him playing the Downlow Radio Tent at Glastonbury this week.

Chris Raeburn – TPA MIX 008

“Has anyone got a soldering iron I can borrow” Chris Raeburn’s status on a well know social media website last week. We can only hazard a guess at what ‘Crabes’ is up too but I get the distinct impression he might be doing a little bit of light  circuit bending. It’s just a guess mind you.

“Circuit bending is the creative, chance-based customization of the circuits within electronic devices such as low voltage, battery-powered guitar effects, children’s toys and digital synthesizers to create new musical or visual instruments and sound generators.”

…but never mind the circuit bending. More importantly, unbeknownst to us Chris is a relative of the famous 18th century Scottish portrait painter Henry Raeburn, a fact he downplays as he wishes not to live in the shadow of his forebears fame. Instead people in Edinburgh know him for his fine taste in all things house his appreciation of the more traditional aspects of the craft (i.e he plays vinyl). You can be sure that Chris will never be the one to ‘sleep’ on what is the latest in beard stroking house music.

If you were in any doubt about Chris’ taste then have pop at this lovingly compiled, live mix recorded using his technics 1210’s in his bedroom studio. He assures us he recorded it in one take. Its perfect for the hot weather and an ideal way to start the week. You can catch Chris at his weekly residency at Juice. Pass me the solder please.

Carib Zine Launch

We are doing the music all afternoon at a secret location for the Carib zine launch tomorrow afternoon. Artists Liam Richardson and Ruairi McCance have been pouring over this for over a year now and has finally come to see the light of day. The printing is done, the bar has been built, the chicken has been jerked and the Carib beer is being chilled.

“Expect to see; Jelly and AK47s glistening in a rum sunset, an LA raiders Homer carved out of wood, Jesus in space playing with effervescent globules of sludge with his scythe, Old Monk with his see-through head and floating emblems on pyscho camouflage. All under spangly lights with cold beverages.”

Check the preview pages below. Get in touch if you’d like to order on of these very limited Carib zines!

LISTEN AGAIN: Crucial & Fresh w/ Farm Fest DJs

Last week climbing up dangerous non compliant ladder of death and into the studio with us were Joe & Si (Farmfest DJs)

So Farmfest Dj’s you may be wondering? Their name comes from the intimate festival they created in the heart of Somerset, showcasing new and old musical talent, spanning a variety of genres. We went last year and we can assure you its well worth a visit if you haven’t already. 

“FARMFESTIVAL STARTED AS A PARTY FOR FRIENDS AND HAS STAYED THAT WAY 9 YEARS ON.” You can buy tickets here

The boys played a top notch selection of disco/boogie, freestyle and house. Included in our set were the likes of Hi & Saberhagen, Atlus (see previous posts) and Guised. Make sure you check them all. This friday joining us for a special mix is dear friend Saul Wilkes of the Boogie Cartel. Promises to be good wan.

 

TEESH MIX 009 – Telfort

Appearing at TEESH’ new Saturday night slot at Sneaky Pete’s on June 14th, Telfort has recorded a mix demonstrating his plans for the dancefloor with panache. Enjoy an hour of excellent sounds plucked from a pool of DJ’s and Producers the world over including a healthy slather of Scottish representation.

The TEESH office is enjoying this working with the window open this sunny afternoon along with that Janzsoon Aeropress’d Coffeeeeeeeeeee 🙂 DJ Cheers x

Tracklist
Suzanne Kraft – Feel
Percussions – Sext
Presk – MOD1
Vince Watson – Rendezvous
Fort Romeau – Jetee
Telfort – Bansuri Tapes
Telfort – Artefact
Atlus – Zopiclone
John Daly – Move (Club Mix)
Chez Damier – Help Myself (Unreleased Reshape)
Joseph Marinetti – S W M
Ron Trent – I Feel The Rhythm
Damiano Von Erckert – No Fish In Detroit

Party = www.facebook.com/events/1507451409475230/?fref=ts
More from Telfort = www.telfortmusic.com

Atlus – ‘Teem’

‘If you’re not squad, team, or troops then i’m afraid you’ll have to get out,’ the words I hear on my first ‘4am on a Saturday-Atlus’ encounter. It’s safe to say you’ll want to be part of the Atlus squad. When not working in Rubadub, Glasgow’s young gun Hector Barbour has been making tunes / waves / faces melt in his cupboard (and the club) for 2 years and his ascendancy to a Deadmaus\Avicii type supremacy seems almost set in stone.

