Pound for Pound

RIP Jack Rose

2010-01-07T18:43:00.000-05:00

I hate to start Pound for Pound back up on a sad note, but it is what it is. The music world and the city of Philadelphia lost one of its great ones on December 5, 2009 - Jack Rose. For those that don't know, Rose was one of the great guitar players and experimental musicians around. He was a founding member of the seminal noise band Pelt, then spent most of this decade making solo music on his acoustic guitar. He mixed country, blues, ragtime, ragas, avant garde sounds, all on his 6- & 12- string and lap steel guitars, taking the mantle from legends like John Fahey and Robbie Basho.

I want to take the first few posts of this return celebrating the man and his music. We'll touch on some of the earlier Pelt stuff, but mostly I'll be uploading material from his solo releases of the past 5 years or so. It is some of the most haunting, beautiful and interesting music of the last decade; I'm heartbroken that this new one will not get Mr. Rose's imprint on it.

Back From the Dead?

2009-12-26T00:45:00.002-05:00

Is it possible? Stay tuned.

Grateful Dead - Live/Dead

2009-05-21T02:02:00.006-04:00

Grateful Dead, "St. Stephen" (YSI link)

Grateful Dead, "Eleven" (YSI link)

Wow, amazingly, we're back. I imagine that everyone has given up on Pound for Pound, as I kinda did too. But, things have calmed down and we are about to enter the Summer of Love '09 and you need Pound for Pound to guide your way through this epic season. That's right, 40 years later, it's time for a rebirth of the psychedelic vibes, epic jams and communal spirit. There's no better intro to that time than the Grateful Dead, those SF acid explorers who held it down on Haight-Ashbury and spilled LSD all over rock music.

These tracks are from the Live/Dead LP, possibly the greatest live record ever released (what are the other rock contenders?) It chronicles the peak of the band's psychedelic blues sound, early 1969 when the band was destroying various venues around San Francisco. The group was a septet at this point: Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, Phil Lesh, Ron 'Pigpen' McKernan, Billy Kreutzmann, Mickey Hart and Tom 'TC' Constanten. At this time, the band played a similar setlist every night and above are two of the staples from that time, "St. Stephen" and "The Eleven." I think that they are good openers for anyone knew to the Dead or this era of their music. Both songs stay away from the ether, staying on the rails for the most part. Coming in the wake of a massive "Dark Star," it's especially impressive to hear the band rein it all back and bring everyone back to earth with two of their most rollicking, fun songs.

The opening "Dark Star" is not to be missed; since I want you to buy the album, I'm not uploading here. You'll just have to trust me that this is one of the great versions the band ever did, a 23+ minute opus that starts with the band stating the theme and quickly ventures into outer space. Jerry leads the way, forcing the band to leave the safe confines of the opening verse. It's really amazing to hear the band interact, especially Jerry and Phil, sounds much more like a well-oiled jazz band than any rock band out there. Later, you get the more blues-y side of things, with a steller-as-always "Turn On Your Lovelight" with Pigpen as horny frontman and "Death Don't Have No Mercy".

Go immediately and buy a copy of Live/Dead now. We are gonna be giving you a soundtrack for the Summer of Love, this is the essential starting place.

Ash Ra Tempel - Ash Ra Tempel

2009-03-27T16:25:00.001-04:00

Ash Ra Tempel, "Amboss" (YSI link) 320

Time to fly our German freak flag, as we begin to dip into the krautrock pool. I want to first have us worship at the Ash Ra Tempel, one of the most influential of the genre. Formed in the 1970s from the ashes of the Conrad Schnitzler's short lived group Eruption, the band featured Manuel Gottsching on guitar, Hartmut Enke on bass and Klaus Schulze on drums and keys. Those are some serious names, so it's not surprise that they would create some of the spaciest, most cosmic music ever made.

This track is the A side to their first self-titled LP, released in 1971. The only word that comes to mind is epic. Or is it massive? Or is it psychedelic? Ah, who cares? This is an amazing 20 minute journey that takes you through various stops, from quiet contemplative to loud shredding. It starts off with a drone-y soundscape that slowly but surely builds, as the drums get more active. You're nearly 6 minutes in until Gottsching's guitar starts to take the lead with some jams. I'm not gonna say too much more about this, other than to say that some of the most amazing moments come after the 15 minute mark, when the heaviest, sludgiest rock band ever shows up. Put it on, head to the park, lie down and drop out.

Go immediately and cop this album at Forced Exposure, as I promise it will be out of print soon. It's already gone at Aquarius and these krautrock gems come quickly and disappear for long stretches. Much more to come on this front, please send along any recommendations you have for me, as I am far from an expert.

Grateful Dead - Fillmore East 2.27.69 Set 2

2009-03-13T16:03:00.000-04:00

Grateful Dead, Live at the Fillmore West February 27, 1969
Set 2

Dupree's Diamond Blues (YSI link)

Mountains of the Moon

Dark Star (YSI link) --->

St. Stephen --->

The Eleven --->

Turn On Your Lovelight (YSI link)

Cosmic Charlie

Here's the conclusion to the first night of the epic four-night run, the late show from February 27, 1969. This is classic 1969 Dead, the classic tunes from that year, when the band was playing right on the line of psychedelia and the blues, when Jerry Garcia began to take the reins of the band and made them into one of the most amazing improvisational acts around.

One of the things that has always interested me in the Dead's live music has been that tension between form and chaos. "Dark Star" is the perfect example, with its distinct opening bass melody and two verses which descends into an improvised jam that could go anywhere, oftentimes into a deep, space-y, tune-less music, which is eventually reined back in with the return of the final verse. It should appeal immediately to anyone who likes jazz, that world where standards become vehicles for free jazz debauchery. Like jazz, there's always a chance for these jams to become awful, noodling garbage, but that's the fun part. You never know what could happen, which is incredibly rare in music, especially today in the world of over-production and lip-synching.

I want to dedicate this post to MC, a.k.a. RV. That's right, the return of the prodigal daughter (or ex-girlfriend, whatever). She was the main reason this blog took in the way it did, as I pretty much wrote it so that she would think I was cool. She was the first muse, before Scarlett Johansson, Merilyn, Christy Marks, JH-B or anyone else. She bought the boxed set that features this music for me and so these posts would not happen without her. It's nice to come full circle and get back to a good place. Yeah!

Grateful Dead - Fillmore East 2.27.69

2009-03-06T15:24:00.000-05:00

Grateful Dead, Live at the Fillmore East February 27, 1969

Good Morning, Little School Girl (YSI link)

Doin' That Rag (YSI link)

The Other One (Cryptical>Drums>The Other One>Cryptical) (YSI link)

Over the coming months, I want to start adding a more psychedelic edge to the blog, take things back to the late 60s and early 70s to those weirdo sounds that sound so good today. I can't think of a better way to get started than commemorating one of the greatest weeks in the history of live music by the greatest of psychedelic warriors, the Grateful Dead's run at the Fillmore West from February 27 to March 2 1969. I know that the Dead's music is not what we call psychedelic today, but let's not get lost in semantics. This was music written and performed in the midst of the acid wave in San Francisco in the 1960s; these guys took rock, blues and folk, splashed LSD on it and made some of the best music ever.

I'm going to put up more discs from this limited edition 10CD boxed set over the next few days and will discuss the music more then. But, I want to first deal with the whole Deadhead thing and the hate these guys generate from people. Simply, get over yourself. Yes, some people only liked the band because of the drug association; some were annoying people who listened to nothing but the Dead; blah blah blah. These dudes created an entire alternate world, which had its own values, values like sharing, love and fun. Sound familiar? Does it sound similar to a lot of the same inspirations for the dance music that we love? There's a very straight line imo between the spinners at a Dead show to the ones who took over lofts of NYC in the 70s and the beaches of Ibiza in the 80s. Give it a chance and I promise you that this music will melt your face.

Heaven 17 - (We Don't Need This) Fascist Groove Thang

2009-02-27T18:15:00.000-05:00

Heaven 17, "(We Don't Need This) Fascist Groove Thang (LP Version)" (YSI link)

Heaven 17,. "(We Don't Need This) Fascist Groove Thang (Full Length 12" Mix)" (YSI link)

Back with a bang, a classic 80s synth pop dance classic. Heaven 17 were a new wave-y band that was intimately connected to the amazing electronic rock music coming out of the UK in the early 80s. The band was formed by Ian Craig Marsh and Martyn Ware when they split from their group called Human League. Perhaps you've heard of them? The duo formed a production company called British Electric Foundation (BEF), eventually adding Glenn Gregory on vocals and becoming Heaven 17. They never quite broke into the big-time, although they did enjoy a few songs that charted, including this one above.

"(We Don't Need This) Fascist Groove Thang," the band's first single, hit #45 on the UK Charts, despite the fact that it was banned by Radio 1 DJ Mike Read. I love this song so much, it makes me want to start a dance party with Emma Goldman in a huge warehouse with lots of love and organizing and fun. You get all here: rad political lyrics about the horrible political landscape of the 80s with Reagan and Thatcher, that great UK drum machine and synth sound, clattering percussion, some nice keys and horns filling out the sound. I cannot begin to explain how great it is to hear dance music with such an explicit political edge; as much as I love the booty shit and the disco and house calls for love and sex and happiness, there's something inspiring about hearing dudes who understand just how radical it is to make people dance. That abandon, that mixing of bodies, that's a revolution every night people! Download this! Organize! Yeah!

Theo Parrish - Ugly Edits #4

2009-02-06T16:47:00.002-05:00

The Dells, "Get On Down (Theo Parrish Re-edit)" (YSI link)

Minnie Ripperton, "Stick Together (Theo Parrish Re-edit)" (YSI link)

Let's get back ready for the weekend with some disco . That's right, more Ugly Edits from Theo Parrish! We've posted up one or two other volumes of this series, essential music, some of the greatest edits that I've ever heard, as the Detroit techno third waver and Chicago house-man shows his disco side.

The "Get On Down" edit has sweaty dancefloor written all over it. It's an 11 minute soul workout that really never lets up, getting The Dells ready to take over at peak hour. Parrish has added a rubbery bass that keeps the whole thing moving; amazingly it never gets boring despite the length. I really love the strings on this one, they are out front and melodic. There's a really nice repetitive sound to this one, as Parrish brings a new disco style to the old disco sound. Great stuff.

I'm an even bigger fan of the Minnie Ripperton edit, as this one rewards close listening. There's so many little pieces that turn this one into a winner - piano vamping, Ripperton's whispers, finger snaps. Things stay on a slow burn for the first 5 minutes, then Parrish raises the flame by letting loose with some real vocal fireworks and brings it home strong.

Armando presents Robert Armani - Armani Trax

2009-02-03T17:31:00.005-05:00

Armando presents Robert Armani, "Circus Bells (Armando's mix)" (YSI link)

Armando presents Robert Armani, "Circus Bells (full length original mix)" (YSI link)

Okay, I lied about getting back into the swing of things. Seriously though, I'm getting back into the swing of things, starting....NOW! It's been a minute since we dropped any house music here, time to remedy that grave error. What better way to remedy it than with a stone cold Chicago acid house classic, Robert Armani's "Circus Bells"?

This one's the B side of the Armani Trax EP, a classic Dance Mania record, released in 1990. Longtime readers know that that label has guided so much of my listening, taking me from acid to ghetto in the span of an insanely productive decade. "Circus Bells" is one of the label's most famous and from the first peals of the bell on Armando's mix, you know you are in for something serious. It's like a call to arms or something for the dancefloor. After the last bell sound fades away, you get a devastating, 10 minute long acid tinged monster. Deep bass drums, hi-hats and clapping snares lay the foundation for a siren-like synth melody that worms its way into your head and will make you freak out. The original full-length mix is a few minutes shorter and lacks the bells-opening. You win with either one.

Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes - Wake Up Everybody

2009-01-29T12:46:00.000-05:00

Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, "Wake Up Everyday" (YSI link) 320

Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, "Keep On Lovin' You" (YSI link) 320

Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, "I'm Searching For A Love" (YSI link) 320

Here's the logical follow-up to our Dimitri From Paris edits, a return to the original source material, Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes! Yeah! Here's a few tracks from their 1975 Philadelphia International LP, Wake Up Everybody, classic Philly Soul sound, Gamble & Huff produced songs. This is what it's all about: songs about love, happiness, freedom, the good things in life. There's very few things I would rather hear in the whole world, this is LIFE on vinyl.

The LP opens with a bang, the title track and my personal favorite "Wake Up Everybody." This is just seven minutes of slow burning soul, featuring beautiful lyrics calling us all to action to change the world. Perfect soundtrack for these post Bush, Obama days. The band provides a subtle groove underneath, letting Teddy Pendergrass preach on as only he can do for the full seven and a half minutes. "Keep On Lovin' You" keeps the good vibes and beautiful strings and horns music comin'. As I listen to it now, feel like this might be my favorite, such a classic love song, perfect for listening to with your loved one, lying in bed on a lazy Sunday afternoon without a care in the world. Finally, check out Sharon Paige's vocals on "I'm Searching For A Love," giving us the opposite side of the love coin. This one has a sort of Bacharach/David feel to it, probably because of the melancholy lyrics, backed up by some heartbreaking strings.

I'll just leave you with the refrain from "Wake Up Everybody," take them with you and think them over today: "The world won't get no better if we just let it be/The world won't get no better we gotta change it yeah, just you and me."

Dmitri From Paris - Southside Edits Vol. 1

2009-01-23T14:34:00.004-05:00

Dimitri From Paris, "Madd Luck" (YSI link)

Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, "Bad Luck" (YSI link)

Dimitri From Paris, "Feeling About 'Cha" (YSI link)

Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, "Tell The World How I Feel About 'Cha Baby"

We're jumping right back in the mix here, with two edits from the master, Dimitri From Paris. Dude is probably best known now for his Playboy Mansion mixes, which feature a much more mellow, cocktail jazz, smooth disco vibe. But, the man is also responsible for some perfect, seriously funky, raucous disco edits and tracks and his Southside Edits Volume 1 gives you the perfect window onto that side.

Both of these cuts are edits of Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes songs, classic Philly Soul numbers that will remind you of why music is the greatest thing on Earth and Philly's its greatest city. Both are also furiously paced ragers, they get going quickly and never let up.

"Madd Luck" is my choice of the two, Dimitri's edit of "Bad Luck." There's just nothing like hearing Mr. Teddy Pendergrass belting out those "Satisfied"'s and "Down down down"'s over those beautiful strings, cymbal splashes, horn blasts, doubletime beat and vamping keys. Man, this needs to be the soundtrack to your life, this is LIFE MUSIC! Perfect for those days when nothing is going right, as it's sure to lift your spirits or provide company to your misery. For those wondering, Dimitri has mostly fucked with the drums, adding a kick drum to the mix that ups the pace and does away with the more relaxed original. The bass is also less prominent, making it less funky and deliberate.

"Feeling About 'Cha" adds an extended drums intro and outro, but for the most keeps things the same as the original, "Tell The World How I Feel About 'Cha Baby." Again, most of the edit revolves around the drums, as Dimitry has added a much more forceful beat, upping the tempo for the dancefloor. This one's on some feel good, I love my girl, the world is a beautiful place shit. If you don't love that, you don't love America, kittens or apple pie. Download all of this stuff, it doesn't get better.

Chimes Of Freedom

2009-01-20T13:32:00.002-05:00

Bob Dylan, "Chimes of Freedom" (live at Newport Festival 1964)

It's a beautiful day for America, as we inaugurated Barack Obama and we realized that George W. Bush can no longer destroy this country. Not much I can really add to this moment, just to say how wonderful a feeling it is to wake up into what feels like a genuinely new world. These past 8 years have been a nightmare, at times one that felt like it would never end. Well, it's over and you can hear the chimes of freedom. I love you all, let's get to work.

Korrupt VII

2009-01-17T22:28:00.004-05:00

Get ready NYC. Korrupt VII. Throne Of Blood. Dances With White Girls, Mattie Safer of The Rapture and WiZ. Meanred Productions. Good People.The divine Lorraine Sangre hosting. 88 Palace, 88 E. Broadway. This one's so rad, all I need is declarative sentences. Be there.

Suicide - Live At Club Europa December 11, 2008

2008-12-18T16:46:00.007-05:00

I was fortunate enough to attend that rarest of rare occurences, a live Suicide show, last Thursday night. It was my second time seeing them, as I also caught their free show at the South Street Seaport last summer; nothing quite as weird as seeing the darkest of bands playing outdoor in the sunshine to a crowd full of drunk yuppies.

This time, they chose the odd venue of Club Europa in Greenpoint, a two-floor club that mostly hosts local acts, not seminal ones that have influenced everything that has come since. It's actually a nice venue, as the upstairs as a nice bar in the back, a stage in the front with plenty of room to either stand or you can grab a seat on the couches that surround the dancefloor. I arrived in time to catch the A.R.E. Weapons setting up, after a typically long wait for the cursed G train. I've seen the A.R.E. Weapons before, but have never really found them to be very compelling. I hear descriptions of noise rock, electro rock, confrontational, etc., but that wasn't what I heard that night. It just sounds like blah glam-y punk or something; the tunes didn't grip me, they definitely didn't venture into noise territory and generally made me wish I had come an hour later.

The main event began around 11:2o, I believe, as Mr. Alan Vega and Mr. Martin Rev walked through the crowd and up onto the stage. By the time they did, the room was packed, a nice surprise considering it was a Thursday night in Greenpoint and it was still pouring rain at showtime. Vega (real name: Alan Bernowitz) wore a black hooded sweatshirt and lit a cigarette about a song in. I know it'll make me sound like a fan boy, but who gives a shit? Dude is just cool personfied, all attitude, sneering, punk despite the fact that he's twice as old as anyone in the room. They opened with two classics, "Ghost Rider" and "Rocket USA," killing it with both, you would have no idea that these two dudes never really play live (I believe that I've caught their last two shows in NYC) Vega's still got that voice, that jittery, paranoid one that sucks you in and demands you listen.

To be honest, this night was all about Martin Rev, as he killed it the entire night. On the new track they introduced, Rev went off on a 4 or 5 minute Korg solo that had Vega sitting down to let the man shine. At times, the sinister shit Rev played completely overwhelmed Vega's vocals, which was a little frustrating as Suicide isn't the same without Vega's crazed Elvis-y vocals. But, honestly, I wouldn't want Rev to be lower in the mix, as that minimal ruckus he raises is perfect,

The band played for a little more than an hour, then walked off the stage and headed back to the dressing room area. They ignored the encore calls, as the lights went up after about 5 minutes. They came, kicked ass and left. I headed out and shockingly the G came for the first time ever just as I was getting to the platform. I like to think that Suicide's music scared the shit out of the MTA and forced them to hook up the exiting fans.

All of these terrible photos were taken by me with the aid of the lovely Miss LS's camera. Let me leave you with a parting shot of the machines that made it all happen. We'll have more Suicide live music coming up, some real goodies people. Yeah yeah yeah!

Suicide - 23 Minutes Over Brussels

2008-12-15T23:22:00.000-05:00

Suicide, "23 Minutes Over Brussels" (YSI link)

Every so often I like to focus on one particular artist or genre for a bit and that time has come again. I caught one of my favorite bands of all-time, Suicide, last Thursday night at Club Europa in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. I'll have more to say on that later, but for now I wanted to start posting up some live Suicide music.

There's no other place to start than the duo's most infamous show, June 16, 1978, live at the Anciennes Belgique, Brussels, Belgium. The band was in Europe opening for a few bands you've probably heard of - The Clash and Elvis Costello. This particular night, they were opening for Elvis Costello & the Attractions and this particular crowd was not happy at having to wait to hear their hero. Suicide opens with "Ghost Rider" and it's all downhill from there. The guys are booed pretty lustily after that one, but little does anyone know that booing is this audience being polite. You get an "Elvis! Elvis!" chant after "Rocket USA," booing and whistling throughout the fourth song, "Dance." By the time they get to "Frankie Teardrop," things are getting ugly. Someone in the audience steals the microphone, forcing the promoter to come out and demand it back or the show will be cancelled. Alan Vega subsequently begins to tell the crowd (or one person in particular) to "fuck off" and as the tape cuts, a full-fledged riot has broken out. Vega gets his nose broken, the club is torn up and the Suicide legend begins. 23 minutes.

This was a bonus track released as a second on the reissue of Suicide's self-titled first album. If you do not own that album, stop whatever you are doing and buy a copy. Then, buy a second copy to give out to a stranger. This is essential music from the studio and the stage, the darkest, most immediate music I've ever heard.

Friendly Fires - Paris

2008-12-10T16:31:00.004-05:00

Friendly Fires, "Paris (Aeroplane remix)" (YSI link) 320

"I promise, someday, we're gonna live in Paris." How could I not love this song with a lyric like that and a remix by new disco kings Aeroplane. We're in the midst of horrible rainy/snowy weather here in NYC right now, so it's nice to have this cosmic and sunny remix to remind us that the summer is coming around again. Just listen to those warm keys and handclaps and tell me you don't see yourself on an beach on some isolated island watching the sun rise. Add in re-done vocals by Au Revoir Simone that add an air of the wistful and you have a winner. Things do pick up around the 4 and a half minute mark, as the vocals drop out and the drums kick harder and the synths starting shooting fire. It's much more banger than Balearic, which I ain't mad at.

This one's dedicated to my cosmic girl JH-B, who had a law school exam today. I sent good thoughts and cosmic tunes her way all day!

Everyone is flipping over the Justin Kohncke remix on the B side, making this a real serious 12". Grab your copy at Turntable Lab and also make sure to pick up the original stuff in the form of the Friendly Fire's first self-titled LP. This sort of indie dance stuff is pretty saturated right now, but these UK guys are definitely pushing through the clutter.

Chuck Chillout - KISS FM Radio Show 8/29/86

2008-12-08T23:54:00.003-05:00

Chuck Chillout, KISS FM radio show August 28, 1986 (YSI link)

Here's something fun to kick off the week, as we continue to try to dig into the first decade or so of rap music. A real radio show from the mid-80s NYC! It's a great blast from the past, a chance to hear the earliest days of rap music in its most natural setting, the hour and fifteen minute straight mix. Hard to overstate how important these shows were to the development of hip-hop, as they gave the new genre a sense of importance and permanence, a real outlet that could be heard by anyone with a radio.

Chuck Chillout was one of the biggest names in NYC radio during this time. He should also be familiar to Pound for Pound readers, as he was a member of The B-Boys, who we discussed last week. Dude was a master scratcher, releasing a 3 part solo series, worked with Run-DMC, discovered Black Moon and has been an instrumental force in bringing rap to the world. The show's a lot of fun, as you hear the biggies from the day like Run-DMC, LL Cool J and Boogie Down Productions. Chuck mixes it all impeccably, taking us back to stripped down, sample-heavy days.

All of this got me to thinking about how much I miss having the chance to hear great radio shows. I can remember when I was growing up in Philly, trying to catch Friday night rap show on Power 99 or the college radio stations at Princeton and Drexel that played experimental music. There was something wonderful about those early days, these secret little sessions you could have to discover all of this amazing music that seemed endless. Not sure we have that today, since it's so easy to find out about every band or artist ever with blogs and podcasts and whatnot. Obviously, it's much better now, as we want everyone to be able to hear great music as easily possible, but there's something inside of me that thinks the music was a lot more special when it was harder to find.

Talking Heads - Stop Making Sense

2008-12-07T23:47:00.000-05:00

Talking Heads, "Heaven" (YSI link)

Talking Heads, "This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody)" (YSI link)

This seems like the logical follow-up to the Greg Wilson edits, going back to the Talking Heads album that that edit came from. Stop Making Sense was the concert film shot in December 1983, directed by Jonathan Demme, that remains one of, if not the, greatest concert film ever shot. I'm partial to The Grateful Dead Movie, but you should definitely add this to your Netflix queue ASAP.

The soundtrack is excellent, a great chance to hear the band playing live and funky. Things start off with just David Byrne singing "Psycho Killer" solo and then another band member comes out with each new song until the whole band is together for "Found A Job." There's a few guest musicians, including Parliament-Funkadelic's Bernie Worrell, but it isn't some Last Waltz-type concert. This is Talking Heads and that is a good thing. These songs come from the 1999 Special Edition release, which gives you the 9 original tracks plus 7 additional tracks that had not been heard before. I've focused on two of the new additions, which blow me away every time I hear them. I always associate the Talking Heads with that skewed funky sound, never really considered Byrne and his singing skills nor that the band can write really beautiful heartfelt songs. Listen to "This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody)" for proof that the man can sing and the band can touch my cold, dead heart. Awesome, love love love that little flute that lets the tune just float above you. "Heaven" is just Byrne and bassist Tina Weymouth; the stripped down look works perfectly for the sincere lyrics.

