This is almost a dream coming true!My good friend David from Non Collective dropped this idea of a London based party sometime ago that would feature friends that have contributed to his wonderful site with mixes.A small core has formed over the past two years of real music lovers that share the same passion.Some of us ended up being good friends.So for the first time we managed to make this real and we are inviting you to our first ever party on the 10th of December at the ''Junction Room'' in Dalston.Hope to see some of you there dancing in a friendly and real atmosphere that almost feels like family.
I know that this blog looks like it's slowly ''dying'' and it's true that if you don't water your flowers they are in for bad dry days.So i thought i post something here that is a bit out of the ordinary and worths a mention.Released only in cassete Woo's masterpiece ''Into The Heart Of Love'' is the record the Durutti Column would have made with the Penguin Cafe Orchestra produced by Brian Eno in an ideal world.The record is an experience you have to witness on your own.It will take you a small trip to world above the clouds where gravity is insignificant and our earthly lives seem so distant.
So if you thought this blog is feeling a bit dead lately well i can't really blame you.Posting tracks is not my favourite thing lately.At some point i felt that almost every thing out there is blogged or exposed in some way or another so it's really hard staying original after some point.So there comes a time when you got to stop and think,oh there is so much beautiful music out there to listen and enjoy instead of spending time trying to find what has been kept secret from the blogosphere.I mean sometimes i prefer relaxing and listening to a Mazzy Star record instead of digging amongst rare electronic records from Greek artists.This is a fine example of that kind of spirit by a really good friend of this blog and a real music aficionado,Dr Rob from Tokyo.Rob sent me this mix last year bit i never posted it because i thought it was a bit melancholic at the time.It turned out to be one my favourite mixes from Rob and a really personal as well.If i could i would prefer Rob doing the intro to his mix in the beautiful way he usually does.Anyway this is a selection of downer pop 7 inches mixed together on a half drunk night.Let your heart run free and enjoy this beautiful mix.
So,at last here is a chance for me to write something except posting just songs and being silent.This is a quite special occasion for what i believe is an exceptional case of new music is finally getting a proper release.For me the rather overlooked and impossible to get ''The Rose'' by The Laughing Light of Plenty was a glorious piece of ''baggy'' pop,the bastard child of Ian Brown and Shaun Ryder that sounded like a left out single from the New Fads with a new production.For me it still stands out as a rare case of real music in an ocean of releases of boring and unimaginative nu house,nu balearic,nu disco nu whatever and edits of songs that should never been messed with.After listening Flow Motion on Beats In Space show with guest Kenji Takimi was convinced that these guys are not joking around.Flow Motion is again captivating from the first listen and feels so familiar like listening to all your favourite records in one go.The album is shortly arriving so i would be prepared to order this as soon as posssible.The artwork alone is a reasonbuying if you not conveived by the music to invest in the best thing to be put on was lately.Follow the link below for good soundclips and a look at the art.
Meltemi is a strong northern wind that blows every August round the Aegean sea.Im back from the Aegean in a city that resembles an inferno.The meltemi winds didn't show up this year at our usual rendezvous.For me that's a bad sign.But maybe they are just a little late.Maybe something happened on the way.The nights this summer lacked this frisky coolness that made you wrap up in your sweater to look for cover.My field of dreams was a bit hotter this year but nevertheless every single holiday i spent in the Aegean is a reason to fill my cabinet of memories with even more unique moments.This is a mix i made before leaving for my holidays.It kept me good company during the small hours.My friends were complaining it's not dance mix and that it sent them to sleep.Maybe they were right.Since my camera broke down and i have no photos to post from my holidays maybe this mix is the best way to show you some images from those times.Even if it sends you to sleep im sure it will be a very sweet one full of surreal dreams about a lady dressed in blue calling you to join her in an aquatic kingdom where life is eternal.
