Best Albums 2006 - The Year of Dance

Art by Mark Mumford, James Harris Gallery installation

Dance music was the the genre for 2006. Just look at Pound for Pound and its development over the past year. I found it difficult to find time to post about other genres, as hot tracks and remixes dropped fast and furious. From the rise of indie dance with Kitsune and Modular, the resurgence of electro with Ed Banger, album of the year shit from Hot Chip and The Knife, it was the soundtrack to 2006, no question.

The genre's dominance is most easily seen when you consider its influence over other ones, as my favorite pop and indie albums were all clearly influenced by the sounds of the club. Justin, Lily, Nelly F. all dropped wonderful albums that took cues from the best of the clubs. Most impressive, I was able to get a Top 11 list of full-length albums, not a given in a genre defined by the 12" vinyl release. The craziest part is that I'm not even mentioning my favorite stuff from the labels above and the remixers like MSTRKRFT and Switch and you know the list.

I want to thank my girl z. here also and dedicate this post to her, as she was the first reader to say nice things about our increasing focus on these sounds. She has been a great guide to all of the best shit, down with the classics and the newest white label remix. Of course, I also dedicate this post to all of the producers, labels, DJs and whoever else who take the time to make and release and get this music out to the world. One quick note on the post: the albums that don't have a track are going to have longer posts dedicated to them soon, so just hold on and you'll get a taste. I'm sure that I have missed a few obvious ones too, feel free to write in and complain about what's not here.

1) Hot Chip, The Warning - A masterpiece, it's that simple. The album of the year at Pound for Pound (tied, actually, but you'll have to wait to know with what). If you've got a problem with that, I'll give you a rap right on the Jack Johnson.

Hot Chip, "Over and Over" (YSI link)

2a) The Knife, Silent Shout - This is a sign of just how varied and amazing dance music was this past year. The Knife's latest album was a dark, haunted one, think of it as house music made by and for ghosts. Most years, this would easily have taken album of the year honors. Essential.

The Knife, "Silent Shout" (YSI link)

2b) Junior Boys, So This Is Goodbye - This one gets better with each listen. It reminds me a lot of The Knife, the same cold precision, but the Junior Boys seem to be searching for the warmth and love, as opposed to the darkness and haunting. Essential.

Junior Boys, "Equalizer" (YSI link)

4) Lindstrom, It's A Feedelity Affair - Here's a name that helped define the year, as Lindstrom's space-y take on disco blows me away with each new listen. This album is a compilation of some of his 12" releases, making this a must-buy for the non-vinyl people looking to get a good feel of what's going on.

5) Justin Timberlake, FutureSex/LoveSounds - Awww, you knew it had to be on here. My bol JT - who knew better than to step to Scarlett, smart move - dropped another classic. Before you start to hate and tell me how this is such a hipster choice, listen to the fucking album. Timbaland does some of his best work, "My Love" is the song that'll play at my wedding and it brought some sex and love back. Not dance music? I think that a listen to the synth stabs, skittering drums and filthy bass. Or even better, check the next club when one of the tunes drops. Or look at how the remixers are going nuts to fuck with the blueprint. Do it.

Justin Timberlake, "My Love" (YSI link) 320 for the DJs

6) Goldfrapp, Supernature - This one is so underrated, it would have fit in perfectly with my sleepers post. Unfortunately, Goldfrapp doesn't really have the audience or notoriety of the bands on that one. People are missing out, as the duo are dropping some brilliant stuff, really doing a sound that's sui generis. Imagine disco if pills were the drug of choice instead of coke - darker, woozier, paranoid. Highly recommended.

Goldfrapp, "Ooh La La" (YSI link)

7) Herbert, Scale - One of the most dependable names in the game (despite being one of the more experimental), Herbert is always going to turn up on end of the year lists. I didn't love this one as much as Pitchfork, but can't really argue with anything Jess Harvell says. I think it's more that I loved the above ones more, that's all. On this one, Herbert seems to really loosen up, as this album wouldn't have been out of place in the disco clubs of the 70s. It's warm and lush and a little cheesy; it may take a few listens to really appreciate this one, as it did for me. In fact, a few more and it might just move even higher on this list.

Herbert, "Moving Like A Train" (YSI link)

8) Trentemoller, The Last Resort - I haven't done a good job of digging deep into the microgenres of dance music, as, to be honest, I'm just beginning to dig in. Trentemoller was a name I heard good things about and so I took a chance on it. It's a excellent album, less minimal than I expected, more cohesive than most dance LPs. I actually feel like it tends to much to be an album, as it misses a little of the club focus. More to come on this one, but it's a definite buy for anyone interested in digging deeper in the techno end of the pool.

