Phuture - Acid Trax

Phuture, "Phuture Jacks" (YSI link)

Phuture, "Your Only Friend" (YSI link)

Okay, I feel like we had to start here, in lieu of the essential mix and the fact that this 12" by Phuture pretty much created acid house music. DJ Pierre, Spanky and Herb J dropped "Acid Trax," Ron Hardy played it at The Music Box and the rest is history. However, I'm gonna give you the B side to that 1987 Trax release, a little curveball so to speak. Actually, "Phuture Jacks" isn't exactly some unknown little ditty, it too is one of the foundational songs that changed dance music. It's starts slow and minimal, then just goes crazy with a massive acid bassline. The drums drop out occasionally, giving it a greater feel of peaks and valleys.

The real treat here is "Your Only Friend," a bizarrely sick house track about cocaine addiction. "This is cocaine speaking. I can make you do anything for me." From there, you get a male speaking as the drug, detailing the power coke has over the user, although like any drug song, I think it tends to have a rather less than impressive impact as an anti-drug statement. It's got these spooky ghost sounds in the background,

I'm gonna be putting up a little surprise for those who are myspace friends of the blog, so make sure to request Pound for Pound, as we're gonna start utilizing that more and more as time goes by.

DJ Pierre - Essential Mix 1.14.07

DJ Pierre, Essential Mix for BBC's Radio One January 14, 2007 (additional link) (YSI link) tracklisting in comments

I've been wanting to get to this one for a few months now actually, hell it was one of the reasons I started doing these weekly posts. After having the good fortune of catching Green Velvet in Brooklyn Saturday with my girl AS, it seemed like the perfect time to move from Manchester and New York City of the 80s back to Chicago, the birthplace of acid house.

Let's just say it up front, DJ Pierre, a.k.a. Nathaniel Pierre Jones, is a legend, one of the heros of Pound for Pound's world. He's one of the main men responsible for the Manchester (and Ibiza) of the late 80s and the subsequent rave days, having developed the acid house sound that would catch on across the ocean and change dance music forever. It was mostly in the guise of Phuture, where Pierre joined with most importantly, as Phuture (with Earl "Spanky" Smith Jr. and Herbert Jackson) that he made his greatest impact. In fact, you can trace it all to one song in a way, "Acid Trax," a.k.a. "Ron Hardy's Acid Track," a.k.a. "In Your Mind." Those guys came up with a new sound through experimenting with the new Roland 303 which would mark a distinct break in the Chicago house sound. We'll get into all of this more this week, but suffice it to say this is an OG legend.

The mix is 2 hours of house music, some classics, lots of DJ Pierre's production (nothing wrong with confidence), all house, no filler. I know that we post a lot of different types of music and for many of you the notion of listening to house music sits right up there with the dentist and colonscopy. But, I hope that you will give this stuff a chance, get beyond any preconceived notions and listen to some of the most amazing, creative music ever made. A mix like this is the perfect intro, as it gives you a chance to hear a full set like you would hear at the club, where this music comes alive. You can hear all sorts of different songs and microgenres and the skill of the DJ and you may just realize that you love this music after all.

Kampfire Killaz, Genre with DJ Dimitry and a little more

Picking up the ball from the Life During Wartimers (Bald Eagle & Mother Hubbard), Kampfire Killaz have your Monday night activities Chicago. DJs Misa and Campfire Jay are doing their damndest to make you forget about Monday and the start of another week and the end of another weekend. Hell, it's gonna feel like Saturday in there, there being Lava Lounge (1270 N. Milwaukee Ave.) Tonight the residents are joined by DJ Genghiswon, and no, I don't know what to think of the name either. $3 Wittekerke Special Belgian White beers, making this rare dance party that caters to be snobs, good looking out for those dudes. This party is a weekly, so don't forget to make this one a regular part of the week it's free and fun, yeah!

-No, this is not a repeat, this is a different party on a different night with the same fabolous people. DJ S!n and Luv Tek do their Monday night thing, Genre, at Cinespace (6356 Hollywood Blvd) and have brought along DJ Dimitry to kill Californians one more time. I'm getting reports that last night was insane, with more than 600 people going crazy and dancing and being happy. How about L.A.? Can you top that? Or are you going to let Riverside win the battle for Dimitry's finest memories? We'll find out tonight. Free before 11, photos by Neil Sharum, be

-Okay, I'm gonna try to do a better job getting out advanced info on RSVP-type shit, as I know a lot of times it's too late the day of. With that in mind, LA people hit up this Scion site to get into the secret LA Ed Banger show at an undisclosed location. NYC, rsvp to get in for free at this Friday's Modular Monthly at 200 Orchard and the official Daft Punk afterparty at Studio B. Daft fucking Punk is coming to NYC!

-Finally, if you have a Monday party going down in Philly or NYC or wherever, let me know. The pickings seem slim right now, I feel like I'm not doing my job well so help a blogger out.

Trentemoller - Moan

Trentemoller, "Moan (Trentemoller vocal remix)" (YSI link)

Trentemoller, "Moan (Radio Slave's Mix For K)" (YSI link)

I was trying to think of a good follow-up to the Suicide post, trying to think of some current stuff that has just a profound effect on me, that can scare the shit out of me. This track, Trentemoller's "Moan," comes close, albeit in less visceral, immediate way. These two remixes of the punultimate track of Trentemoller's album The Last Resort are both excellent, but it's the epic Radio Slave one that really blew me away.

Radio Slave a.k.a. Matt Edwards has been one of the top remixers for the past few years, reworking everyone from The Knife to Kylie. This one's an 11+ minute affair, a glitchy, cuts and clicks house number, the kind of song that slowly creeps up on you, works its way inside and totally fucks with you. It's all founded on a minimalist percussion sound and a glitchy, sandpaper sound, and that works throughout. The vocals, from Ane Trolle, are chopped and ghostly, singing about an obsessive love in a breathless voice, it's perfect. It's amazing how something this minimal can be so powerful and also leads me to a bigger point.

I'm not sure what it is about electronic music, but it seems to be the only genre able to convey the paranoia and obsessiveness that is such a pivotal part of great art for me. I'm guessing it's because of the machine-based nature of the music, that disconnect helps create some edgy and disturbed music. Nothing in rock or rap comes close, although there are exceptions (Geto Boys, maybe Company Flow and Cannibal Ox?) The glitchy sounds, the haunting vocals, it all reminds me of The Knife, one of my favorites from last year, one of the first to get tagged with the haunted house moniker. Another reference point for me was Tricky's first album, Maxinquaye, one of my all-time favorites, which featured a similarly disconcerting, paranoiac, downright creepy sound (and lyrics). The Trentemoller remix is excellent, much more suitable to the club with its big, farting sound. But, it's the Radio Slave mix that is one of the best songs I've heard this year.

Club Era With Dimitry, Happy Birthday Le Disko and more

My dream has always been to be a facilitator, bringing together my favorite DJs and promoters and artists and writers and good people, the Meyer Lansky of the hipster set, if you will. So it's been with great joy that so many of my favorites have been joining forces lately. Unfortunately, I don't have anything to do with it! While I won't be ascending to the top of the syndicate just yet, it's fucking awesome that my bol DJ Dimitry is the special guest at one of my favorite Cali nights, Era Disco at Club Sevilla (3252 Mission Inn) in Riverside. DJs S!n and Luv Tek have been holding this one down for a while now, two of the hardest working guys anywhere. This should be an amazing night, as I know that Dimitry will bring his A game of rock, rap, 80s and maybe even a special mash-up or two. The residents will do likewise. Oh, and yes this is the longest flier ever. Ever.

-Happy first birthday to LA party Le Disko. It seems like just yesterday you were zero, time sure does fly. I believe that this was the first non-Philly/NYC party I talked about, the first one that showed me how much cool shit was going down out there. Thanks to Daniel Le Disko for cluing me in. He, Paparazzi and Keith 2.0 have turned this into one of the best indie dance nights anywhere, switching venues to the Spider Club (1735 Vine St.) and just getting better and awesomer. Tonight's got free vodka from 10-11, clothing giveaways, free til 11, $5 after that, good deal. It's an amazing feat to be able to keep a party going for a year, so mazel tov to the DJs and Keith Wilson for making it this far. I look forward to the 2nd birthday, which I believe is paper.




-All's quiet back east it seems, which is good as it's been a shitty day of rain and gloom. What better night than to throw a party for stoner rock, which can only sound right on a night when going out and dancing and all doesn't work. DJs Dentron and Philbot will spin the best stoner anthems at Upstairs at Sal's all night, free, cheap drinks and a awesome flier! Get there.



-Finally, your final night of the DJ Bald Eagle weekend is here, as he and DJ Mother Hubbard spin between sets of the Tigercity/Beat The Devil/Jason Frederick show at The Empty Bottle (1035 N. Western Ave). I don't know a lot about the bands, although I would recommend Tigercity for a good, young Brooklyn band but I know that Bald Eagle and Mother Hubbard will kill it and that the Empty Bottle is a super cool venue that's hosted some of the coolest jazz players in Chicago like Fred Anderson and Ken Vandermark along with legends like Peter Brotzmann and Anthony Braxton (oh, you thought your boy didn't know about free jazz, huh?) Brought to you by UR Chicago,



-I expect that all of the DJs above will spin together at some point in the future. It is one of my many goals.

