Tuesday 31 May 2011

Tribute - Gil Scott Heron

We have lost yet another great from the black music world. Gil Scott Heron died aged 62 on May 27th of an illness he picked up whilst travelling aroung Europe.
Like many of my era who attended Blues, Soul and Jazz Funk parties back in the mid - late 80's, i was introduced to Gil's work after dropping foot and sweating profusely to 'The Bottle'. The rhythmic kick of the bass drum and snare, the repetetive keys riff and the free flying, dancing sounds of flautist and long time collaborator Brian Jackson, all topped by Gil's flowing, emotive vocals. First time i heard it, i went nuts, we all went nuts and people still go nuts when they hear it today. That was just the beginning of my journey up this musical mountain. There are too many great songs from his catalogue for me to pick a favourite. 'We almost lost Detroit', 'It's your world', 'New York is killing me' and 'The Revolution will not be televised' are just a few of many that have made an impression on me. You only have to look through the untold scrolls of tributes from the general public, to artists, politicians, musicians etc etc, the love and appreciation goes on and on; watch out for television and radio tributes aplenty.
Gil Scott Heron was widely regarded within the Hip-Hop/Rap world as the 'Godfather of Rap', a moniker he apparently hated. There are tributes from the likes of Chuck D, Mos Def, Eminem, Talib Kweli and Snoop Dogg who all cite him as a major influence. He certainly laid down the template for such artists.
Poet, novelist, singer, songwriter, musician, political agitator, inventor of rap music, maybe? His own worst enemy in latter years, definately. He released the major body of his work between 1970 and the early 80's, picking up his recording career again in 1990 and onwards, culminating in the release of 'I'm new here' in 2010 and the follow up remix album by Jamie XX, 'We're new here'.
As with many in life, Gil Scott Heron has lived his fair share of trauma. Coming from a broken home as a child, he seemed to break free of the ghetto and made a living preaching through his music to Americas black communities, to take control, be proud and break the cycle. Unfortunately, he fell into the same trap he warned against just halfway through his career. Crippled by artistic impotence, he spiralled into a life of drug addiction. Arrests and jail time followed for drug possession. At the time of his death, Gil was also HIV positive.
Of all the tributes i have read over the last few days, i liked these words from Richard Russell, founder of XL records. As well as releasing both albums, he helped produce 'I'm new here' and conceived the idea for the remix album 'We're new here'.
"Gil was not perfect in his own life. But neither is anyone else. And he judged no one. He had a fierce intelligence, and a way with words which was untouchable; an incredible sense of humour and a gentleness and humanity that was unique to him." On the trappings of fame, Richard says; "He could have had all those things. But he was greater than that. He seemed wholly uninterested in money. His talent was immense. He was a master lyricist, singer, orator and keyboard player. His spirit was immense. He channelled something that people derived huge benefit from."

As sombre as i feel at the passing of this bonafide legend, i will take the music and the memories and keep playing them over and over and over . . . . . .

Tuesday 24 May 2011

Elzhi - Elmatic


Take one ex-member of legendary Detroit Hip-Hop group Slum Village, get him to flow over a stone cold Hip-Hop classic record and you have the wonderfully produced 'Elmatic'.
The classic album i am talking about is Illmatic, Nas's debut from way back in 1994. The rapper who has fronted this brave interpretation is Elzhi, the MC who replaced the godlike J Dilla in SV.
While much has been made of the alleged fallout between remaining SV members Elzhi and T3, the former has come up trumps with this cracking concept.
You can order the physical copy of this 10 track offering from elzhi.com/

Tracklisting

1. The Genesis
2. Detroit State of Mind (Houseshoes Shout)
3. Halftime
4. Memory Lane
5. The World Is Yours
6. Represent
7. Life’s A Bitch feat. Royce da 5’9 and Stokley Williams of Mint Condition
8. One Love
9. It Ain’t Hard To Tell (Pete Rock Shout)
10. Pete Rock Shout

You can download free from here

Pete Rock & Camp Lo - 80 blocks from Tiffany's mixtape

Legendary NY producer Pete Rock teams up with fellow 90's Hip-Hop duo Camp Lo, together they have joined forces to become '80 blocks from Tiffany's'.
There is an album due in the Summer. In the meantime they have teamed up with Djs Mark Divita and Trackstar to bring you '80 blocks from Tiffany's mixtape'. Wicked!

