ilictronix

Drums And Bass The Third

scalesjordan@gmail.com (Prez Jordan) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:14:00 +0000

Good afternoon blog, I just finished some work samples for my university application, so once again I feel the need to post. So I was looking to post some newer stuff from Commix, turns out their compilation's not due out for another month and it doesn't look like they're releasing any singles from it. Sad Face. BUT I've delved into my collection once again and have some other perfectly good Drum & Bass to replace it!

I don't often delve into 'dark' Drum & Bass, but when I do it's almost always Calyx. He just properly nails the sound, chucking sprawling beats down with the rattling of bass just behing it.The breakdowns in this tune are nothing short of amazing to boot, too bad the fadeout on this album version cuts the track short.

Calyx - Illusions [click to download] |HTML5|

I tune I recently picked up after hearing it in a AFX set next, it's probably a little more on the Breaks side of things rather that Drum & Bass, but I just HAD to have it after the intro just straight up blew me away. Stay tuned for the second drop around the 2 minute mark, it's full of warbling bass akin to Calyx's stuff.

Current Value - Into The Light [click to download] |HTML5|

Moving into calmer territory now with this number from Ram Trilogy, it's a lot less in your face than the two tracks before, subscribing to the more old-school sound of Drum & Bass. The bass itself has more of a backseat role but rest assured it's still there, lurking in the background and ready to wobble your shelves.

Ram Trilogy - Terminal 2 [click to download] |HTML5|

Playing us off and out is one of my favourite producers of all time, Omni Trio's tracks range from deep to almost chilled. This is one of the latter, the swooping synths punctuated by stabs and pads from all directions is kept fresh from beginning to end seven minutes later. This one of my favourite Drum & Bass tunes ever, it's just well produced and well executed through & through.

Omni Trio - Sanctuary [click to download] |HTML5|

That about does it for now, I'll try not to leave you hanging as long next time, which depending on when I can crank out the final bit of warped 2006 shouldn't be too long. :)

Breakin' Beats,
- Claude Van Foxbat

Miike Snow and Gambino

scalesjordan@gmail.com (Prez Jordan) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:55:00 +0000

Thought I'd share those two awesome tracks

Miike Snow - Black Tin Box (Feat. Lykke Li) by Ernestime

Miike Snow lets us hear a track from their upcoming album, it features the lovely Lykke Li so if you usually like Miike Snow, you'll definitively love this collab !

Childish Gambino - Heartbeat (Oliver Remix) by weareoliver

I'm usually not a fan Childish Gambino remixes, because they very often lose the vibe that was in the original song without adding something worth that said lost, but this one is different, so different and refreshing. Nice job.

-Here

More Like Ex-ams

scalesjordan@gmail.com (Prez Jordan) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:30:00 +0000

I did my last exam for a couple months today, and I'm feeling a little inspired. Once again knockin' up a lil' playlist of stuff I'm feelin' at the moment for you lot to hear and that. Less words more tunes.

I know I'm pretty late to the Pretty Lights bandwagon, but hot damn if his first album doesn't hit all the right spots for me. I loves me hippity hops, plus it shares a couple samples you may recognise. The first one is also in Nightmares On Wax's You Wish, I'm sure you'll get the other one as soon as it comes up though!

Pretty Lights - Finally Moving [click to download] |HTML5|

I've been wanting to post this tune for ages but I can't get over the track title, give it a listen anyway; cos it turns amazing at about 40 seconds in. It might be Dubstep, but it's in a more old school style than most of the stuff floating about these days. Basically: no wubs, think Pangaea or Skream's early stuff.

Stenchman - Big Trouble In Little Vagina [click to download] |HTML5|

One of my favourites for a long time, this track off Siriusmo's debut LP may be short, but it packs a hell of a punch. I like his flavour of electro a lot, it's got a sort of melodic quality. Also that drop at about 50 seconds in is way too satisfying for it's own good.

Siriusmo - Idiologie [click to download] |HTML5|

Another recent cut that grabbed me from Modeselektor's latest LP; according to the linear notes Siriusmo contributed some synths to the track and you can really tell, it has a lot in common sound wise with Idiologie though this ones a bit more chilled out. Stay tuned for the awesome vocoded bit at 2:46.

Modeselektor - Green Light Go [click to download] |HTML5|

It's been a while since we've heard anything from Felix, his last album was released in 2009 and it got middling reviews. I found it to be quite catchy though, there was only one track I could really complain about, I mean sure it may not be the cult classic that is Kittenz & Thee Glitz but it's got it's own merits regardless. But I digress, enjoy the tune!

Felix Da Housecat - We [click to download] |HTML5|

And finally, a hidden bonus track that's got some pretty slick sounds goin' on, it's a favourite of mine for that reason alone. I don't really need to say much more than that, this one's for you Mehdi, wherever you are.

DJ Mehdi - Survivol [click to download] |HTML5|

I promise I'll get around to warped again soon, it was late when I started this so I thought I'd crank another shuffler in celebration. You know how it is right? sure you do, call me!

