NYE 2007/8 Final Draft

NYE is a holiday ripe for disappointment and bad feelings, trying to pick the "perfect" spot and get everyone to go and dealing with the bigger crowds and drunk a-holes. First, deep breath. I've tried to come up with an event for every city we consistently cover, with an emphasis on rad DJs and affordable prices. I'm gonna start close to my physical location and move West. Studio B has been my favorite venue in NYC this year, so it only makes to lead off with their NYE Party. It's a fucking doozy btw, check the line-up: my favorite band Kudu live, Slick Rick live, DJ sets by Moby, FUN's Eamon Harkin, The Bangers and best of all, Runaway and 205 Tuesday's Jacques Renault. Did I mention this one goes from 8pm-8am? Well, it does. The afterhours party starts at 4am and some DJ named Frankie Bones spins for the rest of the night. Frankie Bones! $20 advance tickets are available, $25 at the door with a flier, $30 without, $10 reduced admission if you arrive between 4 and 8 am. There's a vodka open bar from 8-10, alcohol until 8 am, dear G-d people, pace yourself here.

-Not too far away in Greenpoint, Myopenbar.com and Bass Ale are doing New Year's Eve with Yeasayer, a buzz band that killed at CMJ. There's also live sets by Shellshag and Shilpa Ray of Beat the Devil. But, dear readers, the real reason to go is for the DJs and dance party, as Pound for Pound favorite the Lewd DJs, a.k.a. rekLES and SeanMF'NRoberts, will spin, along with Michael Levitan. RSVP at the myopenbar.com site for $15 admission, then enjoy complimentary Bass Ale and vodka all night. Yes, you read that right, Bass Ale and vodka free all night. Doors at 10pm, 21+.



-Cross the imaginary border into Williamsburg and hit up the Hugs (108 N. 6th St.) NYE party to celebrate the end of the year/start of a new one and everyone's favorite new spot. This one features DJ sets from all over the world, as NYC's Sweatshop Labor, London's Kesh and LA's Boy Boy spin all night long. You can do this one all night for $80, which includes a 3-hour open bar from 11-2am, or hit it up late night for $10 and deal with a cash bar. Presented by new Williamsburg streetwear store Yune and NY Style Diary, this is a great option for anyone in my hood looking for something smaller and more intimate yet just as rad.



-There's also a bash at the Graffiti Warehouse (29 Wythe Ave@ N. 13th St) where Snapshot is doing a NYE party. I had to put this one up, as it's called Magic 8 Ball, a reference that is funny to me and like two other people. Anyway, this one's more for my gay readers, as the Tuesday night queer party at Bar 13 crosses the river to do a huge warehouse jawn. This one features Lesbians On Ecstasy live and Kim Ann Foxman spinning, a rad line-up, plus DJs Daryl Raymond, Noa D, Qui and Sophia H. $25 advanced tickets, $30 at the door, open bar from 9-10 pm.



-This is a good night to get as far away from the city as possible, so hop on the L to the Halsey stop and head to the Y2K8 Dance Party at the Silent Barn (915 Wyckoff Ave) This one looks damn good with live music all night from Lismore, Todosantos, Ninjasonik, Laini Li, Bradley D and Neon Coyote. Presented by Famous Friends and Big Stereo, this is an all-ages party for everyone. Only $5 cover, free Sparks all night, doors at 10 pm.



-You want a late-night? Wanna pretend you are in Berlin for a day or so? Hit up Galapagos (70 N. 6th St) tonight where The Bunker presents Blood and Thunder II. Berlin's Lee Curtiss, Spectral's Derek Plaslaiko, Dennis Rodgers, Spinoza, Taimur Agha and Naudio will bring you a night of techno and house, which should let you start 2008 in the right frame of mind. The party starts at 10 tonight and won't end until 4 pm tomorrow afternoon. Love it!

-I know it doesn't seem like it here, but there's more to Brooklyn than Williamsburg. Down South, The Rub does its annual NYE party at Southpaw (125 Fifth Ave) in Park Slope. There's not much for me to say about this one, legendary party, amazing DJs, loyal crowd that shows up each and every time, guaranteed great time. $40 ticket includes food and champagne, 21+.



-I can't really recommend doing it up in the city, as the thought of the gross crowds give me panic attacks even from the safety of my apartment. But, if you live there or plan to hang there tonight, here's a few options. I'd say two great bets for a great night with great music, hit up APT (419 W. 13th St.) for the New York City New Year's Eve party with Rong Music (Lee Douglas and DJ Spun), the Wurst Edits (My Cousin Roy) and DFA (Liv Spencer of Still Going) Expect lots of disco, funkm house, food, drinks and good people dancing and enjoying the start of another year. $100 for an open bar from 10-1am or $25 for general entry after 1am. A disco oasis in the midst of mediocrity.

-I'd also try to hit up 205 Club (205 Chrystie) for their NYE jawn, as Crashin'in presents The Return 12 Hour Party People. This one happens upstairs and downstairs, with live performaces by Purple Crush and ex-Anticon member Beans, plus DJ sets by Sune of the Raveonettes, Brodsinski in from Paris, Eamon Harkin doing double duty, Kanine Records' Oil, Other Music's Gerald, Elliot Golden and Sunnyside Up. The party starts at 8pm and won't end until the sun comes up at 8am. $20-30 cover, pretty damn great deal for a NYE party in Manhattan at one of my favorite spots.



-Not too far away, Gift Shop presents a NYE 2008 party at The Annex (152 Orchard St) where Spank Rock's XXXchange spins along with Lily Of The Valley and Pete Suzuki. One of everyone's favorite clubs with the big upstairs and crowded basement, this should be a good night for the indie and rock kids to dance away the night. Tickets are $35, which gets you an open bar from 9:30-10:30 and free admission to the afterparty at Lotus at 4am.

-Or further uptown, GBH gives you another option with a New Year's Eve 2008 party at Hiro Ballroom (371 W. 16th St) This one is for everyone who really loves the Thursday night Cheeky Bastard party and indie dance music. There's live shows by 33HZ and Young Love, plus DJ sets by VHS Or Beta and Alex English. $60 for the same deal as The Annex.



-Finally, Lit will be a good stop at some point, as the basement will be going all night. Dances With White Girls, Nate Turbow, Mark Ryan and Prince Terrence will give you house, indie, rap, hell, every genre will probably come up in this marathon party. Best of all, no cover, so you can save your money for getting drunk or buying food tomorrow or just being a little less poor.



-Ahh, Philly, a great night lies ahead. The Making Time NYE Freak-out party is now a tradition and it's as good as it gets. This is like the Making Time template, no special guests, just the regulars spinning - Dave P, Dave Pak and Mike Z in the main room, Rock Tits in the basement and Adam Sparkles, Pink Skull, JHN RDN and Broadzilla DJs upstairs.




-I'd also highly recommend this one at Medusa Lounge (27 S. 21 St), in fact, I would do this in a heartbeat. Family Affair: A Disco New Year's Eve features DJs Mike Tee, Billy W., Darklord and Meg E Mitch, with sound and visuals by Trixine. No cover, $2 Sparks from 10pm-12am, 21+. Listen, there's no better way to start this new year than with the magic sounds of disco ringing in your ears.



-Louisville makes it first appearance at the end of the year, better late than never. Not many better than Le Castle Vania, he's headling the Really Into Partying New Year's Eve at Fuzion Night Club (1335 Story Ave) $10 for 21+, $15 or 18+, dress in black and white, have fun.



-Chicago, why not have a Dubsided NYE? The UK label and Pottymouth are throwing a party at Smartbar (3730 N. Clark St) and it's a killer. Switch, Santiago, Justin Long and Justin Amato will spin all night, 'nuff said. It's only $35, 21+, a great night of music and dancing with some of dance music's finest.



-Or head to Darkroom for their New Year's Eve party, being put on by the Dark Wave Disco and The Beta Theta. All of the residnet DJs will be in the house - DWDers Trancid, Mark Gertiz and Greg Corner and Beta Thetas Tobias and Brock. $75 for premium open bar all night, doors at 9pm, goes until 2am, 21+.



-Here's a late addition up in Seattle, as Chapel (1600 Melrose Ave) and Colby B do a NYE 2008 party. DJs Colby B, Thrills, Marty Mar, Res, Rhett Elliot, Mitcho and Lady Bob will spin dance tunes through the wee hours into the morning. 5pm-8am, $15 at the door, happy hour 5-8pm, champagne specials all night.



-Big year for San Francisco, no surprise it's a big New Year's Eve too. The Blasthaus Golden New Year looks to be the pick of the litter, as Miss Kittin is the headline DJ and that's a rad choice. The electro goddess is joined by Junior Boys' DJ Nikola Baytala, Lights Down Low's Sleazemore, Kontrol's Alland Byallo, Night Class' Shane King and Solar. This one goes forever, 8pm-4am, 21+.



-I you want something a little more indie, head to Mezzanine (444 Jessie St) for Disco 2008. This one's got live performances by Black Audio, Moving Units and Katy Perry, a DJ set by Pound for Pound favorite Junior Boys, plus the Popscene DJs, Omar, Aaron and Nako. $60 advanced tix available until 6pm, $70 at the door, $100 VIP as well. Doors at 8pm, party til 3am, Peroni Beer open bar from 8-9pm.



-Finally, if you want to go crazy and freak out in a smaller space, the Frisco Disco has you covered. Richie Panic and Jeffrey Paradise will take over The Transfer (Church & Market) and turn it into a din of iniquity. Hell, they do that every Saturday, so picture those parties turned up to 11. Hot Tub plays live, 9-2, 21+.



-Across the bridge in Oakland, it's Party Time at Oasis (135 12th St), as Smartbeat do their dub disco party for NYE. This one's extra cool, as Brennan Green of Chinatown Records is special guest, one of the best DJs and producers out there. Ben Cook, Dubrocker, Rebecca Watkins, Ry, Dmtz, Prana and Mike C. also will spin, it's a long, wonderful night of disco, 9-4am.



-Two massive parties in LA. First up, Nitrus, Tik Tok, Dim Mak and Modular are putting on the 1st Annual HARD New Year's Eve Music Festival at a huge warehouse space downtown, Premiere Arts Center (613 Imperial St) Check the line-up, then pick your jaw back up - Justice, Peaches and 2 Live fucking Crew, plus Busy P, Steve Aoki, Whitey, A-Trak, Uberzone and Jason Bentley. There's also a who's who of local stars, from The Cobra Snake to Gina Turner and Louisahhh. Things kick off at 8pm and go til 4am, $75 tickets, 21+.



-Or there's Giant Maximus, which is just insane. There's 3 stages, huge superstar DJs, all under 3 big tops outdoors. I want to focus on the



-I'm out of words. I Love Neon. I love Guns'n'Bombs, Drop The Lime/Curses!, Crystal Castles live, Jokers of the Scene, Jordan Dare, Thomas Von Party, Nu Ravers On The Block and Peer Pressure DJs. I love Montreal. I love my roomate who is at this. SAT (1195 St. Laurent) $55 at the door, fall in love tonight.

Benga - Night

Benga & Coki, "Night" (YSI link)

Benga, "Drumz West" (YSI link)

Here's a rare late-night weekend post, have been meaning to post these songs up for minute. Anyway, 2007 was a big year for dubstep, as it has gotten more exposure and more diversity, spreading further and further from its UK roots.

Benga has been around since the earliest days, has put out some big tracks on all of the key labels (Big Apple, Tempa, Planet Mu) However, none has been as big as "Night," his collaboration with Coki of the Digital Mystikz. Many consider it to be the track of the year; I'm not in a position to say that, but I can say it's a monster.

Live Forever PHILA, Restless Leg Syndrome PHILA, Life During Wartime CHI and more

Okay, this is the last regular party post of 2007. I am going to try to put together as comprehensive a NYE guide as possible tomorrow, so please email me or get at me on myspace (better option) and let me know what's good. I'm psyched to lead off with Philly for the last post, you can take the boy out of Philly, but you can't take the Philly out of the boy, yamean? Sometimes I dream of living forever, but then I imagine myself being 600 years old and still being neurotic, trying to find my self and being the unmarried friend for like 575 years and I realize that's a stupid idea. Instead, this new party called Live Forever at The Barbary (951 Frankford & Delware Ave) is a much better look. JHN RDN and Designer Drugs will spin, some of the best DJs anywhere spinning the nastiest electro and house and indie. Todosantos from Flamin' Hotz and Venezuela will perform live, Club Lifestyle will host. Philly, this is gonna be your new favorite party. $5, 21+.

-Speaking of favorite parties, Restless Leg Syndrome should be one already. Residents Dave T and Ryan Nation throw this monthy at The Khyber (52 S. 2nd St) and it's dedicated to all that is good in the world, i.e. dance music. Best of all, they don't only play dance music from 2007, no this one will cover everything from early Detroit techno to Italo disco to rave to new rave. Tonight, they've got guest DJ Billy W from Robotique. Your face will melt tonight, get behind this one Philly. No cover, 21+.



-Back in New York, lots going on. First, I want to mention this GZA show at Hiro Ballroom (371 W. 16th St.) not just because it's a chance to hear the Wu Tang mastermind do his thing, but also because Pound for Pound favorite Rezound will spin tonight. The dude's been doing his thing every other Wednesday at Happy Ending and guesting around town, good to see him finally get to a big stage. Some other favorites are also spinning, Nick Catchdubs of Fool's Gold and Sports, the Nick Hook-Daryl Palumbo duo. Presented by Metromix and GBH, hosted by Heathcliff, $20 tickets at the door. Doors at 10pm, 21+.



-However, Brooklyn runs it tonight, specifically my home, Williamsburg, Brooklyn. First up, RE:UP magazine and Diplo's Mad Decent are throwing a party called Cameras On Shirts Off. It's jam-packed with DJ talent, Blaqstarr, Egg Foo Young, Star Eyes, Sujinho and more, should be a great night of Bmore club, baile funk, rap, bass, the works. Best of all, it's at Glasslands (289 Kent Ave btwn S. 1st and 2nd), a raw space that really think can be amazing spot. $5, 21+, 10pm-late.

-You should also stop by Hugs (108 N. 6th St) for the DJ NIBC's BDay Bash, a special Swedish massage party. This one's got DJ NIBC, the Sweatshop Labor, Krames from Cobra Kai, Leif and Scottie B, I'm picturing a night of universal health care, paid maternity leaves, Volvos, beautiful blond people and dancing, lots of dancing. No cover, 21+.



-I mentioned the new Larry Tee party Dizzy at Galapagos (70 N. 6th St) last Saturday, this looks like the week to check it out. The electroclash don is joined by JD Samson from Le Tigre and Denny Le Nimh from Ruff Club, plus the other resident Kevin Graves, for a rad dance party. There's also live performances by Bad Brilliance and Malcolm Stuart, sounds like a great night. $5 or RSVP at their myspace page for free admission. I mean, Larry Tee, definite stop tonight.



-Down in Atlanta, Top FLR presents Last Year's Party at the 5 Spot (1123 Euclid Ave) Le Castle Vania, Jazspa, Chris Grass, Drew Van Atten, Chuck Chillout will spin filthy dance music, various local artist will show their work. This is a great way to end the year in style, before the ridiculousness of the actual last night of the year.



-G-d, it makes me so happy to be able to mention the Life During Wartime party in Chicago in this last post of the year. One of my favorites, the first party that introduced me to the great Chicago party world, head to The Hideout for Bald Eagle and Mother Hubbard's rad party. They're bringing JK2 from Flosstradamus back to the party that he broke in with, along with Apetka for the End of the World edition. If the world has to end, this is a good way to go out. Yeah!



-White Collar

Lights Down Low SF, Made You Look LA, Ruff Club NYC and more

As I look back on this year, one other city has impressed me quite a bit with their DJs, parties and community. As I begin to think about moving and schools, San Francisco seems to have something special. The Lights Down Low party at 222 Club (222 Hyde and Turk) exemplifies all of that radness, and they are doing their final one of the year and it's a big one. They have Felix Cartel as the special guest DJ tonight, a dude who has gotten love from all of the big names in the electrorock scene. He's making his first US appearance tonight, San Fran, so make him feel welcome. You also get DJ Hyphy Crunk from LA and DJ Forever 21, plus resident DJ and LDL mastermind, Sleazemore. Hosted by Jen-Elle, photos by Spencer Day, dancing and debauchery by you. I cannot find the price, but whatever it is, it's worth it.

-Down in Santa Cruz, Orthodox brings you Made You Look Fridays at Detroit Bar (834 W. 19th St) This is a big one, as Dim Mak's Steve Aoki headlines, guaranteeing lots of great indie and dance music, plus some antics from Mr. Aoki. Mr. White and Devyn C join him in the main room, while DJ Cory, DJ Legit, DJ TJ and GMO get Room 2. Of course, the hardest working woman in show business, Shadowscene, will be there taking pics. RSVP to MYLFridays@gmail.com for reduced list, $15 advance



-All the way back on the East Coast, it's time to finally give some attention to the Ruff Club party at The Annex (152 Orchard St) Spencer Product and Denny Le Nimh have been doing this thing forever it seems like, giving the kids a place to hear great dance music and to go crazy. This is a good one to check out if you haven't already, as Throne Of Blood's Dances With White Girls headlines upstairs. I have an inside source on this, but let me just tell you that 2008 is going to be a big year for DWWG. The resident DJs will be in the house as well, holding it down upstairs and downstairs.



-If the LES isn't in the cards, do it up big in the Meatpacking District tonight at Lotus (409 W. 14th St) Upstairs, it's Top Billin', where DJ Eleven of The Rub and J-Boogie are top billing. Seriously, San Fran's J-Boogie is a huge talent, releases on Om Records and Ubiquity, Expect a really great night of music , covering all sorts of genres from hip-hop to dub and reggae to downtempo. RSVP to topbillinfridays@gmail.com for no cover, 21+.



-Downstairs, Tatler presents Night Of A Thousand Gays...Or At Least 10. I almost feel like that party name should be the whole preview, but I must mention that the DJs for this one are top-notch. They're called the Ladies Of Lilac, i.e. Kim Ann Foxman of DFA's Hercules and Love Affair, Dirty Jean of Crucial Get Down & Girls Girls Girls and DJ Fucci of Love Muscle & Girls Girls Girls. They will be spinning "super disco, electro boogie, left-field Italo and classic house." They have previewed the next year of Pound for Pound. They will make your Friday night fun. RSVP to tatler@lotusnewyork.com for $10 admission, $20 otherwise, doors at 11pm, 21+.