9) Cassius, 15 Again - It seemed like everything coming out of Paris this year killed and Cassius' new album was no exception. "Toop Toop" was my song of the year, the whole album brings that post-Daft Punk sound to a little poppier, more melodic place. It doesn't quite have the consistency of the albums ahead of it on the list, but its peaks are high as they get. Do not sleep on this one, it has gotten nowhere near enough love.

Cassius, "Toop Toop" (YSI link)

10) CSS, Cansei de Ser Sexy - One of my favorite trends of the year was the way in which dance music infected other genres. In fact, this list could easily include some other favorites that will be getting shine in a few days like The Blow. It's not techno or house, but it's clearly influenced by what's going on in over there and isn't afraid to make music for people to dance to. Electro-rock I see mentioned? That's as good as anything to describe what's going on, definitely the most interesting stuff coming out of indieland. CSS are almost like dance no-wave or something, bringing energy, punk attitude and rhythm to the mix. It's a great album with a few classics, worth a chance.

CSS, "Let's Make Love and Listen To Death From Above" (YSI link)

11) Pet Shop Boys, Fundamental - Last, but not least, the legendary Pet Shop Boys dropped a new album that far exceeded my expectations. I must confess to not having heard much Pet Shop Boys before this, but that is a temporary problem after hearing this one. I came to this one late in the day, so it's hard to know where it belongs on this list.

Speeding Motorcycles

Daniel Johnston, "Speeding Motorcycle" (YSI link)

Yo La Tengo, "Speeding Motorcycle" (YSI link)

Mary Lou Lord, "Speeding Motorcycle" (YSI link)

The Pastels, "Speeding Motorcycle" (YSI link)

Every now and then, a song comes to me that totally floors me and I end up listening to it hundreds and hundereds of time in a row until I wear it into the ground. The latest victim of this terrible habit is Yo La Tengo's version of "Speeding Motorcycle." I heard it while hanging out at LM's place and almost lost my shit. I've been trying to dig deeper into the Yo La Tengo discography lately, as I loved their last album.

The original song was written and performed by Daniel Johnston. If you havent' heard of him, it's hard to know where to begin with him. His name is thrown around a lot and he seems to be an important influence on many indie luminaries. I don't want to get into the whole controversy over him, other than to say that he is a gifted songwriter and this is a wonderful song. Johnston's own version is a great chance to hear the man and figure out if you'd be into his style (his high-pitched voice can be eerie and disturbing).

I'm throwing in the other two cover versions, one from the UK band The Pastels and Texas singer-songwriter Mary Lou Lord.

-If I was in NYC, I'd be at this. A.R.E. Weapons and Steve Aoki at Hiro Ballroom (371 W. 16th St.), my bol Dimitry is hosting, say his name for free entry, do it.



-Really cool event in LA art show with my bol Daniel



-Lots coming up at Pound for Pound. I'm most excited about a guest post that is going to drop tomorrow, a look at the year in books for one great reader and writer. we're also going to finish up our look back at the year in music, with a look at the best albums of the year and the ones that you need to buy. next week, we'll get back to our regular music posts, including some Valentine Day's love/romance stuff! Mang, stay out the way, Pound for Pound is on the move.

The End of An Era - Low Budget's Last Thursday Night at 700 Club

This is a really sad day at Pound for Pound. Tonight is the final night of the 700 Club's Low Budget Thursday night party. For those that don't know, this has been Philly's best and most consistent jawn for years and, for me personally, my night and place. It's hard to believe that this is coming to an end, as it really does feel like the passing of an era. Low Budget is moving on to bigger and better things (Clipse tour, Fabric), which is long overdue. So, it's not a bad thing that this night ends.

I guess the sadness comes from the fact that this really is a new period up ahead, personally. I'm in a new city, working on a new career, putting all of the shittiness of last year behind me. Thursday nights at 700 Club were a staple of a period of my life, a place I went every week, no matter what else was going on. It was everything you could ask for: a great bar, my favorite DJ, cheap, lots of people who were there to have fun not be seen, a place to spend time with my closest friends. But, things change and so maybe it's good to realize that this period is over and there are new things happening.

I want to thank Mike, a.k.a. Low Budget, for making this party the best in the city for 4 years. This is an amazing accomplishment, as anyone who has tried to put one night together knows. I am honored to have been there to hear one of the best DJs in the world on a weekly basis in a small room. I am excited to hear what this year has in store for the man, big things I expect.

