Alright, a semi-short post today. Just had to highlight a few progressive house joints that I've been diggin' lately. Plus NEW PRYDA JUST DROPPED ON PRYDA RECORDINGS :O :O
And it's amazing.
So let's kick it off with Pryda. Waves, which includes the A-side "Waves", and the B-side "Alfon", is another storied practice in Pryda bangers: lush, swelling synths with unforgettable, instantly-hummable melodic tidbits, and (eventually) monumental kicks, snares, and hi-hats.
"Waves" starts with a snaking series of kicks and what sounds like a horsefly on acid, amidst a rather ambient, simple synth line. Momentarily, harmonic electric piano stabs come in, establishing a base on which the track will be built. Things build in volume and fullness of sound until 3 minutes or so, when the drums drop out, and the main synth hook is slowly brought, signaling the subsequent breakdown that always follows. The drums, hi-hats first of course, are slowly brought back in, and at 4:50, the snares and snaking hiss are brought back in, and the sound is fully realized, snaking and bouncing along, before a lone arpeggio line plays amongst the sharp kicks and sparce drum sound effects. The track is ambient, but there are enough melodic elements to make it more than just a "drum" track. Please enjoy!
Now for Alfon, my preferred track. Things start out similar, with more noticably heavy kicks and snares, before a twitchy hollow twangy stab is brought in. The bass starts to roll along under the gated snare. Things continue in this manner until about 2:40, when everything fades out, and the gloriously simple hook is brought in, in all its trancey piano goodness. The kick follows (of course), then the rolling bass line sans kick, then both the kick and snare return, as the sound grows fuller and fuller by the minute. It continues this way until the end, bringing in and dropping various elements to shape the sound and mood of the track. The final minute sees the twitching tom stabs exit with the drums in tow, banging away at the simple four-to-the-floor beat. Enjoy.
Pryda nevers lets us down, and this time is no exception. Now I get to wait for new Sebastien Leger on Mistakes Music. Expect THAT soon too!!
Now onto a few more tracks. First, Michael Feiner's gloriously rhythmic prog house remix of Arno Cost's already bangin' "Cyan". The beginning alone gives testament to what rhythm means in a song. Listen to ten seconds and try to NOT move your body in some way. Additionally, Feiner brings in the fuller version of the hook much faster than Cost does. And this is a marvelous thing. Feiner's drums are tighter and better suited to the track. Also, the short, melodic riffs Feiner adds over the intro piano riff do just a little to add to the track as a whole. His buildups are much fuller and sound better than they do in the original version. Overall, Michael Feiner turns this track from a banger into an absolute smash. The tightening of the drums, the extra melodic synth lines, and the incredible sense of rhythm do wonders for an already amazing track. Enjoy!
Finally, we come to Steve Angello. Kim Fai's remix of Angello's cookie-cutter prog (progressive) house track "Isabel" is both spacey and thunderous, laidback, and full force. For the beginning, Fai incorporates minimal drums, but with a greater sense of rhythm then Angello. His synths are spacier too, and seem to fill the empty space of the main hook, gutting it and sending it to the farthest corners of the room. Things tighten from there on, with hi-hats, gravel claps, and trancey synths abound. The ending drops off a little bit, but overall this remix is much more solid than the original, bringing in enough different elements and varied rhythms that it feels like different tracks almost, and not one repetitive prog house joint. Here it is in full:
That's it for me for today!! Check back in soon, I'll be going over my favorite indie rock tracks of the summer next time. Until then, bop out.
-RBGK
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Top Ten Summer Tracks of 2009
It's that time of year, folks.
Summer's winding down, and, well, school is three weeks away. It's reality. Deal with it.
But we're not QUITE done here...so may I present MY picks for the top ten summer tracks of this season that, for me, have made summer, well, SUMMER!!!!!!!!!!! Please enjoy, and feel free to comment and give me your thoughts on my picks. Enjoy...