-I am writing this right before I go to American Apparel to buy a sweatshirt. Fate? Maybe. Potential sponsor of Pound for Pound? Should be. Anyway, do not look at the flier, I did and can no longer see. Just trust me on this one, it's the American Apparel Pajama Party at Hugs (108 N. 6th St), WestPain, DJ Milk Money and Merkin Muffley spin. Info is a bit scarce on this one, but it's a great chance to check out one of my fav new spots and to wear pajamas or underwear to a bar. $5 PBR and whiskey shot for anyone who does, so you can be drunk and cozy and ready to hop in bed at a moment's notice.



-Down in Philly, it's a good night to get into rap, as Beat Garden and Publicans present Money Folders, the yadibox.com mixtape release party. I'm not gonna lie, I don't know much about this one, but I do know that the Philadelphyinz will wreck shit and that's good enough for me. Next Millen will also perform, plus a ton more rappers will make appearances. This should be a good night at The Arts Garage (1535 Ridge Ave), a chance to see the up and coming stars of the hip-hop scene. $10, women get in free before 10:30, 18+, BYOB, 10-3am.



-For something more grimy in Philly, get to the Khyber (56 S. 2nd St) and head upstairs for The Straight Dope. This is the monthly Seclusiasis jump-off, tonight label members dev79 and Generic Man are joined by Miami's Meddafore for a big kickoff to the big weekend. Expect a ton of bass, rap, dancehall and electro, heavy yet dancefloor friendly. No cover, $1 PBRs and High Lifes until 11, 21+.

Soulwax - Most Of The Remixes We've Made For Other People...

Justice, "Phantom Pt. II (Soulwax remix)" (YSI link)

DJ Shadow, "Six Days (Soulwax remix)" (YSI link)

Arthur Argent, "Hold Your Head Up (Soulwhacked mix)" (YSI link)

It's the time of year when everyone starts looking back, compiling their best-of lists and whatnot. It's the perfect time to look at one of the best releases of this year, which looks back at the past decade of remixes from the seminal dance combo Soulwax. If you read this blog or care about electronic music, you already know about Soulwax. For those that don't, Soulwax is a Belgium music conglomerate run by the Dewaele brothers, Stephen and David. Under that moniker, they've made original studio music, play live around the world and remix other artists. They DJ as 2ManyDJs, world famous for their sets and How To Kill The DJ mixes. All of our favorites today, from Justice to Simian Mobile Disco to Digitalism, are in debt to these guys.

To celebrate a documentary called Part Of The Weekend Never Dies, which chronicled Radio Soulwax, Parlophone and Soulwax have compiled (almost) all of the remixes the guys have done over the past 10 years, from their 1997 Lords of Acid one to this year's Justice and Klaxons. I tried to give a good sampling above, covering the different ground that the guys have in terms of remix projects, including my favorite remix on the CD, the Soulwax remix of DJ Shadow's "Six Days." I left out the Daft Punk, Kylie Minogue, LCD Soundsystem, Klaxons and more, just to give you a sense of how stacked this compilation is. I did want to pay special attention to the Soulwhacked mix of Arthur Argent's "Hold Your Head Up," which was completely new to me. This one is sick, sick, sick; it's start off slow and relaxed, as instruments get added to the mix. Then, an awesome robotic voice comes in repeating the lyrics, Slowly but surely, a nasty bass comes in and the rocking drums rock harder and you get just a great tune. P.S. Pay special attention to the lyrics, my friends: "When it's love that brings you down, don't ever let them know. However hard they hurt you, don't ever let them know. Hold your head up."

Oh, and for the record, here's the full title of the album:

Most of the Remixes We've Made Over the Years Except for One by Einsturzende Neubaten Because We Lost it and a Few We Didn't Think Sounded Good Enough or Just Didn't Fit In But Including Some That are Hard to Find Because Either People Forgot About Them Or Just Simply Because They Haven't Been Released Yet. A Few We Really Love. One We Think is Just OK. Some We Did For Free. Some We Did For Money. Some Just For Ourselves Without Permission and Some For Friends as Swaps But Never On Time and Always At Our Studio In Ghent.

Clearly, this one gets our highest recommendation. It's just an amazing package for fans and DJs alike, 2 discs of pure bliss, Disc 2 features a mix by 2ManyDJs that takes you on a journey through the remix catalogue. This one is not easy to find for some reason, but HMV has it at a great price.

Debonair Thursdays 1 Year Anniversary CHI, Unstoppable Perfect NYC, Club Pop SEATTLE and more

As the year comes to an end, I've been trying to think happy thoughts and look back at some of the great developments at Pound for Pound. One of the first that comes to mind is connecting to the Chicago scene, as I've been amazed and impressed at how great and creative and tight-knit a scene exists there. The Dark Wave Disco crew is a great example of all that is good out there. Tonight their weekly Debonair Thursdays party at the Debonair Social Club (1575 N. Milwaukee Ave) celebrates its first anniversary. Mazel tov to residents DJs Trancid, Mark Gertz and Greg Corner on putting together a successful weekly party dedicated to great electronic and dance music, a yeoman's task. Head there tonight to celebrate the anniversary and the holidays with what looks to be a great party - Effen vodka open bar from 9-11, free haircuts and product giveaways from local salon Art + Science, ticket giveaways to the next DWD with The Teenagers, plus the residents spinning all night. No cover, 21+, look forward to mentioning this in 2008.

-Another personal favorite goes down in NYC, the monthly Unstoppable Perfect party at Happy Ending (302 Broome St). DJs rekLES and SeanMF'NRoberts and hosts Julius O and Antwan of Ithinkyoureswell.com have put together one of the best parties in the city, period. Great music, from the newest electroindie shit to 80s to post-punk to house, a great crowd that actually dances (yes, dances in NYC), girls, no cover, drink specials. In other words, they get a check on all of the boxes for a great party. Tonight, there's no rekLES unfortunately, but DJ Vikas will fill his shoes for the night. There's also a Bass Ale open bar from 12-1am, no cover, 21+.



-Another more recent addition has quickly become a favorite as well, as the Art After Midnight party gives you a little art with your music, drinking and dancing. Chris Alker and Sushi Steve are the residents, tonight they are joined by Marc-Alan Grey of Le Changez Beat and Robot Rck and M68 for a night of indie and indie dance in a cool new spot, Gallery Bar (120 Orchard St) No cover, 21+, things start at 10pm.



-Ahh, speaking of old favorites, the Common Folk should be familiar to readers. This Sweatshop Labor affair



-If you are further uptown (and yes, 16th St. is uptown) and want something a little bigger, Cheeky Bastard has Kitsune's Guns 'n' Bombs as the special guest DJs tonight at Hiro Ballroom (371 W. 16th St) The LA duo have had a big year with remixes and original tunes, getting to the front of the electrock crowd. Catch their DJ set tonight at one of the best and most consistent parties in the city. Lucky Beer open bar from 10-11pm, 2 for 1 vodka drinks from 2-3, $4 Sparks all night. RSVP at the going.com site to get in for free, 21+, doors at 10pm.



-I always feel like I am missing out on a ton of cool events in Seattle, hopefully I can get rid of that feeling in the new year. In the meantime, Club Pop pops off tonight at Chop Suey (1325 E. Madison) with their annual Christmas party. This one features live music by Holy Ghost Revival, The Pharmacy and Emeralds, plus resident DJs Colby B and Glitterpants will bring the dance party late. $8 before 11, $10 after, 18+, a great night of rock and dance.



-Finally, Mark Rodriguez has decided to beat the NYE party crunch by throwing a Pre-New Year's Eve edition of the Heist party at The Airliner (2419 N. Broadway). It definitely has the size and scope of the year-end ones, three rooms, two bars, Trey D of So Sweet Records, DJ Score and Disk Jo Slim spin in the main room, Jimmy Boy has the second floor and Bulimiatron and Dmndays have the lounge. Unlike NYE, you can get in for $5 before 11 if you RSVP at the going.com site. $10 otherwise, doors at 9pm.

Claude VonStroke - Essential Mix 11.10.2007

Claude VonStroke, BBC Radio 1 Essential Mix November 10, 2007 (YSI link)(Sendspace link) tracklisting in comments

We're coming up to the final few days of 2007, the time that we look back and list our favorites and wrap up a year of posts. For me, one of the biggest names of the year was Claude VonStroke, the man behind Dirtybird Records and some of the biggest dance tracks and remixes of the past two years. From his original productions to his remixes to the monthly party he and and the label began at New York City's APT club, the dude has been an essential part of my soundtrack this year.

It's fitting then that he would make an Essential Mix for the BBC Radio 1 program, capping off a big year. While it's super rad to see CVS get his due with this invite to the big leagues, it's way more rad that our man killed it on this one. Unlike the Mixmag mix I put up a few weeks ago, this 2 hour mix gives us a look much more into the man's influences, which I always love. He covers classic Chicago house, a lil' booty stuff, lots of new stuff from the techno and house worlds, edits, even a little hip-hop. Check the tracklist if you need to, but honestly, I'd just download and listen. This one is siiiiiccccckkkkkkk, like goosebumps and smiles and memories of past dancefloors and dreams of future ones. This dude has become a big Pound for Pound favorite in 2007, I cannot wait to see him solidify his lofty standing with an even bigger 2008. Yeah!

Smash and Crunch CHI, Break Off PHILA, Awesometown LA and more

A pretty clear event of the night, as the final Smash and Crunch goes down in Chicago at Liars Club (1665 Fullerton Ave) Josh Rodriguez and Urb Magazine are doing it up real big to close out 2007 with two floors of dance madness called "Happiness...Is A Warm Club." Love it. You will love getting to see Johnny from Guns 'n' Bombs, The Glamour, Jason Tyler, Willy Joy, Local Hero, Joe Vortech, Menowah, Yoko Homo live, Mr. Automatic, C-Mass, DJ Demchuck and Hillary Rawk. Whew, I actually took a nap after writing all of that. To make it an even more of an event, the one and only Cobrasnake will be in the building documenting the debauchery with photography. It's like New Year's Eve but 5 days early and sans the amateur drinkers. RSVP ASAP to smashandcrunch@gmail.com for reduced $5 admission, $3 shots of Kilo Kai rum shots.

-Back in Philly, there looks to be another cool party starting up at The Barbary (951 Frankford Ave). This one's called Break Off and features DJ Bunnystyle and DJ Alex spinning "hip-hop, filthy synth, ghetto beats, dirty house, club and a little pop to wash it down." You have me at filthy, guys. I mean, if you read this blog, I can't imagine that you won't want to check out this new monthly that goes down the last Wednesday of every month. No cover, 21+, 10-2 am.



-Can't stop, won't stop, the Dance Robots, Dance crew keep right on going after their big Christmas party with their weekly Robotic Wednesdays party at Electro Lounge (5929 N. May Ave) in Oklahoma City. I'm not sure how much they or you will have left after the previous nights mayhem, but you can think of this as the natural comedown. Or everyone just needs to find their inner robot and ignore the hangover and tiredness. Doors at 9pm, 21+.



-Finally, out in LA, Anne Lee and Shadowscene bring you another Awesometown. For this one, they've brought in Bloomington's Flufftronix and local stars noMSG and Gina Turner.

The Decemberists - The Perfect Crime #2

The Decemberists, "The Perfect Crime #2 (Diplo's Doing Time remix)" (YSI link)

The Decemberists, "The Perfect Crime #2 (Junior Boys remix)" (YSI link)

I don't want to give my indie kids the bends and jump back into some dance shit, so let's stop at the midway point with some of our favorite producers remixing a big-name indie act. Sound good, my friends? It should, since you already know that we're looking at the new remixes by Diplo and Junior Boys of The Decembrists' "The Perfect Crime #2."

I have to be honest, I don't have much familiarity with the music of The Decemberists, other than a listen to their previous two albums. From what I've heard, the thought that they would invite Diplo, Junior Boys and A Touch Of Class to remix one of their songs seems unfathomable. But, I'm glad that they did, as this Diplo remix is one of the best things I've heard from the Mad Decent head on the remix front in awhile. It sounds like that tour with Switch has rubbed off, as this one has the sound and feel of the best stuff coming out of the Uk fidget house crowd. He's put a jackin' beat underneath, chopped up the vocals and, best of all, brings in a nasty, smeared bassline that will rip a whole in your mindspace. Always great to see Junior Boys, as everyone knows that I am a big fan of the Canadian duo. They don't do many remixes, but listening to this dubby one, I'd like to see them venture into this territory more. They've chosen to go in the opposite direction of Diplo, paring the original down and giving it plenty of space.

Buy a copy of The Decemberists' recent album, The Crane Wife, as they deserve to be rewarded for this cool release and for diving into the electronic end of the pool. If you live in the Northwest US, check them out at one of their upcoming gigs at the end of January. Yeah!

Iron and Wine - The Shepherd's Dog

Iron and Wine, "House By The Sea" (YSI link)

Iron and Wine, "Flightless Bird, American Mouth" (YSI link)

Let me start by commending Bagelsmith for being open today and saving my hungry ass with a nice onion bagel with cream cheese and MTV for showing a marathon of The Hills and saving my bored ass. We'll have more to say about this season soon, but if you have a problem with a man being into this show, join the club. I know it's wrong, but I can't help myself. Yeah!

It's been a tough time lately health-wise, a lousy year is coming to an end, a new one lies ahead; a little introspection and acoustic guitar seem like the order of the day, as good as time as any to take a look at the recent Iron and Wine album, The Shepherd's Dog. While Sam Beam may always be associated with a stripped down and acoustic sound, this one should confirm that he has put that behind him. While I kinda feel like the lo-fi beginnings were perfect for the man's music (memories of listening to "Naked As We Came" late at night on a bed somewhere are dancing through my head tonight), a few listens to this one and this new junkyard indie sound may be even more perfect and fitting for his haunting lyrics and voice. Take "Pagan Angel and a Borrowed Car," the album's opener, which features

More than anything though, it's Beam's voice that draws me in. Readers know that I am not a big indie rock fan, but when I am, it is usually the voice that sells me more than anything. Beam's has this ethereal quality, a soft, whispery voice that sort floats on top of the ruckus going on below. It's so nice that I occasionally forget that it's singing actual lyrics, especially on the album closer, the gorgeous "Flightless Bird, American Mouth." On that one, he sings the refrain at the uppermost range, the falsetto sounds so perfect to my ears I kinda wanna cry and listen to this on repeat and have a nice hot cup of cocoa.

All of this is to say that I recommend checking this album out. Much like The National's album, it took me more than a few listens to come to this album. Besides maybe the opening track, there's nothing on here that is a unforgettable single, which always presents me from giving it a top score. But, repeated listens (or maybe just one listen for real indie fans) will reward you with a great, roots rock album that strains at the edges of that genre, a gorgeous and haunting album that will undoubtedly make many best of the year lists. Buy your copy here and see what you think.

Dance Robots Dance XMas Party OKC, Lauren Flax CHI and Dance LA

Okay, who knew that the Midwest loves to get down on Christmas so much? Let's lead off with the most excellent Dance Robots, Dance crew in Oklahoma City, who are celebrating their 2nd Anniversary tonight with their 3rd annual XMas party. For those that don't know, these guys started as a website to promote electro music and soon came to become the Midwest party juggernaut we have come to know and love. To celebrate the anniversary and a little known holiday called Christmas, they've brought in Treasure Fingers from Atlanta's Fuck Yesss party to join with the regulars to create an indie dance Voltron that will melt your face. Those regulars include DRDers John Bourke, Ryan Reber, B., Joshua Distance, Chitty Chitty Bang and Dylan Mackey, plus allies Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and DJ Phd. Trash Yourself's Heidi Cannon hosts this rager at Kamp's Deli (1310 NW 25th St), this is the only way you should spend tonight. $5 before 11 or dressed in appropriate XMas attire, $8 after 11 or if you don't step up to the XMas attire challenge. 18+, 10-2am. Congrats again to the whole Dance Robots, Dance crew, look forward to another year of good things from them. Yeah!

-Someone referred to tonight's Outdanced as a (Lauren) Flaxmas celebration; now, that is a religion I could get behind. For those in Chicago, you have a chance to become believers, just head to Funky Buddha Lounge (728 W. Grand Ave) where DJ Lauren Flax is bringing her 90s party to the Windy City with Rand Sevilla. As always, this night's presented by Avant Trill and Odd Obsession Movies, you should all bring them a gift tonight for putting on a weekly party that consistently brings in great DJs and bands and has cheap-ass drinks. Speaking of which, $1 drinks tonight, no cover, 21+.



-Finally, it's kinda hard picturing LA with its beautiful weather and lack of snow during Christmas. But, the Dance party at Arena (6655 Santa Monica Blvd) isn't letting nice weather get in the way of enjoying the holiday, as they are doing an Electro Christmas Bash tonight. In the mainroom, it's Paparazzi and DJ Young Sunn, while upstairs Bip Jeffington, Joaquin and Spy vs Spy bring you a healthy dose of the new holiday music, electrorock. Fuck Bing Crosby! Free gifts of Paparazzi's new mix CD for the first 100 people, free before 10:30 with flier, 18+.

Prime Time of Your Life During Wartime Holiday Soiree CHI, Crimp Yr Hair PHILA and more

It's been a shitty year in a lot of ways, never a great way to start a party post. But, when I look back on all of the great parties we've covered and learned about this year, I feel good. And when I see my favorites come together, it truly makes me happy. Tonight's Prime Time of Your Life/Life During Wartime Holiday Soiree at the Darkroom (2210 W. Chicago Ave) really is the perfect example as my Chicago favorites, Bald Eagle, Mother Hubbard, Popstatic and Mister Wolf have brought in special guests from Philly and NYC, Dave P and JDH of the Making Time and Fixed parties. It's like seeing your friends become friends; if I had a heart, I'd shed a tear. Chicago, this should be an insanely rad night, the sickest dance music, lots of people, the perfect way to celebrate the holiday. Doors at 9pm, free before 11, $10 after that.

-Speaking of rad combos, one of the best Philly parties, Crimp Yr Hair, has found a new home at The Barbary (951 Frankford Ave) and are bringing in the excellent Adam Sparkles of Making Time fame to kick their monthly spot. Like the Chicago party, this one will feature all of the best dance music, digging a little deeper than the electro dance scene. Your mind will blow and your face will melt, these guys are that good. No cover, 21+, 9-2am. Yeah yeah yeah!



-The 80s Saturday party is celebrating the holidays, a.k.a. Depechmas, at Sal's. DJ Solobuns will spin the best music from that unremembered decade and you can recall past Christmases when it was the 80s and you were happy and living in the present and coloring and playing with toys and the world seemed so easy. No cover, 21+.



