Even Further With Never Forget, Ride On Time and more

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Joy Division - She's Lost Control

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Field In NYC, High Voltage and more

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

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



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



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



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



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



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

Implog - Hudson Tunnel Dive

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

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

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

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

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

Bad Music For Bad People, Cardboard City and more

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

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



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

Grame Park - Essential Mix 1.29.94

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

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

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

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

Duran Duran - White Lines

Duran Duran, "White Lines"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hip Replacement, LA Lights in Miami and more

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

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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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

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

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

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

Vitalic - You Prefer Cocaine

Vitalic, "You Prefer Cocaine" (YSI link)

Vitalic, "La Rock 01" (YSI link)

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

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

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

Simian Mobile Disco - It's The Beat

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

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

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

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

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

Party info and flier return tonight!

Soulwax - E Talking

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essential Mix - Radio Soulwax

Image courtesy of 3 Voor 12

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

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

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

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

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

Simian Mobile Disco at Fixed and Chic - Everybody Dance

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

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

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

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

Lindstrom & Prins Thomas - Essential Mix 5.06.07

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

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

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

Richie Panic - Girls Night Out Volume 2

Richie Panic, Girls Night Out Volume 2

Here's some more fun mix action for you to kids to listen to this weekend on your iPhone or Zune or whatever crazy gadget you have. It's Girl Night Out Volume 2, Richie Panic's soundtrack for girls gone wild. We dropped the first volume here a few weeks ago and this follow-up continues the high quality; in fact, I'm feeling this one a little more as there's a little more a filthy, bootyesque vibe to this one. On the real, dude's one of the few who is putting together like this, basically completely re-edited and fucked with on every track. Panic and Gold Chains have edited or added some instruments to every track, sometimes it's subtle, sometimes it's on some complete alteration shit.

I know that we've been hitting you with lots of mixes, but of all of them, this one might be the best intro to what this blog is about. It's hard-hitting, 26 minutes (brevity DJs, don't sleep on it), it's all about the dancefloor, covers lots of our favorites (CSS, Simian Mobile Disco, lots of Frenchies), some lesser known stuff, just a banger. Download it now, I gurantee you will be rocking it all week, it's real real good.

Tonight's the chance for San Franciscans to check out the dude and hear this mix come to life at his main party, Frisco Disco. On the regular, Richie and Jefrodisiac throw one of the best parties in the Bay Area, on some debaucherous, did I really see that last night?, was I really doing that with her? shit. Check out past pictures to see beautiful people looking beautiful and having a beautiful time. This one's extra special, as it's Mr. Panic's birthday celebration and one can only imagine the crazy crazy things that will happen at The Transfer tonight. I can't make it, but for anyone near SF you have no excuse. I mean, check out the flier, this is the party of the year!



For the rest of you, check out Richie Panic's myspace page and thank him for the mix, check out his upcoming gigs, party people and DJs get the man gigs in the rest of the country, dd him as a friend, say hi. I want to wish him a Happy Birthday, looking forward

Bliss with Dave P and JDH, Too Much Love and more

It's a big night for the nation's capital, Washington D.C., as a monster Bliss goes down t Black Cat Mainstge (1811 14th Street NW). The Fixed bols, Dave P & JDH, are the special guests for D.C.'s best party, bringing Democrats and Republicans together with dance music and indie jams. There's also a live set by Brooklyn's The Boggs, for those of you who need some live instrumentation when you go out. Seriously, resident DJ Will Eastman has turned this into a great party in a city that ain't easy to do up. I really hope that people down in D.C. and the surrounding area attend this and show that boy some love, as it's a lonely job trying to get people to dance in that city.

-Another one of my favorite parties in a city that may not be a party capital (yet) is Too Much Love up in Minneapolis. Speaking of doing yeoman's party work, Soviet Panda does the damn thing every week, bringing in special guests and dropping the hottest indie dance and electro stuff. Tonight's extra special, as Chicago's Dark Wave Disco hits town for a a Midwest superparty. DJs Trancid, Mark Gertz and Greg Corner will join Panda for utter chaos at First Avenue Mainroom (701 First Avenue North). Yeah, this will be huge!



-We ain't leaving the Midwest yet, as White Girl Lust is spinning in Denver tonight at Senger's (3014 E. Colfax). It's actually one half of WGL, but who cares? Even as half duo they're twice as good as anyone else! Wait, Denver is considered part of the Midwest, right? I hope so, as this post is so much better if it is.



-New York's kinda quiet tonight after all sorts of daytime fun, but it ain't dead. Pitbulls and Pinups has one of the best names ever and some great DJs. Let's see.. Andy Pry, Rezound & Workweek of War and Moon and White Girl Lust do it up at Don Pedro's (90 Manhattan Ave). Bushwick, stand up!




-Finally, you can't hold Pound for Pound to just national borders. This is an international movement, motherfuckers! In that spirit, my girl DJ Almost Tropical is spinning tonight at Picknick (Dorotheenstrasse 90) with a ton of other people likle Trickski and Hans Blitz. Get there early to hear Almost Tropical kill it, I promise that. In fact, I feel sorry for the peple who have to follow in her wake. Not sure the name of the party, let me know if you know. Or just go and party and dance and be young.