His latest offering ‘Midweekend,’ is a 3 track ep conjuring up images of an endless weekend, never going to bed and nervously waiting for the off license to open as you realise you have written off your weekend and your mum probably hates you. With titles such as ‘Sunday Morning’ and ‘You’ve Got To Let This Thing Go’ you get the idea..

Our favourite has to be ‘Teem,’ a big old anxiety inducing shuffler of track that purveys a ‘we’ve got the whole weekend ahead of us’ type excitement. (We will be playing this on our ‘Crucial & Fresh’ radio show tomorrow night)

When asked about the e.p he says ‘it’s based primarily on when I moved back to Glasgow, I kinda got shown that there are so many ways to look day to day life… and the weekend hasn’t really ended for me yet…’

We highly recommend that you but this 3 track weekend journey from his bandcamp HERE. You name your price. Check his Soundcloud here.

Be sure to check out the artist responsible for the art! Elliot Mcintosh

LISTEN AGAIN: Crucial & Fresh w/ Steve Lee

Steve Lee is a busy man, a very busy man. Heading up his label (Above Machine Records), fronting his band (The Project Club), remixing for the likes of U KA on Groovitron, under the alias S L O, running parties east of London and Beyond… oh, and he’s a serious vinyl head. With all that its a wonder he found time to come on the show. However, he has and we’re honored to have him as this weeks guest.

Hear what Steve’s been up to, here, Read all about Steve, here on Test Pressing. 

Day & Night Terrace Party with Vakula || Lovebirds || Brackles at The Prince of Wales

Eighty Six productions have asked us to play at their London party debut this Saturday at the Prince of Wales in Brixton. It’s an all day / all night terrace party sort of affair with the likes of Vakula, Love Birds and Brackles all playing. Myself Brixton local self proclaimed ‘badman,’ Flaxman will be taking control for a  4 hour back 2 back reach around session from 7 – 11 pm. To top it all off its a bank holiday weekend as well. Bevvy and dancing and never going to bed.

You can buy tickets through the Resident Advisor page here and check the event Facebook page here.

In the meantime here’s a little slice of Chi-Town goodness from Marco Spoon, Gotta Get Back In Your Arms, the dub version. You can also catch myself  (Semi-Deluxe) and Dr. Astroturf playing a 6 hour set at the Lock tavern this Sunday night. More details to come.

Justin Berkovi – ‘Jackitpackit’

Another Djax Record with suitably appauling art from 1999. This is not particularly dance floor friendly but the percussion is appealing. Broody wee number. As seen on the Musicdesciptions Tumblr; “clammy, ominous atmospheres underpinned by stomping beats” etc etc.

Claude Young – ‘Reality 2’

A nice piece from Detroit’s Claude Young, vintage 2001. One of the many Djax numbers recently picked up in Record Loft. There is an abundance of Djax Records most of which were pretty hard Dutch techno but there are a few gems to be had in amongst it all. The artwork is distinctly shocking. Plenty more like this to come.

Doge 001

The record shops are saying ‘easily the best thing to come out this month.’ Don’t bother mentioning the Doge thing, this is a formidable four track EP and like everything now its mysterious and limited.. For those still partial to a panic buy, Kristina still have a handful of copies.

Doge Records – ‘A Way With Her’

 

Doge Records – ‘Cold Summers Night’

Listen Again – Crucial & Fresh w/ Belch (notsosilent) 02/05/14

On the night of Friday the 2nd May, whilst you were busy trying to forget about your jobs, we were stood in a confined space, pushing Lynx Africa to its technical limit and furiously mixing our bi monthly radio show – ‘Crucial & Fresh.’ (bi monthly actually means twice a month and every second month?)