-Always nice to see something new in Brooklyn, well this is something old and classic in a new spot, but close enough. The Rub, Mean Red Productions, 10 Deep and PalmsOut Sounds are doing a loft party in Bed-Stuy at 12-Turn-13 (172 Classon btwn Park and Myrtle) Cosmo and DJ Ayres are doing it up real big, bringing in dancehall selector Max Glazer from Federation Sound and Wajeed of Platinum Pied Pipers. This is a great space, the music should be even better, covering all sorts of genre ground. $10 advanced tickets here, only way to guarantee you can get in, same price at the door, get there early if you want any chance of getting in.



-If you don't feel like dealing with the G train (and I totally understand that), head to Hugs (108 N. 6th St) for the Now That's What I Call A Party. Flufftronix is in from Bloomington, Purple Gold are in from Venezuela, Supervixen from Brazil and Chad of Palms Out is in from the Internets. You are in from somewhere in New York City. The music will be from the dancefloors around the world No cover, 21+.



-There's a new party starting up nearby at Galapagos (70 N. 6th St) called Dizzy and it's put together by the legendary Larry Tee and fellow DJ Kevin Graves. Tonight is the unofficial afterparty for the Daft Punk movie showing at the Music Hall of Williamsburg tonight. I feel like this would be a nice way to follow that up, look forward to seeing where Tee and company takes this one. Definitely worth a look, no cover, party is in the back room and starts at 11pm.



-If you are in the city, stop by Lotus (409 W. 14th St) and head downstairs tonight for the second anniversary of the Changez Le Beat party. Marc-Alan Grey has brought in all of the DJs who have been a part of this party over the past year, including Stretch Armstrong, Sujinho, June D and Bridget "Shaka 23" Marie. Y'all know how hard it is to have a party last 6 months, so 2 years deserves huge props.



-Hmm, West Coast I will have to look again in a bit, didn't see anything on my first go-through. Leave a comment to remind me if you want.

Men Of Mystery BK, Pull-out Method NYC, Turnaround v Immediate PHILA, Honeymoon MPLS, Cinespace v Le Disko LA, Stiletto SF, Feel The Noise SD and more

Sometimes, it's just a phrase that can get you top billing here. "Get your holiday weekend started with disco." That's all it took for me to fall for the new party at Williamsburg's Hugs (108 N. 6th St) called Men Of Mystery, featuring two of the best, rising DJ stars in NYC, Eamon Harkin of the FUN party and Johnsville from Sweatshop Labor NYC. I think that this is a one-time only event, but oh, it is timed so perfectly. I've said it before, I'll say it again, disco will save your life. I need it to save mine. No cover, 21+, 10-4am. Be there, Brooklyn.

-Been a minute since I've heard about The Pull-out Method party, not sure if it was my overwhelming ignorance or the party took a break. Whatever, it's good to have this party at Club Midway (25 Ave. B @ 2nd St) from Leah and Rachel back on Pound for Pound. This night's for all my indie and rock kids who aren't afraid to dance and get wasted. Tonight, in the basement, Brooklyn's Luke Temple will play his fuzzed out, harmonized folkish music, while openers from DC, Tereu Tereu, will play similarly rhythmic and pop rock music. With trombone! Yeah! $5 to see the bands downstairs, free if you just want to hang out upstairs where DJ Headz & Tailz will spin rawk all night. 2 for 1 vodka drinks from 1-2, 21+.

-Or if you are closer to the westside, it's time for another Robot Rock at Le Royale (21 Seventh Ave South @ Leroy). GBH and Cheeky Bastard continue to outdo themselves each week, bringing in bigger and bigger stars from the indie world. Tonight, Kele from Bloc Party is special guest DJ, not sure that they'll be able to top that, so you're not gonna wanna miss out. He joins with Alex English and Ryan McKnight, plus Marc-Alan Grey in the lounge, for what should be a crazy packed, indie dance party. Email list@gbh.tv for free admission, $10 otherwise, 21+, doors at 10pm.



-Down in Philly, two legendary parties are joining forces to bring you twice the rad. The Turnaround vs. Immediate! is now a monthly at The Barbary (951 Frankford Ave) Residents Mr. Pharmacist (Gregg Foreman), Rusty Seger and the Brothers Geida will give you a night of underground rock, soul, funk, r&b and anything else that will make you dance. Tonight, they are bringing in the legendary Ian Svenonius of Nation Of Ulysses and various other DC bands to spin, he may be a semi-regular fyi. You would have known all about this on Wednesday if you had checked out my Philly Weekly preview. Again, just FYI.



-d.c.



-Expect a few Chicago-centric posts tomorrow. In the meantime, check out the Beta Theta's 3rd Annual XMas Party! at Darkroom (221o W. Chicago Ave) You'll get to celebrate the holiday with a live set from Assassins, who opened for New Order and Interpol and will not disappoint fans of those bands. There's also DJ sets by Trancid and Brock, photos with a drunken Santa and elves. $15 at the door, 21+.



-I recently received a text with a photo of someone wearing one of the ugliest Christmas sweaters ever. I mention this as a segue into the Honeymoon party in Minneapolis at First Avenue VIP Room (701 First Ave N), which has as its theme, ugly sweaters. I'm not sure if they want you to wear one or what, but I do know that The Moongoons are presenting this one and have brought in Adam from The Chromatics as guest DJ who should fit in perfectly with the normal sounds of death disco, Italo, filtered house and robot rock. Mike the 2600 King will also spin and designed the t-shirt you see on the flier, which you can get with admission for $10, $3 otherwise, 18+.



-Huge night in California, but there's only one place I can start : Parker Day's Stiletto party in San Francisco. Okay, I will just say that the theme of the party is Beyond The Valley Of The Dolls, Russ Meyer's magnum opus and one of the weirdest 60s movies ever. If you know me, you know why he is my favorite director. If you read this blog, you know why you can't miss this party. DJs Rchrd Oh?!, Omar from Popscene and Primo spin, live performances by We Are Champagne and V., a fashion show featuring the designs of Erin Emslie and Workin' Girl, photos by Vvandi Xvandi and Rohini Moradi, like whoa. It all happens at AsiaSF (201 9th St @ Howard), doors at 10, goes til 3 am. RSVP at the going.com site, $8, 21+.



-There's also Blow SF tonight at Rickshaw Stop (155 Fell), where Gold Chains is headlining and performing live. The Frico Disco DJs and Missing Toof DJs will spin,



-I love a good battle and there looks to be one tonight in LA at Safari Sam's (5214 Sunset Blvd) It's Cinespace vs Le Disko in a battle to the indiedance death. Cinespace's Them Jeans and Dan Oh take on Le Disko and Club Moscow's Keith Wilson and DJ [N], with DJ 19 a.k.a. Young Sunn serving as a mediator, I guess. Shadowscene and Red Slurpee will be taking pics, free parking and cheap drinks should seal the deal. Free before 11 with a flier, $5 after, 18+.



-Finally, the Push party in Long Beach does a XMas edition and this looks to be about all you could ask for. LA Riots, Blu Jemz, DJ Metric and Dan Sena will spin at this one, Sevilla Nightclub (140 Pine Ave) will serve as the metaphoric tree in my strange analogy. Dress nice, 21+.



-Finally, San Diego has the good fortune of getting a visit from Pound for Pound favorite, High Voltage main man and NYC's own DJ Dimitry!!! tonight, as he is the guest at the Feel The Noise party at Beauty Bar (4746 El Cajon Blvd) Residents Gabe Vega and Saul Q will spin lots of discopunk, new electro and even indie tunes, Dimitry should fit in well. $5 cover, doors at 9pm, 21+.

Shannon - Let The Music Play

Shannon, "Let The Music Play (original 12" mix)" (YSI Link)

Shannon, "Let The Music Play (instrumental)" (YSI link)

Shannon, "Let The Music Play (1989 European Remixed version)" (YSI link)

Every so often I will realize that I haven't posted a favorite and feel the need to immediately rectify that. Shannon's "Let The Music Play" is a perfect example, a stone-cold classic dance track that everyone has heard and needs in their lives. From that unforgettable synth melody to the great vocals, it's a timeless piece of music. I love the vocals, not sure that they get enough attention, since the music is so great. But, Shannon provides a nice counterpoint to the cold electro, singing about a lover who has found someone else on the dancefloor. Love love love the concept, telling the DJ to let the music play and it will bring this guy or girl back to her.

Originally released in 1983, it's hard to realize how great this single's impact was. It was the first electro track to feature female vocals, hearkening back to the classic disco diva days. I mean, can you think of a more perfect Pound for Pound track than one that sits at the crossroads of disco and electro, while simultaneously paving the way for freestyle? The producers on this one are none other than Chris Barbosa and Mark Liggett; Barbosa is credited with founding the freestyle sound and one can hear that blueprint on this track with the syncopated beats and Latin American rhythm. He is also the man behind the 1989 European Remixed version, which extends the original and makes things a bit busier.

This is an essential piece of dance music history, so let the music play.

Hug It Out BK, Home For The Holidays NYC, Even Further NYC, Debonair Thursdays CHI and more

I actually don't have anywhere to go right now, but I'm going to keep this one short for once. Seriously. Let's start near my apartment and work our way out. I'm really psyched for this new party called Hug It Out and let me explain why. It's at Hugs (

-Heading into the city, let's start with the guys who are booking DJs at Hugs who also happen to throw a great Thursday night party every week at Home Sweet Home (131 Chrystie St). Sweatshop Labor's Common Folk teams up with Streets Mart to throw a Home For The Holidays party tonight. There's nothing radder than seeing people do something good for others in this scene, so help out and bring a toy as this night is a toy drive for Toys For Tots. There's no cover and free vodka from 11-12, so pick something up and bring it along and make a kid's Christmas a little happier. In addition to the usual dance party mayhem with Johnsville, Lucas Walters and Samo, there's also going to be an art show from 8:30-10:30. So, you can feel good about yourself and cultural before you get drunk out your mind again. Win-win!



-Around the corner almost, t's Even Further's 1st Anniversary tonight at Happy Ending. They're calling this one Too Many DJs and they ain't lying. Residents Carmine P. Filthy, Rudy M and Vida are joined by Philly's Monica Sharp, Dr. No, DJ One Auff, Crush Calculator and Neighborhood DJ for a night of seriously great dance music. Lots of ground will be covered from the indielectro bangers to disco edits to drum 'n' bass, all in the nice, intimate basement setting. No cover, 2 for 1 well drinks and draft beers from 11-12, 21+, 10-4am, mazel tov on the first year!


-Oh, don't forget about the Art After Midnight party at Gallery Bar (120 Orchard St) for more music and art. Chris Alker and Sushi Steve do their dance party, expect lots of indiedance, great drinks, good art and a super fun night. I really hope that this party catches on more and more, should become a regular Thursday night downtown stop. RSVP and let them know that you are coming. No cover, 21+.



-Cheeky Bastard and GBH do their regular Thursday night party at Hiro Ballroom, this one serving as the afterparty for The Sounds. The band is spinning after their show, but you're gonna want to get to the club early and make sure you catch opening band Team Facelift, NYC's newest rap sensation.



-Down in Philly, the guys behind Making Time and R5 Productions are teaming together to throw an office party at The Barbary (951 Frankford Ave). Since their office is really the clubs and concert spots in the city, they are opening it to everyone. Dave P, Sean Agnew, the Broadzilla DJs and others will spin from 10-2am, should be a super fun night.

-In Center City, it's the weekly Seclusiasis Thursdays at Sal's (200 S. 12th St). Resident DJ Ghost is joined by Atlantic City's Deluxe Edition, whose name is a little too general for a good google search. I would bet on him fitting right in with the regular fare of heavy bass music. Doors at 9pm, $2 domestics and $3 mixed drinks until 11. No cover, 21+.



-For those in Chicago, make it a night at Debonair Social Club (1575 N. Milwaukee Ave) Upstairs, the Dark Wave Disco crew have invited some special guests to join them at their weekly jawn. Chicago band Echonine will play, a few listens and it sounds like another great duo working in the ; they list Kraftwerk, Depeche Mode and Giorgio Moroder as influences, so yeah, you should check them out tonight. Eddie Riot will also perform his electronic



Downstairs, wow, I just love this one. That's right, it's a Festivus party for the rest of us, as DJs Tim Baker, Madrid and Andrew DeGarmo will spin music while you can air your grievances, show your feats of strength and stand around the pole. I mean, seriously, it's a Festivus party! What more could you ask for?



-Late addition here, but since this is a weekly, file it away for future fun too. It's the All You Can Eat party in Oklahoma City at Sidecar (50th and Classen), where DJs Rad and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang will spin electro punk rap dance new wave from 10-2. Oklahoma City, big things goin' on there, for real.



-I wasn't sure if I would put this one, as someone who has kept kosher for a few years. But, instead, I decided to see That's So Not Kosher! as a chance to heal the rift between religions. Or as a rad party with some great LA DJs. Whatever. Crystal Leigh, Jeff Duke and Adam Frankel are bringing you this Xmas rager at Seven (7929 Santa Monica Blvd) DJs Cst, Keith 2.0 and DJ [n] will bring the tunes, I'm guessing not much Bing Crosby stuff, but you never know. RSVP to jeffdukelovesyou@gmail.com for free admission, 21+.

Shantel - Disko Partizani

Shantel, "Disko Partizani" (YSI link)

Shantel, "Sota" (YSI link)

We started taking a look at the Balkan beats scene last week, let's continue with the biggest release in 2007, Shantel's Disko Partizani. Shantel has been the man most responsible for bringing Balkan music into the clubs, bringing his dub and house influences to bear on the exuberant gypsy tunes. We've covered his Bukovina Club project already, a great introduction to the entire scene that blends the old and the new so well for the clubs of today.

Disko Partizani is Shantel's first LP in 7 years, For this LP, he has decided to eschew the electronic sounds and manipulations of his more recent work and create his music with a full, live band. There's a ton of people guesting on it, a nice who's who of the rising generation of Balkan, Middle Eastern and Southeast European musicians. It's a really great album, although it doesn't quite live up to its claims as a new form of urban music. To my ears, it sounds like a great example of the exuberant, horn-led music that the Balkans seem to specialize in. There isn't a whole lot of electronic sounds or beats on this one, but there is a greater reliance on lyrics which gives it a more pop feel. "Disko Partizani" is a great example of this, with its lyrics sung in English mixed with the sounds of an accordion and bouncy brass band to create something good. "Sota" is my favorite, featuring great vocals by Vesna Petkovic over a burping tuba, guitars and percussion; once the lyrics stop, a furious wedding song with raging horns, claps and complete abandon. So much packed into a little more than 3 minutes, awesome.

I'd recommend this album for anyone who has been interested in the gypsy dance stuff we've posted over the year or fans of Gogol Bordello. It's a nice intro to the more traditional brass sounds, but with a more melodic, pop base than you will find in that stuff. Buy a copy and let us know what you think.

Hoagie Town USA BK, Next Level PHILA, Robotic Wednesdays OKC and more

Okay, I just got back from Philly a few minutes ago and am about to head out to dinner with JH-B, but I couldn't help myself. I mean, is there a more perfect confluence than me returning to Williamsburg tonight, the same night that Philly's Steven Bloodbath comes here to throw a party in the same hood with the word hoagies in the party name? The answer is no, there is no more perfect union than that. So yeah, Bloodbath is teaming up with DJ Krames of Cobra Kai and the hardest working man in NYC for the Hoagie Town USA party at Royal Oak (594 Union Ave) This one should be super rad, lots of people, party music that you have heard before from genres such a rap, pop and dance. Best of all, there are going to be free hoagies and grinders from new sandwich shop Papa Lima. I can honestly say that there are few good sandwich shops in NYC in the non-deli category (holler if you can recommend something) Hosted by Nicky Neglige, no cover, 21+.

-If you are in the city, head to 205 Club (205 Chrystie) as you always should on Wednesday nights when the Taste NYC crew take over. Oh, I will simply say that if you haven't been before or go all of the time, tonight's party should be extra special. Early in the night, they are showing the entirety of R. Kelly's magnum opus, Trapped In The Closet. After that, there will be a special guest DJ set from a mega-famous guy who has no hair and owns a nearby vegan-y cafe. That person joins with DJ Equal upstairs for a great night in the city. RSVP to films@thetastecrew.com to see if you can still make the film screening at 11 or show up around 12:30 for the party. PS In Flagranti is spinning downstairs. Game over.




-If you can't see the movie, head over to Happy Ending (302 Broome St) for one of my favorite parties, Moonwalk. While my dude Rezound won't be there tonight, fellow resident DJ Cousin Cole will and he is joined by a nice list of guests, including the excellent Nick Hook from the band Men, Women and Children, Skinny Friedman of the Philadelphyinz and a duo called Sports who I am unfamiliar with. Open bar from 11-12, great DJs all night, great early or late or all-night stop. No cover, 21+.



-There's also Love Migraine at Sutra Lounge (16 First Avenue@1st St) Hosted by Amylulita, this one's dedicated to playing great dance music from around the world. DJ Richard and guests cover everything from the newest indielectro band to classic disco and new wave, check the flier for a sampling of what you might hear. Sounds pretty good, right? No cover, 21+, doors at 10 pm.



-Ahh, my favorite city, Philly, I already miss you. I miss you even more because I would love to be at tonight's Next Level party at The Barbary (951 Frankford Ave) This party features some of the city's best DJs - Shawn Ryan, Billy Werner and Mike Tee - who are involved in great parties like Hurrah!, Paradise and Robotique. A night of



-If you are in Center City, stop by Sal's (200 S. 12th St) to celebrate An Exploit Christmas. Guest DZA and residents Jenn Louie and Deann Dylema won't be spinning that shit that gets piped in ad nauseam at drugstores and whatnot. Not, they will give you their regular dose of techno, d'n'b and electro. This is a great weekly party, but I'd highly recommend this night in particular, as guest DZA is spinning a jackin' house set, i.e. what I would want for Christmas. No cover, 21+.



-Yeah, more Philly connections! Tonight, Philly's Designer Drugs is the special guest DJs at the Robotic Wednesday party at Electro Lounge (5929 N. May Ave) in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. They'll join with the Dance Robots, Dance crew who do this every week and should be plotting a takeover of both coasts in the new year I hope, for a sick night of twisted dance music. $3, 21+, doors at 10pm.



