As if I wasn’t already full of festive cheer, it’s heartening to see B.Dolan scoring something of an internet smash with his inspired reworking of the NWA’s classic “F”@K The Police”. Clocking up 80k views on Youtube in a week, loved by Michael Moore and seemingly catching the wave of the Occupy movement, Buddy Peace rebuilds NWA from the ground up while Dolan addresses police brutality and how to combat it with those ever present camera phones.

Download it for free from Soundcloud (below) and keep the buzz going by passing it on.
Film The Police by Strange Famous Records

While my own position is probably closer to Adam Buxton’s middle class parody (see right) than to any agit-cool “all police are evil mechanisms of the State” posturing, it’s undoubtedly true that police brutality has always been a problem. Back in the 80′s an uncle of the family had a framed picture of his police boot on the head of a Vietnam protestor proudly displayed on his frontroom wall.
Since CCTV, affordable cameras, and more importantly camera phones have appeared there’ve been a plethora of cases from Rodney King to Ian Tomlinson. As Dolan puts it in the song (lyrics): “Film the Police. Run a tape for the underclass!
Get the face, name and number on the badge. They flash, we flash back when they act disorderly“.

SPEECH DEBELLE

During the London Riots the Met police were criticised for what they didn’t do, rather than any suggestion of brutality. Mercury prize winner Speech Debelle had already finished “Blaze Up A Fire“, a song dealing with stop and search, and the frustrations of London’s youth. The lyrics and feeling behind the track were so pertinent that in the aftermath of the riots she decided to give it away as a free download. As someone who managed to get punched in the head for having the audacity to be outside on the night and not be ransacking local businesses, you won’t find me defending the actions of rioters but as ever you have to look at the underlying issues. The Tricycle theatre in Kilburn interviewed politicians, rioters, youth workers and Duggan’s family for their “The Riots” play. You’d expect nothing less than brilliance from The Tricycle, communicating the disenfranchisement of parts of the community through their own words and of course the troubled history of policing in the area. Theres a dark humour to much of the play, from the youth worker who recalls how he got stopped much less by the police when he started wearing tweed blazers, to the outrage of a local lady when a bunch of middle class people turn up with brooms to clear up her area…”the council already cleared up what mess their was the other day…“. It’s a real eyeopener, not so much for the predictable responses of the privileged political elite such as Michael Gove’s surprise that the Scouts might not be a decent replacement for the youth clubs he’s closing down. I particularly like d the women who recounted word going out not to touch the Hackney Empire as it had made such an effort to engage and put things back into the area.

Speech Debelle (read full statement):
“I feel it could give insight into the hearts and minds of some of the people that have taken part in, not only the peaceful marches for Mark Duggan in Tottenham and the Smiley Culture march for justice, but also I believe it speaks of the frustration of many young people who took part in the rioting and the consequent looting over London and areas of the UK. I am not attempting to condone, I’m attempting to be a voice of understanding.

These young people are not aliens dropped down from outer space on Friday night, they are our children….
Only people who cannot envision a positive future will take part in the destruction of their own community and if we acknowledge that, then we to ask the question why somebody so young feels they have so little to look forward to? I cannot allow myself to dehumanise these kids and see them as my enemy“.

ROOTS MANUVA

Del’s “Capsize” was released just 5 days before Tottenham burned but as with “Blaze Up” it focused on many of the issues that had been brewing for years. The original version brings to mind The Special’s “Ghost town” but in place of metaphor Del gives the coalition both barrels declaring “ain’t nothing changed since Britain turned blue” and “looks like we’re all fucked, no lube… Cameron better stay clear of my arse”

There’s a fascinating behind the scenes video at the recording studio as the song takes shape and guest star Root Manuva works on his scene stealing guest spot. Sometimes the best political songs come wrapped in sugar coating rather than being over earnest. The Entrepreneurs remix moves the feet as well as the mind with its pop sheen somehow emboldening the forthright words rather than distracting from them..

“They don’t check those facts, so they blame and they make
Scapegoats of the blacks.
Or anybody else who’s fresh off the boat
Or anybody else who don’t wish to vote,
For the moderate blues with designer views…”

Dels feat. Joe Goddard & Roots Manuva – Capsize (Entrepreneurs Remix) by Entrepreneurs

One of the highlights of Manuva’s latest album “Wha Mek” couldnt be less political but instead deals with the resignation of a failed relationship…I’m trying my hardest to be the best I can be…
“the more I try to please you, you seem to find the need to huff and puff those hissy fits,
everything I do, you always seem to undo”.

Roots Manuva – Wha’ Mek by Rebel Junglist

BLACK RADICAL MKII

For those looking for a British equivalent of the eloquent rage of Public Enemy’s Chuck D, at least in the late 80′s could look to Felix Joseph aka Black Radical MkII. 1989′s “Monsoon” remains one of the true classics of, not just UK Hip-Hop but music fullstop. The lyrics are searingly direct and controversial but Felix himself was charm personified when enthusiastically greeted by a previous incarnation of myself as a geeky student on the way to a protest march in memory of Stephen Lawrence back in 1993. The youth BNP were nazi saluting that day from the safety of police protection, while those on the march ended up being charged at by police on horseback and in my case pinned to the wall by baton wielding riot cops.

“A fact theres no black in the union jack..
Not the NF, no British movement, stops our progressive advance and improvement
The whole fucking society attack us and yo when no one will back us and we lose our status”

Produced by Coldcut, it was apparently originally intended for inclusion on their debut album “What’s That Noise” but Big Life records were appalled at the idea. In the words of Black Radical “Yazz walked into the studio and Coldcut introduced us and asked her to listen to the track. She stood motionless, looked at us like we were f***ing mad or something, she looked at Matt Black (Coldcut) as if he was f***ing mad and said, ‘Oh yeah, that’s nice“.