Download the mixtape from here

Sunday 15 May 2011

Mile wide smile club - Sonic blitz: 6hr aural bombardment

Well, you wait over a year for a mixtape and three come in one go! Technically though, it's one mix but split into 3 parts for easier digestion. Why a 6hr mixtape? Cos' 12 hours seemed too long. I havn't liberated my tunes for a long time and i have a ton of stuff that i have bought in the last year or so, this seemed like the natural thing to do.This mixtape spans the whole spectrum of my tastes, taking in Soul, Disco, Boogie, House, UK bass, Hip-Hop and a whole lot more.
Hope you enjoy : )

Mile wide smile club - Sonic Blitz; 6 hour aural bombardment - part 1 by Mickey Duke

Mile wide smile club - Sonic Blitz; 6 hour aural bombardment - part 2 by Mickey Duke

Mile wide smile club - Sonic Blitz; 6 hour aural bombardment - part 3 by Mickey Duke

Tracklist

1/ Mark Capriani - I believe in Miracles  - Jazzman 7”
2/ Dee Edwards - Why can’t there be love - Adidas originals 7”
3/ Glady’s  Knight and the pips - Love is always on your mind - Buddah records LP
4/ Fatback band - Wicky Wacky (Jamie 326 edit) - Partehardy records 12”
5/ Marvin Gaye - Heavy love affair (Revenge rework) – Ooft 12”
6/ Cerrone - Hooked on you (Kon’s remix) - Download
7/ World Premiere - Share the night (Breakdown mix) - Epic 12”
8/ Circle city band - Magic - Becket records 12”
9/ Disco 4 - Move to the groove - Enjoy records 12”
10/ U.B.s return - Body II Body (re-touched) - Electric souls 12”
11/ Bozeman & Roberts - Working mama - Peoples potential unlimited 12”
12/ Mystic Merlin - Mr Magician - Capitol 12”      
13/ Uno - Boogie beat - Tryon Park records 12”
14/ Skratch - You should have known better - Passion records 12”
15/ John Gazoo - What happened (vocal) - Compost Disco 3 12”
16/ Sleazy McQueen feat Anne Montone - Anna Due (Social Disco Club Remix) - Whiskey Disco France 12”
17/ Tornado Wallace - Whispering twirl - Delusions of grandeur 12”
18/ Crazy P MTS vol 1 - My love - 2020 recordings 12”
19/ Manuel Tur feat. Holly Backler - Most of this moment - Freerange records 12"
20/ Manuel Tur feat. Holly Backler  - Most of this moment (Isolee remix) - White label 12”
21/ One Off : One - People of Earth  - Amp-Art Recordings - 12”
22/ Prommer & Barck - The Barking Grizzle (Detroit/Berlin) - International Deejay Gigolo Records 12”
23/ Awanto 3 - For Five EP - Rush hour 12”
24/ Mavis ft. Candi Staton  - Revolution - K7 10”
25/ Pure P - Love is what you need - Download
26/ Donny McCullough - From the heart (Kon’s multi remix) - Off the tracks vol III - BBE LP
27/ Eli Escobar - Money Lotion #8 / Escobar Edits - Come go with me - Money studies records 12”
28/ Nightlife unlimited - Peaches and Prunes (J Rocc edit) - Download
29/ T Connection - Do what you wanna do - TK Disco 12”
30/ Teddy Pendergrass – The more i get, the more i want – Eastend music 12”
31/ Theo Parrish – Ugly edits 11 – Ugly edits 12”
32/ Omar S - Here’s your trance, now dance!! - FXHE 12”
33/ Moodymanc - Paint it Black (Larry Heard remix) - Tsuba records 12”
34/ Rick Poppa Howard- Do what you have to do - Your house is your rush records 12”
35/ Rick Wilhite, Osunlade, Theo Parrish, Billy Love - Blame it on the Boogie - Still music LP
36/ Francesco Tristano - Idiosynkrasia – Infine recordings 12”
37/ Moodymann - Freaki Muthafucka - KDJ 12”
38/ The Martinez Brothers - The Causeway - Objektivity 12”
39/ Ezel feat. Tamara Wellons - In my lifetime (Deetron rmx) - Ocha/Yoruba records 12”
40/ DVA feat. Fatima -  Just Vybe - Hyperdub 12”
41/ Julip Bashmore – Batty knee dance - 3024 12”
42/ Maurice Donovan - Babeh – SSSSS 12”
43/ Pearson sound – Working with – Night slugs 12”
44/ Radiohead – Lotus Flower- Radiohead self released LP
45/ Fourtet - Pinnacles – Text records 12”
46/ Thom Yorke, Fourtet, Burial - Mirrors /Ego – Text records 12”
47/ Koreless – 4D – MTI 12”
48/ Seiji - More of you – Seiji 12”
49/ SBTRKT & Sampha - Living like i do - All young Turks 12”
50/ Kode 9 - You Don't Wash (DJ-Kicks) – K7
51/ Julio Bashmore - Battle for middle you - PMR records 12”
52/ Ossie - Tarantula - Light works 12”
53/ Bnjmn - Ocean spray - Rush hour LP
54/ Lone - Approaching rainbow / Echolocations EP - R&S records 2 x 12”
55/ Photek - Avalanche/101 - Photek productions 12”
56/ Julio Bashmore - Ribble to Amazon - 3024 12”
57/ Royalty - Heat ray - Five easy pieces EP
58/ Krystal Kleer - Persuaded me - Download
59/ Discodeine feat. Matias Aguavo - Falkenberg (Pilooski remix) - Dark and lovely
60/ Bullion - Magic was ruler/You drive me to plastic -  Young Turks EP
61/ Doris Ebong - Boogie trip/Lagos Disco inferno - Academy records LP
62/ Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 - African soldier - Knitting factory records LP
63/ Todd Terje - Ragysh - Running back records 12”
64/ DJ Nature - This side of heaven - Golf channel 12”
65/ Coyote - Childhood memory - Is it Balearic? Recordings 12”
66/ Faulty DL - Mean Streets part 1 - Swamp 81
67/ Alfabet (Tom Trago & Awanto 3) - Roundabout - Rush hour 12”
68/ Mim Suleiman - Mingi edit - Running back download
69/ Taylor McFerrin feat Ayat - Place in my heart - Brainfeeder download
70/ Stepkids - Shadows on Behalf - Stones Throw 12”
71/ Stupid Human - Get on up - Stupid human 12”
72/ Kerrier district 3 - Needy feelin’ - Sound of speed Japan 12”
73/ Empulse - Boppin’ - Boogie Times recordings 12”
74/ Rhythm - Are you ready for this - RCA LP
75/ Pedders - Afro soldier - Gamm 12”
76/ J*Davey - Quicksand - Bandcamp download
77/ Funkineven - She’s Acid - Eglo recordings 12”
78/ Jamie Woon - Lady luck (Hudson Mohawke remix) - Candent songs 12”
79/ Adelle - Rolling in the deep (Jamie XX remix) - XL recordings 12”
80/ Young Montana? - LIMERENCE LP SAMPLER (ALPHA PUP) - AYK PROMO
81/ Dimlite - Loins - Stones Throw download
82/ J Rocc - Some cold rock stuff - Stones Throw LP
83/ Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings - I’m not gonna cry - Daptone records 7”
84/ U.B.’s - Synthetic Substitution - Undercover brother 7”
85/ Exile - Population control(Samiyam remix) - Plug research/XLR8R download
86/ Reflection Eternal feat. Jay Electronica, J. Cole & Mos Def - Just begun - Download
87/ Jay Electronica feat. Jay Z and The Dream - Shiny suit theory - Download
88/ Tall Black guy - Water no enemy - Download
89/ Raphael Saadiq - Movin’ down the line – Columbia LP