C-Cu-Cut Up,
-Claude Van Foxbat

The Last Broadcast

scalesjordan@gmail.com (Prez Jordan) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 18:00:00 +0000

I've been meaning to get around to this for a while. At first I wanted to post some of Broadcast's B-sides and rarities after covering their three main albums in the Warped posts, but then while searching for recordings of Broadcast live (which are very hard to come by) I found this. A bootleg of a show in Australia, and of their last ever performances. It's been just over a year since the untimely death of lead singer Trish Keenan, who continues to remain one of my favourite voices in music. Broadcast were underrated for their entire recording career which I feel is a bit unfair, So I ask you to give them a listen, they absolutely deserve it.

Broadcast Live @ HiFi Bar Australia, 2010

Tracklist:
Winter Sun Wavelengths
Corporeal
In Here The World Begins
Black Cat
Valerie
Lunch Hour Pops
Royal Chant
The Be Colony/Dashing Home...
A Seancing Song
Untitled (Children)
Untitled (Eyes Open)

Encore:
You And Me In Time

The real 'wow' moment for me is that encore, it's just so beautifully poignant. James Cargill announced late last year he's working on making an album from leftover demo tapes left by Trish, rest assured you'll hear more about it as soon as I do.

Seasons Mean Nothing,
-Claude Van Foxbat

Shopping List

scalesjordan@gmail.com (Prez Jordan) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:55:00 +0000

You know, sometimes I forget when and who's putting out new material, and I lost my text file that I used to use to help me remember. So this year I decided to make a little something to help me remember: some of my favourite tracks from peeps who either are, have, or I hope will be putting out some new stuff come 2012.

As I've mentioned before I'm hanging on waiting for new details about the forthcoming new material from The Knife, and then today this tune came on that I'd long forgotten about from their under rated debut. It's sound leads us nicely into the next track comin' up on the shoppin' list.

The Knife - Parade [click to download] |HTML5|

Little Dragon put out a new LP late last year, I've yet to pick it up but I've heard a lot of good things about it's sound so I should probably get around to giving it a listen. I've been enjoying their debut for about a year or so now, so I'll just leave you with one of my favourite slices from it.

Little Dragon - Turn Left [click to download] |HTML5|

Commix, who I brought up a while back as some of my favourite Drum & Bass producers have a compilation of unreleased tracks in the pipeline which I'm massively looking forward to, followed by what sounds to be a new Techno LP. I'm not really digging their techno sound though that's just going by the video they put up on facebook not too long ago. Time will tell I suppose.

Commix - How You Gonna Feel [click to download] |HTML5|

Netsky dropped a new single from his upcoming album yesterday that I managed to get a hold of, It's pretty damn good and reminds me quite a lot of Danger, not surprising given that Netsky used to do electro. Make sure you check this out, if the rest of the album follows suit it's gonna be a massive release.

Netsky - Give & Take [click to download] |HTML5|

Nightmares On Wax has been teasing us for a while, he's been back in the studio for nearly a year now and I can't wait for whatever he brings out. I love his stuff so much that as I was looking through tracks to put up I realised I've posted pretty much evey track of his I own so far. Here's something for all you synesthetic folks out there!

Nightmares On Wax - Hear In Colour [click to download] |HTML5|

There, now I have an easy way to remember who's putting out new stuff and you fine people get some music out of it too! While yous all enjoy that, I guess it's time for me to get back to film studies revision... :(

Analysin' Mise-En-Scène,
-Claude Van Foxbat.

Good Afternoon

scalesjordan@gmail.com (Prez Jordan) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:03:00 +0000

I thought you'd might enjoy a few calm tracks for the beginning of the week.

Vanguard releases one of the smoothest track of this month, amazing stuff.

Vanguard - Calling U by VANGUARD

Xinobi's remix for Jay Lamar & Jesse Oliver...

Jay Lamar & Jesse Oliver - Diamonda (Xinobi Remix) by XINOBI

Want something funky ? Cézaire delivers.

Cézaire - You Are My High by Cézaire

Let's wrap this up with Cherokee's remix of DIGIKID84 - Anything.

DIGIKID84 - Anything (Cherokee Remix) by DIGIKID84music

Have a nice week!
-Here

Chateaubriand - The Sunset

scalesjordan@gmail.com (Prez Jordan) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 12:49:00 +0000

Hey folks

Here is an artist wanted to talk about for a few weeks, but I really did not have that much time.

Chateaubriand is a 17 year old french producer. He makes funky/disco electronic music and his EP The Sunset is now out. The original track features Quentin Lechemia, singer from Destronics and it's pretty great !

My pick on the remixes would be Jean Tonique, Moustache Machine and Pleasurelove ones.

Chateaubriand - The Sunset EP by Yeah!/Dish Records

Plus some of his older tunes, don't forget to check his SoundCloud

Hugo (Original Mix) by Chateaubriand

Vision Of Funk (Original Mix) by Chateaubriand

Enjoy
-Here

A Very Warped History 14: 2006 (3 Of 4)

scalesjordan@gmail.com (Prez Jordan) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 20:25:00 +0000

Previous Part Next Part

Another entry, another LP that I really love, as before this one has some tunes I've been told appear on [adult swim] ads so look out for them. Funnily enough I picked this one up shortly before I started writing so it's still quite recent in my mind, especially because I pretty much always have at least one track from it in my rotation. Hello Everything marks the end of the out and out experimental thrashing that made up his last few albums, it has some jazzy bits in common with Ultravisitor (notably Tetra-Sync) but is a new sound direction that I really, really like.