-Out in LA, it's Wednesday and time to Get Low. This weekly at Crash Mansion (1024 S. Grand Ave) features special guests Bip Jeffington and Eli Smith of So Sweet Records in the DJ booth, joining residents Luv Tek, Joaquin and Hyphy Crunk. RSVP at the going.com site for free entry before 11 and $5 entry the rest of the night, otherwise it's $10. 18+, doors at 10.



-Outside the city at the Detroit Bar (843 W. 19th St) in Costa Mesa, the Busywork X-Mas party goes down with a ton of cool guests. Dan Oh from Cinespace, Montreal's DJ Huggs

Coyote - Too Hard

Coyote, "Too Hard (original mix)" (YSI link)

Coyote, "Too Hard (Aeroplane remix)" (YSI link)

So yeah, it's been a rough day, week, month, year. I can't get beyond the past and I feel another end coming soon. As my bol Bobby Dylan said, "I haven't known peace and quiet for so long I don't remember what it's like." When it all starts to hit me right now, I turn to Coyote's "Too Hard." When I hear it, especially the Aeroplane remix, I'm transported away from all of this, from the concrete jungle, panic attacks and exes who break your heart with every email to the beaches of Ibiza at sunset and a balearic paradise. For about 7 minutes, the world truly seems like a better, more uplifting place and that is all I can ever ask for from music.

To be specific, this track and its remix bring disco-inflected deep house sound to the table. The original is built around a vocal that sounds like it's from a movie, where a guy says, "There's certain mistakes that I'd like to change, but I don't trip on it too hard." Ahh, even a life lesson can be found on this one! In between the vocal snippets, nice keys sit over a bed of synth sounds and percussion. It all unfolds at a slow and deliberate pace, mirroring the voice's decree to not trip out.

Honestly though, it's the remix that ranks as one of the best things I've heard in ages. It's like you died and went to synth heaven, as Aeroplane have layered different them to create a track that can only be described as blissful. Listen to it when you are feeling down, listen to it when you are feeling good, just listen and the world will be a better place.

No Big Deal NYC, 215 Magazine Launch PHILA, Dance LA, Control VanNuysCA

Okay, I'm gonna make this a short and concise one, as I had kinda a lame day. It's fitting that I would lead off then with a party called No Big Deal, as I am really trying to believe that phrase. In all honesty, this party is exactly what I need to break out of this funk, featuring some of my favorite NYC DJs, Lauren Flax and Finger On The Pulse, in my favorite hood (that I refuse to give up on!), the Lower East Side. Even better, it looks like we have a new spot, Saint Jeromes (155 Rivington), getting in on the dance party fun. Hosted by Waine a.k.a. Manchild and Conny Wakeup, there's free Svedka and Vitamin Water from 11 until its gone, I think that this is going to be a Tuesday night weekly, which only reinforces my belief that Tuesdays downtown are going to be the best night to go out in NYC in 2008. Yeah!

-Not too far away, it's the usual Happy Ending (302 Broome St) indie and dance paradise, as the two floors feature two great parties. Upstairs, it's DJ Bastard's Disco Down. He welcomes guest DJ Edward of I'm Going To Kill You, who will fit right in with the weekly indie, electro and post-punk menu. Hosted by Marika of Sparkle Nation, there's an open vodka bar here too from 11-12.



Downstairs, it's a Six Six Sick! Christmas, featuring LA's Pink Enemy, who I'm guessing are doing a DJ set and not playing live, and Brooklyn's DJ Kingdom, plus residents Mike Nouveau and Micprobes. If all you wanted for Christmas was a popular weekly party where you could hear everything from Daft Punk to Jigga to DJ Technics while hanging out with the young and fashionable, you should be very happy. Open bar from 11-12, hosted by the 66Sick Girls, 21+.



-Down in Philly, there's a new magazine in town and it's throwing a party to celebrate. Two.One.Five Magazine just released its first issue and they have put together a sick looking party to get their name out. King Britt, Steven Bloodbath, White Ts and White Belts and DJ Statik from the Ill Vibe Collective will all spin at Silk City (5th and Spring Garden) You need to RSVP ASAP to launch@twoonefivemagazine.com, the party is free, doors open at 11.

-A little further east, down in Fishtown, the Roots Radicals party goes down at The Barbary (941 Frankford Ave) DJs Lucky and Opal Rock are doing this one for those who like their rock and punk without irony. To that end, they've brought in special guests McRad to play their skate punk music live. This band features Chuck Treece, which means something even to my gay disco loving ass. Doors are at 7pm, band looks like it will go on around 8:30, perfect early part of the night. $6, $5 Guiness and shot specials, 21+.



-Switching coasts, it's time for another installment of the Dance Tuesdays at Arena (6655 Santa Monica Blvd) This one's serving as the birthday party for LA DJ and resident Paparazzi, which should make it extra special. The birthday boy is spinning in the main room, along with Royal Rumble and Sleazy v, while upstairs Bip Jeffington and Joaquin hold it down. Doors at 9:30, free before 10:30 with flier, 2 rooms, lots of room for people so get out, fill the place up and support the local scene.



-Outside the city in Van Nuys, a new party called Control is starting up with a bang. Resident DJs Ultra Tiger and DJ Jassson have brought in the Acid Girls to blow your minds and melt your faces tonight. I can't say for certainty what the name of the place is, but it appears to be at the Casa Corona. I can say for certain that the address is definitely 14540 Vanowen and it's next to the USA Donuts, so head there and let us know what the name of the building is. Oh, you'll also want to RSVP to controltuesdays@gmail.com, $5 before 10:30, $8 after, 18+, Red Slurpee will be in the house taking photos.

Burial Remixes

Bloc Party, "Where Is Home? (Burial remix)" (YSI link)

Jamie Woon, "Wayfaring Stranger (Burial remix)" (YSI link)

Blackdown, "Crackle Blues (Burial remix)" (YSI link)

I'm not quite ready to put Burial behind us, so I wanted to take a look at the man's remixes from the past year. There seems something almost wrong about having the mysterious Burial lend his talent to someone else's music, his own music seems like an obsession that requires every second and every ounce of his talent. In some ways, after listening to these remixes, there seems to be a little truth to this, as nothing comes close to his own originals.

The main draw here is the Bloc Party remix for "Where Is Home," his first major remix as far as I know. The original comes from A Weekend In The City, an album that has grown on me all year. Burial takes the original out of the arena and brings it to the late-night streets. Things start off with what sounds like a steady rainfall you would expect in an old noir film, you can almost feel the fog coming in as the song goes ahead. From there, Burial brings in the breakbeats and effects, plus a really nice piano fill that create a great new version of this song about dislocation, identity and belonging. There's an odd breakdown in the middle, a sort of extension of the song's first few seconds, it breaks up the momentum for me. But other than that, it's a nice remix, completely transforming the original and in many ways providing a more proper mood for the lyrics of this song.

In a similar vein, Jamie Woon's "Wayfaring Stranger" delves into similarly important topics. Fortunately, Burial has provided a remix that does away with the nearly acapella gospel sound of the original, unsettling things and providing a proper home for this wayfaring stranger. Interestingly, the vocals are untouched for the most part, a departure from Burial's originals. That's not a bad thing, as Woon has a beautiful voice. The drums are standard, it's all about the haunting reverb sound that sit a little back in the mix, or even the vinyl crackles buried deep down too. Finally, I threw in the Burial remix of Blackdown's "Crackle Blues," a rare foray into remixing a dubstepper. It's definitely a departure from the other, dominated by a hi-hat beat that sits front and center. It's everything that goes on around that center that make this my favorite of the lot. From the ghostly sorta-voices in the background to the deep, subterranean bass, this remix haunts your ears in a good way. He does all this at such a measured pace too, never rushing or forcing things, it creeps up on you in a way few songs do.

Like I said Friday, you need to get a copy of Burial's Untrue LP as soon as possible.

Traxmen & DJ Lil' Tal - Flava In Ya Ear

Traxmen & DJ Lil' Tal, "Trax 4 Da Women" (YSI link)

Traxmen & DJ Lil' Tal, "Don't Bite It" (YSI link)

I wasn't sure if this was the right choice to start the week. On the one hand, I can't think of a better way to kick off the weekdays than with a Dance Mania ghetto house classic. On the other hand, I don't want you to peak on Monday afternoon, unable to regain the euphoria and joy that you will soon feel when you download the above tracks. I decided to go with this Traxmen/DJ Lil' Tal post with the acknowledgment that I will need to step my game and provide a few more peaks this week.

These two tracks come from the Traxmen & DJ Lil' Tal Flava In Ya Ear EP, Dance Mania 083 for those who care about those things. It's another essential release from the Chicago label, a good example of the early 90s sound that they developed, which moved away from the earlier acid stuff. One listen to "Trax 4 Da Women" and your life is better. It's that simple. This is minimal house at its finest, a 909, vocals and attitude are more than enough to make me (and hopefully you) lose my shit. Traxmen and DJ Lil' Tal employ a sort of verse and chorus thing, where a few words find themselves being repeated at the end of a verse, like ride, shake and whip. Wait for the 2+ minute mark when the kick comes in, oh boy, so massive and orgasmic I don't want else to say. "Don't Bite It" is much busier, with more percussion, some keys and two different sampled vocals coming in to up the ante. I feel like this one would work better in the club setting, a little less experimental and more in line with the booty music we all know and love.

I'm going to be in transit today, heading back to Philadelphia to hang out with MR. That means no party post tonight, but lots more coming tomorrow before I head back home.

Blasthaus SF, Blow Up LA, Check Yo Ponytail LA, Flosstradamus CHI and more

Okay, the East Coast seems to be quiet(ish) tonight and the West Coast put up bulletins early and so the West takes it. East Coast bias what? Not hard to see why when you see the fliers for Blasthuas in San Fran, Blow Up and Check Yo Ponytail in LA. I'm gonna lead off with the Blasthaus 12th Anniversary party at Mighty (119 Utah St) featuring a DJ set by Tiefschwarz, the legendary German techno duo. I lied a week or so ago and said that their set in Brooklyn was their only US appearance. This is my penance for that misinformation, fyi. Anyway, the Blackmusik ones are being joined in the main room by Nikola Baytala, Blasthaus resident along with Kontrol, End Up and Bionic. Oh, but that's not all, there's also an Electro/Booty Lounge (which incidentally the name of my future bottle service Meatpacking club, keep an eye out) which features the best local DJs - Lights Down Low's Sleazemore and Rchrd Oh?!, Swayzee from Versus and Shane King of At Large. Presented by Blasthaus and XLR8R, this should be an amazing night. $20, 21+, doors at 10, party til 4 am. Yeah yeah yeah!

-For those looking for something cheaper and more intimate, can't go wrong with Frisco Disco at The Transfer (198 Church St) Tonight's edition is a battle between two of the city's finest DJs, Richie Panic and Vin Sol, a struggle to see who will walk away with the Golden Technics. The only thing certain is that this will be a crazy, fun party and that you will dance to a great mix of indielectro, pop, mash-ups, rap, party bangers, etc. Doors at 10pm, $3, 21+.



-Wow, really tough choice in LA tonight, as two of the best parties go head to head. They both feature The Black Ghosts and NYC favorites (Curses, Japanther) and great local DJs. I flipped a coin to decide which came first, it might be the best choice for you too. Anne Lee and Shadowscene have outdone themselves for their Blow Up LA Holiday Party, amazing line-up. Curses! of Institubes and Drop The Lime fame is back in the city, ready to tear up another dancefloor with heavy bass, Simon of The Black Ghosts will spin and do a mini-live set, you're not gonna want to miss him. There's also Jefrodisiac of Frisco Disco and LA's own Nytel of Gangs of Neon, DJ [N] of Moscow and Le Disko and Billy Noorlag of Club Genre. The coolest part is that this is at a new location, a loft/warehouse space (2079 E. 15th @ Santa Fe, Section C) that sounds rad. Email BlowUp@PrinceHouseRecords.com to get on the list for $5 entry before 11, otherwise it's $10. $2 vodka monsters from 10-11, cash bar all night, 21+, party goes til 4 am.



-Not to be outdone, Check Yo Ponytail looks just as good. IHeartComix, Viva La Rock and XLR8R have brought it in a crazy, electic line-up for your enjoyment tonight at The Echoplex (1154 Glendale Blvd). Noisy, punk duo and Brooklyn institution Japanther play live, the Kleavage Tour with Klever and Tittsworth makes a stop too guaranteeing crazy turntable skills and a party-rocking set, plus a live show by local band Ima Gymnist, who have a lo-fi punk thing going that should fit well with Japanther. Plus, residents Franki Chan and Paparazzi will spin at some point too, photos by Red Slurpee, something for everyone music-wise, all this for only $12. Doors at 9pm, 18+.



-Okay, this one would have been in the running for party of the night if I had seen it first time through. I mean, are you kidding me? A cat saying "Disco fever. I has it." I have disco fever too and I love cats. So, kudos to Minnespolis' Too Much Love party for making my day with this one. TML's Soviet Panda, Jonathan Ackerman and Scott Butters will make your night with their dance party at First Avenue (701 First Avenue N), honestly what everyone needs now is a great night of disco and some house and techno, some electro and new rave stuff, but most of all, disco. $3, free with college ID, 18+. Thanks again to whoever made this flier, put a smile on my face. This post, as all posts are, is dedicated to Jezebel, gone but never forgotten.



-If you survived last night Philly, you need to head to The Barbary (Frankford & Delaware Aves) to check out The Bounce party, Emynd and Bo Bliz's monthly jawn. The White Ts and White Belts duo have been kicking it into high gear lately, I know that they have a big White Ts coming up, get on the bandwagon now if you aren't already. Presented by great local stores WTHN and Exit Skateshop, going down at John Redden's amazing new club, just a great Philly night. $5, 21+, 10-2am, awesome flier btw.



-Finally, I was going to write and mention that NYC seems devoid of things tonight. But, then, I saw this flier and was so happy, as you only need one good thing and the U.N.I.T.Y. All 90s Dance Party is that one good thing tonight. Lauren Flax and Le Tigre's JD Samson have turned this one quickly into a must-attend bi-weekly at Hugs (108 N. 6th St), an entire party dedicated to that decade of innocence and joy, before you realized that adulthood sucks and drinking legally is overrated. Tonight, E-Frank is the special guest, no cover, 21+.



-Nearby at Studio B (259 Banker St), you can finally go there and do something good for other people for once, as the Joy 2007 party goes down all night. There's literally too many people involved in this to name them all, so let me just pick a few highlights. DJ Craze of Miami Bass Sessions, DB and Jason Jinx from the old NASA jungle throwdown and Nigel Richards, legendary Philly DJ from 611 Records, plus Lauren Flax are all reasons to get your ass to Greenpoint. Hosted by Good People, Flawless Media, Married To The Mob, Rob Rewind, Beautiful Decay and Takeover Theory, newyorkfuckincity has put this one on to benefit the annual Joy holiday food drive put on by City Harvest here in New York City. For over a decade, this benefit has raised 30,000 tons of food that have helped thousands of homeless enjoy a meal during the holidays. In other words, this is a great and important thing and deserves everyone's support. There's even a raffle tonight, where you can win all sorts of cool shit from various streetwear labels, as long as you bring 3 or more cans and donate $5.

DFA Holiday Party BK, Hidden Circus BK, Making Time PHILA, Lights Down Low SF and much more

So yeah, light at the end of the tunnel meet DFA Holiday party. I mean, this is such perfect timing, I don't know what to say. One of the best parties I've been to in NYC was last year's DFA holiday jawn, three apartments and many panic attacks ago, it's kinda hard to believe that I've made it around to another one. The DFA label has had the complete opposite year as me, completely owning 2007, turning into a dance juggernaut. LCD Soundsystem, Holy Ghost!, Hercules and Love Affair, Death From Abroad, 45:33, like whoa. Come to Studio B (259 Banker St) tonight and celebrate your year, their year, the new year coming up, whatever, just get there. DJing tonight are James Murphy & Pat Mahoney from the recent Fabric mix, Juan Maclean, Tim & Tim (Tim Sweeney & Tim Goldsworthy) and Shit Robot. $10 admission at the door, open vodka bar from 11-12, doors at 10 pm. Disco will save your life, people.

-Hit up Hugs (108 N. 6th St) before or after Studio B for a Williamsburg night, especially for those who want their music on the dark side. In other words, it's time for the Leatherete monthly dance party with Carrie White[noise[ of Machine Punk, Even Further's Vida, Nayra of Drawn and Quarted and .dZGRa of Rebel Rebel & Diabolik. This one is really worth a look and support, nice to see something new pop up that's tackling a whole different spectrum of dance music that's not the new electro stuff. I love it as much as the next person, but there's so much more out there. No cover, 21+, my favorite new spot, yeah!



-I normally split it up Brooklyn and Manhattan, but let's face it, south and north Brooklyn are as seperate as it gets. Splitting our borough up also gives me a chance to hype this rad party being put on by the good folks of the Taste NYC, Ishlab Music and The Real Live Show called The Hidden Circus. They're throwing a carnivalesque party in DUMBO tonight featuring DJs , bands, burlesque and surprises. DJs Equal, Stimulus, Dhundee and Jamin will spin, The Seducing Lamazing, Emanuel the Great and Betty Black as P.O.P. will perform, you will dance and have fun. Free Heineken from 10-12



-Holy shit, Park Slope stand up! The Good Foot party returns to Royale (12th St. & 5th Ave) with Cousin Cole, Morsy and Jess Jubilee spinning for your dancing pleasure. Nice to see something happening down that way, feel like it might be an untapped area waiting for something rad. Brownstones, baby strollers and bass, maybe? Support this party and it could come true. Nice, small dancefloor that'll be packed, good music, get there early and stop by Suki Sushi (18th St & 5th Ave), best I've had ever, no joke. RSVP@nanachill.com, no cover, 21+, shout out to JH-B since she lives here and it may be awhile before I list another PKSLPE party.



-Not often you get to hear legends in the Meatpacking District, so don't sleep on the Top Billin' party tonight at Lotus (419 W. 14th St) with Junior Sanchez and Cosmo Baker spinning. Expect a night of classic house, hiphouse, OG rap, soul, funk, I mean, don't even think about it, just trust these two. RSVP to topbillinrsvp@mac.com to get on the $10 reduced list, ladies free until 11 on the list. Not on the list, you're probably not gonna want to pay the money, so RSVP! Hosted by my man Project Matt, Nelch, Scott of PegLegNYC, Yossi C and a ton of other good people, 21+, doors at 11 pm.