The Resurrection, New York City, Project Matt, Saturday Night

This is it, this is the party we've all been waiting for. New York has plenty of amazing dance music parties, from Lauren Flax to Fixed to Modular, you name it, but there's no where to go for just a great party with all kinds of music, where hip-hop is fair game, where the crowd is mixed and fun and dancing. Thankfully my dude Project Matt has returned to change all of that with his new Saturday night weekly at Revolver (210 Rivington btwn Pitt and Ridge), Resurrection.

I caught the first edition last Saturday (and would have done this post then if I hadn't fucked up publishing some stuff) and it exceeded my highest expectations. For real, this was the one. Catchdubs, Reverend McFly and Cousin Cole provided the tunes and like I said, no genre was off-limits. It was a packed house from midnight til 4 am, when the bouncers had to scream people out. Revolver has been around for awhile under different names and guises, but right now it's a great looking spot on the far east side of the Lower East Side. It's been renovated, nice amount of seating, a big bar, nice-sized dancefloor for this type of venue.

Tonight should be even better, as Spank Rock DJ Armani XXXchange and DJ Elle are the special guests. There should be plenty of rap, some Baltimore club, maybe some pop, these are two of the best. Oh, and Matt will hopefully spin this week, as I'd really like to hear some Cash Money Millionaires tonight.

So, seriously, I kinda wanna keep this secret, y'know. Like just keep it as it is, not get too hyped about it so that the inevitable wave of people who have ruined the LES otherwise, the lawyers and bankers who have turned my favorite hood into every other spot in Manhattan, who sit at Norfolk bars and talk about "macking chicks" or lawyer girls slumming it for the night. Ugh, Monk Eastman and Kid Dropper are rolling over in their graves. But fuck it, this is too good to be a secret. If you are in NYC tonight or any Saturday coming up, this is the essential stop, this is a chance to relive or bring back the old days of the LES. See ya there!

Put Your Hands Up 4 NY, Frisco Disco and more

Holy shit Brooklyn! Put Your Hands Up 4 NYC! I saw fliers for this one about a month ago and couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the guest DJs coming in to Studio B (259 Banker St.) Chicago house legend Green Velvet headlines, so be prepared to jack your body, jack your body, jack your body. That's not all though, as Junior Sanchez, NYC house legend, will also spin, I mean this is fucking serious dance music people. The main room also has the Trouble&Bass dudes and The Captain & Shark on the decks, to give a harder edge to the night. I'm still not done, as the Back Room is held down by Modular Records with Andee Van Damage, Robot Blair and unnamed Modular DJs. I'm almost speechless, which is rare as you know. Complimentary Colt 45 from 10-11, $5 Howling Monkey and vodka from 12-1, rsvp at going.com for reduced admission, $15 otherwise which is pretty damn good for this talent level. Huge props to the Cut guys for putting this one together. Now it's up to us NYCers, are we ready for this?

-Not to be outdone, the Frisco Disco is giving Bay Areans their dance party fill tonight. We've mentioned this one many times, Richie Panic and Jefrodisiac's monthly party at the The Transfer (198 Church St.) Tonight they have a special guest in the booth as Blake Miller of the band Moving Units comes by to prove he's not just pretty indie rocker. He knows that being a DJ is way cooler, expect lots of great indie dance and remixes and whatnot, should be a rave Dave!



-Don't forget, Chicago, your Bald Eagle weekend continues tonight with the amazing Life During Wartime. This is a special one, as the midwestern syndicate continues to come together, as Minneapolis' DJ/party maven Soviet Panda comes to town to join forces with Bald Eagle and DJ Mother Hubbard to send a warning to any and all parties that this is the big leagues. You also get a live set from Prarie Cartel, continuing my gangster theme and giving everyone a chance to cool down from all of the dancing. It's at The Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia), 21+, $5 before 11:30, $8 after. This is your Saturday night. Bah-caw! Blam!



-Oooh, almost missed this one, but Will Eastman's monthly Bliss goes off tonight in Washington D.C. at The Black Cat (1811 14th St. NW) One of our nation's capital's best parties, this edition features a guest DJ set by DJ D-Mac. You'll hear everything from the genre of good - disco, rap, Britpop, indie dance, booty bass - exactly the kind of stuff that people in D.C. need to hear. You can't be a neo-con when you hear Chic or Daft Punk or 2 Live Crew, now can you?



-Finally I've got to end on a sad note, as tonight's the final OG Philadelphyinz party upstairs at the Khyber. Not sure the reasons for the end, but hopefully it's just time for Apt One and Skinny Friedman to take a break and figure out their next moves. The boys don't want you to be sad though, so they will play their usual mix of booty, dance classics, remixes, rap, Muppets songs. You need to get there and party like it's the end and you need to go out with a bang.

LA Riots - LA Riots Volume 2

LA Riots, LA Riots Volume 2 (YSI link)

It's been awhile since we posted a mix from one of our favorite DJs. Sensing that lack, my bol Daniel Le Disko sent me this 43 minute jawn and I had to share it with you. Daniel's one half of the LA Riots, along with Jo'b, who've come together in the past year and have quickly become the people to watch in the dance music scene.

Wow, this mix, LA Riots Volume 2, is just soooo good, start to finish, on the indie dance side of the spectrum, just banger after banger, including a few edits from the boys themselves. This is a peak-time set, great songs, no let-up. The duo have some big events coming up from their weekly Sunday night jawn Le Disko at The Spider Club in LA to a LA Times event to a Modular Pool Party. The one thing I noticed though was that these events were all in Southern California. This needs to change, as it's time for the rest of the country to recognize game. San Fran, Chicago, New York City, Philly, Miami, bring these dudes in and let them take your party to the next level. Get at them on myspace to get in touch, say hello, thank them for the mix, book them for your next party. These dudes are Pound for Pound approved, two of the nicest and most talented guys out there, they're finna blow up so get in at the beginning.

For those of you in LA, I can't recommend the Greyscale party more highly. LA Riots will be there to rep the home city, with special guest James Fucking Friedman coming in from NYC to up the dance ante. You also get a showdown between Sean Patrick and Dirty Dave, meaning Temporary Spaces 1 (5100 Fountain@Normandie) is gonna be in a permanent state of dance.



This is guest list only, so you need to RSVP by emailing ideaevents@sbcglobal.net. Repeat, you need to email ideaevents@sbcglobal.net to get into this party, no ifs ands or buts. Once you get in there's free vodka from 9:30-10:30, packed house, cool venue.

Suicide - First Album

Suicide, "Ghost Rider" (YSI link)

Suicide, "Cheree" (YSI link)

Last night I was able to catch one of the greatest, most influential (for me) bands of all-time, Suicide, playing a rare live show in their home city. I can barely put into words how cool this was. I mean, fucking Suicide man! Unfortunately, it was a part of the summer-long South Street Seaport free Friday night concert series, which meant that it had that amazing mix only South St. Seaport can attain of disgusting lawyers and bankers from the nearby Financial District, tourists dying to hit up Pizzeria Uno, drunk people. But, whatever, Suicide! The boys were in good form, Alan Vega (real name: Alan Bernowitz) doing that aging punk Elvis thing, Martin Rev providing the music, as the night wore on they got better and better. They played for about an hour and 10 minutes, cleared out a good portion of the crowd and made my month.

Their first album was released in 1977, 7 years after they had formed. I didn't hear until 2000 or so, when Mute Records remastered and re-released. I can remember hearing the first track, "Ghost Rider" and being blown away. It was that moment when a sound you hear in your head comes to you full formed. This is the real disco punk, or synth punk, No Wave, whatever. It's some of the darkest shit I've ever heard, more punk than anything that gets labeled that. For me, the secret is Martin Rev, the man on the drum machine and synth (a farfisa organ in the beginning) and keys. The sound is so brutal, stripped to a core, the perfect compliment to Vega's tales of New York City, Vietnam vets, obsessive love, etc. Listen to the songs above and tell me that this doesn't sound completely contemporary; you could look at it as holding the seeds for so much to come, like synth pop, industrial, electroclash, new wave, you name it.

We'll have more from these two, fill in some of the history of the band. In the meantime, buy this CD immediately, it's a bona fide masterpiece and something everyone needs to hear in its entirety including the 10+ minute "Frankie Teardrop." This release has the added bonus of an extra disc of live stuff from 1977-8, thanks to Mute for an amazing package.

Spend The Weekend With Bald Eagle Chicago

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Broadzilla & Finger On The Pulse, Secrets, Lights Down Low and much more

It's Friday, it's time to get serious people. I'm not even gonna try to be all cute here, let's just down to business. I love when some of my favorite awesome DJs join together to be even awesomer. The awesome is going to be overwhelming tonight in Williamsburg, as the Finger On The Pulse bols - DJ Never Forget and DJ Terry Diabolik - have invited Philly crew Broadzilla to be their special guest at their bi-weekly party tonight. Mang, Philly + Williamsburg + cheap drinks + dancing = Chapters 1-7 of my autobiography. This one's gonna be so rad, an oasis from the Bedford Ave weekend invasion. Get to the Charleston (N. 7th and Bedford), in the basement, free, 21+. So much coming up for the FOTP dudes, we'll let you know about it all when the time's right. Big things, big things.

-Or make it a Manhattan night and catch my girl Lauren Flax's bi-weekly party Secrets at 200 Orchard. I caught the beginning of it last time and by 11 it was as crowded as the Modular parties were at peak hour. In other words, this one's started off with a bang. Lauren's brought in more guests this week, including a live set by Passions and a DJ set by Star Eyes of Trouble&Bass and Kitsune fame. Great line-up, drink specials from 11-12, one of the best dance music parties in the city, a sick venue with a huge dancefloor and stage and everything, what more do you need?!?