“Makes me mad when I go to the Wag and see 20 white bitches dance round their handbag
Imitate sisters who be darker than blue, smile in your face they think they’re better than you
See the bouncer cursed by promoter, let in 51 niggers went way over the quota.
Boycott theses clubs, build our own”

Black Radical MK II – Crossroads (Genghis Edit) by GenghisThan

Update: The lovely people at Londonist have listed Oxjam Walthamstow as one of their “Music Choice’s” of gigs in London this week.

Indie Electro pop from The Melting Ice Caps, electronic folk soul from Barbarossa, and spoken word meets hiphop courtesy of PolarBear. Oxjam Walthamstow’s already varied and pretty damn packed bill just got a little bit bigger with the news that Akira The Don who’s closing out the evening will be joined by a “surprise” guest.

At least it was a surprise until US Rapper, activist and spoken word artist B.Dolan took to twitter and facebook:
“LONDON! I’ll be making an impromptu appearance and doing a few songs with the homeys Music Like Dirt and Akira The Don at an Oxfam Charity Show this Wednesday. In addition to Akira and myself, you’ll also see PolarBear, Barbarossa & The Melting Ice Caps. All for £6! Wha? Come give me a high five for caring, you fucks. ♥”

Akira (above) will be showcasing tracks from his Stephen Hague produced (Pet Shop Boys, New Order)  2nd LP “The Life Equation” but jumped at the chance to have Dolan – who’s over touring with Dan Le Sac & Scroobius Pip – guest and perhaps performing a couple of his own tunes.

Here’s one of the highlights of Akira’s new album – the love gone wrong but can’t quite let go duet with Envy “Nothing Lasts Forever“:
06 – Nothing Lasts Forever by Akira The Don

The Mux Mool remix of B.Dolan’s “Hunter” from the “Fallen House, Sunken City” LP

B. Dolan – Hunter (Mux Mool Remix) by Strange Famous Records

And B. Dolan performing his song “50 Ways to Bleed Your Customer” over M.I.A.’s “Paper Planes” instrumental during a show at London’s Scala last year.

B. Dolan – 50 Ways (Paper Planes Remix) – live in London by Strange Famous Records

Akira The Don – “Living In The Future (Feat. Big Narstie, MC Lars, Eddie Argos & Scroobius Pip)”

Like Wu Lyf, theyve mastered the 3 ingrediants of internet buzzery – 1). Keep ‘em guessing – theyre from Manchester & thats all youre getting. 2). Get some iconic imagery going on (see Youtube).  3). Make sure all your titles and songs are in CAPS LOCK – LIKE YOUR MUM TEXTING YOU TO REMIND YOU ITS YOUR BROTHERS BIRTHDAY.

Fortunatly they also seem to have the fourth element that most forget… a decent tune.
“HURTLOVE” was the first to appear with its reverb heavy repeated 3 note piano refrain, beats and glitchy vocal about “Being cut deep inside”.  Perfect for all lovers of Ambient Dance.
Now “WEAREME” arrives with its reverb heavy repeated 3 note piano…hang on is this the same track??? I can’t be sure I think one goes “Bing Bing Bong” and the other “Bing Bing Bonng” but whether its a new track or a reworking of the same elements, the only thing that matters is they’re both rather nice.

NO CEREMONY – Website

NO CEREMONY/// - “HURTLOVE” (MP3)

NO CEREMONY/// – “WEAREME” (MP3)

NO CEREMONY///- “HURTLOVE” (Dawn Golden and Rosy Cross Remix) by CPR Agency

Patrick Wolf – “Time Of My Life (NO CEREMONY/// Remix)” (MP3)

Remix “WEAREME” by downloading the stems.

Ahead of his 11 night run at Camden’s Roundhouse, the highly acclaimed PolarBear will be bringing his beguiling mix of spoken word and hip hop to Walthamstow.  Barbarossa aka James Mathe performed a session for Music Like Dirt earlier in the year, and his gorgeous track “Stones” recently featured in US Series “How I Met Your Mother“.  Blessed with a gorgeous voice and a knack for tying lovely melodies to melancholic lo-fi electronics, he’ll be playing a stripped down set. One not to miss.
Also on the bill are MLD favourites, The Melting Ice Caps with tales of love, loss and betrayal courtesy of lead singer David Shah. Reminiscent of the great English lyricists, Heaton, Tennant, Morrissey… able to craft intelligent, witty lyrics but with a slice of pop to embed them in your brain.

Knitting it all together will be the one man multimedia empire Akira The Don who’ll not only be playing but also has kindly agreed to host the evening! Originally signed to the giant Interscope Records, home of Bryan Adams and Dr.Dre, Akira has just released his second LP “The Life Equation”. The mighty Stephen Hague produced the album, otherwise known as the man on the mixer for New Order, Blur, Robbie Williams, and The Pet Shop Boys.

UPDATE: Akira will now be joined by a special surprise appearance by B.Dolan. He’ll be joining The Don on the mic and maybe performing a couple of his own tracks! More here.

OXJAM WALTHAMSTOW – WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 19TH

Get your tickets from WeGotTickets.com for £6 (£5 if bought before end of September)
BUY TICKETS

(We love physical tickets, so we made the lovely ones to the left – pick them up on the night or email us your wegottickets reference to be sent one)

Can’t make it along but still like to support our fundrasing efforts?

There’s a Justgiving page which gives extra cash to Oxfam if you’re a UK taxpayer - OXJAM WALTHAMSTOW JUSTGIVING.
You can also donate via text message:
Text HQJB81 followed by the amount to the number: 70070 – eg to give £1 text “HQJB81£1″ to 70070.  You wont incur any extra charge for the text.

The Standard Music Venue is literally across the road from Blackhorse Road tube station, 20 minutes from Oxford Circus on the Victoria Line (or close to St James Street Station for those coming from Liverpool Street on the train).