This is an excellent album straight through, as I haven't even mentioned the classics like "Once In A Lifetime." It's proof that the Talking Heads killed it live as much as they did in the studio. Go here and buy your copy of the Special New Edition, money well-spent.

Please Help Dylan! Pug! Friends! $!

2008-12-05T15:54:00.000-05:00

How can you not help this little guy out?!?

No, this is not a request to help out Mr. Bob Dylan. It's much more important, as a little dog needs the help of the Pound for Pound masses. Little Dylan, pictured above, developed a possible brain infection Wednesday afternoon and his devoted owners, Alana and Dimitry, took him to the ER at the New York Medical Center, where he underwent tests. He's going to make it, which is great news, as the vet was able to figure out that there was nothing wrong neurologically and he is back home where he belongs. There is a chance he will need surgery on his leg down the road, however, but everything's ok now. Check out Alana's blog for the whole story and all of the photos mom has taken of her babies.

However, this is an insanely expensive process, so Dimitry and Alana need our help. Head to the bottom of this post and donate a few dollars through their paypal account. It's tough times out there, but this is a good cause and these are two of the best people I know in NYC. Let's do what we can, as I know there are lots of readers and who doesn't love pets and know what it's like to do whatever we can to help them out. Let's do this people! Get well Dylan! Yeah!

Greg Wilson Edits

2008-12-04T17:52:00.000-05:00

D.C. LaRue, "DC Le Groove (GW Edit)" (YSI link)

Talking Heads, "Gotta Tape I Wanna Play" (YSI link)

I've been meaning to up some more recent music, but as a sign of where my head is at, the only thing I really felt a NEED to put up right now was these edits of old songs by Greg Wilson. Doh! Give these two edits a listen though and you will lose any doubts or complaints that this shit ain't the truth.

The first one, "DC Le Groove," is completely new to me, a re-edit of D.C. LaRue's "Ca-The-Drals." Unfortunately, I can't really say what Wilson has done to this one or how far he strays from the original, but I will simply that this song in and of itself is amazing, a funkified disco stomper that makes the world seem better. It starts off with bass and guitar, some percussion comes in and things start chugging along. Then, every 30 seconds or so you get a great blast of strings and horn noise, which evaporates quickly, leaving you back with the guitar, bass and drums.

The next one should be instantaneously recognized by Talking Heads fans (who isn't a TH fan?!?) as an edit of "Psycho Killer" from the Stop Making Sense soundtrack. Wilson has created a nice extended drum-heavy opening that makes this one dancefloor-ready. It doesn't sound to my ears like he's done a whole lot to the original, which comes in with David Byrne's "Hi, gotta tape I wanna play you" intro. The original features only Byrne, his guitar and the "tape," i.e. drum machine that provides the beat. Wilson adds more percussion, but mostly let's this amazing song breathe.

Lil' Jazzy Jay & Cool Supreme - B Boy Style

2008-12-03T14:14:00.001-05:00

Lil' Jazzy Jay and Cool Supreme, "B Boy Style (club vocal)" (YSI link)

Lil' Jazzy Jay and Cool Supreme, "B Boy Style (dub instrumental)" (YSI link)

Yes, yes, more electro rap from the early days! I can't get enough of this stuff right now, so clean and stripped down, love it. Lil' Jazzy Jay & Cool Supreme are everything I love, those flashes that come into the musical world, make a quick mark and disappear forever, a little moment of divine inspiration that makes a small ripple on the music surface that we pick up years later.

The duo was actually producer Rae Cerrano (Cool Supreme) and John Byas (Jazzy Jay) and they dropped this single on Easy Street Records in 1985. This one's so dope, you will immediately be transported back to the 80s, hanging in a park with a boombox, a group of breakers and a large group of friends all dressed in too-short shorts and Kangols. I mean, there's vocoder vocals and nice freestlye female ones! Two for two! You also get some nice synths, a tinkling piano keys, lots of scratches and a cold, hard beat. Add in Jazzy Jay's raps and you have a personal favorite. For those who want to take out the raps, head to the dub instrumental version, which gives you just the female refrain and lots more scratching. Trust me, you need this one. B boys! B girls! Yeah!

Larry Levan - Live At The Paradise Garage Part 2

2008-12-02T13:42:00.006-05:00

Larry Levan, Live At The Paradise Garage Disc 2 (YSI link) tracklisting in comments

Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Give thanks! I finally remembered to do a post on the second disc from this recording of Larry Levan spinning at the Paradise Garage. Long-time readers will know that I had planned to do this months ago, but it got lost in the hiatus I took. But, it's here now and you need to download this. People, this is life. This is love. This is sex. This is joy. This is pain. This is heaven's soundtrack, as I hear it. I can't say enough about these two discs. Whenever I am feeling a little down or sad or uninspired, I throw these on the iPod and just let the music take me to a better place. There's no greater compliment I can offer a DJ.

RIP Mr. Levan, the world is lesser without you.

Milton Nascimento - Clube Da Esquina

2008-12-01T16:52:00.003-05:00

Milton Nascimento, "Tudo Que Voce Podia Ser" (YSI link)

Lõ Borges, "O Trem Azul" (YSI link)

Alaide Costa and Milton Nascimento, "Me Deixa Em Paz" (YSI link)

Milton Nascimento e Beto Guedes, "Nada Serà Como Antes" (YSI link)

I spent the weekend back home in Philadelphia, which ironically gave me the chance to dig into my CD collection that has remained at the original Pound for Pound HQ, i.e. my parent's house. It was quite an archeological dig; I got to upload some great jazz music, Raddest find: Miles Davis' Complete Live At The Plugged Nickel boxed set. Most embarrassing find: I own more than one moe. CD!? Jam band memories came flooding back

One of the gems I got to upload and enjoy again was this one by Milton Nascimento, Clube Da Esquina. This album and the movement of the same name are pivotal in the development of Brazilian music, leading the way for traditional Brazilian sounds to engage with the modern rock music that was happening in the UK and US and jazz and whatever else they heard at the time. The story for Nascimento and the clube da esquina (club on the corner) members begins in 1963, when Nascimento and friend Tres Pontas moved to the same boarding house as the Borges brothers. Add in a few other local friends and they formed a band called The Beavers. Nascimento was always the focal point, as he made his own solo music and would eventually bring the group together to record this album for EMI in 1973.

You will immediately notice that the music has a beauty that you don't find very often. Despite the modern influences, there's really no discordant notes at all. You get a lot of upbeat, jangly pop, a smattering of slow ballads, all with gorgeous vocals sung mostly by Nascimento and Lõ Borges. You can definitely hear The Beatles influence, with the electric guitars and pop sensibility, but there's no denying that this is Brazilian music at heart with its percussion and samba-like rhythms. The songs above should give you a good idea of what you can hear on the 21 tracks on the album.

I'm sure you can tell that I think this is some amazing music. While it's out of our normal posting range here, it's definitely at the heart of what I like to listen to: great, soulful music. Buy a copy today, check the amazing reviews there if you doubt me. An essential purchase and a great way to jump into the Brazilian waters and discover the incredible music of that country. Yeah!

[I'd like to thank Milton for making this album, as its calming sounds were the perfect soundtrack to me having to wait two hours to catch one of the Chinatown buses to NYC last night. I mean, people were fighting, screaming the F word, there was no line whatsoever to get on, just a bum rush when a new bus pulled up. The whole time I was in a total zen state, imagining that the bus was taking me to Rio, where I would end up on the beach with a girl in a thong, playing soccer and discussing urban development and the favelas with said girl. Thank you Milton, thank you.]

Ashford and Simpson - Set It

2008-11-29T23:31:00.002-05:00

Ashford and Simpson, "Don't Cost You Nothin'" (YSI link)

Ashford and Simpson, "Send It" (YSI link)

Ashford and Simpson, "Bourgie Bourgie" (YSI link)

For those who have had a chance to listen to the first disc of the Larry Levan mix, you couldn't help but have been struck by the opening instrumental song, a beautiful, keys-driven tune that starts things out so perfectly and lushly. That tune comes off of Ashford and Simpson's Set It LP from 1977. Ashford and Simpson were Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson, who actually originally made their name writing and producing hits for other artists, including Miss Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye and Chaka Khan. They worked at Motown working with a who's who of that label, but eventually left to make music on their own. Their names

This is their first album, one of many to come. This one is for the lovers in the audience, as Ashford and Simpson sing songs about love and sex in male-female duets. The music is mostly slower, soul-inspired stuff, not necessarily dancefloor burners. This is for those moments with your significent other, lying around the apartment, just hanging out together. In other words, this is grown folks music, not for the kids in their neon outfits partying to the latest electro remix. "Send It" was the only single to make the charts, a nice R&B slow jam featuring a flute, strings and piano that add up to something a little cheesy but still delicious. "Don't Cost You Nothin'" is a personal fav. It's all about this nasty bassline, gives the song a dirty, slinky feel that works perfectly with the back-and-forth male/female vocals. "Bourgie Bourgie" is the highlight, a perfect 6 minute instrumental that makes you feel like you are floating on a cloud.

No clue what we're going to be getting into this week coming up, so check in again soon and see what I'm feeling.

Larry Levan - Live At The Paradise Garage

2008-11-27T01:12:00.007-05:00

Larry Levan, Live At The Paradise Garage Disc 1 (YSI link)

Wow, I killed Thanksgiving dinner, may have even eaten the plate in my gorging. Anyway, today is the day we give thanks for all that we have in life. I wanted to give thanks to all of my great readers, as you are the loves of my e-life. There's been an upswing in comments recently, which makes me so happy. I put comments right behind pastrami on rye on my top things in the world list, both of which are right behind sex and boobs.

I also want to give thanks for disco for saving my life. I can't think of more perfect musical statement of joy and giving thanks than this DJ set by Larry Levan at the legendary Paradise Garage. Throw this one on at some point this weekend and think of all the people you love, all of the great things in your life and all that is still to come. This is the soundtrack to those thoughts.

I've upped Disc 1 today for those who are newer readers. I promise to upload Disc 2 on Monday, as I had intended to do months ago. Celebrate! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

B Beat Girls - Hearts A Hurricane

2008-11-26T23:04:00.001-05:00

B Beat Girls, "Hearts A Hurricane (Vocal)" (YSI link)

B Beat Girls, "Hearts A Hurricane (Dub)" (YSI link)

During the break, I've begun to dip my toe back into the hip-hop waters, although I still can't say I'm hearing much new stuff that interests me (get at me and let me know what I'm missing currently). However, my love for the early days has only gotten deeper, as I'm becoming obsessed with those late 70s/early 80s tunes when rap came into being. What's most exciting about is to hear the days when rap was so open to dance and electronic music, where it was trying to find its legs.

This B Beat Girls track, "Hearts A Hurricane," is a great example of this period, with the girls rapping over a classic electro instrumental complete with weirdo synths that give it that necessary futuristic sound. I really like the raps on this one, but it's the sung refrain that I love. Gives it a bit of a freestyle feel and makes things much catchier than you would expect. As always, you get the dub for those who favor less vocals. Yeah!

Massimo Barsotti - Whole Lotta Love

2008-11-25T16:46:00.002-05:00

Massimo Barsotti, "Whole Lotta Love" (YSI link)

Massimo Barsotti, "W.L.L. (Another Version)" (YSI link)

Italo! Yeah! We're staying in Europe for some more disco goodies, finally digging into the Italo disco crates to see how the Italian twist on the disco sound. This one is pretty crazy (in a good way), as Massimo Barsotti does an Italo cover of Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love." Weirdly, thanks to AB, I have started listening to Zeppelin again and been loving hearing some of their classic tunes again ("Tangerine" is my personal fav). However, a disco cover of one of their songs? Yes, please. Pound for Pound dream shit.

Barsotti is another artist who came out of the ether, dropped two singles in the early 80s and then disappeared again. I believe that's the extent of his output, although please let me know if he changed to an alias or what. Anyway, this one has all the markings of a burning Italo track - sleazy vocals, synths!!!, barebones drum machines. While Robert Plant sounds like a dude who really needs to get laid, Barsotti sounds like that dude who got laid the night before, plans to get laid again that night and every night for the foreseeable future. So calm and sleezed up, love love love it. I picture him walking into the club, possibly in Miami Vice Don Johnson white jacket with sleeves rolled up, saying hi to some friends, when he sees a gorgeous brunette on the dancefloor. The song takes place from this moment on, as he takes to the dancefloor and puts his spell on this woman. Her name is Monica, but the vision gets a little cloudy at this point.

FYI, the instrumental is even sicker, with an extra minute and a half of synth magic. There's also the occasional vocal moment, but this one's definitely for those not loving the vocals. Oh, and remember to add my blog in the upper right hand corner, 20 followers and counting! Yeah!

Cerrone - The Golden Touch (IV)

2008-11-24T16:33:00.000-05:00

Cerrone, "Je Suis Music" (YSI link) 320

Cerrone, "Rocket In The Pocket" (YSI link) 320

Okay, I've got the computer back from the shop, I've finally come to terms with the fact that I am now living in a post-Obama, post-Phillies World Series Champions world. The time off has perhaps left many afraid that this blog would lose its way, no longer confident of its direction or what to post. Au contraire, these recent developments have only confirmed what I have always known - disco will save the world. Is it a coincidence that all of these great events happened once Pound for Pound made a disco turn? The answer is a resound "No!"

Let's jump right back into the deep end, heading to Europe to listen to one of its disco masters, Cerrone. Born Jean-Marc Cerrone in Paris, Cerrone would be one of the first to adopt the disco sound on the Continent. Dude was making music early, already signed to Barclay at aged 20. His late 70s, early 80s work has had a profound impact on all of the later French dance music like Daft Punk, who sampled the man.

Cerrone IV - The Golden Touch is one of those classic LPs, dropping on the Malligator label in 1978. Man, this one is so necessary, you will immediately imagine yourself in steamy, sweaty club, around 1 am, huge crowd dancing, music swirling all around you, balloons falling from the ceiling, nothing left to do but smile smile smile, yes yes yes. "Je Suis Music" is the highlight of the A side, an excellent slow-burning vocal track that is completely irresistible. A big, rubbery bass and solid beat holds it down, while the various horns and percussion take things to the next level of jublilation. I really love the vocals on this one; it's thing I miss most with all of the great recent cosmic and new disco stuff. "We all feel the pain, is it necessary?/ When we feel the pain better to stick together/Music is the way to relieve the pressure/Music all the way, do you get the message?" Love it. "

"Rocket In The Pocket" is about as subtle as the title, a nice rocking disco track. This one features some serious electric guitar jams, bordering on the cheese. I kinda like it, but I've never been a big fan of taking the guitar seriously (suck on that, rock critics!) You also get more female vocals, a heavier beat, less up-front horns and bass and even a rattler sound. Yeah! This one walks the line between real and cheese, rock and disco and it works for my ears nicely.

We're back people, all sucker blogs are warned.

Dances With White Girls

2008-11-19T14:17:00.009-05:00

Dances With White Girls, Burning Bridges and Making Paper (YSI link)

Yes, yes, we've been gone for much too long. Unfortunately, my computer has been in the shop for the past 3+ weeks, leaving me completely out of commission, out of music and out of luck. All of that is about to change, so be on the lookout for regular posting shortly.

In the meantime, I had to get word out about this special event in NYC tonight. Friend of the blog and one of Pound for Pound's favorite DJs Dances With White Girls, a.k.a. Frog, a.k.a. The Man Who What makes tonight's party at Bar 13 so special? It's celebrating the much-anticipated release of DWWG's first EP, New Crack Swing, the latest release on The Rapture's Throne of Blood Records and the record that will set the blogs on fire for the rest of 2008. Frog is taking over the Girls & Boys party tonight at Bar 13 (35 E. 13th Street), a full-on Union Square takeover. Thug house for the masses. He's joined by Andy Pry, Daisy O'Dell and a special guest, who I imagine may have some connection to the label. Head over to the Boys and Girls Myspace page for more info including RSVP link. For the record, there are already close to 1500 people interested in this one on going.com. I will be one of those people, you should too.

For those not in NYC tonight, I've included Frog's latest mix, which should both enjoy top listening status and convince you to purchase the EP. You hear me? Purchase the EP! We'll have more to say on this man and his music, but this is an adequate intro. Yes yes, good good.

Williams - Love On A Real Train

2008-10-21T13:27:00.003-04:00

Williams, "Love On A Real Train (Williams Odyssey mix)" (YSI link)

Williams, "Love On A Real Train (Version By Studio)" (YSI link)

I spent the night working on a cosmic mix. Two points: 1) Happy birthday to JH-B, the recipient of said mix! A Cosmic Birthday, yeah! 2) I'm in a cosmic state of mind. So, here's a phenomenal track from early this year, Williams' "Love On A Real Train," released on Love Triangle Music. While that label specializes in tech-house, this one fits in so nicely with the new disco scene that has developed over the past 5 years or so, that space-y, stretched out music that is the best thing going today imo.

I spent part of last night hearing some great NYC DJs like Mr. James Friedman, Ms. Louisahhh!!!, Mr. Cocco and Ms. Jess Jubilee spin tech-electro-house all night at The Delancey until the speakers couldn't take it. Fun night and great tunes, but it only served to reinforce that my head is just in a different place now. All I wanted was a nice, slow-burning song to come out of the ether, something that slowly fucked with my ears rather than having them bombarded. These two remixes for "Love On A Real Train" fit that bill, unfolding slowly but surely for those who have patience. Williams redid his own song with his Odyssey mix and he's done well again. This one raises the pressure, while keeping the sounds the same. It makes for a more dancefloor ready song and yet somehow it doesn't feel rushed either. Sweden's Studio turn in a sick remix, adding in some rad flamenco-y guitar action that makes me feel like I am on some Spanish beach waiting for the sun to go down. There's also a way funkier bass here that gives things a little more oomph. Awesome.

Sit back, put your headphones on and enjoy. Also, don't forget to add yourself as a fan of Pound for Pound. Click the link in the upper right hand corner and show your love. Thanks! Yeah!

Ashley Beedle - Dance and Shake Your Tambourine

2008-10-20T11:21:00.001-04:00

Inner City Express, "Dance and Shake Your Tambourine (Beedle's Heavy Disco edit)" (YSI link)

Disco edits! Yeah! We did a post last week on "Dance and Shake Your Tambourine," the tune covered by the Universal Robot Band. The original by Inner City Express is hard to come by, but thankfully the master Ashley Beedle decided to drop an edit for the world to experience the original.

Beedle is one of those dudes who always has his hand in great music without becoming an ubiquitous figure. He was a part of the rave-y X-Press 2, made amazing house music with Rob Mello and Josh Howard as Black Science Orchestra and jazzy downbeat music in the Ballistic Brothers project. Dudes has even started three labels over the past decade plus - Afroart, Soundboy Entertainment and Ill Sun. Through it all, he has maintained an interest and love of disco, which has become much more clear recently with his amazing Heavy Disco edits.

This 12" is just pure bliss on a slab of vinyl. I want everyone to download these ASAP, put them on your iTunes or iPod, take 20 minutes out of your work day and revel in the beautiful sounds. I can guarantee you that Monday will seem a lot better and you will look forward to the week ahead and to falling in love and Obama being President. Let the horns and strings and guitars take you away from everything, as this is LIFE MUSIC people. Beedle has put his foot to the pedal on "Dance and Shake Your Tambourine," keeping it a burner right through. He's thankfully kept things mostly the same, including that little kazoo sound. There's a sick drum breakdown, those airy vocals and "oohs" and just the right amount of synths. All I can really say is wow. Grab a copy now.

Phreek - Weekend

2008-10-17T13:51:00.004-04:00

Phreek, "Weekend (long version)" (YSI link)

Phreek, "Weekend (short version)" (YSI link)

Phreek, "Weekend (extended version)" (YSI link)

I got free guacamole from the Chipotle lady tonight, who I think may have been flirting with me, and now it's Friday afternoon and the weekend is here and it's just the perfect time for some classic disco.

Oh boy, you need this one in your life. I guarantee that Phreek's "Weekend" will be in the main rotation for a long time regardless of the day. It's one of those songs that will immediately lift your spirits as soon as you hear it, from those first rubbery bass notes and beautiful keys. This one was written and produced by the amazing Leroy Burgess and Patrick Adams, you can hear his touch with the all the little details, like the cowbells, gorgeous strings and shakers. It's all so well composed, all of these little pieces fitting into a magnificent big picture. The lyrics and vocals might even be better, as Christie Shire kills it on that front.

For everyone getting ready to head out, this one's for you. "It's party time, it's party time tonight." Enjoy, be safe, dance your asses off, fall in love.

Disco Saves Lives

2008-10-17T09:19:00.001-04:00

Disco will save your life. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Cabaret Voltaire - The Original Sound Of Sheffield '78/'82

2008-10-16T22:39:00.000-04:00

Cabaret Voltaire, "Do The Mussolini (Headkick!)" (YSI link)

Cabaret Voltaire, "Nag Nag Nag" (YSI link)

Cabaret Voltaire, "Obsession" (YSI link)

Cabaret Voltaire, "Loosen The Clamp" (YSI link)

[Ed. note: Sorry for the m4a files. I uploaded this CD a long time ago and didn't realize I had done so in this format. I don't have access to the CD at the moment, but hopefully once I get back to Philly, I'll be able to give everyone a HQ mp3. In the meantime, this should give you a taste of CV.]

It wasn't all disco and cocaine back in the late 70s. There was also a parallel electronic music scene that took its inspiration from the avant garde and punk than soul and funk. Cabaret Voltaire are one of the best examples of this dark dance music. A trio consisting of Richard H. Kirk, Stephen Mallinder and Chris Watson that formed in the early 70s, the band was supremely influential in developing the industrial sound. They themselves were influenced by the work of Beats like William S. Burroughs and Bryon Grisin, who experimented with the cut-up technique in which they would cut up their work into pieces and reorder them at random.

Enough background, let's get to the music. These songs come from the 2001 compilation, The Original Sound Of Sheffield '78/'82, on Mute Records that collected some of the band's best songs from the period of 1978-1982, the period when things first got rolling for the group. This early period features some of the bleakest, darkest music ever, a whole disc of feedback, distortion, manipulated sounds, tribal drum machine noises. There's definitely a pulse and rhythm here, somtimes buried under the static, this ain't bleeps and noises; check out the final song, "Loosen The Clamp," you will clearly hear that these guys were responding to the dance music coming out at the time. This isn't oontz-oontz dance music, but it's there, stripped to the bone. The funky bass, the mechanical, almost tribal drums and space-y keys create a hypnotic track that would influence lots of our favorite music still to come.

The earlier songs like the awesomely titled "Do The Mussolini (Headkick!)" come more out of the punk ether, with the main comparison that comes to my mind is the electro-punk sounds of Suicide. "Nag Nag Nag" is similar, starting off in feedback and never giving your eardrums much of break from there on out. There's some distorted vocals, a massive rhythm section that would make a rock band proud and that layer of feedback that drifts over the whole thing. Awesome stuff.

Obviously, I highly recommend picking up this CD from the excellent Forced Exposure, a great introduction to the group. We'll take a look at part of the look back which covers 1983-1987 and hopefully a lot more down the road, as we're gonna focus a lot more on this darker side of the dance music world. Oh, and I am going to be a little more active with my myspace page, so add me if you'd like some extra goodies. Yes? Yes!

Bionic Boogie - Hot Butterfly

2008-10-14T17:30:00.001-04:00

Bionic Butterfly, "Chains" (YSI link)

Bionic Butterfly, "Cream (Always Rises To The Top)" (YSI link)

Bionic Butterfly, "Fess Up To The Boogie" (YSI link)

Let's kick the week off with some great disco tunes and some of Larry Levan's favorites from the year 1979. Bionic Butterfly either have the worst name ever or the greatest, I have not made up my mind. I do know that in their short career, they dropped three LPs including this amazing one, Hot Butterfly. This is just joyous disco music that you need in your life. Yes? Yes!

Check out "Cream (Always Rises To The Top)" and experience the magnificence of this music. That bass is so big and so deep, it will make you funky and cool by osmosis. This one's got some great vocals, including a goody sounding guy talking about private parts at one point. "Chains" is my favorite, an uplifting rager that goes from 0-60 in one second. This one's ready to go right from the starter's gun. It's got another massive bassline, some horn bursts, great lyrics about going for love, drums right up front and lots of soaring vocals. Awesome stuff. "Fess Up To The Boogie" gets the award for best song title, another great track, similar vibe and structure as the other two. When you do it so well, why fuck around with experiments? They do add in a really deep horn, perhaps a tuba or bass saxophone? Whatever it is, it's nice and gives a great low end to the tune.