So here is the deal.Last summer i made two mixes that still remain as two of my favourites till now.One of them was called mediterranean beat and it was a tribute to all things balearic.I decied to make a second part to this mix just before i leave for my holidays in the islands of the Aegean which is my main inspiration for all this romantic themed mixes that worship the ghosts of Mike Francis and Jacques Mayol,the Aegean sea,''Summer Lovers'',Amnesia,Phil Mison playing at Del Mar,my first time at Mykonos,Cherry Lips,anchors,Spagetti del Mare and last but not least the sun.So this is part 2 of Meditarranean Beat.I was thinking what all this balearic thing really means to me and after all i thought it's just my way of escaping from the grayness of reality to a place where the sun always shine and people smile.Take this mix with you on your holidays and think of me while listening.I will be happy giving you some moments of true happiness.
The dream is getting close.It's almost there.Only a few days away from diving in the mediterranean sea.With music like this to keep me company.Mike Francis is like an old friend tapping me on the back when his voice hits my ears through the speakers.It's almost weird how can someone touch you so deeply with his music.Mike you were one of my heroes.The voice of my summers.I guess you all know this one but it's worth giving it another go.
Ok.So now it's time to stop talking crap and get into some serious stuff.When talking about classics of this magnitude it's hard to be objective.For me this is one of the biggest tunes ever.This is one the cases that music can be a real trip outside this world.Just close your eyes and let this classic take you where the sun mates with the sea exploding into millions molecules of light travelling the cosmos.Enough.Sleepwalker is one of those classics that still do the trick.Made in Belgium for the whole world.
Beautiful flamenco guitar driven spanish pop played at the infamous Aficionado parties.Real balearic for people that listen to music using their hearts more than their ears.
This is due to hit the shops really soon so don't sleep on this one.Max Essa on the production with Yuki Suzuki on vocals delivers this euphoric ''spaghetti'' piano house track that makes you go way back to that early 90's ambient house mood.On the b side Lee Douglas takes on the remix controls for a more uptempo take on the original.Released on the Tokyo based Jansen Jardin label.
I have made a summer mix for my favourite blog out there so roll over at Test Pressing add some sunshine and enjoy.Extra kudos for the amazing artwork provided by Paul.
I guess i was quite late on this one but it's so good that it deserves some extra hype around it.Seminal first release from Mr Apiento that being more than a really respected blogger and edit wizard,goes one step beyond with this.Sounds like Vini Reilly jamming on the beach.Can't wait to grab this.
So it's time for a new mix by me following a series of mixes made last summer dedicated to the sound of the white island.Once again it's all about going back to the basics.Smiles,love,echoes of Chris Rea on a beach,the Grand Bleu,90's italian brands,the sound of the sea on an empty beach,getting drunk on cheap wine,evening shadows at Cafe Del Mar,Mykonos in the 90's,sunsets at Caprice,suntan smelling bags,Sade singing on the radio.This is a balearic love affair.
This summer we are going hardcore balearic again trying to stay close to what we believe is the true essence of the true balearic feeling.For me it's all about loving life and the simple joys that summer can give you hidden in the beauty of the sea the wind the sun and love.The reminisce of a more innocent past where people were just having fun without thinking too much about it.For me balearic is the new hippy,a whole attitude towards life.It's my way of facing the harsh realit yof everyday life and the dulness of the city's impact on our lifes'.The missing link between the careless summer's of our childhood and now and the return to being innocent again.The dive into the big blue and the mating with the sea,the eternal woman.
This is a beautiful rework of the Gato Barbieri classic that is just great for the starlight summer night to come.
This is my new mix for the Non Collective site,which in my humble opinion is probably one of the best sources for quality mixes on the web.Served with love and style.Thanks to David this is another slice of demented summer time coolness.