Climbing the ladder and into the studio with us was Belch of the Notsosilent party purveyor crew. Having recently added Leon Vynehall to their roster of residents and throwing parties in three major cities it would seem these chaps have set their sites on nationwide rooftop/club supremacy. For those of you who are in London and have a  penchant for an all day affair, you should  purchase tickets for their roof top parties HERE. 

“notsosilent started throwing parties in Edinburgh in 2012 bringing guests like Midland, Joy Orbison, Roman Flügel and Gerd to the Scottish capital.

 

2013 saw the three-man crew add a monthly Glasgow party to their programming securing Scottish debuts for the likes of FunkinEvil, Moomin and Marquis Hawkes alongside other guests such as Move D, Prosumer, and Tama Sumo.

 

With one third of the crew now in London the party prepares to set up shop in the capital for 2014 with a series of rooftop parties over summer and regular monthly events alongside it’s Scottish program thereafter.”

 

As for the show, (these are his own words) Belch says he enjoys “employing individual elements from a variety of sources, systems, or styles,” in other words, he has eclectic taste. His mix does well to show off the extent of his musical knowledge. Apart from that, Belch genuinely looks like hes enjoying himself when he is behind a pair of decks, an aspiration that should always be high on disc jockeys list of priorities regardless of skill or genre.

Expect to weave in out of jazz funk, soul, disco, hip hop and house as Belch takes the reins for the first half with myself taking the second hour playing some Chicago tracks recently picked up in Berlin’s Record Loft and some new chin stroking house cutzzzz from the wall at Kristina. Cheers!

This Friday we will be joined by Steve Lee. Check his recent interview on TEST PRESSING.

 

TEESH BOLLYWOOD DISCO PARTY – Top 5 Bollywood Recordings.

It is Friday tomorrow, more importantly it is the second Friday of the month which means it is time for TEESH. Joining myself and DJ Cheers is previous contributor and stalwart friend, young gun DJ Yves. (Check his TPA Mix Here).

We are going totally off piste here, throwing down the standard ‘House & Disco,’ instead it’s Bollywood all night. So here are my top 5 Bollywood tracks, in no particular order,with plenty of misinformation, inaccuracies and preconceived ideas. Get to the event page HERE. Yarrrr?!

Bappi Lahiri – ‘Come Closer’

As sultry as they come, this turbo steamed love hit from the 1984 movie Kasam Paida Karne Wale Ki starring Govinda, Juhi Chawla and Raj Kiran should be used with discretion. Not suitable for the dance floor and will probably get anyone in to bed with you. For the sample spotters: ‘ONRA – Come Closer’

 

Chaalbaaz -‘ Na Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai’

This is absolutely bonkers, the video comes highly recommended. Look out for the  ‘Part Time Lover‘ parallels and the latin freestyle-esque sample  interludes. 

“Anju and Manju are twins separated when babies thanks to their mentally retarded nanny. An evil uncle Tribhuvan gets their parents killed in a car accident. He brings up Anju as coy and easily frightened girl. Manju grows up in a basti as a happy-go-lucky stage dancer…..” An absolute classic

 

Hassan Jehangir – ‘HAWA HAWA E HAWA’

Not strictly Indian (Pakistani in fact) this ones all about the big synth stabs and the drum fills. As usual the video is a top drawer. No doubt this will do the damage down your local discotheque.

 

R.D. Burman (with Asha Boshle and Kishore Kumore) – ‘AA DEKHEN JARA’

Never one to over use the word ‘big’ but this one is, Big. ‘Rahul Dev Burman was an Indian film score composer, who is considered one of the seminal music directors of the Indian film industry.’ This is lazy writing but I’m on my lunch break, my tiffin box awaits. If you are interested in this stuff then use Google. Here is a handy link to Google. Lots of good sound effects, lazers n’that on this one. Getting a War of The Worlds ‘vibe.’