-A few avenues away in the West Village, the Robot Rock weekly goes for the second time at the brand new Le Royale (21 7th Ave South @ Leroy) and they aren't slipping on the special guest from, as Peter from Peter, Bjorn and John is the special guest DJ tonight. He joins with Dimitry!!! and Alex English for a night of indie dance and dance tunes, with Marc-Alan Grey providing a similar vibe in the lounge. Presented by GBH and Cheeky Bastard, you know how great their Thursday night Hiro jawn is, so trust that this one will cover your next night too. RSVP to list@gbh.tv for free admission, 21+, doors at 11pm.




-For something downtown and a little more laid-back, head to Lolita (266 Broome St) for the Vibrate monthly party, where DJ Chris Alker is spinning indie dance and rock music all night at the bar. Drink specials all night, should be devoid of the typical LES weekend crowd, great music, check it out, 2nd Friday of every month.



-Whoa, another crazy night in Philly with some serious decision to be made. I will give you the options, but I cannot make the decision for you. First, it's Making Time at Pure (1221 St. James St), the raddest party in America. It's not just any ordinary Making Time, though, it's Making Time with fucking Boys Noize! I mean, dude has owned 2007 as well with a nasty, dark electro tunes, listen to Busy P or any of the Ed Banger guys spin and you will hear Boys Noize tunes galore. There's also the regulars - Dave P, Mike Z and Dave Pak in the main room, Rock Tits in the basement with the dirty rock and soul, Pink Skull, Adam Sparkles and Broadzilla in the mezzanine melting your face with rave-appropriate tunes. Huge crowd, three floors, free PBR and Sparks from 10-11. $10, 21+, nitemusic.



-Down by South Street, SimpleFly, Bombpop and Scion have brought Diplo back to Philly for a sick party. He's joined by Blaqstarr from Diplo's Mad Decent label, plus there's Dirty South Joe and DJ Sega, expect a huge night of rap, dancehall, Bmore, bass at Fluid (613 S. 4th St) To take it to the next level, RSVP here and it's free all night.



-If you are looking for a tie-breaker, I would not sleep on the Robotique party at Medusa (21st and Chestnut Sts). Billy W and Mike T do this monthly party dedicated to disco and house music, the classic, amazing stuff that Pound for Pound posts and listens to more and more with each passings. Great DJs, they will be giving out a special double mixed CD for free, goodie bags, holiday cheer. But, seriously, go for the music, it will save your life. No cover, 21+,



-No matter what your choice, head right now and check out the opening reception for a new record store/vintage store in South Philly called Sweet Jane (1742 E. Passyunk) The store is the work of Mike Trombley and Jen Zimmerman, so rad to see cool shit like this popping up. There will be free drinks, plus songs spun by Shawn Ryan, Billy W, Apt One and Kyle [M], good way to get the night started. If you can't make it tonight, stop in soon and cop some sick vinyl, can't wait to come down and grab some stuff myself. Yeah! Philly, I love you!



-Okay, enough East Coast, Schmeast Coast. Everyone in Oklahoma City should head to Mixology (3165 S. Campbell) tonight for the Black Box Revue party. John Bourke of Trash Yourself and Dance Robot, Dance fame will spin. Best of all, it's a benefit for Toys for Tots, so your drunkenness and debauchery can actually be for a good cause for once. No cover, 21+.



-I feel like I could also have used the phrase Lights Down Low at the end of the tunnel as well to denote goodness on the horizon. Well, it ain't the horizon no more, as it's Friday night and the Lights Down Low party is taking over the 222 Club (222 Hyde @ Turk). Resident DJs Sleazemore and Rchrd Oh?! are joined by ATL's Treasure Fingers, who is not to be missed. Dude has done some of the hottest remixes lately, dancefloor madness guaranteed tonight. There's also a guest DJ set by Seraphim Delush, returning to San Fran, and Jenny Young, photos by Parker Day, presented by Big Stereo and Fernet Branca. I don't know the cover cost, can't find it anywhere, but I feel like past ones have been about $5, 21+.



-LATE UPDATE: LA, I was wondering what was going down out there. Modular Winter Social is going down! This one should be super rad, as LA Riots are headlining in their hometown and may actually start a riot with a massive indielectrodance set. You also get Publicist, i.e. Seb from Trans Am's band, in their first LA live show, plus Anavan live, DJ sets from Royal Rumble and Modular's own DJ Daisy O. Plus photos by the OG himself, Cobrasnake! Get to the Echoplex (1154 Glendale Blvd) to enjoy all of this, but make sure to RSVP here first to get on the $7 reduced list. $10 otherwise, 21+

-Outside the city, in Santa Ana, the Mute party goes down at Proof Bar (215 N. Broadway) as it does each and every Friday. Resident DJs Legit and Ben N. bring you the nastiest dance rock and trashiest of disco, the perfect Friday night soundtrack. No cover, 21+, doors at 9pm.



-Oooh, always want to do a better job listing things north of the border, here's a pretty good starting point. The Random Land party at Circa (126 John St.) in Toronto should be massive, esp in the main room where Arthur Baker is the headlining DJ. Arthur Baker, Torontoans! One of the patron saints of Pound for Pound! That's not all though, as there's also NYC's Eli Escobar, Fistfight, Dougie Boom and Syntonic DJs spinning, plus Woodhands live. There's two other rooms with lots more DJs, hosted by Top Shelf Motherfucker. $15 before 1am, $20 after, things go from 10-4am. Late Update: Lupe Fiasco will go on in the main room at 11:30 pm, believe it's a live performance. Bonus!

Burial - Untrue

Burial, "Archangel" (YSI link)

Burial, "Untrue" (YSI link)

I'm about to embark on one of the biggest/scariest moments of my life, it's raining and miserable and I'm physically and mentally exhausted [ed. note: I wrote most of this yesterday when it was raining and I was embarking on said moment]. I can't think of a better time to jump back into dubstep by taking a look at its most acclaimed artist, Burial? Actually, I probably should be doing a post on love songs or brainless sugar pop tunes, but whatever.

Burial's Untrue is his second LP on Hyperdub and an immediate contender for album of the year. It's a really stunning achievement, picking up the corpse of trip-hop & UK Garage and lacing with huge subbass, skittering rhythms and detached, smeared soul/R&B vocals. It's those vocals that leave the most lasting impression, disembodied sounds longing, searching, hoping to connect but failing repeatedly. Check the sampled, robotic voices on "Archangel," which seem to be conversing. One asks "If I trust you" repeatedly to no answer, which fits the dark, unfulfilled nature of the music. Burial also adds these haunting effects deep in the mix, whether the crackling, rain-like ones on "Untrue" or the creepy wind sounds on "Archangel," that only add to the dark, sinister mood. All in all, the album is more focused than the excellent, self-titled debut, perhaps a reflection of Burial's confidence in his sound, avoiding more standard dubstep songs here.

I referenced dubstep and the album has come out on its premier label, but it's not a place to start with that genre. In fact, this album really seems to have as much in common with Massive Attack as it does with Skream, which isn't a bad thing. The pacing is different, the bass isn't as massive, a bit more melancholic and neurotic. I don't have as much knowledge of UK Garage, but what I have heard makes me think that that may be the biggest influence. The breakbeats and r&b vocals, however, are mutated by Burial's reverb and pitch-shifting, as he plays with time like its cotton candy. Creepy cotton candy, though, not the girl-y pink shit. Some have referred to it as futuristic soul, or Massive Attack for 2020, give it a listen and see what you come up with.

I can't recommend this one more highly, one of the best albums of the year from what I can remember. Like The Knife last year, this album heads into the darkness with various genres and comes out with a classic, although not in the dancefloor sense. This is for those late-night subway rides or nights in your room with the headphones in, when it's dark and things seem a little unsure. Buy your copy now, no hesitation. Check this cool interview with Burial conducted by Kode9, plus this excellent review by Phillip Sherburne for Pitchfork (okay, he's a way better reviewer than me, get over yourselves!)

Claude VonStroke - The Beats of San Fran Disco

Mixmag Presents Claude VonStroke's The Beats Of San Fran Disco mix (YSI link)

It's been a really big day in Pound for Pound world. After a really rough go of it for the past month or so, I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel and I really feel upbeat. We're not there yet, but we're on the way, ya feel me? Sorry for the lack of posting today, but I think that you will see a noticeable upswing in the next few weeks, along with (hopefully) some new developments with this site.

Anyway, to celebrate, I wanted to put up this phenomenal mix from one of the artists who made 2007 such a big year, Claude VonStroke. It's called The Beats of San Fran Disco and it came out as a Mixmag bonus with their April 2007 issue. VonStroke and Dirtybird's Thursday night monthly here in New York City at APT has been one of the best parties I've been to since it kicked off during the summer and I've been trying to simulate what a set from the various Dirtybird DJs sounds like this, but hadn't come close. Then, I found this CD recently while looking for something, threw it on and found exactly what I had been looking. It's a 50 minute mix that takes you through the tech-house world of warbling, undulating bass and jackin' rhythms. Awesome stuff, in other words, give it a listen this weekend and celebrate the light at the end of the tunnel. Yeah!

High Voltage NYC, 10 Deep Holiday Sweat Out NYC, Popped Pre-Festival PHILA, Crescendolls PHILA, Get Low LA, Modular/Big Stereo XMas Party and more

Wow, so much going on tonight, it's a little overwhelming. I'm going to lead off with an old favorite, the High Voltage party at The Annex (152 Orchard St) This is the final one for the year, your final chance to hang with Dimitry!!! and crew and be young and drink free vodka and get way too drunk on said vodka and dance and enjoy the final night of Hanukkah. Dimitry and Prince Terrence are joined by DJ Krames of Cobra Kai, should be a night of serious party music from cheesy pop to Bmore to rap bangers to g-d knows what else. RSVP to the going.com site, no cover, open Zygo vodka bar from 11 until it's all gone, support one of the best weeklies and one of the best dudes in all of the city so nice they named it twice.

-Serious downtown night ahead, Fool's Gold and 10 Deep Clothing are teaming up for The Holiday Sweat Out. It's a full-on label night, as A-Trak, Catchdubs and Pase Rock will spin, hosted by Kid Sister and special appearance by Kid Cudi. Open bar from 10-11, no cover, get there early to make sure you get in. It all happens at Element (225 E. Houston St), a big space with a big dancefloor. A few quick flier comments, love the dreydl and gold bar figure, but what's up with the pound for pound reference? Don't make me contact my lawyers!



-Urb Magazine is throwing its Holiday Extravaganza at Club 205 (205 Chrystie) tonight. They're joining forces with the Taste Crew who normally hold it down on Wednesdays at 205. ADJ from Brazilian Girls is the headliner, as this party is also the official afterparty for the Brazilian Girls Terminal 5 show. The main draw should be Justin Carter and DJ Probus, the duo who do the Easy Lover monthly at APT, I dare you to not dance during their sets. Double dare, in fact. DJ Equal of the Taste Crew will also spin, not sure if this is both upstairs and downstairs or what. RSVP to 205@thetastecrew.com, this should be a great night



-Another club, another magazine sponsored party. This one involves ChiefMag.com and Happy Ending (302 Broome St), as they present the Ninjasonik Mix Tape 2 Release Party. This is normally the bi-weekly party with Morsy, Reverend McFly and Teenwolf, rest assured those guys will be involved. I'm a big fan of this party too, always a good crowd and people enjoying themselves. No cover, 2 for 1 drinks specials from 11-12, 21+.



-Just to prove how much we've turned the page and done away with the past, another party at the Delancey (168 Delancey Ave). The Ill Pro Hibited goes down there tonight, everyone looking for more rap and reggae should definitely, especially to hear Queen Majesty spin. She's one of the best, a part of the Deadly Dragon Sound System and as good as it gets when it comes to reggae/dancehall DJs. DJs Ill P, Teddy King and Will Star will also spin, hosted by Mister Never. RSVP@illprohibited.com, open bar from 10-11, 21+.



-Super rad night in Philly as well, as the Popped Festival does a holiday party at Johnny Brenda's (1201 Frankford Ave). Flying V Productions has brought in two amazing bands, Philly's own Pink Skull and We Are Wolves. Plus, the Popped DJs will spin all night, $10, doors at 9 pm, 21+. Gorgeous flier as always from the Flying V people, yeah!



-Head over later to The Barbary (941 Frankford Ave) where the Crescendolls party returns for one night only. JHN RDN, Ian St.Laurent and Gregg Foreman get together to melt your faces with raging electro and dirty rock music. No cover, $1 PBRs until 11, all at your new favorite venue. Yeah! Such a fun night, Philly, make it happen in Fishtown!



-Now, let's make a stop in the middle of the country before we head West. It's Robotic Wednesdays in Oklahoma City with the Dance Robots, Dance DJs, they take over the Electro Lounge (5929 N. May Ave) for a night of the best robot rock, electro house, any two word dance music you can think of. Doors at 9 pm, goes until 2 am, 21+. I must mention the fact that you need to bring CASH $ to this one, as the phones are down and credit cards are not being accepted.



-In Kansas City, Missori, the Tactic guys are doing their Wednesday night weekly at NARA (1617 Main), expect lots of disco, house, electro, funk, a really nice way to get through the middle of the week with good DJs spinning good music, while you enjoy the drink and food specials (what's a reverse happy hour? anyone?) No cover, 21+, doors at 9:30.



-Whoa, it's a big night in LA too. First, make sure to check out the Get Low party at Crash Mansion (1024 S. Grand Ave), which showcases so many of the talented young bloods out there in Los Angeles each and every Wednesday. I really like their emphasis on building the local scene and supporting DJs, bands, artists and designers from the community. Tonight, you get a special performance from the totally rad local band Villains, although the guys are just DJing as far as I know. The other guest DJ, Buliamiatron, is debuting a new Ocelot remix, plus there's the resident DJs Luv Tek, Hyphy Crunk and Joaquin. RSVP at the going.com site and get in for free until 10:30 if you are 18+, 11 pm if you are 21+, $5 for 18+ until 11, then $1o after that.



-You'll also want to head to Awesometown at The Short Stop (1455 Sunset Blvd) for Anne Lee and Shadowscene's party. Population in Awesometown tonight: DJs Cosmic Kids, Ben Lashes, Lauren Rocket and Scarlett Casanova, hostess Anne Lee, photog Shadowscene and you! Let's get a census count of a couple hundred tonight, LA! Dope dance-y party music and $3 Dewar's all night, funny how well those two go together. No cover, doors at 10, goes til 2am, 21+.



-Last but not least, Modular Records and Big Stereo get together to put on The Winter of Our Discotheque tonight at the 1015 Folsom Nightclub (1015 Folsom) I mean, as if the name of the party wasn't enough (and it is), they've brought in Publicist (Seb from Trans Am) for his first US show, plus the rad C.L.A.W.S. from Tigerbeat6 and the best local DJs - Omar from Popscene, Rchrd Oh?! of Big Stereo and Sleazemore from Lights Down Low. Seriously, what are you waiting for? RSVP now to get in for $5, otherwise it's $10 at the door, doors at 9pm. This

Battles - Tonto +

Battles, "Tonto (The Field remix)" (YSI link)

Battles, "Tonto (Four Tet remix)" (YSI link)

The end of the year is nearly upon us and I have a feeling that the Battles LP, Mirrored, will make on a few end of the year releases. Perhaps to keep them in the mind of the blogosphere's voters, they recently released the Tonto + EP with some remixes, live songs and a DVD.

Not surprisingly, the band chose interesting remixers for their song "Tonto," eschewing the typical new-electro guys like MSTRKRFT for two artists that seem more comfortable with the experimental side of things. The Field is another of 2007's biggest names, responsible for one of the biggest techno LPs of the year on Kompakt. Here, he delivers a glitchy remix of the original, taking out the guitar picking, adding a bass drum and stuttering, noisy, swirling synths. The repetitive sound actually slowly moves, great stuff. The Four Tet remix sticks a lot closer to the original (the guitars and weird vocals are back!) Four Tet, a.k.a. Kieran Hebden, adds a rumbling bass to the mix, some bubbling, space-y effects and a generally more consistent sound and pacing. I feel like this one is a good way into Battles music for those coming from the electronic/dance side of things.

Grab a copy of this EP/DVD at Turntable Lab, but I'd recommend buying the LP first and digging into the band's post-rock/jam band-y music, as it's well-worth the time and money. Will it end on the Pound for Pound end-of-year list? Actually, that's a really great question, imaginary reader. I have no idea what that list is gonna look like.

Suji's Basement NYC, Hold YR Horses SF, dANCE at Arena LA and more

Okay, this one is short and sweet, as I'm off to a Hanukkah party hosted by the the Divine Miss TE. If there was a flier for it, it would be top choice. There isn't, so y'all will just have to have jealous boots that I am going to be eating many delicious latkes in less than an hour. Yeah! Sadly, tonight is the final Suji's Basement party at APT (419 W. 13th St), as the weekly calls it quits. Thankfully, Sujinho has decided to go out with a bang, as he's invited one of NYC's best DJs, Stretch Armstrong, to help send it off. Blu Jemz and Marc-Alan Grey will also help everyone say goodbye, lots of rap, baile funk, Bmore club, electro, nothing but the best. No cover, 21+, doors at 10 pm. Look forward to seeing what's next for Sujinho, sure it will be good.

-New York, it's Tuesday, therefore it's 205 Tuesdays with Justin Miller and Jacques Renault. They had one of their biggest editions of the year last week when James Murphy came through and delivered a massive set. No let-up on the special guest front, as the guys have Heidi of Get Physical taking a turn on the decks, should be a sick night of house music. Even cooler, the upstairs looks like it will be worth a look too, as Shy Child will spin all night up there. The electro rock duo is only DJing, but it should still be interesting, a good respite from the hot basement. No cover, 11pm, 21+.



-You can also make a stop at Happy Ending (302 Broome St) for its two-floor indie paradise. Upstairs, it's Disco Down, where DJ Bastard of NC-17 and special guest DJ Edward of I'm Going To Kill You spin rock music that doesn't suck, like post-punk, no wave and new wave. Hosted by Marika of Sparkle Nation, open vodka bar from 11-12, no cover, 21+.



-Downstairs, it's Six Six Sick! with Micprobes and Mike Nouveau. They're bringing in Kid Indie of Mischief and Trouble, expect anything from ghetto house to 80s slow jams, most of all expect a packed house as this one gets crowded. Another open bar from 11-12, ideal start to your night downtown.



-Girls Rule Boys Drool? If only you knew my exes (cue the laugh track). Anyway, this party from Scotty Ack and Diamond Girl is a nice option every Tuesday at Sal's (200 S. 12th), two of those up and coming Philly DJs I've been mentioning. New drink specials go into effect tonight, $2 domestic beers and $3 martinis and mixed drinks from 9-11, crazy deal there. You also get lots of great new dance music and a chance to tell everyone that Tuesdays are the new Thursdays. No cover, 21+.