The Bloody Beetroots - Awesome [10]
Let's kick off the list with an abrasive monster of a track perfect for joyriding into the wee hours of the morning: the Bloody Beetroots' Awesome. With the Cool Kids contributing verses and the chorus, this track is 100% BANG. The metallic, grating synths are classic Beetroots, and give this cut a odd swagger all its own. The bass is still there, bigger and better than ever, plus the synth detuning through parts of the track add to its maddening, almost brutal punch. Most of all though, the drums are absolutely monsterous, clobbering, booming, and thunderous for the entire two and a half minutes. If you ever wanted to piss off the neighbors with that one song, THIS would be that song. Awesome.
---------------------------
Major Lazer - Hold The Line feat. Mr. Lex & Santigold [9]
Ahh another sound system banger. Dubstep is the new thing, and the production from Diplo and Switch on the kickoff track to the amazing summer album "Guns Don't Kill People...Lazers Do" is absolutely destructive. Snare stabs abound, plus some of the craziest sound effects you'll ever hear, including horse nays, girly squeals, cell phones ringing, and machine gun fire, create a hectic, manic atmosphere that drives this track at 500 miles per hour through your speakers. The drums ripple and shake, and the A Milli-esque hook sung by Santigold rounds out this package as a crazy-go-nuts drive time speaker breaker of massive proportions. I can almost feel the bass now.
---------------------------
Dam-Funk - Toeachizown [8]
Where would summer be without the proverbial midnight jam? Enter Dam-Funk, who released his debut on the renown Stones Throw label. If ever there was an instrumental begging for a verse to be laid over it, this is that track. Plonky, funky synths, and sharp, booming kicks spell the funk out, but the track REALLY begins after the first eight bars. Warm, gyrating, almost breathing, the track hunkers along with a smooth, mellow gait despite its monstrous sonic girth. Late night car rides, evenings at home, either one of those needs this track. It may have no lyrics, but dammit, actions speak louder than words. And this one is practically screaming "MIDNIGHT SUMMER FUNK JAM OF THE DECADE" at the top of its imaginary lungs.
---------------------------
Tiga - Beep Beep Beep (Punks Jump Up Remix) [7]
Released on his own Turbo Recordings label, DJ/singer/songwriter Tiga dropped this and a number of other quality remixes from Soulwax, Emperor Machine, and Loco Dice, among others. But the Punks Jump Up remix by FAR trounces them all. It immediately gets into the swing of things, complete with banging drums, hand claps, and a rippling, wavy synth line, before slingshotting the bass into the mix. The chorus is handled expertly, spiraling through the vocal ohh's and ahh's and beep's over Tiga's matter-of-fact delivery of how the world operates in this mechanical age. The song itself points out the obsession with electronics in today's world, and what better way to celebrate the summer? It reminds me that the days of summer are not spent indoors by yourself, they're spent out with friends, enjoying and living life. "My phone goes BEEP BEEP BEEP, the crowd goes BEEP BEEP BEEP, the whole world goes BEEP BEEP BEEP, but you go ohh ohh ahh..."
---------------------------
Scope - Night Reeds [6]
http://rapidshare.com/files/216926038/Scope_-_Night_Reeds__Original_Mix_.mp3 (Sorry no vid for this one!)
Sure, summer's great for parties, roadtrips, and intimate moments, but what are we forgetting? Ah yes. The chill factor. Sometimes, it's all but perfect to just sit down and relax. Chillin' with your friends, or by yourself, it's how you get the energy to do all those other fun and exciting summer activities. And what better recharger than Scope's deep house gem "Night Reeds"? Yes, there's a classic, housey beat, but it never plays itself up, which is just fine. This track breathes calm and cool, with a light, breezy horn section that drifts and floats like a cloud over lush, mellow keys. The atmosphere sways and shifts ever so slightly, but it never strays far from typical deep house fare. But by far, this is an amazingly chill cut, and almost feels like a breeze itself, especially with the fluttering flute line and breath-taking strings in the middle. In ever there was an electronic music track to fall asleep too, it would be this one.
---------------------------
Fink - Sort of Revolution (The Cinematic Orchestra Remix) [5]
http://rcrdlbl.com/artists/Fink/track/Sort_Of_Revolution_The_Cinematic_Orchestra_Remix (Sorry not for this one either!)
