Review: In which no fewer than 24 rock and indie classics get reworked for the dancefloor. Admirably, the mysterious V avoids the temptation to simply whack a 4/4 kickdrum under everything - in fact, many of the cuts could better be described as remixes or reworkings rather than simple re-edits. Inevitably, some of the resulting concoctions work better than others - and which you think that applies to may depend on your views on the original source material - but if you're looking for a way to drag non-house/disco lovers onto the floor, this collection should serve you well.
Review: The much-lauded Jamie XX rework of Gil Scott-Heron's 2010 album I'm New Here finally arrives, and it's pretty darn good. In truth there's little quite as gorgeously ambitious as the strangely anthemic teaser single "NY Is Killing Me" (included here), but that doesn't stop it being an excellent listen. Not so much a set of remixes as a total reproduction, We're New Here places the veteran beat poet's distinctive vocals at the heart of a heady, other-worldly soup of eclectic beats (think dubstep, hip-hop and wonky house), booming basslines, sparkling house riffs, blissful melodies and paranoid late night atmospherics. A near perfect 33 minutes, all told.
The Aubergine That Ate Rangoon (Cherrystones rework) - (7:24) 110 BPM
City Of Lagoons - (5:11) 67 BPM
City Of Lagoons (Cherrystones rework) - (5:10) 90 BPM
Review: A connection that perhaps didn't seem obvious at first but makes sense when you think about it, space rock titans get the niche reissue treatment on Emotional Rescue with Chuggy's ever prolific stable picking two deep cuts from the band's frankly intimidating back catalogue. Originally released in 1976 on "Astounding Sounds, Amazing Music", "The Aubergine That Ate Rangoon" and "City Of Lagoons" are both examples of Hawkwind at their cosmic best, and not afraid to hold down a groove either. Alongside the originals, we're also treated to some wild remix versions from wayfaring astral traveler Cherrystones - lucky for us!
Review: There's always something instantly identifiable about a Ghostly International record, and Tycho sounds as though he would never dream of bucking the trend as he returns to offer forth the languid tones of Dive. It's the very pleasant, bewitching end of electronica, where the beats stay on the straight and narrow, while the melodies chime harmoniously, earnest in their bid to support each other. There's a definite fondness for New Order in the arrangements, from the tidily presented drum hits to the ambiguous disposition. A lovely listen from start to finish.
Review: Trentemoller's Into The Great Wide Yonder sees the Danish producer dipping his toe into new territory to deliver an LP that sounds wholly natural and unforced, showcasing yet another side to his musical prowess. Not that we should be surprised - 2006's critically acclaimed debut The Last Resort was a crisp dance record, while his first mix compilation, Harbour Boat Trips, came loaded with varying sentiments of indie, rock and pop. Into The Great Wide Yonder completes Trentemøller's transition from his roots as a dancefloor producer into the more instrument-led domain of pop and rock tinged electronica. Still using a driving kick drum as the core to the album, the In My Room head honcho is still very much part of the dance scene, just not in the club focused way that we're used to.