POLARBEAR
Octave Mouret – “Locked Doors (feat. PolarBear)” by calmfarm

AFROBEAR – Lilliput DEMO by homeofpolar

MELTING ICE CAPS

The Melting Ice Caps – “Selfish Bachelor” (MP3)
The Melting Ice Caps – “A Good Night” (MP3)

The Melting Ice Caps – “Hard To Get” (MP3)

BARBAROSSA

Wishing Well demo by BARBAROSSA_UK

The load (demo) by BARBAROSSA_UK

AKIRA THE DON
Thanks For All The AIDS by Akira The Don

Akira The Don ft Big Narstie MC Lars Eddie Argos & Scroobius Pip – Living In The Future 2.5 by Akira The Don
Akira The Don – Interesting Times by Akira The Don
2 Akira The Don ft Chilly Gonzales – Babydoll (Remix) by Akira The Don

Check Oxjam’s website to find a gig near you, or even better buy a ticket for my night from We Got Tickets for the very reasonable price of £6.
I am both honoured and excited by the artists who’ve agreed to play but as a first time gig organiser frankly I’m terrified no one will turn up!

There’ll be more details on the blog in the next few days but first I thought I’d give a mention to a concert being put on by one of the bands who are playing, long time MLD favourites, The Melting Ice Caps.

Ice Caps head honcho David Shah describes SPECKS IN THE SKY as a night of stratospherically dreamy music (but without the night bus, or a stratospheric ticket price).  It’s taking place at The Willmington Arm’s in Clarkenwell on September the 29th – at 4 quid its at least worth a gander at their Facebook page.

THE SOFT CLOSE-UPS

Keeping it in the family Shah himself will be performing, not with The Melting Ice Caps but his other group, The Soft Close-Ups.
They’re an art-pop duo who veer (beautifully, of course) from the acoustic to the electronic.

You can grab their album, ‘In Retrospect‘, for free (they also accept money) here: http://corporaterecords.co.uk/artists/The+Soft+Close-Ups/

“Fireworks” in particular is a delight, with such sparse production that there’s little but a burbling 80′s synth to accompany David’s plaintive voice.  It’s even more special when coupled with a simple but very effective video.

“A delectably knowing way with lounge pop” said God Is In The TV

The Soft Close-Ups – “Fireworks” by calmfarm

OWEN DUFF

I’ve not had a chance to listen to Owen’s music yet but David assures me of his brilliance and canny ability to wring magic out of piano, ukulele and cello.  My list of lazy comparisons includes Joan As Police Woman and Rufus Wainwright template. He rarely plays live and usually releases his music through playful stunts – copies of his last EP were hidden in secret locations for fans to hunt for.

Have a listen at www.owenduff.co.uk or watch his lovely Joanna Newsome cover below (He also sacrilegiously covers Whitney’s “I wanna dance with somebody”)

HONG KONG IN THE 60s

HK60s’ debut album, ‘My Fantoms’, comprises delicious vintage sounds, perfectly judged melodies and drifting melancholia. They wouldn’t be at all out of place in the esteemed company of Stereolab, Broadcast and Saint Etienne.

“…heart-melting beauty…” – Sean O’Hagan, The High Llamas

Stream the album for free at http://propersongs.net/label/2011/02/hong-kong-in-the-60s/

You Can Take A Heart But You Cannot Make It Beat by Hong Kong In The 60s

THE HALL OF MIRRORS

Jessica Spencer and co make glorious, hazy, psychedelic pop. Many of the studio recordings are laden with sumptuous 60s-ish orchestral touches that recall the Carpenters or even the Mamas & the Papas, while other tracks would do Kate Bush proud.

“Dream-pop collective The Hall Of Mirrors are probably South London’s best kept secret.” – Shindig Magazine

A selection of songs are streamable on the band’s site, and there’s always always a track for free download there too – at the moment it’s “Love Child“.

While theres clearly some truth in the charge that over 40 years the festival has become more commercial, less edgy and enevitably at £195 pounds a ticket overrun by the middle classes. I can only judge it through my own first timers eyes, and on that basis, it was like somekind of musical wet dream.

A typical evening begins with Jarvis and the newly reformed Pulp revisiting the festival that made their name back in ’95.  After that a short hop up the hill to The Crows Nest cafe where The Master Musicians of Joujouka are winding up a bewitching set, before the new queen of country Caitlin Rose takes to, what just about qualifys as a stage. A crowd of about 30 lap it up while sipping their herbal tea.
Leaving the nest, the walk down to the main site is accompanied by a sky alight with lazers from the Chemical Brothers. Their music booms out, but over on the West Holt, Big Boi from Outkast has the crowd bouncing to the catchiest riff of last year, “Shutterbug”. He ends with a triumphant “London, thank you, you’re the best“.

And thats just a few hours of music, as the cliche goes, Glastonbury is about much more than that.

THURSDAY

Most of the first day involved getting there, finding a muddy swamp on which to pitch and then cycling through a series of perplexed facial expressions while working out which pole goes where.  Its never ideal to be on your own in these situations as throwing the tent pegs on the floor and storming off in a huff is much less rewarding when on your return, someone else hasnt put the tent up for you.

Earlier in the year 40 bloggers were chosen to judge new bands applying for a coveted “Emerging Talent” slot at the festival, and a few left their computers behind for the weekend to attend.
Robin from the Breaking More Waves blog had the foresight and a twitter account to summon a handful for a meetup in the Park bar.  Remarkably the people behind Just Music That I Like, Flying With Anna, Hot Cakes, and This Music Wins were charming, friendly, knowledgable about a wide range of musical styles and in many cases claimed to hold down jobs, relationships, and children (well not hold down children, but you know what I mean).
The conversation naturally focused on things like how long your blog had been going, music you like, the story behind your name, and of course a few mildly competitive when did you first hear X band.  Take Caitlin Rose, one by one those who’d seen her recounted the ever increasingly tiny and obscure places they’d first seen her play.
At this point – realising I hadnt seen her at all yet – I panicked and claimed to have introduced her parents… but I think I got away with it.

