DJ Elwood

Snarky Graffiti - a Park Slope tradition

2011-10-13T09:37:00.002-05:00

New Mix: Recent Soul (2011)

2011-09-22T14:43:00.001-05:00

This is my first mix since parenthood threw me for a loop in 2008.
I put this mix together to share some of my favorite soulful music from the past year or two. This mix is for promotional purposes only—these artists have bills to pay—so please support them. I created an itunes playlist where you can purchase the full versions of the songs I used. Feedback is appreciated!

To download right/control click on the image below:

Barrington Levy - Here I Come - 09 - The Vibes Is Right

2011-09-08T11:46:00.001-05:00

Usually smoove jazz sax cheeses up any song, yet this song is so STRONG.
Great end of summer vibe.

Toro Y Moi "Saturday Love"

2011-09-08T10:27:00.000-05:00

Can't hold a candle to the original, I don't think ANYONE could.
Nonetheless it's good to hear people paying homage to a classic.

Active Child - High Priestess

2011-09-06T15:53:00.003-05:00

Gorgeous song. His voice sounds like Emo Phillips, or maybe Antony Hegarty but its really stuck in my head.

Damon Albarn and DRC - Hallo

2011-09-01T10:59:00.010-05:00

Apparently Damon Albarn is getting his Paul Simon on producing an album with Congolese musicians (via SPIN article.) Charity albums often don't produce the best results, but oh man, this first song is promising...

Hallo (featuring Tout Puissant Mukalo and Nelly Liyemge) by DRC Music

The surviving 1/2 of Milli Vanilli tells his story....(via The Moth)

2011-08-25T10:00:00.007-05:00

This is worth a listen...
Fab Morvan - A Voice of My Own
(opens in itunes)

Jesse Boykins III - I Can't Stay (Prod. by Gold Panda)

2011-08-18T11:18:00.000-05:00

Feeling this new Jessie Boykins III song. You can download the new EP for free here.

Extra-prolific, Peven Everett

2011-08-17T10:07:00.007-05:00

Just found out by way of the ever-soulful blog moovmnt.com that Peven Everett dropped two albums this month!

Dude is prolific! Dude needs a graphic designer!

Medicine Man by Peven Everett

Amuse Bouche by Billie Jewell

Brooklyn's Own... Leeee-Lo

2011-07-05T18:29:00.000-05:00

If You Like-a Me...

2011-05-30T10:49:00.003-05:00

This was one of my favorite films as a kid, and its aged quite well, (or maybe I just haven't matured). Ive always thought this song was sweet, I hope I get to play it at a wedding one day...

Delayed Gratification

2011-04-13T10:37:00.006-05:00

Before Drake's 'Fancy, there was this one, which I learned of by way of DJ Soul's 'No Idea's Original'.
This is the slowest builder ever, by the last minute its seriously good, but then the last 20 seconds - wow, who else is producing R&B on this level?

(Sadly his lyrics are not up to par, but the production, just sublime.)

Happy St. Patrick's day

2011-03-17T10:36:00.002-05:00

Amazing footage - Central Park 1972

2011-03-15T09:05:00.005-05:00

Sometimes youtube really comes through.

Wish I Had Thought of this

2011-03-04T12:32:00.004-05:00

Not sure who to attribute this to, it's been floating around facebook, but it sure made my day.

iTunes/ View/ as Cover Flow

2011-02-11T12:09:00.003-05:00

Prince slow heaters

2011-01-18T14:59:00.003-05:00

If you love Price slow jams check out this mix by DJ mOma:

Here's the Purple One covering Bonnie Raitt.

youtube diggin

2011-01-07T08:48:00.004-05:00

DJ Elwood Mixes on Soundcloud

2010-08-31T14:08:00.003-05:00

Latest tracks by DJ Elwood

Soul Glo! by DJ Elwood

Insane 2 by DJ Elwood ">

The Colorful Sweater Mix by DJ Elwood

KIllin' It

2010-08-13T10:51:00.002-05:00

Alexander O'Neals vocal gives me goosepbumps here. Nowadays this would all be lip synced.

Nice

2010-05-14T10:04:00.004-05:00

Letterhead used by Freddie Mercury in 1973, the year Queen’s debut album was released.
(via the always fascinating letterheady)

Congrats to dj mOma!

2010-05-12T07:02:00.004-05:00

Red-Bull Champ!