 

 Charanjit Singh – ‘Raga Megh Malhar’ 

Simply couldn’t leave this out. Close your eyes and pick anyone of the tracks on this album. Listen to the whole thing here. Rather than paraphrase this about sums it up nicely. 

‘It was originally made in 1982 by a Bollywood soundtrack composer, intending to capitalise on the disco phenomenon with a combination of centuries-old classical Indian Ragas set to a disco backing. To achieve this Charanjit used a prototypical acid set-up of Roland TB303 bass melody sequencer and TR808 drum computer together with a Jupiter-8 keyboard. He basically created a sound which mirrored, and more importantly, pre-dated the first acid house record – Phuture’s ‘Acid Track’ by five years, and even preceded Chip E’s ‘Jack Trax’ in 1985.’

Put that in your Juan Atkins and smoke it.

 

Steven Halpern – ‘Comfort Zone’

Never mind the bank holiday weekend.

John Barera and Paul Morse – ‘Broken Land’

A new cut straight from the wall. Plenty of hi-hat swing and chopped up strang. Please BUY this record. Every track on it is ‘beezer.’

Untzz – White Label?

Picked this white label up in Kristina yesterday and all I know is that it’s Untzz! and it’s good. Lots of swinging hi hats.

Listen Again – CRUCIAL and FRESH! w/ Christopher Ennis & Kelly Jay (Newfamily

Another chance to listen to our last radio show, airing from 10pm – 12pm in Hoxton’s MEATmission. Joining us in the booth were our friends Christopher Ennis and Kelly Jay of New Family. They take over the first hour,  expect  pan global percussive house . We step in for the final hour, it gets deep, as it were. 100% live and on wax.

Woody Mc Bride – ‘Jump In The Fire’ (Paul Birken Mix)

This is an absolute whopper from the year 2000. Another Berlin purchase, which in my opinion sounds better pitched down. If you like Paranoid London’s Sniffing Glue you’ll dig it. It’s terrifying and I’ll probably never get to play it out.

A note about the image with this post. My friend and colleague took this on a recent trip to Tuscany to view some stone samples at a marble quarry. They carve these huge caverns out of the side of the mountains, unbelievable. CAN YOU DIG IT?

Taylor Williams – ‘Back To Heaven’ (Dub)

Back in the game. After a lengthy break due to massive online storage issue (and apathy). We are going to start posting again. We’ve still been active in the real world and have done plenty of digging of late. Expect lots of obscure B-sides, dubs, pitched down smoked out techno, ambient interludes and some fresh cuts from the wall. A recent trip to Record Loft in Berlin yieled a fat wedge of Chicago, this record being one of them.

Listen Again – CRUCIAL und FRESH! Radio w BEST INTENTIONS

Here’s another chance to listen to last Fridays radio show, airing from 8pm til 10pm in Hoxton’s MEATmission. Joining us in the booth were our guest from ‘Best Intentions.’ As expected they put together a top notch disco selection. There’s minimal chat, lots of beer, mixed 100% live and on wax.

Legowelt – ‘Source of Menace’

A relatively new Legowelt record out on Spanish label Riverette. Vinyl only. Every track is a winner on this one.

Roman Rauch – ‘Too Many Things’

Philpot is a Stuttgart-based label, run by Soulphiction and Tobi Ettle since 2000 ad. Uptempo Music with an edge, we wouldn´t call it House, Techno, Jazz or Soul…but they all come close and definetly are strong influences..’

Well I’d call this house. Either way, it’s a belter. Always buy the Philpot records.

TPA MIX 007 – DJ Yves

This mix has been cued up for a while now. Now seems appropriate to post it. Continuing on where last weeks mix left off is Big DJ Yves (Andy Danet who previously contributed to our SNACK TRAX! portion of the site) has provided a  masterful selection of ambient, synth and soul. Expect very little in the way of any 4/4. Which is exactly what we want. I had another listen to it this morning on the bus, post ‘big weekend‘ it had me near enough in tears. Keep your ear out for the Womack Womack / Frankie Knuckles remix. It’s completely mind blowing and might be my favourite record of the year. ‘Big Ups’ DJ Yves n’ that!