-Mang, it's been way to long since I mentioned the Lewd bols - RekLES and SeanMuthafukkinRoberts - but I'm happy to correct that tonight. They're gonna be holding it down at The Skinny (174 Orchard St.) every second and fourth Friday, which means twice a month you are guaranteed filth, raunch and the music you play to accompany that. Can I also just say that this is the best flier I've seen in forever? Literally, this is the flier I'd use for my imaginary party, whoever made this please take a bow or get in touch. $3 well drinks from 11-12, no cover, so you'll have money to really take advantage of that.




-One last one in the LES, Seventeen is the new party put on by the Ruff Kids at a new spot Revolver (210 Rivington btwn Pitt&Ridge). You know that this one will be filled with youngsters in the prime of their sexual and drinking lives acting young and carefree. The music is spun by DJs Erick Hart of the Morphine Generation and Mr. Pharmacist, a.k.a. Gregg Foreman. RSVP at going.com and take advantage of the 11-12 open bar, I mean this is sponsored by myopenbar.com, so they kinda have to have one, right?



-More Debonair Social Club happenings, as tonight the fourth Friday party jumps off with DJs Ryan Paradise and Heather Doble, hosted by Jillian Valentino and Scott Cramer. RSVP at outdanced@yahoo.com or say "Teen Spirit" at the door for free entry. Oh, did I mention free pizza until 11? Yeah, there is. Remember to wait a half hour after you eat to get on the dancefloor.



-This looks to be one of the bigger editions of Lights Down Low, one of San Fran's best parties. Curtis Vodka and Flufftronix are the guests, expect no rules as any and all genres will be covered. I'd be happy just to have a night featuring the regulars, Sleazemore, White Girl Lust and Rchrd Oh?! but who's complaining? It all happens at the 222 Club (222 Hyde and Turk), I mean San Fran is really stepping its game up and this party is a big reason.



-Things are quiter tonight in LA, but not dead as Club 82 does its thing with special live performance by IMA Robot. In addition, the regular assortment of DJs are on hand to make you dance, Keith 2.0, LA Riots (more to come on them) DJ Paul & DJ Raulie. It happens at Avalon Hollywood (1735 Vine St.), tickets are $10 before 12 at the door, $15 after 12, 19+, should be a great night for all things indie.



-Finally, one of the best Philly parties does it again as [click.] takes over Fluid (613 S. 4th St.). This one should be a monster, as Dave P is joined by Pink Skull on the decks for a night of the sickest dance music. As Dave says, "It's like Ibiza in there!" It sure is, Philly, now get there and feel the aceeeedddddd! Oh, and I have no idea what the zebra does at the party, you'll have to show up to find out.

Kudu at Hiro, Soviet Panda and Dark Wave Disco, Club Lyfestile and more

I mention this party all the time, the Cheeky Bastard Thursday night at Hiro Ballroom (371 W. 16th St.@9th Ave) jawn. It's hard not to when they bring in some of the top DJs and bands week after week, the only party in Manhattan that's taking it to that major league level. Tonight's edition is a really special one, as one of my favorite bands in the world, Kudu, are playing. I really cannot recommend this band and show more; in fact, I need to do a post about them next week, no doubt. Anyone, not only do you get one of the best music groups around, you also get two of the best DJs in the form of Devlin & Darko, better know as the Spank Rock DJs. It's also the 11th Anniversary for BPM MagazineExpect lots of Baltimore club, dance, hip-hop, hell I don't need to sell you on thse dudes. RSVP at their going.com page for free entry, 2 for 1 vodka drinks from 10-11 and the always dangerous 2-3 period. Oh, and APT is a few blocks away, where the Dirtybird party is. Just sayin'.

-Speaking of Thursday night regulars, my dude Carmine P. Filthy's Even Further always has a place here. There aren't a whole lot of NYC parties that really get it, that know that good music, good vibes and debauchery are much more important than who's taking pictures or what famous person showed up. This is just an old-school party, it takes over the basement of Happy Ending (302 Broome@Forsythe) every Thursday. Tonight's special guest is DJ Homeless Steve, although I imagine he has a home and will not ask to crash on your couch.



-One of New York's finest has decided to begin his campaign to conquer the West, as my bol DJ Dimitry hits up San Diego tonight. Oh and what a way to kick it off, Djing the Tokyo Police Club show at The Beauty Bar (4746 El Cajon Blvd), $10, brought to you by Gabe Vega, it goes from 10-2, although I don't know if that includes the band's time. Anyway, San Diego, we have sent you one of our finest, treat him well.




-G-d I love you Philly. You're the only city that continues to floor me with the craziness and dirtiness of your parties, loft shit, warehouses, the underground actually exists here. Tonight's a good example with this new-to-me Club Lyfestile. They're throwing down a dance party tonight called Adventure Island, or the place is called Adventure Island, whatever. It's happening at 3217 Collins St., DJs Heavy Flow and Wytear are joined by the heavyweight champ of dance JHN RDN. This



-Chicago joins up with Minneapolis, the Dark Wave Disco crew - Trancid, Mark Gertz and Greg Corner - with Soviet Panda of MNPS' Too Much Love. Like whoa. Too many of my favorites in one room, this will be complete dance-y mayhem. It's the Kill Hannah afterparty, which doesn't mean a lot to me as I've never heard them. But, they must be dope if this is the celebration for their show. It happens at Debonair Social Club (1575 N. Milwaukee Ave.) and amazingly there's no cover. That's right, you can hear some of the best DJs around for FREE. The Midwest is beginning to form bonds, the coasts better recognize.




-Finally, in my attempt to not be so flier-centric, that kid Will Eastman is spinning at Cafe Saint Ex in their basement club called Gate 54. The place has an aviation theme. Enough said. Actually, I should say more. Will is one of D.C.'s best and he's gonna be playing nothing but heat tonight. Head out, drink, dance, forget that you live in the same city as Alberto Gonzalez.

Martin Brothers

Martin Brothers, "Stoopit" (YSI link)

Tricky Disco, "Tricky Disco (Thizzy Disco remix)" (YSI link)

In honor of the latest installmet of the Dirtybird monthly at my new favorite spot in Manhattan, APT, I figured I'd up an older track from the label tonight's DJs and a remix from tonight's DJs. Martin Brothers are literally the Martin Brothers, Justin and Christian. Justin has been one of the main men along with Claude VonStroke at the Dirtybird label dropping a majority of the early singles. Christian's the older brother, so presumably he beat the shit out of Justin before, during and after the recording of this EP, The Martin Brothers.

"Stoopit" is a pretty damn good intro to the whole Dirtybird sound, possibly a less jackin' version of it. I can honestly say that right now, this sound is simply killing me. Those synth bleeps, massive bass, detached vocal tics, the house beats, it really seems like the best stuff I'm hearing right now. The remix is the only one the Martin Brothers have done so far, under the alias of Thizzy Disco, a name that honors its hometown of San Francisco. Hmm, I'd love to hear these guys throw some Bay rap into their mixes. I'm just sayin'. Anyway, the remix is brand new, a reworking of the classic rave track Tricky Disco's "Tricky Disco." It's actually more on the minimal side to my ears, with more of a shuffling drum patterns that pushes the song along in bits. You still get little vocal bits that are fucked with, but everything else is reserved, much more subtle than I expected. I can't lie, there's a few moments I wished the boys had let loose on the bass and went bananas, especially since they're working with a acid
classic. All in all, a nice track and a possible sign of a more minimal approach coming.

So yeah, we'll probably mention this whole label and roster many more times. In the meantime, head over to their website and cop the entire catalogue on mp3. These guys are really putting out some of the best stuff today, deserve our full support. For those in NYC, do not miss tonight's Dirtybird party at APT, where the Martin Brothers are joined by [sic] in the basement for a night of filthy bass in decidely unfilthy space.

Daft Punk - Rollin' and Scratchin'

Daft Punk, "Rollin' and Scratchin''" (YSI link) 320

Okay, it's Thursday morning, I can't think of any song I'd rather throw on at the desk to start my day to than this epic rager by Daft Punk. I mentioned how this song, "Rollin' and Scratchin'," was the tipping point during the Digitalism Essential Mix we put up Monday. Here's your chance to hear it all by itself at high quality, I can't really think of many other things I'd rather do. Seriously.

This is one of the earlier tracks from the boys, originally released as the B Side to "Da Funk." It found its way to the first LP, Homework, one of the greatest albums ever made, the midway point of that 16-track LP. Oh G-d, I love the fucking kick drum to start, it's like the Jaws theme, you can feel it in your bones, you know something big is about to happen. The boys add in some fuzzy bass and screaming synths and you have seven and a half minutes of life.