It's time to get a little sentimental. Acoustic guitar, and a light percussion section, is all this song needs to make my skin crawl. It's breath-taking, open, and absolutely beautiful. The vocals remind me of Jack Johnson a little bit, or a little more rugged version of Matt Nathanson, and Fink does an incredible job of creating a very warm, inviting atmosphere, especially during the chorus, where the multiple guitars and hums sink through your skin and you just feel...alright. The perfect song to play with that special someone. The rhythm is a little faster than the original, but it gives the slightest bit of urgency that the track needs to become less of a ballad and more of a rushed, beckoning call to enjoy what little time there is left in summer. Simply amazing.
---------------------------
The Whitest Boy Alive - Golden Cage (Fred Falke Remix) [4]
Whenever I think of summer, I can't help but think of Fred Falke. His production style could be a word-for-word adjective list of summer: relaxing, playful, jubilant, raucous, soothing, the list goes on!! Now, there are a lot of Falke productions I could've used, but this oldie is by far my most treasured. Erlend Oye's vocals work in tandem with Falke's production to turn an already stellar indie rock track into a bed of blissed-out, fluffy, summery joy. It's all here: Falke's signature, lush, catchy keys, French house-esque drum patterns, and equally pleasing breakdowns. The whole track sounds like a dream sequence, something not of this world, something above it, more pleasing, joyful, and ethereal than anything palpably sonic on the face of this planet. But as soon as the beat drops, I can't help but smile. Another perfect, late-night beach party jam courtesy of the sultan of summer.
---------------------------
Passion Pit - Moth's Wings [3]
Every summer needs its anthemic, rock ballad. And although the five guys from Cambridge may never write an ACTUAL ballad, this is pretty damn close. An electronic guitar riff kicks things off, before a absolute sweeping piano riff takes you off your feet towards the sky. Minimalist drum work does wonders here, never taking away from the majestic atmosphere that swirling and sways for every single moment there is sound, but keeping enough of a rhythm to give the song structure. For roadtrips, there is no better song. The booming chorus with all five voices and uplifting chords breathe summer and the magnificent feeling of joy and freedom that it brings. The chorus alone tears open my mind at the seams to let out all the bad thoughts and troubles, leaving nothing but happiness and pure, unadulterated ecstasy. They speak of friendship without enemies, and the same goes for summer: enjoy it with everyone. No matter who, what, where, when, or why. "Come lay with me on the ground..."
---------------------------
Bag Raiders - Shooting Stars (Shazam Dub Mix) [2]
Within the first ten seconds, you just almost FEEL the warm, summertime vibes just oozing off this cut. Australian Shazam (BangGang 12s) takes this track from fellow Aussies Bag Raiders (Modular/BangGang 12s/Fool's Gold) and gives it a classic disco twist. Blaring horns, classic four-to-the-floor drum sequences, catchy-as-sin strings, and plonky, dense synths over the original riff. Occasional chorus vocals create an atmosphere straight out of 1973, and Shazam successfully works magic to turn this vocal-tinged light electro track into a grooving, jiving, bouncing behemoth, complete with a tasty bass riff. This is the penultimate barbecue, summer mixer, beach party banger for those late July nights. The only thing missing are verses from Earth, Wind & Fire.
---------------------------
Sebastien Tellier - Roche (Breakbot Remix) [1]
And here we have it. Number one. Everything about this track says summer. And I mean EVERYTHING. French house maestro Breakbot takes an already decidedly chill piano tune from fellow Frenchman Sebastien Tellier and injects with glittering, shimmering synthwork, tight French house drum production, and a chorus and breakdown so warm and inviting you can't help but try and speak French to attempt to sing along. You can even hear waves crashing in the background! Just close your eyes and allow yourself to be transported to the beach. Instantly. Few songs are so atmospheric that they instantly create worlds and settings all their own, but this track does it. This is the definitive track of summer. It's danceable, relaxing, and bangin' all at the same time. If summer could sing or make noise, this is what it would sound like. To a tee.
Well there you have it. Hope you enjoyed the countdown. Summer's not over yet folks ;)
Have a wonderful rest of the summer and expect a new post in the very near future! Bop out.
-RBGK
Summer's winding down, and, well, school is three weeks away. It's reality. Deal with it.