 

DOWNLOAD – TPA MIX 007 – DJ  YVES

Guillamino – Tegami (bankrobber)
Eric Serra – Sailing to death (virgin)
John Hughes Day Dream – Ebony eyes (cut mistake)
Placid Angles – Everything under the sun (peacefrog)
The New Year – My Bleeding wound (chocolate industries)
Womack & Womack – MPB (Frankie Knuckles paradise ballroom mix) (island)
Hommage – Output (cdr)
Sunny Day In Glasgow – Slaughter killing carnage (the meaning of words) (mis ojos discos)
G.E.S. – Helmut Schmidt plays Bach (dub) (faitiche)
Charles Bradley – Through the storm (dunham)
Iasos – Rainbow canyon (unity records)
Oneohtrix Point Never – Chrome country (warp)
Eric Serra – For Enzo (virgin)
Eric Serra – Such a family (virgin)
Cortex – I heard a sigh (underdog) OOFT! – Overjammin’ (cdr)

The Carter Bros – ‘Loving You Is Easy’

Some Adelaidian disco nonsense here form the Carter Bros. Really shouldn’t like this. Catch us on air tonight from 8 – 10pm with guest ‘Best Intentions’ on MEATtransMISSION Radio.

Giovanni Damico – ‘Fella On A Cloud’ and ‘Atypical Noise’

This arrived in the post today. Having completely forgotten, it turns out the track I bought it for is far eclipsed by the recording on the flip. Maybe it’s the Eden Cottage, ;2 for 2′ that clouds my judgement. More than a pinch of Keni Burke’s ‘Rising to The Top’ here. ‘Atypical Noise’ does something that closely resembles something on the boogie spectrum…etc. Either way, ideal late night Thursday listening.

Giovanni Damico – ‘Fella On A Cloud’

Giovanni Damico  – ‘Atypical Noise’

TPA MIX 006 – Floatingboy ‘Catching a Vibe’

It’s Monday and you’ve heard/had enough club music. Doing the honors on the mixing front this week is Scotland’s own Floatingboy (resident at Juice, member of the Gastric Band and general explorer of sound.) Self effacing he is,  loquacious he is not. Cameron Cullen and egotism are words that dont go together, this boy’s got talent but doesn’t feel the need to shout about it. Have a listen to this brand new piece ‘So We Our Best Should Give.’ It contains emotion.

As for the mix, its as broad ranging as you can get, opening with the eccentric jazz of Sun Ra, moving on to the Huerco S (outsider house?) and beyond. I’m really not joking here, this mix defies all convention. I have listened to it six times now and it sounds completely different every time. Either way it’s an incredible accompaniment to start the start of the week.

Download Link

Sun Ra – ‘Demon’s Lullaby’
Huerco S – ‘Prinzif’
Quasimoto – ‘Catching a Vibe’
Nujabes – ‘Haiku’
Steve Spacek – ‘Dollar’
Floating Points – ‘For You’
John Coltrane – ‘Ascension’
Theo Parrish – ‘ Love Is War For Miles’
Takuya Matsumoto – ‘Drafting Under The Stairs’
James Mason – ‘Nightgruv’
Efdemin – ‘Revenge’
Pepe Bradock – ‘Right Way’
Cities Aviv – ‘Don’t Ever Look Back’
Steven Tang – ‘Some Solace’
Huerco S – ‘Elma’ (Ruff Rub)
Gala Drop – ‘Rauze’

TEESH MIX 006 – Semi Deluxe

As is tradition, another all vinyl mix put together before the next TEESH Party. Recorded in my room at 3 am using a pair of iPhone headphones. I think I lost the plot slightly towards the end, most of us probably do. See you on Friday.

www.facebook.com/events/666912440032996/?fref=ts

Wesley Matsell – ‘Future Beacon’ (Original Mix)

‘Born in the semi-rural and deprived ex-mining town Merthyr Tydfil in the South Wales valley’s, Wesley has an unlikely interest in the more experimental end of the music spectrum.’