Seriously put this on, sit at your desk and listen. At the end, repeat, but this time freak out, shake your ass, throw your arms in the air, headbang, you are guaranteed the best day of work since

Broadzilla & Colt 45, Rapture-ous Awesometown, High Voltage with DJ Eleven and more

Holy shit, it's a huge midweek kids, so let's get down to business. The Broadzilla crew continues to get bigger and stronger and meaner, as they are moving up the food chain, destroying everything in their sights. Seriously, these guys have been working hard and I feel like this is a nice big step up, as they take over Silk City (it's back!!!) with Colt 45 and Vice for a night of debauching and dancing. They're being joined by Mike Z of Sorted fame, RSVP at talesofphiladelphia@viceland.com, but don't stress if you didn't as you'll still be able to get in. Free Colt 45 from 9-11, free, 21+, this is it. I'm really psyched for this crew, expect this to be the start of bigger and better things. Do this, Philly

-Holy shit, LA, are you guys just feeling or what? Daft Punk over the weekend, The Rapture tonight and tomorrrow. Well, one of our favorite parties, Awesometown, is doing the afterparty for tonight's show and it's gonna be a doozy. You get the Throne of Blood DJ crew, i.e. The Rapture guys spinning, along with Dirty Dave and Cosmic Kids. Oh, and did I mention the last minute addition to this line-up? Some dude called DJ AM is going to stop by and do a set. I'll quickly add that recent reports about Mr. Nicole Ritchie have been amazing, people telling me that he's the best DJ they've heard hands down. Anyway, Anne Lee and Dirty Dave have done it again, this is gonna be massive and packed and fun. RSVP at going.com, you have to if you wanna get in here. Once you take care of that, head to The Short Stop (1455 W. Sunset Blvd) and continue the greatest week evah. Don't forget to RSVP.



-Los Angelenos, also make sure to check out this Vapors Magazine party at the Rec Center (1161 Logan St.) where the second episode of skate TV show United By Fate will show. There's some open bar action and lots of sponsors, but the main reason to stop by is to catch one of NYC's best DJs, Mr. Stretch Armstrong. Since I'm doing Friendster testimonial shit tonight, lemme just say that Stretch has been one of the best DJs I've seen over the past year, a dude who kills it everytime no matter what, dancefloor dominance, all genres, skill, a pro. RSVP here and you can find out for yourself.



-Last but not least, Club Moscow jumps off with Daniel Le Disko of LA Riots, who will be hearing more about later this week. Live music by Emma Burgess, Audrye Sessions and Wallpaper, residents DJs Paul, Raulie and Keith Wilson. Get to Boardners (1652 N. Cherokee) before 10:30 with the flier and it's free.



-Ahh, High Voltage. It's more than 6 months now that Dimitry has been doing this one and it's pretty established as one of the best parties in the city, packed house, sweaty dancefloors, young beautiful people. It's one of those ones that doesn't need any special guests or anything to sell itself. But when you have DJ Eleven from The Rub, you know that it's gonna be real serious. Rob Hitt will also be in the house and Dimitry, the next DJ AM, will hold it down too. Sutra (16 First Ave.) tonight, Zygo vodka open starting at 11, yep yep.



-Earlier, hit up For Those About To Rock for some amazing sake deals and a chance to drink said sake while listening to Def Lepard and Lynryd Skynrd played by DJ Nick Hook. It happens at Koca Lounge (76 Orchard St.) and really is the perfect way to start the night and being in perfect position to hit Sutra and Savalas later.



-I'm gonna wrap this post up with non-fliered parties, as these are dope events with great DJs and sometimes that's what matters. Brooklyn, hit up Savalas (285 Bedford) where Project Matt and Reverend McFly kill it with booty bass, rap, bangers, you will drink fun, girlie drinks and show how thug you really are. Frozen margaritas are the new Cristal.

-The Smashing Pumpkins/Moving Units afterparty happens in San Fran tonight at Beauty Bar (19th and Mission) and you get Blake Miller of Moving Units, Sleazemore Rchrd Oh!? and Joselito keeping that Billy Corgan high going.

-Finally, there's a new monthly starting in San Francisco at The Ambassador featuring the deadly DJ duo of Vin Sol and Jefrodisiac. There's no flier, but I'm hoping that my mention of this fact will be the gentle chiding that is needed to get one for next time. Last Wednesday every month, soul and disco music all night to chill you out midweek.

Para One - Midnight Swim

Para One, "Midnight Swim (original mix)" (YSI link) 320 DJs

Para One, "Midnight Swim (Beckett & Taylor remix)" (YSI link) 320

Oky, so here's the new format, older tune, newer tune, subsequent posts until I cn't do this no more. What better place to start than Paris, my future home, the land of overthinkers, cafes and fast Internet. Most importntly, there seems to be an entire generation of kids raised on synthesizers, like were cribs outfitted with them in the the 80s or something? Whatever, I ain't complaining. Para One is one of the biggest names on the Parisian dance scene, Institubes dude, remixer, producer, you know dude.

Here's his most recent single, "Midnight Swim." This one dropped at the beginning of the year and has been getting a lot of love, especially the remixes. In fact, I feel like the original has almost gotten overlooked. It didn't do much for me the first time around, maybe even after the second listen, but after coming back to it recently, it sounds amazing. It almost sounds like 20 different pieces at first, like they're too apparently disconnected. But, on repeated listens, it gels nicely into a stuttering, bastard house song complete with sampled vocal. The Beckett & Taylor remix might be even better, as they send the song to speech school and get rid of that stutter. It's more dancefloor ready, as the drums and bass stay throughout and a cool sample woman breathing turn this one into something special. The crunching drum sound and deep subbass especially kills with the jacking elements on top. Yeah! FYI, Beckett and Taylor are Laszlo Beckett and Steve Taylor, heads of Hand On The Plow Records, just fyi since I had knew nothing about them before hearing this song.

Outdanced, Six Six Sick and more

Chicago, this ain't just a party, this is a challenge. Outdanced? Well, will you be? Or are you going to show up to the Funky Buddha (728 W. Grand Ave.) and prove that you've got what it takes on the dancefloor. My dude Bald Eagle, who'll be receiving an email from me shortly, and Nightfox will make your task easier by spinning the best dance music from today and yesterday. Oh and the $1 shots and drinks should make things even easier (and possibly a little blurry tommorrow). You can do it, you just need to believe in yourself.

-Hmm, here's a new party for me, Six Six Sick. Micprobes is the resident DJ, bringing you this weekly at Happy Ending (302 Broome St.) with Jon Pierce. This is not a slight to the party, but rather a testament to the fact that I am easily intimidated and sadly ignorant of parties featuring beautiful, hip, fashionable people doing debaucherous things. Tonight looks like a good night to see what's up, as they host the video premier party for Gravy Train's "Club Situation." Hosts 66S Girls - Christina, Tiffany and Feng Feng - are in the video, which you can mention to them when you are wasted late in the night. You also get guest DJ sets from Mr. Pharmacist, a.k.a. Gregg Foreman, and White Dove's June D, handbag giveaways, pictures by thenightlight.net and most importantly a chance to be young, beautiful and fashionable.



-I mentioned this new weekly Bad Music For Bad People last week and this week they take it up another notch. He Said/She Said and Joe Licht are joined by seclusias boss and one of Philly's best DJs, dev79, at Upstairs at Sal's. Expect lots of heavy bass tunes from dubstep and grime to rap and reggae. Take note of this party now, seriously.



-San Fran, it's your turn this week, as the Daft Punk light shines on you this Friday. Get it in the right mindset with Hold Yr Horses, the second and fourth Tuesday party at Aunt Charlie's (133 Turk@Taylor). DJ Rchrd Oh?! of bigstereo.net brings in the perfect dude to get SF ready, DJ Sleazemore, who will undoubtedly kill it. $3, 10-2, c'mon San Fran, get ready!



-LA, now's no time to quit. Like party sharks, you must not sleep after the Daft Punk weekedn or you will perish. Hit up Seven Sins tonight at newish spot Seven (7929 Santa Monica Blvd) where resident DJ Josh(ua) will throw chum (dance-y music) onto the dancefloor. Helping him out tonight will be Mark Roble, Nico the Ego and Maria Holland, with photos by shadowscene. It's free, 21+, time to cue the Jaws music.

New Order - Confusion

New Order, "Confusion (12" version)" (YSI link)

New Order, "Confused Beats"

New Order, "Confusion (Instrumental mix)"

New Order, "Confusion (Rough mix)" (YSI link)

New Order, "Confusion (Pump Panel Reconstruction remix)" (YSI link)

New Order, "Confusion (Koma and Bones Remix)"

Okay, I assume everyone saw this coming, with all of the Factory Records talk and Joy Division post. The label's most successful act, New Order, was formed out of the ashes of Joy Division after lead singer Ian Curtis killed himself. Okay, I'm predictable, sue me! Once you get that taken care of, you need to remind yourself of how amazing New Order's music was and how open they were to the sounds of the time.

"Confusion" might be the track that could be held up as a Pound for Pound track. It was a New Order single, produced by Arthur Baker, mixed by Baker and John "Jellybean" Benitez, mixed in New York City in 1983. Everyone steps it up to create one of the group's best tracks, although not everyone has probably heard this amazing version. Oddly, the band decided to re-record this for Substance, the double LP collection of their 12" singles. While that one's good, it's a far cry from the electro masterpiece Baker and Benitez first dropped. This one's got it all - drum machine, handclaps, methodical bass, keys, shouts of "Confusion!," lyrics about a confused woman the dude's trying to date, ooh wee, this is the cat's meow. The Rough mix is also essential, a stripped down version of the 12" and a great chance to hear that colder, more robotic electro sound.