But we're not QUITE done here...so may I present MY picks for the top ten summer tracks of this season that, for me, have made summer, well, SUMMER!!!!!!!!!!! Please enjoy, and feel free to comment and give me your thoughts on my picks. Enjoy...
The Bloody Beetroots - Awesome [10]
Let's kick off the list with an abrasive monster of a track perfect for joyriding into the wee hours of the morning: the Bloody Beetroots' Awesome. With the Cool Kids contributing verses and the chorus, this track is 100% BANG. The metallic, grating synths are classic Beetroots, and give this cut a odd swagger all its own. The bass is still there, bigger and better than ever, plus the synth detuning through parts of the track add to its maddening, almost brutal punch. Most of all though, the drums are absolutely monsterous, clobbering, booming, and thunderous for the entire two and a half minutes. If you ever wanted to piss off the neighbors with that one song, THIS would be that song. Awesome.
---------------------------
Major Lazer - Hold The Line feat. Mr. Lex & Santigold [9]
Ahh another sound system banger. Dubstep is the new thing, and the production from Diplo and Switch on the kickoff track to the amazing summer album "Guns Don't Kill People...Lazers Do" is absolutely destructive. Snare stabs abound, plus some of the craziest sound effects you'll ever hear, including horse nays, girly squeals, cell phones ringing, and machine gun fire, create a hectic, manic atmosphere that drives this track at 500 miles per hour through your speakers. The drums ripple and shake, and the A Milli-esque hook sung by Santigold rounds out this package as a crazy-go-nuts drive time speaker breaker of massive proportions. I can almost feel the bass now.
---------------------------
Dam-Funk - Toeachizown [8]
Where would summer be without the proverbial midnight jam? Enter Dam-Funk, who released his debut on the renown Stones Throw label. If ever there was an instrumental begging for a verse to be laid over it, this is that track. Plonky, funky synths, and sharp, booming kicks spell the funk out, but the track REALLY begins after the first eight bars. Warm, gyrating, almost breathing, the track hunkers along with a smooth, mellow gait despite its monstrous sonic girth. Late night car rides, evenings at home, either one of those needs this track. It may have no lyrics, but dammit, actions speak louder than words. And this one is practically screaming "MIDNIGHT SUMMER FUNK JAM OF THE DECADE" at the top of its imaginary lungs.
---------------------------
Tiga - Beep Beep Beep (Punks Jump Up Remix) [7]
Released on his own Turbo Recordings label, DJ/singer/songwriter Tiga dropped this and a number of other quality remixes from Soulwax, Emperor Machine, and Loco Dice, among others. But the Punks Jump Up remix by FAR trounces them all. It immediately gets into the swing of things, complete with banging drums, hand claps, and a rippling, wavy synth line, before slingshotting the bass into the mix. The chorus is handled expertly, spiraling through the vocal ohh's and ahh's and beep's over Tiga's matter-of-fact delivery of how the world operates in this mechanical age. The song itself points out the obsession with electronics in today's world, and what better way to celebrate the summer? It reminds me that the days of summer are not spent indoors by yourself, they're spent out with friends, enjoying and living life. "My phone goes BEEP BEEP BEEP, the crowd goes BEEP BEEP BEEP, the whole world goes BEEP BEEP BEEP, but you go ohh ohh ahh..."
---------------------------
Scope - Night Reeds [6]
http://rapidshare.com/files/216926038/Scope_-_Night_Reeds__Original_Mix_.mp3 (Sorry no vid for this one!)
Sure, summer's great for parties, roadtrips, and intimate moments, but what are we forgetting? Ah yes. The chill factor. Sometimes, it's all but perfect to just sit down and relax. Chillin' with your friends, or by yourself, it's how you get the energy to do all those other fun and exciting summer activities. And what better recharger than Scope's deep house gem "Night Reeds"? Yes, there's a classic, housey beat, but it never plays itself up, which is just fine. This track breathes calm and cool, with a light, breezy horn section that drifts and floats like a cloud over lush, mellow keys. The atmosphere sways and shifts ever so slightly, but it never strays far from typical deep house fare. But by far, this is an amazingly chill cut, and almost feels like a breeze itself, especially with the fluttering flute line and breath-taking strings in the middle. In ever there was an electronic music track to fall asleep too, it would be this one.