Fantasy

2010-04-28T13:33:00.004-05:00

You Can't Lose What You Never Had (1981)

Special Delivery EP

2010-04-13T09:33:00.004-05:00

***Late pass disclaimer*** If you're one of the five loyal readers of this blog, chances are you already got this.

Just in case you missed it, Eleven & Moma have put together an EP of remixes in support of their monthly Special Delivery party.
Lettering by yours truly. I hadn't done hand lettering in a long time, but we're gonna be replacing with a new logo soon.

Enjoy:
Special Delivery EP

Eleanor Rigby covers

2010-02-23T13:23:00.004-05:00

So Focused!
The Southpaw homies put together an entire show of Eleanor Rigby covers.
I remember a dope Ken Sport track that sampled Eleanor Rigby, would post if I could find.
Tracklist and streaming link at Chances With Wolves.

Subway! - More Classic Sesame St

2010-02-19T11:32:00.002-05:00

My friend Isaac Moore posted this one on facebook, had to share.

Luther on Sesame Street

2010-01-06T21:35:00.004-05:00

Unfortunately no solo, but peep the young Luther Vandross on the top of the stairs.

Unemployment Benefit: 35 Books Read in 2009

2010-01-02T11:07:00.010-05:00

Reposted: Flex Dance Classics set 12/31/93

2009-12-31T13:14:00.000-05:00

From the personal stash, this is a recording from Hot 97 on New Years Eve '94. Funk Flex tears through a lot of Funhouse and Garage classics. Personal highlights are doubles of "You Can't Have Your Cake & Eat it Too" (Goddamn I love that record), "Back Together Again", "Starchild", "Pop Goes My Love", and "Body Mechanic".

This has been a very important tape for me. Since I mostly just listened to hip-hop in 93-94, this show was my introduction to the whole dance classics/boogie/disco genre. No one else was playing these joints on prime-time commercial radio at this time. As soon as I started spinning, these were some of the first records I dug for.

It's bugged to think that when this show aired, a lot of these songs were only 10 or 11 years old. Which really isn't that old. Now when people play them, they're over 25 years old, and they sound just as dope.

Nothing but flavor, as they say.
Download Funk Flex Classics
Note, there are a few fuck ups on the tape, where I recorded over or hit pause by mistake, so the tape has some gaps. MY bad.

Repost: Christmas with Dolemite

2009-12-25T11:13:00.000-05:00

Black Cat
Merry Christmas Baby
St Peter
Tennis Shoes
The Night Before Christmas

Vinyl Mania RIP

2009-07-21T10:33:00.002-05:00

Very nice Charlie Grappone interview over at djhistory.com

Kenix Music featuring Bobby Youngblood

2009-06-11T13:12:00.011-05:00

This is one of my favorite West End joints, I closed out my Insane 2 Boogie Mix with it. Here is the extended version.
Kenix music was Kenton Nix, the producer behind such anthems as Funky Sensation and Heartbeat.

Kenix Music featuring Bobby Youngblood - "There's Never Been (No One Like You)" (1980)

For another amazing Bobby Youngblood track, check out Josh Dunn's excellent "I Can Feel It" mix.

Genius (of Love)

2009-04-12T20:46:00.019-05:00

Tom Tom Club - Genius of Love (1981)
Genius of Love is an all-time classic. Talk about genre-spanning. Only early 80's downtown NYC could have birthed it.

At first I thought Yella was a bootleg of Genius, but it turns out Tina Weymouth and Chris Frantz were behind it. Not sure who the "MC" was, a quick google search suggested it was Steven Stanley, but thats not confirmed. It's also not clear which tune actually came first. Was Yella Tom Tom Club's own response to all the Rap records that referenced them, or was it an earlier song which Genius of Love was based on?

The third song is an X-Clan track that samples Genius, (its off a high-school tape so don't stress the hiss). This track sounds really good to me right now. Amazing production.

Yella - Yella!! (1981)

X-Clan - In The Ways of the Scales (1990)

Best Hip-House Remix

2009-03-31T10:26:00.008-05:00

In the early 90's Hip-House remixes were ubiquitous, and most of them were entirely superfluous. This one really works, and gives new life to what was a pretty kitschy S-n-P track.

Salt-N-Pepa - Let's Talk About Sex (Power Mix)
produced by Hurby & The Invincibles, 1991

Love Committee - Just As Long As I Got You

2009-03-28T14:36:00.004-05:00

Love Committee - Just As Long As I Got You (Law & Order, 1978)

Johnnie Taylor - You're The Best In The World

2009-03-28T14:20:00.003-05:00

Johnnie Taylor - You're the Best In The World (Eargasm, 1976)

A good Flick

2009-02-19T09:23:00.007-05:00

I recently watched "The Visitor". Its a great flick, well directed and understated, despite it's heavy subject matter. Plus it's written and directed by Scott Templeton? Who knew!