Okay, enough sadness. I'm heading back to Philly shortly, as I couldn't let this night happen without me. Please stop and say hello if you are there; I'll be the one in glasses, Mishka shirt and cardigan, crying like a baby.

Best Albums 2006 - Sleepers

Don't make the same mistake. Don't sleep on these records.

Here's my Top 5 albums that people seemed to sleep on in general or just in compiling the end of year lists. It's not really an insult to anyone, as I don't think that these 5 necessarily were the best of the year. But, I do think that they were very good records that were ignored for a variety of reasons and I hope to rescue them from the dustbin of history.

The Strokes, First Impressions Of Earth - That's right, I'm sticking up for The Strokes. While I know that this will incur the wrath of all the anonymous douchebag commentors on the big indie blogs, I don't give a fuck. These guys write some amazing rock songs, it's that simple. This album is far from great, as it's too long and inconsistent. But enough is enough. Yes, the lead singer had famous parents, they didn't have to tour in vans like Fugazi, they date annoying actresses, they're all surface man. Get over yourselves and listen to this track below. Don't let the hate blind you to something good. I want this to be a safe place for Julian Casablanca and co. Buy a copy here, give it a chance.

The Strokes, "You Only Live Once" (YSI link)

Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Show Your Bones - This one is a tough call, as it got a few mentions here and there in my look at various end of year lists. Show Your Bones had huge buzz when it came out, so it definitely isn't the traditional sleeper. But, it was noticeable absent from a lot of the bigger outlets and it featured a few of my favorite songs of the year. Yeah Yeah Yeahs became a rock band on this album, as their sound is fuller and more impressive than on previous outing. Also, the songwriting is astronomically better, leading to their first album that works all the way through. I feel like this one would be on more lists and have a higher position if they hadn't gotten so popular with it. Grab a copy and help feed a starving Interscope exec's child.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs, "Gold Lion" (YSI link)

Peaches, Impeach My Bush - My girl, she's gotten little love at the end of the year for her album, Impeach My Bush. No clue why, as it's a solid LP straight through, finding Peaches developing a new, rockier sound. Two great singles came off this one; it may not be The Teaches of Peaches, but it's a damn good album that you should give a listen. See my original review here, buy a copy of the CD and make the love affair official.

Peaches, "Downtown" (YSI link)

The Gossip, Standing In The Way Of Control - This one dropped in January 2006, which I hope is the reason it hasn't gotten more end of the year love. The Gossip are one of favorites, bringing that riot-grrl energy and lyrics but with an open sound that is as influenced by dance and pop as it is punk and indie. I think that this is my favorite album from them, as Beth Ditto just keeps getting better and better. The title track became a huge single with lots of remixes, a nice development that makes up for the lack of blog and critical attention. "Listen Up!" might be even better (more cowbell), it's a 30 minute, mean, lean, fighting machine. Make sure to buy the CD, as you won't regret it.

The Gossip, "Listen Up!" (YSI link)

The Rapture, Pieces of the People We Love - I pretty much came up with this post so that I could mention The Rapture and their 2006 album, Pieces of the People We Love. This is a good album, it didn't quite make my top 10 list, but it was in consideration. It seems to have generated little interest, especially with the indie bloggers, and I can't understand. I know that this ain't no Echoes (what is?) but this is still an excellent album with a handful of great tracks. I feel like The Rapture are paying the price for the fickleness of the scene they came out of and helped build. Check out my original review and grab a copy of the most slept-on album imo.

The Rapture, "Pieces Of The People We Love" (YSI link)

Best Albums 2006 - Old Timers, New Heaters

Yo La Tengo and Pound for Pound prove old people can still rawk!

I can't think of a more perfect illustration of my perpetually tardiness and inability to just do something as this end of the year post in February. To be honest, I waited a bit to give a further listen to some late purchases. I decided to break it up into a few different lists, covering the albums that you've already heard about, the ones who've been slept on and the best of the newcomers who deserve far greater attention. This one is dedicated to some old-timers, legends at Pound for Pound, who released some wonderful music this year. I'm not sure how much love they got at the end of the year, but it seemed right to highlight them, as a reminder that it can't be all flavor of the months in the mp3 world. Can it?

Scott Walker, The Drift - I've gone back and forth on this one, at times considering it one of the best releases, other times considering it to be everything that makes "experimental" music so irrelevant- pretentious, difficult for difficult's sake, excess. The fact that the album provoked so much thought means it deserves a mention at the end of the year. Scott Walker's The Drift is a difficult album in all senses, tackling issues like genocide, Check out my original review and buy your own copy here.

