Sebastien Leger Pt. II

Going right from where I left off...

Next track is "Mars". This happens to be where Leger can shine the most at times. Foregoing his traditionally organic, razor-sharp tech house, Leger opts for a more electro-centric, rippling metallic feel, as if the entire track got blasted with paint and polished to a metallic sheen. While most Leger tracks bubble, this one most assuredly bobbles, the zigzag synth line cutting lines through the admittedly classic Leger drums characterized by vibrant rhythms while sounding equally sonically dense. There really is an "alien" vibe given off here, foreign, unusual sounds and pads keep things interesting, but the structure and sound are still trademark Sebastien Leger. A definite winner in my book. Especially that glitchy, rising synth line. Tuuuuuuuuuuune!

Sebastien Leger - Mars

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Finally, we come to "Uranus", my final favorite off of "Planets". This has to also go under the category of "rhythmic, electro-tinged, belching, rippling bangers". With a low end like no other, and an almost hip-hop rhythm, "Uranus" even brings what can only be vinyl scratches to the table with bottom-of-the-barrel synths and bass. This whole track sounds like one loud, long belch. But it's a good belch. Leger's rhythms work wonders again, and the synths might get eventually grating, but this track is experimental Leger at his near best, and rightly deserves the title of "tune". Crazy astrological shit right here.

Sebastien Leger - Uranus

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Alright, with Planets out of the way, let's focus on Leger's best material off his other singles and releases on Mistakes Music. Just as a reminder and as a list, I'll focus on "Talisman", "Majestic", "Jungle", and "Le Moustique".

Ah, Talisman. Not only my favorite Leger track, but easily one of my favorite electronic music cuts of all-time. And personally, I think it's easy to see why. A thick, down-to-earth vacuum of a beat that hisses and snakes for a minute or so is soon layered with a delayed, wonderfully simple Middle-Eastern sounding melody. It shimmers overhead before harmonic synth stabs further layer the sound. A final background pad dips the entire track into a crazy, glittering atmospheric pool, before harnessing the entire sound and dropping a signature Leger drum pattern that only gets better and better as the track progresses. Highlighted by perfectly timed claps and vicious, hissing snares and hi-hats, the drums work to the climax, an astoundingly layered and head/body-pleasing zenith from the track drops off, all sound synthesizing into a one cohesive unit. At a bit over nine minutes, much happens here, but it proves Leger's atmospheric ideals and talents for layered, dense, yet positively monstrous and completely danceable tech house. One of my favorite songs of all-time, ever. Enjoy.

Sebastien Leger - Talisman

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After "Talisman", well, nothing can really come close to recreating it sonically, mentally, or emotionally. But by no means is anything after 'bad'. It's just...not as good. But let's jump into another solid Leger release, "Majestic", and it's killer eponymous cut.

"Majestic" opens with an already busy drum pattern, only further building on it with a minor synth backbone tagging along for the ride. Around 1:30 the synths break open and trickle slowly out, layering out the groundwork for a swirling, magnetic synth line that rides the drums perfectly for another few minutes. Subtle drum inflections and shifts further keep attention before the synth takes center stage again, as the glitchy, electro sound builds around before dropping off again to the rippling, rolling synth plus drums, as is par for most of this track. It's certainly nothing special, but it's definitely got a great intro and showcases, if anything, more creative Leger rhythm and sound.

Sebastien Leger - Majestic

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If ever there was a track to highlight atmosphere (that's not on Planets) I would have to pick "Jungle". The title really just spells it right out. You're not even sure what sounds at first are even drums! There's chirps, breezes, hisses, tweets, yelps, everything. It honestly does sound like a jungle. The drums, while initially pretty loose, gather ground and structure fast, and it's not even until around two minutes that a melody even shows up! Although simplistic, it's classic Leger: spacey, delayed, bubbly, and perfectly suited for the track. But it's that bridge that gets me every time. All of a sudden the synth line winds up and falls back down before repeating again, an instantly jazzy sound that should get your feet moving and your head swirling. Or at least your fingers snapping. A definite favorite of mine and that puts Leger's rhythmic sensibilities at the forefront, and to wondrous effect.