Hello Everything wastes no time in kicking off things while at the same time establishing that for the most part this record is a lot lighter than the speedy claustrophobic nature of Ultravisitor even with that classic 'Pusher Amen Break styled beat running alongside it.

Squarepusher - Hello Meow [click to download] |HTML5|

As always, what Squarepushing LP is complete without a lil' jazzy interlude? Theme From Sprite is the third installment in a series that started with 1998's Music Is Rotted One Note which is the Sqaure man's album of Jazz which I didn't cover in this series because I didn't own it at the time, but I might go over it at some point.

Squarepusher - Theme From Sprite [click to download] |HTML5|

The third track plays out like a combination of these two: it has the light jazzy stylings of the previous track, and the hypnotic backing rhythm of the first. It takes a bit of time for it all to come together, but when it does it's pretty great, even if it is all over too soon. Again it's much much more easy going than anything on Ultravisitor

Squarepusher - Bubble Life [click to download] |HTML5|

See that last line there? yeah that kinda stops being as relevant here. We take a dive into more "proper" Squarepusher tracks as it were; Planetarium also highlights one of my favourite sounds ever that crops up a whole lot on this album, that distorted springy sounding thing just makes these tracks for me, every time.

Squarepusher - Planetarium [click to download] |HTML5|

I wasn't too impressed with Rotate Electrolyte at first, it just didn't seem to go anywhere especially considering it's length. Then one day I decided to listen to it all just to see what was in there. After a nice & interesting breakdown I was treated to perhaps my favourite moment on the whole album: when those same sounds that made up Planetarium's main melodies return in spectacular fashion at around 3:35 or so. I love that part so, so much. Even more when the drums come back in.

Squarepusher - Rotate Electrolyte [click to download] |HTML5|

Welcome To Europe was the first ever track I posted here, and it fills the same niche as the last two. I just love it every time that elastic sounding synth (or whatever it is) comes up, though unfortunately this is the last time it appears on the album.

Squarepusher - Welcome To Europe [click to download] |HTML5|

This track always stood out as a bit of a wildcard to me. In a blind test I'd probably guess it was from Ultravisitor and it's not until a while later in the song that it sounds more like stuff we've heard so far on this album. It's still Squarepusher on very good form though, stay tuned for the bass guitar!

Squarepusher - Plotinus [click to download] |HTML5|

The same applies for this, although it sounds more like a mix of Go Plastic era 'Pusher combined with the new sound. It's very all over the place, but it has it's own moments: the first minute or so is just great all round, and the light ending arpeggio is sweet as.

Squarepusher - The Modern Bass Guitar [click to download] |HTML5|

Rounding it off we have the two Japanese bonus tracks (that were released as singles along with Welcome To Europe) shortly before the release of Hello Everything. Hanningfield Window is interesting in that it sounds an awful lot like the sounds the Square man would adopt for his next album Just A Souvenir

Squarepusher - Hanningfield Window [click to download] |HTML5|

Exciton however, is exactly the opposite. The only way I can really describe this is if you imagine Squarepusher soundtracking an arcade side scroller or something like that. It's by far the harshest sounding track here, but that's more than alright because it's a quality tune.

Squarepusher - Exciton [click to download] |HTML5|

Hello Everything is by no means a perfect album (I don't really care for this album's two drone-y ambient styled tracks: Vacuum Garden and Orient Orange) but it's still a very good place to start if you're looking to get into Squarepusher mainly because it has a nice blend of all the elements that make that iconic Squarepusher sound, be sure to check it out if you like what you hear.

Give Us A Snare Rush,
- Claude Van Foxbat

10 albums from 2011

scalesjordan@gmail.com (Prez Jordan) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 17:46:00 +0000

You better hold on to your heart, boy.

scalesjordan@gmail.com (Prez Jordan) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 11:40:00 +0000

Dear Ilictronix readers,

It is I, Colour. I sincerely apologise for my absence leading to a severe lack of posting on my behalf and I shall also take this moment, if I may, to apologise for a lack of posting in the near future. Rest assured I am still alive and have still been poking around the blog as well as my facebook. The reason for my departure is quite personal and shall not be discussed here, so why don’t I just shut the funk up and post some music. Please note all your audiophilic listeners that all these tracks are 320kbps (except the Shai track, sorry.) and I have included a few alternate versions. Why you ask? Because it’s what I do.

Recently I’ve been really getting into deep house (well, what I consider to be deep house anyway, if there are any Genre Nazi’s out there, feel free to hurl abuse at me in the comments) and it is about due time that I find the time and enthusiasm to post them for ya’ll to enjoy. Hopefully this will be somewhat of a reimbursement for my recent nonexistence.