Scott Walker, "Jesse" (YSI link)

Bob Dylan, Modern Times - This one's a no-brainer, considering I devote nearly a post a week to the music of Bob Dylan. The album was truly good, though, and I hope that everyone trusts me enough now to know that I would say what I felt. It's a blues-y, bar band kind of sound, with everyone in good form. However, it's the ballads and songwriting that makes this another classic, as Dylan drops some of the best songs of his entire career. We reviewed this a few weeks ago, go here to buy your copy.

Bob Dylan, "Workingman's Blues #2" (YSI link)

Sonic Youth, Rather Ripped

Another great album by OG legends. Rather Ripped was a tight and focused album, a Sonic Youth pop album almost. I kinda miss Jim O'Rourke and the weirder version of the band he created, but that doesn't take away from this album that recalls Dirty-era stuff nor from the fact that they're a band that always needs to be heard. Buy your copy here.

Sonic Youth, "Reena" (YSI link)

Belle & Sebastian, The Life Pursuit

Ahh, Belle and Sebastian. I must confess that I came to their music late in the game, within the last 2 years. It sounded good right away, but in the past 6 months it's sounded perfect to me. This album finds them in amazing form, lyrics and mood that speak to love and all of the beautiful things in the world. The sound is exuberant and polished, reminding me of . Yea to love and yea to Belle and Sebastian. Buy your copy here.

Belle and Sebastian, "Dress Up In You" (YSI link)

Yo La Tengo, I Am Not Afraid Of You and I Will Beat Your Ass

This is the best of the lot imo, a sprawling, adventurous, diverse work that shows Yo La Tengo ain't goin' nowhere just yet. The trio are all over the map on this one, bringing together all the various styles they've gone through over the years, from instrumental soundtrack stuff to perfect lo-fi pop to sprawling droning, free jazz-y blowouts. It's an album that has the band at its peak and unafraid to find out just how further up they can go. Buy it here, as it's truly great.

Yo La Tengo, "Mr. Tough" (YSI link)

Andrea Parker - Freaky Bitches

Andrea Parker feat. DJ Assault and DJ Godfather, "Freaky Bitches" (YSI link)

Andrea Parker, "Bounce That Ass" (YSI link)

Andrea Parker, "Freaky Bitches (DJ Godfather remix)" (YSI link)

-Make it a JMZ night NYC. First, Project Matt comes back with his weekly at Home Sweet Home (131 Chrystie St.) in Chinatown. Special guest tonight is Egg Foo Young of Turntable Lab. If you don't trust me, trust the flier, which induced a drug flashback.



-Back in Williamsburg, it's Trouble and Bass with special guest from PHILLY Starkey.



-The best out West goes down in SF. Versus Magazine and Supefriends present Supersonic with My Gay Husband, Pretty Titty and DJ Swayzee & LL Cool DJ at Milk (1840 Haight St.) Dedicated to the Grateful Dead.



-In the middle, the Tactic guys drop Shake & Pop for the Midwest, specifically at The Hangout (3611 Broadway) in Kansas City, KS



-Last, but not least, the greatest city of them all has two of my favorite parties goin' down. Crimp Yr Hair Djs



-Finally, ole reliable, [click.] takes over Fluid and turns it into Berlin.

Egyptian Lover - Egypt, Egypt

Egyptian Lover, "Egypt, Egypt" (YSI link)

Egyptian Lover, "And My Beat Goes Boom" (YSI link)

Egyptian Lover, "What Is A DJ If He Can't Scratch?" (YSI link)

It's Friday and it's time for a stone-cold classic electro jawn. "Egypt, Egypt" is a song that you need to have in your life, a classic West Coast electro moment. Egyptian Lover was actually Greg Broussard, a producer who pretty much put LA on the electro map. His earliest releases are his finest, bringing a more experimental, more electro sound to the mix. His later ones would head more in the hip-hop direction.

-That's right, Egyptian Lover is spinning tonight in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. He's spinning, live, a legend, game over. That's not all, one of the best current electro crews, In Flagranti, are spinning before the man. I mean, this is real serious. Hello, Nurse! should be amazing, get to Studio B (259 Banker St.)



-It's Dance Your Ass Off Friday, LA. Another amazing party going down tonight, as Peter Bjorn and John are spinning as a part of Blow Up LA



-LA's finest joins up with the King of the South, DJ DJ Dylan, in the ATL. It goes down at The Mark (79 Poplar St.), this should be real dope.