Okay, much more to come. Disco! Yeah!

P4P Video - Maestro

2008-10-13T10:36:00.001-04:00

This one's a special one. Maestro is a film by Josell Ramos that chronicles the early days of disco and dance music in New York City. It takes a look back at the underground scene that gave birth to disco and house music, chronicling legends like Larry Levan, David Mancuso, Nicky Siano, Frankie Knuckles and Tom Moulton and legendary places like Paradise Garage, The Gallery and The Loft. It's an amazing document, a chance to go back to the beginning of dance music and hear the stories from the people who were there. Ramos talks with Siano, Mancuso, Knuckles, dancers from back in the day, club staff, lighting men, sound engineers and others. Add in some great archival footage from the various clubs and you've got yourself a history lesson kids should be learning in school. It will show you just how important this music and scene was in the lives of so many people, who were able to find themselves and be themselves in an environment that strived to bring people together.

Here's the video for part 1 (there are 9 total parts) and anyone who reads the blog should consider this essential viewing:

It got me to thinking about the dance culture that existed back then, in the late 70s and 80s in New York City, and what things are like in the NYC of today. I try to avoid nostalgia, as it's such a corrosive and pointless emotion, usually based on rose-tinted glasses that never quite tell the whole story. But, it's hard not to feel like NYC today is missing something, something big. I'm not sure if it's the cabaret laws that have shut down so many clubs, if it's the yuppification of Manhattan, if it's the fact that gay culture doesn't have to be underground anymore, if it's the fault of bloggers like me who talk about everything and prevent any underground from really developing, if it's the insane cost of living or a combination of all of those factors. Whatever it is, I feel like club life in NYC is at a nadir, more about being seen or making money than telling a story or celebrating music. Am I being too pessimistic? Am I missing something? Leave some comments and let me know your thoughts, as I want to be so wrong.

Pound for Pound - Over 1 Million Served

2008-10-12T11:52:00.000-04:00

Time for a little self-congratulations here at Pound for Pound. Sometime in the last month or so, we blew past the 1,000,000 visitor mark! Like whoa! Kinda amazing, right? I want to thank everyone who has ever stopped by here and read my ramblings and downloaded my personal take on dance music over the past three decades. I love all of you and look forward to doing this for another million people, as we continue to spread the word about the joys of disco, 808s and big boobs. You are the wind beneath my wings. [P.S. We also got a link on the weekly GBH newsletter for the Mock and Toof Hot Chip remix! Yeah!]

Can I ask a favor? Can you take a second and become a follower of this blog? In the upper right hand corner, you should see a link that says Follow This Blog. Click and add Pound for Pound and you will make me happy and you will join a pretty elite group of the raddest people on Earth. I would love to show what kind of audience we have here, show just how deep this shit goes.

Pound for Pound is an army! Strength in numbers! Yeah!

DJ Harvey - Essential Mix 12.26.1999

2008-10-10T22:06:00.002-04:00

DJ Harvey, BBC Radio One Essential Mix December 26, 1999 Part 1 (Filemojo link)

DJ Harvey, BBC Radio One Essential Mix December 26, 1999 Part 2 (Filemojo link)

tracklisting in comments

I'm liking the idea of throwing up some long mixes on Friday, give everyone some nice listening for the weekends. We haven't done an Essential Mix in awhile, way past time to throw up one of these. We're going way back for this one, to a different century in fact. Hopefully some readers remember those glorious 90s, when the biggest issue our country faced was a blowjob and . House music entered its peak years then, as it absorbed the blueprint and expanded on it in every major city on Earth.

One of the world's great DJs, DJ Harvey, closed out the decade with a 2 hour mixing looking back at the best of house music for the preceding 10 years. I actually know Harvey mainly through his Sarcastic Disco party and various disco-y edits over the years. Clearly though, the guy is just as well-versed with house music. You get big names like Moodyman and Orbital, lesser-known-but-no-less rad artists like The Basement Boys and 4 To The Bar, plus some disco goodies here and there. Harvey's mix makes the connection between those two genres nicely, covering much of the developments along those lines in the 90s as disco stopped being such a dirty word and more artists started to be openly influenced by the sound.

Universal Robot Band - Dance and Shake Your Tambourine

2008-10-08T19:18:00.001-04:00

Universal Robot Band, "Thyme" (YSI link)

Universal Robot Band, "Disco Boogie Woman" (YSI link)

Universal Robot Band, "Space Disco" (YSI link)

Okay, I got all that white boy blues out of my system, time to get back to the dancefloor. Not just any dancefloor, but a weirdo, space-y one in the late 70s, our favorite time. Universal Robot Band aren't just one of the best named bands ever, they also put out some rad disco music for a short stretch of two years. They began as a rock band called Pipeline, became the URB in 1976 and would drop two LPs and a handful of singles before taking on the Kleer name.

I mean, this is EXACTLY what the doctor ordered. Week's been shitty, weather's getting colder, essays won't write themselves, I ain't gonna be eating for 24 hours. Throw on any song from this LP, Dance and Shake Your Tambourine, and all of that will melt away a few notes in. The titles alone convey what a beautiful world the Universal Robot Band conjure up - "Making Love," "Doesn't It Feel Good," "Love and Understanding" and "Sunshine". I love it! Yeah! Pessimism and darkness be gone!

This LP is a classic piece of soulful funk, complete with duets, space out jams and obviously some hot tambourine action. While I love the lyrics and vocals, the real heat here is the music, which was written and produced by the legendary trio of Greg Carmichael, Patrick Adams and Leroy Burgess. It's everything you could want - danceable, stretched out, grooving. Check the unstoppable "Disco Boogie Woman," which features great horn work, a tight rhythm section and precise writing. Or "Space Disco," a nearly 12-minute freakout, where the female vocalists intone that "We are going to spaaaacee" and the band tries to get us there. There's so much great stuff I had a hard time picking a few songs to upload.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Disco saved my life, let it save yours. It's what the world needs now. We'll back at sundown tomorrow, with a full belly of bagels. Be rad until then everyone.

Beirut - Nantes

2008-10-07T02:40:00.005-04:00

Beirut, "Nantes" (YSI link)

I had a seriously shitty, emotional night last night and this was the only song I wanted to hear. I've listened to it close to 50 times on the L ride over and back and walking around and whatnot tonight and I needed to post this up late night to clear out of some of the bad vibes for sleep. It's Beirut's "Nantes" and I consider it to be the best song of the last 25 years, in the non-Dylan, non-dance category. It makes me want to cry, it makes me feel like I have cried, it makes me want to be in love and care for someone, it makes me be all of the things that I can't do in real life. The gorgeous strings, the clattering drums, the trombone deep down. Most of all, it's Condon's mournful vocals and lyrics, singing of lost loves returning or is it a love passing on into the past?

Well it's been a long time, long time now
since I've seen you smile.
And I'll gamble away my fright.
And I'll gamble away my time.
And in a year, a year or so
this will slip into the sea
Well, it's been a long time, long time now
since I've seen you smile
Nobody raise their voices
Just another night in Nantes
Nobody raise their voices
Just another night in Nantes

It's perfect.

Go out and buy the LP, Flying Club Cup, as it deserves your money simply for putting this song into the world. Oh, and do you know how rad we are? Even sad, we still keep the French theme going, as this is Condon's homage to France and its music. Yeah!

Jamie Jupitor - Computer Power

2008-10-06T14:52:00.003-04:00

Jamie Jupitor, "Computer Power" (YSI link)

Jamie Jupitor, "Computer Power (instrumental)" (YSI link)

No better way to start the week than with a classic slab of West Coast electro, so let's get to work. Jamie Jupitor is one of those aliases that comes out of the ether to drop one track and then returns back to outer space, Jupiter apparently, his job done, minds blown, electro victorious. The story behind Jupitor is a tough one to follow. This is lone 12" was written, produced and arranged by The Egyptian Lover, in the ensuing two decades, he has decided to clean up the spelling of his last name, becoming Jamie Jupiter and touring with EL. This one was released in 1984 on Egyptian Empire Records, and would amazingly be the only release by Jupitor, outside of a few remixes.

We shouldn't complain, as we are lucky to have "Computer Power" as dude probably couldn't top thi. It captures that perfect futuristic sound that bubbled up in the early 80s, where computers and machines took the lead. As Jupitor says here, "Computers are the future world, we program for the boys and girls, there's nothing we don't understand, we're smarter than the normal man...Computer power!" What intrigues me most about this music is how uplifting technology seemed in those early days; despite the coldness of the drums and minimalism of it all, there's an uplifting melody and a real attempt to avoid the feeling that technology would turn us all into automatons and make the world into a scene from Metropolis. The instrumental on the flip side might be even better, letting you hear the music without the vocodered voice or Jupitor.

Lindstrom & Prins Thomas - BBC Radio 1 Essential Mix

2008-10-03T23:49:00.004-04:00

Lindstrom & Prins Thomas, BBC Radio One Essential Mix May 6, 2007 (Filemojo link)

T.G.I.F. In celebration of the weekend, here's one of the best mixes I've heard in a minute, one that I've put up before (I believe) but deserves another listen. For those that don't know, Hans-Peter Lindstrom and Prins Thomas (real name: Thomas Moen Hermansen) are the Norwegian dons who have been responsible for the space-disco, cosmic stuff that, imo, is the best and most interesting stuff today.

This mix is so perfect for a late night chill out or a walk around your city or a day lying the park. It should make you want to grow a beard and listen to weirdo music, just like the boys and me. You get essential spaced-out house and new disco tracks, from the best labels like DFA, Full Pupp, Smalltown Supersound, Eskimo and Wurst. There's white labels galore that should every DJ and nerd drooling. Take two hours this weekend while you are studying or doing nothing and let this one unspool in your head. Yes!

Run-DMC - Raising Hell

2008-10-03T14:31:00.001-04:00

Run-DMC, "Peter Piper" (YSI link)

Run-DMC, "You Be Illin'" (YSI link)

Run-DMC, "Lord of Lyrics (demo)" (YSI link)

I'm feeling a little emotional today after some nice Rosh Hashanah moments. It's fitting today that I finally return to one of, if not the, most important LP of my life, Run-DMC's Raising Hell. It was the first tape I bought, my first foray out of the world of 45s and into the new technological edge. I was about 8 years old and really had no idea what I was getting into; a friend's older brother was listening to it all the time and talking about it and since I thought he was cool, I felt like it was the right call. Oh, was it ever! It put me on the path to a lifelong love of music and rap and everything. Thanks Brian Park, wherever you are!

Those opening lines of "Peter Piper" where Run and DMC trade rhymes brings tears to my eyes, takes me back to when I was 8 years old and forced my parents to take me to Sam Goody's to buy this tape. I have been listening to a lot recently and it has lot none of its power or excellence. What strikes me most is how much that early rap was creating its own world through words. Run and DMC spit so many words here and not in that awful Twista way, but in a literate way that just sounds like two guys who have so much to say. I miss that spirit today, that joy at rapping and being heard. Songs like "My Adidas" and "It's Tricky" are amazing, songs that are a part of my DNA now. There's such a swagger to each song, that King of Rock style, the adidas tracksuits, the gold chains, the poses. However, take note current rappers, these guys were as hard as fuck yet didn't need to beat the shit out of women nor kill people to get that attitude across.

The music is just as good, as this album saw Run-DMC adding so much to the rap sound and not just with "Walk This Way" with Aerosmith. Check "Is It Live" for a great congo-y beat. Or listen for all of the scratches and riffs, the introduction of rock samples like "My Sharona" on "It's Tricky," the various layers that took rap out of its minimal stage. It's not surprising that this album would take rap to the next level of popularity, as it is a huge sonic leap. Rick Rubin and Jam Master Jay were the architects on this one, changing the world and my life in 1986.

Buy your copy now, if you don't already own it. This is an essential, Do Not Pass Go, Do Not Collect $200 album. You need it in your life. You need

L'shanah Tovah! Happy New Year! Yeah!

2008-09-30T13:34:00.002-04:00

L'shanah tovah tikatev v'taihatemi, my dear readers. Apples dipped in honey is the new tapas. Posting will resume tomorrow, lots of goodies coming up. Yeah! Happy New Year! Latkes!

Hot Chip - Hold On/Touch Too Much Remixes

2008-09-30T12:40:00.001-04:00

Hot Chip, "Hold On (Switch LDN remix)" (YSI link)

Hot Chip, "Hold On (Mock N Toof remix)" (YSI link)

Hot Chip, "Touch Too Much (Ewan Pearson remix)" (YSI link)

While we're going to be doing less and less of the current stuff, I wanted to make everyone knew that I'm just losing my edge. I haven't lost it yet. Here's a few new remixes from the recent Hot Chip 12" Hold On/Touch Too Much Remixes, another single from the Made In The Dark album.

They've brought in everyone's favorite producer/remixer, Dave Taylor a.k.a. Switch, the house music dude who has been dropping some of the most interesting music of the past few years. He dropped 2 remixes for this, LDN and LA versions that showcase that Switch unpredictability. I don't know of any other artist now who is able to keep you on the edge of your seat in dance music like he does. He's able to draw on various styles, from house to dancehall to bassline to minimal, all in the space of a single track. The LDN remix above is a great example of how he fucks with the dancefloor, stuttering and stopping his way along, making you feel like a huge bassline is coming in which never does. He

The other two remixes are even better. Mock N Toof deserve a much bigger audience and hopefully a few more big-name remixes will do the trick. Their remix is so much more where my head is at, a nice, long extended mix that takes its time on the disco-y house track. You get some great percussion, cool keys, It's a subtle boogie, but it's a good one. Ewan Pearson has been doing this shit for a long time and he still has it. He takes on another song from the album, "Touch Too Much," keeping it much more of a song than the other ones. You get all of the vocals, Pearson has just stripped the song down (until the last few minutes, when it turns into laser tag) and added some beautiful keys and slinky drums that slowly build and build over 9 minutes to a great ending. Really nice stuff

If you haven't already done so, make sure to grab a copy of Made In The Dark, another solid release by one of my favorite bands around. Turntable Lab has the Deluxe Edition, which gets you a live DVD for your money.

Metal Urbain - Anarchy In Paris!

2008-09-27T20:30:00.002-04:00

Metal Urbain, "Ghetto" (YSI link)

Metal Urbain, "Anarchie Au Palace" (YSI link)

Metal Urbain, "Tango Sudiste" (YSI link)

Paris and punk? No joke, it wasn't all berets and crepes over there in the late 70s. Okay, there wasn't much of a punk scene, nothing close to what happened in the UK and US. Metal Urbain was the big fish in that small pond, a group that had a profound impact on the ensuing So Young But So Cold bands we discussed last week and who deserve a bigger place in the history of post-punk and bringing electronics to that genre.

Anarchy In Paris! is a compilation from Acute Records that covers most of their releases and a handful of unreleased numbers too. Released in 2003, it gives a great overview of the band's small recorded output and shows how far ahead of the curve they were than all of the other punk bands with their use of drum machines and synthesizers. Long-time readers will know that I have never really gotten into punk, but these guys have just enough of a skewed approach to make it work. I'm not totally certain why I don't like punk; the best guess I have is that I just don't like music that has an explicit political message. It's ironic, as I consider myself a political and engaged person, but there's something that leaves me cold when I hear angry, political music. Or maybe it's just the predictability of the punk I've heard, that same, loud and fast aesthetic that does nothing for me. Actually, I guess I do know why. Yeah!

The songs above should give everyone a chance to hear how Metal Urbain took the punk template and put their own spin on it. First off, there's the drums, which give the music an immediately cold and clinical sound that fights with the passionate vocals and guitars. There's also a willingness to experiment with duration and tempo, as you will hear 4+ minute songs, guitar drones and noise. "Ghetto" is my personal favorite, a jagged electronic punk freakout. Good stuff.

Grab your copy here, if you like the sound of the tracks above. I recommend it highly, a really unique sound that sits at the precipice of the punk and all that followed. Politics, drum machines, synths, loud guitars! Yeah! Fuck influence, this is just good music.

Ed Banger - Menage a Trois Mixmag Mix

2008-09-26T02:31:00.007-04:00

Ed Banger (DJ Mehdi, Feadz and Pedro Winter, Menage a Trois Mixmag mix (YSI link) tracklisting in comments

Let's make it a Ed Banger vs Kitsune day here. The other big-name Paris label, Ed Banger Records, put together a mix for Mixmag magazine called Menage-a-Trois, a guide to 2008 according to the cover. When I think of menage-a-trois, the names Pedro Winter, DJ Mehdi and Feadz are no Christy Marks, Karina Hart and Merilyn, i.e. they're not at the top of the list. Ah, but my dude fear was easily overcome with the notion of those three combining to put out a mix.

It's a nice mix that should comes a surprise for those expecting nothing but choppy, massive electro-ed bangers; in fact, there's definite hip-hop and house elements throughout, which is what I've always heard when I've had a chance to catch Medhi, Busy and Feadz spin. For me, it makes the mix immensely more enjoyable to hear a mix of styles and sounds; it takes three excellent DJs to make that melange work seamlessly and the Ed Banger bols do that here. I should make clear that you aren't going to be hearing any Project Pat or Too $hort on here, as it's very much got its feet in the current electro/dance scene; It's a fun listen and will give you a much better sense of what's happening currently than you will get here, as I feel like my mind is stuck in the late 70s more and more.

Who doesn't love free mixes? Republicans, that's who. Are you a Republican? I didn't think, so get to downloadin'! Yeah!

Kitsune Maison 5

2008-09-25T07:48:00.001-04:00

Pin Me Down, "Cryptic" (YSI link)

On Board, "Friendly Fires" (YSI link)

Before you even say it, yes, I know that this has been out for way more than a minute and that this sort of belated posting may get my mp3 blog card revoked. I am defying the system tonight, consequences be damned.

I mentioned that Ed Banger has been at the forefront of the Paris dance music rebirth over the past few years. That shortchanges another pivotal label that has made the rock kids dance and the dance kids rock, Kitsune. The fashion house has been slowly but surely releasing some of the best music of the past few years, introducing us to bands like Digitalism and Simian Mobile Disco. Their Kitsune Maison compilations are essential documents of the dance music scene, bringing together a mix of the best 12" releases and unreleased tracks.

The fifth edition is out, the Golden Edition; sadly this one doesn't reach the levels of the earlier editions, as it lacks the standout, killer tracks, little filler vibe of the first three editions. The album's highlights for me surprisingly come from the indie side of the ledger, which have a lean, dance-y feel that works perfectly. Pin Me Down's "Cryptic" reminds me of a female-fronted Bloc Party, which is a compliment for the record. It's got a great, simple refrain that The highlight for me is Friendly Fires "On Board" which I love love love. It's got the rare quality for this genre of not rushing things, slowing down even for an awesome, handclap breakdown. I had no idea who this band was, which is why compilations like this are so rad and so necessary. Other highlights come from the Fairy Lights mix of Late of the Pier, the Gentlemen Drivers Rave mix for The Teenagers' "Homecoming" and Autokratz's "Pardon Garcon."

Like I said, this one isn't on par with the best of the series. I love the mix of indie and dance music and their hybrids, this one just didn't have the same quality of songs. However, your mileage could easily vary, so grab a copy and support one of the best labels extant. If you don't already own the first four volumes, I'd recommend putting those on the top of the list.

Metal Urbain - Paris Maquis

2008-09-19T16:50:00.001-04:00

Metal Urbain, "Paris Maquis" (YSI link)

Metal Urbain, "Clé de Contact" (YSI link)

Let's stay in Paris (oh, if only that were literal) for the rest of this week. Cool? Good. I wanted to turn to another one of those bands that has the dreaded label of 'influential,' Metal Urbain. Paris isn't exactly known as a punk epicenter, but there was a tiny scene there during that punk period of the late 70s. The big fish in that small pond was Metal Urbain, a band that didn't get a whole lot of attention but was way ahead of the curve in terms of predicting the electro punk sound with synths and electronics that would start to happen in the 80s.

We're going to do a little retrospective over the next few days of the band's small output (what I have of it), I want to start out short and sweet. Paris Maquis is their second release and it was a landmark at that, the first 7" on Rough Trade Records, released in 1977. It's not as interesting as their later ones, when the electronic element comes to the forefront more. This is punk music, loud, fast and pissed off. However, you'll also notice the drum machine in use, giving it a nice mechanical vibe that works against the furious vocals of Clode Panik. I will talk a lot more about the music and band in future posts, just want to get the ball rolling.

Also, in honor of that "Fasciste!," I wanted to get the word out about the latest atrocity and attack on women's rights in the form of a new proposal by the Health and Human Services that allows any health care employee to refuse to provide a treatment they object to, from abortion to contraception to anything else. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Cecile Rodgers have a nice op-ed today in the Times about this (thanks JH-B!) that spells it all out. This amazing post at Daily Kos by Elise goes into much greater detail and explains the ways that you can voice your protest on this proposal. If that's too much reading, just go and sign the petitions at Planned Parenthood, the ACLU and NARAL. Let's do this people! Pro-choice! Yeah! All you fascists bound to lose!

Ed Rec Vol. 3

2008-09-17T16:18:00.000-04:00

Mr Oizo, "Minuteman's Pulse" (YSI link)

DJ Mehdi, "Pocket Piano" (YSI link)

Let's stay in Paris but turn our attention to the present in the City Of Lights. The one label that's synonymous with all the rebirth of electronic music there is Ed Banger, a label that has consistently put out some of the best music over the past few years. I've been on the bandwagon since early on (shout out to Project Matt and Lauren Flax for bringing the label to NYC a long time ago before everyone and their mother got into these guys) and it's been exciting to watch them assume global dominance in such a short time.

They are back again in a big way with the release of the Ed Rec Volume 3 compilation, featuring new and unreleased tracks from the label's stable of producers. You know the big names - Justice, Busy P, Uffie - they're all represented here. But, it's that second level, imo, that makes the label so special, those unassuming names that consistently put out interesting tracks. Guys like Mr Oizo and DJ Mehdi don't get the recognition that the others get, mainly because they haven't dropped an anthem like the more famous indie dance acts have. I don't think the two tracks above are going to change that, but they are still rad as hell and show subtle tweaks to the Ed Banger sound. Mr Oizo drops a chopped-up tune, "Minuteman's Palace," with awesome horn melody, a female computer voice, lasers and stuterring drums. He's bringing back that futuristic vision for electro, I do say. Mehdi goes in the complete opposite direction on "Pocket Piano" with a nice, disco-y track that lets things develop. The congos and pianos are not what you expect on this compilation, which is a good thing; even better, it doesn't have a "look at me, I'm doing something different" vibe either. There's also big tracks by Justice, a heavy metal banger by SebastiAn, a great Uffie song that doesn't sound like what you'd expect and a lot more.

Grab your copy today at Turntable Lab, a great chance for everyone who doesn't buy vinyl to show some support to a great label. We'll come back to France soon, but next up we go back to the old New York. Tune in and turn out.

So Young But So Cold: French Underground Music 1979-1982

2008-09-16T17:29:00.000-04:00

J.J. Burnel, "Euroman" (YSI link)

Kas Product, "So Young But So Cold" (YSI link)

I believe that Volga Select and Tigersushi presented this CD, So Young But So Cold: French Underground Music 1979-1982, solely for me. First, the title is B-A-N-A-N-A-S. It's not just that the title, minus the French underground part, is going to be the name of Chapter 7 of my autobiography, chronicling my 20-28 years. [Incidentally, Chapter 8 is called The Best of Times and chronicles my marriage to Christy Marks, ascension to the role of today's Jane Jacobs and jut general radness of my thirties.] It's also that it's about being cold and detached and distant, which is so me. It's also the fact that it's about the French, my national obsession (shout outs to Eric Cantona, Emanuel Levinas and of course, my father). Plus it focuses on that Pound for Pound golden period, the late 70s, early 80s, when new wave, no wave, disco, electro and hip-hop all came together and melded and reformed and melted faces.