---------------------------
Fink - Sort of Revolution (The Cinematic Orchestra Remix) [5]
http://rcrdlbl.com/artists/Fink/track/Sort_Of_Revolution_The_Cinematic_Orchestra_Remix (Sorry not for this one either!)
It's time to get a little sentimental. Acoustic guitar, and a light percussion section, is all this song needs to make my skin crawl. It's breath-taking, open, and absolutely beautiful. The vocals remind me of Jack Johnson a little bit, or a little more rugged version of Matt Nathanson, and Fink does an incredible job of creating a very warm, inviting atmosphere, especially during the chorus, where the multiple guitars and hums sink through your skin and you just feel...alright. The perfect song to play with that special someone. The rhythm is a little faster than the original, but it gives the slightest bit of urgency that the track needs to become less of a ballad and more of a rushed, beckoning call to enjoy what little time there is left in summer. Simply amazing.
---------------------------
The Whitest Boy Alive - Golden Cage (Fred Falke Remix) [4]
Whenever I think of summer, I can't help but think of Fred Falke. His production style could be a word-for-word adjective list of summer: relaxing, playful, jubilant, raucous, soothing, the list goes on!! Now, there are a lot of Falke productions I could've used, but this oldie is by far my most treasured. Erlend Oye's vocals work in tandem with Falke's production to turn an already stellar indie rock track into a bed of blissed-out, fluffy, summery joy. It's all here: Falke's signature, lush, catchy keys, French house-esque drum patterns, and equally pleasing breakdowns. The whole track sounds like a dream sequence, something not of this world, something above it, more pleasing, joyful, and ethereal than anything palpably sonic on the face of this planet. But as soon as the beat drops, I can't help but smile. Another perfect, late-night beach party jam courtesy of the sultan of summer.
---------------------------
Passion Pit - Moth's Wings [3]
Every summer needs its anthemic, rock ballad. And although the five guys from Cambridge may never write an ACTUAL ballad, this is pretty damn close. An electronic guitar riff kicks things off, before a absolute sweeping piano riff takes you off your feet towards the sky. Minimalist drum work does wonders here, never taking away from the majestic atmosphere that swirling and sways for every single moment there is sound, but keeping enough of a rhythm to give the song structure. For roadtrips, there is no better song. The booming chorus with all five voices and uplifting chords breathe summer and the magnificent feeling of joy and freedom that it brings. The chorus alone tears open my mind at the seams to let out all the bad thoughts and troubles, leaving nothing but happiness and pure, unadulterated ecstasy. They speak of friendship without enemies, and the same goes for summer: enjoy it with everyone. No matter who, what, where, when, or why. "Come lay with me on the ground..."
---------------------------
Bag Raiders - Shooting Stars (Shazam Dub Mix) [2]
Within the first ten seconds, you just almost FEEL the warm, summertime vibes just oozing off this cut. Australian Shazam (BangGang 12s) takes this track from fellow Aussies Bag Raiders (Modular/BangGang 12s/Fool's Gold) and gives it a classic disco twist. Blaring horns, classic four-to-the-floor drum sequences, catchy-as-sin strings, and plonky, dense synths over the original riff. Occasional chorus vocals create an atmosphere straight out of 1973, and Shazam successfully works magic to turn this vocal-tinged light electro track into a grooving, jiving, bouncing behemoth, complete with a tasty bass riff. This is the penultimate barbecue, summer mixer, beach party banger for those late July nights. The only thing missing are verses from Earth, Wind & Fire.
---------------------------
Sebastien Tellier - Roche (Breakbot Remix) [1]
And here we have it. Number one. Everything about this track says summer. And I mean EVERYTHING. French house maestro Breakbot takes an already decidedly chill piano tune from fellow Frenchman Sebastien Tellier and injects with glittering, shimmering synthwork, tight French house drum production, and a chorus and breakdown so warm and inviting you can't help but try and speak French to attempt to sing along. You can even hear waves crashing in the background! Just close your eyes and allow yourself to be transported to the beach. Instantly. Few songs are so atmospheric that they instantly create worlds and settings all their own, but this track does it. This is the definitive track of summer. It's danceable, relaxing, and bangin' all at the same time. If summer could sing or make noise, this is what it would sound like. To a tee.