-White Lightning at Home Sweet Home (131 Chrystie St.) with Dreamburger and guest DJ Dev of Test Icicles

-A new party in the LES jumps off tonight, as The Pull out Method hits Club Midway (Ave. B and 3rd). Two bands, The Frontier Brothers and Ashford Breaks, and two DJs, including my bol Elliot a.k.a. DJ Young Elz. The Pull Out Method all about booze and bands, i.e. it'll be good.

-More Franki Chan in Vancouver, this time with MyGayHusband, Tyler Fedchuk and Tony K. The Columbia (312 Columbia St.) tonight.

White Ts and White Belts Tonight Philly!

FiftyOne:FiftyOne x White Ts and White Belts podcast (d/l from those 51:51 bols)

Let's keep on going with the focus on great Philly parties. White Ts and White Belts returns tonight with a huge episode, as this is a 12" release party as well for emynd and Bo Bliz's new vinyl on Flamin' Hotz Records.

For real, people, this is my favorite party in Philly, as it's got all of the requirements. Amazing DJs. BYOB. Old warehouse setting. People dancing. Late night (4 am). A big, loyal crowd. What more could you really need? Beyond all that, it's the music that takes the night to epic status, as emil and Bo aren't scared of genres or dropping stuff from the past (before 2000), they give you the new and classics. Tonight, you get special guest Brendan Bring'em from the Soul Travelers, which means a classic party set. Dan the Swede, the other White T and White Belter, holds it down as well.

There's going to be giveaway of the new emynd and Bo Bliz mix for Philly streetwear boutique WTHN. All of this for a measly 5 bucks. Bring your beer and booze, get there early or stop by late, just don't sleep.

Broadzilla and DJ Hi Ninety Tonight!

DJ Hi Ninety, Bryn Mawr Club Music (YSI link)

I've been trying to shine a light on all of the great DJ crews coming up in Philly and this is another attempt to do so. The Broadzilla crew are one of my favorites of this young gen. They have been holding down Thursday nights at Upstairs at Sal's on 12th for a minute now and have turned that into one of the best nights going. In fact, it's going to become the Thursday night jawn, as I'll be dropping the sad news on that front soon.

Anyway, tonight's edition features a special guest DJ, DJ Hi Ninety. I'll update this when I have a little more info on bol, but grab his mix, Bryn Mawr Club Music, in the meantime and recognize. The title alone makes it worth a download. The Main Line, stand up!

Mike Dunn Presents MDIII - Face The Nation

Mike Dunn Presents MDIII, "Face The Nation" (YSI link)

Mike Dunn Presents MDIII, "Personal Problem" (YSI link)

I mentioned acid house earlier in the week and namedropped Josh Wink yesterday, so I had to drop this monster of an acid house 12". It's officially called Mike Dunn Presents MDIII and is a pretty classic slab of aceeeeeedddddddd, late 80s. Since rave is back in with the whole Klaxons scene, it seems to make sense to bring out the stuff that was coming out when raves were actually a new and radical thing.

Mike Dunn is a legendary figure in house music, for those that don't know.

-Another amazing little event tonight, this one in Brooklyn. BRIC's Rotunda Gallery has a symposium on my favorite show on TV (possibly favorite of all-time, drama style), HBO's The Wire, featuring the people behind the show, including Richard Price. That's the Richard Price, author of Clockers and Freedomland and countless other books that sit high on my all-time favs list. It's part of their Stoop Series, starts at 7, first come first seated. Best of all, my bol, Elliot, a.k.a. Elz, a.k.a. The Simple Mission, will be providing a soundtrack to the night.

-GBH and Cheeky Bastard do it up at Hiro Ballroom with Alex English and The Ruff Kids and like a million other people. By the end of the year, I want my name to be on the flier somehow.

-Franki Chan is in Vancouver tonight at The Jumpoff. Shine Nightclub (

Lindstrom - Another Station

Lindstrom, "Another Station" (YSI link)

Lindstrom, "Another Station (Todd Terje remix)" (YSI link)

What better way to follow up yesterday's classic disco tunes with one of the men most responsible for reimagining disco today. Lindstrom is the Norwegian producer that has been getting crazy love from all over the dance music spectrum with his cosmic disco sound. While he's probably better know for his musical partnership with Prins-Thomas, I figured that I take a look at one of his solo releases.

"Another Station" is one of his earlier releases, dropping in 2005 (dude has only been around for a few years) on the Feedelity label.

