UK duo The Allergies have been on a massive roll with BBC 6 Music tastemaker support leading to them being playlisted there multiple times. Their massive streaming hit “God Walked Down” soundtracked one of the coolest TV moments of the year with the return of cult US TV show ‘Severance’, and their live set has taken them to festivals around the world. Expect a new album later in the year. As their new single ‘Dig It Up’ featuring Andy Cooper and BlabberMouf lands on Jalapeno Records, DMCWorld goes Back to Mine with The Allergies.
Right! Let’s kick this off with the most literal tune about the afters… ever. Sometimes you have to spell it out and hit the people over the head with the obvious – I’m not above that. And always, it’s a jam, and the perfect speed and tone to recalibrate the party people back up as they arrive through the door. And, if we’re spinning mashups on the decks, we might go with a 45 called ‘Rhythm ‘n’ Booze Volume One’ that pairs this backing track with dope Lady Sovereign acapella.
SAULT – Up All Night
As we proceed! A little pinch of these peeps. Proper nice, no gimmicks grooves. That ESG 80’s NY nite life flex. Feels late. With plenty of space for people to nod and chat in the kitchen, or get up and have a little boogie in the front room. This or ‘I Just Want to Dance’ would also fit this space (but you can’t be literal all the time when you’re on selection duties). Either way, it gives us a good intro to discuss their live shows with our guests – Which I hear are epic, if you are ever lucky to see ‘em all on stage with all the production bells and whistles.
The Allergies – Rock Rock feat. Andy Cooper
It’s not an Allergies house party without some Allergies. And this un will knock the cobwebs off as my mrs makes a round of espresso margs for the crew. Andy on blistering form on the m-i-c, and one of the first ever joints we did with him from our very first album. Andy is at this party, by the way. And he’s currently regaling everyone with the story about the time he was on Top Of The Pops, which is insane, if you get to hear it.
![The Allergies - Rock Rock (feat. Andy Cooper) [Official Video]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/dK_zQYT5WAY/0.jpg)
1773 – Make A Smile (feat. Bill Withers)
We’re taking it back down to Earth with Mr. William Withers, who gets one of his staggeringly beautiful mid-seventies tracks mixed by these boys, complete with a complimentary rap verses that makes it feel like a duet across space and time. This is when the Shazam comes out and people get to enjoy this the next day, on what should be quite a virulent hangover. Hashtag bliss.
Black Star (Mos Def & Talib Kweli) – Definition
Now we’re getting nice up in this piece. People are already thinking about calling in sick for work tomorrow (it’s a school night, after all). This is a bonafide, stone cold super jam. Eminently quotable, and with a beat by Hi-Tek that is straight bananas. I’m probably rapping along and jabbing my fingers in the air, possibly going “BLAP!” at this point too. We be clubbing, and you’re all invited.
Feels like we’ve reached the point where I (Adam) need to admit I used to be a Drum & Bass DJ! Taking it back with one of my all-time favourite tunes. There’s an amazing remix by Marcus Intalex & ST Files, but I went with the original because it’s a little smoother and I love those rolling drums. Jenna G delivers one of the greatest vocals ever on this too. Fun fact: we once tried to do this in our live show and it did not work.
Roy Davis Jr ft. Peven Everett – Gabriel (Live Garage Version)
Keeping it classic, but slowing the tempo down a touch. This says it’s the “Live Garage Mix”, but I’m not sure I’ve ever actually heard the original! This tune still sends shivers down my spine every time. Big shout to Smoove, who dropped this at our Jalapeño Records party at Pikes Ibiza last year. What a moment.
8) Trio Ternura – A Gira
Moving things from the UK over to Brazil for some classic bongo-disco goodness. “A Gira” has such a warm, familiar feeling — it just gets people smiling and grooving. Every time I’ve played this in a DJ set it’s gone down a treat, and it somehow sounds even better on vinyl. A must-have in the box.
James Brown – People Get Up and Drive Your Funky Soul
It wouldn’t be a proper Back To Mine without some James Brown. We’ve had some Fred, but now it’s time for the boss. I love this tempo of funk/disco that just sits deep in the pocket and rolls along. I often play the extended version – about eight minutes long, and just let it ride. Another essential for the box.
Mark B & Blade – The Unknown
Had to throw in some hip hop, and this might still be my favourite UK hip hop tune ever. Funnily enough, I just heard it on 6 Music and it reminded me how much I love it. Blade’s lyrics perfectly capture the struggles of independent UK MCs trying to carve out their place, and then you get hit with the smoothest cuts from one of my favourite DJs of that era – DJ Prime Cuts. What a tune… I win. 😉
‘Dig It Up’ is out now on Jalapeno Records.
https://theallergies.bandcamp.com/album/dig-it-up-feat-andy-cooper-blabbermouf