Sebastien Leger - Jungle

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Until recently, I didn't really enjoy this final Leger track. I'm not even sure why; it's textbook Leger. "Le Moustique" (French for 'the mosquito') kicks off with light, vibrant African-sounding drums, before peaking with another rich, textured drum backdrop for buzzing, mosquito-like (of course!) synth line to drop, droning monotonously under the sea of hi-hats and bongos. Another rhythmic treat, with a thematic sound that suits it well, even if it gets old after a little while!

Sebastien Leger - Le Moustique




I could go on and on about this amazing French DJ/producer, but you know his sound, his technique, and his style, which doesn't really change that much from track to track! This isn't your normal tech house, it's definitely something bigger, faster, and, well, better. Enjoy, and keep those ears wide, wide open.
-NL

The French Connection, Pt. III

After much thought...well, not really, but it was definitely coming, you know...I've decided to do a piece about one of my all-time favorite producers: Sebastien Leger. This is part three in a continuing look at why France is always at the forefront of some realm of electronic music, but more specifically it's a quick look at a wonderful producer and his efforts thus far.

In my last post, I highlighted one of his best tracks, Earth, but the album on which it appears, Planets, is such a masterpiece of rhythms and atmospheric tech house that I can't NOT talk about a few other key tracks on the LP. But first, a little background on Seb Leger and the album itself.

Leger has been DJing and producing since 1999, and although his early efforts such as Diametrik Acidness and Midnight in Galaxy reflect a faster, more acid approach to house, he began to approach his now signature sound, in my opinion, with releases like Little Bug, Take Your Pills, Hit Girl, Bad Clock, Goulden Moulden, and Hypnotized, all released between 2005 and 2006 on labels Circle Music, Intec Records, Black Jack, and Rising Music. I think that Leger's style is characterized by deliciously varied rhythms, sonically rich and vibrant atmospheres, catchy, simplistic melodies for the head, and subtle textural shifts and changes that require more than one listen.

What personally drew me to further investigate Sebastien Leger was a collaboration he did with Rising Music head Chris Lake, "Word". It's a bouncing, wavering tech house joint with a cascading synth line that eventually wraps around itself into a wonderfully scooping, almost stressful circuit of a riff. Perfectly timed gasps and a great variety of drum sounds keep this track interesting all the way through, and it never once lets up at all. I also love another one of their collabs, "Aqualight", which sounds concurrently aquatic and structurally sound, rolling along with another addictive synth line and Leger-esque drums.

Sebastien Leger & Chris Lake - Word

Leger also runs his own imprint, Mistakes Music, on which he (generally) solely releases his own material, and it's here that you'll find, in my opinion, the best Leger stuff ever. Let's start with Planets.

Released in 2007, Planets sets aside a track for each planet, including the moon and the sun. Every single track, while retaining similar elements that are all Leger in sound and style, sounds different, bringing different textures, rhythms, and melodic elements to the table. While there's something to be said for every track, I'd like to specificaly spotlight "Sun", "Saturn", "Mars", and "Uranus".

"Sun" clocks in at just over ten minutes, but it's worth the wait. A very atmospheric tech house cut, the drums and tambourine keep time very...interestingly, and give the impression that this will not be your average tech house track. The synths hover and float, delayed to give a dreamy, otherworldly feeling to it. But then...the violin kicks in, and you realize it: the Middle-Eastern influences here are unmistakable, and because of this, the track takes on a wavering, sensual groove that in maintains through the majority of the rest of play. Those drums...they perfectly compliment the bubbling, rhythmic synth line to an almost-trancelike sound. It's a beauty of a track that sways, moves, grooves, and makes it very difficult to NOT bob your head at least a little bit. And that arpeggio near the end? Just a little icing on the cake.