-Every now and then, there's just a non-musical event that just grabs my attention. In Philly tonight, the Writing on the Walls exhibit opens at the Fleischer/Ollman Gallery in Center City (1616 Walnut St. 2nd Floor). The exhibit is dedicated to photos taken of various scribblings and graffiti that have appeared in the last three decades around Philly. Bus and subway stops, walls, wherever. It's magnificent, exactly what Pound for Pound loves. The FiftyOne:FiftyOne bols have all the info, I can't recommend more highly stopping through and picking up a copy of the book. Afterparty at Bar Noir.

-Later, another Philly legend Josh Wink spins at Fluid for his regular last Wednesday of the month monthly. It's a sign of just how amazing Philly is that a rave legend like Wink keeps coming back home to do the damn thing.

-Dimitry and Adam Adam hold down Wednesday as always in NYC. Special guest DJ Jess at High Voltage, baking and headbands optional.



-Montreal, head out to the new soul monthly called Testify at Academy with DJs Huggs, Cheeba and Kobal and Professor Groove. They're celebrating James Brown's music tonight, a great way to kick off things off.

Sister Sledge

Sister Sledge, "He Was The Greatest Dancer" (YSI link)

Sister Sledge, "We Are Family" (YSI link)

I mentioned starting a disco post last week, which I abandon because of a sad mood. Well, fuck being sad. Long live disco! I was going to delve into the underground shit that I normally highlight, but I feel like that tends to fall into that hipster thing of always having to find the obscure stuff. There's no shame in the classic disco songs and so this post is dedicated to one of the legendary groups, Sister Sledge, that dropped legendary disco tracks. It's all dedicated to all the rock snobs who insult disco to this day. Fuck y'all, go to sleep and/or keep ruining music journalism with your boring articles and conservatism.

The first and most important detail you need to know about Sister Sledge is that they were from North motherfucking Philadelphia. End of story, you know that they are gonna be the shit. Beyond that, they were 4 sisters - Kim, Debbie, Joni and Kathy- who formed a band in 1972 and have gone on to a long, successful career. It's hard to discuss the group without acknowledging their producers during the late 197os, Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards of CHIC (foreshadowing). It was under these guys that the group delivered their biggest hits and my favorites, two of which are above.

"He's The Greatest Dancer" is a fun one, mainly because I am not the greatest dancer but the idea of dancing to this song appeals to me. I first heard it on the soundtrack to the underrated Whit Stillman movie, The Last Days of Disco. It's a slow burner, no really crazy section or anything, just beautiful vocals, that disco orchestral sound (love the violin notes throughout) and an irresistable beat. Okay, the next one you had to have heard at some point in your life; I mean, the Pittsburgh Pirates made a whole season out of it! Yeah, so bar mitzvahs and wedding DJs have left you a little gunshy to say you like it. Get over yourself. This is as uplifting as music gets, listen to the feminist lyrics, those great handclaps, tell me that you aren't singing it and moving to this one in your chair.

Grab the We Are Family LP now, as it's one of the rare classic full length albums from the period. They're all at 256 too, so DJs grab these and work them into your sets. It's time to lose the snobby view towards disco, this is just great, joyous music.

-Joakim spins at APT tonight, rare chance to hear the French producer do a crazy set of disco, electro and whatnot.

-Flosstradamus at Check Yo Ponytail! Get to Safari Sam's (5214 Sunset Blvd.) Franki Chan says it's the place to be. Anything he says, I believe. LA, if you keep this up, I may have to move West on some Horatio Alger shit.



-DJ Steven Bloodbath at Bar Noir tonight

Peaches -Boys Wanna Be Her remixes

Peaches, "Boys Wanna Be Her (Flaming Lips Eat Peaches)" (YSI link)

Peaches, "Boys Wanna Be Her (Tommie Sunshine's Brooklyn Fire Retouch)" (YSI link)

Peaches, "Boys Wanna Be Her (Weird Science remix)" (YSI link)

It's been way too long since I mentioned or did a post on my girl Peaches. I mean, what's wrong with me? There are lots of things wrong with me, but here's one I can correct. This is the latest single to drop from the Impeach My Bush album, her 2006 album on XL. "Boys Wanna Be Her" was one of my favs from the album, possibly the one that best summed up the newer, rockier sound that she had on display, especially live.