Seriously though, this is one of the best compilations I've heard in a long time. It's everything a compilation should be, a chronicle of an forgotten period of music that deserves to be remembered. It's not surprising that Volga Select was behind this, as it features the amazing death disco man, Ivan Smagghe, as one-half of the duo; the dude has an ear for the dark side of the underground (cf. Death Disco). He was joined by Volga Select partner, a.k.a. Mark Collin, in compiling the music on the disc, This one takes a look at the underground of French music for a three-year stretch that isn't associated as much of a golden period in that country's musical history. The music here covers varied ground, from more new-wave-y stuff to disco-not-disco tracks to experimental stuff; the common theme is the coldness of the music, dominated by machines like the synth and drum machines; one wonders if the government gave out drum machines and synthesizers to every child in the country. Better health care and free Rolands, people! Vive la France! Anyway, the title of the album fits perfectly, as these young groups all seem to have sucked the joy out of the disco that came before (and I mean that as the highest compliment). They've turned in machine music and complimented with detached vocals sung with no divaness at all.

I've chosen a couple of my favorites that should give you a sense of the music on So Young But So Cold. "Euroman" by JJ Bernel is probably my favorite, a minimal, slow-building track that would have fit well with the whole NYC scene of this same period. There's static-y drums, strummed guitar chords, a deep, dubby bass and the whisper-y French vocals of Bernel (I assume). It sounds like the thing could explode at any moment, but it never does. It stays nice and calm, never getting carried away. Awesome. I also went with the title song by Kas Product, "So Young But So Cold." This one's got a electro punk vibe, with some wicked synths, drum machine devastation and intensity. Mona and Spatz Soyoc ironically may have the least cold song on here, as the vocals get belted out with punk abandon. I really could have chosen any of the 16 tracks, as they all work for me, not a letdown on the whole disc. My only disappointment with the CD is the lack of quality liner notes; it would have been nice to have a little more historical information about this period in France, the story on these bands, whether there was a scene or if these bands worked in isolation, what happened to them, etc.

As you can tell, I recommend this as highly as possible, an essential purchase for anyone who likes the music and attitude that lies behind this blog. Grab your copy at Forced Exposure of the repressed version before it goes out of print again and you have to scour ebay or beg your friend for a copy. So Young! So Cold! Yeah!

DJ Assault - MrMuthafukka

2008-09-11T12:38:00.001-04:00

DJ Assault, MrMuthaFukka excerpt (YSI link)

I realize that this week has been a nice chance to establish what this blog's all about, what sort of music everyone can expect down the road. Pound for Pound For Dummies, what have you. For the perfect follow-up to our look at Chicago ghettohouse, we head to Detroit (shout out to JH-B and my bol Hank Greenberg) and the world of ghettotech. While he's not the only dude working in this genre (and his tracks probably aren't even the best), DJ Assault has to be one of the main people responsible for bringing it out of Detroit to the rest of the world.

MrMuthaFukka is the perfect intro, a CD devoted to the best of the Assault Rifle Records label that Assault and Mr. 'De founded. It's a decent mix, covers lots of the most famous tracks to come out. The ending is a disappointment, as Assault turns things over to a new female vocalist signing who she sings over jungle beats (No, I'm not kidding). From there, it only gets worse, as there's another breakbeat-y speed rap track, nearly 4 minutes of Assault talking dirty in a whisper-y voice that will have you cringing or vomiting and some terrible rap songs. The rest of the CD is a nice intro to the Assault mixtape, with lots of stark, filthy funk tunes, classics like "Ass N Titties," "Asses Jigglin" and "Hoez Get Naked," pointless interludes and Assault's g-d awful rapping.

I've taken a good stretch from an otherwise average mix to give everyone a taste of ghettotech and its mix sound, which have surprisingly varied sounds. Check out Assault's own site to buy more of his stuff, including the 12" singles that everyone needs in their life.

DJ Milton - Scream

2008-09-09T18:16:00.001-04:00

DJ Milton, "Scream" (YSI link)

DJ Milton, "House Clap" (YSI link)

DJ Milton, "Saturn" (YSI link)

I kinda like this first week of resumed posts being a overall look at what we do here and the music you can expect, i.e. Pound for Pound music. Long-time readers will know that there might be no important stuff than the Dance Mania label for me here. Dance Mania is one of the labels that helped shape house music since the mid 1980s, started right in the genre's birthplace, Chicago, Illinois by Jesse Saunders. It is responsible for lots of seminal tracks, including Housemaster Boyz and the Rude Boyz of House's "House Nation" and Lil Louis' "Video Clash."

These tracks are not on that level, but they are nice examples of that mid90s DM sound. Here's some standard DM stuff from the mid-90s, as the acid washed away and the ghetto sound emerged. DJ Milton fits the anonymous dance music producer profile to a tee, releasing more than 25 records in a 4 year period and then disappearing (as far as I am aware). Most of them were on Dance Mania, this Scream EP was the first, in 1994. It's what you expect: raw, dirty and jacked." These three tracks are the A-side, the lesser of the two imo. "Scream" is furious as fuck, a raging drum machine track complete with porno screams that give it that nastiness one associates with ghettohouse. The other two are strictly instrumentals, drums galore that might work great with an acapella over them. Just sayin'. Check "House Clap" for a nice acid moment around the 2 minute mark.

Yeah! Dance Mania! House music! Yeah!

The Karate Kid OST

2008-09-08T23:04:00.001-04:00

Broken Edge, "No Shelter" (YSI link)

Commuter, "Young Hearts" (YSI link)

Joe Esposito, "You're The Best" (YSI link)

While I'm talking videos, I got to put a few tracks from the soundtrack to what I believe is arguably the greatest movie ever made, The Karate Kid. While films like Citizen Kane or Breathless or Some Like It Hot can make a claim for revolutionizing cinema, there has never two hours of pure, inspiring magic like the story of Daniel Larusso and his improbable rise to karate stardom. I honestly could discuss this movie for hours, as its images are branded into my brain - the beach scene (including the bizarre part where Ali with an i randomly kicks the soccer ball away right before the Cobra Kais show up), Daniel punching the shit out of the kid during soccer practice, the Halloween dance, the training, catching the fly with chopsticks, the crane kick and most of all, the worst mother in the history of movies (she moves across the country to become a manager at a shitty restaurant and lets her son hang out with a 60 year old janitor all the time. I mean, seriously? WTF?).

What takes it to even greater heights is that the soundtrack, which features truly rad, new wave-y tunes that add to each scene. It's an awesome collection of tunes, just the right amount of synths and cheese and emotional lyrics, 11 tracks total. Do you know how amazing this CD is? They left out one of the greatest 80s tunes, Banarama's "Cruel Summer," and this thing still kills. I've put up my three favorites from the soundtrack, classic songs that you need in your life right now. In particular, I want to call attention to Commuter's "Young Hearts," which blows me away. The first person who comments and names the scenes where these 3 songs feature will win a free copy of this CD.

Mang, if that picture doesn't give you goosebumps, then there ain't no reason to keep on livin'. When Miyagi gives him that little quick double nod when he sees Daniel-San go into the crane, that's what cinema is all about.

For those of you who haven't seen this movie due to being raised by wolves, head over to Hulu right now and catch it in its entirety. Or buy your own copy, as I have done, to put a little extra gelt in the pockets of Billy Zabka, the great Martin Kove and Ralph Macchio. To go a little deeper, I recommend this site that bills itself as the #1 site for The Karate Kid Movies (which is technically true, as there are no other ones dedicated to the movie). Here's a picture of Ralph Macchio from this summer, looking almost exactly the same. Here's a video directed by the one and only William Zabka for No More Kings' "Sweep The Leg" (check the guys at the table in the trailer - it's the fucking Cobra Kais! So gully!) I believe there's only person in the world who loves this movie more and that's Bill Simmons, the Sports Guy; he has brilliantly summed up "the greatest sports trilogy" for your entertainment.

P4P Video - John Zorn's Cobra

2008-09-08T15:28:00.000-04:00

Here's a new feature at Pound for Pound, as we're gonna get all visual on your asses. During my hiatus, when I was studying for the GRE, I spent much of the time scouring Youtube for cool music videos (and videos on cysts, big boobs and Flyers fights). I'm gonna try to give you the results of those searches once a week from here on out, hopefully everyone enjoys the videos.

Here's one of my favorites that I encountered, a part of the 1992 Channel 4 TV documentary On The Edge: Improvisation In Music. This segment looks at John Zorn and his game pieces. I can't say that I am an expert on these, but having had the fortune to finally see a live performance of the most famous game piece, Cobra, conducted by Zorn at the Music Under the (Brooklyn) Bridge series a month or so back with that hyphenated girl JH-B, I wanted to talk a little about it.

It was amazing to watch it live, as Zorn conducts the ensemble through note cards that indicate specific rules which denotes what a performer can do, in essence a set of rules that the performers must work with. The music almost becomes secondary, as the real thrill is watching people communicate with each other in order to create the small groups they want. There's a lot of pointing and eye contact, sometimes subtle, occasionally over-the-top. Zorn explains it much better in the video: "It becomes kind of a scary, frightening thing, to be in front of that band, to see these people, kind of, blossom and become the assholes that they really are." Check this wikipedia page for more info on Cobra and the game pieces. Most definitely watch the video, as it gives great insight to what the pieces are all about, what Zorn is trying to do with them, plus it's a great interview with the reclusive Zorn.

Most of all, the video will remind you of just how exciting it is to hear from someone who lives and breathes music, whose . I'll have a lot more to say about Zorn down the road, as he is a key figure for my own musical development and a big part of that early 80s downtown NYC scene that is at the heart of this blog.

Okkervil River - Don't Fall In Love With Everyone You See

2008-09-06T16:24:00.000-04:00

Okkervil River, "Red" (YSI link)

Okkervil River, "Westfall" (YSI link)

Okay, I lied. I don't only want to hear songs about love, I got caught up in the moment and exaggerated. In fact, I'm kinda bummed right now, as technology has failed me big time. First, my phone broke again over the weekend, then I learned that my HD is broken and I lost a huge chunk of my music. Ugh. Viva la Luddites! Add in the fact that my Ark isn't quite done yet for the coming rains and I'm not in the best of spirits.

Whenever I feel sad, I like to turn to that select group of troubadours who sing with melancholy and anger, brokenhearted yet passionate. It is a small but quality list, and Okkervil River holds a special place on it. Will Sheff and his band have put out two of my all-time favorites, Black Sheep Boy and The Stage Names, perfect rock albums that make me think of lost love, heartbreak, love found, etcetera, etcetera, which is pretty much all I want from that music.

For some reason, I never really gave much of a listen to their earliest albums on Jagjaguwar. For any even less discernible reason, I returned to them in the past weeks and realized that they are quite good n their own right. Don't Fall In Love With Everyone You See isn't just an awesomely named album, it all contains some of my favorite songs by the band - "Red", "Kansas City", "Lady Liberty" and "Westfall". They are all perfect examples of that type of music that Okkervil excels at, rock music that seems comfortable pressing up against folk. He is the master of giving the music a silence that; check out "Westfall" for a great example of pacing, as things start with Sheff's gentle vocals, some guitar and banjo strumming and basic drums and slowly pick up intensity over the next 6 minutes. Awesome.

This is the first LP the band released, back in 2002, and it shows that they came out nicely formed, as the formula for their later works is there. There are a few false steps, like the too-slow bluesy number "My Bad Days" and the distorted vocals of "Dead Dog Song," but all in all, it's a solid record, recommended for fans and those looking for something new. For the record, this post isn't out of the blue; it's a chance to remind everyone that the new Okkervil River LP, comes out this Tuesday, September 9th. I'm sure that I'll pick up a copy next week, hope that you will too. In the meantime, grab a copy Don't Fall In Love... and see where it all began.

Donald Byrd and 125th Street, N.Y.C. - Love Has Come Around

2008-09-05T18:18:00.001-04:00

Donald Byrd and 125th Street, N.Y.C., "Love Has Come Around" (YSI link)

It's Friday afternoon, the weekend is upon us, time to take things up a notch. Did you think I was joking about only wanting to hear songs about love and happiness? Oh, my friends, we don't joke about these things. We are deadly serious about those things right now.

I'm also deadly serious about this song, Donald Byrd and 125th Street, N.Y.C.'s "Love Has Come Around." Another masterpiece from that magical period that most refer to as the disco period and we call heaven, that period from the mid70s to early80s when soul and dance and funk came together and changed the world. This one dropped in 1981 on the Elektra label, produced by soul legend Issac Hayes. Byrd is probably best known for his jazz work over, having played in Art Blakely's Jazz Messengers and with notables like Eric Dolphy, John Coltrane and Sonny Rollins. By the time the 70s rolled in, he began to move a long way from hard bop, bringing his trumpet to bear on soul, funk and fusion.

"Love Has Come Around" is nearly eight minutes of pure, unadulterated joy. This song alone should make all the wars around the world come to an end, as those bright horns, jubilant keys and awesome vocals are sure to put a smile on your face, even if you have been trying to kill your enemy for years. It's got that nice warm, lush sound that disco specialized in, built over a steady beat and swirling organs. For me, the vocals are what take it to the next level, as I just want to hear people singing in falsettos about love and its sudden, unexpected arrival.

Wow, listening to it now makes me 100 times happier than I was in the preceding 5 seconds before cueing up the iTunes. I've said it before, I'll say it again. Disco saved my life, let it save yours. This is the first step on the road to recovery.

Stevie Wonder - Songs In The Key Of LIfe

2008-09-03T13:46:00.004-04:00

Stevie Wonder, "Love's In Need Of Love Today" (YSI link)

Stevie Wonder, "Village Ghetto Land" (YSI link)

Stevie Wonder, "As" (YSI link)

Okay, things are almost back to normal. In the past few weeks, we have had our computer stolen, our phone broke and our wireless went out for a few days. Despite all of that, I feel pretty damn great and ready to get back into the thick of things here. We've got a new sick computer, we're rocking an iPod and listening to more music than we have in months and John McCain made the worst VP pick in history. Not bad, not bad at all. We aren't going to ease our way back in either; we're going right into the deep end this week, reminding everyone of what this blog is all about and why it's the best around.

We're starting with one of those Do Not Pass Go, Do Not Collect $200 albums, stone-cold essentials, a "you need this in your life or your life is unfufilled" jawns. Stevie Wonder's Songs In The Key Of Life. I've spent the past week listening to this one on repeat, feel like I've kinda lost Stevie in the waves of singles and new shit and digging. I forgot how utterly perfect this entire LP is, more than three decades later. Normally I save this for the end, but you need to buy this album ASAP. You just bought it? Good. Let's continue.

I've been trying to put my finger on what makes this one so great, beyond the fact that there's lots of great songs. The best I've come up with is that this is as human a work as there's ever been, timeless stuff that deals with life in all of its glory and hardship. He sings of love, sadness, politics, anger, you name it. I'm not the type to drone on about how they don't do it like they used to, but I'm not sure there are any popular artists today who would be willing to be this open and honest with their audience. Or maybe it's the fact that Wonder, even at his most exuberant, doesn't seem far away from remembering the dark places, the parts of the world and himself that hurt. One of his song titles sums it up perfectly: Joy Inside My Tears. I guess that's always been the key for me with non-dance music, that darkness-tinged perspective. Or maybe I just love the fact that the man talks about love and happiness so openly and unabashedly, as this is all I want to hear right now.

It's a sprawling, a 21-song, two-disc masterpiece and I cannot recommend it more highly. It was hard to choose songs to put up, as they are all good. This should be a good taste of what you can expect, including the bonus CD track "Saturn" that is totally cosmic. I truly believe that Stevie can make your life better and there's absolutely no reason to delay these changes. Buy the album now, thank me later. If you already have it, you know what to do. Spend today listening to this one and let the magic fill you all over again. Yeah!

Update/JH-B

2008-08-22T13:46:00.000-04:00

I wanted to give a quick update and then a shout out. First, we should be back in business next week with regular posting, as I will have a new computer and the HD will be up and running and the disco and acid and no wave will be flowing and the world will be right again. Yeah!

On a more bittersweet note, I wanted to congratulate someone very close to me who has moved from NYC recently. JH-B has left and headed to the greatest city on earth, Philadelphia, to attend law school and gain the necessary knowledge and degree to truly change the world. She is one of the most amazing people I have ever known, evidenced by the fact that she tolerated dating me. While it is sad to have her leave New York, I am ecstatic that she is now a resident of Philly as she will make the city a 1000 times better with her mere presence. Unfortunately, it gives away my role as a spy here in NYC, as I am going to systematically talk all of the cool people into moving to Philly and leave NYC filled with douchebag lawyers, bankers and that dude who had his face burnt off by acid who's always be on the same L train as me. Anyway, this post is dedicated to JH-B and to her bright future and new city and school. As I said more than a year ago, hyphens are the new black.

Thieves Like Us

2008-08-05T13:54:00.003-04:00

I miss you already, my sweet titanium baby.

Just when I think things are rolling, the wheels come off. My laptop was stolen sometime in the early hours of Saturday morning. Which means that I don't have a computer and much of my musical goodies are in the hands of a ne'er-do-well. This was a huge personal loss and has left me a little down.

I don't know what the near future holds, as we will see if another computer is in my future or what. In the meantime, think good thoughts and contact Apple on my behalf and demand that they give me a new Powerbook as the world needs disco and electro and acid.

DJ Shadow - Miami Bass Mix

2008-07-30T15:41:00.001-04:00

DJ Shadow, Miami Bass mix on Radio 1 September 9, 1998 (YSI link)

I've uploaded this DJ set before, but it seemed like a good one to re-up for anyone who missed out the first time and get us all caught up on what goes down here.

This one's pretty essential, a half-hour Miami bass radio set by the one and only DJ Shadow. He did this for the Radio 1 Evening Sessions program, hosted by Steve Lamacq, I believe. You get a nice intro to the Miami sound, which is normally associated with genres that came later like ghettohouse and funk carioca into the booty category. Shadow's set should remind us all how Miami bass has its roots in hip-hop, fitting considering Shadow is one of the most respected and talented names in the game. You'll notice lots of scratching, real raps (not repetitive samples like ghettohouse, say) and that trademark filthiness that set rap free to be as nasty as it wanted to be. There's also the higher tempo and sustained kicks, for those looking to get a blueprint for the sound.

I can't say I'm a huge Shadow fan, but this is a great mix for my ears. He gives each track room to develop, doesn't force the action to jam more songs in, plays a lot of hard-to-hear cuts. This will be the soundtrack to your summer afternoon party jams, if you know what's good for you. Enjoy, much more Miami bass to come this summer. Yeah!

The House Master Boyz and the Rude Boy of House - House Nation

2008-07-28T18:43:00.001-04:00

The House Master Boyz and the Rude Boy of House, "House Nation" (YSI link)

The House Master Boyz and the Rude Boy of House, "House Nation (The International Remix)" (YSI link)

The House Master Boyz and the Rude Boy of House, "House Nation (Track'n The House)" (YSI link)

Oh lordy, we're getting right back to full speed here at Pound for Pound. I contemplated starting off slow, maybe throwing up some new stuff that the kids are going nuts for now. But, fuckit, I know that my readers are the best in the world and they don't need to take it slow, we can jump right back into the thick of things.

Let's head right to the deep end, back to Chicago, mid-80s, one of Pound for Pound's favorite times and places for a classic track from The House Master Boyz and the Rude Boy of House, "House Nation." For the record, the Rude Boy House is the one and only, Farley "JackMaster" Funk, a.k.a. Farley Keith. This one dropped on our favorite label, Dance Mania, in 1986 and would soon become an anthem in the UK rave scene of the late 80s. This one's like a template for the sound we like here - sharp, primitive drums, a sick, kinda eerie bassline and a sample repeated over and over, a man's voice imploring the "House nation". It's all stripped down, consisting of few parts, but yet it sounds so damn perfect to my ears it's hard to believe how they can make it work. It has these peaks and valleys throughout, perfectly using the tempos

The remixes aren't quite at the level of the original, but are damn good in their own right. The International Remix is a shorter trip with some random new samples thrown into the mix. It doesn't have the peaks and valleys of the first one, it pretty much goes hard and fast (that's what she said) for the beginning, then slows down to a crawl towards the end with a final race to the finish line. The Track'n the House version is very similar to the original, the drums are switch up a bit, sounding a little less bassy and little more metronomic. For the most part, the original should do, sounds a little darker and filthier, but your mileage may vary.

Thanks to James Murphy and Pat Mahoney, who played this at PS1 on Saturday and reminded me how amazing this song is and how it kills the dancefloor. Messrs. Murphy and Maloney killed it, hope you didn't miss it. Okay, that's our first post in the return. Like riding a bike, people, like riding a bike.

The Return of Pound for Pound

2008-07-22T15:38:00.001-04:00

The title and stencil say it all. Pound for Pound will be back in the next few days. Expect the usual mix of gay disco, gayer house, Miami bass, big boobs, ghettotech, ghetto house, acieed!, jack trax, Scarlett Johannson references, no wave, new wave, early rap, the unremembered 70s, and 80s, Morrissey love. In other words, the same old, same old. Oh, but how good that same old is, yafeelme?

I have missed all of you immensely and hope that we'll quickly become required reading again. Yeah! Pound for Pound! America! Yeah!

Living In Narnia

2008-05-08T17:18:00.002-04:00

This is Perry and he is handsome. You should see his Purim outfit.

As I am sure you have noticed, there haven't been any posts here at Pound for Pound for awhile. I wish I could give a clear outlook on what the future holds, but I can't. I'm taking a break to take the GREs and putting all of my passion and energy for gay disco and acid house into analogies and polynomials. I hope to be back, but in the meantime, I wanted to spend the next week or so highlighting some of my favorite sites to read, a survival guide of sorts for the P4P hiatus.

There's only one place I could begin: Living In Narnia, possibly the most interesting, most insane writing since Henry Miller was in his syphilis heyday. Narnia is the work of one MF, one of only two real people to have ever gotten their full name listed at Pound for Pound, i.e. she's really important (bonus prize if you know the other name). I have a huge ego and I always like to be thought of as the funniest person in any room, which is why I am never in the same room as M (there's other reasons that may or may not involve a sad breakup, but that's none of your business, to be honest) She is hilarious and funny, the person you plant yourself in front of at a party and just listen to her hold court all night. I'm not sure if she is serious about the stand-up comedy thing, but it would be the perfect forum for her and her neuroses, like a Sarah Silverman who's actually funny. Until then, we're all going to have to be satisfied with getting to read her daily thoughts in the blogosphere.

The site is relatively new, so you can get in on the ground floor now, so when she's world famous and doing an HBO special, you can say you knew her way back when. As far as I can tell, she must sit and blog every second of the day, which is good for us. Her prodigous output is always high-quality, covering pop culture, her own crazy life or whatever else pops into her head. Best of all, there's a nice emphasis on boobs and boob size, which may be just for me. It's just a great, daily read and I truly hope that every one who stops by here makes it a part of their life. I will consider it a personal favorite if you do. Living In Narnia is calling people, go through the wardrobe and enjoy!

Donna Summer - Love To Love You Baby

2008-03-06T15:38:00.001-05:00

Donna Summer, "Love To Love You Baby" (YSI link)

Donna Summer, "Pandora's Box" (YSI link)

It's been tough time at Pound for Pound HQ lately, a tough 5 months to be honest. It kinda seemed like it couldn't get any worse, until I accidentally hit the wrong link in a Friendster Update email recently. Suddenly, I was staring at a picture of my ex and her new boyfriend. Ugh. But, amazingly, I'm not hiding under the bed crying or listening to the entire Smiths discography (ok, I am, but I do that weekly anyway) I feel ok, fine even and I'm excited about this. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and that light is disco.

It only makes sense then to post some tracks from the the "Queen of Disco," Ms. Donna Summer. She's responsible for some of the genre's biggest hits and still active years after disco had faded away. Born Ladonna Gaines, she would start out in Europe doing various gigs, including singing backup and performing in musicals. She would meet producers Giorgio Moroder and Pete Bellotte around 1974, a meeting that would change the world forever. They would go on to make some of the greatest music ever, from concept albums to legendary singles.

These tracks come from her second LP with Moroder and Bellotte, Love To Love You Baby. The title track is a stone-cold masterpiece, her first big American track, reaching #2 on the Billboard charts and #1 on the dance chart. It was originally released in Europe as "Love To Love You," where it became a small hit. Casablanca president Neil Bogart loved it even more, thankfully, and asked Moroder to turn out an extended mix. This is what you get above, a nearly 17-minute tour de force renamed "Love To You Love You Baby" that will melt your face. What can you not like? The funky, organ-led instrumental, the strings and flute appearances, the whispery vocals or the orgasmic moans? The answer is nothing, you'll love it all. This one stays on simmer the whole time, never boils over, a nice, steady temperature that should keep your attention and people dancing the whole time. Those orgasm screams incidentally got the song banned by some radio stations when it was released and called "graphic" by music writers, which makes sense since most of the people involved in the music industry had never heard one.

