Ben Browning – I Can’t Stay
February 10th, 2012 Kat
Cut Copy’s bassist Ben Browning branched off and released his single “I Can’t Stay” from his forthcoming EP “Love Motion”. The Australian zealous, funky and summery sound that Cut Copy is notorious for still remains in Ben’s solo piece.
BEN BROWNING – I CANT STAY by Cutters Records
The original “I Can’t Stay” is a combination of a calypso feel, discotheque synths, and a damn catchy bass. It’s a hybrid between the sultry voice of Peter, Bjorn & John, and vivacious theme from Split Enz, one of Ben’s biggest influences from the 80’s. Soulful, and energetic; Ben impresses us all with his ability to create his own sound, a solid retro-funk tune. Keep it coming, Ben.
BEN BROWNING – I CAN’T STAY (KNIGHTLIFE REMIX) by Cutters Records
Also originating from Cutters Records, Knightlife, also known as producer Mike Gamwell had his own take on the single. What’s more perfect than beginning a song with the sound of ocean waves? A picture of “this town” of Melbourne is painted through this tune. Knightlife infuses his notorious visceral disco sound and integrates selected vocals from the original. A feeling of tranquility sets in at four minutes, instigated by the euphoric and dreamy build-up. This jam. This jam. So fresh, and so incredibly clean.
BEN BROWNING – I CANT STAY (JUAN MACLEAN REMIX) by Cutters Records
Another remix from America’s electro-house DJ Juan Maclean is ideal for the dance floor, which we heard in Magic Tape 18. Not surprising at all that the nu-disco kingpin “The Magician” was digging this song’s vibe. It’s a groovier version of the original, with a sexy beat and a recurring chopped vocal. Pump it.
The Cut Copy family is a talented one. So sit back, relax as if you’re on an Australian beach, and enjoy. Warning: songs are subject to be on repeat for days.
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Citizens! – Reptile (Goldroom Remix)
February 8th, 2012 Barry
It’s a dreary day in Los Angeles today, and our man Goldroom has supplied the perfect bluesy remix to mirror this enigma of a day in the typically sunny SoCal. Goldroom‘s remix to Citizens! Reptile is what we hope you’ve come expect from a Goldroom joint and what I believe is the vibe expressed in all of his productions: euphoric, tranquil, and deft.
Citizens! – Reptile (Goldroom Remix) by Goldroom
Don’t let your blood run cold.
The echo of a subtle Cowbell? Check. The clicking sound of Tribal Bongos? Check. A sexy track that will set the perfect vibe for a cocktail hour or a late night tango? Check. Uplifting and chilling at the same time? Check.
Simply put, Goldroom makes feel good music that eclipses genres–calling it “Daytime Disco” doesn’t do it justice–it’s just flat out fucking brilliant. Goldroom has come to represent a new sound that goes beyond our beloved “Dreamwave.”
I’d call this sound somewhere in the midst of tropical/tribal electro-phoria. There is a method to the madness behind producing such gems, and it’s one that I assure you is a lot more time consuming and difficult than pressing a few buttons in Ableton and adding in a synth or bass line.
Yes, I know the man behind Goldroom, Josh Legg, and I wouldn’t say a bad word about his work even if I didn’t enjoy it…BUT. When I met Josh didn’t have any idea he actually was Goldroom. No, I didn’t find that out till about a month later, when I read this fact on GDD when Goldroom’s “Red Light” remix was released.
I had listened to Morgan’s Bay and City Girls ad nauseum. But Goldroom, even after meeting him, was still a complete myth to me, along the likes of Flight Facilities, Monarchy, and all the lush producers cloaked in anonymity.
When you meet a previously faceless artist or someone you admire or have adored form afar–musician, athlete, porn star, whatever–the outcome can leave a sour taste in your mouth. I’ve met various DJs and producers who’s bland, stale or flat out lame personalities turn me off of their music.