The remixes are good, especially love the Weird Science one. You remember them from their killer Bloc Party "Helicopter" remix. This one has a similar sound, chopped up vocals, electro-y banger, more please. This would fit perfectly amongst the Ed Banger stuff in your set, or on that on-the-go Pound for Pound mix you've been making. Tommie Sunshine hasn't gotten any mentions at this blog, which I'll remedy soon. His remix is ready for the club, a nice, extended version that has a huge, kicking drum, monster riff, vocals pretty much intact, which is a good thing. No clue what the name means, but what the hell, Brooklyn stand up! Where Williamsburg at? Where Fort Greene at? Where Bushwick? Where Bed-Stuy? Check the buildup and release in the last minute or so, awesome.

-It looks like John McCain's poll numbers continue to suffer. Now is the time to really do some damage on the Straight Talker, Cliff Schecter and others have put together The Real McCain to help achieve that goal. Check it out to find out what lies he's telling this week!

-Laura Secor has a really interesting piece in Sunday's New York Times Magazine about Iran and its political scene. The story paints an interesting counterpoint to administration propaganada, showing a rebuked Ahmedinajad, an economically depressed country and a nuanced, complicated politcal landscape (Via Matt Yglesias) Also, check out this story in the Observer on the real state of Iran's nuclear program (hint: it's far from the threat the neo-cons tell us. Shocking, I know.) (Via Talking Points Memo)

-Sorry for anyone who has emailed me in the past week or two. I've been writing some bigger stories and suffering from a case of good writer's block (a condition that prevents you from writing well) and have fallen behind on email. I promise to get back to everyone by the end of the week, but feel free to holler again to get my attention. Thanks, I love you all.

Say No To Drugs

Clipse, "Got Caught Dealin' Part II" (YSI link)

Montana of Get Rich Clique, "I Got Pills" (YSI link)

I had been planning a series of posts dedicated to drugs, but I decided against it as the idea started to seem tacky and I'm trying to be sober(ish) now and I feel lots of the music we post up have drugs at its core, no need to be all lame and obvious. But, this is the heads up on a week of acid house and electroclash and all sorts of good stuff that should evoke memories of drug binges and fucked up sounds and the rise and fall.

This Clipse jawn, "Been Caught Dealin' Part II" was never officially released, although it's been a white label of sorts for a few years. This is pre-Lord Willin', a great signpost for where the duo would go. Its subject is not as dark as you'd expect from the title, but there's still a world of money, guilt and reality that is the hallmark of their music. It's also one of the earliest Neptunes beats, which should remind everyone of that bouncy sound that they perfected in their early years. You can grab a copy of the 12" at Turntable Lab, get it fast as I imagine there aren't many more copies lying around.

Love, love love this Get Rich Clique joint. Actually, it's a solo one featuring GRC member Montana and is an ode to pills. It's immediately interesting because of its reference to pills, a decidedly un-hip hop drug reference. Definitely leads one to think of the club/dance scene more, and the snap sound always has me referencing electro, Miami bass, early Chicago house. I love it, especially the one line about dry mouths, where Montana spits the lines through a clenched jaw. More please

I'm gonna break out Stankonia and Miss E...So Addictive for some real drug rap, ravers unite!

-Just a reminder for the LA people that Sunday is your Le Disko night at Safari Sam's (5214 Sunset Blvd) with Daniel, Paparazzi and Mr White. Tonight has a special guest Acid Girls spinning, limited capacity so don't be fashionably late



-Brooklyn, kiss and don't tell tonight with my bol DJ Tiny Pants at Capone's Bar (N11th and Roebling) with the Love Brigade clothing mavens



-I dreamt the other night about my little girl Jezebel. Nothing much happened although she did scratch my face (I did touch her puff, so it was deserved. You can take the cat out of Philly, but you can't take Philly out of the cat). I woke up and cried when I realized that she was laying between my legs or snuggling next to me. I read this story about the guy going back into his burning his house to save his cat and it made me happy. Malakiah Ayres is a hero.

-Finally, you're going to notice some changes in the look of this site shortly. Nothing drastic yet, but in the next few months I hope to make this a pretty place, if y'know what I mean. Thanks to the emailer who criticized the black background, helped me break out of my conservative thinking on the visuals. We have lots of end of the year lists coming up, including a guest post by the next Joan Didion, a.k.a. the Fort Greene Assassin. Don't be scurred of the change, change is good, trust me, I have learned this the hard way.

Lil Boosie and Crime Mob

Lil Boosie feat. Yung Joc, "Zoom" (YSI link)

Crime Mob, "Rock Yo Hips" (YSI link)

Okay, we're going to go cold turkey on the indie stuff now. I mean, I love my indie girls more than life itself, but it's time to get back to the meat and potatoes. I don't even know what that phrase means, but it works. Southern rap today, lots of old shit and remixes next week, cheah!

