I've been quite lapse with the charting for my show. Things got away
from me, but I hope to rectify that very soon. I should have the new
Bugge Wesseltoft album by the time I get home tonight, as well as Julie
Dexter. For now, here's what I've been turned on to in recent weeks...
Panoptica--01 (Yellow--Kinki Bitsuri/Tecnica Manana) and 02
(Blue--Torero T/Pluma)
(Certificate 18)
My oh my, the guys from Northern Mexico (The Nortec Collective) have
been such a find, and now one of them has released four limited-edition
10" vinyls, for which I have two. They are utterly terrific batches of
goods that can really cut through the dance floor very nicely.
Apparently, he's just released a full-length Cds with the cuts from all
four of the 10" vinyls.
The Avalanches--Since I Left You (XL)
This is very, very good stuff from the six-member Australian group. I
was just floored the moment I played with the vinyl at my local record
store. I have not been this electrified of an album in such awhile.
These Aussies will invade the clubs, and deservably so.
Zero 7--I Have Seen (Ultimate Dilemma)
I was so enthralled with all the vinyl I've either found or was
introduced to a few days ago, that I've yet to have the chance to listen
to Zero 7's full length (which, I hear, is absolutely brilliant
downtempo). But this is smooth downtempo with a beautiful orchestral
backdrop and nice vocal work. The 12" has two unreleased tracks on the
other side that isn't on the album. I've listened to Zero 7 since Gilles
played their tunes on his show, and it makes me want to hear them even
more.
Spacek--Curvatia (Island/Blue)
It's been a long time since I have listened to a full-on album that
turns soul and R&B on its head, and could be deservant of the title
"future soul." This album does it for me. It's so beautiful, so soulful,
that you wonder why the rest of R&B doesn't follow suit. I really hope
that they get an American release because they deserve to be heard.
Block 16--Morning Sun (Nuphonic)
I first heard of Block 16 on the Into Somethin' radioshow on the Net,
and then saw Dusty Groove touting it heavily. I took a chance by
ordering it from my local record store, and I was happily surprised. So
many blends and genres on this album permeates throughout. The variety
reminds me of I:Cube's "Adore" album, but yet it's more soulful in the
way it plays out. Guest vocalists are sprinkled throughout, as well as
some nice instrumentals that should keep the floor hopping.
Chateau Flight--Prism (Sun Orchestra Remix) (Versatile 12")
I was sent this vinyl earlier this year directly from Didler at
Versatile. I've played some of the tracks on it several times on my
show, then listened to the song on "Into Somethin'." It was sped up just
a notch, but it sounded so damn funky. So I was curious if the vinyl I
had included that mix because their album "Puzzles" had only the orginal
version. Indeed, I have it....and I was very happy now that I knew that
it's in my box.
Om Lounge 5 (Om)
In my opinion, this is the best of the series put together so far. One
of the compilers is Dirk Kahl, an independent promo person that I deal
with. It's just so outstanding in the choice of cuts. Some of my favs
includes a delicious mix from Swag of Afro-Mystik, as well as UKO's
"Sunbeam," and more. It goes up there with it's "Mushroom Jazz 3" album
as fine late-night listening...even if it's as bright as day outdoors.
Cosmic Funk (Quango)
Yes, Quango is back and ready to educate the masses with a bunch of new
compilations that are either released or are forthcoming. You might have
a slight issue, as I have, that most of the tunes on the compilations
are about at least 2 years old. Still, I ended up stumbling on Neon
Phusion's "The Future Ain't The Same as It Us 2B" and New Sector
Movement's "My History Feel The Spirit (Afro History Part II)". It would
be a good collection for the DJs who want to find some past goodies in
one collection. Again, be forewarned that you may get tuned out if you
feel these tunes are past their prime.
No Categories 4 (Ubiquity)
For some reason, this new volume in the annual "No Categories" series
seems to take a lesser emphasis on jazz and a greater emphasis on club
culture. Even so, it doesn't take anything away from the sheer
excellence for which this series is well known for. I've played quite a
few cuts from this collection. Some of my personal recommends includes
new tunes from Opaque and Loqate (aka Afronaught), as well as a
massively funky tune from James Comb (a solid 13-minute funkfest). Some
great remixes are done by the likes of the Funky Lowlives. It's an
essential for your collection.
Happy Hunting...let the hunt go on!
V.
-- Velanche Stewart Information Technology Consultant College of Liberal Arts Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo Phone: 805-756-7326 Email: vstewart@calpoly.edu
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