Mayer Hawthorne free ep



1. Work To Do
This one features my live band, The County: Quentin Joseph on drums, Topher Mohr on guitar, Quincy McCrary on piano, and Joe Abrams on bass. It was recorded live in a radio station studio somewhere during our Winter 2010 US tour. The tapes recently surfaced, but nobody can remember exactly where we were. The song is originally by The Isley Brothers, and that’s the only version I was familiar with until we started playing it in our live shows and people would come up to us and say “hey, loved your cover of Average White Band!”.

2. Don’t Turn The Lights On
My favorite track from Chromeo’s latest LP. On the surface it’s an electro-funk, dance floor filler, but underneath is a brilliant love ballad with lyrics that reminded me of something from Tyrone Davis. Dave1 (of Chromeo) told me the song is about a guy who falls in love with a ghost, so I wanted my version to have an eerie, ghostly feel to it. Quincy McCrary played the creepy piano solo at the end.

3. You’ve Got The Makings Of A Lover
Textbook Northern Soul from a little known Dallas, Texas group called The Festivals. I was digging for records in NY with my homey DJ Kurse, and the shopkeeper played the 45 in the store. Both of us immediately ran up to the counter and said “yo! what is THAT?!”. The original version was recorded in the late 60s, and the mix isn’t very good. I wanted a version that I could bump. Quentin Joseph played the drums and we recorded them at Sam Beaubien’s studio in Detroit. That’s Sam playing the trumpet as well.

4. Fantasy Girl
This song was written and composed by an amazing man from Pasadena named Steve Salazar. He was born with a heart condition and passed away at the young age of 27. Before he died he recorded one incredible album of demos in the mid-70s with a band called Shorty’s Portion. Peanut Butter Wolf found a copy of the album and I loved it so much that he gave it to me (thanks Wolf!). The vinyl had a handwritten note tucked in the sleeve that was addressed to anyone who could help the band with management, a record deal, radio airplay, etc. I’d estimate there were less than 300 copies pressed. That’s my Dad playing pedal steel guitar and Topher Mohr shredding the guitar solo on my version.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

5. Little Person
Jon Brion is not from this planet. He penned this song for the soundtrack to Charlie Kaufman’s film “Synecdoche, NY”. I didn’t get the film at all, but javascript:void(0)I really got the soundtrack. The original has only female vocal and piano, but I always heard a larger arrangement. Hubert Alexander played some of the piano and I did everything else.