The rest of the LP is quite good, not the shimmery disco inferno you might expect. In fact, many of the songs sit right on that border between the soul and disco perfectly, live strings and piano numbers that highlight Summer's amazing vocals perfectly. My favorite track on the album is "Pandora's Box," a gorgeous song about a lying ex. It's sort of a uptempo ballad, one in which Summer kills it. You get a real sense of her vocal talents, which get drowned out by the moans in "Love To Love You Baby." The music has a nice bounce to it thanks to the piano and big bassline. Man, this music sounds so good, you need this in your life now.

I want to dedicate this post to MC a.k.a. RV, who I wish nothing but the best for.

Whodini - Whodini

2008-02-29T14:50:00.001-05:00

Whodini, "The Haunted House of Rock" (YSI link)

Whodini, "Underground" (YSI link)

Whodini, "Magic's Wand" (YSI link)

Whodini, "Rap Machine" (YSI link)

Oh my G-d, I think I'm having a rap attack! It's been too long since I did any hip-hop here. I could give a whole spiel about why this is and masculinity and women and my own disgust with what I was hearing, but that would be boring. I'll just say that I hope to return more to my roots with an emphasis on the early days of the genre, when it was still trying to find its voice amidst electro, disco and house. I'm not gonna lie, it feels so good to be back home.

I'm also not gonna lie at how rad I think the self-titled debut LP from Whodini is. Released in 1984 on Jive Records, it's classic electro-rap, all synths and drum machines and wordy raps, Whodini is everything I could ask for. The group consisted of vocalists Jalil Hutchins and Ecstasy (John Fletcher) plus DJ Drew Carter; they were one of the first rap groups to enjoy a good deal of popularity, breaking out of the one-hit wonder ghetto. Their sound, at least on this one, sounds like it's at the crossroads between rap and electro, brittle beats and synths, other times it has an r&b/rap mix, out in front of the new jack swing sound of the late 80s.

The classic Whodini song is "Magic's Wand," which was originally conceived as an advertisement for a popular NYC DJ Mr. Magic. If you're thinking that's the coolest part of the story behind this song, you're wrong. The producer is Mr. "Blinded Me With Science," Thomas Dolby. How cool is that? It's like an 80s dream, Anthony Michael Hall in a John Hughes movie wearing Z Cavaricci pants. Dolby turned out a synth heavy number with a big elastic bassline, some vocodered vocals, people shouting in the background, percussion and keys that sounds miles away from what you'd hear on the radio today. There's a similar template on the other tracks, love how much slower and stretched out these tracks sound, it sounds so much more dancefloor friendly than the bangers today. Check "The Haunted House of Rock" for a Grateful Dead reference! Yeah! Steal your face!

I'd definitely recommend picking up Funky Beat: The Best of Whodini, a good overview of their career which lasted more than a decade. This group helped define the genre before it became the global sound it is today, still sounds great all of these years later.

The Blackbyrds - City Life

2008-02-27T16:32:00.001-05:00

The Blackbyrds, "Rock Creek Park" (YSI link)

The Blackbyrds, "Happy Music" (YSI link)

The Blackbyrds, "Flying High" (YSI link)

Man, we've been a little bad lately and it's time to to stop that with some great music about being in the city, hanging out in the park, falling in love, being in love, all the good things. We're gonna get out ahead of the disco era, go to its funk roots today with a few tracks from The Blackbyrd's City Life LP. This group was formed by jazz trumpter Donald Byrd in 1973 and featured members Kevin Toney (related to Andrew, I hope), Allan Barnes, Barney Perry, Joseph Hall, Pericles Jacobs Jr. and Keith Killgo. It all began at Howard University in Washington D.C., the band would release 7 albums through 1980, with this one considered their finest.

As for the music, it's beautiful jazz-y funk music, not quite as filthy as say, a James Brown number, but just as danceable and grooving. You can definitely sense Byrd's influence, as the music has an improvisational feel on the longer numbers, complete with soloing. You even get some Ron Burgundy-esque flute solos that add to the much lighter, airier sound than you expect with the funk. I think you can hear a little bit of the transition from funk to the disco sound here, especially on "Flying High." The track features bursts of horns and and soaring strings, up in the sky rather coming at you from below like the best funk.

Things kick off with the classic "Rock Creek Park," a song you may think you've never heard but you have at some point. Like "Funky Drummer," it's become a foundational break in hip-hop, later being sampled by everyone from De La Soul, Nas to Ice Cube. Beyond that nerd stuff, this one is just a great song, and not just because of the quasi-sex breakdowns. With electric guitar, tons of percussion, the thing chugs along. "Happy Music" is my personal favorite, pure fucking bliss. Lots of great electric piano take this one over the top, along with these chika-chika guitar chord breakdowns that I love.

Since I love to end with some good uplifting (or downlifting) lyrics, I'd be remiss not to throw up some from "Happy Music":

Happy music makes me you feel good all the time
Happy music takes the troubles off your mind
Happy music makes your foot loose and fancy free
Happy music takes you where you want to be.

It sure does, doesn't it? Yeah! Happy music! Let's do more of this!

Laidback Luke - Essential Mix

2008-02-26T20:36:00.001-05:00

Laidback Luke, BBC Radio 1 Essential Mix February 23, 2008 (YSI link) (Sendspace link) tracklisting in comments

Let's stay in the present and upload the most recent Essential Mix on Radio 1 featuring Laidback Luke. I've actually been meaning to drop a few tracks from this new wave of big-room house music coming out of Europe that has dominated in Ibiza. Laidback Luke is a Dutch producer, who has been around for while but only has taken off in the last year or two. Some of his biggest successes like "Get Dumb" have come in collaboration with members of The Swedish House Mafia - Steve Prydz, Axwell, Steve Angello and Sebastian Ingrosso. All of these names are essential, producer/DJs bringing that old funky Chicago house sound back with some electro and minimal thrown in.

This 2-hour mix is just awesome, awesome, awesome, like a night at Pacha without the Asian mafia or Jerseyites. It ranges from vocal house to electro to some techno, hell, there's even a trance-y euphoric vibe at moments. Listening to it, it's hard for me to believe that this is the overground in dance music; this set is so dynamic and sounds so great, nothing like the untz-untz stuff you have in your head. What I love most is the tempo changes, how he will drop out to just a vocal playing and slowly let the beat come back in and away we go once more. It's one of the best Essential Mixes I've heard in a while, wonderfully paced, a nice mix of current favorites, some Luke remixes and even some of his edits of classics like Daft Punk's "Teachers." I can't recommend this one more highly, especially for anyone who wants to get a sense of what clubland is like right now in Europe and the States.

Etienne Jaumet - Repeat Again After Me

2008-02-21T21:51:00.004-05:00

Etienne Jaumet, "Repeat Again After Me" (YSI link)

While y'all are out dancing and partying and drinking and kissing, I'm home, watching Revenge of the Nerds and trying to talk myself into buying the Marc Jacobs derby shoes from his Spring line (if you work for MJ and can get me discount, holler at a kid) Most importantly, I'm home getting back in the swing of things here at Pound for Pound. We got through this week, barely, hope you missed me.

Let's start back with a great new techno track out of Europe from newcomer Etienne Jaumet, "Repeat Again After Me." This is his first release and it's a doozy, this slow-building, kinda ominous, kinda acid-y techno track that stretches out to 13+ minutes. Add in some non-jazzy horns and you have yourself a really sick track.

Juno Soundtrack

2008-02-20T13:54:00.002-05:00

Barry Louis Polisar, "All I Want Is You" (YSI link)

Kimya Dawson, "Tire Swing" (YSI link)

The Moldy Peaches, "Anyone Else But You" (YSI link)

Ugh, I feel like I still haven't recovered from Valentine's Day. I got to spend my Saturday night in the company of the married with kids on the way, the married without kids yet and the engaged. Logically, I followed up that by returning home and drunkenly reading emails from MC that I hadn't opened in months (for the record, I'm not married to JR, not down with implants). Normally, I would wallow and be sad, contemplating the fact that I will die alone. Ahh, but not today, my friends, not today. Today I want to post about one of those things that just makes me happy, that puts a smile on my face and gives me hope and makes me want to hold hands with a girl, the soundtrack to the movie Juno.

I'm sure that everyone and their moms has seen the movie about 16 year old Juno and her unexpected pregnancy. Typically, I was months behind on this one, but who cares? It's a good movie, like seriously made me happy and teary eyed and that's about all you can ask for from a movie. Add in 2 actors from Arrested Development and you got yourself a favorite.

The thing I loved most was the music in the movie; much like a Wes Anderson movie, it seemed to perfectly fit the movie's vibe and make scenes that much better. I found myself waiting until the end of the credits to see what songs I'd just heard, which might not sound like a lot, but consider the fact that I had to pee about 10 minutes in. Also like Anderson's soundtracks, this one specializes in catchy rock songs that may not have come across your radar, like Barry Louis Polisar's "All I Want To Do," plus a few tunes from more well-known artists like Pound for Pound favs Cat Power, the Velvet Underground and Buddy Holly. There's a perfect mix of sweetness and melancholy throughout, which obviously appeals to me.

The majority of the songs were written by Kimya Dawson of Moldy Peaches fame and those were pleasant surprises, had never really heard her music and kinda assumed I wouldn't. Ahh, never judge a book by its cover, or an artist by their genre. Her songs are lo-fi acoustic numbers that center on her oddball lyrics that have a darkness to them and slightly-straining voice that makes me happy. I know that this isn't the greatest review ever, but all I can say is that all I want to do is listen to this album right now, it makes me want to go steady with a girl, fall in love, walk around the Lower East Side, spend time with friends, laugh, cry. I can't recommend this album more highly, grab it for under $10. Let me end with some lyrics from "All I Want Is You" cos they make me happy:

If you were a wink, I'd be a nod
If you were a seed, well I'd be a pod.
If you were the floor, I'd wanna be the rug
And if you were a kiss, I know I'd be a hug

All I want is you, will you be my bride
Take me by the hand and stand by my side
All I want is you, will you stay with me?
Hold me in your arms and sway me like the sea.

I'm taking a little break from posting right now, as I have a job interview tomorrow and some articles due. Things should pick up again Thursday, hopefully everyone can wish me luck and think good thoughts at 4pm Wednesday.

Sticky: Help Wanted - Web Designer

2008-02-18T23:59:00.000-05:00

This is long overdue, I feel like I have been threatening to make this site look good for a year now. Ahh, no looking back now, we're only looking forward. With that I'm hoping to find someone to redesign this website, make it look nice and snazzy and add some new features and generally help me through the process.

I am asking you, my dear readers, for recommendations. Do you do this for a living? Do you have your own site and have a great recommendation of the person who designed it for you? If so, please email me at poundforpoundhelpwanted@gmail.com when you have a moment, as I would love to hear from you. If you're a designer, please send some examples of your work and cost. If you're a blogger, let me know any info you can, like cost, time, reliability, etc.

Thanks for your help, excited to make this happen. I am going to leave this at the top for a few days, so make sure to check below for the latest music and party info. Yeah!

Roy Orbison - Only The Lonely

2008-02-15T23:39:00.005-05:00

Roy Orbison, "Only The Lonely" (YSI link)

Roy Orbison, "Crying" (YSI link)

Roy Orbison, "It's Over" (YSI link)

Roy Orbison, "Heartache" (YSI link)

Ugh, I had a terrible Valentine's Day, a lonely, sad one that just sucked. You know it's bad when you find yourself at the Duane Reade pharmacy at 9:30 picking up a prescription, ugh. Sometimes, you just have to accept that you are feeling down and it's always nice to know that there is so much music made just for those moments.

It seemed natural to focus our next post on one of the greatest at speaking to the broken-hearted, Mr. Roy Orbison. I first heard Orbison's music when I was probably 8 or 9 years old, can even remember the moment when I was made aware that this music was special music by my father. We were in the car back from a soccer tournament and an Orbison Greatest Hits tape was put in and my dad told me about the man in black with the greatest voice of all-time. I didn't like it at first, probably because it was so far from my first love of hip-hop, plus it was a recommendation from a parent. But, these songs wouldn't have made sense to me then anyway; I was too young to understand what this guy was singing about.

As my man sang, "Only the lonely know know why I cry, only the lonely." Indeed. At a certain point, this music makes sense to us all, as no one escapes unscathed. For sad music, though, it sounds so beautiful, majestic at times, it doesn't hide in minimalism and off-notes. Strings, backup vocals, an early rock/abilly sound slowed down, hints of doo-wop, fans of the Jens Lekman can hear one influence on his music. If you are discussing Orbison's music, there's one aspect that you have to mention, that you speak of in awe: that voice. Maybe the greatest to ever grace pop music, it can hit the high notes and go down low with authority. Listen to it on "Crying," it covers the entire vocal range in an almost operatic style and makes a nearly three minute rock song sound like so much more. There's not much to add to all of this, these songs above are some of the saddest you'll ever here, a reminder of the other side of all those great love songs. I'll end with the lyrics to "Crying," my favorite:

I was all right for a while, I could smile for a while
But I saw you last night you held my hand so tight
As you stopped to say hello
Oh, you wished me well, you couldn't tell
That I've been crying over you, crying over you
And you said, so long
Left me standing all alone
Alone and crying, crying, crying, crying
It's hard to understand but the touch of your hand
Can start me crying

I thought that I was over you
But it's true, so true
I love you even more than I did before
But darling, what can I do
For you don't love me and I'll always be
Crying over you, crying over you

Yes, now you're gone and from this moment on
I'll be crying, crying, crying, crying
Yeah, crying, crying over you

Whew. Try to top that. Thank you Roy for reminding us that it's okay for boys to cry.

I highly recommend buying the two disc The Essential Roy Orbison, which does a nice job of compiling the man's hits for a nice price. It can be a good way to get started and it allows you to get a comprehensive look at the man's career across labels. It isn't all sad songs, for the record, "Pretty Woman," "Dream Baby," etc., it's all essential.

Erotique Robotique Valentine's Disco PHILA, Are Your Friends Electric? SF, Stiletto SF and more

2008-02-15T18:31:00.009-05:00

There's so many great parties tonight, I assume it's payback for how shitty yesterday was. Why oh why couldn't the Robotique boys thrown this party last night at my apartment? Whatever, everyone in Philly should head to Medusa Lounge (21st and Chestnut) for the Erotique Robotique Valentine's Day disco extravaganza. I mean, is there anything that makes me think of love more than a night of sweet, sweet disco music, dancing and women? I mean, that's life, people, that's what we all get up each day to have. Thanks to Mike Tee and Billy W, it'll all come together in the intimate basement. Fall in love again, with disco, with your girlfriend, your boyfriend, the city. Disco will save your life. No cover, 21+.

-Huge night in Philly. The Turnaround vs Immediate party at The Barbary (951 Frankford Ave) takes a little detour from its normal funk, soul and rock sounds, inviting Mr. Spank Rock, Naeem, to come through as guest DJ. You already know about this party, a combination of the two of the best parties the city has had, add a little a booty music and watch out.

-Not often that a Click. party doesn't hold top spot. Dave P is joined by Mixhell, a.k.a. Igor from Sepultura, who has been a fixture it seems like this week on the East Coast. The reviews have been good, and you know you can count on this party to always be rad. $1 PBRs and $3 well drinks before midnight, $2 PBRs all night. $5 admission, 21+.

-Always good to have the LA Riots back in NYC, they seem to have found a home at the Robot Rock party at Le Royale (21 7th Ave South @ Leroy) I've said it before, one of the best new bands anywhere, you're not gonna want to pass up the chance to say you saw them before they have to play the Bowery and Terminal 5. Lazaro Casanova is also in from LA to spin with Dimitry!!!, Alex English and Marc-Alan Grey, should be a great night of indie and indie dance and lots more. Email to List@GBH.tv for free admission, $10 otherwise. Doors at 10pm, 21+.

-It's a bit of an LA invasion tonight, as Dirty Dave is in town as special guest at the Ruff Club at The Annex (152 Orchard St) Not much to add to this one, Dave is definitely worth checking out, a DJ who deserves more recognition. The residents are well-known and adored - Denny Le Nimh, Spencer Product, 24Court and Micprobes. Down in the basement, Nicholas Kratochvil, Jake Sinclair and Danzie will spin the tunes you know and love to a packed house.

-Ahh, a party after my own heart in Williamsburg, Fuck Love Let's Dance. It looks like another fun night at Hugs (108 N. 6th St), as Kill The Noise, AC Slater, Code-D, Lismore and Bradley D will all perform tonight to help you remember what's really important in life, finding a dancemate, not a soulmate. No cover, 21+.

-Yeah! It's Le Freak time, which means the week is over and the weekend has begun and this is where you need to be, D.C., at Napoleon (1847 Columbia Rd) with DJ Will Eastman. I know that the last Blisspop was a huge success, so I expect the momentum will keep going to this weekend. Half-priced champagne from 9-11, free Jamesons from 12-1am, great music from opening to close. Do this one, nation's capital!

-Out in Minneapolis, it's the seventh edition of the Honeymoon party in the VIP Room at First Avenue (701 First Avenue N). Presented by the Moon Goons, this one's got Ian Orth and XXNaughtywood performing, XXNaughtywood sounds especially good with its italo/disco sound. All of the Moon Goons will be on hand to spin. Don't forget there's a theme each month for dressing up purposes; this time, it's MOMS, so dress accordingly. $3, free with the purchase of a nice $10 t-shirt, 18+.

-Holy shit, what a night in San Francisco, hopefully my future home. Lots of great choices, but there's one question to ask yourself: Are Your Friends Electric? Blasthaus and Lights Down Low are coming together tonight to throw one of the raddest parties I've seen in a minute, with live performance by the amazing Glass Candy, plus a DJ set by the French kingpin Joakim, whose DJ set could include house, experimental stuff, a little jazz, who knows? Think that's it? Sorry, there's more. NYC's Foreign Islands are in town and they will spin a guest set, joining local dons Sleazemore and Honey Soundsystem for what should be an amazing night that touches on all of the parts of the dance music world. $15 tickets at the door, 9pm-3am, 21+.

-Ugh, it's hard to choose against any party dedicated to one of the greatest movies ever, The Warriors. You can't go wrong checking out the Stiletto: The Warriors Theme Party at Asia SF (201 9th St) where Miss Toats and White Girl Lust will have all of the various gangs dancing their asses off. There's also a fashion show, a costume contest and Red Bull specials. $8,,10pm-3am, San Fran, come out to play!

-Finally, there's Blow Up SF at the Rickshaw Stop (155 Fell) where the Frisco Disco guys, Jeffrey Paradise and Richie Panic, headline. You know the craziness they bring every Saturday night, they are joined by sometime guest Vin Sol, who will add a little hip-hop and Bmore club to the proceedings. There's also a live performace by Public, plus a DJ set by LXNDR from the Dot Club party at Pink. Should be a blast, 18+, 10pm-2am.

-LA Warehouse party! MeanRed Productions! Big Fun Meets Sudden Death! One of NYC's best parties, Big Fun with Rocktakon and Unemployed Lloyd, heads out to La La Land to battle the Sudden Deathers, Blu Jemz, DJ Pubes, Mike B, Staccato and Cosmic Kids. I mean, there's too many good names involved in this one for this to not be rad. The warehouse is located at 1049 E. 32nd St, check the map here. RSVP to tellmewhere@meanredproductions.com, $10 cover, 21+.

Musebox Monthly NYC,

2008-02-14T18:26:00.010-05:00

Okay, I really don't have much to say on this shitty holiday, so I'm going to say very little beyond the details. I am super excited about the party at 205 Club (205 Chrystie) tonight, the return of the Musebox Monthly party. My wonderful roomie put this one together and she has done an amazing job. Live performance by Tippy, DJ sets by JD Samson, John Selway and Dances With White Girls, giveaways from Love Brigade, Vitamin Water, Lifestyle condoms and the big ticket of the night, Babeland gift certificates! It should be a really rad night, a great way to have dance-y good time that won't give you a chance to be lonely or depressed. As the flier RSVP to party@musebox.net to get in and enjoy all of this.

-Great night in the LES, check these out before or after Musebox. Lewd party, Happy Ending (302 Broome St), rekLES and seanMFNroberts, indiedancelectrockfunk all night. Saaga Vodka and Bass Ale open bar from 11-12, hosted by Antwan and Julius O.

-Hey Lover party at Home Sweet Home (131 Chrystie St) with Sweatshop Labor dudes doing a 90s R&B set, plus a set by guest DJs Around The Way Girls, Sure Shot and Radio Rose. This one also serves as a CD release party for the Girls, free CDs for those attending. There's also a make-out contest sponsored by Yume, g-d knows how that gets the judged, the Shango rum open bar from 10:30-11:30 I'm sure will help make it happen at least. No cover, 21+. Great flier, btw.

-Valentine's for the rock kids, Rockit! party at Fat Baby (112 Rivington), DJs Brad Walsh, Twig the Wonderkid, VDRK, DJ Bobbypanda and Electrochris.

-For the disco and house kids, there's Tuned Up at Darkroom (165 Ludlow St) which thankfully makes no reference to the holiday. Andy Pry, great music, no cover, starts at 11pm.

-Degenerates at Hiro Ballroom Moby, Drop The Lime and Mixhell, a.k.a. Igor from Sepultura. Advanced tickets are gone at the going.com site, probably $10 at the door, 21+.

-Mo Money, No Problems in Philly with Stephen Bloodbath and Jaysson from Plastic Little at Silk City (425 Spring Garden St) No cover, 21+.

-Paper Street Valentine's Day party, Flavor of Love, at Walnut Room (1709 Walnut St) DJ Deejay will spin, 80s, hip-hop, party stuff, complimentary Absolut 100 drinks, $3 PBRs and Lionheads. No cover, 21+.

-providence

-Love Hussy party in Atlanta at 5 Spot (1123 Eucli Ave), presented by Jeff Myers, Judi Chicago, Treasure Fingers, Drew Van Atten, Chuck Chillout, Jazspa, rad dance party, rad flier. $5 before 11, 18+.

-Pretty In Pink party at the Sidecar Lounge (5100 Classen Cir) in Oklahoma City with DJs Rad and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Wear pink tonight, make love, dance and be happy. No cover, 21+, doors at 10pm.

-Dance Robots Dance cover Norman, OK tonight as well, as Opolis Dance Party takes over The Opolis (113 N. Crawford) B. and Dylan Mackey, all ages, $3, 10pm-2am.

-Valentine's at Debonair Social Club (1575 N. Milwaukee Ave) with Dark Wave Disco and special guests White Hot Knife and Perfect Kiss. No cover, 21+.

-Mark Rodriguez's Heist Party moves to Long Beach and sets up at Cave 49 (49 S. Pine Ave) Room 1: The Adorables, Gina Turner, Dan-O, DJ Score, DJ Spy vs. Spy, Bul!m!atron and DJ Comrade Stephen. Room 2: Erick Neutron, Jesse Bot and new LA resident and Dance Robots, Dancer Joshua Distance. 18+, doors at 9pm.

-Club Pop in Seattle at Chop Suey (1325 E. Madison St) with residents Colby B and Glitterpants, special guest Sam Rousso Sound System of the Ruff Gemz party. $5 before 11pm, $10 after, 21+.

-I promise to not be so curt and lame tmrw night. Sorry.

Robotic Valentine's Underwear Party OKC, Distortion Disko DENVER and more

2008-02-13T18:46:00.011-05:00

I fear discussing tomorrow and the holiday associated with it, but thanks to the Dance Robots, Dance DJs, I can the holiday as it should be - sleazy and half-naked. They're throwing a Valentine's Underwear party at their Robotic Wednesday weekly in Oklahoma City and I couldn't be happier. Fuck Hallmark and flowers and feeling lonely; head to the Electro Lounge (5929 N. May Ave) and dance and drink and get semi-naked and be happy at one of the best parties anywhere. The DRD crew will provide the perfect filthy soundtrack to the night, you have nothing to lose but your clothing. In your underwear, no cover, in your complete clothing, $2. Having seen pics of last year's edition, it's clear that Oklahoma City is ready to go crazy. Doors at 10pm, 21+.

-Lots of fun stuff in Philly, let's start off with this concert/dance party at Silk City (4th and Spring Garden) The Apes headline, bringing their organ-y rock sound to the Northern Liberties spot. Philly's own GANG will play as well, don't miss their dance-rock music, a local band that should get bigger. Rounding it out, The Hurrah DJs, Shawn Ryan and Chris Rogy, will probably spin music from similar genres, indie, indie dance, post-punk, if you haven't been to their monthly, here's a great chance to get a little dose. $5 admission, doors at 9pm, 21+.