Sebastien Leger - Sun

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Next we hit "Saturn". an equally atmospheric piece that immediately lays the template Leger wants it to: rhythmic, grooving tech house at its best. The spastic synth only adds to the fun, while the second, two-note synth develops structure and purpose, slowly growing and teasing through the first half of the track, before finally unleashing its warm, head-filling melody onto the listener. Similar to "Sun" (even has an electronic string part!) but it's more about the groove here, as not of the synths ever give an inch, always existing either in the foreground or background, and it might get a little cluttered at times, but the mood never lets up, and in the end, the track might be as good as "Sun" or "Earth", but it delivers a solid groove that pleases both the body and the head.

Sebastien Leger - Saturn


I'm gonna call it quits here, this is too much text! I'll finish it later today with the rest of Leger's best. Enjoy for now!
-NL

Black Friday

Yes, it's Black Friday. I am safe at home, nice and warm, comfortable with that the fact that by the minute, I am most certainly losing out on many "important" deals and doorbusters. What a nation we live in...

Anyways, let's get things rolling with another three tracks, shall we?

This first one is my second favorite techno cut of all-time, and coincidentally, Dubfire was called on to remix this thunderous, foundation-shaking Radio Slave track, "Grindhouse". Appropriately dubbed the "Terror Planet" remix, Dubfire deftly handles this track while not really seemingly adding that much to it to begin with. While gaining a noticeably beefier low-end, the bass and kick literally bounce through the entirety of the track. It's the epitome of brooding, moody, paranoid, borderline-sadistic techno: particularly stressed screams pervade the track, with extremely eerie, disconcerting vocals courtesy of Danton Eeprom. While never really straying much from the basic formula of Dubfire's traditional brand of techno, the atmosphere and mood he creates is not only palpable, but equally menacing and frightening. If ever there was a track that was made to scare the pants off of you, this would be that track.

Radioslave & Danton Eeprom - Grindhouse (Dubfire Terror Planet Remix)


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Sebastien Leger is an undeniable genius. Every track he builds, everything track he touches, turns to gold. The French DJ/producer has a knack for atmospheric, rhythmic, jazzy, funky, completely danceable tech house. And nowhere does this shine better than on one of the cuts off his stellar, astrologically-thematic album "Planets". "Earth" is a nine-plus minute exercise in patience, natural, sonic growth, and possesses a breakdown that hits you straight in the face when you'd never expect it. Bird chirps, aquatic rushes and swells, earthen drums and synths, it all sounds so organic, and it really does sound like Earth! The synths continue to grow, warm, relaxing to both the body and the head, and although a bit circuitous, the eventual, wonderfully mellow breakdown is perfectly timed and perfectly positioned. Overall, a track that takes a bit to get going, but once it does, has plenty of steam and presence to stay heavy in both the mind and in the ears.

Sebastien Leger - Earth


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Recently, I've found myself searching for enjoying a collection of Radio Slave tracks. The British DJ, a.k.a. Matt Edwards, is no stranger to the electronic music scene, having racked up a number of amazing originals (Bell Clap Dance, Koma Koma, Grindhouse, Incognito) a solid set of killer remixes (DJ Hell's "The DJ", Dubfire's "Rabid" [forthcoming on SCI+TEC Digital], Len Faki's "My Black Sheep") and runs his own imprint as well, Rekids. I've highlighted a few of his tracks in the past, and in fact I'll soon take a look at his 28-minute (yep, you read correctly) remix of DJ Hell's collaboration with P. Diddy, "The DJ". But right now, I'd like to take a look at Steve Lawler's remix of Radio Slave's "Koma Koma". The first thing you notice right out of the gate are the very live-sounding, loose, tribal-esque drums. They shake and sound very natural, immediately danceable, and although repetitive, so damn catchy!! Things continue as such for about a minute and a half, before the bass drops and other sounds swirl through the cacophony of sound. Around three minutes, things get REAL tribal. The shouted vocals, the viscous rap of the clave, everything comes together in a very primitive, yet oddly enthralling sound, something very natural and organic. Sure, not much (if any) melodic elements here, but the rhythm alone and the eventually sonically-arresting mood give credence to why "notes" aren't always necessary in music.