For all those French house lovers out there, this track is probably one of my all time favourites. Released in 2002 on a vinyl 12”, ‘The Best Of Your Life’ is an upbeat track released as a collaboration between three French house producers; Fred Pellichero; JC Sindress; and Sandy Wilhelm. Shaï (not to be confused with the 90’s R&B group, Shai.) was sadly a one off collaboration with ‘The Best Of Your Life’ being the first and final track released by the trio, despite its mild success within the French house industry (and to a lesser extent, the international charts). However do not despair, as almost 10 years later I present it to you for your enjoyment. Although this track has floated around Youtube for a few years gathering little over 100,000 views, not to mention it being available to download from many illegal music sharing services, it has yet to be picked up and posted by a blog (well, at least not that I can find anyway) and its somewhat mysterious past has yet to be really documented anywhere (despite that on Shaï’s Discogs page). This track really is a diamond lost to the sands of time. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Shai - The Best Of Your Life (Extended Vocal Mix) [click to download] |HTML5|

Next up is a relatively recent track, well in comparison to a lot of the other tracks in this post anyway. Now I actually really like Martin Solvieg, however at risk of being assaulted by a rogue loafer thrown at me by one of you underground indie hipsters who defies anything even close to being considered mainstream: I will admit that I haven’t heard a lot of his tracks, but some of what I have heard is pretty good. Take this track for example; funky; fresh; oozing beach house vibes; its everything that I love about summer.

Martin Solvieg - Jealousy (Original Mix) [click to download] |HTML5|

Martin Solvieg - Jealousy (Club Mix) [click to download] |HTML5|

Now, if you indie hipsters haven’t already broken your wayfarers In disgust of my last song, be prepared to cower in fear as I unleash my next track. Why yes, it’s Ian Carey. Oh yes, I know he’s a sell out. Yes, I know he’s turned into everything we hate about the music industry. But seriously, some of his old tracks are actually pretty great. Point in case: his remix of ‘Them and me and you’ by Gran Turismo. While this track isn’t exactly French or deep house, its still a laid back house track. Who says this guys only good for making annoying party tracks featuring Snoop Dog or some other overly auto-tuned bitch.

Gran Turismo - Them and Me and You (Ian Carey Vocal Mix) [click to download] |HTML5|

Gran Turismo - Them and Me and You (Ian Carey Dub Mix) [click to download] |HTML5|

Right, now it’s about time for something a little more underground, and probably my pick out of the whole post. Simple. Elegant. Beautiful. Filthy. Is there really anything else you can ask for from a song? ‘Don’t you call me honey; you ain’t never taste this flavour’. This track combines the beautiful vocal stylings of one miss Scarlett Quinn with a bass line so filthy it’s not fit for public consumption. The result is a medley so amazing your ears might jizz a little when that deep grinding bass drops 30 seconds in. People who consider dubstep to be musical sex have clearly never heard this track. Oh, and did I mention that this track is absolutely filthy?

Scarlett Quinn - Hold On To Your Heart (Mr.Vasovski Soul Remix) [click to download] |HTML5|

Well that’s all for me today, I do hope to see you around. Feel free to show some love and leave me a comment or two with your thoughts and random musings. Until next time, I bid thou farewell.

- Colour.

Names of 2011

scalesjordan@gmail.com (Prez Jordan) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 15:57:00 +0000

Here is a (partial obviously, these are the things I will remember for the year anyway) list of important names that came up this year.

Pyramid

Pyramid has been around for quite some times but he really started getting attention this year, his 10 tracks long EP "Lost In Space" is simply filled with awesomeness, that guy will seriously be big in 10 years. His songs could fit so much movie scenes perfectly, everytime I hear one of his track I just picture the whole scene instantly.

Destiny Part II by -Pyramid-

Pyramid - Digital Rain [click to download] |HTML5|

Pyramid - Behind You [click to download] |HTML5|

Drive

Talking about songs in movies : Drive wouldn't be the masterpiece it is if it did not have such an amazing OST. Kavinsky as opening credits, incredibly good COLLEGE track that will make you remember the scenes it's used in instalty when you listen to it. And Cliff Martinez original tracks made for the movie are really making you feel the tention.

Kavinsky - Nightcall (Ft. Lovefoxxx) [click to download] |HTML5|

College - A Real Hero (ft. Electric Youth) [click to download] |HTML5|

The Magician

Former half of Aeroplane Stephen became the magician for the pleasure of everyone enjoying retro synths. Magic tapes, remixes, original tracks, he did everything with talent, giving us something every month of the year...

The Magician - I Don't Know What To Do [click to download] |HTML5|

Lykke Li - I Follow River (The Magician remix) [click to download] |HTML5|

Madeon

He was already around for a year, getting recognition for his remix of The Island by Pendulum but 2011 was really HIS year. He remixed Deadmau5, Yelle (and opened for her too), made a mashup of Wolfgang Gartner for Porter Robinson. Oh and yeah he made Pop Culture Mashup who got crazy (well deserved) attention all over the interwebz.

Madeon - Pop Culture (Live Mashup) [click to download] |HTML5|

Deadmau5 - Raise Your Weapon (Madeon reimx) [click to download] |HTML5|

Alecks Awklr

The kind of guy who links his bandcamp page on the shoutbox, you listen to it out of curiosity and instantly fall in love with. In addition to being a very nice guy he produced one of the best album of the year, it really came out of nowhere and I LOVE THAT.