-Not too far away, down in Fishtown, the venerable Crescendolls party takes over the Barbary (951 Frankford Ave) JHN RDN, Ian St.Laurent and Gregg Foreman will bring a little extra love tonight, not sure if that means some love songs in the midst of the dance and soul classics, but it's worth showing up to find out. They're showing their love up front to you, with free mixed drinks and PBRs until 11pm. No cover, 21+.

-If you are in Center City, check out the Exploit party at Sal's (200 S. 12th St) Tonight's edition features Taperecorder as guest DJ and he will be spinning a tech-house set. It's definitely not a sound that you get to hear much, definitely recommended. He joins the ladies of Exploit!, or at least two of them, Jenn Louie and Deann Dylema, for a night dedicated to electronic music. No cover here either, 21+.

-Not a whole lot going on in NYC, which makes it a good night to check out two of my favorite parties downtown. First, there's the High Voltage party at The Annex (152 Orchard St), which keeps rolling along, getting more popular and bigger each week. Tonight, residents Dimitry!!! and Prince Terrence are joined by DJ Fancy of Fannypack fame for what should be a fun night that has absolutely nothing to do with Valentine's Day. Yeah! Zygo open bar from 11pm until its gone, RSVP at the going.com site to get in for free and to see all of the young, beautiful people who will be in attendance. Doors at 10pm, 21+.

-You should also hit up Happy Ending (302 Broome St) for the Hopchank/Ninja Sonik party, which goes down every other Wednesday. DJs Reverend McFly, Morsy and Teenwolf throw one of the best parties at one of my favorite spots, great music, rap, rock, some dance, good crowd, fun times. Highly recommended, for real. No cover, 21+.

-It's Syndicate Wednesdays at Debonair Social Club (1575 N. Milwaukee Ave) in Chicago, don't think I've mentioned this party before. It looks like they bring in a few new DJs every week with an emphasis on mash-ups, which I assume just means mashing up genres like electro and house. Tonight's a good night to check this out, as Trancid of Dark Wave Disco, Jesse James and Onepunch get behind the decks. No cover, $6 Effen vodka cocktails, doors at 9pm, 21+.

-Late addition, never hear much going on in Denver, always nice to be able to hype a party and a new city. The Distortion Disko looks like a great opener, a party dedicated to electro, new wave, funk and Britpop, with a focus on providing a place for people to freak out and act crazy every Wednesday at the Hi-Dive (7 South Broadway). Tonight's a great night to check it out, as Soviet Panda from Too Much Love is the special guest, really great choice for this night, Panda should kill it. $3 cover after 10pm, $3 Stoli drinks, 21+.

-Out in LA, this looks to be a rad Awesometown at The Short Stop (1455 W. Sunset Blvd) with Greg from Acid Girls, Dirty Dave and Shaun Slaughter coming through to destroy the dancefloor and hold it down while Anne Lee and Shadowscene take over Japan. $3 Dewars drinks all night, no cover, 21+.

-The weekly Wednesday night Avenue party in Riverside at Trilussa Nightclub (3737 Main St) does a birthday edition tonight with some of the best young local DJs Skeet Skeet, Luv Tek, Hyphy Crunk, Billy Noorlag, Jimmy Boy and Rec One. However, the best reason to come through is to catch the last LA appearance (for now) by Vancouver's My! Gay! Husband! 2 rooms, 18+, send a message with your first and last name to their myspace page to get on the $5 reduced admission, then go have fun.

Goldfrapp - A&E

2008-02-13T17:21:00.002-05:00

Goldfrapp, "A&E" (YSI link)

Goldfrapp, "A&E (Hercules and Love Affair remix)" (YSI link)

It's been too long since we've heard from Goldfrapp, one of my favorites groups sitting on the dance and pop border. What better way to brighten up this crappy, snowy day than with their newest single, "A&E"? The original version is definitely not what I expected to hear; it's pretty far from the glam electro sound that they have defined for the past few years. Instead, you hear a deep bass cello, lilting piano and harps, setting the mood nicely for Alison Goldfrapp to shine. Her voice is amazing, especially love when it goes up a little higher during the refrain. The closest comparsion that comes to mind here is Tracey Thorn, the more somber tone, the strings and the dazzling voice. You know how much I liked Thorn's LP, really looking forward to seeing what Goldfrapp have come up with for a long player.

It's hard to believe, but I was way more excited for the Hercules and Love Affair remix. The DFA group have had a few of their own releases, but this is the first remix that I know of. Andy Butler doesn't disappoint on this one, as he's taken the original and taken it into leftfield. Butler's built this one out of a lot of percussion and drums, a bit of Alison Goldfrapp's vocals, a sampled children's choir, chiming bells and a wicked little bassline. It has a shuffling, halting feel, which I love, but I'm not sure that everyone can get behind. For me, it sounds like nothing else I've heard recently, something that touches on deep house, tribal, maybe even a little new rave, but without really subscribing to any of those genres. Give it a listen, let us know what you think.

Benga - Essential Mix

2008-02-12T01:22:00.002-05:00

Benga, BBC Radio 1 Essential Mix February 2, 2008 (YSI link) (Sendspace link) tracklisting in comments

We haven't done a post on dubstep or the Radio One Essential Mix show in awhile, so why not kill two birds with one stone? Pete Tong's program invited one of the genre's stars, Benga, to come through and put together a 2-hour mix. It's a pretty big symbolic deal, as it's only the second time that the show has featured a dubstep producer/DJ, the first being Skream last year. It's a fitting choice, as Benga owned 2007, dropping the biggest tune, "Night," and his 2008 should be massive as well, with an LP due at some point.

The mix is heavy on Benga's own tunes, along with a healthy dose of Skream and his "Night" collaborator Coki. There's a part of me that would have liked to have heard some new names on this mix, some up and comers on the scene as opposed to the established stars. But, when the mix sounds this good, it's hard to complain. Plus, on further thought, Benga has made this an exploration of his sound and I really like this take on a long mix, like Ricardo Villalobos did on his Fabric mix.

El Coco - Cocomotion

2008-02-11T16:05:00.000-05:00

Quito, Ecuador mural, courtesy of J H-B

El Coco, "Cocomotion (Parts I & II)" (YSI link) 320

El Coco, "We Call It Disco" (YSI link) 320

El Coco, "Love To The World" (YSI link) 320

I spent yesterday at an orientation for the 826NYC group, a prerequisite to become an after-school tutor. Yes, that's right, Pound for Pound is a step closer to having a real day-to-day impact on the kids. Not just on an mp3 basis, but in a real life, real talk way. I will have free rein to teach them the evil of suburbs, the importance of universal health care, the beauty of boobs and to love themselves and each other (i.e. to be opposite of me) I will be able to create a new generation for the Pound for Pound massive, extending our reach and our power.

Most of all, I want to teach them about the power of disco to save their lives. With that in mind, let's continue to spread the word with some more classic 70s magic, a few tracks from El Coco's Cocomotion LP. El Coco was ostensibly a vehicle for the producers Michael Lewis and Laurin Rinder, who would make write the music, play it and find the vocalist to finish it off. They would make a handful of hits, including the massive 2 part, 10 minute+ "Cocomotion." This one's more of a slow-burner, a slinky kinda number that grooves throughout. It's a prototypical classic sound, with strings and horns and even a flute lead the way. However, there's definitely a different sensibility at work here, perhaps informed by Rinder's jazz training. While there is a steady pulse throughout, it never goes all out, always feeling a bit laid-back. Even the vocals have a whispery quality, they're quite far from diva-level.

"We Call It Disco" is a lot shorter but maybe even sweeter, as great organ and synth chords help this one to such great heights. The vocals are front and center here as well, always love to hear some proud lyrics about disco and the club. Finally, "Love To The World" the B side to the Cocomotion 12", is as uplifting as the title suggests, a strings-heavy track that sits between the previous two songs. It has a few peaks and subsequent quieter periods. The whole album is excellent, a great example of how the disco sound could create

Lose Your Shit BK, Modular & People Don't Dance No More BK, Mind Control PHILA and more

2008-02-09T15:34:00.000-05:00

Tonight is real quality, a big Saturday night. Meanred Productions is setting the bar super high with the Lose Your Shit party at 12Turns13 (172 Classon @ Myrtle) in Bed-Stuy. What makes it so rad? Rub-n-Tug, motherfuckers, Rub-n-Tug. The disco-funk-weirdo DJs are headlining, going back to their loft roots and you won't want to miss this, possibly the best DJs you'll hear all year. Also in the building are DJs Sujinho, Qool DJ Marv and $mall ¢hange, should be a great mix of rap, baile funk, noise, all over the map. Seriously, this is the night you've been waiting for, a night away from the clubs with some of the best DJs in the city, no photographers, no b.s. You can grab an advanced ticket or pay at the door, $10. Doors at 10pm, I think it's BYO, FYI. Yeah! Lose your shit Brooklyn!

-If you like something a little more structured, you need to hit up Studio B (259 Banker St) tonight, as Modular and the People Don't Dance No More party have combined forces to bring Joakim and his Ectoplasmic Band to Greenpoint to play live. I'm not sure if this is the first NYC show by this group, but it's definitely a rare opportunity to catch one of dance music's most interesting artists and his new project. Sounds great but there's still a lot more going on, as Juan Maclean, Andy Butler of Hercules and Love Affair and Robot Blair will spin. Don't miss Butler, just a word to the wise. Grab $10 advanced tickets or pay $15 at the door. Doors at 10pm, 21+.

-If you want something a little smaller or want to get a jump on Valentine's Day, hit up Royal Oak (594 Union Ave) tonight for the Eat Your Heart Out Valentine Bash with DJ Tiny Pants and DJ Weisted. Here's your chance to celebrate with your honey and get drunk and stupid before the nice dinner in a few days, or else to meet your future Valentine. Or you can just go out and have fun, stop by before or after Studio B, hang out and ignore the corporate holiday. Either way, the DJs will spin lots of great dance tunes and cheesy pop and make it a necessary stop in your Williamsburg night. No cover, 21+.

-I just caught this one at the last second, really glad I did, as the Hip Replacement party should be everyone's favorite party in Philly. Disco will save your life and Mike Tee, Billy W. and Jhan Olo can make that happen once a month. Tonight's party looks extra rad, as they've brought in special guest Jeremy Campbell, a.k.a. Tropical Jeremy, to make the night cosmic. Dude will blow your mind with cosmic and italo tonight, a great follow-up to the set he did at Paradise a few years ago. Honestly, I hope that everyone in Philly gets behind this night, great stuff. No cover, 21+.

-Always excited to see the Pi Lam guys throwing a party, they've held some rad events at their house (3914 Spruce St) in the past year. They've got a special one tonight, the Mind Control party, a night dedicated to dubstep, grime and bass anthems. They've chosen the right DJs, bringing down Star Eyes of NYC's Trouble & Bass and bringing in hometown heroes Starkey and Dev79 to rattle your heads with sub-bass. I really recommend everyone in Philly come through to check out Star Eyes, she's excellent, the music tonight should be extra good in a house party setting. Doors at 11pm, that's the only info I have.

-If you don't want to cross the river or want something a little dancier, hit up Medusa's (21st and Chestnut) for the monthly Philadelphyinz gathering. APT One and Skinny Friedman are getting bigger and bigger, makes this party in the dark basement spot all the cooler. You know the deal here, read the flier for a way radder description of the musical content. One of the best parties in Philly, second Saturday of the month, no cover, 21+.

-Sadly, I feel like I have no clue about what goes down in Baltimore. It's nice to be able to put something up from the Charm City, this Monkey Hustle party at The Depot (1728 N. Charles) looks good. Every 2nd Saturday of the month, Mikie Love and guests spin, "playing jump up, get down, electronic sexy music". Tonight, Love's joined by Stretch, Famous Amos, Steve Newsense, Pixelbombs, Atari Krunk and Philly's Steven Bloodbath. No cover, cheap drinks early, doors at 9, goes til 2am, late night party at the Copycat Building to follow late night.

-Tulsa, it's a Dance Robots, Dance Invasion tonight! Don't be scared, though. B. Kylie and Dyaln Mackey come in peace, they wish only to spread great dance music and good vibes. Head to the Soundpony (409 N. Main St) for a guaranteed rad Saturday night. Doors at 10pm, 21+, I don't think there's a cover, but I can't guarantee that.

-Late Update: Pase Rock has also been added, taking it all up a notch. Hmm, the French band Data seems to be awfully popular in LA tonight. Not sure if the band is playing at both parties or if there's some confusion, but whatever, you can't go wrong at either event. Anne Lee and Shadowscene present the Blow Up LA Winter Formal tonight, with Data headlining, Richie Panic of Frisco Disco, Sleazy V and Bul!m!atron spinning at a downtown warehouse (4301 Valley Blvd) RSVP to blowup@princehouserecords.com to get in for $5 before 11, $10 after that. There's $2 vodka monsters from 10-12, 18+, party goes til 4am.

-Iheartcomix, Viva La Rock and XLR8R are bringing you Mixhell tonight at The Echo (5514 Sunset Blvd) Mixhell is actually Iggor Cavalera, the drummer from Sepultura, this is his DJ project. He says that he blends electro, discopunk, old school hip-hop, rock and electronic stuff, while using an MPC sampler to add the right amount of beats to the mix. Data is also scheduled to play, plus My! Gay! Husband! spins with Franki Chan and Paparazzi. Another big night for this party, one of the best around. $12 advanced ticket, 18+.

-While Mr. Panic is blowing up in LA, Jefrodisiac holds down the weekly Frisco Disco party at The Transfer tonight. He's brought in the guys from the Missing Toof blog to keep him company and help keep the raucous, raging atmosphere at this one. I'm sure you've been to this one, no reason to stop now. Doors at 10pm, 21+.

Blisspop DC, FUN 1 Year Anniversary BK, Space Cakes BK and more

2008-02-08T18:08:00.000-05:00

I've been a big fan of Will Eastman and all of the good things he is doing down in D.C. His Blisspop party is the big one, the monthly rager that brings it all together at 9:30 Club (815 V Street NW) This one looks like the biggest and best yet, so it's not surprising that it's called Best Party Eva. 33HZ will play live, Dave Nada, DJ Meistro and Mr. Eastman himself will spin all night and you should be psyched for this one, District of Columbians! Sponsored by Scion and brightestyoungthings.com, this should be a great night of indie dance, hip-hop, disco, house, great band, great DJs. What the hell, best eva. $12, all ages, doors at 10pm. Take a minute and check out the video flier for this one, Pound for Pound goes viral:

-It's a big night in Williamsburg, nothing bigger than the one year anniversary party for FUN at Studio B (259 Banker St) They've clearly chosen their special guests for maximum Pound for Pound attention : electro legends Egyptian Lover and Newcleus. I mean, seriously, this is huge. It's not every day you get to take a trip back to the early 80s glory days, when machine music took over. Egg Foo Young of Turntable Lab is special guest DJ with residents Rok One and Eamon Harkin. There's also a NewYorkFuckinCity side room with DJ Elle and IXL, all your musical needs you should be covered. Hosted by Roxy Cottontail, presented 10 Deep, Re:Up Magazine and TTL, this is a fitting celebration for one of the city's best weekly. Open bar from 10-11, $10 advanced ticket, $13 at the door, doors at 10pm, 21+.

-Great party at Hugs tonight that appears to be called Space Cakes, not totally sure what the name means, but I do know that the DJs on hand are some of my favorites from NYC. Nick Catchdubs, Star Eyes and Rezound are joined by Seattle's Pretty Titty for this one. This one should be a fun, laid back night, as all of these DJs will spin great music from all genres. No cover, 21+.

-Still in Williamsburg, the Finger On The Pulse guys do their regular thing at Royal Oak (592 Union Ave) Tonight's edition is a birthday edition for Courtney featuring Heidy and Trebek of Montreal's Guilty Pleasures and Weekends Never End and of course Never Forget and Terry Diabolik. You know the deal, fun times, dancing, drinking, stop in early or late or stay all night. No cover, 21+.

-If you have to be in the city, there's one top choice and that's the Stop Progress party at APT (419 W. 13th St) where resident Max Pask is joined by DFA's Mock and Toof in the basement. Those names should have you already super psyched, so I won't hold you back. $10, 21+, awesome.

-I'm amazed at how much LA loves to do it big. Each night seems to have another massive party featuring some of the best of the local DJs. Tonight, it's the Hype LA party at Robertos (686 N. Spring St) with resident DJ Don't Believe The Hype being joined by guests DJ S!n and Hyphy Crunk in the main room. The side room is held down by guests Disk Jo Slim, Dmndays and Bul!m!atron. Expect big music all night, new ravelectro, Bmore, indie in both rooms. RSVP at the going.com site for $5 admission before 10:45, $10 otherwise. 18+, doors at 10pm, goes until 2am.

-The Mute party at the Proof Bar (215 N. Broadway) in Santa Ana has been a really consistent party, bringing in quality DJs week after week. Tonight, they host My! Gay! Husband!, who we mentioned earlier in the week. The Iheartcomix dude is definitely worth checking out, he will help DJ Legit, DJ Ben N. and Rockberry take this to the next level. Doors at 9, no cover, 21+.

-Let's end with one of the most consistent parties anywhere, the Lights Down Low party in San Fran. Tonight at the 222 Club (222 Hyde @ Turk), things are going back on some War Games 80s computer nerd shit. Laromlab brings along his Commodore 64, Atari, laptop and samplers to create computer music, which fits well with the name of the guest DJ, Commodore 69. Residents Sleazemore and Rchrd Oh will smash computers and melt your faces with dirty dance music. Parker Day takes the photos, you need to be a part of this party.

Wurst Monthly NYC, I Hate Music NYC and more

2008-02-07T18:19:00.000-05:00

Every so often a party comes along that just seems perfect to me. The Wurst Monthly at APT (419 W. 13th Street) was already one of my favorite parties, featuring the DJs behind the Wurst edits spinning a night of disco, funk, soul and house. My Cousin Roy, the Runaway guys (Marcos Cabral and Jacques Renault) and Lee Douglas are at the top of my NYC list, as good as it gets. Tonight, add in the Chicago house legend Farley "Jackmaster" Funk and you have yourself a dream night down in the basement imo. Farley is responsible for a slew of acid and deep house classics, a seminal figure, this is a rare occasion to catch him spinning in NYC. $10, 21+, see you there.

-Not to be outdone, WhateverWhatever presents the I Hate Music party at Love (178 MacDougal Street) Trevor Jackson will spin, a guy who has had a huge impact on current dance music through his now-defunct Output Recordings, his work with Playgroup and his DJ Kicks mix and his DJ sets around the world. Expect to hear the best new techno and electro, but all sorts of warped, eclectic choices from across the musical spectrum. Justin Strauss, Billy C and Bryan Mette will also spin. It all happens on one of the city's best soundsystems in an amazing oasis away from the NYU kids and their beer pong games. $4 well drinks until midnight, supposedly the first time the club has offered this. $10, doors at 10 pm, 21+.

-If you are looking for something a little smaller, you can't go wrong with hitting up the Darkroom (165 Ludlow Street) for Tuned Up. Andy Pry does this one every Thursday night, was able to catch him Friday night in the side room at Studio B and loved what I heard. It looks like this party has a similar sound: "a night of weird beard freakouts, rock and rollerz, house vibes, heavy funk, space disco, soulful jamz, early electro and future rap." I can't think of a better soundtrack for a night out, this looks like a great weekly stop, check it out. No cover, 21+.

-Of course, you already know about the Common Folk party at Home Sweet Home (131 Chrystie Street) with the Sweatshop Labor guys. They've got a special guest for this one, as Air Jared of Purple Crush will come through to play some party jams and bangers. It's a really great choice for this night, one of the fun nights any day of the week. Shango rum open bar from 10:30-11:30, no cover, 21+.

-I don't really know if DJ Momjeans is any good, to be honest. I do know that the dude was on one of my favorite TV shows of all-time, That 70s Show. I mean, c'mon, you almost need to go to this just to show respect to Steven Hyde and find out Eric and Donna are doing. Even cooler, the Love Brigade are going to be modeling their fashion all night and presenting this night with Cheeky Bastard. Mellowdrone will play live and Alex English and Peter Makebish will spin. 2 for 1 vodka drinks from 2-3, no cover if you get on the guest list. Doors at 10pm, 21+.

-Down in Philly, I definitely recommend the Mo Money No Problems party at Silk City (425 Spring Garden) Hard to beat a night dedicated to the music of the 90s, the rap, the slow jams, some r&b and a little pop. I've always felt this was the best night to go out in the city, feel like this is definitely a top choice to keep that string going. No cover, 21+.

-More in Center City, the Seclusiasis Thursday night party happens at Sal's (200 S. 12th Street) This one's dedicated to the music of now, especially the bass-heavy, underground stuff. Tonight BD1982 and Digga Crates of Inciting will spin all night and give the underground a home upstairs at the club. No cover, $2 domestics, $3 mixed drinks until 11pm.

-Atlanta should be psyched as it's time again for the Fuck Yesss party at the Drunken Unicorn at the MJQ Concourse (736 Ponce De Leon Place) Resident DJs Le Castle Vania and Treasure Fingers have been traveling around the country headlining at parties everywhere; but you Atlantans get them at their own party, raging indielectro to melt your face. Show some love to the hometown stars, 18+, no cover.

-Finally, a little something darker happens in Chicago, as the Damaged party hit Lava (1270 N. Milwaukee Ave) Residents Mister S and Eddie Riot have made a great call and brought in Trancid from the Dark Wave Disco to kill it tonight. This night specializes on industrial, electro and new wave, with lots of other genres being thrown into the mix as well. Free before 10:30, $5 after, 21+.

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Jens Lekman - Night Falls Over Kortedala

2008-02-07T17:50:00.000-05:00

Jens Lekman, "The Opposite of Hallelujah" (YSI link)

Jens Lekman, "Your Arms Around Me" (YSI link)

This one's from last year, but it's so good that it deserves a place in an early 2008 post. Every so often, I have conjured up an image of what a particular artist sounds like and it is completely 100% wrong. Such is the case with Jens Lekman, who for some reason I placed in the Tom Vek category of soul singer backed by electronic beats. I truly wasn't prepared for the sound of this album or just how fucking rad Lekman is.

Night Falls Over Kortedala is an indie pop album, pure and simple. It's perfect late-night listening, for those sad and lonely nights when you only have music to keep you company. One hears echoes of Burt Bacharach, Belle and Sebastian, Scott Walker and others; of course, it's an updated version of all of those influences, as much of the music, from strings to drums, are sampled. It's not easy to know what's sampled and what's live, although I can't say I really cared when listening.

For me, the sound that matters most is Lekman's voice, which sounds so perfect to me. For longtime readers, you know that I am not a huge rock or indie fan, it usually takes a unique and great voice to draw me in. Lekman's alternates between a deep crooner's voice to a fragile falsetto and I love it. On the refrain of "The Opposite of Hallelujah" especially, it seems on the verge of cracking. That song was the first one to blow me away, a bouncy number with piano and strings that has a twinge of melancholoy sweep through it, especially with each "You don't know what I'm going through" at the end. "Your Arms Around Me" is a slower number, a love song centering around a kitchen accident. Right now, this is probably my favorite track, it's so sweet and sincere, a wonderful respite from the irony and distance of so much of what I listen to. The strings are amazing on this, really add to that epic feel all good love songs should have. The rest of the album is just as good and in a similar stylistic vein.

I just want to lay in bed, sip tea, think about love lost and maybe even have a good cry when I listen to this album. Readers know that there is no higher compliment I can give. For me, it falls easily next to the music of Caribou, exquisite, lush pop music that makes me sad and a little happy. Highly recommended, grab a copy and listen for yourself. You can't sance 24/7, this is the music for the other times.

False - 2007

2008-02-06T23:53:00.000-05:00

False, "Plus Plus" (YSI link)

False, "Face The Rain" (YSI link)

We've been doing more minimal techno here lately, the dominant sound in the genre for the past year or two. We've also mentioned Matthew Dear a ton lately, so why not extend both streaks with a post on False's 2007, Dear's recent album under his minimal alias. This one has the hallmarks of minimal with the stripped down, repetitive, glitchy, bleepy sound that slowly changes and unfolds. I haven't heard a ton of the genre yet, but I think that Dear is more committed to the minimal aspect than others. 2007 is in essence a mix, albeit a mix of original material. It should remind you a little of the live mix I put up from Dear a few weeks ago, as the album feels like one continuous movement, not individual singles.