Listen Again ‘CRUCIAL und FRESH!’ Radio with Ledoux and Steve Seagull

Joining us on  last Friday night’s ‘CRUCIAL und FRESH!’ Radio at MEATtransMISSION were Ledoux (formerly BEN//LA//DASH) and Steve Seagull (Future Radio/Cosmic Pint Glass).  You were probably out getting lit so below is chance to listen again. It’s all live, all vinyl and all nonsense.

Shadow – ‘Let’s Stay Together’ (Whiskey Barons Edit)

This track came to me by the will of God. I’d heard it in a a recent BIS mix, had that moment of excitement when you go to check for its ID in the track list and then sadness at the fact it’s been listed as ‘Unkown.’ Which is fair enough I suppose, a DJ has to protect his assets.

What I thought had been lost to the ether has now found its way into my possession through pure luck. Re-issued on Cultures of Soul, Mighty Shadow’s ‘Lets Stay Together’ is a mid tempo tropical disco brute. The Trinidad & Tobagonian’s desperate canticle has been given the Whiskey Baron’s treatment on  the flip, rendering it club friendly. Much to like here.

‘CRUCIAL und FRESH!’ Radio with Ledoux and Steve Seagull

Joining us on ‘CRUCIAL und FRESH!’ Radio at MEATtransMISSION tonight night are Ledoux (formerly BEN//LA//DASH) and Steve Seagull (Future Radio/Cosmic Pint Glass). Catch us from 10 -12, as usual it will be an all vinyl affair. You should probably not go out, this will be better than the warehouse you paid 30 quid to get into. Radio station HERE. Stay locked?

Stacey Kidd – ‘Take It Easy’

‘HOUSE 4 LIFE,’ are the words adorning Stacy Kidd’s Twitter account and T-shirt. What happened to Kidd between the mid 90s and now is a mystery. This is another record rescued from a dusty basement for the bargain price of one pound. It seem’s quite fitting that I was listening to this BBC Radio 4 documentary just last night; ‘The Art of The Loop‘ with Matthew Herbert.

‘Most current pop music is created not with live instruments, but from pre-formed, off the shelf chunks of music known as loops. Musician Matthew Herbert explores the art of the loop and the million-dollar industry that has grown up around it, and asks whether it is setting music makers free from the constraints of traditional instruments or killing creativity.’

It really is well worth a listen and it should inform your future listening experiences, this record included.

T.C Curtis – ‘Pack Your Things and Get Out My Life’

Been a bit lax on the post front so got plenty of gold that needs shared. First up is T.C Curtis ‘Pack Your Things and Get Out My Life.’ Another proto-house, bargain basement, 50 pence gem. There’s some serious melancholy in that voice, its got a hint of Antony Hegarty (of Antony and The Johnsons and Hercules & Love Affair) on it. Lots of dubby percussion and the obligatory sax solo on this one. File next to Colonel Abrams.

George Astroturf – ‘SNACK TRAX! Promo Mix’

George Astroturf has whipped up this delicious tasting mix in preparation for our Sunday afternoon/evening  of ‘SNACK TRAX!‘ We have been asked by the ‘Gravy Train’ to  take over the space below the Showmen’s Guild on Stoke Newington Road. They are hosting a three day pop up fried chicken shop. Sunday is the last day. See you there from 4pm.

TPA MIX 005 – Saul Wilks (The Boogie Cartel)

Another mix has just trickled through the door, this time from one quarter of the ‘Boogie Cartel‘ and Welshman, Saul Wilks. Saul spent his formative years in Newport where his parents immersed him in Northern Soul from the get go, taking him to soul parties and instilling a fundamental appreciation for recorded music, vinyl and dance at an early age.