The two recent(ish) remixes are quite good, especially the Pump Panel Reconstruction mix. That one is straight mid-90s, Prodigyesque damage, pounding drums, frenetic pace, twisted vocals, totally unlike the original, which is probably why it's so effective, it's a rager. FYI, this version was used in the "rave" scene during the movie Blade, just FYI. Oh and if you already knew that, you probably need to get out more too or start really taking those netflix recommendations seriously. The Koma and Bones remix is much less claustrophobic,

Stretch Armstrong & Eli Escobar's Star Time, Fix Up LA and more

It's Monday night, time to find that part of the weekend that never dies deep inside and head out. It's pretty much a night for the coastal elites, as NYC and LA make it happen. I've been meaning to hype the weekly Star Time party at 205 (205 Chrystie@Stanton) for a bit, as one of my favorite DJs in the world, Stretch Armstrong, holds it down there every week with Eli Escobar. This is one of those parties that everyone wants, where the DJs play great music that makes people wanna dance. Tonight's special guest is Pase Rock, he of "Lindsay Lohan's Revenge" and Spank Rock and great DJ skills fame. This is the perfect way to extend the weekend or start the week off right, NYC. Doors at 11, dancefloor opens at 12, free all night.

-LA, how are you? Did you survive Daft Punk? Are you still on top of the world, loving life and the power of music? Don't stop now, keep moving and the good vibes won't wear off. First up tonight, there's a super cool event at Beauty Bar (1638 N. Cahuenga Blvd). I'm always a fan of events where all sorts of different people come together and Fix Up is a perfect example. This new monthly is brought to you by United Tradeshow, who are going to bring in the best from fashion boutiques and designers, strating with a jewelry trunk show from Rock N Role Couture. There will also be artists showing their creations, starting with Tara Laura tonight. The soundtrack for the night will be provided by Dirty Dave and HIGHspeedDUB, along with the special guests this month, DJs Mighty Six Ninety. RSVP to fixupla@gmail.com, $1 Malibu drinks from 10-11, shadowscene taking your pic with some girly Malibu drink in hand, good times, perfect way to continue the Daft Punk buzz.




-Also make sure to check out Genre at Cinespace (6356 Hollywood Blvd) where DJs S!n and Luv Tek will spin dance bangers and pop candy to bring you down easy from the heights of the weekend. I suggest hitting it early, as it's free before 11

Digitalism - Essential Mix

Digitalism, BBC Radio 1 Essential Mix July 16, 2007 (YSI link) tracklisting in comments

We've been looking back recently, but it's time to turn our attention to the now. I feel like this is the year of neo-electro, when groups like Digitalism and Justice have finally gotten the attention beyond loser bloggers like me. They've got excellent albums out, lots of press and most importantly essential mixes on Pete Tong's BBC Radio 1 program. Last Sunday, Digitalism got their chance to drop a two-hour mix and I felt like this was the perfect way to start off your week of office/subway/home listening.

For those who don't know, Digitalism is the German duo of Jens Moelle and Ismail Tuefekci, the men behind monster tracks like "Zdarlight", "Idealistic" and "Jupiter Room", tons of remixes for acts like Daft Punk, Tom Vek and Klaxons and most importantly put out one of the best albums of 2007, Idealism. They've been a personal favorite since I first heard them, so I'm so psyched that these guys are getting the attention and respect they deserve.

This mix starts slow for me, I'm not totally sure why. I tend to like something catchy right off the bat, just to let me get situated and in the mood, the Chemical Brothers' "Hey Boy Hey Girl" is a little too heavy for me. Jason Nevins' Run DMC mash-up got me back on course and for the next 2- hours and it's all good from there til the end. It's got tons of edits, dance classics fromt the past decades, recent stuff from moving through genres with ease, much like the Soulwax guys. Check around the 21 minute mark, the boys drop Daft Punk's "Rollin' and Scratchin'" and you're never the same. I challenge you to not begin pumping your arms and waving them in the air, regardless of where you are. It's like the one potato chip challenge, you're gonna lose, so no sense in denying yourself the fun.

Mang, this one's another great one, essential for anyone who wants to get into that gap between rock and dance, where so much of the best stuff is going on. Of course, you could also read here, but I don't want to toot my own horn. More to come later today, as we're going to begin alternating between new and old stuff from here on out, 80s shit next.

A Certain Ratio - I'd Like To See You Again

A Certain Ratio, "Show Case" (YSI link)

A Certain Ratio, "Guess Who" (YSI link)

A Certain Ratio, "Tumba Rhumba" (YSI link)

It wasn't all doom and gloom and angst at Factory Records. In fact, the label was at the forefront of bringing some of the sex and rhythm from the dance music world into punk and rock, trying to bridge the great divide. A Certain Ratio is one of the great examples of this, from their use of horns, their funky basslines to their lyrics about trying to score with girls. In fact, at times you would have no idea that the band had anything to do with the Manchester puink scene, sounding much more atune to the clubs and streets.

I'd Like To See You Again was the third full-length for the band, their final with the original line-up - Donald Johnson, Jeremy Kerr, Martin Moscrop, Simon Topping and Peter Terrell. It was reissued in 2005 by Les Temps Modernes, featuring 5 extra tracks of different mixes and rarities. "Show Case" is my personal favorite track from the album, a vocodered killer. It gives you a good sense of how much this band was willing to experiment and utilize the technology of the era, which for me defines the artists of the 80s. It also gives you a first chance to hear the massive bass of , recalling Talking Heads or a 70s funk band. "Guess Who" is another great track, a much more rhythmic track, more immediately dance-y than "Show Case." I love love love the lyrics about dancing and working your body, something that the punk kids would never had the balls to sing. "Tumba Rhumba" is one of the additional songs added to the re-release, the B-side of the "Knife Slits Water" 7" of 1982 on Factory, an instrumental song that captures the funkiness and weirdness of the band perfectly in 2 and a half minutes.

I highly recommend picking up a copy of this CD immediately, as you never know when it will fall out of print, not to be heard for another decade. This isn't going to be the last time we talk about ACR, rest assured. Essential stuff.

Even Further With Never Forget, Ride On Time and more

New York City takes it tonight, as two of my favorite parties link up. Even Further is the filthy weekly at Happy Ending (302 Broome@Forsythe) in Chinatown that DJs Carmine P. Filthy, Rudy Mungi and Vida put on to remind NYC that it's okay to dance. You know, that it's cool to move your feet and not worry for a second about getting one of the ten white guys with cameras to snap your photo. Well, if you haven't been to this one yet, tonight's the night. Pound for Pound favorite DJ Never Forget of Finger On The Pulse fame is the special guest. That means, this one's serious. Dancing is mandatory, kissing and dry humping optional. C'mon New York City, this should be a mandatory part of your week. Yeah!

-Also, make sure to check out the dopeness going down at APT. Yeah, yeah I know, it's in the Meatpacking District, it's nauseting to see Jersey people and Jersey people who now live in the city until they meet their future spouse, but that's the key. It's like this secret, downstairs lair where great dance music goes down and cool crowds get down. Tonight, it's Ride On Time, which I think is a new monthly (correct me if I'm wrong) with residents Eamon Harkin of FUN and Jacques Renault of Runaway. Tonight, they're joined by indie dance maven James F!*%ing Friedman for a guaranteed great party. If you've never checked out APT, this is a great chance to get over your fear of 14th Street and have a blast. Oh and you may see famous bloggers there, just FYI.



-Make sure to stop by Hiro Ballroom (317 W. 16th St. @ 9th Ave.)for the usual Thursday night madness there courtesy of Cheeky Bastard, GBH, Dimitry, Alex English, et al. Tonight, you get a live set by the Mobius Band, DJ sets by J.D. Samson of Le Tigre and Sune of The Raveonettes. RSVP the guest list and get in for free, drink specials from 10-11, I'm not telling you anything you didn't already know.



-Finally, you know I got shout out a party in Williamsburg, especially when it features the Hot Hens (Miss MK and Ju$t Je$i) and Cousin Cole. It's called the Flew The Coop Refresher and sounds like it's a preview of a future regular gig. It's happening at Savalas (285 Bedford Ave), there's no cover and there is cheap margaritas available. That's all I'm saying.



-I can't say that there's much that makes me want to live in Washington D.C. Honestly, besides maybe Russ Feingold, Will Eastman is the only person who gives me good thoughts about the place. If Will keeps dropping parties like Discotheque ("A Night of Disco, Classics and House)," I may have to change my tune and move there. Will's joined by Chris Burns of Disco City for this one, it all happens at Napoleon Bistro (1847 Columbia Rd. NW) starting at 10. This one's every first and third Thursday of the month, thank these guys for making D.C. twice as cool.



-Lots of good stuff going down in Chicago this weekend as usual, so get it started right with the Dark Wave Disco bols - Trancid, Mark Gertz and Greg Corner - for their Thursday night weekly jumpoff at Debonair (1575 N. Milwaukee Ave). No cover, good people, great DJs, the choice is pretty simple.



-The M Room was most famous as the site of Hands and Knees, but it looks like the place is starting to make moves. It's great to see, as it's a great spot and the city can always use another place to let the kids dance. Tonight, you get to hear two bands and DJs for $5, a good deal any way you look at it. The bands are The Model and Last Year's Model (I love a theme!) and the DJs are The Strawberry Mansion



-Okay, LA, we all know what's going down this weekend. It's the biggest weekend to hit your city since . Daft fucking Punk is playing Saturday! Okay, take a deep breath, compose yourself and realize that this is the summer, this weekend can define it. Start things off with a dope party in Long Beach at The House Lounge (3626 Fruitland Ave), as Mark Rodriguez celebrates his b-day by bringing in the devastating dance duo of Le Castle Vania and Lazaro Casanova. I can feel the 808s from here, yum. Night 1 of the greatest weekend ever!



