Information Society – Running (The Nest Remix)
The classic electro 808 beat was inspiring and
Tonys Theme from Scarface – Giorgio Moroder
Of course from a great film but of itself an amazing
Linton Kwesi Johnson – Bass Culture
A masterclass in Spoken Word / Poetry and music, not so easy but made to sound like second nature. Beautiful words and Dennis Bovell production.
Mark Stewart – Hypnotised
A real favourite that I always come back to , other worldly music, tape delays ,scratching crunchy keyboards ,super claustrophobic and paranoid words , it has everything . Produced by Adrian Sherwood with Keith Leblanc ( Malcolm X No Sell Out), Skip McDonald and Doug Wimbish who were all part of Tackhead and also played on Sugar Hill Gang records .
Blood Orange – Chamakay
Something about Blood Orange that sets it apart from others operating in a similar territory. Intense and focused .
Pink Floyd – Set The Controls For The Heart Of The Sun
From their Live In Pompeii film ,this is just a great song ,and the sound of 4 musicians interacting together, the vocal is sung in a precise English Public school way which adds to the mystique .
Baby Huey – Hard Times
I came to this track via Chill Rob G – Ride The Rhythm sampling which was a favourite from that late 80s early 90s Hip Hop music. That was what was so interesting about searching for breaks , suddenly all this amazing music was unveiled which led onto a whole new level of music to feed off. This one is pure soul. He died during the recording of this LP and it was released on Curtis Mayfields record label.
William De Vaughn – Be Thankfull For What You Got
Organ and congas and genius lyrics with a message. The track goes off for 3 minutes instrumental, super chilled out.
Cabaret Voltaire – Just Fascination
A big influence along with others from the Sheffield /Northern Electronic Music scene.
Malcolm Mclaren – Double Dutch
A record/concept that on paper just shouldn’t really work and still have to blank out Malcolm Mclarens slightly incongruous appearances and vocals? But the clash of musical elements, beats ,sampling ,imagery , dancing was a massive game changer . Trevor Horn, Keith Haring, Break Dancing , Hip Hop . South African Beats, Adidas.
Various Artists – connectedbeats edition 1sampler (connected)
In order to release more music from exciting young artists, connected is launching connectedbeats edition 1. The first in this new series puts out great music from connected friends and allies “that would otherwise be unable to get a release with the label because of a busy schedule.”
This superb six track sampler kicks off with Panamanian duo K.E.E.N.E. who run some of their homeland’s most essential events. Their ‘Negra Macha’ is a scintillatingly loose melodic house groove with deep drums and starry atmospheres. The sumptuous late night melodies continue with Yöurr’s intimate ‘Molo’ and Oliver Osborne picks up the pace with the bubbly warmth of his ‘Couldn’t Live Without You.’ Label bosses Stereo MC’s then offer up the brilliant ‘Tender Unto You’, which is a majestic track with gorgeous ambient keys and synths dancing above supple and subtle drums. Made By Pete’s ‘Follow The Arps’ showcases loose-limbed drum programming and more celestial synth work that elevates your spirit, and last of all, Dutchman West & Hill explores the sort of spine tinglingly deep and musical house music that connected is so well known for. This is a superb sampler, from an essential compilation album of house music talent, new and old. For more of the same, check out the full LP which features additional music by Kadosh,Nariz, Le Croque , Connected Sound System, &Lez, Cipy, Claudio Ricci and Sosandlow
Out Now: Various Artists – connectedbeats edition 1sampler (connected) Cat No: connected 041