He cut his teeth in Birmingham in the likes of the Custard Factory, Subway and later in London where he got involved in the ‘resurgent Disco scene’. It’s here that he met his life long DJ partners (and friends) ‘The Boogie Cartel.’ 

They started their own party and also curate a successful blog which is now 3 years old and  getting stronger. The Big Man is an avid collector\lover\digger of Boogie, Chicago House, 80s Funk, Modern Soul and everything of that ilk. As well as their regular shows at the Nest (next date 22nd March), the Boogie Cartel had a pop at Glatonbury last summer and will be playing all night, from 9 pm tomorrow night at XOYO.

Described in his own words; “This mix is comprised of 80s street soul gems, Boogie Funk bangers and Chicago House.”

Saul Wilks is no stranger to a party, if you ever have the pleasure of meeting him when you are out, his is a cold glass of Rose.  His menswear company Ardour Brand’s strap line reads as ‘From passion comes product,’ a sentiment that pervades the man and his mix.

Gravy Train – This Sunday

The chaps over at Gravy Train have kindly invited us to take over the space below their latest pop up outing at Tipsy (the Showmen’s Guild) on Stoke Newington Road. For those who are well versed in the art of going straight out after work on a Friday, not eating dinner, drinking ten pints of over priced continental lager, queuing for the Dance Tunnel, invariably not having sex and retreating to your over priced ex-local authority rental accommodation. You will know that the last vestiges of hope lie in Dixy’s/Kennedy’s/Perfect Fried Chicken’s pressure fried hen and a can of Mirinda.

But every things going to be alright. This weekend you will have the chance to repent your sins and taste what real fried chicken is actually about. Have a look at their ‘fresh’ new site and if you had any doubt over the popularity of this food just check the facebook page. Come down and fill your boots this Sunday afternoon. We will be playing records all afternoon/evening in the space underneath, pop down, say hello, have a beer and prolong the start of the week.

More details on the SNACK TRAX!  event page. 

Put this recording by Nigerian royalty, Joni Hastruup in your politcally minded peace pipe and smoke it. ‘Free My People’ is a belter.

Cappuccino – ‘Hell Dance With Me’

Interesting story attached to this record. It was pulled out of an unsorted, ‘new in’ pile at my local second hand record shop, Lucky Seven. It certainly looked interesting and had been missed by the gentleman browsing before me. Upon paying for my purchase the shop owner asked to play it on the system and a few ears pricked up. The conversation then went onto how much he should charge for it and that he should check discogs first. I told the gentleman that I needed to work on my poker face and he took pity on me charging me a mere 3 pounds.

I left the shop knowing that I had found something special and couldn’t wait to check how much it was worth. Further down the street I pulled out my iPhone to check Discogs. Much to my excitement I see the record is going for over a hundred euros, at that very moment a leather gloved hand appears over my shoulder and a man on a moped makes off with my expensive smart phone. He had actually come up onto the pavement behind me and snuck up the inside, snatched the phone and driven off all in one move. Needless to say there wasn’t very much I could do about it. I found solace in my newly acquired record. Another check on discogs revealed that I hd in fact bought a bootleg version worth not very much at all.

Bottom line is, be careful with your phone and this is an incredible record, regardless of price. Its from 1981, DJ Harvey plays it and it’s cosmic.

Big Ben Tribe – ‘Tarzan Loves The Summer Nights’

Next up, 1983 Italo classic and recently reissued – Big Ben Tribe ‘ Tarzan Loves The Summer Nights’.

“Tarzan Loves The Summer Nights” was recorded in Milan in the Spring of 1983 and released on Gong Records in 1984. The band created their signature sound using a Mini Moog, Prophet 5, Korg Synthesizer, LinnDrum, Alembic Bass and Fender Stratocaster. Guest vocalist Clara Moroni softly sings about a romantic jungle dream adventure where she is living with the handsome and brave Tarzan. Strong LinnDrum percussion serves as a counterpoint to the infectious vocal melody and catchy synth hooks. The B-side features an instrumental version with extended breaks and dubbed out bass lines.’