Alecks Awklr - Breathless [click to download] |HTML5|

Alecks Awklr - Temple Runner [click to download] |HTML5|

Dj Mehdi

Here comes the sad part of the post, the very sad part. I never understood much those people crying over famous people deaths, I was a bit sad when MJ died but that's about it. But now I get it, when someone who makes music you listen to almost everyday, makes songs who go right into your heart such as Pocket Piano or Signatune, and you hear that this man died, well you seriously feel something. I never had the chance of seing Mehdi on stage, but I always heard good things about his lives and about him being a genuinly nice guy. Hats off mehdi.

Dj Mehdi - TragicoMehdi [click to download] |HTML5|

The Krays - We're Ready When You Are (DJ Mehdi remix) [click to download] |HTML5|

Rei Harakami

Yes, another name... You might not know him, we only posted once about Rei, but he made some very relaxing ambient tracks. A man to be remembered.

Rei Harakami - Joy [click to download] |HTML5|

Rei Harakami - Lust [click to download] |HTML5|

More to come, in my top 10 albums :)

-Here

Quick holiday post

scalesjordan@gmail.com (Prez Jordan) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 09:09:00 +0000

Hey, it's gonna be a busy day for me but I thought I'll make a little post before I go.

Here are your gifts !

The Rapture - Sail Away (Aeroplane instrumental remix) [click to download] |HTML5|

Le Knight Club - Holiday On Ice (Ghosts Of Venice Edit) *FREE XMAS GIFT* by Ghosts Of Venice

Sinden - HIGH DEMAND feat. Jesse Boykins III *Free Download* by Sinden

Natalia Kills - Free (Doctor Rosen Rosen Remix) [Cherrytree] by DOCTOR ROSEN ROSEN

Happy holidays

-Here

Sending Off Shuffle

scalesjordan@gmail.com (Prez Jordan) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 21:30:00 +0000

I know this year's been a bit lacking in content and I apologise for that, but there's only so much blogging one can do, and we have lives too you know! Joking aside, I wanted to take this opportunity to do something I've not done for a while: A good ol' fashioned shuffle post, think of it as a thank you for staying with us through the year.

Click for big

First up is the band I have a notorious love-love relationship with, The Knife. I'm very interested in what they will bring to the table for the album they're planning for next year, hopefully more in the vein of Silent Shout than the more experimental stuff they did on the soundtrack for Tomorrow, In A Year but for now enjoy a cut from what is by far their most popular LP, Deep Cuts.

The Knife - Rock Classics [click to download] |HTML5|

Ah, Squarepusher. I had a real lack of his earlier works before I started the Warped series, so I have a lot of un-posted gems kicking around. I'll probably do a series on 'em after the main Warped series is finished, until then have a bit from the quality Big Loada EP.

Squarepusher - Massif (Stay Strong) [click to download] |HTML5|

Speaking of early stuff, another track just came on that I really love. It's Aphex Twin back in his acid house days, like most of the stuff he makes it has a nice contrast in sounds from the beats to the almost orchestral stabs throughout. The opening arpeggio is pure sequenced heaven to my ears.

Aphex Twin - Polynomial-C [click to download] |HTML5|

It was around this time last year I posted some cuts from Oneohtrix Point Never's then new compilation Rifts, he's since come out with another two albums that I've yet to pick up. I remember the first time I heard this track, it was described as a combination of tons of ambient stuff including Boards Of Canada. I was skeptical at first but this track just absolutely sold me.

Oneohtrix Point Never - Behind The Bank [click to download] |HTML5|

Miss Kittin's first solo effort, I Com was a mixed bag of atmospheres, some tracks were clearly meant for the dancefloor, some for listening. Some even combined the two, as seen here; it's pretty slow to build but that just makes the eventual peaks in sound even more satisfying to hear, especially the amazing break at 3:10.

Miss Kittin - Dub About Me [click to download] |HTML5|

I think I've said before I have a penchant for liking albums that the music press at large don't, this is a great example, 100th Window was massively critiqued upon release. It's true that the compositions are even darker than those on Mezzanine and a hell of a lot sparser, but the end result still sounds great. My only complaint is that it could do without that solid 1 minute of intro.

Massive Attack - Butterfly Caught [click to download] |HTML5|

And that about wraps this years posting up for me, I would whacked a few more tracks on but the last few tracks were quite long. Regardless, happy holidays from me and the rest of the ilictronix crew, we hope to see you in 2012! As always, stay safe and enjoy the music, wherever you are.

Into The Blue,
- Claude Van Foxbat

A Very Warped History 14: 2006 (2 Of 4)

scalesjordan@gmail.com (Prez Jordan) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 19:10:00 +0000

Previous Part Next Part

As we wind down once again for the holiday season, I leave you with one final helping of downtempo goodness from my hometown buddy Nightmares On Wax. After a slight stumble with Mind Elevation, the Wax man returns to form with a fresher take on that slightly more mainstream sound in spectacular style that dare I say even rivals the original Smokers Delight in terms of out and out quality. Oh, and be sure to keep an eye out for those tunes used in [Adult Swim] bumps!