Well there you have it. Hope you enjoyed the countdown. Summer's not over yet folks ;)
Have a wonderful rest of the summer and expect a new post in the very near future! Bop out.
-RBGK
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Eric Prydz = Cirez D = Pryda = Sheridan = Moo
Finally. I've been waiting to do this post for a while. Arguably, Eric Prydz is my favorite DJ/producer of all-time. From the bangin' nu-disco dance smash "Call on Me", to the layered, tech house Pink Floyd-remixed gem "Proper Education", to his most recent massive progressive house EP on his own Pryda Recordings "Melo/Lift/Reeperbahn", Prydz (which consequently is pronounced 'Prid-z') is on a roll of epic proportions, and whenever he spins a new track, you can bet that there will be a low-quality video of the new joint on YouTube. He's THAT big.
Alright, a little history first. Eric Prydz is a native of Stockholm, Sweden, and his career as a DJ really kicked off with the release of "Call on Me" in 2004. Before then, he had played in a local band and experimented with music his whole life. As many of you already know, "Call on Me" was an absolute smash, and has garnered worldwide success and popularity; it's still being played at dances the world round. His first release as Pryda (the more progressive house side of Prydz), Human Behaviour/Lesson One, saw release in '04 as well. In 2005, Prydz released the minor hit "Woz Not Woz" with fellow Swede Steve Angello. As Cirez D (the more tech house side of Prydz), the Swedish DJ released a number of records, including Knockout, Re-match, Teaser, and Lost Love.
The year 2006 saw Prydz's second smash, the "Another Brick in the Wall, Pt. 2" remix "Proper Education", which featured a devastating synth stab hook, and a lush bass groove and the signature youth vocals that everyone knows from the original track. Interestingly, until the release of "Proper Education", Pink Floyd had NEVER allowed ANYONE to remix their tracks. And honestly, Eric Prydz was the perfect first choice to break new ground. Here's the track in full:
Pryda's fifth record, Frankfurt/Remember, also dropped in '06, and the A-side established Pryda as a force to be dealt with; the track looms and swells for a few minutes while maintaining a sense of rhythm and presence, before the key four-beat kick signals the downward spiral through spacey synths and thunderous kicks and claps, all while the frantic, robotic synth line rises and falls with an almost mechanical bounce.
With out getting into too much more detail (for now) '07, '08, and '09 have been the best years for Eric Prydz (in my opinion). His rainbow-themed string of releases on Pryda Recordings ended after magnificently powerful club favorites like Europa, RYMD, Armed, Balaton, Muranyi, Evouh, Pjanoo, Rakfunk, and Wakanpi. Since then, Animal/Loaded/Miami to Atlanta and Melo/Lift/Reeperbahn have both carried the torch successfully, but Pryda's older releases will always hold a special place in my heart. If you're interested in more Pryda, let me know in an e-mail or message. I'll always have a Pryda CD on hand for anyone that wants one! Here are some of his best cuts:
Now then. Prydz also runs the label on which he releases Cirez D tracks, Mouseville. With a more techno feel (thus the label of tech house) these releases haven't seen as much popularity, but they definitely still stand on their own feet as quality Eric Prydz material. Here are some of the best tracks off of Mouseville:
There you have it. This is basically the abridged history of Prydz, as he runs ANOTHER label, Pryda Friends, but we'll save that for a little later. This is probably information overload for a lot of you!! I definitely recommend Pryda; if you liked "Call on Me", then there's definitely something for you on Pryda Recordings. I'll post some more stuff later today hopefully, but until then, enjoy the tracks, bop out, kidz.
-RBGK
Alright, a little history first. Eric Prydz is a native of Stockholm, Sweden, and his career as a DJ really kicked off with the release of "Call on Me" in 2004. Before then, he had played in a local band and experimented with music his whole life. As many of you already know, "Call on Me" was an absolute smash, and has garnered worldwide success and popularity; it's still being played at dances the world round. His first release as Pryda (the more progressive house side of Prydz), Human Behaviour/Lesson One, saw release in '04 as well. In 2005, Prydz released the minor hit "Woz Not Woz" with fellow Swede Steve Angello. As Cirez D (the more tech house side of Prydz), the Swedish DJ released a number of records, including Knockout, Re-match, Teaser, and Lost Love.