-Or stay in LA proper for Swerve, where my bol Daniel Le Disko will put you in the proper mindset for the weekend. Swerve is his weekly party at Scorpion (6679 Hollywood Blvd), expect the best dance music and a great night. Just make sure to pace yourself, it's a long weekend ahead Los Angelenos.

Joy Division - She's Lost Control

Joy Division, "She's Lost Control (12 inch mix)" (YSI link)

Joy Division, "She's Lost Control (live at The Factory, Manchester July 13, 1979) (YSI link)

Joy Division, "She's Lost Control (live at The Lyceum Ballroom, London Feb 29, 1980)

Grace Jones, "She's Lost Control (long version)" (YSI link)

Grace Jones, "She's Lost Control (dub version)

What better place to start this look back at the 80s in the UK than with a look at Joy Division. There's not a whole lot to add about a band that has been mythologized and written about more than most, which is shocking when you consider that they existed for only three years. I guess the best I can do is cut through the myth and remind people what amazing fucking music Ian Curtis and company made. For me, these guys made music that sounds so right, so unique and unlike anything else. "She's Lost Control" has always been the quintissential JD song to me; while "Love Will Tear Us Apart" might be their best and is definitely their most famous, "Control" best conjures up the darkness at the core of their music. It's all in the drums for me, the reverbed mechanical drums that are so cold and dead. They suit Curtis' almost monotone vocals, a striking contrast to the lyrics about a woman losing control of her life, her sanity, whatever. There's something almost frightening about the song and it gets at why I respond so much to their music.

I also included some live versions of the tune, mainly to remind you to stop what you are doing and buy the Heart and Soul 4CD boxed set immediately. It's one of the great documents, a must for any fan of good music imo. It's not the greatest sound ever, but it's good enough, gives you that Grateful Dead audience tape feel, like you're there in the crowd.

Since this is Pound for Pound, it only makes sense that I give you a disco cover of Joy Division. Ms. Grace Jones, legendary disco vocalist, for some unknown reason decided to cover "She's Lost Control" and turn it into a reggae-tinged disco number. Okay, let's get it out of the way: this is not on the same level the original. It's like when Hollywood remakes a classic film noir or something, it takes all of the darkness and death and coldness out of the work. But, that doesn't mean that this isn't fun and one of the more bizarre songs you'll hear. It all starts off normal, but around the halfway point, Jones begins to crack up. You get background laughter, Jones shouting out the main phrase repeatedly, huge bass bubbling up, car crash sounds, like whoa. Give it a listen, it won't hurt I promise.

The Field In NYC, High Voltage and more

It's a pretty big Wednesday night, especially here in New York City. Tonight is the first appearance of Kompakt star The Field, as he is going to be spinning a set at Studio B tonight. This dude has out one of the best techno albums I've heard in a long time, I am totally psyched for this one! You also get DJ sets by Kate Simko of Traum and Spectral, Brian DeGraw of Gang Gang Dance and Scott Mou. It's all put together by the excellent NYC record store Other Music, a place I've been going to go for as long as I can remember for that weirdo music that makes life better. It's at Studio B (259 Banker St.), this one's strictly for the heads. See ya there!

-For those of you staying in Manhattan, here's your night. It's Wednesday, it's time for High Voltage, one of the best weeklies in this city. My bol Dimitry is joined by DJ Seva tonight on the decks and computers. I don't know much about Seva, other than s/he write for openbar.com, which is a really good sign as I totally love those emails and think the person writing the listings is way funnier than I'll ever be. Since it's High Voltage, you know you get the Zygo open bar from 11 until, well it won't really matter as you'll be too drunk to know what time it runs out. It's at Sutra, it's the final part of your night.



-You're going to start the night at For Those About To Rock at Koca Lounge (76 Orchard St.) That dude Nick Hook from Men, Women & Children is going to drop 4 hours of rock music for you as you enjoy $1 sake shots and $5 sake carafes. I've heard of this rock music and while I don't know much about it, I do know that Nick Hook will kill it and you won't even be thinking about the lack of breaks or when you're gonna hear Jay-Z. This looks like a weekly too, should be a part of the rest of your summer.



-Philly, Philly, Philly, I love you! Hit up Hurrah tonight, as special guest Pink Skull (Julian S. Process) is gonna melt your face off with punkfunkelectrohouse jams. That's on top of the good stuff that resident DJs Stereofaith, Shawn Ryan and Chris Rogy will throw at you. Upstairs at Sal's (200 S. 12th St.), this is the final edition of Hurrah on Wednesday, as it's moving to third Saturdays from here on out. A much deserved promotion, yeah! Oh, and whoever made this flier deserves a hand. Simply awesome, I want to listen to the Dead and do drugs and lay in a park while looking at this, I can give no higher compliment.



-Heading out west, Miami's Lazaro Casanova invades Redd in Long Beach, CA. Casanova's a name that I should be mentioning more, one of those young bols who are killing it on the indiedance tip. He's gonna be a part of a great party with likeminded talents from LA - DJs S!n, Luv Tek and Paparazzi - more names everyone should be talking about. It's happening at Cafe Sevilla (170 Pine Ave.) and let me tell you that I've seen pics of previous parties and as far as I can tell only cute girls are in attendance.



-Finally, Miami is in Long Beach and NYC is in LA. June D of White Doves is in LA LA Land for tonight's edition of Club Moscow. Keith Wilson's party is still doing the damn thing at Boardner's (1652 N. Cherokee Ave.), with up and coming bands and great DJs. Get there on the early side to make sure you get in, free til 10:30 with this flier.



-Finally, so much exciting shit is about to jump off. M.I.A. at Studio B tix go on sale tomorrow at 10 AM, new Project Matt party in the LES Saturday

Implog - Hudson Tunnel Dive

Implog, "Hudson Tunnel Dive" (YSI link) 320 DJs

Implog, "On B'way" (YSI link) 320 DJs

Oh, I've been wanting to put this one up I think since the day I started the blog. But, I had to be in the perfect frame of mind and for those who know me, the idea that I would be in a good frame of mind is hard to imagine. Well, I'm there, people, I'm there. We've moved the Pound for Pound HQ and this one should be permanent. We're now on the Bedford stop on the L, where the beautiful people roam and look beautiful. The visions of Johanna have stopped. The Democrats are getting some balls. I'm reading a great book. The weather has been good. Good parties, good shows, good people. The time is right.

Implog's "Hudson Tunnel Dive" is one of the craziest dopest tracks you will ever hear. It's one of those ones where you just listen, say "What the fuck?" three or four times, hit reply, repeat. It's a classsic from the No Wave period, dropping in 1980 on the In-Fidelity label, one of only two releases by the group, which was mainly the work of Don Christensen. It eventually moved out of its downtown NYC world and became a secret weapon for DJs like the Hacienda guys, Erol Alkan and Optimo. It probably fits more comfortably under the concept of disco-not-disco that we discussed awhile back, with its beat being kept by what sounds like a dude banging a stick on a rock. There's so much good stuff here, from the weirdo vocals to the inside-an-airplane-during-takeoff sound interludes, I just want you to listen. "

Don't sleep on the B side, which I don't think gets much attention. "On B'way" is not quite as weird or good as the flip, but it's still great. It has more of a no wave feel, with the strummed guitar chords throughout, feedback and background noises, but even this one grooves. It's a twisted cover of the Leiber&Stoller-penned Drifters song, "On Broadway." What a record, both sides are classics and that's it for impLOG. There wouldn't never be another release.

Bad Music For Bad People, Cardboard City and more

Okay, it's Tuesday night. You're thinking, "I just want to stay in and listen to some Indigo Girls, maybe watch some tube and see if there's a documentary on Discovery Health about 1000 pound men or 200 pound tumors, chill out." Oh no, my friends, tonight's the night to go out, the night when all of the amateurs and douchebags are at home planning their Friday and Saturday nights. Bad Music For Bad People is exactly what I have in mind for my Philly people. This is a weekly I've been meaning to highlight for a minute now, another of the great parties that is going down at Sal's (200 S. 12th St.) This one features the weekly DJ stylings of He Said/She Said, a twin brother/sister combo that will prove it is in the genes, and Joe Licht. This week, they're being joined by Diamond Girl of Hands and Knees fame. This will be a serious dance party, no joke. To take it over the top, $1 PBRs, $2 Sparks and $3 mixed drinks early in the night, which will make the end of the night that much better and blurrier. Yeah!

-New York, here's your chance to remember what the Lower East Side once was a few short years ago, before the lawyers and investment bankers moved in. Cardboard City will remind you that it used to be about having fun at cool spots with good people and DJs. Get to 205 Chrystie where DJs Glue, Nick Hook, Daryl Palumbo, Shanedaddy and Link spin til the wee hours. It's free, it's downtown, it's Cardboard City.



-Finally, Chicago, Outdanced! is going down tonight at Funky Buddha (728 W. Grand Ave) with DJ sets by Erika and Scott (it took me like an hour to realize it was two people, not one person named Erika Scott) i.e. Office, hosted as always by Jillian and Scott. Okay, you're thinking, sounds good. But, Pound for Pound, I want great. Did I mention that vodka shots are ONE DOLLAR?!? Boom, game over. Get there.