Take Passion for example. I've posted it before, but it deserves it again. NoW is pretty good at killing it with his intros, and this is no different. Any doubts I had after the slightly bland intro of Mind Elevation were quelled and lost in that hazy sea of sound.

Nightmares On Wax - Passion [click to download] |HTML5|

As you can tell, In A Space Outta Sound is all about the Hippty Hop, and pulls it off much better than Mind Elevation did. It's all a far cry from the dub infusions present on Smokers Delight, but parts of it return here: notably the bass booms just after the intro, and the ever present reggae style organ.

Nightmares On Wax - The Sweetest [click to download] |HTML5|

The Sweetest then flows ever so gracefully into what is right up there as one of the best Nightmares tracks ever, right from the downright brilliant intro to the final fade, it's just downright essential. It achieves everything that Mr. Evelyn wanted to do with his sound. There is no need for any more words, just give it a listen and you will hear just why.

Nightmares On Wax - Flip Ya Lid [click to download] |HTML5|

The Wax man goes full on hippty hop for the next venture, The influences of the 1970s soul scene on this track and NoW himself an are quite obvious, it is after all where most good n' funky samples come from. It's kept fairly simple but that doesn't hold it back in any way, in fact it feels a lot shorter than it actually is.

Nightmares On Wax - Pudpots [click to download] |HTML5|

A return to the longer tracks now, with Damn providing some arabian sounding strings to go with the tried and tested beat formula we're now accustomed to. It's a pretty good track as-is, but the introduction of the vocals at about 2:40 pushes it even further into proper quality territory.

Nightmares On Wax - Damn [click to download] |HTML5|

I have heard this track far, far too many times. Yet it's still as good as ever, why that is I do not know, the sample, the organ, the slight hint of vinyl crackle amidst it all? it could be anything. But damn if it isn't satisfying as hell to listen to.

Nightmares On Wax - You Wish [click to download] |HTML5|

Remember Me + You from Smokers Delight? Remember how great it was despite being about 50 seconds long? Well, this album has it's very own little sample-based track like that. Presenting Chime Out: the tune that says so much with so little.

Nightmares On Wax - Chime Out [click to download] |HTML5|

I was unsure of this track on first listen, it was good alright, but it was missing that crucial, essential groove that makes Nightmares On Wax. The 'lil guitar bit at 1:05 had my back, and that led into that amazing chiller drop at 1:15. I don't even know if you would call that bit a drop, but who cares it sounds A-mazing.

Nightmares On Wax - Me! [click to download] |HTML5|

As the album draws to a close, we're treated to antoher candidate for the best of Nightmares On Wax. (and it even has an 808 in it!) The best description of it was from a review which simply said "This track is like if Trip-Hop came out of Florida instead of Bristol". And I'd have to agree with them wholeheartedly there, it's definitley brighter than the moody musings from the likes of Portishead.

Nightmares On Wax - Soul Purpose [click to download] |HTML5|

Playing us out is African Pirates, which I believe we posted a remix of once. It's very bouncy and light, much like the rest of the album. The bassline for this one is just perfect in setting the mood. It's nothing like an outro track at all, so like all NoW releases before it leaves you wanting more.

Nightmares On Wax - African Pirates [click to download] |HTML5|

This is not the first time I've had to stop myself from posting a full album, but I really, REALLY wanted to this time. I massively reccomend you check this out, it's so well produced and catchy that it at least deserves a listen from you. That an it's probably the easiest NoW album to get into with it's easy going vibes.

Out Of Sound,
-Claude Van Foxbat

The Magictape 18

scalesjordan@gmail.com (Prez Jordan) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:23:00 +0000

A little present from The Magician !

Magic Tape Eighteen by TheMagician

Tracklist in the comments as soon as it's up.

-Here

Foreign Language video

scalesjordan@gmail.com (Prez Jordan) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 14:54:00 +0000

Brand new video from Flight Facilities' track : Foreign Language.

And a bonus, The Bloody Beetroots - Church Of Noise reworked by Sir Bob Cornelius Rifo and Thomas Roussel from SomethingALaMode.

The Bloody Beetroots - Church of Noise ( B-SIDE ) by thebloodybeetroots

-Here

Alex Awklr - AppAratus EP

scalesjordan@gmail.com (Prez Jordan) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:05:00 +0000

Here is a brand new EP from Alex Awklr

Very short tracks, remembers me of Onra, short but creative tracks, Hokkaido is amazing.

It's free so consider it an early christmas gift !

AppAratus by Alecks Auclair

-Here

Flux Pavilion x Doctor P and Gigamesh

scalesjordan@gmail.com (Prez Jordan) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 09:31:00 +0000

Just received this little bomb from Gigamesh, thought you guys might enjoy!

Gigamesh - Burnin by GIGAMESH

Flux Pavillion and Doctor P worked together again, and the result was more than unexpected, incredibly groovy dubstep tune, very different from their usual stuff.

