I had the pleasure of catching Battles live a few weeks ago here in NYC at Le Poisson Rouge – a very intimate show that was NYC first introduction to their newly trio-ed band. They are a band that always sought to prove that man and machine can co-exist to create some intricate yet visceral music, this time it is was more man vs. machine. Ian Williams was no longer looping his own guitar lines as much but instead triggering them via a new Ableton rig that they incorporated into the live setup. Overall the energy of Battles live has been amplified as you can tell how much more each member has on their plates as they perform their musical acrobatics onstage.
The one and only La Blogoteque had a rare opportunity to capture Battles’ live energy in an unlikely setting – Paris’ City Hall, Hotel de Ville. Quite a juxtaposition of sites and sounds as Battles are architects of such futuristic music.
Thundercat is the man behind the massive bass playing on Flying Lotus’ “Cosmogramma” as well as being a session player that has sat in with Erykah Badu and Snoop. Flying Lotus has now taken him under his wing and produced his solo album coming out on Brainfeeder soon. “For Love I Come” is the first track we get to hear off the album – it is a space -jazz-soul cover of George Duke’s “For Love I Come” swimming in a sea of Fender Rhodes and slick bass-playing.
[audio:http://diestruktur.com/asianmandan/music/MAY%202011/Thundercat%20-%20For%20Love%20I%20Come.mp3] Thundercat – For Love I Come
An amazing and classy mix of Roxy Music tunes put together by the classy gentlemen of Soulwax. I would not expect anything less from both parties. Hats off to Bryan Ferry, Roxy Music and the Dewaele Brothers. The only track missing from this mix is “Pyjamarama”. The music world today is lacking a band along the lines and caliber of Roxy Music – who will step up and fill this void?
The latest release from Pictures Music is from a newcomer from Liverpool known as Dauwd. Dauwd follows suit as labelmate’s path channeling elements of this “post-dubstep” scene and fusing it with classic UK house vibes to create a refreshing and thoughtful form of electronic music. “Could It Be” is a jazz-tinged tune with chopped up vocals and with deep basslines. “Shimmer” is a slower song built upon a simple Rhodes melody that is then swarmed upon by some syncopated drum patterns and swirling synth pads.
Mehdi & Riton return with a new House Party mixtape entitled “The Pyjama Party” to kick off a new release of an EP entitled “White Man on the Moon” coming soon as well as a massive tour – 909 included! There are many classic dancefloor gems on this mixtape as well a new Carte Blanche track featuring the lovely voice of Hot Chip’s Alexis Taylor entitled “With You”.
So now allow these Yin Yang twins to take you on a journey into the heart of HOUSE.
Blood Orange is the latest incarnation of Dev Hynes, the man behind Lightspeed Champion and the late leaders of nu-rave, Test Icicles. Is Dev a musical scene chameleon able to adapt to the quick paced musical world or is he just hopping on whatever musical bandwagon that comes along in the blogosphere? With Blood Orange Dev channels the 90s nostalgia movement that is creeping back into the pop culture psyche. I feel the production and songwriting is on point for what he is going for and therefore an honest musical venture. Either way it feels and sounds good – so that’s all that matters right?
Today Holy Ghost! released their remix EP of their next single “Wait & See”. It is a collection of remixes that take this already dancefloor friendly track deeper into the House world with remixes by Richard X, Moby and Kris Menace. The CFCF remix does the opposite, taking the big hooks of “Wait & See” and submersing them into a beach friendly/Balearic Disco setting. #Poolvibes all around….
Slice & Soda is Para One and San Serac’s new project and an album is finally about to emerge. An EP was released today with some amazing remixes by L-VIS 1990, Jackson and this massive disco remix by Belgium’s own Villa. Big sounds, big tunes for a big world #internet.
The HiFi Cartel have teamed up with the legendary R&S Records to bring the US James Blake’s first ever DJ set in NYC at Tammany Hall. Be there to witness James Blake drop some of his amazing “Harmonimix” Remixes – check out my two favs, his remix of Outkast’s “Ms. Jackson” and Quasimoto’s “Broad Factor”.
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buy their merchandise, see them live, support them, tell your friends about them, love them, cheers.