Later @BMWaves and myself headed to Croissant Neuf (who said Glasto was middle class!) to catch Mr. B The Gentleman Rhymer. Its been five years since Mr.B arrived delivering Banjolele led Hip-Hop history lessons for those that say Scone, not Scon but given that “Chap-Hop History” still cracks me up I was eager to see him live.
The set was packed with cricket inspired takes on Hip Hop, “Let Me Clear My Throat“, becomes “Let Me Smoke My Pipe“, followed by “Straight Outta Surrey” and “Timothy” an ode to fellow posh boy hip hopper Tim The Big Dawg Westwood.  I loved it initially and many people struggled to get in so packed was the tent but after about half an hour the joke started to wear a bit thin for me. I departed to research the relationship between sleep and the ability to remember to pack a blow up mattress.
Download Mr B’s DJ Mix featuring George Formby, Brass Bands, and Spank Rock here.

FRIDAY

The day began with a few bands at the BBC Introducing tent, the pick of which were Brighton’s Twin Brother. They were selected for the Emerging Talent finals by This Music Wins, but despite missing out made it to the festival and delivered a very confident performance. Stand out track “Lungs” certainly wears its Strokes influence with pride.
Placing them in his top 3, Peter described their songs as “intensely catchy and well thought out, but retain that youthful spontaneity and feeling of being thrown together at the last moment which keeps them unfailingly fresh”.

Lungs by Twin Brother

After lunch I squelched off to the Common Area, home of Mexican wrestlers and the Ken Fox Troupe of daredevil wall of death riders.  This has to be one of the most incredible things I saw all weekend, even though I assume this kind of show has been around pretty much since someone first strapped a motor to a push bike I was gobsmacked. Watch the video here or here but neither quiet conveys the excitement as they perform trick after trick whizzing round an 18ft cylindrical wall about an inch from your nose… look no hands, not impressed how about no hands and facing the wrong way, ok what about three bikes at the same time.  The only time the performers seemed nervous was when coins were flung down from above in appreciation at the end of the show.

As the rain begins the full compliment of surviving Wu Tang Clan members emerge telling the crowd exactly what they don’t like about the UK.  No, not the rain… Customs! Apparently – and Im paraphrasing – the mother fuckers treated them like the fucking Taliban and almost sent them back.
I’m not convinced Glastonbury goers are ever going to be the most enthusiastic hip-hop crowd but Method Man asked for  ”some motherfucking noise” and largly got it, along with lots and lots of “W’s” held in the air (pictured).
Dressed in an oversized dressing gown Method Man led the clan through a 40 minute set, that inevitably peaked the moment the crowd were asked to check out their gravel pit.

Well worth seeing in the rain even if when Method Man implored “Who in the crowd loves real authentic hiphop?” the response was half enthusiasm and half confusion… authentic??? Do you mean Eminem or Will I Am?
Wu Tang vs. Beatles – Slang Editorial by Polonium210
Download “Enter The Magical Mystery Chambers” Wu-Tang Vs The Beatles here

All That I Got Is You by GhostfaceKillah

Blues legend BB King came on next or rather he did after 20 minutes warm up and solos from his band. Looking very frail but still with a fine voice and guitar skills, I’d love to enthuse about what many have declared one of the best shows this year, but stupidly I wasn’t massively impressed by the opening 30 minutes and buggered off.
If I manage to make it to 85 it might take me a little while to warm up, so i’m disappointed I missed what the Guardian reported as King’s  “imposing, regal presence”.

The photo above shows the crowd waiting for the days “secret” guests on the Park stage, Radiohead.  Well before Thom and the boys arrived the Park had to be closed off due to overcrowding.  Mick Jones reformed Big Audio Dynamite were the happy beneficiaries of the massed early arrivers as they welcomed a much bigger crowd than they surely must have expected.  From my soggy vantage point high on the hill they held the attention of an impatient crowd with their mix of punk rock, dance, hip hop, reggae, and funk…

“Thanks for coming! We’re called Radiohead”

Which is more than can be said for Radiohead. In some ways I admire the band for refusing to play the kind of hit filled singalong set that Glastonbury cried out for, especially a crowd who’ve stood dripping in torrential rain for several hours.  Excellent though their last two albums were, playing almost exclusively from them felt needlessly self indulgent. By the time Street Spirit arrived during the encore, many had opted for drier tents with bands more willing to pander to the occasion.

Radiohead wouldnt let the Beeb film their set but AustinBrock has cut together the complete performance in youtube clips to watch.

The limited edition “King Of Limbs” Remix 12″s have been superb so far with Caribou’s version in particular hopefully being the first shot in a campaign for more harp action in modern music. Mark Pritchards electro-floorfilling take on Bloom is also rather tasty.
RADIOHEAD – Little by Little (CARIBOU Remix) (2011) by cossetgaleria
Radiohead – Bloom (Mark Pritchard RMX) by Radiohead
Radiohead – Street spirit (fade out) Blunt Instrument Dubstep remix by bluntinstrument

I’d come to the park to see the side project of Alexis from Hot Chip, and Grosvenor, the chosen name Bang and Olufsen probably indicates this is strictly a never for release hobby. Having seen them play once before I expected a crowd in the tiny Crow’s Nest up on the top of the Park Hill but no half a dozen people were mooching around sipping herbal tea. Another bunch sheltered from the rain while attempting to catch the end of Mssrs Yorke and co.
Playing a upright piano Alexis from Hot Chip performed some tracks from his solo album along with Bang and Olufsen originals. It was one of the highlights of the whole festival, with covers of Roy Orbison’s Love Hurts and a incredible version of McCartney’s Let Me Roll It being the best of a lovely set. When you’re playing with someone with a voice as beautiful as Alex Hot Chip then it must put some pressure on you but Grosvenor’s guitar licks on Let Me Roll It were phenomenal. The only sad thing is I cant find a single second of audio or video of the performance (or indeed any other) online.  Brilliant.