The year 2006 saw Prydz's second smash, the "Another Brick in the Wall, Pt. 2" remix "Proper Education", which featured a devastating synth stab hook, and a lush bass groove and the signature youth vocals that everyone knows from the original track. Interestingly, until the release of "Proper Education", Pink Floyd had NEVER allowed ANYONE to remix their tracks. And honestly, Eric Prydz was the perfect first choice to break new ground. Here's the track in full:
Pryda's fifth record, Frankfurt/Remember, also dropped in '06, and the A-side established Pryda as a force to be dealt with; the track looms and swells for a few minutes while maintaining a sense of rhythm and presence, before the key four-beat kick signals the downward spiral through spacey synths and thunderous kicks and claps, all while the frantic, robotic synth line rises and falls with an almost mechanical bounce.
With out getting into too much more detail (for now) '07, '08, and '09 have been the best years for Eric Prydz (in my opinion). His rainbow-themed string of releases on Pryda Recordings ended after magnificently powerful club favorites like Europa, RYMD, Armed, Balaton, Muranyi, Evouh, Pjanoo, Rakfunk, and Wakanpi. Since then, Animal/Loaded/Miami to Atlanta and Melo/Lift/Reeperbahn have both carried the torch successfully, but Pryda's older releases will always hold a special place in my heart. If you're interested in more Pryda, let me know in an e-mail or message. I'll always have a Pryda CD on hand for anyone that wants one! Here are some of his best cuts:
Now then. Prydz also runs the label on which he releases Cirez D tracks, Mouseville. With a more techno feel (thus the label of tech house) these releases haven't seen as much popularity, but they definitely still stand on their own feet as quality Eric Prydz material. Here are some of the best tracks off of Mouseville:
There you have it. This is basically the abridged history of Prydz, as he runs ANOTHER label, Pryda Friends, but we'll save that for a little later. This is probably information overload for a lot of you!! I definitely recommend Pryda; if you liked "Call on Me", then there's definitely something for you on Pryda Recordings. I'll post some more stuff later today hopefully, but until then, enjoy the tracks, bop out, kidz.
-RBGK
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Major Lazer & SebastiAn = Two of my favorite artists of the summer
Sorry folks, it's been a few since I posted anything. But I'm back with two album reviews: SebastiAn's "A Fine Selection of Remixes" and Major Lazer's "Guns Don't Kill People...Lazers Do". Both are stellar offerings, but let's start with the French electro maestro.
SebastiAn (Sebastian Akchoté) is a French electro DJ who currently releases through Ed Banger Records, one of my favorite labels of all-time, and home to the likes of Busy P, DJ Mehdi, Feadz, Kavinsky, and of course, SebastiAn. Specializing in a flavorful blend of electro, house, and hip-hop, Ed Banger is at the forefront of new electronic music, and is definitely a force to be reckoned with. Case in point: heard of Justice? Yep. That's Ed Banger.
Back in 2008, SebastiAn released a remix album through Ed Banger, titled "A Fine Selection of Remixes". And indeed it IS a fine selection. SebastiAn sweeps through indie rock, alternative rock, hip-hop, and pop, all with his own signature electro touch. Every song offers something different, but it never strays too far from the SebastiAn framework that fans are familiar with: tight, killer drum production, (complete with rattling snares, gasping crashes, and absolutely thunderous kicks), sliced, glitchy vocal cut-ups and samples, and oddly calming, rippling, and lush synthesizers. On the plus side as well, most of his remixes are under 4 minutes: they never overstay their welcome, and entice you to listen harder for all the sighs, gasps, and booms each remix offers, and then before you know it the track is over. REPEAT. Here are a few of my favorites off the album, which is available on Amazon for under $20. And this is an import too. Amazing deal if you ask me. Here are my picks:
He touches on The Kills, Kelis, Kavinsky, Bloc Party, Annie, Revl9n, Das Pop, and more. Definitely check this record out. Here's the link to Amazon if you're of a mind.