Grame Park - Essential Mix 1.29.94

Graeme Park, Essential Mix January 29, 1994 (YSI link) tracklisting in comments

It's time to take it way back, back to the beginning period of the BBC Radio 1 Essential Mix series. More than that, it's a chance to look at a pivotal DJ from the late 80s, Graeme Park. Not sure how many people know that name, although with the level of intelligence and taste with my readers I figure most, but let me fill in some details. Park is one of the key DJs at The Hacienda, the legendary Manchester club that was founded by Factory Records' honcho, Tony Wilson, and the band New Order, the spot immortalized in the film 24 Hour Party People. The club introducing new sounds, first with house and later with acid house. The Friday night Nude party brought Chicago and New York house sounds to the UK, as Park and the original DJs Mike Pickering and Little Martin created a legendary party that brought the sounds of black dance music.

This is Mr. Park's first Esssential Mix for BBC's Radio 1 from January 29, 1994 (we'll put up his 1996 one down the road, just remind me!) and it's excellent. It should give you a sense of what it was like in the Hacienda on those Friday nights in the middle to late 1980s. I really really really hope people give this a chance, even though it isn't an electro bangerfest and that there might be a lot of tunes you've never heard before and it tends to a house-vibe that many sound right at first. Give it a chance, it is so worth it. This is on some life affirming, ecstasy, summer of love shit. This is for all the people who've had to deal with shitty yuppies asking them what it's like to deal with poor people, people who have to experience the final dis from an ex,

This is also the opening salvo of a series of posts dedicated to the 80s, to the Hacienda, to the major 12" releases, the new wave bands, whatever else comes up. I've been meaning to take a look back at this period, but usually feel like it needs more than a post or two every so often. Plus, I

Duran Duran - White Lines

Duran Duran, "White Lines"

Duran Duran, "White Lines (70s mix)" (YSI link)

Duran Duran, "White Lines (Oakland Fonk mix)" (YSI link)

Duran Duran, "White Lines (Junior Vasquez mix)" (YSI link)

Not sure how well-known this is, but Duran Duran did a cover version of "White Lines (Don't Do It)" in 1995. It's actually a brilliant choice, one of the definitive 80s sounding bands, covering this classic song from that decade about the drug of choice of that decade (and every decade) cocaine. They even got Grandmaster Flash and Melle Mel to lay down vocals for it, a nice nod to the legends.

The music is not going to change your life, to say the least. It's not bad, it's actually a pretty faithful rendition of the original, considering it's a pop band covering a hip-hop track. It all kind of reminds me of what you'd expect a new wave band of white guys would come up with doing this song. They clearly love the song, they clearly have a specfic sound that they can't leave behind, at times it sounds like a karaoke moment. Not in the drunk douchebag lawyer destroying some classic, more in the sense of talented guys playing one of their favorite songs, not coming up with anything remotely original but who cares?

The remixes take things up a notch, bringing some much needed beats to the table.I can't say any of them are that amazing, but it is interesting to hear this quintissential 80s tunes updated to include some of the sounds of the late 80s/early 90s. Junior Vasquez, I believe, is behind almost all of the remixes of this song. For the most part, these mixes tend to make the Duran Duran version danceclub-ready.

We'll have an essential mix up later, I'm actually having a hard time choosing as I have some stellar long mixes that I want y'all to hear. Check back tonight and see what I decide.

Hip Replacement, LA Lights in Miami and more

Okay sorry sorry for the lack of party updates. I've been slowly getting back into the flow of things, got out the past few days to catch some DJs and I feel like I can speak again on all of this. Anyway, first up, Hip Replacement goes down at The Khyber tonight in Philly. Philly are you ready to jack? This is gonna be a good one, as Mike T. of Paradise at Key West, Billy of Plastic People and Stepchild of Westwax are bringing acid to the city. This party is really for the heads mang, the people who want their 808 and want it now. Expect lots of italo, acid house, underground disco, the good shit. Do not miss this one, for real.

-Uptown, the Philadelphyinz do the damn thing at Medusa (27 S. 21st St.), their other monthly. Skinny Friedman and Apt One will melt your fucking heads tonight. Two of the best DJs, great party spot, it's free, just do it.



-Not often that I hear about things in Miami, which is ridiculous since it is one of Pound for Pound's ancestral lands. The city of Luke and Amos is bringing one of my favorite DJs to town, Franki Chan, for a party called LA Lights. It sounds like this is a special version of the Dirty Disco party with resident DJs Induce and Matt Cash. Chan is joined by another of LA's best, Blu Jemz of Turntable Lab and Money Studies fame. I mean, I can't imagine I need to see you on this one anymore. Get to The Pawn Shop Lounge (1222 NE 2nd Ave.), rsvp to info@thepawnshoplounge.com,



-In the actual Los Angeles, your boy Dirty Dave has you covered tonight with Greyscale. Damn look at the list of DJs here - Acid Girls, Desert Eagles, Gina Turner, Dan Oh, Dirty Dave and The Bystanders. Whoa. Open bar from 9:30-10:30, you must rsvp at ideaevents@sbcglobal.net or else it may not happen. Once you do that, head to Temporary Spaces 1 (5100 Fountain@Normandie) and enjoy yourself. Simple.



-Holy shit, speaking of cities I've never mentioned before, Cleveland Ohio stand the fuck up! That dude Le Castle Vania, one of Urb Magazine's Next 100 Artists is spinning at the official Ingenuity Festival pre-party. I mean it's in the warehouse district, it's gonna be a rave Dave! Vania's joined by another of the doper young DJs, Lazaro Casanova, guaranteeing you a night of electro madness. Get to Anatomy (1299 W. 9th St.) asap. One quick thing: flier makers please go vertical, don't go horizontal. Thanks.



-In the middle of the Midwest, DJ Candlebox does his thing at Fiddle With The Volume at Fatso's (1016 Mass St.) in Lawrence KS. I believe the violin is a ruse, there will no classical music, just bangers.



-Finally, it's gonna be a marathon night at the Frisco Disco. Shit is jumping off at 8 PM and going through til closing giving you like 4 extra hours to drink, dance, take clothing off, kiss, dry hump, etc. Head to The Transfer (198 Church@Market) where Richie Panic and Jefrodisiac and special guest DJ Kid Hack will take care of the rest. Pace yourselves San Franciscans, this is gonna be a long night. You don't want to make an ass of yourself at 10:30 save that for 1:30 like normal.

Grandmaster Flash & Melle Mel - White Lines (Don't Do It)

Grandmaster Flash & Melle Mel, "White Lines (Don't Do It) (original 12" mix)" (YSI link)

Grandmaster Flash & Melle Mel, "White Lines (Don't Do It) (Elite Force remix)" (YSI link)

I mean, this is a no-brainer. We've been doing some drug songs this week, almost have to take it back to 1983 and one of the stone-cold classic songs of all-time Grandmaster Flash & Melle Mel's "White Lines (Don't Do It)." I'm not sure there's much more to be added to the commentary on this song or something new to add. I would add that this one really defines that sweet spot for Pound for Pound, that early 80s period when rap and electro and dance and new wave were all coming into being. It's so nice to hear this long extended hip-hop song that has much in common with dance music as it does to a Jay-Z song. Also, check the lyrics for a certain mention of your favorite blog!

I also added a remix by legendary breaks DJ/producer Elite Force a.k.a. Simon Shackleton. I actually don't know much about the dude, but it seems like he's a pretty big name in the breaks scene. You know what let me be honest. I'm not even totally sure I understand what the hell breaks music is. But what I do know is that this is a pretty cool remix, it's never easy to remake a classic and Elite Force does the best thing by just fucking with the original. The sound here actually reminds me of Claude VonStroke's a little bit, with the sick bass and bouncy feel. It's not on the level of the original, but it's good and might work really well for DJs working with this type of music. A nice nod to the masters.

Vitalic - You Prefer Cocaine

Vitalic, "You Prefer Cocaine" (YSI link)

Vitalic, "La Rock 01" (YSI link)

The biblical storm that hit New York City last night hit the Pound for Pound HQ, as it burst a pipe there and flood out the sleeping area. Luckily, the vinyl, computer and Scarlett Johansson photos were spared, so things can keep on rolling here. It gave me a chance to look through the crates and I saw this older Vitalic 12" from 2005, the Poney EP. I'm not gonna lie, I saw the song "You Prefer Cocaine" and love that name and felt like it was a good follow-up to our ecstasy song on Monday.

Mang, is there anything better than songs about drugs? I mean, the only more surefire song topic to get you on this blog is women's asses and breasts. Thankfully, my bol Vitalic is the man behind this song and he fucking kills it imo. It's sort of like a techno-electro hybrid with the cold relentless beat of techno and the synths to give it a housier feel. But it's the mechanical voice repeating "Prefer cocaine, dance like a machine." Oh but that's not the end of it. "La Rock 01" might be even more devastating; actually I think it is. It's an electro stormer that builds for about two minutes, kicking those drums, giving us a taste of bass and synth and laying the foundation. 2 minute mark, you will lose your head, as Vitalic just lets it rip on the bass. Totally mental, dancefloors might not survive this one. Can you?

Speaking of cocaine, I promise that we'll have the party info up tonight. When I said tonight yesterday, I was actually seeing into future. Seriously, we'll have all of the fliers and fun happenings so that you too can dance like a machine.