Flux Pavillion & Doctor P - Superbad [click to download] |HTML5|

-Here

A Very Warped History 14: 2006 (1 Of 4)

scalesjordan@gmail.com (Prez Jordan) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 19:00:00 +0000

Previous Part Next Part

It's a Boards Of Canada blowout this week, this time with the Trans Canada Highway EP. It has a lot of similarities to The Campfire Headphase (Hell, the first track is Dayvan Cowboy which appeared on that album) but it is different enough to warrant it's own release. It's longer than the previous In A Beautiful Place Out In The Country EP which was only a 3 tracker, and even includes a remix! So without further ado, let's pick apart this EP.

Missing out Dayvan Cowboy, we get the first proper track. Left Side Drive, like the rest of the EP, leaves the acoustic driven direction of The Campfire Headphase behind in favour of the classic BoC formula with thundering beats with hints of synth sprinkled throughout, and even a few reversed parts in the background for good measure.

Boards Of Canada - Left Side Drive [click to download] |HTML5|

You may have noticed a distinct lack of the short ambient interludes that were such a treat on The Campfire Headphase, unlike albums previous. And that's where the EP comes in, it features a couple of them and they're a welcome return this ones a quasi-drone piece similar to Corsair from Geogaddi.

Boards Of Canada - Heard From Telegraph Lines [click to download] |HTML5|

Skyliner is a bit of an interesting one, I saw a deconstruction of it not too long ago and pretty much the entire song is palindromic. Basically the melody and the synth sounds the same backwards as it does forwards, though I suppose it's not that strange when you consider BoC's track record with samples and whatnot. It seems to be uncommon as the only other palindromic melody I know of is in Sigur Ros's Starálfur.

Boards Of Canada - Skyliner [click to download] |HTML5|

And finally, the other ambient interlude: Uder The Coke Sign. I love when Boards do this kind of thing and this track is no exception, they cut it just short enough so that it doesn't get old, so that way it stays just as sweet on every single repeat listen. It'd be fitting to just end the EP right there, but...

Boards Of Canada - Under The Coke Sign [click to download] |HTML5|

Click for Huge

There's a little something on the end. A massive 9 minute remix of Dayvan Cowboy by a one Odd Nosdam. It's sort of the musical equivalent of watching a really old VHS tape, the whole thing is warped and barely sounds like what it used to, but it has that charming quality to it. The moment that airy intro gives way to the now menacing sounding guitars is amazing, and just like that they're gone again. The song doesn't start properly for about another minute and even then doesn't stick around long, giving in to another ambient bit. Overall it plays out like a more trip-hop version of Dayvan Cowboy, it's pretty great.

Boards Of Canada - Dayvan Cowboy (Odd Nosdam Remix) [click to download] |HTML5|

And finally, another first for Boards Of Canada, their very first official music video featuring footage of Joesph Kittinger legendary skydive from practically the edge of space. it's pretty much what you'd expect visually from a Boards tune, all washed out and retro like. Officially it was directed by a one Melissa Olson, though I suspect it was probably the Boards brothers themselves, considering the tracks "Melissa Juice" from Twoism and "Olson" from Music Has The Right To Chrildren it's too coincidental a name to be true.

...And I'm Gone,
-Claude Van Foxbat

A Very Warped History 13: 2005 (2 Of 2)

scalesjordan@gmail.com (Prez Jordan) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 19:10:00 +0000

Previous Part Next Part

You may have noticed not much changes between each Boards Of Canada album, that's not necessarily a bad thing, their sound was interesting and they kept it fresh enough to stretch out. So what happens when the band themselves decide to change things up a bit? well, The Campfire Headphase has more of an acoustic slant and even though it's still got spatterings of their now trademark nostalgic analouge haze on it, the album as a whole just feels different perhaps... warmer I want to say, than anything else they've done before.

And it begins innocently enough, with a little ditty that sounds like something from an old TV test card from more than a few decades ago rather than the underlying menace of tracks such as Beware The Friendly Stranger from Geogaddi

Boards Of Canada - Into The Rainbow Vein [click to download] |HTML5|

And with no hint of hesitation we dive right in at the acoustic end, with the guitar here essentially taking the place of where a synth would before on their previous efforts, contributing to that whole warmer, looser atmosphere to the album while still sounding like Boards Of Canada.

Boards Of Canada - Chromakey Dreamcoat [click to download] |HTML5|

Aside from the intro, the next track takes a different approach to the incorporation of acoustics, like Chromakey Dreamcoat the guitar forms a recurring melody, but it's sandwiched between sets of BoC's usual dreamy electronics affair, with a tiny ambient piece on the end for good measure.

Boards Of Canada - Satellite Anthem Icarus [click to download] |HTML5|

Now, up until this point I was thinking the album's pretty good, but it needs something to push it over the edge, something with the instant classic vibes that tracks like Roygbiv gave off in the past. I wasn't disappointed. From the absolutely sublime first chords until the very end, I was hanging on every note.

Boards Of Canada - Peacock Tail [click to download] |HTML5|

And much like the Dawn Chorus/Over The Horizon Radar combo from Geogaddi, it's followed up with another outstanding track. Dayvan Cowboy is one of BoC's most famous songs and it's not hard to see why. The track is essentially in two parts, with the woozy intro breaking off about halfway through to give way to an amazing moment at about 2:05. When you hear it you will understand why it's one of their most famous tunes. It's just brilliant through and through.