http://www.amazon.com/Remixes-Sebastian/dp/B0018OKHQ4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1249184637&sr=8-2
Now we move onto Major Lazer...and what an album. This is NOT my forte, but I love it nonetheless. Ragga, reggae, hip-hop, dancehall, dubstep, electro, all these influences play a part in this album. And that's what makes it a favorite of mine. The first track is an absolute killer. "Hold the Line", which features Santigold on the chorus and hook, and Mr. Lex on the verse, sounds like a sped-up, 80's Jamaican version of "A Milli". Bangin' absolutely. Hell, the first six tracks are all wonders, with that same smooth vibe over soulful/blistering drum work and Jamaican influences abound. All danceable, all chill. Off-the-wall beats, lulling guitars, dynamic vocal work all around, this album has it all. And that's what I think makes the album so appealing: it can work as a chillin' out record for a party, a club banger for dancefloors, or something everyone can enjoy and listen in some form or another. Enjoy those beats and stay relaxed. Here are my favorites off the album:
Here's the Amazon link:
http://www.amazon.com/Guns-Dont-Kill-People-Lazers/dp/B0027WNRN6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1249185209&sr=8-1
Enjoy all the tracks, and I will post something again very soon!! Until then, bop out.
-RBGK
SebastiAn (Sebastian Akchoté) is a French electro DJ who currently releases through Ed Banger Records, one of my favorite labels of all-time, and home to the likes of Busy P, DJ Mehdi, Feadz, Kavinsky, and of course, SebastiAn. Specializing in a flavorful blend of electro, house, and hip-hop, Ed Banger is at the forefront of new electronic music, and is definitely a force to be reckoned with. Case in point: heard of Justice? Yep. That's Ed Banger.
Back in 2008, SebastiAn released a remix album through Ed Banger, titled "A Fine Selection of Remixes". And indeed it IS a fine selection. SebastiAn sweeps through indie rock, alternative rock, hip-hop, and pop, all with his own signature electro touch. Every song offers something different, but it never strays too far from the SebastiAn framework that fans are familiar with: tight, killer drum production, (complete with rattling snares, gasping crashes, and absolutely thunderous kicks), sliced, glitchy vocal cut-ups and samples, and oddly calming, rippling, and lush synthesizers. On the plus side as well, most of his remixes are under 4 minutes: they never overstay their welcome, and entice you to listen harder for all the sighs, gasps, and booms each remix offers, and then before you know it the track is over. REPEAT. Here are a few of my favorites off the album, which is available on Amazon for under $20. And this is an import too. Amazing deal if you ask me. Here are my picks:
He touches on The Kills, Kelis, Kavinsky, Bloc Party, Annie, Revl9n, Das Pop, and more. Definitely check this record out. Here's the link to Amazon if you're of a mind.
http://www.amazon.com/Remixes-Sebastian/dp/B0018OKHQ4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1249184637&sr=8-2
Now we move onto Major Lazer...and what an album. This is NOT my forte, but I love it nonetheless. Ragga, reggae, hip-hop, dancehall, dubstep, electro, all these influences play a part in this album. And that's what makes it a favorite of mine. The first track is an absolute killer. "Hold the Line", which features Santigold on the chorus and hook, and Mr. Lex on the verse, sounds like a sped-up, 80's Jamaican version of "A Milli". Bangin' absolutely. Hell, the first six tracks are all wonders, with that same smooth vibe over soulful/blistering drum work and Jamaican influences abound. All danceable, all chill. Off-the-wall beats, lulling guitars, dynamic vocal work all around, this album has it all. And that's what I think makes the album so appealing: it can work as a chillin' out record for a party, a club banger for dancefloors, or something everyone can enjoy and listen in some form or another. Enjoy those beats and stay relaxed. Here are my favorites off the album:
Here's the Amazon link:
http://www.amazon.com/Guns-Dont-Kill-People-Lazers/dp/B0027WNRN6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1249185209&sr=8-1
Enjoy all the tracks, and I will post something again very soon!! Until then, bop out.
-RBGK
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