Radio Slave - Koma Koma (Steve Lawler Remix)



And that's all! Notice I also posted MP3s this time, something I will try and continue to do from here on out. Enjoy the day and keep those ears open.
-NL

It's Turkey Day.

First off, happy thanksgiving everyone!! Whether you're spending it with your entire extended family or with a few special people, we all have things to be thankful for, and this is the day you let those closest to you know that they really do mean a whole lot to you. Enjoy the feast and be thankful.

As for me, I'm thankful for many things: family, friends, my continued ability to run, the wonderful gifts I've received this year, the new people I've met, so many things! Additionally, I'm thankful for new tracks, even on Turkey Day. Let's kick off a new batch!!

This first cut is a wonderfully chilled, relaxing piano remake of the abrasive, electro banger "Waves" by Erol Alkan and Boys Noize. Gonzales does an amazing job turning this once clobbering, massive electro thumper into a somber, eerie, beautiful piano-driven tune. You'll still recognize the main hook, but everything else gathers that ghostly, rhythmic piano sound and rolls with it. Who knew you could turn something as loud and angry as "Waves" into a melancholy, stirring piano piece? Gonzales is just full of magic like that, I guess.



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This second track should've gone on the post before, it's one of the spaciest tracks I've ever heard. Plenty of echo and delay feed into the wonderfully melodic "Airwalk", by fellow Pryda Friends labelmate Henrik B. The synths are equally heavenly, floating above the swelling and falling background riff. It's a beautifully layered soundscape, with minimal drums simply keeping the beat for a few minutes, before the full effect of combined, Prydz-esque drums and synth bloops signal that the track is, still, progressive house. A great track that, while pretty old, has definitely stood the test of time in my eyes.



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This final track is another somewhat spacey joint. However, unlike the above track, it has the bass and the plinking synths that give it a decidedly funky undertone. And when those synths come in, perfectly complimenting the slapped bass riff and mellow keys, you gotta admit this is (if I might quote "Et Musiqiue Pour Tous") "space age bachelor pad music" at it's best. Finish things off with hushed, breathy vocals and an electronic string section, and you've got a spaced-out, funky, nu disco groove fest. Play it out now.






That's all for now folks. Yeah yeah I know, these aren't really Turkey Day themed, but they certainly (for the most part) are family friendly, and work well as background sound to a quiet, cozy grouping around the table or the fireplace after dinner. Okay, only the last track, really. The first one, too. Anyways, best wishes for a great holiday everyone, we've all got a lot to be thankful for.

Best wishes for a great Turkey Day,
NL

Spacespacespacespacespacespace

Just got a fresh new batch of tracks off of Beatport, and a few of them are particularly spacey, which is definitely something I love in a deep house/techno track. And on a rainy, crummy day like today, what better place to be? The atmosphere, the out-of-body feelings, the filling of your headspace with sounds and rhythms you could only dream of...it's some pretty cool stuff I gotta admit.

This first cut is from a growing name in the minimal production field: Seth Troxler. "Aggression" is a slow, bumping, rolling track, with an oddly "catchy" kick chunk kept moving for a few minutes, before a harsh, sped-up voice over the phone signals why this track gets its name, as this sample is followed by an atonal synth riff complete with aggravated hisses, growls, and electronic hums and blurts. While not immediately aggressive, this track builds to something irritating, abrasive, and totally, sonically wonderful, all the while, the interesting cadence always keeping things balanced and structured.

http://www.last.fm/music/Seth+Troxler/_/Aggression?autostart

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This next track reminds me 100% of Daft Punk. From the sensual drums to the lush, warm pads and synths. Even that signature riff, it sounds straight out of Daft Punk's "Veridus Quo"!! But Das Glow's "A Lighter Shade of Bright" flows smoother, like a glowing sea of strawberry yogurt. Yep. Exactly like that. A wonderfully spacey, creamy-smooth, underrated gem of a track, it will completely mellow the mood wherever and whenever you put it on.