-In San Fran, Rchrd Oh?! of BigStereo.net and all of the raddest parties, hosts and DJs the final Hold Yr Horses of the year tonight at Aunt Charlie's (133 Turk@Taylor) All of your favorite dance-y tracks, cool spot, good DJ, a great night to go out and avoid the weekend warriors. $3, 10-2am, 21+.



-Finally, it's time to dANCE Los Angeles, as the weekly party takes over Arena (6655 Santa Monica Blvd) tonight. I have a feeling that I will say this a lot, but this line-up looks extra killer this week. Any time Le Castle Vania is headlining, I'll probably say that. He's joined tonight in the main room by fellow Atlantan and Fuck Yesss resident DJ Treasure Fingers, plus LA's Paparazzi. In the upstairs, it's Bip Jeffington and Joaquin. Atlanta vs. LA. South vs. West. A battle for electrorockdisco respect. 2 floors, 2 bars, free parking, doors at 9:30, free before 10:30 with a flier that you can printout here.

More Surkin Remixes

Paul Johnson, "Hot (Surkin remix)" (YSI link)

Justine Electra, "Killalady (Surkin remix)" (YSI link)

I wanted to put up one last post for Surkin as the year comes to an end, as he's had a huge 2007. I had to put up this remix of a Paul Johnson track, as it perfectly encapsulates some of Pound for Pound's main interests: Paris electro remixing a Chicago house legend. Johnson is a stone-cold legend, from his early releases on Dance Mania to his classic albums on Peacefrog to his remixes of people like Green Velvet and Joey Beltram, dude has had a hand in the development of house music for more than a decade. Anyway, really rad to see Surkin given a chance to remix "Hot," since he has always seemed like one of the Paris wave most in tune to the booty past. The remix is good, not his best by any means. This one took a few listens for me to get into, it has sort of a twisted jackin' sound that isn't immediate.

I actually much more prefer his remix of Justine Electra's "Killalady" from her 2006 album, Soft Rock. This may be one of the best I've heard from the boy wonder, a raging-yet melodic electrotech track that works from the first laser synth sounds. Surkin sounds much more forceful on this one, with the sharp drums, claps and bass. Love the breakdown about a minute and 45 seconds in, where the song sounds like it battery quickly dies, then bang! Sonic assault. As I've said, you need to cop the guy's entire catalogue, Turntable Lab seems to be a great source for it. Or check the Arcade Mode store for the non-US people. I really can't wait to see what 2008 holds for the young man.

Shantel - Bucovina Club

Goran Bregovic, "Wedding Cocek" (YSI link)

Kocani Orkestar, "Siki, Siki Baba" (YSI link)

Shantel feat. Boban Marcovic Orkestar, "Disko" (YSI link)

This one seems like the obvious follow-up to our Hanukkah post, as I've been meaning to dig a little deeper into the whole gypsy beats scene that has formed over the past 5 years in Europe and the States. Shantel has been at the forefront of this blending of Balkan, Eastern European and Jewish music with more modern sounds like dub, house and punk. His Bucovina Club compilations were my first recorded taste of what was happening, I've discussed Volume 2 before, so let's take a look at Volume 1.

Interestingly, this one is as much an intro to the music of Central and Eastern Europe as it is of the new generation updating the music in Western Europe and America. While you get tracks from Gogol Bordello and Shantel, you also get songs from legendary gypsy band Taraf de Haidouks and jazzman Goran Bregovic. This mix of the traditional with the new is what makes it such a great compilation, allows you to test the waters on both sides and see which one seems more fruitful for further exploration. I tend to enjoy the traditional stuff more, with its raucous horn sections and furious pace. I wasn't always able to tell which song was the product of the traditional Balkan bands or the modern producers, except on a few of the more self-consciously produced ones, like The Rootsman's reggae-ish "La Travudia." My favorite track is the one that brings Shantel together with Boban Markovic's Orkestar for a

I'd highly recommend picking up a copy of this one, it's a nice intro to the music of the Balkans and Eastern Europe. Shantel did a nice job compiling this one, mixing the traditional with the modern, showing just how close the two are. We're gonna do a little more on this stuff this week, having fun with it, hope you are too.

Still Fucking Awesome LA, Club Genre LA and Hollerday NYC

Super quick post here, will have music up later tonight finally. I had to post this one up, as Still Fucking Awesome is one of the awesomest parties out there and tonight they are taking it up a notch with a live show by The Black Ghosts. We've discussed them a few times here, big fan of their electro rock stylings, feel like this might be one of the first US appearances for them. Add in DJ Orgasmic from Paris, Treasure Fingers From Atlantaresidents Franki Chan and Har Mar Superstar and you've easily over your case of the Mondays. It happens every Monday at the Beauty Bar (1638 Cahuenga Blvd), no cover, free Sparks from 10-11, photos by Red Slurpee, 21+.

-There's also Club Genre at Cinespace (6356 Hollywood Blvd) with an assortment of the best young DJs - Paparazzi, Sleazy V, Luv Tek, S!n, Billy Noorlag and Zendo - giving you a healthy dosage of indie dance to help get you through another week.



-Finally, back on the other coast, Roxy Cottontail continues to do actual good things like charity work.

Socket PHILA, Plus+ Sundays LA and more

Okay, normally we don't do Sunday night posts, but I figured that I would make an exception since we're on a bit of a roll right now and there's some rad things going on. I'm breaking a few rules tonight, first off by leading off with a party that doesn't have a flier. But, when it come to the Socket party in Philadelphia, rules were meant to be broken. When the legendary Sunday night weekly came to an end back at Silk City a few years, it was as if the drunk, debauched heart of Philly was rip out. Well, I'm happy to say that the opening of The Barbary (951 Frankford Ave) means the return of John Redden and Danielle Redden's party, back where it belongs in its Sunday night slot. To make things even radder, they've invited Brooklyn's Finger On The Pulse DJs to take it to the next level. Indie, electro, rock, same as it ever was. No cover, doors at 10pm, 21+. Yeah yeah yeah!

-I'm also gonna break my no parties at The Delancey (168 Delancey St) rule this one time, as the references to synthpop, electro, electroclash, industrial, EBM and darkwave overwhelmed my natural loathing of the place. Actually, it's much more that that horrible time of my life is behind me forever, don't look back. This is the BYTE party and its Synthetic Sexy XXXMas 4.0, think of it as robot's version of a holiday party. The other thing that won me over was guest DJ Tiny Pants of Hi Tops and Hearts party, always good to hear him out spinning. Resident DJs Ash and Lucien, along with the other guest DJ Jet of Vampire Freaks, will spin the darkest, scariest shit you've heard, there will be tons of giveaways and a lot of S&M from what I can tell. Cost varies from $5-15 according to the degree you are willing to let your inhibitions go, which means that I would pay $15, 21+, lots of drink specials.



-For those for looking to start the week off big or keep the weekend going on more night, LA's Plus+ Sunday party at Club PLAY (6423 Yucca) should be just the ticket. Huge line-up with Aaron Lacrate, Acid Girls, Mr. White, Dan Oh, CMO & DJ Legit, Shadowscene will be in the house taking pictures, hosted by Chris White, Ryan Jaso, Cotrell Brandon, Stamp'd LA, Brad Hoss, Ashleigh James and Steven, Timmy & Val of Club Ave. RSVP to plussundays@gmail.com for $7 reduced entry, $10 otherwise, 21+, doors at 9:30.



-Outside of the city in Riverside, Club ERA goes down as it does every Sunday at Club Sevilla (3252 Mission Inn) Tonight, resident DJs S!n, Luv Tek and Joaquin have Man Like Me from So Sweet Music as guest, in all the way from Londontown. I'm not sure if he's DJing or playing his dance-y hip-hop live. Either way, it should be a fun night, $5, 18+. Oh, love the slogan on the flier, it is okay to relax tonight.

Peer Pressure BK, Tiefschwarz Fixed BK, High Grades PHILA, Trust SantaAnaCA and much more

Always great when there's lots going on within minutes of my front door. Even better when those things involve many of my favorite DJs and people, like the Finger On The Pulse guys. DJ Never Forget and Terry Diabolik are putting on one of their biggest and best parties ever tonight at one of the best spots in Brooklyn, Glasslands (389 Kent Ave) They've invited the Peer Pressure DJs down from Montreal and my favorite new group Pink Skull from Philly along with the bands Snakes Say Hisss and Faggot Fairies for a rager on the waterfront. That means that there's no excuse for you not to get here from Park Slope, the LES, Bed-Stuy or wherever you are in the boroughs, no excuse! I'm so psyched for this, should be a great night of music, dancing, drinking and smiling. Oh, drinking, right. I should mention that this one is being presented with MyOpenBar.com and Bass Ale, so there's free Bass Ale from 11pm until its gone. Sounds rad, right? RSVP at the myopenbar site and it's all free free free.

-A little north of Pound for Pound HQ, the Fixed party returns to Studio B (259 Banker St) and they are not fucking around. Dave P and JDH have special guest DJs Tiefschwarz a.k.a. the Schwarz brothers, celebrating their 10th Anniversary and recent CD chronicling that time, 10 Years of Blackmusik. For dance music fans, you know this is a big deal. For the rest of you, their electro house music is essential, deep and dark, they've dropped legendary remixes and original productions on labels like Get Physical, International Deejay Gigolos and Classic Recordings. Coolest of all, this is the only scheduled American stop, a rare rare chance to hear these guys. NYC, the rest of the country has jealous boots, don't pass this up. $10 advance tickets, $12 at the door, 21+, doors at 10pm.



-Damn, one more Brooklyn favorite tonight. Hi-Tops and Hearts at Royal Oak (594 Union Ave)! DJ Tiny Pants' dance party is what you need, a super fun night with great music, dancing, cheap drinks and a complete lack of pretension and attitude. This would make a great early stop or late night one in Williamsburg, or just show up and hang all night. Sponsored by the rad Love Brigade clothing label, no cover, 21+, doors at 9 pm.



-In a similar vein, the Sound Advice party at Supreme Trading (213 N. 8th) is dedicated to playing music, any music regardless of genre. Resident DJ Elsewhere will be joined in this free-for-all by D.C.'s Moose of the True Grooves party and Ninjasonik's Pastor Chill. No cover, 21+, 10-4am.



-Philly, I was gonna write an elaborate school analogy here, where Broadzilla were the teachers and the syllabus was about raves or something. But, I realized that I should simply say that this High Grades party at Pi Lam (3914 Spruce St) on UPenn's campus is where you should go tonight, strike that, where you need to go tonight. That is, if you need to party at a super cool spot with great DJs and great bands. The Broadzilla DJs and DJ RMT are going to spin, bands Ravens and Vultures and Brown Recluse Sings play live, Vice Records will give away free shit. In appropriate rave fashion, the party goes all night and it's BYOB. Doors at 9 pm, face melting at some point in the night.




-I like to consider myself one of the many good people bringing the word rad back. Thankfully, DJ Solobuns has joined in the cause with this great flier for his Saturday night weekly at Sal's (200 S. 12th St.), 80s Saturday. It's a night dedicated to everyone's favorite unremembered decade, what's not to love? No cover, doors at 9pm, 21+.



-The Mad Pu$y party goes down at Transit as it does every Saturday. Tonight's edition is being headlined in the main room by the TurboStation crew, which features Steven Bloodbath, Hurrah's Shawn Ryan, Oh Murder Inc., Strawberry Mansion and Plastic Little' Si Young. Like I said, there's a whole new group of great young DJs in the city, this is a good chance to catch them all in one big space. You also get Brendan Bring'em in the basement, DJs Dirty and Sean Thomas upstairs. Sign up here and get in for $5, free PBR from 10-12, $2 Ciroc vodkas, things go until 3:30am.

-Eamon Harkin of Brooklyn's FUN party continues his upper Midwest takeover, guest DJing as Minneapolis' best dance party, Too Much Love. Sounds like he killed it at Life During Wartime, I expect the same when he meets up with Soviet Panda tonight at First Avenue (701 First Ave N) I cannot tell you how nice it is to see my favorites get together like this, even more psyched to see the Midwest parties getting the attention they deserve. $3, free with college ID, 18+, doors at 10pm.



-Speaking of amazing NYC DJs destroying out of town dancefloors, San Francisco, this is your warning. One of the New York's best, James Fucking Friedman, is in your hood, the special guest at this week's Frisco Disco. You know that this party is crazy when it's just a regular one with Richie Panic and Jefrodisiac, add Friedman and it'll be the one you remember for a long time. Get to The Transfer (198 Church St) early, trust me on this one.



-For those in the LA area, trust me on Trust. This Santa Ana party at The Proof Bar (215 N. Broadway) is dedicated to providing a night for all the different types of electronic music. I've mentioned it before, but tonight's looks to be the best one yet. The amazing LA Riots headlines with Atlanta's Treasure Fingers, they will steal your face with electrorockdance bangers, lethal combination. It's also a CD release party for Villains, who will play live. Residents DJ_Shh and Quantum round out the bill, hosted by Whiskey Pete. Email rsvp@thekatstep.com to get on the list and get in for free, or show before 10:30. Otherwise, $10, 21+.

Bomb The City SF, Body Heat SF, Blow Up Vs Le Disko LA, Life During Wartime CHI, Robot Rock NYC and more

Defying expectations and a natural segue, this post won't lead off with New York City. Instead, we will start on the opposite side of the country, just to satiate my difficulty personality. Actually, think of this as a reward for all of the rad West Coast parties putting their info and fliers up EARLY! Let's start off in San Fran where Big Stereo and An-Ten-Nae.net present Bomb The City SF tonight at 103 Harriet St. So many names to mention, so little time. Surkin continues his US takeover, Aaron Lacrate of Gutter Music will bring the Baltimore club to the Bay Area, Acid Girls will bring the bassssss! and the best of the best in San Fran are also spinning - Sleazemore of Lights Down Low, Omar of Popscene, An-Ten-Nae of Get Freaky and Miss Toats and Rchrd Oh?! of Big Stereo. Whew, that was tiring. You will be too at the end of this night, which seems to be going down in the basement of a former bathhouse. $10, doors at 10 pm.

-There's another interesting one in San Fran, which has an interesting and cool mix. It's the Body Heat party at Elbo Room (647 Valencia St) and it features a live show by Boom Bip, who has shed his indie hip-hop producer tag for a more electronic, dance-oriented sound. Even better, there's a performance by San Serac, Junior Boys tourmate, Output Recordings artist and maker of great disco-soul infused dance music, you will want to check him out. Damn, there's also a DJ set by the amazing James Fucking Friedman and a live set by Codebreaker, a band we recently hyped. $8 advance, $10 at the door, this looks to be a pretty incredible night of music, to be honest.



-Downstate, LA has a big night ahead as well. First up, what do you get when you combine two great parties? You get one super rad one for one night only! Blow Up LA and Le Disko are doing this just this, in case you thought I was just writing up a hypothetical. Keith Wilson and Anne Lee present Blow Up LA vs Le Disko at Safari Sam's (5214 Sunset Blvd), an epic battle worthy of the old Lakers-Celtics matchups. Your DJs for the night are Russ from Royal Rumble, Keith 2.0, Anne Lee, DJ 19 a.k.a. Young Sunn and DJ (N). Shadowscene and Red Slurpee will be taking photos of the beautiful people in attendance. Free before 11 with flier, $5 after, 18+, free parking and cheap drinks too.



-I also can't recommend more highly heading to the Beauty Bar (1638 N Cahuenga Blvd) to check out the Iheartcomix party there. It features a live show by Thunderheist, the Canadian electrorap duo, that you are not going to want to miss. Mr. Iheartcomix Franki Chan is also spinning, things kick off at 10pm and look like they'll go til midnight. Perfect start to the night, free, 21+, yeah!



-Chicago can't always go it alone, occasionally this great city needs to bring in some special guests from other cities. Tonight is just such a night. First, Pound for Pound favorite Life During Wartime has brought in one of the best DJs in NYC, Eamon Harkin of the FUN party, to take it up a notch. Harkin is a great fit imo, should be a great night of indie music with a dance sensibility. He, of course, joins the residents, Bald Eagle and Mother Hubbard, in their quest to win the battle against Republicans and wallflowers. Presented by Newcastle and UR Chicago, the Darkroom (2210 W. Chicago Ave) is the place to be in Chicago tonight. No cover before 11 pm, $3 Newcastles, $4 W.M.D. shots (we found them!), 21+, party goes til 3 am.



-Over at the Debonair Social Club (1575 N. Milwaukee Ave), another New Yorker is in town as a special guest. This time, it's house legend Junior Sanchez, who will be spinning at the Friday night weekly with resident DJs Heather Doble, Ryan Paradise, Mark Gertz and Trancid. Hosted by Scott Cramer and Jillian Valentino from Avant Trill, this night also serves as bday for Paradise; a Junior Sanchez DJ set is a pretty fucking good present, if I do say so myself. To make it even more special, say "teen spirit" at the door for free entry. Once inside, enjoy $2 vodka and beers all night. Whoa.



-Huge night in Philly too, starting off with the [click] party at The Barbary (951 Frankford Ave). Dave P and Pink Skull have invited a special guest, Adam Sparkles, to come in all the way from South Philly. Seriously, South Philly is like its own world, it's like the dudes coming from Berlin. You know the deal, nite music, freak out, best party in the city. $5, 21+.





-It's also time for another White Ts and White Belts at The Arts Garage (1530 Ridge Ave) Emynd, Bo Bliz and Dan The Swede bring you the perfect way to end the night, as this one goes til 4 am. Expect rap, mash-ups, dancehall, cheesy pop, a good mix all night. $10 cover, there's free vodka and beer, BYOB otherwise if you wish to ensure that you have something to drink for the duration of your stay.



-Another great monthly happens tonight as well, as the Let Me Ride party takes over Fluid (613 S. 4th St.) again with special guest Steven Bloodbath. Residents Breakdown, Art Cuebik, Kevin Kong and Illy Emcee will team with Bloodbath to bring you a night of electrorock, Bmore club, rap, classic stuff you know all the words to and the newest shit that you will want to know the words to so you can buy it the next day. $5 all night, drink specials until midnight, 21+.