Alexis Taylor – “Coming Up” (MP3)

“Let Me Roll It”

Paul McCartney and Wings- Let Me Roll It by ursamajor81

U2 on the Pyramid, gave up to go watch the stunning Primal Scream on the Other stage.

But its a good excuse to post Negitivland’s U2 remix (above) and the two tracks featuring U2 samples and Casey Kasem that incurred the wrath of Island/U2′s legal team.

Poked my head in the East Dance to hear a bit of Fatboy Slim before bed.

SATURDAY

Peel Stage at midday: Fight Like Apes, then Yuck
Catch Fujiya and Miyagi (Live) at Oxlyers In West 1pm
Nicolas Jaar LIVE 13:45 West Holts
Isobel Anderson 15:00 Acoustic
including a mesmerising version of Portishead’s “Glory Box”

Emily and The Woods 16:00
The Kills Other Stage -ZZzzzzzzz
Gold Panda (Live) 18:00 CUBEHENGE
MPB by Gold Panda

Pulp in The Park

20,000 people standing in a field, was in fact guestimated at over 30,000
Pulp – “This Is Hardcore (End Of The Line Remix)”

James Blake 21:30 The Park
The Master Musicians of Joujouka

Caitlin Rose (pictured) in the Crows Nest
The Chemical Brothers 22:30 Other Stage
Big Boi 22:45 West Holts

SUNDAY

Midday Cassetteboy + Dj Rubbish – G Stage

Whipp interlude by Cassetteboy

Jah Shaka Soundsystem (Live) 13:00 CUBEHENGE
BILL’S BIG ROUND UP feat. Billy Bragg & Kate Tempest 15:00
Paul Simon 16:30 Pyramid
Paul Simon – “Diamonds Dub”
Plan B 18:15 Pyramid
Pendulum 19:45 Pyramid (endured this for a ringside position for Jay Z’s mrs)
Beyoncé 21:45

The long queue for a bus home…

LA’s Shlohmo has been turning out remixes to die for ahead of the release of his full length debut “Bad Vibes” on August 9th.
His remix of Drake’s “Marvin’s Room” in particular is so laid back and soporific that putting it on a loop this morning transformed the hideous sweaty tumult of a London commute into something akin to chilling out in a floatation tank. Every shove, every bead of sweat, every disgruntled rustle of newspaper was nowt when given the unlikely soundtrack of Drake’s tale of 4 times a week sex and ill-advised hook ups with ex’s.

Shlohmo himself had this to say:

“I forgot i had this drake remix lyin around. this is seriously one of my fav songs of the year, if not ever. if youre one of those people that hates on pop music because you wear a backpack or smthing then plz chill out. try and appreciate shit even if u have to forget the context sometimes. good music is good music and u don’t have to front and pretend it’s below ur intellectual level“.

Marvin’s Room (Shlohmo’s thru tha floor remix) – Drake by shlohmo

His remix of Burial’s “Shell Of Light” is if anything even better. Simply gobsmacking.

“been workin on this for the past few days. i just really couldn’t stop listening to the ending of “shell of light.” shit is so beautiful. so i did this so i could listen to it more. hope u like it ::)”

Shell of Light (Shlohmo Remix) – Burial by shlohmo

Shlohmo – Twitter / Facebook / Soundcloud
Download: Shlohmo Remixes Vol.2 / Shlo-Fi Ep
Drake – “Marvin’s Room (Shlohmo’s thru tha floor remix)” (MP3)
Burial – “Shell of Light (Shlohmo Remix)” (MP3)

Finally heres a messed up Brandy remix as posted on Shlohmo’s We Did It Collective Website.

I Wanna Be Down (eLan’s remix) from eLan on Vimeo.

Before the blog enters a period of silence – while I pop my Glastonbury cherry – a few tracks that really should’ve been shouted from the roof tops months ago.

First up a concept album from The Indelicates, the band responsible for “Savages” a tune somewhat ridiculously awarded 2nd best track of 2010 by this here blogger – I say ridiculous because it clearly should’ve been No.1!

Back in 2004 the Indelicates were busy rehearsing their hit fringe musical based on the book of Job, when someone joked “What are you gonna do next? Waco: the Musical? Fast forward seven years and having pawned the family silverwear to fund the project Simon & Julia Indelicate finally unleashed “David Koresh Superstar“.

They even visited the site of the compound in Texas and in their words “looked nervously at it for a bit”. For those too young to remember they’ve compiled a handy guide here (although Bill Hicks also provided a summary).

Despite eagerly snapping up tickets to the Asian Dub Foundations Opera “Gaddafi – A Living Myth” I have to declare a well nurtured dislike of musicals. My brother excitingly declared that listening to the album you can almost see the West End production before your very eyes. I agree, but its a mark of how good David Koresh Superstar is that I managed to overcome the constant thought of a good play being ruined by overblown song.

The Indelicates – Facebook / Twitter
Listen:
The Indelicates – “I Am Koresh
Something Goin’ Down In Waco – The Indelicates by FollyOfYouth

Read: Excellent interview with Julia & Simon Indelicate about the Koresh album
Buy: Pay-what-you-like Digital download
Physical copy of David Koresh Superstar album or special edition signed by Simon and Julia with a 92 page book containing all the lyrics, (very) extensive footnotes, a Q&A and suggestions for further reading.

DEATH GRIPS
The free mixtape from Avant-guard hip-hoppers Death Grips has been going down a storm online for months now. Any mix that manages to sample Pink Floyd and Jane’s Addiction whilst also including the insanely addictive “Guillotine” deserves every bit of that attention. Its fairly dark stuff, not exactly easy listening, and it doesn’t fit the hip-hop mainstream, but try listening to the song below and not being mesmerised.

“It goes, its goes, it goes, it goes, it goes… Guilotinnnnnnne”

Death Grips – Exmilitary – 2 – Guillotine by deathgrips

SAVE MJMJ RECORDS

Albuquerque, New Mexico, famed for Hot Air balloons, nuclear research, aerial tram ways and erm Prefab Sprout? Unfortunately its also got its fair share of robbers as MJMJ Records found to their cost.