While it would be brash to call Josh more than an acquaintance, the simple fact that I’ve been able to help out someone who produces such beautiful music and believes whole heartedly in the integrity of his sound, has been an honor. So I guess what I’m saying is that even though I’ve met Josh a few times and he’s no longer a mythical magician of tropicalia, his music still resonates with me.
In summation: it’s no secret that the last six months have been kind to Goldroom. Many blogs have written kind and words about him and for that we are truly thankful. Many of his songs have shot up the Hypem chart. Incredible remix opportunities are surfacing. Gotta Dance Dirty just conducted a SUPERB interview with him. And you’ll be able to catch his live performance in the near future–as soon as this week, if you’re located in either Orange County or San Francisco.
Now excuse me while I turn the volume to 11 on my speakers and rip a shot of whiskey…Just to warm the blood up a bit.
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Perseus – Russian Girlfriends
February 6th, 2012 Barry
A French Express production represents an erotic cocktail of all that is lush, tropical, and pure. And Perseus, the boutique label’s head, creates music that fits this mold to the tee. Perseus’ music has a chilling yet sensual affect–it has the type of sound that gives you chills and makes you sweat at the same time.
French Express, is known largely for the recent breakouts of Jonas Rathsman (Tobago) and Chris Malinchak (No Secrets). But “Perseus” takes the cake. Perseus (Leo, the head of the label) classifies his music as “tropical euphoria” and himself as a “baby making record maker.” We couldn’t agree more.
Perseus’ utter genius with his EP “Russian Girlfriends” penetrates genres and levels of mastery that quite frankly most people will overlook after a cursory listen. The song simply VIBES. It took me over about 20 plays of this EP and a bit of research to unveil the sheer mind bender of a link between the EP’s title track and historic songs.
Russian Girlfriends by PERSEUS
And I discovered that this gem also features many lush samples, as the fine folks at Tracasseur pointed towards the realization that Russian Girlfriends is a pretty historic piece of art. That PM Dawn sample then led me on to a couple different directions, playing four degrees of separation. I soon discovered that Perseus’ song was in a weird way spawned out of a Spandau Ballet ballad song that is one of the more infamous movie soundtrack samples of all time, a subtle yet haunting cluck of the strings and coo that is as part-of the 80′s as The Breakfast Club. The song also has historic roots based in “Ashley’s Roachclip” and “Bonita Applebom.” Bottom line: no mere mortal could create a track this hot.
“Cool Runnings”, the next track on this wonder of an EP, is a syntherotic wave of ebbs and flows that never quits.
Cool Runnings by PERSEUS
…Baby….B-b-b-baaaby…
To quote Hot Tub Time Machine, this song just kind of sounds like “The Great White Buffalo.” Cool Runnings is quite frankly one of the classiest tracks you’ll hear. Sultry chants laced over tropical beats that rush in and out like the ocean tide pulsate through. Cool Runnings is just one of those tracks you can FEEL–hell, all of Perseus’ songs are. Nodding your head to this song isn’t an option, it’s a requirement.
And the third and final track is also a sexy tune to boot.
Perseus – Running Back To You by FRENCH EXPRESS
If you recognize “Running Back to You,” it’s for good reason. Perseus goes where, quite frankly, I doubt any electronic producer has ever gone before, at least not in this smooth and deft a way. He samples Ashanti’s “Foolish,” extracting the vocals, the base beat, and absolutely drenches it with sun rays, moisture, and straight up sex.
Bonus Classic Jam by Perseus (with a free download)
Jeremy Glenn – New Life (Perseus ‘Summer of 83′ Remix) by future classic
Fortunately for our ears, the legend of Perseus didn’t end with the slaying of Medusa. From the sounds of these songs, the tale has only begun.
You can buy Russian Girlfriends off Beatport and like French Express’ Facebook Page.