-The big news tonight in New York City is the launching of a new nightclub called Le Royale (21 7th Avenue South) and the return of the GBH and Cheeky Bastard party Robot Rock. Le Royale is actually in the space formerly known as Luke and Leroy's I believe, interested to see how much they've changed the space around, hopefully they've kept the mirror vibe going. Things kick off with a bang, as Robot Rock has special guest DJ set by Jamie of The Kills. Dimitry!!!, Alex English and Michael Skype join him in the main room, while Marc-Alan Grey spins in the lounge. RSVP now to list@gbh.tv for free admission. Doors at 10:30 pm, Level vodka open bar from 10:30-11:30, this one should be packed to the gills and a nice new addition to the club scene/weekend options in the city.



-What the hell, let's make it a Westside night for once. Top Billin' keeps gaining steam at Lotus (409 W. 14th St.) in the Meatpacking District, bringing excellent DJs to the club. Tonight, it's DJ Ayres from The Rub and Blu Jemz of Turntable Lab LA, expect lots of hip-hop and party bangers, perhaps even a Pimp C tribute. Hosted by Project Matt, Ms Nelch, Pegleg NYC, Yossi C and many more, rsvp to topbillinrsvp@mac.com for guestlist info. Don't be scared, the Meatpacking District won't bite you.



-Back in Brooklyn, for those of us still thinking about Daft Punk in Coney Island this summer, tonight at Studio B (259 Banker St) gives us a chance to relieve those memories. Sort of. In celebration of the Daft Punk Alive 2007 LP release, there's an all-night dance party featuring a live performance by the only Daft Punk cover band in the world, Faux Punk. Or is it a cover band? Who knows who is behind those masks? Okay, it's not going to be the guys, but it'll still be fun and David Bruno of Slap You In Public will spin and that's worth it alone. $8 advance, $10 at the door, 18+.



-Finally, we end up almost at my doorstep with the Palms Out Sounds party at Hugs (108 N. 6th St) This one has been a hit right away, as one of the best music blogs around brings in their favorite DJs and bands. Tonight is no exception, you'll especially want to catch Lismore live, really great stuff from a band that deserves more attention.



-What the hell, let's add on two parties across the ocean. First up, in Berlin, the Ack! party at Maria Am Ufer (An Der Schillingbrucke) should be a rave, Dave. Adam Sky, Guns 'n' Bombs, DJ Coop, Tim Thaler and F.O.S.T. and a live show by So So Modern will melt your faces tonight.






-Finally, in my future home of Paris, the Toyz party at Maxim's (3 Rue Royale) look awesome. It's Uffie's bday party, she'll be performing live with Feadz, Ken Ishii will be in the main room too, DJ Heartbeat and Sven Love have the second floor Demented room, Headbanggirl and Phil Dark have another roon on the second floor, while the first floor rock room features Eric Debris a.k.a. Dr Mix, Emmanuelle from The Dead Sexy Inc. and Blondie vs. Blondie. 12 euros with flier, I think, this night looks like it'll be a blast. Someone find me work in Europe STAT!

Armand Van Helden - NYC Beat

Armand Van Helden, "NYC Beat (MSTRKRFT remix)" (YSI link) 320

Armand Van Helden, "NYC Beat (Emperor Machine remix)" (YSI link)

Armand Van Helden, "NYC Beat (Prince Language remix)" (YSI link)

Let's keep going on the New York City theme. I had originally planned on posting this song early last month to honor my 1st year of New York City living. Technically, I guess I have been here more than that if you include my team in the Lower East Side, but I don't include that and don't have any recollection of it. So, yeah, yea me for a year in New York City! I moved three times, and have seen a man with his face burnt off by acid three times on the subway.

Here's the final single from Armand Van Helden's Ghettoblaster LP that I have, been out since early summer. "NYC Beat" is definitely my favorite of the onslaught of singles that have come with this album, a great original from the legendary Van Helden. Dude easily morphs into a new sound when the situation calls for it, this one's made for the indie dancing kids with its big beats, sick bass, guitars and anthem-y vocals. MSTRKRFT does their thing, chopping it up like only they can, creating another staggered monster. Would've loved them to really let go at one point and just destroy me with bass, but that's just me.

However, it's the other two remixes that deserve your full attention, both of which take the temperature down and stretch things out nicely. First, Emperor Machine turns in a bleepier, dubbier version that really works well. I just love how he takes his time and gives the song real movement, like how he drops everything out but the bass early on and builds back into a discofied funk tune that you never want to end. Wonderful. Oh, but the real treat here is the Prince Language remix, I want nothing more for Hanukkah than more remixes and releases from this dude in 2008. He brings the cowbell out early and often and you know I won't ever hate that. From there, he turns in a percussion feast, at times dubby, at times toe-tapping funky. I like it, hope you do too.

If you haven't already, grab a copy of Ghettoblaster, a great album from a dance music master.

Happy Hanukkah

Klezmer Conservatory Band, "Khasidm Tant" (YSI link)

Klezmer Conservatory Band, "A Yingele Fun Polyn" (YSI link)

Klezmer Conservatory Band, "The Dreydl Song" (YSI link)

Klezmer Conservatory Band, "Oy Chanukah, Oy Chanukah" (YSI link)

Klezmer Conservatory Band, "

Thank G-d this holiday is eight days long, allows me to maintain my normal few days behind pace while still being relevant. Yeah! I know that most people think of this site as a g-dless, secular, atheistic one dedicated to gay dance music, debauchery and boobs, and you are right to think that. But, deep down, way down, there's the remnants of a soul and a heart and maybe even some spirituality.

In celebration of the 8-day Festival of Lights, I'm digging into the archives and coming up with these songs from the Klezmer Conservatory Band's Oy Chanukah! It's a great CD dedicated to the most underrated of holidays, featuring a mixture of music and spoken word interludes dealing with various aspects of the holiday, from its history to its practices. Originally aired as a radio program on Boston Public Radio in 1985, it was released by Rounder Records in 1987. While the music is great, it's the reminiscences of people like The Yiddish Voice's Chasia Segal and Yiddish Boston radio show host Ben Gailing that give it its charm.

For those wondering how this can connect to dance music, give one listen to the songs above and tell me that they do not possess the same ecstatic nature and rhythmic intensity of house or disco music. The intensity, fervor, solemness and darkness make this essential Pound for Pound music; as the liner explain, the word 'oy' can be a "a lament, a protest, a cry of dismay, a reflex of delight." Perhaps that's what we should call all of the tunes here, oy music. I'd highly recommend picking up this CD, or any of the ones the KCB have put out over the years.

So, again, happy Hanukkah to everyone,

Hello Beautiful NYC, Degenerates NYC, Wurst Monthly NYC and more

It seems like a given that we will start downtown tonight, after that Suicide post. That makes this new party a perfect timing kind of thing, as Hello Beautiful kicks off at China 1 (50 Avenue B) tonight. I know that a lot of people have given up on the LES, especially Thursday-Saturday. DJs Project Matt and Rev McFly and hosts Matt K and Nico G haven't, so neither should you! They are going to bring you rap music, dancehall, bangers, pop, a video premiere. Combine that with an open bar from 10-12 and no cover and you have yourself your new favorite party. Email ASAP to mosthatedone@gmail.com, as that's the only way to get in on the open bar.

-Head over one more avenue where one of the great spots in the city keeps doing its thing. Nublu (62 Ave. C) brings back fond memories, probably the first spot I frequented in NYC, shout out to Kudu on Tuesday nights. Tonight, the small bar in Loisada hosts live music by Satori and Ben Brewer, plus you get to hear Nick Hook spin between and after all of that. $5, say Buttercrunch at the door for a free beer. This should be a great night of all kinds of music at one of the best, most unique spots in this city.



-In the heart of what is now referred to as the Lower East Side, the Art After Midnight party takes over The Gallery Bar (120 Orchard St.) We've mentioned this one before, a cool event where you can get some art and dancing done in the same spot. Tonight, the exhibiton is called A Field Guide to the North American Family, a multi-artist pin-up show by Humble Arts Foundation and Mark Batty Publisher. After you got your culture on, get your dancing on with resident DJs Chris Alker and Sushi Steve and special guest DJ Ryo. No cover, 21+, great stuff.



-For those who think partying is an art form in and of itself, make sure to stop at Home Sweet Home (131 Chrystie St) tonight for the Common Folk party. Sweatshop Labor and Rage Mountain are bringing in Krames of Cobra Kai, which is the equivalent of turning it to 11. Expect party music and fun a few feet below ground level. Zygo open bar from 10-11, no cover, a necessary stop every Thursday.



-Okay, okay, I know that there's a whole city above 14th Street. Head to 16th Street and see how the other half lives at Hiro Ballroom where Cheeky Bastard presents Moby's monthly Degenerates party. I'm going to say that this is my favorite line-up so far, mainly because of the presence of the DFA contigent - Holy Ghost!, Justin Miller and Jacques Renault. Those guys are responsible for so much of the best music I've heard this year, nice to see them on a big stage like this. Wow, Princess Superstar is also spinning, along with the bald one himself, should be an amazing night of dance music. $5 advance tickets are available here, it's $10 with an RSVP at the going.com site as well. That cost is easily recovered with the Svedka vodka open bar from 12-1am or the 2 for 1 vodka drinks from 10-11 or 2-3. 21+



-Finally, there's no flier for this, but it's still one of my main picks for the night. The Wurst Edits label does its Wurst Monthly party at APT (419 W. 13th St.) and tonight's edition features residents My Cousin Roy, Lee Douglas and Runaway in the basement. This label and these DJs are some of my favorites in this city, this is an amazing chance to hear them all on a great system spinning disco, disco and more disco. No cover, 21+, trust me, do not sleep on this.

-In Philly, a new monthly (I think) called Kiss 'n' Fly starts up at The Barbary (951 Frankford Ave) and it features some of the young DJs who are taking over the city. Oh Murder Inc, DJ RMT and Scottytoodope have moved this to the city's newest, coolest spot, a wise choice. They promise a night of "Club Anthems and Fist Pumpers, Deep Beats and Dripping Sweat." Normally I don't like to steal other people's words, but since there was no info on the flier I feel less guilt. Actually, fliers based on old, embarrassing photos are a personal favorite, so I do feel guilt. Whatever, this is a great chance to check out that next generation of Philly people who will make you dance for the near future. No cover, 21+.



-In Center City, the bass rules, as it's Seclusiasis Thursdays at Sal's (200 S. 12th St) It'll be a night of rap, dubstep, grime, booty, anything that rattles the speakers. Resident DJ Ghost is joined by Darrell Asbury tonight, doors at 9pm, $1 PBRs and $3 mixed drinks until 11.



-Further down I-95, it's Fuck Yesss time in Atlanta. The city's dopest monthly party dedicated to electro and dance rock is back to destroy the Drunken Unicorn in the MJQ Concourse (736 Ponce De Leon Place) Residents Le Castle Vania and Treasure Fingers will bring you the best of the neon-colored music, OhSnapKid.com will take your picture and hostess Crystal Leigh will take care of everything else. Doors at midnight, $5 for 18+, free for 21+ if you mention their myspace bulletin.



-It's been a little quiet in Chicago this week, but you can't keep a great city down for long. It's Thursday, which is better know in the Windy City as Debonair Thursdays with the Dark Wave Disco DJs, Trancid, Greg Corner and Mark Gertz. They do this one every week at Debonair (1575 N. Milwaukee Ave), bringing you the best of the darker side of dance music. No cover, $3 PBRs and Effen vodka cocktails, 21+.



-Canada, always good to have something from our neighbors to the north. This one's in Vancouver, Freshjive and Down By Law Thursday have imported Brooklyn's own Nick Catchdubs to DJ tonight. Nick's running the Fool's Gold label with A-Trak, feel like he's going to be getting bigger and bigger in the next year. He'll join Paul Devro, Rico Uno and C-Flo to rock The Modern (7 Alexander St), $10. This is definitely a party to keep an eye on, Scottie B comes through in a few weeks.



-Late addition, but what are the odds that we would get two Vancouver parties on the same night, when we never had one up before? Yeah Vancouver! Unfortunately, this one has some bad news behind it. Chicago's Hollywood Holt slipped and severed an artery last night, which required emergency surgery. Soo... tonight's party that he was supposed to have performed at has become a fundraiser for him, who like many of us doesn't have insurance. Blastramp, Color Magazine and Livestock present a special WeHeartHollywoodHolt edition of Blastramp Thursdays at The Bourbon (50 West Cordova St) DJs Million $ Mano from Chicago and IHeartComix joins with residents My!Gay!Husband! and Benjamin to bring some dancing and laughter to the mix. There will be a raffle featuring prizes from Livestock, Timebomb Trading, Supra Distribution, Lifetime Clothing, tickets to future 1/2 Alive shows, plus $3 hi balls, $4 doubles and $10.25 pitchers. Doors at 10, give what you can to the donation jar at the front. For those not in Vancouver, email mygayhusband@gmail.com for more info and to show support.




-Finally, just under the wire, Mark Rodriguez presents the Heist party at The Airliner (2419 N. Broadway) This one's another weekly party that aims to do things big. 3 rooms, 2 bars, smoking patio, main room residents DJ Score and Hyphy Crunk spin the electro and indie dance bangers, DJ Erick Neutron and Disk Jo Slim play more hip-hop on the second floor, while Bul!m!atron! and Don't Believe The Hype do more of the electro rock stuff in The Lounge. RSVP on the going.com list and you can get in before 11 for $5, $10 otherwise. There are over 700 people RSVP'd already, this one looks to be a hit. 18+, 21+ to drink, doors at

Suicide - Half Alive

Suicide, "Harlem II" (YSI link)
Suicide, "Love You" (YSI link)

Suicide, "Speed Queen" (YSI link)

Walking through the Lower East Side late the other night, it felt like I was home again. It was just the streets and the cold and a few lonely souls and that seemed right. Despite the fact that I was coming from 205 Tuesdays and a night of magical disco, it was the music of Suicide that came to mind. I truly can't think of any music that more perfectly captures New York City than the stuff that Alan Vega and Martin Rev put out in the 1970s. Or as Lester Bangs wrote in the liner notes to Half Alive, "I don't know where you live, but like the Velvet Underground's, the Dolls' and damn few others, Suicide's music is truly the sound of New York City for me. Trendies can keep laughing or just refusing to comprehend, but the ten years they've given this city are just the beginning." Their music's loud, aggressive, unsettling, dark, moody, angry, everything that lurks beneath the surface here. They seem to play that role perfectly, as this was also the dark side of electronic music at the time. While disco ruled the day uptown, this stuff found its home downtown, not giving a shit if you danced or got laid, laying the foundation for industrial and most non-house music.

I finally picked up their first album, Half Alive, which was originally released in 1981 as a cassette by ROIR, the legendary NYC label. It features a handful of their earliest recorded songs from 1974-76 and 1979, plus live tracks from various concerts in NYC, Toronto and London. I've included a sample of each. "Harlem II" represents Suicide at its finest live, opening with a trademark Vega scream. From there, Rev joins the battle with a rumbling, jagged bass that feels like it's going to slice your eardrum. Vega and Rev never let up, as bursts of static-y white noise, Rev's screams and hollers and unrelenting drums confront you for nearly four minutes. This is punk music to me, far more frightening and confrontational than anything that I've heard from the hardcore kids.

"Love You" is from the latest studio session on the album, the 1979 one at the Suicide Home Studio. This one features warped Vega vocals, it sounds like he's not quite in the room with you. This one is so Suicide to me, a song called "Love You" that features Vega rapping about doing anything for her, while underneath a mechanical drum beat sucks any life out of the tune. Rev adds some horn sounds as well, which are great, but it's those death drums that are unforgettable. Finally, "Speed Queen" is one of the first things they recorded, back in 1974/75, and it doesn't sound like they had far to go to get to their released output a few years later. The whispery vocals aren't ideal, but the pacing and Rev's electronic assault are already fully formed.

Synth punk, machine music, electronic punk, I don't know what to call it, I just know that it still sounds as good and radical as anything I hear today. This one gets our highest recommendation, buy your copy here. Actually, buy a copy of their first two albums on Mute first, if you don't have those already.

The Taste Crew Wednesdays at 205 NYC, Moonwalk NYC, Cool Beanz NYC, Exploit PHILA and more

Okay, I got a great comment from a reader last night about the party stuff, I'm gonna try to implement some changes with regards to these posts. We're going to try to get them up by 6 pm every night from here on out, which means that those throwing/DJing parties need to get their bulletins up on myspace and/or their emails to me early in the day. I was posting later and later to accommodate as many parties as possible. But, from here on out, we're going to try to have as much impact on your night, feel like this will only further my goal of helping to get the word out about my favorite DJs and promoters and whatnot.

Short and sweet tonight. I'm gonna focus on the Lower East Side, especially considering what's coming up next music-wise. I haven't given this party its proper due, the Wednesday Nights at 205 Club (205 Chrystie St.) put together by downtown kings The Taste Crew. Resident DJ Equal is joined by another downtown legend, Roxy Cottontail, as she will be spinning an early set upstairs. You also get a set from Naada of Subatomic Soundsystem, as she celebrates her last night in NYC. Email RSVP@thetastecrew.com for entry, this is another essential stop on the best night in the city imo.

-Btw, the Taste guy's have given up the basement at 205 tonight for the Tuned Magazine release party. I don't know much about the magazine, but I do know that they have great taste in DJs, as they've got the Sports crew - Nick Hook, Daryl Palumbo and Glue - and Defidelity 6-5000 spinning all night long in the dark and debaucherous basement. No cover, 10-4 am, 21+.



-You also want to hit up the Moonwalk party, another favorite. This one happens every other Wednesday upstairs at Happy Ending, tonight stars Sammy Bananas from the Certified Bananas crew of Providence, Rhode Island. he's joins fellow guest DJ Chubby Cox and residents Rezound and Cousin Cole for a full night of hip-hop, mash-ups, pop, the kitchen sink really. There's always a good crowd, great space, highly recommnded that this become a part of your schedule. Hosted by the lovely Kitten Crew, free PBR from 11-12, 21+, no cover.



-Wednesday! High Voltage! Dimitry!!! It's time for one of the city's best weeklies as always, which seems to be settling nicely in the bigger digs of The Annex (152 Orchard St.) Tonight looks like another big moment in the life of this party, as Dimitry is adding a co-resident DJ into the mix, Prince Terrence. I don't know much about him, but I have 100% confidence that he will play great music for dancefloor impact, in line with the goals of this party. There's also going to be a live show from Inner Party System from Ultragrrl's Stolen Transmission Records, they'll go on around 11:30. There's the Zygo open bar from 11 until it's gone, RSVP at the going.com site, no cover, 21+.