Check out the Dark Entries Label for their other 12inch offerings.

Barry White – ‘Your Sweetness Is My Weakness’

Friday’s second instalment of ‘Crucial und Fresh!’ was a ripper. Thanks to all that battled past the security and made it down stairs to make it a capacity crowd. We’ve got some interesting developments in the pipeline for the next outing.

Today’s track is one that I’ve been meaning to post for quite some time now. Barry White’s 1978 ‘Your Sweetness is My Weakness’ is an all time favourite and I finally managed to pick up the extended version. Pressed on 12 inch white vinyl, with shuffling high hats, trademark strings and colossal horns, this is an eight minute epic. Hang around for last last two minutes.

SNACK TRAX 003 – Telfort

“Big Ups” (as they say in London) to Big Sam Telfort for providing us with a first rate run down of his optimal Snack Trax day. For those that know Telfort you’ll know he’s got some exciting projects in the pipeline, for those that don’t you’ll have to wait and see.

2013 saw Telfort release ‘Outskirts’ on the Witness EP 02 which featured on XLR8R. If you need any further confirmation of the DJ (who also performs live sets)/Producer’s ability then look no further than hisSoundcloud. Keep your ear out for the recent ‘Are We There Yet’ which he informs me will be available for download sometime this week, if not already.

He assures me that what he has transcribed below is a factual account of his day. Telfort, never one to mince his words and always shrouded in mystery has set the bar high for our new Snack Trax series. One track for breakfast. One track for lunch. One track for dinner. As the french say, ‘There it is!’

Follow the big chap on Facebake and Twitter.

Lord Of The Isles – ‘C20 Symphony’ & ‘C020’

“The designation Lord of the Isles (Scottish Gaelic: Triath nan Eilean or Rìgh Innse Gall) is today a title of Scottish nobility with historical roots that go back beyond the Kingdom of Scotland. It emerged from a series of hybrid Viking/Gaelic rulers of the west coast and islands of Scotland in the Middle Ages, who wielded sea-power with fleets of galleys.”

Very much delighted that this music comes from Edinburgh. If you need any confirmation of just how good this chap is listen to his Beats in Space podcast from last year. Released on German label ‘Permanent Vacation’ every tracks a keeper, this record is well worth your dance floor and your pocket money. Buy the vinyl and check the other side.

Lord Of The Isles – ‘C20 Symphony’

Lord Of The Isles – ‘C020′

NY Edits 4 – ‘Untitled’

It’s all too easy to jump on the bandwagon and spout some nonsense about how edits are shite now and they have been ‘done to death’ etc. In fairness this is partly true, frankly we’ve been long since had our fill. However every so often an edit will stand out, the best example being JV’s ‘Channel XX Edits’ record of 2012, recently reissued and still sought after. This record kicks it with the best of them, sold as a ‘mysterious’ one off, super limited and ‘will sell fast;’

‘Put together by a legendary NY record store owner from a personal stash of edits constructed for back in the day club play, which still sound super fresh and effective today !’

NY Edits – ‘Untitled’ Side A

NY Edits – ‘Untitled’ Side B

Bottom line is, we love it and it’s sure to get an airing on our radio show ‘Crucial und Fresh!’ on MEATtransMISSION radio tonight. Joining us live in the mix is none other than Joe Lye of Amp + Deck. This summer saw him enjoy a residency at We Love Sundays at Space so expect a party.

Japan – ‘Visions of China’

Another band you grow up with, sitting in the back of the car with your dad blasting this on the 6 CD changer (that was in the boot). It’s funny how you can hear a track a million times but it’s not until you hear it in a different context that you actually appreciate it.

TPA MIX 004 – BEN//LA//DASH (Aslan Inst)

TPA Mix 004 arrived this morning courtesy of none other than BEN//LA//DASH who just recently kicked off our new ‘SNACK TRAX’ feature. Compiled in his yurt, all on vinyl, this has Ben’s signature italo disco seasoning sprinkled all over it. Have a taste.