Lauren Flax! New Party! White Lightning Returns!

Lauren Flax, "Iceland" (YSI link)

I'm so psyched to put this up today, the newest original track by NYC DJ/producer/promoter, Ms. Lauren Flax. I've spoken of her many times here at Pound for Pound, not surprising since I consider her to be one of the best DJs in the country. Ridiculously, this is the first time I've posted some of her music; we'll be correcting this lapse of judgment over the next few weeks, starting with this beautiful, pastoraal electronic song, "Iceland." It's funny, when I first went to listen to this I was expecting something different, figuring the title was ironic or just working title or something. I expected more of the booty/house sounds that she spins. But, she totally confounds all of my expectations and I love love love it.

For those of you in New York City, it's your lucky night. White Lightning is making its return and reclaiming Friday nights downtown with its new party, Secrets, at its new spot, Orchard Bar (200 Orchard St.) This was one of the best dance music parties in the city and it's now finaally getting the digs it deserves. I caught the Modular Records party at this venue two weeks ago and it's such a nice spot. It's got a narrow bar at the front, but grab your drink and head to the back, where there's a huge dancefloor tucked away. This one's only gonna be gullier, as Flax is teaming up with my bol Project Matt and I couldn't be happier. There's gonna be a super secret live band performance, DJ Annalyze and Kim Ann Foxman will also spin. There's nowhere else to be NYC, go, get drunk, get buck, get laid, get a lesson on how great a party can be. See you there!



For the rest of you, head over to the lovely Ms Flax's myspace page to say hi, hear some more tunes, figure out where she'll be next spinning, peep her repping KMFDM to the fullest, add her as a friend, thank her for sharing her music. Keep coming back here, as we're gonna be do a lot more to highlight one of the rising stars of the game. Recognize game now, she's only gonna hustle harder.

Rihanna - Umbrella

Rihanna feat. Jay-Z, "Umbrella" (YSI link)

Rihanna feat. Jay-Z, "Umbrella (Jody Den Broeder Destruction Club mix)" (YSI link)

Rihanna feat. Jay-Z, "Umbrella (The Lindbergh Palace remix)" (YSI link)

Rihanna feat. Jay-Z, "Umbrella (Steve Angello remix)" (YSI link)

Here's our next lady, pretty much the lady of the moment in hi-hop/r&b, Rihanna. She's got a new album, Good Girl Gone Bad, and it's dominating the summer radio (and the walls of South Williamsburg) and really doesn't have any competitors. I never have a good sense of these things, but I feel like she's a superstar in the making, like first post-Beyonce r&b/pop/hip-hop crossover star.

Fittingly, the first big single from the new album features Mr. Beyonce, Jay-Z. "Umbrella" features the Jigga man, which seems to back up my contention that she's playing in the big leagues now. Anyway, Jay drops a pretty average track for him now, which isn't a compliment. I mean, seriously, what's the deal, dude? Can't you just go away for good and spend your money? I'm torn with the rest of the song. Rihanna has this sort of cold, detached singing style (or maybe it's lack of a style) that works for me. I like the idea of that, but it doesn't work when the lyrics are the complete opposite, traditional, love-y r&b ones. The music has a nice, slow, unhurried sound, background synths, dominating drums, it seems better for a more cynical or heartbroken song. I need to sit with this one more, let me know what you think.

Can't say I'm a huge fan of the remixes, as they mainly tend to make them more dance-floor friendly. All of them would work for a big room, They throw a more 4/4 beat under the proceedings, which is nice. I guess I just hoped that someone would take this into more robotic, even minimalist territory. That's not fair, as I should judge this on what's happened not on what I wished happened. I'd go withe Lindbergh Palace club remix as my favorite; ironically it's a beautiful, upbeat affair, the complete opposite of what I just wrote. I contain multitudes, people, I contain multitudes!

One More Day In Manhattan and Get Famous!

Okay, normally, I try not to do any listings for Mondays. Like, even G-d rested one day, right? But, tonight, Oxy Cottontail and Bronques from Last Night's Party come together with Spankrock and the Baltimore Bass Connection and I realize that you can always sleep during work. Oxy's Monday night jawn at Sway (305 Spring St.) was one of the first parties I went to in New York City, so I have fond memories of hanging out there. This one should be extra sick, as she is bringing the One More Day party to NYC (this all started as a chant at WMC in Miami, that's all I know). MC Spankrock and DJs Ronnie Darko and Chris Rockswell are here to breathe some life into this city. That's not all, as you also get DJ sets from Second String Stunna crew of Miami, who are new to me. But, you know that I love Miami and its sounds, so I am confident that this will just be a massive night of bass. Oh, Last's Night Party will be in the house too, so you may get to see a boob or three. Yeah! Free,

-No Last Night's Party in LA, but you can still Be Famous! Head to the Boa Lounge (8462 W Sunset Blvd) tonight where resident DJ HighspeedDub is joined by Blow Up LA's Dirty Dave and Scarlett Casanova for a night of the dance-y rock music that we all love. Oh, and shadowscene will be there, so you may get to see boobs too! Yea! Now, if only Pound for Pound got to see boobs :( lolrotflbrblmaostfu