Simian Mobile Disco - It's The Beat

Simian Mobile Disco, "It's The Beat (Luke Vibert mix)" (YSI link) 320

Simian Mobile Disco, "It's The Beat (Riton re-rub)" (YSI link)

I guess you knew this was coming, after I had some sort of quasi-spirirtual moment at their show Saturday. Simian Mobile Disco released their debut album a few weeks ago and it's a corker. Here's the first single, "It's The Beat," which is getting the full 12" treatment. What's interesting is the choice, at least so far, of remixers. It's not exactly the names I was expecting to hear, the major indie dance players. It's not a bad thing, though, as I like that the guys went with some lesser known people and ones not necessarily coming from the same place. Before you do anything, make sure to cop the new album, Attack, Sustain, Decay, Release, although it seems to sadly still be an import here in the US. US people, go to iTunes to buy, I guess.

I really really like the Luke Vibert mix. I've never mentioned Vibert here before, mainly because he's tended to make his name on the more IDM and drum'n'bass side of things working with Warp and Rephlex as Plug and Wagon Christ. I do need to do some posts on his Amen Andrews stuff, remind me. Anyway, this remix is dope, probably the one best suited to the dancefloor. It's almost three songs in one, as the first few minutes stick to the original and vocals, putting a beat under it and un-distorting the vocals. The middle portion is a nice, house-influenced track with gorgeous synths. Then, around the four and a half minute mark, the bleeps from the original come back in and BOOM! It's a fucking rager to the end, be careful!

Another official remix comes from Riton, a name that has been popping up more and more lately. I'll have more to come on dude, so I'll save the background info. This one really does it for me, but I don't think it would be an easy one to play out. It's reminds me of the stuff coming out of Paris more, lots of chopped-up vocals, a stuttery rhythm that sounds so good to my ears. It's like the soundtrack to a really fucked up dance party and that's about the highest recommendation I can give. Go and cop the 12" as there's also the crazy, crazy 13 minute Masseymix that you'll want to have. Also, pre-order or get ready to cop the new SMD EP, which is coming out on Interscope!

Party info and flier return tonight!

Soulwax - E Talking

Soulwax, "E Talking (original)" (YSI link)

Soulwax feat. Nancy Whang, "E Talking (Soulwax Nite Version)" (YSI link)

Soulwax, "E Talking (Tiga's Disco Drama remix)" (YSI link)

Soulwax, "E Talking (Rex the Dog remix)" (YSI link)

Soulwax, "E Talking (Jagz Kooner Black September vocal mix)" (YSI link)

Part of the weekend never dies. Part of the weekend never dies. It's finally time to drop this song on Pound for Pound, after a beautiful weekend with all sorts of madness and parties and room keys and wonderful moments happening everywhere. In honor of the Radio Soulwax Essential Mix, here's the monstrous Soulwax single from 2004, "E Talking." I love this song so much it's hard to know where to begin, it stands out as one of those songs where I just got it, y'know?

Not sure if it's just me, but the remixes just don't come close to the original. The original was one of those great tracks when the whole indie dance or disco punk thing was making its first wave. It's actually more rock than you might think, some serious fuzzy guitar action. But for me, it's the Nite Versions one that kills hardest, the one with Nancy Whang doing the vocals. Every choice works, from the clearer, female spoken vocals, the more minimal, dance music sound, the drop-outs to let the vocals be so much a greater part. Oh yummy, so f'in good.

Obviously, it's kind of hard to fuck around with something sick and re-do it to get something better, but Tiga, Jagz Kooner and Rex the Dog give it a shot. Tiga's is good, sounds just like you expect a Tiga remix to sound like. He redoes the vocals, which is the main thing that reminds me of his other songs, not sure where the title comes from, as it's a pretty stripped down, heavy sound. It reminds me of a lost 80s classic or a B-side from The Faint, which you know is not an insult in my book. Jagz Kooner drops the most forgettable one, a swirly, distorted version that just doesn't do much for me. Rex the Dog puts out my favorite, as he turns up the synths to 11 and makes a gorgeous track that deviates the most from the original. Love it.

Essential Mix - Radio Soulwax

Image courtesy of 3 Voor 12

Radio Soulwax, BBC Radio 1 Essential Mix January 2, 2005 (YSI link) tracklist in comments

I had a few ideas for today's essential mix post, but decided to go with a DJ set by one of the major figures in this whole indiedance, dancerock scene (maybe we can come up with a good genre name here?) Soulwax have had their hand in so much amazing shit, it's kind of hard to imagine. It all started with their 1999 album, Much Against Everyone's Advice, which was quite big to my surprise. They really made their mark on the scene with their albums from a few years ago, Any Minute Now and Nite Versions. Classic, classic albums that helped

I came to them via their series of mixes in the early part of this new millenium. I can remember reading some amazing reviews in Wire magazine of all places, by my favorite critic, Peter Shapiro. I can remember first being struck by the illict nature of all of this, how they weren't cleared to put these out and had to sell them in a secretive way. It was probably a bit of b.s. but whatever. I was so psyched when I came across As Heard On Radio Soulwax Part 2, as I got on the bus early. I know that my first thought was "Wtf?" and that I didn't like it. But I kept coming back to it, at first to hear a few songs like "Waiting for the Man" and "Fuck the Pain Away" and quickly it began to make sense. It was a pretty pivotal moment for me to realize how you didn't have to stick to one genre, that dance music could sit alongside hip-hop and rock.

So, here's the Essential Mix they did for Pete Tong's BBC Radio One show at the very beginning of 2005. It's another killer, almost frightening how seamless the Soulwax/2 Many DJs guys make it all, like there's literally no moment where you can sense even a slip on the mix. It's probably the closest to capturing what I consider the perfect anything-goes DJ set. Unlike last week's Lindstrom & Prins Thomas mix, this one covers every and all genre, keeping the audience on its toes and probably allowing more people to enjoy themselves. Curious what you guys look for when you hear a DJ: the anything goes or the genre specific? How about home-listening?

One of my favorite Essential Mixes from two of the most pivotal figures for Pound for Pound, enjoy.

Simian Mobile Disco at Fixed and Chic - Everybody Dance

Chic, "Everybody Dance (original 12" mix)" (YSI link) 320 DJs

Sometimes you're just dragging, you know? You just can't find the motivation to do what you need to do, you feel like a step off. As I'm sure you can tell, that has been the case for Pound for Pound for the past few weeks. Posts have just not been coming easy, it's felt like motivation and inspiration have been in short supply. It's like something amazing needs to happen to focus you.

Well, last night did just that. I headed to the Fixed party last night at Studio B to catch the second U.S. show for Simian Mobile Disco (Philly importantly got first dibs). Holy fucking shit! I mean, James Ford and James Shaw put on the best show I've seen so far in 2007, an amazing set of their music. This was electronic music at its finest, intense, epic peaks, rhythmic, bass bass, synth, drums, love, acid, life. They played their already classics like "Hustler" and "I Believe," all in a continuous set. It was literally like they blended a DJ set with a live band. The two dudes had all of the turntables and machines and computers, but they did seem to be reacting to each other and using the equipment in the moment (not preprogrammed). The set-up is hilarious, total Weird Science shit, like I expected Kelly LeBrock to come off from stage left naked and ready to shower. A quick shout-out to NYC. Do you see how you were last night? Dancing, freaking out, cheering for the band, excited, unconcered with looking cool or bored? Do you remember that? Let's try to do this every time, mmkay? You were so great last night, so energetic and amazing and fun and real, it was like Philly in there and it made the night that much more special.

Anyway, Dave P and JDH killed it after that with their DJ set, including Daft Punk's "One More Time," sending me home in that sweaty, exhausted state of bliss that everyone reading this has probably experienced. On that walk home from Greenpoint, I threw on the Justice Essential mix we had up here in a few weeks ago. When Chic's "Everybody Dance" came on, it was the perfect end to the night. So g-ddamn perfect. Hearing Norma Jean Wright sing "Music never lets you down, puts a smile on your face anytime anyplace/Dancing helps relieve the pain, soothes your mind, makes you happy again" I wanted to cry (in a manly way). It was as if all of this shit about exes and writer's block and whatnot washed away and the grind came back. Big stuff this week, as I've got a ton of new music to get to and of course some classics and maybe some surprises. Oh mang, let's do this people. Thanks to SMD, Dave P, JDH, the Fixed people for bringing it all back into focus and reminding me how amazing music can be. Yeah!

Lindstrom & Prins Thomas - Essential Mix 5.06.07

Lindstrom and Prins Thomas, Essential Mix for BBC's Radio 1 May 6, 2007 (YSI link) setlist in comments

Mang, it's been a nerve-wracking time lately at Pound for Pound, as I'm sure you can tell from the slower posting and lack of quality. I'm happy to report that things are back on track and ready for straight lift-off. Nothing but green lights, for me. After so much stress and worrying, all I really want to listen to is beautiful, shimmering music that makes me think of sunsets and crisp fall days and holding hands with your girl and that peak moment at a party when everything seems so perfect and right.

I can't think of artists today who ellicit those feelings so consistently and perfectly than Lindstrom and Prins Thomas, the Norwegian producers/DJs who have been dropping some of the hottest tracks and remixes with their updated disco sound. I've done a post or two on their music, although their label asked that we not do that in the future. Politely. Well, here's your chance to hear an amazing two-hour long DJ set from their May 6th Essential Mix for Pete Tong's BBC Radio 1 show, which should give you a sense of the sorts of influences the boys have and what they are currently listening to as well. Perhaps more than any other Essential mix we've posted here, this one seems to simulate the club experience, with a relentless buildup, peak and then a more varied closedown. There's very little vocals on any of this, but I do hope that this doesn't dissuade anyone from d/ling nd listening; this is shimmering, gorgeous disco-house music.