“We had the worst Earth Day ever. We were on our way to LA and some jerks broke into our van. They stole our clothes, money, computers and all of Vacation Dad’s music stuff.”

In all the nefarious tealeaves made off with 7,000 dollars worth of music-making and label producing equipment – pretty devastating for a small independent label.

Their plan to save the label? Call up all their mates and get them to donate two LP’s worth of cutting edge music. You can donate to the Save twomichaeljordans label Kickstarter as well as buying the compilation or sample the MJMJ compilations (one rock, one electronic) here.

Witch Gardens feat Manch Malevolent – Games by highandlowcc

“Games” (above) by Witch Gardens featuring Manch Malevolent is just one of the superb tracks featured. Its also a rare example of that mini sub-genre, hip-hop meets indie, history is not kind to such collaborations but Witch & Manch stretch and almost reach the heights of De La Soul’s joyous 90′s collaboration with Teenage Fanclub “Fallin‘”. “So Mase beat the fucking beat while the teenage fan the heat”

Also on the compilation is Austin based produced/beat maker Galapagos. His latest “Big Cat” EP was very well received apart from a few grumbles about the Beyonce cutup “Actin’ Up” and its still available as a free download here. For the MJMJ album Galapagos contributed “Do Ittt” which Im going to say isnt available anywhere else (although I have no evidence to suggest this!) Grab it anyway its for a good cause!

Actin Up by Galapagos

I could witter on forever listing the top quality acts featured, like Oakland’s beat folk phenomenon Yalls. You can pre-order their new hour long cassette over on MJMJ but I couldn’t decide between Weave and Germs as my favourite of the so far leaked tracks so treat your ears to both. Yalls – Weave It by twomichaeljordans
Yalls – Germs by Yallsmusic

STEINSKI
Its been a while since I mentioned hip hop legend and all round gent, Steve “Steinski” Stein but the mix he put together for Coldcut’s Solid Steel show is something special.
Steinski hits us with an almighty mix of Golden Era hip hop created to accompany a book all about hip hop sampling called Creative License. The mix dips and dives through hip hop legends Public Enemy, De La Soul, Run DMC and Marley Marl, all interwoven with the music they sampled from Steely Dan, Kraftwerk, Candido and Parliament, and of course peppered with his trademark spoken word. Genius.
Solid Steel Radio Show 29/4/2011 Part 3 + 4 – Steinski by Ninja Tune

If you’re a Steinski completist (or to be honest just a music lover) you should head over to the Unheard Music Blog which has an interview with Steve and a compilation of over a dozen rare mixes and Steinski originals – a few of which I wasn’t even aware of (so thanks to Unheard Music for that and visit them anyway if you love rarities).

Grab the compilation here and listen to one of Steinski’s 3 Simpsons mixes below:

The Simpsons – “Steinski’s Rap Remix”

30 GREATEST HIPHOP DEMOS
Back in March Chairman Mao compiled an incredible feature on the 30 greatest hip-hop demo’s of all time for Complex.com. Its a fascinating insight into the early days of some of the greatest rappers of all time.

Read it here or download a ZIP of all 30.
Public Enemy – “Public Enemy No.1 (Radio demo)”

Artifacts – “Wrong Side Of The Tracks”

NORTH SEA ORCHESTRA
A live recording of the Bagpuss Medley (with added Ivor the Engine) arranged by Craig Fortnam.
Performed by the North Sea Radio Orchestra at the Union Chapel in October 2009.
North Sea Radio Orchestra – Bagpuss Medley (live) by Arctic Circle Radio

ICONAPOP

“You cont just walk away without a trace, tell me to my face”
Icona Pop’s “Manners” is a raucous sing-along break up pop tune, that defiantly informs the “Ex” they better reconsider because frankly they’ll never do any better.
The Swede’s certainly know how to set romantic misfortune to a killer chorus, although discovering it was produced by Patrik Berger the knob twiddler behind Robyn’s equally crest fallen ‘Dancing On My Own’ makes perfect sense.
Manners by IconaPop

MASHUP’S OWN THE SUMMER

There’s nothing like a bit of sunshine to make people forget that Mash-ups aren’t cool anymore and just enjoy them for what they are… bloody good fun.
The kings of the reggae bootleg Heatwave may well have created their biggest anthem to date with the inspired fusing of darlings of the moment Adele and Jamie XX with Ce’cile, Mr. Lexx, Timberlee and a sprinkling of Dixie Cups “Iko Iko” (or more likely Lumidee).
If this bashment monster isn’t spinning at the next party you’re at, then you’re at the wrong party (I say this as someone who last went to a party back when Snap were No.1 so feel free to ignore).

Also getting in on the summer reggae nice-up are Nappy Riddim with their fusion of Bob Marley’s “Nice Time” with Damian Marley & Bounty Killer “Khaki Suit”. I love it when Bounty Killer comes in.

Nice Time Khaki Suit (Nappy Riddem Method Edit) by NappyRiddem

Adele + Jamie XX f. Ce’cile, Mr. Lexx and Timberlee, “Rolling in the Heat (The Heatwave Refix)” by The FADER

Sofa Feat. Pupajim by The Nextmen

FIXERS

Brian Wilson meets Animal Collective while visiting Oxford for a day out on this already heavily spun by Radio 1 psychedelic stomp. Lovely anthemic stuff.

Another Lost Apache by Fixers.

MELODICA, MELODY & ME

Well done to The Guardian for making “Melodica, Melody & Me” band of the day recently. “Come Outside” is understated but all the better for it, with intricate charango melodies, swooping violin, subtle harmonies, and yes melodica – it’s pretty much the perfect summer song.

melodica, melody + me – come outside (feat. Nick Pynn) by everybodysstalking

BASTILLE – FLAWS

Flaws is available as a limited to 300 7″ on the 4th of July through Young & Lost Club. Order it here.