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This final track mixes in a little funk, groove, and trippiness with the spacey. Joe Goddard's (of Hot Chip) "Apple Bobbing" is remixed wonderfully and oddly by British Dj/composer/producer Four Tet. There's a lot going on here, including a hilarious yet well-fitting sample of Cassie's "Me & U". Yeah. That's what I said too! Regardless, it works. Besides the loose, almost jazzy beat, this track has no real structure, but I really like that. It flows better, sounding like an actual spring breeze; warming, yet cooling, comfortable, cheery, natural, and smile-enducing even! The synths flutter and float above the vocal samples, swelling to an airy, breezy peak that just makes me smile ever time I hear it. Definite favorite track of the year.




That's all! Should have a few more tracks up later this week, including a Turkey Day specific post. Until then, keep 'em open.
-NL

Sunshine/Starlight

Alright, real quick, I just uploaded the first part of a mix I've finished mastering and mixing. It's a bright, sunny, danceable mix called "Sunshine". The second half, "Starlight", is coming soon. Download it here and please tell me what you think. Any kind of comments welcome, except pointless flaming. Take that shit somewhere else. Here's the link:

http://www.mediafire.com/?y0d2nh1kuzz

Enjoy! Here's the track listing:

1) Sebastien Leger - Bubbly
2) Stimming - Una Pena
3) Sly Mongoose - Snakes And Ladder (Rub-n-Tug Re-Edit)
4) Bag Raiders - Shooting Stars (Shazam Dub Mix)
5) Adam Freeland - Silverlake Pills (Gui Boratto Remix)
6) Kolombo - Acai
7) Sebastien Tellier - Roche (Breakbot Remix)
8) Dosem - Beach Kisses (Joris Voorn Green Mix)
9) Inpetto - Catwalk
10) Oliver Koletzki - Technica Salsa
11) Chromeo - Night By Night (Siriusmo Remix)
12) Butch - Wet'n'Tight
13) Christian Smith & John Selway - Daytona (John Digweed & Nick Muir Remix)
14) Funkagenda - Breakwater (Dataworx Remix)

Climate is what we expect, weather is what we get...

It's rainy and cool here in Wisconsin. Not surprising, seeing as it is late November, but the rain reminded me of a few tracks I wanted to put up for just such a day. So without anymore chitchat, here are some rainy day tracks straight from "The Vault"...

The first is a short feel-good instrumental from James Yancey, b.k.a. J Dilla. Off his stellar, final living release Donuts, this under two minute cut samples a Slyvers track, "Only One Can Win", to great effect. Lush, tender drums thump out Jackson 5 style under the spacey, hummable hook sung by a Michael Jackson soundalike. It's short, but it's sweet, definitely lovable, and super bubbly for an instrumental. But if you know Dilla, this is the norm, not the exception.



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Audion (a.k.a. Matthew Dear) is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to minimal. Releasing subtle bomb after bomb on his Ghostly/Spectral Sound labels, Audion's template runs ten minutes plush, with a much slower build-up than is generally normal for the genre. However, every track pays off in one form or another. In this case, it's a ghostly, haunting, very Middle Eastern-sounding four note dip, that, over the current soundscape of paper-thin drums and already sinister electronic hum, sounds not only creepy, but oddly entrancing, for it might be a shock at first, but it's a shock that works, and when played at night through huge speakers, you'd be sure that a ghost had just entered the room, hovered over to the dancefloor, and blarred its arrival with one of the most hypnotic synth lines I've ever heard.



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This last one starts off with one of the most uplifting piano riffs I've ever heard in my entire life. And sure, Bruce Hornsby might be getting old, but if ever there was a feel-good rainy day song, this would be it. Man, that piano warms my soul ever time I hear it. The rhythm isn't typical either, giving the song, a slow chugging-along flow that fits it perfectly. Songs like this aren't meant to be rushed. Hornsby's voice sounds right at home over the lush, warm pads, but you can absolutely not NOT love that riff!!! It's so damn catchy. The name of the song is Mandolin Rain, by the way. Sorry if that wasn't clear :P







Don't let the weather get you down, and try these songs next time the clouds start welling up. Until next time, keep those ears open.
-NL