6. Mr. Blue Sky
This one also features my band, The County, and was recorded live, in one take, in a tiny makeshift tent, at a festival in Dour, Belgium.

Download here

Tuesday 10 May 2011

Who let the Dogg out?

Well, love him or hate him - can't think there will be many for the latter - Snoop and his crew are rollin' into Brighton on Sunday.
Announced very late by The Dome, tickets sold out in a matter of hours. Now fetching anywhere between £50 - £100 each on Ebay, ouch!!
I wasn't lucky enough to get one but i'm still trying.
Although i'm a fan, i like many are of the opinion that Snoop has lost his edge a little over the last few years. Nevertheless, this will be a great show and is a huge booking for the Dome. I have never seen him live, so looking forward to the opportunity of geting up close and personal. Apparently, Warren G is with him too. Sounds too entriguing to miss.
I know this track is more about Dre, but still . . . . . . .

Monday 9 May 2011

3 of the best



Wednesday 4 May 2011

Mile wide smile club April 2011 charts

Bish! bosh! Another month of the year behind us (slightly scary) and another month of cracking releases.
Julio Bashmore continues to impress, this time he has produced the maiden release for his own label, Futureboogie. Wicked releases from Jacques green, Todd terje, Addison groove and the lovely Fatima. The long anticipated album from The Owiny Sigoma band has dropped, as well as a blinding Theo Parrish remix of their track 'Wires', released especially for record store day. More top drawer long player action from Raphael Saadiq, Seun Kuti, and Bibio.
Too much to go into in detail.
Check the chart, check the toons!!

1/ Virgo four - Resurrection - ltd 5xLP boxset
2/ Jacques Green - Another girl - Lucky me 12”
3/ Photek ­­- Rings around Saturn (Breach remix) - Unknown 12"
4/ Raphael Saadiq – Stone Rollin’ - Sony LP
5/ Julio Bashmore - Father father - Futureboogie 12”
6/ Tall Black guy - Water no enemy - Download
7/ Owiny Sigoma band - Owiny Sigoma band - Brownswood LP
8/ Seun Kuti - From Africa with fury: rise - Knitting factory records LP
9/ Owiny Sigoma band - Wires (Theo Parrish remix) - Brownswood 12”
10/ Sean P - You make me so hot/Sunrise - Cosmic Boogie 12”
11/ Moodymanc - Black paint (Larry Heard remix) - Tsuba 12”
12/ Fatima - Innervision (prod Floating points) - Eglo AYK promo
13/ Toddd Terje - Ragysh - Running back 12”
14/ Stupid Human - Gun ga din/Get on up - Stupid Human 12”
15/ Addison Groove - It's got me/Minutes of funk - 3024 12"
16/ Bibio - Mind Bokeh - Warp LP
17/ Empulse - Boppin/Secret love - Boogie times records 12”
18/ Exile – Population control - Samiyam remix - All city Download
19/ Young Montana? - Limerence - Alpha pup AYK promo
20/ Jamie Woon - Lady Luck (Hudson Mohawke remix) - Polydor 12”

Nice one
Mickey

Tuesday 3 May 2011

Don't sleep!

Can't say i'm one for buying re-issue vinyl, where possible i will always look to buy original pressings. However, there are many times that an original pressing will break the bank as they are rare as rocking horse shi*t or are they are just not available, period.
On these occasions, re-issue vinyl can be a blessing.
Boogie Times records are based in France and they have licenced the release of a number of ultra rare and unreleased boogie 12"s. They are in seriously limited numbers (some have gone already), so don't sleep!
They are currently doing the rounds at Juno, Discogs etc. .
If you are a fellow wax junkie then check the links and dig these tracks out, even the re-issues are going to be worth some.

Ghostpoet - Survive it (Koreless remix)

Rather a beautiful track lifted and remixed from the album by Ghostpoet.
Peanut butter blues and Melancholy Jam was released earlier in the year to massive critical acclaim and Coventry based wordsmith Ghostpoet hasn't had a lot of time to sit still since. Things are rolling along pretty quickly, not surprising if you have heard the record
Self produced in his bedroom, Ghostpoet sent his demos to anyone who would listen and ended up sitting infront of Gilles Peterson. Gilles suggested an album and Voila! one was born on GP's Brownswood label.
If you havn't heard the album already, do so, it's well worth checking.
The remix is of a track called Survive it and has been crafted by the excellent Koreless. It is released on the 9th May but you can hear it on Ghostpoet' Soundcloud site.
Ghostpoet - Survive It (Koreless Remix) by ghostpoet