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Tesla Boy – Waste My Body
February 2nd, 2012 Rick
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Lancelot – Spoken Word
January 31st, 2012 Pete
Everyone, Lancelot. Lancelot, everyone. Binary records is stoked to announce and present our latest artist: Lancelot. This terrifically talented young man’s debut Ep “We Can Dance” will be available on Beatport 2/20. I got the opportunity to hear a sneak peek, Josh actually has the original master in a booby trapped stainless-steel briefcase that is handcuffed to his wrist, and I gotta say….it is incredible. Three dope originals plus remixes by (LA’s own/Binary fam) Goldroom and Fabian plus australian masters Moonchild and Frames, yes please. Really Nice EP.
Now I know I gush over pretty much everything that I write about so, I understand that it might be in the realm of possibility that at this point you guys have taken a kind of “yeah right” stance when I proclaim that something is awesome or incredible but, honestly, with our track record of non-stop dopeness and next level dreamy-type disco-rific sickness, just accept that we got this and jump on board. <—-Real Talk…….Although, I am sincerely feeling this entire EP, today we will be examining the original track “Spoken Word.” Without further ado. Binary Presents….
Lancelot – Spoken Word by LANCELOT
Just as soon as it starts, it’s dope. Every element is great. I can hardly start describing it appropriately, the soulful keys, the moody synth work, funky bass, children playing, sci-fi space/ray-gun noises. Yes! This song has rocketed to the top of recent favorites. Not too busy and not too simple, the tide comes in as the children’s cheering comes to the forefront, those keys, that steady beat, old school drum fills, handclaps, reverb-o-rama, and the tide goes back out, keys and clapping in the spotlight, gentle swell…funky reprise…stand out song.
This is a very exciting time for music, with so many talented producers and composers generating beautiful compositions.While genres mix, blend, dissolve and mutate, it feels like something magical is taking place.Lancelot is part of this, capturing something thoughtful, optimistic, funky and free. This is the soundtrack to your vibrant life. This is the future. Enjoy. Also (insert shameless plug) pick up the release when it is available. (by that I mean officially and legally) Binary loves you and Binary also has bills to pay…Please support the cause. Cheers – Binary
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Dominic Pierce – Rockwitcha
January 30th, 2012 Pete
Man, what a find.This kid is hitting! Dominic Pierce of Calgary, Canada is bringing some groovy-syrupy-bouncy flavor and I am loving it.Seriously, I found this dude and just dove in to his sound. Maybe its the hip-hop head in me, enjoying the familiarity after my tastes have taken me further from the daily beats, but there is something about that head-nod tempo that always brings a smile. Not quite “screwed”, not hip hop or trip hop, Dominic has that opiate style I associate with other genre favorites She Said Disco and Cezaire. Months later and I am still gravitating back to this dudes beats which, considering how glutinous my musical appetite is, says a lot. Anyway, Check this kid out. And yeah…you’re welcome.
Rockwitcha by dominicpierce
A re-work of one of my favorite soul joints, Dominic takes this one and flips it on some codeine laced other-shit shit. Unlike a lot of slowed down efforts, the vocals stay musical and the plodding tempo just starts to feel right. Dominic lets the song develop slowly, kind of toying with the familiarity. At 2:02 as the chorus drops, you are grinning, moving and completely on board. This is one of those songs that makes me want to just roll the windows down and cruise. Sweet jam.
[Re]United w/ L’After by dominicpierce
Another familiar re-imagining, this cut has a similar vibe. Bouncy, smacked-out soul. A little more distorted, Dominic filters the vocals in and out, looping and fading, all the while that mellow groove crawls along. This one just got in my head and stayed there, another jam to roll to. I like the work that goes into these tracks, subtle changes, fluid but engaging. Thanks bro. I love you. As the beat fades off, leaving a distorted refrain over handclaps and synths, you aren’t yet ready for the ride to end. Romantic and smooth. Bravo.
You and Me (Dancefloor) by dominicpierce
ahh yeah, this is one of those fun, party type jams that has a lot of appeal in a lot of situations. As a dj, a jam like this can save the day at a house party or after hours that needs re-directing.Bouncy, non-distinct enough to be worked into a variety of genres, there is an air of carefree abandon. Great track.
Thinkin About U by dominicpierce