-Uh oh, the Sweatshop Labor guys look like they may be looking to take over Wednesdays too. I don't know if this Cool Beanz party is a one-time only deal or something more, but it's always good to see these guys involved with anything and I can't think of a better place for them to set up shop than the basement of Lit (93 Second Ave) They are joining forces with Nikki Sneakers to give you a dirty, drunken, wild party that this city desperately needs more of. No cover, doors at 11pm, another awesome flier from this crew. Hope this will be a regular thing, as it would make Wednesdays officially the new Saturdays.



-A new party starts up tonight in Philly, as Exploit will be the new Wednesday night weekly at Sal's (200 S. 12th St.) I believe this one is moving from the Raven Lounge, but whatever, it's not important. What is important is that this is a party dedicated to lots of the music we love here, electro, booty, house, techno, acieed. There's a rotating list of resident DJs, tonight you get Jen Louie and Lady Prowl. You also get a guest set from Karoshi and the site is promising "Electro Madness!" Ironically, that's exactly what I asked for for Hanukkah. No cover, 21+, doors at 9pm. Get behind this one, Philly.



-I would have listed this one on the flier alone, but then I read the description that it's a "60s electro burlesque party." Head to the Barbary (951 Frankford Ave) tonight and check out the Kinky Boots party with resident DJs Fatima and reve and see what exactly that means. Expect French music from various decades, burlesque girls and a super rad nite in Fishtown.


-No flier for this one, but head to Barfly (711 Hennepin Ave) in Minneapolis to catch DJ Bach and Jonathan Ackerman spinning house, techno, electro, all sorts of goodies tonight. It's 18+, $5, $2 well drinks until 2 AM, which won't just get you over the hump, it may leave you crashed and burned at the bottom of the hill.

-F



-More LA happenings with So Sweet Music, as they host a night at The Echo (1822 Sunset Blvd) with Hell Ya! It features 4 bands including So Sweet's Man Like Me, in from the UK. Doors at 8:30 pm, 18+, $5 for 18+, free for 21+, perfect start to the night before you head to Get Low.



-Last but certainly not least, a new monthly is going down in San Francisco called No More Conversations and everything about it looks good. Presented by Emily Betty, Tiri and TheGentleKing.com, this one is dedicated to filthy music and even filthier dancing. The first Wednesday of every month, the 222 Club (222 Hyde@Turk) will be home to a collection of great DJs spinning everything from snap rap to nite music. Tonight, Richie Panic from Robot Rock and Frisco Disco, DJ Sake from Soul Deluxxe and the Throwdown DJs (Emily Betty and Zazueta) will keep your asses moving all night long. $5, seriously this looks like it could be something special.

205 Tuesdays NYC, Dave P & Adam Sparkle at Woody's PHILA and more

Tonight, there's two of the coolest parties I could imagine, the 205 Tuesdays at 205 in NYC and Dave P and Adam Sparkles at Woody's in Philly. Let's start off in New York and work our way around. I've been hyping this party at 205 Club (205 Chrystie@Stanton) for a minute; well tonight things get real serious real fast. The special guest DJ is the one and only Mr. James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem and DFA fame. He joins residents Jacques Renault and Justin Miller tonight in the basement and it will be disco inferno that keeps you warm and toasty. I'm not gonna say much more about this, if you aren't already putting your scarf, jacket and mittens on and heading out to this, there's nothing I can do for you. No cover, doors at 11 pm.

-Nearby, the Six Six Sick party happens in the basement of Happy Ending tonight. I got the chance to check this one out last week and was impressed. It was packed, people dancing, great mix of people, lots of great tunes, including some Daft Punk which I will assume was somehow in honor of me, or at least my narcissism. Tonight's edition should be extra good with guest DJ Nick Hook of Men, Women and Children, he'll spin a great mix of stuff and fit in quite well with resident DJs Micprobes and Sean Nouveau. The Six Six Sick girls are hosting as always, open bar from 11-12, no cover.



-Leave it to me to start mentioning Suji's Basement party at APT (419 W. 13th St.) when there's only two weeks left. Well, better late than never, right? Resident DJ Sujinho is inviting some friends - DJs Krames, Morsey and Dances With White Girls - to help say goodbye, in this, the second to last party at the Meatpacking District club. One of my favorite spots in the city, this is a great party, especially for everyone into the booty tunes and a nice mix of genres. No cover, 21+, don't stay home crying that this one is going away, make the last two count!



-For those who just can't brave the cold and want to stay in Brooklyn, head to Hugs (108 N. 8th St.) for their Tuesday night weekly, Do It. Resident DJ Carrie White[noise] and guest Shinratek will spin a healthy mix of electro, dancerock and pop, get you dancing and make you happy you went out. No cover, 21+, doors at 10 pm.



-Okay, here's the another headliner for tonight. Dave P and Adam Sparkles of Making Time are taking over Woody's (tonight for a dance party. This is the legendary gay bar in the heart of Center City, it's been around for years and years, throwing crazy parties. They're opening their doors tonight to Dave, Adam and crew and it should be an amazing night. Free PBR from 9-11, 21+, do this Philly! If this one is a success, you never know what might materialize.

-There's also The Underwear Party at the Raven Lounge (1718 Sansom St.), which features the DJ skills of Scottytoodope and Ryan Todd, electro and bangers and hopefully lots of attractive people in their underwear. I know, I know, the last thing you can imagine is being in your underwear on this freezing ass night, but take advantage of the $10 VIP open bar upstairs and those inhibitions will soon go. Presented by Jess K, $5 to get in, 21+, make sure other people take their clothes off before you do, just to be safe.



-While it's a big night on the East Coast, there's also two great weeklies going down in two of our favorite cities. First, Outdanced does its regular Tuesday thing at Funky Buddha's (728 W. Grand Ave.), tonight DJs Zebo and Mr. Bobby take control, spinning all night long. It seems like this party has a monopoly on this night, I imagine that there was some sort of party brawl years ago and Outdanced kicked ass and no one challenges it now. I like winners. $1 drinks, presented by Avant Trill and Odd Obsession Movies, 21+, no cover.



-Out West in LA, the land of giant fliers, the dANCE party takes over Arena (6655 Santa Monica Blvd) as it has for the past few Tuesdays. This one's all about the residents, as Paparazzi, DJ S!n and Raulie hold down the main room, while Bip Jeffington, Luv Tek, Joaquin and Steve(n) do the same upstairs. Both floors are open for dancing now, twice the fun! Photos by Red Slurpee and Neil Favila, smoking area, huge club, lots of people, the best in new dance music and party tunes. Doors at 9:30, $5 before 10:30 with flier, all ages, it's probably 75 and mild tonight in LA, i.e. there's no excuse!

Surkin - Fireworks Revisted

Surkin, "And You Too (DJ Slugo remix)" (YSI link)

Surkin, "Kiss 'n' Horns" (YSI link)

While it's been a rough time of a late, I did get out this weekend a bit, got to check out the Masters Of The Universe party at Studio B (after making the haul from the Upper West Side and the American Museum of Natural History) It was an unbelievable crowd, the most crowded I've seen it at Studio B outside of the Daft Punk afterparty. JH-B and I caught most of the Diplo set, but unfortunately we didn't get to hear Surkin. To make it up to us, I figured that I'd drop two tracks from his recent EP, Fireworks Revisited.

It took me a while to realize this, but I have actually been aware of Surkin for quite a few years (which is scary, since he's 20 years old) He was the man responsible for some of my all-time favorites mixes, the UCreatures Radio ones like Bang Dat! that are masterpieces of booty music. I mention as a lead-in to discussing how rad it is that Surkin and Institubes got the legendary DJ Slugo of Dance Mania ghetto house fame to remix "And You Too?" from 2006's Ghetto Obsession 12". It's everything I would hope for, a jackin' beat, a nasty, rumbling bass and those repetitive, chopped-up vocals I love so dearly. Great stuff, so nice to see some of the new cats connecting with their forefathers, Paris and Chicago, like a dream I had. I've also included "Kiss 'n' Horns," Surkin's own re-working of his track, "Kiss and Fly." It's one of the best things I've heard from him, blending a crunchy, electro track with horns, there's even a nice breakdown at the halfway point where the horns take over and some congo-like percussion bubbles. Great stuff.

You need to grab this EP right now, as there's three more tracks and 2 acapellas on this one. The Riot In Belgium First Remix and Tacteel remix easily hold their own to the two above, Turntable Lab has it in stock. I'd also highly recommend checking out the Arcade Mode shop, which features all of Surkin's stuff and pretty much everyone else doing things in Paris, an essential stop for anyone reading here.

Weenhatten NYC and So Sweet Night LA

Wow, it is insanely cold tonight in New York City, the wind nearly blew me from Park Slope to Williamsburg this evening. Anyway, what better way to keep warm than by going to one of the best, longest running weeklies in the city, which features many of our favorite mostly-local DJs spinning? Oxy Cottontail brings you Weenhatten at Sway (305 Spring St. btwn Greenwich & Hudson) tonight, hosted by Madsteez, Roxy herself, Jimi (Alumni) and Quan Love. You get DJ sets by Nick Catchdubs from the Fool's Gold label, Cosmo Baker from The Rub, Morse Code from San Fran and Dimitry!!! from High Voltage. Really psyched to see Dimitry in this line-up, one of my favorite DJs in the city, great to see him getting to spin at some new parties. This should be a great night with all sorts of music coming at you, great crowd, perfect start to the week/escape from the cold, 10pm-4am, 21, free.

-There's also the Blogger's Delight party in Tribeca at the Knitting Factory (74 Leonard St), where Jinners celebrates its 5th Anniversary with bands Cheeseburger, Neckbeard Telecaster, The Big Sleep and Coin Under Tongue, plus DJ Dug from Dirty On Purpose. Let the rock music and guitar chords warm that cold body of yours. Free, down in the Tap Bar.

-On the opposite coast, where there is no wind, tonight's a So Sweet Records night around town. One of the raddest new labels, home to people like Moving Units, Le Castle Vania, Dreamburger and more, some of their DJs are featured at the city's best parties. First, So Sweet's Classixx, recently know as Young Americans, and Man Like Me are spinning at the Still Fucking Awesome party at Beauty Bar (1638 N. Cahuenga Blvd), along with Skeet Skeet and residents Franki Chan and Har Mar Superstar. No cover, free Sparks from 9-10, 21+, photos by Red Slurpee. LATE UPDATE: Whoa, Surkin is a late addition to the party tonight, Institubes' boy wonder is in the house and will be on this blog shortly too.



-You're also gonna wanna check out the Club Genre party at Cinespace (6356 Hollywood Blvd), where So Sweet's Tronik Youth are headlining the Monday night weekly. These guys are gonna bring some of that London nu-rave vibe to LA, do not miss out. They join up with residents DJ S!n, Luv Tek, Joaquin and Zendo. Oh, and you, if you make it out. Doors open at 10pm, free until 10:30, women are $5 all night, guys are $5 until 11. I recommend adding their myspace page as a friend, as you can message them every week and claim one of the limited number of guest list passes there.

New Order - Krafty Remixes

New Order, "Krafty (The Glimmers 12" Extended Mix)" (YSI link) 320

New Order, "Krafty (Phones Reality Remix)" (YSI link) 320

New Order, "Krafty (Riton Re-Rub Remix)" (YSI link) 320

Sorry for the lack of posting, but we've been struggling with work, poor health and a lack of inspiration lately. To help us get back in the swing of things, let's hit this softball out of the park. I mean, it's New Order remixed by three of my favorite current producers, The Glimmers, Phones (Paul Epworth) and Riton. They gave their interpretations of one of the decent tracks from the Waiting For The Sirens album that came out in 2005. I mean, if this isn't the Pound for Pound equivalent of a belt-high fastball down the middle, I don't know what is. Speaking of which, what's up Phillies? Do not let this moment pass, please.

Anyway, all three of these remixes are solid, each offering a nice take on an original that has that typical New Order synthesized indie sound. Ironically, it's the one that most closely hews to the original that works the best for me, as The Glimmers have stripped the original of its more bombastic, overwhelming sound and given it a much more shimmering, disco-fied feel. I'm never great at describing changes, but it seems that the drums have been reprogrammed, they've taken out the drone-y synths and allowed the bass to come up in the mix.

The Phones and Riton version stick out the most, messing around with the vocals and pacing quite a bit. The Phones Reality Remix keeps those soaring synths, but makes them more of an embellishment, far from their role as centerpiece in the original, as a wicked bass, bleeps and propulsive drums create a raging monster. It actually might be too intense, as there's no-let-up in the seven-minute track. The Riton re-rub has a similar vibe but stays on a more relaxed pace. The jagged bassline is nasty, the percussive elements provide some nice flourishes and the less intense pace sounds more right to me. The chopped-up vocals actually give the remix more room to do its thing, as a New Order song is such a distinctive thing, it's hard to let loose with their stuff. At times though, I feel like Riton tries to do much, like the synth smears around the 4:20 (dank!) mark don't really fit in my opinion and the whole thing sometimes seems a bit too busy.

FUN Meets Down 'N' Derby BK, UNITY 90s Party BK, Sorted PHILA and much more

It's the first day of December, so glad to have the month of November over. I mean, so glad. We're wiping the slate clean in life and blog, so tonight's a chance to celebrate! Another fun night in Brooklyn awaits, I'm gonna lead off with the FUN Meets Down 'n' Derby at Studio B (259 Banker St.) The Down'n'Derby party people have been putting on a roller-skating party here every so often, they're joining up with another great Studio B party and this one looks like the best one yet (and foretells future P4P genre posts) Why this one? Mainly because there's gonna be disco tunes spun by the most excellent Jacques Renault of Runaway, plus the usual fare from . I really can't think right now of music I more want to hear or a DJ I more want to hear spin, it's that simple. RSVP at the Down and Derby site and get in for free, otherwise $7 at the door. Remember, it's a night of roller skating, $3 rentals are available but there aren't many, so bring your own if you have them. Open Bass Ale bar from 10-11, 21+, the disco tunes go til 4am.

-Not too far away, Lauren Flax and Le Tigre's JD Samson's UNITY 90s Party goes down at Hugs (108 N. 6th St.)! This is the third one and it's already gotten to be a favorite for many, especially psyched for this one as Kim Ann Foxman of DFA's Hercules and Love Affair is the special guest DJ. That's still not enough, huh? How about a Bushmill's open bar from 9-10:30? Wow, still not totally sold. How about the chance to relieve the decade when you were still young and innocent and not jaded, when the country wasn't run by a madman and blowjobs were the biggest source of controversy. Simpler times, super music, rad DJs, Williamsburg, Brooklyn. 21+, 10-4 am.



-Across the river, here's another chance to check out space (shout out to last night's Planetarium video, good job Harrison Ford!) while drinking and dancing. The Jupiter Crash! party lands at Don Hill's (511 Greenwich St.) tonight and resident DJs Scott Free and Shar Gorgiiss has invited the partynauts and Pound for Pound favs Sweatshop Labor to come and help you figure out if anyone really can hear you scream (out of happiness) in space. This one happens every Saturday night, hosted by Joey Nova, indie, mod, electro, spacemusik, fashion and art stuff going down as well. $3 Kryptonite cocktails from 11-12, $10 cover, $5 with a flier or printout, 21+.



-I could easily have lead off with Philly tonight, as so many good parties are happening all over the city. I'm giving co-headliners on this one, starting off with the MIA afterparty. Her show is sold out at the Electric Factory, but don't let that stop you from enjoying in the festivities. I mean, this is all about the return to Philly of Low Budget, who has been the DJ on the entire MIA tour, There's also sets from Pase Rock, Brendan Bring'em, Dirty South Joe and Dan the Swede. Advanced tickets are gone, so you know this is gonna be crazy packed and drunken madness in a way only Philly parties can do.



top bill to the return of the Sorted party, the legendary Philly indie/mod party that has been going for quite a few years in various venues. It has found a new home at The Barbary (951 Frankford Ave), perfect fit. DJs Dave Pak and Mike Z aren't just resting on their laurels, as they are adding a new feature to the party starting tonight. For the first hour of each Sorted, they will spin the music of one essential Britpop, beginning with Blur tonight. Such a great idea, such a great band. $1 well drinks and PBRs during this period, absolutely no reason that you shouldn't be here for this. $5 at the door, cheap drinks all night, amazing music, great crowd. Yeah!



-That's a lot of firepower above, but for those of you hanging out further west, check out Show Up Showdown party at Level Room (21st and Market Sts). It's a great chance to check out some of the up and coming stars in town, DJ Scotty Ack and Designer Drugs, at a big, new(ish) space. Hosted by Oh My Todd!, photos by Johnny Sorber, $5 cover, free Coors Lite from 10-11, check it out.



-It sounds like there was some serious snow and ice in the Midwest. I have a feeling that the Too Much Love party in Minneapolis will melt all of that in a single night with the hottest dance and indie music being spun all night. This one's the Panda Radio edition, with DJs Soviet Panda and Talk Radio. Head to First Avenue (701 First Avenue N) and warm up by dancing like a crazy person, $3 or free with college ID, 18+



-San Francisco has their own special afterparty tonight, as Frisco Disco is doing the VHS Or Beta one at The Transfer (198 Church St.), with the band stopping by and hanging and signing autographs and showing that their real dudes just like you. Richie Panic and Jefrodisiac are not real dudes just like you, they are DJs who make people dance and girls disrobe and therefore they have the power of Gods. This looks to be another special Disco, as there's a live set at midnight by Monistat, giveaways for Bloc Party records, all of this for $3



-As a lifelong East Coaster, I picture LA as place of eternal sunshine, where every day is hot and sunny. This image is especially prevalent on a day like this in NYC, when it is so cold that it just hurts to be outside. I dream of going to the new Check Yo' Ponytail at the Echoplex tonight, where Iheartcomix, Viva La Rock and Monster have brought in the boy wonder, Institubes' Surkin, to destroy. He's going to be spinning with Dre Skull of Juiceboxxx fame, DJ Hyphy Crunk, Franki Chan and Paparazzi, I picture everyone coming in their bathing suits, straight from the beach, tanned and beautiful. $12, doors at 9, 18+.



-You'll also want to catch the Big Trouble!!! party after you've soaked up all of that sun and warm weather. This one features art by Ben Cope, photos by Shadow Scene and music spun by DJs Shark Attack!, Mr. White, Colossal KXNN and Devyn C, should be a rad time. It appears to be at a place called E. 3rd Steakhouse (734 E. 3rd St.), but I can't say for sure that's the name of the space. RSVP at bigtroublersvp@gmail.com for $5 admission, $10 otherwisel, doors at 9 pm, 21+. BTW, Los Angelenos, please don't ruin my fantasy, I desperately need it tonight before I head back out into the cold.