Books is the alias of a London producer who, as the cliché goes, is an individual who prefers to let the music do the talking. That approach can work both ways, but when your first introduction to this enigmatic producer is the most excellent ‘Sour Grapes’ EP on the Swedish label, Omena, you immediately get the sense that this is a producer going places. And so it was that we called him up recently and asked him for some of his favourite Back 2 Mine anthems. If this playlist is anything to go by, his afters are most definitely pretty raucous affairs!
Myron – We Can Get Down (Groove Chronicles Remix)
Nobody can be mad at those warm chords and that cheeky bassline. Essential to touch on garage at an afterparty in London and Groove Chronicles is the classy way.
Cloud 9 – Do You Want Me
Plan A is usually keep the party going. Vibey house & garage numbers with a simple, solid groove work best for this, minimal energy needed for dancing. Pour me another mystery cocktail, I’ll be on the floor.
KMA Productions – Cape Fear
The monologue from dream babe Juliette Lewis sort of sums up the kind of afterparty this might get played at “When the only thing to fear on those enchanted summer nights was that the magic would end and real life would come crashing in” If the afterparty is popping off see if people are ready for this. Mr Oizo – Flat Beat is a safe alternative perhaps.
The Streets – Has It Come To This
A timeless classic and crowd favourite which usually does the trick. It’s chilled yet upbeat and you can dance if you want to or just not ya head and chime in when you know the words.
Les Sins – Grind
This is an incredible track. For me it’s a good after party tune because it’s satisfying on so many levels and can choose how invested you want to be. You can bop along to the groove and chat away or join me, zone out, and get completely immersed in synth heaven.
Pepe Bradock – Deep Burnt
Needs no introduction really. If it’s time to wind down this is one of the essential vibes house jams, constantly evolving waves of goodness. Also in my experience once you pick this track youtube does a pretty good job of keeping the vibe going by itself.
Charlie – Spacer Woman
A wavy favourite. Works great at an afterparty but if it’s not your usual crew you might have to gain people’s trust with something else first so you don’t come across as that oddball techno wizard. If this goes down well it really opens up the playing field, see you far you can push it!
The Notorious B.I.G. – Who Shot Ya
If you can’t play Biggie at the party do you really want to be there? Nice little intro for when you grab the aux. Depending on the setting someone might ask for Juicy after this so they can relate / sing along or suggest another hip hop banger.
NxWorries – Lyk Dis
Name a more iconic duo. Breaking a rule here as the subject matter is sex which can be jarring at an afterparty but it’s rap so it’s okay and the beat is so hard that nobody will notice.
MF Doom – Saffron
One of my favourite beats from one of my favourite dudes. Silky Smooth but be warned hip hop beats can encourage free styling from anyone who’s feeling themselves. Could be great, could be funny, probably just annoying. Youtube followed this with Metal Fingers – Arrow root which is equally great.
Books’ ‘Sour Grapes’ EP (featuring a remix by Laurence Guy) is out now on Omena Records