Boards Of Canada - Dayvan Cowboy [click to download] |HTML5|

The acoustics take a well deserved backseat for now, and instead we're treated to one of the electronic based tunes that made them famous in the first place. They're still as good at it as ever, with the usual mix of emotion and atmosphere making for the quintessential Boards Of Canada experience.

Boards Of Canada - Oscar See Through Red Eye [click to download] |HTML5|

It's not long before the guitars make a comeback and we're back in the now familiar valley of strings however. I've posted this track before, for a post that was just mix of summery tunes. That's pretty much it, like Dawn Chorus before it, it's practically made to watch the sun rise to, Its even in the title of both of them.

Boards Of Canada - Hey Saturday Sun [click to download] |HTML5|

This track has always stood out as a bit strange to me, not only does it mark the end of any more acoustic elements, but it just sounds out of place considering the more upbeat nature the album, as it sounds like the more sinister ambient pieces from Geogaddi that's not to say it isn't still quality though. If Hey Saturday Sun was made to watch the sun rise to, this is for those hot and humid summer nights where you can't sleep.

Boards Of Canada - Slow This Bird Down [click to download] |HTML5|

And that leads us to the winding down period of the album, as always, A few ambient pieces to guide you through the last few minutes. This one's always been a favourite from just the intro alone, it's a short one, but it feels like it lasts forever. In a good way though.

Boards Of Canada - Tears From The Compound Eye [click to download] |HTML5|

Farewell Fire holds a unique niche in the world of BoC ambient pieces, it's got the usual soft pads but this time it's entirely un-sequenced, just recorded as it was played. This leads to some interesting and subtle differences throughout in regards to the note structure. Also of note is that the track almost completely fades away at about the 4:00 mark but it remains just barely audible for the remainder of the song. I have no idea why they did it but it sure does make for an interesting listen (and a bit of a fright when it ends and you have it on shuffle + full volume).

Boards Of Canada - Farewell Fire [click to download] |HTML5|

That's meant to be the last track, but just like with Geogaddi I'm gonna throw in the Japanese bonus track as well, it doesn't quite fit after the sparse and spaced out Farewell Fire. Regardless, the track itself is quite interesting and sounds quite a bit like some of the stuff that would be on the EP after this, the Trans Canada Highway EP which we'll see in the very next entry.

Boards Of Canada - Macquarie Ridge [click to download] |HTML5|

Boards Of Canada have yet to do an album since, there's been rumours on and off for the past couple of years that they're releasing a boatload of old unreleased material like the infamous 'Old Tunes' tapes in a box set (or BoCset, if you will), but nothing's come of it yet. Mind you if you listen to Boards Of Canada you kinda get used to waiting a long time between releases, because it's probably going to be more than worth it in the end.

1986 Summer Fire,
- Claude Van Foxbat

The songs that are on the radio

scalesjordan@gmail.com (Prez Jordan) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 20:42:00 +0000

Alright so here is the story, I had to spend 3 hours in a car without any way to play my iPod, so I had to listen to a french "DJ radio" who mostly plays terrible remixes of Pendulum and Lady Gaga.

Despite all the hate I have for most of the songs that were playing, two got my attention because the synths were REALLY catchy, and I love some catchy synths in the morning, so here they are.

First song I've ever heard from this guy, I know he's from belgium and that's about it.

Basto - Again And Again [click to download] |HTML5|

And a farely decent track from Avicii, the vocals from Etta James really add something to this track.

Avicii - Levels [click to download] |HTML5|

Oh and because it's new, Skrillex's remix of Levels.

Avicii - Levels (Skrillex remix) [click to download] |HTML5|

-Here

Original Don

scalesjordan@gmail.com (Prez Jordan) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 21:37:00 +0000

Oh, nothing special here, just another regular Major Lazer music video... nothing weird at all.

-Here

Moloch remixed by Vengeance

scalesjordan@gmail.com (Prez Jordan) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 22:56:00 +0000

Everything is in the title, I'm sleepy but this kept me awake for six more minutes.

Moloch - Owl Vision (Vengeance Remix) by VENGEANCE

Bang.

-Here

Magna's at it again

scalesjordan@gmail.com (Prez Jordan) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 08:17:00 +0000

Made my day, and it's only 9am. Magna's just killing it one more time, that remix is really different compared to most of the other, he chopped the vocals and he did good !

The Rapture - How Deep Is Your Love? (Magna's 'Stripped' Remix) by Magna

-Here

Brodinski likes to slow things down

scalesjordan@gmail.com (Prez Jordan) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:47:00 +0000

So, Brodinski has been "screwing" things these days and it's pretty cool actually !

This track is a recurrent joke with a friend so it kinda got my attention instantly, and it sounds realy good slowed down.

Justin Timberlake - Cry Me A River (Screwed By Brodinski) by Brodinski

Tyga - Like Me (Screwed By Brodinski) by Brodinski

If you like it, there is a lot more on his Soundcloud page

And just because this remix is great.

Nero - Crush On You (Brodinski Rmx) by Brodinski

Bonus ! An old track by The Glitch Mob & Theophilus London

Black Aura feat. Theophilus London [2009] - Free DL by The Glitch Mob

-Here