Lil Boosie is one of those young cats from Down South that has been around for much longer than his age would lead one to expect. If I was doing a good job on the hip hop front, his name would be familiar already. Oh well, here's the first major single I've heard, "Zoom" with Yung Joc. Joc drops a ultra sinister, molasses paced 16 bars, but it's Boosie's show and he does a good job. Love the refrain, has a nice anthemic quality like Joc's hits. Good start, I'll be dropping more of him as I get it.

The Crime Mob jawn has been out for months, but I figured that I'd get it to you without any DJ on it. "Rock Yo Hips" is good, although no where near the best stuff on the mixtape that dropped.

-Philadelphyinz at the Khyber with the Broadzilla. Two of my favorite DJ crews in the city, these two are going to dominate 2007. Get on board now, Khyber (2nd and Chestnut) tonight.

no john madden


-Lawrence, Kansas, where you at? You should be at the Jackpot Music Hall (943 Mass. St.) for Get Crunk! with special guest DJ Candlewax, one half of Tactic.



-It's events like these that make me wanna be in LA. Blow Up LA is back, at a secret location. Info is on the flier below, let me just add that this line-up is bananas.



-High Voltage takes over OMFG at the Beauty Bar tonight. East Village watch out.


-Last, but not least, DJ Godfather is doing a 4 AM 1 hour ghettotech set with DJ Cue at The Masters of the Universe party at Bert's Warehouse (2739 Russell). That's on top of sets by Kevin fucking Saunderson, Ed Rush & Optical and Detroit Grand Pubahs! Detroit, rave on!

Justice - Phantom

Justice, "Phantom (Part 1)" (YSI link)

-Oooh wee, two of my favorites are combining their powers to create a better party for us. The Finger On The Pulse bols are joined by David of Slap You In Public for an indie dance night that is the only thing you need to be doing in NYC tonight.



-SF has the best event on the Left Coast. It's a fucking doozy actually, as Lights Down Low has special guests Guns 'n' Bombs from LA and Julian S. Process from Philly for a night of electro and sleazy music. It goes down at the 222 Club (222 Hyde at Turk), we'll definiely keep an eye on this one.



-Philly, Philly, hit up The Straight Dope at the Khyber with the Seclusiasis Boys and special guest DJ Deluxxx, a.k.a. Dirty South Joe. Crunk, bass, grime, the good stuff in life.



-Hands and Knees, Fishtown, John Redden and Ian St. Laurent, you know the deal, best weekly in the 215

-LA, you thought there wasn't any art (oh wait, that's what my East Coast snobby ass thought). I.D.E.A. presents Private Life featuring new art work and music and a bar at 819 N. La Cienga Blvd, should be a fun, cultured night.



-Le Castle Vania, a.k.a. DJ DJ Dylan, is in Tijuana, Mexico at Bar Tentaculo. I can only imagine the debauchery, hope he makes it back across the border.

Disco D Tribute on East Village Radio 6 PM Tonight

Qucik update: There is a Disco D tribute on East Village Radio right now, as Nick Catchdubs and DJ Ayres pay their respects to Dave Shayman on their weekly radio show, The Let Out With the Fader Crew. Tune here to listen, as it should be an excellent two hours and a good way to remember the man.

Thanks to Nick and Ayres for this, it's much appreciated and a beautiful gesture.

Fujiya and Miyagi - Transparent Things

Fujiya & Miyagi, "In One Ear and Out The Other" (YSI link)

Fujiya & Miyagi, "Reeboks In Heaven" (YSI link)

Yeah, yeah, yeah, another late 2006 release for your ears. Another great one too, proving that the blogs can hype great, new music as well. Fujiya & Miyagi is not, despite the name, a Japanese band; they're actually a trio from

-Philly takes over LA! Julian S. Process visits BFF at the Beauty Bar (1638 N. Cahuenga Blvd). Damn, the West Coast ain't even safe no more.



-Broadzilla destroys Philadelphia again. Upstairs at Sal's



-The Even Further people do it big again this week. They're clearly taking their cues from Pound for Pound. Project Matt last Thursday, tonight the Finger On The Pulse boys. The Twin Tower Edition will be the NYC jumpoff tonight, do not miss it.




-My bol DJ Tiny Pants, who I haven't heard from in a minute, comes back to take over Royal Oak. Williamsburg, stand up and hang with the seal.



-Club NME at Hiro, hosted by Dimitry. Live sets by The Glass and Pagoda, DJ set by Johann from Le Tigre (!).



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