FLAWS by BASTILLE

Flaws (Astronaut Remix) by BASTILLE

DBX PRODUCTIONS

I’ll forgive DBX productions for many things, for example having autoplay set on their website forcing me to hunt through 50 tabs to try and find the blaring music. I’ll also gloss over what appears to be an attempt to turn The Cutting Crews “I Just Died In Your Arms Tonight” into a bass crunching floor filler (listen here). Actually perhaps I won’t forgive that as I now have the chorus stuck in my head.

All is fine if they continue to produce tunes like “Bullet Strapped (Memphis Mix)” which they dedicate to everyone who is feeling that Underground M-Town Style.

Bullet Strapped Memphis Mix by DBX-Revelationbeatz

NGUUNI LOVERS LOVERS – CHEZA NGOMA

The first 7″ on Dream Beach Records is here through Moshi Moshi and its a killer double A-Side of super infectious, heart-racingly fast Kamba guitar pop – Nguuni Lovers Lovers with Cheza Ngoma/Beth Kathini.

Nguuni Lovers Lovers – Cheza Ngoma by Dream Beach Records

LETS TALK ABOUT SAZ BABY!
Also coming from Dream Beach, this mental slice of absolutely full on guitar axe-meister guitar frenzy.
Only apparently it’s not a guitar but a Saz – a Kurdish sort of long necked version of a Lute (please forgive me any experts in musical instruments). Saz player Grani Tufan loves effects pedal so much he’s wired up about three for this tune “Agir Delio”. Grani Tufan – Agir Delilo by Dream Beach Records

THE STAVES
Sisters Emily, Jessica and Camilla Staveley-Taylor are three sisters who produce beautiful harmonies and Crosby, Stills & Nash/Joni Mitchell influenced folk. They spring from an unlikely source of such beguilingly melodic folk, Watford! Sessions for their debut album were completed just last week, although the band have been around since 2006, playing Glastonbury back in 2009.

The Staves – Facebook / Twitter / Blog

Facing West by The Staves

LO-TEK
Wayne “Lotek” Bennett left home to become a sound engineer at 15, produced acclaimed albums for Roots Manuva & Speech DeBelle and had his own Lo-Tek Hifi project on Big Dada.
Like Mr Manuva MC’s “Run Come Save Me”, Lo-Tek’s forthcoming (July 25th) “International Rudeboy” album will also come in a lovingly crafted dub version! Although his music crosses many genres, Reggae and dub in particular were always his foundation.

Lo-Tek – Twitter / Facebook / Bandcamp

Dub Makes Fools Of Us All by L0TEK

CLOUT!
CLOUT! – Maxwell’s O (Kwes [o=o] Rework) by LoudAndQuiet
AND FINALLY…

Fresh from recording a three track Music Like Dirt Live Session, James Mathe has a new EP “Memory Laps” out in Limited Edition from Rough Trade records.
It contains a lovely cover of Bon Iver’s “Re Stacks” along with “Turbine” which is a highlight of his live shows, as you can see below from James performance at the PureEvil Gallery for MLD. (Thanks once again for doing that Mr Mathe – stay tuned for future sessions)

RE Stacks (Bon Iver cover) by JamesMathe

Don Lett’s fabulous documentary for BBC 4 “The Revolution Will
Not Be Televised” will hopefully be repeated in tribute but in the meantime someone bootlegged it on Youtube. It features contribututions from The Last Poets and Chuck D.

Newsnight’s Steven Smith travelled to the States to meet Heron on the eve of his comeback album “I’m New Here”.

In 2000 Sean Rowley featured Gil on his much missed “All Back To Mine” series discussing music that he loves or was influenced by.

Sounds:
Gil Scott-Heron – Goodbye, So Long by Kane33

Gil Scott-Heron – “Whitey on the Moon” (MP3) / (words)

Gil Scott-Heron – Message to the Messangers

Gil Scott-Heron – “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised”

Esther Phillips – “Home Is Where The Hatred Is (MP3)”

Gil Scott Heron – “Home Is Where The Hatred Is (MP3)”

Gil Scott-Heron – Home Is Where The Hatred Is ( Ramsey Hercules Tribute ) by Ramsey Hercules

Chris Cunningham’s video remix of “New York Is Killing Me”

HOW WILL I COPULATE?

There was a time when mashups were ubiquitous and generally considered some kind of statement of post modern pop will eat itself daring but oh those days seem so long ago.
Bastard pop dated quicker than day-glo shoelaces but fine things still grow in those corners no longer illuminated by the spotlight of the currently hip.
Starslinger turns out cracking tunes while others…well probably sleep or something and now his fans are getting in on the act. Moranismusic takes the queen of the mashup Whitney Housten, pitches her voice up to a squeak and melds it with Starslingers “Copulate”. Not the most radical or appealing idea on paper, but countless terrible bootlegs are testament to the fact that creating a mix that works as brilliantly as this isnt as easy as it seems.

Also check out the quirkily comic video for the“Close To Me” single. Samples the all time classic Curtis Mayfield produced “Lets Do It Again” by The Staple Singers.

Star Slinger – How Will I Copulate (Moranis Mashup feat. Whitney) by Star Slinger

DIVINE BULLITTS
For the moment London has entered rolling down the car window and blasting out tunes type weather. If you fancy pi£$ing off other people with such behaviour then can I suggest these two summer gems.

First up “Close Your Eyes” by The Bullitts a track from last year featuring the unlikely pairing of Lucy Lui and the ever excellent Jay Electronica. It reminds me of Malcolm McClaren’s 1989 Waltz Darling album with its mixture of artsy mix of street styles and pure pop sensibility. I’d forgotten how much I loved the single “Somethings Jumpin’ In My Shirt” although that may have had something to do with its guest vocalist Lisa Marie.