Things kick of with what sounds like race cars screaming around the track (or possibly howling wind) in "Indy 3000," but the listener soon descends into a molecular world, where everything seems to be broken down into smaller parts than you normally hear in music. This isn't verging on silence or anything like that, there's a definite pulse throughout, one that stays consistently in the same BPM range, say 130-140ish. My description probably makes this sound as boring as hell, but it's really the complete opposite. These tiny notes and sounds draw your ear in and make you listen that much harder. For example, on "Face The Rain," out of this bass and drums groover comes these piano chords that completely blow me away, like the sun coming up during a rainstorm or something. "Plus Plus" precedes itI'm not sure that this CD is a good intro into the minimal techno world however, as this one can claustrophobic at times; as much as I love the subtle shifts, it also means that there isn't any big hooks or changes of pace.

I highly recommend picking up a copy of this CD, take a chance on something new and different. The minimal scene has started to draw me in over the past year, I look forward to exploring this world more in the future.

WadKlub NYC, No More Conversations SF and more

2008-02-06T18:08:00.000-05:00

It's Fashion Week in New York City, this is probably the closest I'm going to get to all of that. One of my favorite magazines, Paris' Wad, is coming to the city and are throwing a party, WadKlub Invades NYC at Le Royale (21 Seventh Ave) Lots of Pound for Pound favorites are gonna be on hand, most notably a live show by Kudu at 11:30 and a fashion show by the rad Love Brigade. If that wasn't enough, you also get DJ sets by DJ Dee Nice from Paris, Egg Foo Young, Roxy Cottontail and Anthony 2Tone Cochran upstairs, plus Mike Nouveau & Sean Fightcats and Blu Jemz & Lloydski. There's also a Pink/Fuze open bar from 9-10 and 2 for 1 Pink/Fuze drinks from 2:30-3:30. Email heartbeat@roxycottontail.com or info@sauvagestudio.com for free admission, doors at 9pm, 21+.

-For something just as big and crazy, head downtown to 205 Club (205 Chrystie) for Lamazing's Sexpot Bday Extravaganza. It really is an extravaganza, with The Real Live Show, Heavy, DJ Equal, Stimulus & Dhundhee, Belinda Baker, Nick Hook and Kingston 19 will perform and spin tonight. There will be some added surprises and gifts and scantily dressed partygoers. RSVP to 205@thetastecrew.com to assure that you get in, presented by Taste, hosted by R. Napolean, this should be an epic night. Not sure who La Mazing is, but wish her a happy birthday when you see her. Doors at 10, 21+.

-Sometimes, it only takes a few people to have a rager. If those two people are the Sweatshop Labor DJs, you're set. They are throwing a party tonight at Lit (93 Second Ave) called Scraps. Definitely check this one out, as the Lit basement is a great space that is ripe for a comeback and these are the guys who can do it. No cover, 11 pm-4 am, let's hope this becomes a regular night.

-Man, Wednesdays really is the night to go out in the city. Here's another favorite, the Moonwalk party at Happy Ending (302 Broome St) Rezound and Cousin Cole do this biweekly party and needs to be a permanent spot on your calendar. Great crowd, great DJs spinning a variety of genres, from electronic to rap to 80s to mashups, you'll hear it all. 2 for 1 drinks from 11-midnight, get there early or come late, highly recommend. No cover, 21+.

-Finally, there's ole reliable High Voltage at The Annex (152 Orchard St) Let me first say, what a rad flier, just fantastic. For the record, the dude there is the guest DJ tonight, Huggs, in from Montreal to kill another dancefloor. Dude can spin all kinds of music, from classic hip-hop to funk to recent bangers, has spun with everyone from Diplo to DJ AM. He's starting out on a tour of the US and Canada, this is his only stop in NYC. Stop by to find out why he's so popular. Residents Dimitry!!! and Prince Terrence will do their thing as well. I'm hearing news that MTV will be in the house filming, while I'm more of a VH1 guy, that's still pretty cool. The Zygo open bar from 11 until its gone should help you get over being camera-shy. No cover, 21+.

-If you don't want to leave Brooklyn, you can check out the ChiefMag.com Issue Release Party at Savalas (285 Bedford Ave @ S. 1st) Rev McFly and Dirty Fingers will spin all night, should be a nice way to remember to check out a cool new magazine and dance right through the hump day. Free Yuengling beer at 10:30, no cover, 21+.

-I've said a lot about the Robotic Wednesdays party at the Electro Lounge (5929 N. May Ave) in Oklahoma City. I'm gonna be brief this time, no one wants to be beat over the head, I understand that. I will simply recommend everyone who can check this party, let the Dance Robots Dance DJs take care of you for the night. You won't regret it. $3, 21+.

-This looks like a super rad party in San Francisco, No More Conversations at 222 Club (222 Hyde Street @ Turk) Presented by Emily Betty, Tiri and thegentleking.com with photos by Jerome Pour Homme, it's a night specializing in "electro, trap rap, bangers, coke rap, heavy bass, and party jams for dancing pleasure. Throw in some acid, ghetto house and disco and you pretty much don't need this blog. Each month features a new set of DJs; this month you get Richie Panic from Frisco Disco, Sake One of Pacific Standard Time and DJ LXNDR of the Fling party. Show some support to this monthly, really good stuff. RSVP at the going.com site or message their myspace page for $3 admission, $5 otherwise. 10pm-2am, 21+, yeah!

-LA loves the big parties and that spirit has moved into the suburbs as well, as Riverside has its own weekly indie dance rager in the form of Club Avenue at Trilussa (3737 Main St) Tonight's special guest, My!Gay!Husband!, is in from Vancouver for a little mini-LA tour. Expect a great mix of indie dance, Bmore, juke and lots of his own excellent edits, should be really rad. He'll join residents DJ Jimmy Boy and Billy Noorlag, plus Sleazy V and Bul!m!atron for a great night. 2 rooms, 5 DJs, free parking, drink specials, giveaways from American Apparel and MooL.A. Message your first and last name on their myspace page to get on the $5 reduced list, 18+, doors at 10pm.

Sylvester - Step II

2008-02-05T23:16:00.000-05:00

Sylvester, "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)" (YSI link)
Sylvester, "Dance (Disco Heat)" (YSI link)

Sylvester, "Was It Something That I Said" (YSI link)

Oh boy, this is a good one. We've been slowly bringing this site around to the disco sounds, this one's essential stuff. Sylvester is one of the pivotal male singers in the genre's history, a larger than life figure who sang on some of the greatest songs of the late 70s and early 80s. Born Sylvester James, he would actually start out making rock music in San Francisco in the early 70s. Over the course of that decade, he would begin to make funkier and dancier music, until it all came together when he began collaborating with Patrick Cowley in 1978. They began to work together after Sylvester heard Cowley's work on a synthesizer in the San Francisco studio he was using.

They would first come up with the LP Step II and Sylvester's voice with Cowley's synth work gave us these two disco classics. "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)" kicks things off and it will make you feel mighty real too. Oh man, this is so good, joyous, peak-time stuff. It's all about Sylvester's vocals, he seems able to be able to bring the song to various high points with the soaring voice and little hollers. Underneath all of that, there's a lush classic disco sound; there's a funky bass, bongos and claps and a strong 4/4 beat, some effects and keys and an oscilllating synth that helps build the tension in the middle section. "Dance (Disco Heat)" features the vocal talents of Izora Rhodes and Martha Wash, i.e. Two Tons O' Fun, who are all over this one. The bass is just massive, the keys and harp are nice, the pace is more furious and consistent than "You Make Me Feel." "Dance with me in the disco heat, dance with me in the disco heat." Yeah!

The album's B side is less dancefloor-centric, which isn't a bad thing. You get slower, more melancholic cuts, including a Bacharac-David tune ("I Took My Strength From You"). "Was It Something That I Said" has a soul-ballad feel, with Sylvester's tender vocals trying to figure out why a relationship ended, horns and strings and the ladies singing great backup vocals. I love it, even if it isn't a classic.

You need these songs in your life. This is beautiful music, this will brighten your day and, yes, save your life. Now, if it would just get Obama to support universal health care.

Black Disco 205 Tuesdays, Hot Chip Scion House Party LA, dANCE LA

2008-02-05T18:38:00.000-05:00

Okay, this is gonna be quick one, got lots of music to get to shortly. But, it's Tuesday night and I have to hype my favorite party, 205 Tuesdays at 205 Club (205 Chrystie) This is a special night, as it's a Blackdisco EP release party and the first night with Prince Language as resident. Blackdisco features DJs Nitedog and Lovefingers, who spin that underground disco sound that will fit in perfectly in the basement, can't wait to check this out. To take it up a notch, No Disco Comprendo's Prince Language join DFA's Justin Miller for the month of February as resident DJ. I mean, what more could you ever ask for?

-Out in LA, Scion is doing house party and it's not on some kegs and iPod thing. It's actually at the Viper Room (8852 W. Sunset Blvd) and Hot Chip is DJing, so it's pretty much the complete opposite of a house party. Let's not get bogged down in semantics though, let's appreciate a party featuring Hot Chip, Spank Rock DJs Devlin and Darko and Franki Chan. Let's also appreciate that it's free, as long as you click over to the RSVP site. Once on the list, get there early, as space will fill up fast. Doors at 10pm, 21+.

-If you can't get in to that one, head over to Arena (6655 Santa Monica Blvd) for the weekly dANCE party. Tonight's edition might be the best so far, as they have globe-trotting indielectro superstar Le Castle Vania playing the main room. You should not miss this guy, for real. Paparazzi will join him in the main room, while Spy Vs Spy, Bip Jeffington and Joaquin do it up in The Attic. This party has been a big success with big, young crowds every week; tonight is definitely a can't-miss one, good time to get on board. $5 before 10:30 with flier, 18+.

Traxmen - Give The People What They Want

2008-02-04T18:05:00.000-05:00

Above is a great shot of some graffiti scrawlings on a wall in Quito, Ecuador, taken by Pound for Pound correspondant JH-B. Note the Jessica Te Amo, proof that she already has fans in South America.

Gant-Man, "Still Bangin" (YSI link)

Gant-Man, "Umn" (YSI link)

Gant-Man, "Untitled" (YSI link)

I saw hell this weekend and it was the L train running on one track. Ugh, body to body, 5 deep on the platform, my worst nightmare right now, ahead of breast reductions and a McCain presidency. When I'm feeling down and shook like this, I turn to one of Pound for Pound's spiritual homelands, Chicago, specifically the Chicago of the 80s, when the house sound took shape.

Let's go to our favorite source, Dance Mania Records, for today's dose. These tracks come from Dance Mania 257, released in 1998, the final record the Traxmen would put out under that name, one of the final releases documenting the second wave on the label, i.e. the ghetto/booty house period, led by DJ Funk and Robert Armani. This followed the acid house one of the 80s, which the Traxmen had a say in as well.

Give The People What They Want features one side of tracks by Eric Martin, the other by Gant-Man. The Gant-Man ones are my favorites, classic minimal jack trax with male and female call and responses, filthy lyrics. G-d, the drums on all three are so sick. Love the slow build-up on my favorite "Still Bangin'," with hi-hats, claps and rare keys. It's when that huge bass drum comes in that things get real serious real fast. This one is relentless, a runaway train, the vocals only add to it amazingly, as they fly out at a furious pace. "Umn" continues the nice use of a synth, which a nice melodic line lying on top of the banging below. Finally, there's the weed anthem "Untitled," which has a little extra bounce on the drums, a great combo with the male-female back and forth about getting free weed. All in all, a pretty essential B side, a must have for those who love the booty sound. Yeah!

Hurrah PHILA, Blow The Speakers CHI and more

2008-02-02T17:00:00.000-05:00

I've been getting more and more excited by all of the great parties in Philly devoted to the music we love like acid house, electro, house and even disco and techno. Hip Replacement, Restless Leg Syndrome, Robotique are a few, tonight's heaadliner is another. The Hurrah party at Medusa (21st and Chestnut) happens the first Saturday of every month and it needs to have a permanent place on your calendar. Shawn Ryan and Chris Ego spin a mix of face-melting dance stuff and that spiky, danceable post-punk funk stuff. Tonight, the guy's are joined by Dave Tat of the aforementioned Restless Leg Syndrome party, who will fit right in with a similar mix of music. Best of all, it goes down in the dark basement space, which is just made for dancing and debauching. Get behind this Philly, it's gonna be the scene. No cover, 21+.

-Afterwards, head to Transit for the city's only afterhours party, Mad Pu$$y. This one's bringing in a ton of great guests every Saturday, tonight is more for the regulars and local stars. Brendan Bring'em will spin in the main room, the Philadelphyinz will hold down the basement and C Sharp spins reggae upstairs. Click here to get on the list, which gets you in free before midnight, $5 after. Get there early and enjoy free PBR from 10-12, per usual, 21+.

-Speaking of Philly, Dave P has brought The Teenagers to Brooklyn with him for the Fixed party tonight at Studio B (259 Banker St). This is your last chance to catch the guys in NYC, they'll play at 11pm so don't dilly dally. To take it all up a notch, this one's the Hot Chip official afterparty and those guys will do a guest DJ set. The hype may bring the building down, so be careful. $10 advanced tickets, $12 at the door, 18+.

-I was thinking of just mentioning the U.N.I.T.Y. 90s party at Hugs (108 N. 6th St), not putting up the flier. But, they flipped the script and remade the flier and it has to go up. Marky Mark in his underpants, I mean whatever, I don't think he's hot, not one bit. I'm not attracted to him or rippling muscles at all, so just deal with it. I am into this party, Lauren Flax and JD Samson's party dedicated to the music of the 90s. The ladies are joined by Chelsea Star from the legendary gay SF party Hot Pants, should be as good as ever. I can say that this party packs people in, get there early to find a good spot on the dancefloor.

-The Dark Wave Disco are back with an all-ages party tonight at Subterranean (2011 W. North Ave) and they're going to turn the volume and bass way up. It's the Blow The Speakers party, a mix of rock and dance music, where Trancid, Mark Gertz and Greg Corner join with Kid Color to destroy your eardrums. In a good way. $7 for 18+, $5 for 21+, doors at 10:30 pm, the party goes until 3am.

-The battle between the decades is on tonight, as the Dance Robots, Dance DJs are throwing The Eighties Dance Party at Electro Lounge (5929 N. May Ave) Ahh, what a decade, especially if you forget about Reagan. New wave, real electro, late disco, post punk, I trust that the DRD guys will have a field day with all of this material. This looks like it's the fourth (and possibly final) edition of this party, so don't sleep. $1 if you dress up, $3 if you don't, doors at 9pm, 21+.

-You think the Frisco Disco guys are soft? Think again, Jefrodisiac and Richie Panic carry big guns and even bigger tunes to kill dancefloors. Tonight at The Transfer (198 Church St) they remind you why this is one of the most fun and crazy weeklies anywhere. Check out the photos from the January 26th edition to see just as crazy and awesome, this many people kissing, hugging and dancing can't be wrong. Awesome photos by Lady Meleksah, awesome party. Free before 10:30, $5 after.

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Jamie Jones - Should Have Gone Home

2008-02-02T04:16:00.000-05:00

Jamie Jones, "Should Have Gone Home" (YSI link) 320

Late-night post here, which is the only time I could put up this track from rising techno star Jamie Jones. For everyone who has ever been out to a club, hell anyone who has ever been out at a bar or a party or anything, "Should Have Gone Home" will only make you nod your head. A drugged voice tells the common lament: "It was 2 am, so we started to rock. It was 4 am and the place got hot. It was 6 am, I was all alone. When did they leave me? I should have gone home." Indeed. This song should be played for every grade school student in the world, the lesson that nothing comes in the final few hours of the night is way more important than stupid fractions and shit. This is a life lesson people! Go home!

Anyway, these words are spoken over a minimal, bleepy track that works so well, suitably eerie and ominous for a song about the late, late hours. I hate to use the minimal tag, as there's so much going on here. The drums are amazing, it sounds like 3 or 4 layers of them at times. They drive the track, giving it that perfect feel for an end of the night themed song, wound down but still driving forward. I'm never great with the genre labels, but for me there's a slight house feel to this one, a little more rhythm than what I traditionally associate with techno.

London-based Jones, with releases on Crosstown Rebels, Freak 'n' Chic, Get Physical and B Pitch Control, is a young artist that everyone is going to have keep an eye. Hopefully, there's a full LP on the way, in the meantime, go to Beatport and check out his other work. Check out his myspace page for more info and club dates. Let us know what you think, as I may

Jonathan K's Booty Shakin Birthday Blow Out BK, Hotel MPLS and more

2008-02-01T18:08:00.000-05:00

It's a big night so we might as well start with one of the biggest parties I've seen, Jonathan K's Booty Shakin Birthday Blow Out at Studio B (259 Banker St) in Greenpoint. Take a look at the line-up and be in awe - Spank Rock live, DJ sets from The Rapture, Busy P and So Me, Le Tigre's JD Samson and Eamon Harkin, plus Dances With White Girls and Andy Pry of Throne Of Blood in the side room all night. Late Update: two new live performers were just announced: some guy named The GZA and Amanda Blank. Yeah, this is crazy. You're gonna want to grab a ticket right now as they have been selling at a crazy rate, esp for a Studio B party. You may not get in at the door is what I am sayin'. Check the info here on how to purchase advance tickets, $18, 21+.

-More good stuff in Williamsburg, as the Finger On The Pulse guys are doing their Royal Oak party tonight and it's a good one. They've brought in special guest DJ Treasure Fingers from ATL, it's the first NYC appearance for the Fool's Gold/Fuck Yesss dude. This one should be a great night of new electro, indie dance stuff, plus the old soul and r&b that you always get at FOTP parties. RSVP at music@fotpnyc.com to get on the list, no cover, 21+.

-Sometimes you just want to act like an adult, dress nice and enjoy a cocktail. If that is the case, head to Macri Park (462 Union Ave) tonight for Cocktails with Sweatshop Labor. Bring a date, impress with your style and sophistication, listen to great music, get blindingly drunk because you aren't used to drinking real drinks instead of shitty beer. Seriously though, this is a nice choice for anyone looking for a chiller, more intimate or a good pre or post game for some of the other festivities.

-The final Williamsburg piece is at the Lucky Cat (245 Grand St) where the Philadelphyinz meet Flagrant Fowl, Apt One and Skinny Friedman join Cousin Cole and Pocketknife for a night of genre-hopping musical exploration. I feel like this has become a regular gig for the Philadelphyinz, definitely recommend checking them out, always good to hear people willing to spin songs that came before 2007. No cover, $1 off well drinks for women before midnight, 21+.

-You know I recommend not going into the city on weekends anymore. However, I think that I have come up with a plan to do that and have fun: go to the heart of darkness, into the beast of the belly, hit up a mega-club in the Meatpacking District! I know what you're thinking: have you gone mad, Jack? No, no I have not. This is a brilliant strategic move, as you will go where they least expect you and you expect to have the least fun. Thankfully, you have allies waiting to make your night rad in the form of the Top Billin' party that Project Matt, Nicole Nelch, Yossi C and C. Dedan and others throw every Friday. Tonight's is a good one, as The Rub's DJ Ayres is joined by Turntable Lab's Lloydski for a night of dancefloor Email topbillinfridays@gmail.com for guestlist, 21+.

You can also head downstairs for Michael T's Pornography party in the basement, as it's look like a good one with Jimmy Edgar from Warp Records spinning. Hell, you also get Melody Nelson and Ole from Diesel and Raw, rsvp at the going.com site for free entry.

-There's also GBH's Robot Rock party at Le Royale (21 7th Ave South), which features a guest DJ set by Fanny of Fannypack. He should provide a nice change-up at this rock party, hopefully bring a little bass to the kids. There's also TKOmri, who will spin robot rock and electro, along with residents Dimitry!!! and Alex English. Email list@gbh.tv to get on the list for free admission, $10 otherwise, 21+.

-Finally, down in the Lower East Side, it's a new party called Deprogram at Revolver (210 Rivington btwn Pitt and Ridge) I haven't heard much out of this club since the summer, hopefully this is a sign that they are going to put on some good parties again. The Art After Midnight guys, Chris Alker and Sushi Steve, are the residents and they are joined by June D of White Dove and various other parties. It should be a fun night of electro rock indie music at a nice bar on the edge of all the horribleness. No cover, 21+.

-Huge night down in Philly, as two of its biggest parties go down tonight. First up, Making Time takes over Pure (1221 St. James Place) with The Teenagers in tow. They've been the belle of the balls in NYC this week, now they can see what a great crowd and city look like. All the other usual suspects will be there, Dave P, Dave Pak, Dave Z, Adam Sparkles, Pink Skull, the Broadzilla crew. Down in the basement, the Rock Tits crew are actually have a live performance tonight, as Dark Horse and the Carousels will play live in the basement. I mean, you know the deal, this one will be insane. Open bar with Sparks and PBR from 9-11, $10, 21+.

-The White Ts White Belts juggernaut continues to reign. Fresh off of the Freeway live performance (and surprise appearances by Beanie Sigel and Peedi) Emynd, Bo Bliz and Dan the Swede have brought in Blaqstarr from Mad Decent to keep the momentum going. I mean, $10, open bar, BYOB, rap, Bmore and bangers, late night until 4 am. Get to the Arts Garage (1511 Parrish St), 21+, Philly's finest here.

-Ugh, thank G-d for Will Eastman or I just wouldn't even be able to look at D.C. I mean, telecom immunity? Are fucking kidding me? Will's Friday night jawn Le Freak at Napoleon (1847 Columbia Rd) should help you feel better about your city, big, diverse crowd enjoying themselves. Get behind this one people! Half-priced champagne from 9-11, house, disco, booty, r&b, rap, awesome.

-This week was the 5th anniversary of Life During Wartime, as Bald Eagle and Mother Hubbard started their little dance party on January 29, 2003. Fast forward 5 years and LDW is all grown up. They've hosted everyone from Soulwax/2 Many DJs, The Rapture, James Murphy, Bloc Party and ton more rad bands and DJs. Head out to the Darkroom (2210 W. Chicago Ave) to celebrate one of Chicago's best parties with the OGs, Bald Eagle and Mother Hubbard. Jessica of the band Office is a special guest DJ, email rsvp@enpriseentertainment.com to get in on the VIP Bushmill's open bar from 9-11. Go to the going.com site and let them know you are coming, it's free before 11pm, $5 after, 21+. Happy anniversary LDW!

-Wow, here's a super rad party in Minneapolis, the Hotel party at The Kitty Kat Klub (315 14th Ave SE) I'm not sure if it's a regular thing or what, but who cares? Live for the moment. Minneapolis' own Jonathan Ackerman and Dan Cruse is joined by amazing Max Pask of the Stop Progress party and 205 on Friday nights, it's gonna be cosmic in there. Keep your ears open, there may be an afterparty. No cover, 21+.

-The Loaded party in San Fran has a great tagline - Love Music Fuck Genres. It also has a great line-up with We Are Wolves playing their dancerock live, Kompakt's Tobias Thomas spinning minimal, Jeffrey Paradise and Audorock giving you everything else you need. Get to the Rickshaw Stop (155 Fell St) for the festivities, $10, doors at 10pm, 18+. Down with genres!

-In LA, it's the return of the Rockognized vs Hush Hush party, as it looks like a good one. Classix, Royal Rumble, Dan Oh and Damager will spin at the Abacot Gallery (970 N. Broadway Suite 201) It should be a good time for those looking for something a little different than the cloub scene out there. $5, 18+, all kinds of music, awesome flier!

-Or head to Safari Sam's (5214 Sunset Blvd) for another head-to-head party, as Blow Up LA vs Le Disko clash tonight. Keith Wilson and Anne Lee present, Keith 2.0, Anne Lee, DJ 19 a.k.a. Young Sunn and DJ (N) spin, Shadowscene is taking photos and you will be dancing and drinking. Free before 10:30 with flier, 18+, cheap drinks, doors at 10.

-In Santa Ana, the Mute Fridays party at Proof Bar (215 N. Broadway) has their biggest guest yet, Peter of Peter, Bjorn and John. Dude DJs quite a bit, so he should be worth checking out as opposed a lot of the band dude DJs out there. It's also a Steve Aoki album release party as well, the residents Clifford Lidell, Legit, Ben N and Rockberry have taken it up a notch tonight. Email rsvp@mute97.com for $5 entry, 21+.