Today marks the two year anniversary from the first time this blog became from just an overnight fantasy to a living thing.Within these two years the most important thing i gained through this site is a couple of good friends and many others that could prove good friends one day.Imagine i dropped a message in a bottle two years ago in the ocean and so many people red my message and got back.This is the real story.My message in bottle was found and i can't be any happier.I want to thank everyone who has contributed in any way to this site.I will name a few and i want to apologise from everyone i might omit in hastiness of writing.Mr Moonboots for promoting this blog in any way possible,David from Non Collective that proved out to be a good friend,Mr Vidal Benjamin who's knowledge and Romerian ethics could be of use for all my life,Dr Rob from Tokyo who's writings and mixes made the last year a different one,my friend Henri from Finland,Andrew Lovefingers for always being an inspiraton and quite helpful in many ways,our mysterious jet set friend Arthit from Thailand that always provides us with the most interesting comments,fellow blogger Peter Pleasure who is a super cool dude,Max Essa,Paul Byrne,Tommyboy,Dj Sergio,Jason Darrow from Robots in Heat,Guillame Galuz from Paris,Basso from the Growing Bin,Max and Jamie from Discohorror,Julian Horn,Diskoakademin,the wonderful Mr Tako,Jaz,everyone who has been sending their edits,music and love through our mail.I just want to add on this that i'm really sorry i dont get to post your stuff here but this blog is turning more into a mixes site and less of an edits and tracks blog.This is a change that happened along the way and from today you re going to witness even more changes to this blog to make it even better and good looking.Last but not least i want to thank my partner in crime Mr Vags that without his help and love this would not be where it is right now.Thanks for being there mate.The first post on this blog was a track by Mr Bobby Konders so i will just leave you with another one of his.Till next time.
I made a new mix for fellow blogger and friend Peter and his wonderful site Peter Pleasure Cruise'n.It's a good chance to check out his blog and download my mix which is a tribute to summer days and nights.
Basso from the Growing Bin blog was kind enough to share a last mix from my friend Petros that passed away last week.This is the last thing he recorded so it's a bit special and filled with emotion.This a good way to remember Petros and for people that didn't know him to see what a musical devotee he was.He was a man with great taste and love for life.I hope you enjoy this and share a thought for him.
When is your next gig mate?Wish i could come.Im gonna miss you.This one is for a friend who is not around anymore.Petros was one of those people that could capture your heart without trying too much.Easy to love.A true digger that found in music a real passion.A man who dressed in style and loved life.Goodbye my friend.This is the way i want to remember you.
New mix by a really good friend and collaborator of this blog,our man in Tokyo Dr Rob.This time Rob takes you on an oriental flavoured journey that takes you from the dancefloor of Shoom to a harem in Morocco.A Split Second – Drinking Sand
Beatamax – Caravan
Jah Wobble – Bomba
Code 61 – Drop The Deal
Takis – Paris Istanbul
Bappi Lahira – Habiba
Off – Electrica Salsa
Blancmange – Living On The Ceiling
David Harrow – Yassassin
Deepak & Khan – Holle Holle
Soundclash Republic – Too Eastern Mysteries
Jack N Chill – Beating The Heat
New Fast Automatic Daffodils – Big (Baka)
West India Company – O Je Suis Seul (Bagwhan Boogie)
This is a rare case of a song.Im quite happy i discovered this almost by mistake and it has proven to be one of the best new things i have listened to lately.I rarely post new tracks here,mainly for two reasons for various reasons but this is an exception as i want to expose this beauty to the world.iI think it deserves some hype and i think it's gonna be a classic among some people that appreciate good music.It's gonna be online for only a little while because i believe it's a shame not buying this great piece of music when available.A perfect track for upcoming summer nights.
For me Jah Wobble must be one of the most charismatic musicians to emerge from the post punk scene.A musician that blended so many different styles and never sound boring.I will post two tracks in a row by him just to show the diversity of his work.Last week my friend David from Non Collective posted The Kiss by Joolz,one of Wobble's early productions and a leftfield balearic gem.Joolz were mainly a post punk outfit fronted by the emblematic Joolz Denby.In the hands of Wobble they produced a handful of early singles that were oozing with that dubby sound that Wobble brought to perfection of his later productions.