Returning to the Bullitts, Jay Electronica reconfirms his status as an MC at the top of his game by coming in towards the end and stealing the show with his rhymes.
“I was on the verge of dying like E.T. in the bald spot in the forest, right next to the speak and spell…
Tryna phone home but the signal wouldn’t reach the cell…”
Can’t wait for Jay’s LP!

Roots Manuva protege Jimmy Screech will be releasing the single “Divine” in May, and fellow Manuva collaborator WrongTom has smattered “clattering pots & pans” onto his “Divine Intervention” remix. Jimmy’s “Remedy” album is due next month and a solo Wrongtom album is also in the works.

MICHAEL FRANTI LIVE @ ROUGH TRADE

Hypocrisy Is the Greatest Luxury, the album Rono Tse and Michael Franti made together back in 1992 as the Disposable Heroes Of HipHopcrisy is one of those records that mark out your life. Seeing them live with a slightly shellshocked Belinda Carlisle fan back then remains one of my favourite gigs of all time, with Rono showering the stage in sparks from an angle grinder while Franti poured out polemic in his honeyed tones.
Almost 20 years later it was joy to see Franti, 6ft 6″ tall with bare feet stride into the minuscule Rough Trade West clamber onto the counter and hold the crowd rapt for a good half an hour. I’m not entirely sure how well the classic “Television The Drug Of The Nation” works when the samples or on The Beatnigs original crashing guitars are replaced with a backing of “Love Will Tear Us Apart” acoustic style. Franti told us he hadnt performed it live since the Disposables split and he claimed he’d had to google the lyrics in order to play the song that was particularly well loved in the UK.

If you notice Rough Trade has a shiny new counter its because the original gave way towards the end of the show as Franti’s co-guitarist tried to jump down onto the floor of the shop.

JURASSIC PARK!

Birdfeeder says he makes music using a laptop/sampler, “a homemade Commodore 64 synth, a circuit bent keyboard, and a bunch of other knick-knacks and whatchamacallits“.

Using one of those whatamacallits he slowed down the theme music to Jurassic Park by 1000% and now has an remarkable viral hit on his hands. Who’d have thought just slowing it down would transform Jurassic Park into such an epic and achingly beautiful piece of music. 750,000 plays and growing.
Birdfeeder also has an original composition on the “Total Bummer” free compilation out last month.

Free download of “Jurassic Park 1000% slower”

ARNAUD FLEURENT-DIDIER

2010′s “La Reproduction” album totally passed me by but thankfully a friends Facebook feed (cheers Phil) educated me to the genius of Arnaud Fleurent-Didier.
Theres more than a hint of Jarvis Cocker about Arnaud, but with much more cool and obviously a large slice of Gainsbourg. His music is indebted to classic songwriters like Bacharach but like Air – who he’s worked with – he updates that classic sound too.

Its hard to pick a standout track from Arnaud, “Reproductions” (below) is wonderful, while “Je Vais Au Cinema” finds him serenading a girl from the platform of the United Nations and this live version of “My Space Oddity” is pretty damn fine too.

The three members of the band do cool in a way only the French can in this video introducing an album which by rights should have crossed over in a way not seen since Air’s “Moon Safari”.

NEW OWEN PALLETT VIDEO

Another album from 2010 that I’m still clinging onto is “Heartland” buy the artist formerly known as Final Fantasy, Owen Pallett. There’s no sign of a follow up just yet so we’ll have to survive on a typically oddball new video for “The Great Elsewhere”.

FREE WAH-WAH JAZZ

Theres nothing like a bit of latin-jazz in the sun so why not grab the original 2006 single from dancefloor stormers the Colman Brothers, Its available to download for free for a strictly limited period.

Also out on the WahWah45 label are the Stac remixes, the one below by Hint being especially good or as Hint himself puts it “Back in the early 90s, I used to do the running man in my bedroom to cassette compilations filled with beats like this.”

ALEXIS TAYLOR’s VOICE = WIN WIN

WIN WIN’s are producer Alex “XXXchange” Epton, DJ Chris Devlin, and video artist/producer Ghostdad. In February they released “Interleave,” featuring Hot Chip’s Alex Taylor on vocals and now Kingdom have provided a bunker busting remix. It turns the original on its head with Taylors sweet vocals twisted into a high pitched chipmunk squeak and absolutely massive beats.

Also nab Ghostdads amusingly titled “AcidYazz” mixtape featuring everyone from Lil Louis & Bronski Beat to Charlotte Gainsbourg.

Win Win, “Interleave (Kingdom Remix)” by The FADER

DUMBO GETS MAD

Despite the fact that this Psych rock influenced gem has been doing the rounds of the blogs for months now Ive totally failed to mention it. Needless to say if you love Captain Beefheart or the Super Furry Animals this will rock your world, and whats more the whole LP is available to download for nothing more than a tweeted message.

RAKIM & DENNIS COFFEY

Finally in the next couple of months two living legends are heading to London.
The all-time, number one emcee – the mighty Rakim Allah plays the Jazz Cafe, so I thought Id post the mixChoicecuts commissioned from DJ Mek featuring a solid hour of Rakim’s finest output. (Download here)

The Microphone Fiend – Special Mix by DJ Mek by ChoiceCuts

Detroit guitar legend Dennis Coffey is best known as a member of the Funk Brothers – the backing band who played on a truckload of hits for the Motown label.

His solo instrumental hit ‘Scorpio’ (1971) sold a million copies and became a seminal breakbeat, sampled by hip hop producers worldwide. To mark his new album, Dennis will be playing the Barbican with a hand-picked array of special guests (inc Mayor Hawthorne) for a one-off night of R&B, funk and Northern soul anthems, old and new.
Strut put together this journey through Coffey’s history of funk, including the psychedelic b-boy soul of Coffey’s 70′s solo material, classic recordings on which he recorded as a sessions musician, hip-hop cuts which have sampled his material, and a couple of sneak peaks at the new album.