HeartsRevolution & Lauren Flax - CYOA

2008-02-01T14:10:00.000-05:00

HEARTSREVOLUTION, "CYOA! (Lauren Flax remix)" (YSI link)

Okay, here's a quick one that I wanted get out there, really excited to see this one in my inbox. It brings together a lot of my favorites, Iheartcomix Records, HEARTSREVOLUTION and Lauren Flax, all rising stars who deserve a bigger audience.

HEARTSREVOLUTION is a New York City-based duo, Leyla Sefai and Ben Pollock, who were first known for the Heartschallenger lifestyle brand and Ice Cream Truck, which they drove to various galleries, parties and events to show off their favorite things in art, music, whatever. Oh, and ice cream, they have ice cream! They've released two limited edition records, including a split 6" with the Crystal Castles, a great choice and good comparison for those looking for a signpost.

They are now releasing their first 12" record on Franki Chan and Travis Hayden's Iheartcomix label for their song "Choose Your Own Adventure." The original mixes punk with electro, it's actually really good, hard to quite classify. It doesn't have the pace or energy of punk or the new electro stuff, although it draws from both. I'm super excited to post up the Lauren Flax remix, someone super talented whose remixes sound unique and different each time. Imagine that, remixes that aren't cookie cuttered, but are actually sensitive to the song! On this one, Flax has stretched out the original and turned it epic with gorgeous strings. I imagine this version playing at the climax scene of some George Clooney political thriller, only the big screen can hold this one. Just as importantly, she has given it a more consistent, thumping beat and cut the vocals down to make the whole thing flow. Excellent stuff.

Check out their myspace page, as it looks like they and the ice cream truck will be touring the globe in the coming months, including Vegas, SXSW, WMC and Europe. Make sure to cop the official 12" when it drops net month, support good people doing good things. Lots of a great remixes, including one from Brodinski, we'll keep you updated on this one.

The Teenagers NYC, Better Propaganda SF and more

2008-01-31T18:51:00.000-05:00

While I've been shying away from the next big thing hype shit for awhile now, tonight's Cheeky Bastard at Hiro Ballroom with The Teenagers has me psyched up. For those in NYC, here's your only chance to catch the band for free, as their Bowery show sold out and the Fixed one is $10. Add in a live show by Blacklist, a DJ set by The Teenagers, Sluttt with Redd Foxx and The Ruff Kids and you have yourself a pretty epic night. RSVP at the going.com site for the free admission; 1200+ people have already done so, which means getting there early is a good idea if you want to get in. Once you're in, you can enjoy a Lucky beer open bar from 10-11, 2 for 1 vodka drinks from 2-3 and $4 Sparks all night. 21+, this one may live up to the hype.

-For something like a little smaller and more intimate but just as rad, head to the Common Folk party at Home Sweet Home (131 Chrystie St) where the Sweatshop Laborers Johnsville and Lucas Walters have a very special guest tonight, Lauren Flax of White Lightning and the 90s Party and a Pound for Pound post in the very near future. This one's called Freaks, which sounds about right, this is your night to act like one. Lots of great music tonight from various genres, free Shango rum from 10:30-11:30, things kick off at 10, end at 4, 21+.

-If you can't bear the thought of getting on the L and creeping along between Bedford and 1st Ave, head to the Hope Lounge (10 Hope Street btwn Roebling & Havermeyer) for what I think is a brand new party called Oonst Oonst. This one features some great NYC DJs as well, Dances With White Girls and Nick Hook. Dance music, 2 for 1 well drinks, great choice tonight. No cover, 21+.

-Down in Philly, it's another chance to check out the Seclusiasis Thursday party at Sal's (200 S. 12th St) DJ Ghost is joined every week by a special guest DJ, tonight it's Synikal of Tru Skool Recordings. This one should be extra hard tonight, as Synikal will spin some drum'n'bass and breakbeat along with the regular mix of rap, dubstep, grime and bassline. No cover, doors at 9pm, 21+.

-I mentioned this one for the first time last week and logically I made a mistake. So, just to get it out of the way, the Opolis party in Norman, Oklahoma is 18+, so the kids can come out and dance too. Everything else applies, Dylan Mackey, B. and friends, great music, fun times, $3.

-Finally, great night in San Francisco as Better Propaganda celebrates its fourth anniversary by throwing a party at the 111 Minna Gallery (111 Minna St) This one is jam packed, featuring live sets by electronic bands Lemonade, Ghosts On Tape and Official Tourist, plus DJ sets by Big Stereo's Rchrd Oh?! and Ryan Poulsen. It says it's free with an RSVP at their site with a weird registration, but there is a disclaimer that there is only a limited amount of free admissions. I'd just pay the $7 at the door, avoid all of this crap.

100 HZ - Trustlove

2008-01-31T13:40:00.000-05:00

100 HZ, "Trustlove (Original 1999 version)" (YSI link)

100 HZ, "Trustlove (100 HZ 1999 remix)" (YSI link)

100 HZ, "Trustlove (Patrick Pulsinger remix)" (YSI link)

"I love you, but I don't trust you."Oh boy, this one is about as good as it gets around these parts. 100 HZ's "Trustlove" opens with a male voice speaking that very phrase over descending bass notes. All of this is a lead-in to one of the dopest tracks ever, 100 HZ's "Trustlove." The original 1999 version has more of a filthy electro house vibe, with a deep, rumbling bass and jackin' percussion. It's pretty bare bones, a perfect compliment to the distrustful lyrics. About 4 minutes in, pianos are added to the mix, shifting this one into a more of a classic house vibe. It actually works for me, although I'd probably prefer if they had stuck to the main sound, an unsettlingly, unforgettable tune. The 100 HZ 1999 remix sticks pretty close to the original version, making the bass even more a part of the proceedings and adding some effects here and there. I think this one might be the one for the dancefloor.

Unfortunately, I flipped on HBO late last night and walked right into one of the most depressing hour and a halfs you can experience. Dope Sick Love was on and damn if I didn't ignore my better instincts and watch the whole thing. For those that don't know, it's a documentary following two junkie couples as they try to get high and survive in NYC. It's insane, watching them shoot up in apartment building elevators and bathrooms, having sex to get money,etc. Possibly more insane is the fact that all of them are walking the same areas I am, including my beloved LES. The saddest part is that I wasn't sad for these four people and the ones around them they hurt but for myself because of the memories this brought up.Strike that, the really sad part is that these two guys, who clean their needles with toilet water and

Classic Night Moves NYC, Club Ave LA and more

2008-01-30T18:11:00.000-05:00

Every so often a party will come around that excites me, that seems so right. Tonight's headliner, the Night Moves party at 205 Club (205 Chrystie St) is just such an event. Ooh boy, a night dedicated to house music and house music alone in my favorite space in the city with some of my fav DJs, Lauren Flax and Cobra Kai. What more could a boy or girl want? How about a special DJ set by the legendary Junior Sanchez? I'm so psyched for this one, it's time for everyone to show respect to the classic music that has helped get us to current dance scene. The three DJs tonight are the perfect guides for newbies and househeads alike, an amazing chance to hear this music in a sweaty basement for no charge, rather than the mega clubs uptown for 30 bucks. Hosted by Nick the Duke, this is an essential night New York City, show your support.

-You'll also want to stop by The Annex (152 Orchard St) for the weekly High Voltage party. This one's regular strength, no guest DJs or bands. But, like Coke, you'll realize that sometimes it's best to appreciate how good the original is. Dimitry!!! and Prince Terrence will spin all night, the Zygo open bar lasts from 11 until its gone, and you can dance until you can't stand no more. No cover, 21+.

-Ha, Robotic Wednesdays in Oklahoma City step their flier game up tonight. I mean, this birthday-themed one makes me wish it was my birthday and I have a pathological fear of that day. Kittens and photoshopping, yes please. Dance Robots, Dance DJs and rad music, yes please. Get to the Electro Lounge (5929 N. May Ave), wish Blake, Christa, Serene and Albin happy birthday and enjoy a great night. $3, 21+.

-Riverside California goes off tonight, as the Club Avenue Wednesday party at Trilussa (3737 Main St) has a great cast of LA's finest in the house. Acid Girls, Dirty Dave, Billy Noorlag, Jimmy Boy and Rec 1 will be spinning, Gina Turner will perform live and celebrate the release of her new White Panties CD; if you need even more CD release celebrating, there'll be more for Steve Aoki's new LP. There'll be lots of giveaways all night, plus great music running the gamut from new electro and indie dance to rap and Bmore club. 2 rooms, 2 bars, drink specials, 18+. You'll have to message their myspace account to get on the $5 guest list, otherwise it'll be

-Finally, for the minimal heads in LA, check out this party presented by Droid Behavior + Compression, which features Tobias Thomas from the Kompakt label spinning. This is a rare chance for LA people to hear one of the main players in the Cologne scene spin, you're not gonna wanna miss this one. Locals Matt Xavier and Andrew Kelley will also spin, a big night of techno and deep house. Oddly, it all goes down at Crash Mansion (1024 S. Grand), a place that specializes in douchebags and bad rock music in NYC. RSVP now to droidbehavior@gmail.com for free admission. Doors at 9pm, 21+.

Restless Leg Syndrome PHILA, Panic! PROV and more

2008-01-29T17:13:00.000-05:00

If you ever had the good fortune of sleeping in the same bed as me, you would know that I have struggled with a disease that seems to have come out of nowhere, Restless Leg Syndrome. Thanks to Philly dudes Dave T and Ryan Nation, I think that I will now be able to associate the phrase with one of the best parties in Philadelphia instead of my unbearable bed behavior. It's Restless Leg Syndrome upstairs at The Khyber, this one's dedicated to the music that matters - house, acid, minimal and electro. This is melt your face, change your life music, spun by guys who know what they spin of. Dave and Ryan have brought in a special guest tonight, Peter Dragontail makes his first ever DJ appearance after a string of rad remixes for Daft Punk, MGMT and Hot Chip. Don't sleep on this party people, once a month, make this a regular stop and support people and parties dedicated to our music. No cover, 21+.

-For even more dance music, you can head to Sal's (200 S. 12th St) for the Girls Rule Boys Drool party. Scotty Ack and Diamond Girl give you a night devoted to the indie dance, new electro and rock remixes each and every Tuesday, great young DJs, good space, cheap night to help you get through the week. No cover, 21+.

-I've said it before, this is one of my favorite parties in NYC. 205 Tuesdays, the basement of 205 Club with Jacques Renault and Justin Miller, disco paradise. Tonight is another special one, as Dangerous Dan from the Bang Gang Deejays is the special guest, here's your chance to catch if you missed him at the Tribeca Grand Friday. It's also the last night Jacques will spin, for a bit as he'll be gone until March, so get a final night together and say goodbye. No cover, doors at 11pm.

-Park Slope, how the hell are you? It's been too long since we have spoken. How's Rachel's? How's Suki? How's Maya? It's always nice to see something going on in the south side of Brooklyn, I'm hoping that this Head N Tail party at Royale (506 Fifth Ave) will be a regular night. Carmine P. Filthy will spin all night, expect lots of good electronic music from the darker end of the spectrum. No cover, 21+, awesome flier. Oh, I figured out that Flip Nite Tuesdays means that you buy your first drink at regular price, flip a coin and if you call it right, the second drink is free. Nice concept!

-On my end of town, it's Do It Tuesdays at Hugs (108 N. 6th St) with Carrie Whitenoise and Shinratek. Tonight, they are bringing in the Ladycreme duo from Hyptone Records; I haven't heard them before, but the Brooklyn duo definitely are worth checking out, releasing their own original productions that combine the modern electro sound with acid and italo influences. I expect their DJ sets will follow similar ground, a good compliment to the residents. No cover, 21+.

-It's always nice to see some of new parties start up in places we hope to cover better, and that's the case tonight in Providence, as the Panic party at Club Hell (73 Richmond St). Brad Rhodes and Michael Savant will be the resident DJs, spinning recent club bangers , indie tunes, dance classics, everything and anything good since the 80s. Tonight, you get a guest DJ set by Paper's E-Marce, the Boston dude will spin an indie dance, electro rock set that will go over big. Plus, there's a live performance by Triangle Forest, making this a jammed packed opening night. $5, doors at 9pm and it goes until 1 am, 18.

-I'm not sure if this dANCE party has scared off all comers, but it seems to have become the dominant Tuesday night event in the LA area. Let me first say that this is by far my favorite flier they've done, love the orange, the muted colors and the space-y design. Tonight's edition at Arena (6655 Santa Monica Blvd) appears to pit the city vs. its suburban neighbor, LA vs OC. In from the OC - I feel sick writing that - are DJs Tony Long and Dax, who will hold it down for Ryan Atwood and Marissa Cooper. LA is represented by the residents, Paparazzi, Bip Jeffington and Joaquin, a battle for the ages. 2 rooms, 2 levels, free parking, $5 before 10:30 with a flier, 18+.

Studio - Yearbook 1

2008-01-28T23:02:00.000-05:00

Studio, "Origin (Shake You Down By The River)" (YSI link)

I mentioned Studio recently with their awesome Kylie Minogue remix, needed to put up tracks from their recent LP, Yearbook 1. This album is really just a repackaging, bringing together their earlier West Coast LP and No Comply 12" into a super-dope CD. It's probably easier to say that that is one of the best releases from 2007, one of those albums that seems completely confident in itself, in spite of, or maybe because of, the fact that the music sounds like little else out there.

We didn't really give much detail on Studio when we referenced them previously, so let's do a little background, little being the operative word. The Swedish group consists of two members, Dan Lissvik and Rasmus Hagg, who have a handful of releases on the tiny Information label. They seem to be a part of this cosmic disco/Scandalearic scene that has formed around Lindstrom and Prins Thomas, which has stretched out, slowed down and loosened up electronic music.

Yearbook 1 is only eight tracks, but it clocks in at over 70 minutes long. There aren't any bad songs in my opinion, a great mix of shorter songs and epic jams, instrumentals and vocals, cosmic disco, pop, electrorock and more comes and goes during the course of the album. Take the track above, "Origin (Shake You Down By The River)." It starts out with an warped laugh moving from one ear to the next, then what sounds like a jet takes off and out of this intro, an awesome, funky bassline, a dreamy guitar and percussion comes in and suddenly a Latin/Afrobeat-ish track quickly comes forward. As the song progresses, the pace picks up and things get more rocking, without ever feeling forced. That might be the greatest part of this album, its willingness to take its time, to not rush. Two of my favorites tracks, "Out There" and "Life's A Beach," clock in at nearly 16 minutes and 13 minutes a piece, mini-masterpieces that hearken back to the disco epics. Man, this is rad music, I can't recommend it more highly right now.

Okay, one big reason for doing this post is to help get the word out and get this CD and all of their previous work a US release. C'mon respected labels, bring this one to the states, the kids are just waiting to have the minds blown by this group. If you can afford it, cop the imported version from Amazon for a little less than $30. Or perhaps a better option is to buy West Coast, the 2006 LP, which is available for domestic prices. I mean, you really need this music in your life, let's hope someone steps up and get their upcoming album a widespread release.

Lady Miss Kier in SF, The Teenagers in CHI, LA Riots in PHILA and more

2008-01-26T18:52:00.000-05:00

Really rad party being put on tonight in San Francisco by Big Stereo, Eggs and Mezanine. It features the one and only Lady Miss Kier from Dee-Lite doing a DJ set, a real dance music legend who sadly is probably known only fr "Groove Is In The Heart." But, if you're gonna be remembered for one thing, that's not a bad one. I expect a great mix of house and pop and dance from her, bring some of that late 80s club magic back. If that wasn't enough, you also get a live show by Melissa Logan from Chicks On Speed, Safety Scissors and, best of all, one from Planningtorock, who opened for LCD Soundsystem last year and killed it imo. There's also the Big Stereo DJs, Rchrd Oh?! and Miss Toats, guaranteeing the dance floor stays current and live. Inspired booking here, grab your advance $15 tickets now.

-Oh, San Fran, your choice for tonight just got a lot harder. Pretty massive dance night at Mighty (119 Utah St), as Tommie Sunshine AND Juan MacLean are spinning tonight. Two big names from NYC, should be an interesting mix of more big-room rock influened stuff and deeper, housier music. Lights Down Low's Sleazemore will also spin, good for him. Go here to grab advance tickets with a discount, use SLEAZEMORE as promo code.

-If you want to start the night early in SF, head over to the Beauty Bar (19th and Mission) for the Bad Habits happy hour party. It goes from 7-10, good way to get the night rolling so that you don't have to go from 0-60 at 10:30pm.

-Chicago won't be outdone on the special guest/live show front, as Avant Trill and the Dark Wave Disco have brought The Teenagers to town to melt your faces. Really psyched about this one, as AT and DWD have been doing so many great parties on the smaller side, this one deserves maximum hype. This band has a ton of hype, but they've exceeded all of the unfair expectations so far. Chicago, you're not going to want to miss these guys on their first stop in your city, so get to Sonotheque (. Also, make sure to check out the most excellent Dark Wave Disco DJs - Trancid, Greg Corner and Mark Gertz - who will be spinning all night and reminding you to check them out every Thursday at Debonair. Also, the Avant Trillers Jillian Valentino and Scott Cramer host with Paul In Chicago and CT Couture, everyoneisfamous.com is photo-ing, should be an amazing night. Doors at 9, goes til 3am, $4 Goose Island and Svedka cocktails

-In Brooklyn, it's Crooked Disco at Galapagos (70 N. 6th St), Free NYC's party. This one features a video-audio mixing crew from London called Ecletic Method, sounds like something different and interesting. The straight audio part of the night sounds even better, with Seattle's Krnl Panic, Dances With White Girls and DJ Morsy spinning ghetttech, house, electro, rap and everything else you need in your life. $5 with an RSVP to rsvp@crooked-disco.org, open bar from 10-11. Doors at 10pm, 21+.

-A few blocks away, Philly White Ts and White Belts guys, Emynd and B Bliz, come to Williamsburg for the Wamp! Wamp! party at Supreme Trading (213 N. 8th St) They join birthday boy Moe Choi and Erik The Red for night of dirty rap and dirtier beats. No cover, 21+.

-I feel like I can't put this one as top choice every Saturday, but secretly I want to. It's the U.N.I.T.Y. 90s party at Hugs (108 N. 6th St) with Lauren Flax and JD Samson. Tonight, the UK's Daughters of Kaos are the special guests, I'm assuming they will stick to the 90s-only restrictions. No c0ver, 21+, feel young again.

-Late addition, awesome flier. Flagrant Fowl's Cousin Cole and Moonwalk's Rezound are gonna be spinning all night at Hope Lounge (10 Hope Street) This should be a nice relaxed night, Cole and Rezound will spin the classics you love and the stuff you've never heard. Good place to stop in or park it all night. No cover, 21+.

-Philly, this one's important. Pound for Pound has been big fans of LA Riots from jump street, they are making their Philly debut tonight at the Mad Pu$$y party at Transit (6th and Spring Garden) As you may know, I've been a big fan of Philly since I was born at Pennsylvania Hospital, so I want everyone to get to the basement and give these guys the best reception they have gotten on tour. Freak out, dance, drink, kiss, just be yourselves and show them why you are the best city on earth. Brendan Bring'em is upstairs in the main room, spinning his mix of rap, dancehall, pop, r&b, you know him. Go here and get on the list, $5 before midnight if you are on it, free PBR from 10-12. Let's do it Philly, yeah!

-Or you can hit up Live Forever at The Barbary (951 Frankford Ave) with JHN RDN, Designer Drugs and Club Lyfestile, where the dance music will make you immortal. $5, 21+.

-atlanta

Robot Rock With LA Riots NYC, Fixed NYC and more

2008-01-25T17:54:00.000-05:00

It's a really exciting night in New York City, a rare Friday night where I would highly recommend a night out below 14th Street. A big part of that is the return to the city of LA Riots, one of those bands that you will not stop talking about once you hear them, a hype band where the hype is deserved. This time, they are playing the Robot Rock party at Le Royale (21 7th Ave South @ Leroy), not sure the West Village is ready for the nasty electro sounds. This party has been big since jump street, another hit for GBH and Cheeky Bastard, DJs Dimitry!!!, Alex English, Marc-Alan Grey and Sujinho will spin before and after the show to guarantee you a dance party. RSVP to list@gbh.tv to get in for free, $10 otherwise. Doors at 10pm, 21+, don't miss this one.

-My other top recommendation is the return of the Fixed party to the Tribeca Grand (2 Avenue of the Americas), the space where it all began. Dave P and JDH have brought in the excellent Dangerous Dan from the Bang Gang Deejays to headline and melt everyone's faces. Presented by Modular, this should be a really great night, the Tribeca Grand is a super rad place to hang and party, tends to be an older, more fun crowd. I know it seems like a place where lawyers go to die, but it's not. RSVP to weare138nyc@yahoo.com to get on the list and get in for free, doors at 10pm, upstairs through the bar area.

-In Brooklyn, Fridays belong to the FUN party at Studio B (259 Banker St) Tonight's one for the rock kids, as Radio 4 and Dragons of Zynth are both playing live. It's a good bill of rock bands that let all sorts of influences seep in like noise, punk and dance. Speaking of dancing, residents Rok One of The Bangers and Eamon Harkin will spin along with special guest DJs The Brothers. Hosted by the Finger On The Pulse guys, you can email them to get on the reduced list at . Otherwise, get your $10 advanced ticket, I'm guessing it'll be $15 at the door. Doors at 10pm, 1+.

-Down in Philly, there's a few good things for those who like their music with lots of bass and/or rapping. The Seclusiasis crew takes over the Khyber Upstairs (56 S. 2nd St) for The Straight Dope party. Residents Dev79 and bd1982 have brought in DJJJC and Honkeytron from the West Wax collective for this night dedicated to rap, booty, electro, dancehall and anything else that works. No cover, $1 PBR and High Lifes until 11pm, 21+.

-Over at the Arts Garage (1535 Ridge Ave), the second Money Folders party happens. They've brought The Philadelphyinz back to rock the crowd with rap and club classics. APT One and Skinny Friedman will be joined by DJ Gravity, plus there are appearances by a ton of rappers. It's 18+, BYOB, $10, ladies free before 10:30.

-Down in D.C., Friday night is your night to spend at Le Freak with Will Eastman. Our bol holds it down at Napoleon (1847 Columbia Road) with a great mix of house, pop, rap, r&b, booty and disco, the perfect soundtrack to kick off your weekend. As always, half-priced champagne from 9-11, no cover, 21+, good times.

-Wisconsin, are you ready? DJs from the west are invading one of your towns tonight, I feel I should warn you. The Too Much Love DJs of Minneapolis - Soviet Panda, Moon Goon's Jonathan Ackerman, Dan Cruse and DJ Tanner - are coming to the Stones Throw (304 Eau Claire St) in Eau Claire tonight and you won't want to miss it. This will be a great night of dance rock, punk, indie, electro and more, all for $3! Doors at 9pm, 21+.

-Comeback has come back, Seattle, as the dance party takes over Chop Suey (1325 E. Madison St) You should be glad it is back, as they have special guest DJ Nightschool, a.k.a. Nathan from The Gossip, to take this one to the next level. DJs Colby B, Fucking In The Streets and DJ Porq will add to the dirty, filthy mayhem. Get there before midnight to get in for $5, doors at 9pm, 21+.

-Ahh, another one of my favorites, the Lights Down Low party in San Francisco. I wish I could have put the entire flier here, but this part should be enough to get you to check this out, as I love that quote. Tonight, Sleazemore and Rchrd Oh?! are joined by Eric Sharp for what should be a night of dirty and fidget house, massive electro ragers and all sorts of things in between. Parker Day takes photos, down in the basement of 222 Club (222 Hyde @ Turk)

-Two good choices in the LA area tonight. For my hip-hop kids, check out the Made You Look Fridays party at Detroit Bar (834 W. 19th St), where Pase Rock headlines with Melo-D. Pase is a great DJ, feel like it's a guaranteed good time and hyped crowd with him involved. Melo-D comes out of that line of classic hip-hop DJs like DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Cut Chemist, etc, technically skilled, knowledgeable about the music and mindful that he is spinning for a crowd not their buddies. Devyn C and Mr. White join them in the main room, while DJ Legit, DJ TJ and GMO take over the second room. Presented by Vapors, photos by Shadowscene, rsvp at mylfridays@gmail.com, $15 admission, 21+.

-For the rock kids, head to Safari Sam's (5214 Sunset Blvd) where it's Club 82 vs. BRMC. This one's the afterparty for the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Keith 2.0 and DJ (N) will spin along with special secret guests. I'm guessing that it may be members of a band that is holding its afterparty here, but you'll have to go there to find out. This one starts after the sold-out show, doors at 11:30, free with a flier or ticket until 1:25, 18+.