RIP British Union Square Carrot Peeler Guy

2009-02-03T17:45:00.006-05:00

R.I.P. Joe Ades NYTimes.com

Red Alert tape - Spring 1985

2009-01-19T12:49:00.018-05:00

Side A
Side B
Shout to my homie John D'Aponte for hooking me up with this tape.
Check his site for dope Brooklyn Button Downs, and the new Baracklyn Dodgers Tee! etc.

tracklist:
Side A
01. LL Cool J - I Need a Beat
02. The B Boys - Stick Up Kid
03. Jazzy Jay - Def Jam
04. Mantronix with M.C. Tee - Fresh Is The Word
05. Run DMC - Live at The Funhouse
06. Roxanne Shante - Roxanne's Revenge
07. GrandMaster Flash - Larry's Dance Theme
08. Bobby Jimmy & The Critters - Big Butt
09. Whodini - Big Mouth

Side B
09. Whodini - Big Mouth
10. Run DMC - Daryll And Joe
11. Kurtis Blow - Basketball
12. Sparky D vs. The Playgirls - The Battle
13. Word of Mouth feat DJ Cheese - King Kut
PAUSE
14. Run DMC - You're Blind
PAUSE
15. Bad Boys feat K-Love - Inspector Gadget
16. Master O.C. & Krazy Eddie - Private Lessons
17. Fat Boys - Can You Feel It

and here's some videos from the Tape:
the Inspector Gadget video:

and the Roxanne's Revenge video:

and Whodini's Big Mouth

and finally, Fat Boys - Can You Feel It

Things I learned about Human League's "Human"

2009-01-14T15:22:00.009-05:00

1. It was produced by Jam & Lewis. Is that news to anyone else?
Duh! No wonder it always sounded like "Tender Love"

2. Apparently, Luke Wilson was in the band.

3. They pressed an acapella and an instrumental, and here they be:

Human (Aca + Inst)

Release The Tension in '09

2008-12-31T21:55:00.014-05:00

Proto-house track along the lines of Level 3 and Serious Intention, etc.
Boyd Jarvis + Timmy Regisford = dope.

Circuit - Release the Tension (1984)
Circuit - Release the Dub (1984)
Circuit - Release the a Capella (1984)

Bloglines

2008-12-25T16:45:00.008-05:00

I'm maad late to the whole blog-reader/blog-aggregator thing, but just in case I'm not the only one...
Subscribe to bloglines.com (free), you can organize all your blogs, and it automatically updates when they have new posts.

This is super helpful when checking on inconsistent blogs like yours truly.
Thanks to those readers that are still checkin me.

Cash Cab?

2008-12-24T11:05:00.002-05:00

We're in a recession, a subway ride is going up to $3, and he rolls around in a yellow cab, with thousands in cash.
Someone please rob this man.

Christmas with Dolemite (1971)

2008-12-17T14:08:00.001-05:00

Black Cat
Merry Christmas Baby
St Peter
Tennis Shoes
The Night Before Christmas

early Christmas treat

2008-12-12T13:48:00.006-05:00

I remember recording this off a Dahved Levy show back in high school. For some reason it was always hard to find, even in the napster days. Not a big fan of xmas songs but this one is dope...

Gregory Isaacs - Christmas Behind the Bars (1992)

Literal A-Ha Video

2008-10-30T13:49:00.008-05:00

This is some nerdery, but it's a clever idea and works well.
Found by way of Drawn

Blue Note LP covers

2008-10-15T12:08:00.006-05:00

An incredible collection of Blue Note Album covers over here:

Tom's DIner Article

2008-09-27T18:38:00.009-05:00

Suzanne Vega has an interesting piece in the Times on "The curious legend of “Tom's Diner”— how an a capella ditty became a hit single and, eventually, a key component in the development of the MP3.
Suzanne Vega - Tom's Essay

El Hijo de Obatala

2008-09-24T11:59:00.004-05:00

Ray Barretto - El Hijo De Obatala (1973)

The Rebirth of Bondy's???

2008-09-23T15:18:00.011-05:00

On a mission to J&R last weekend, I was pleasantly surprised to stumble upon this new record shop, Malachi Records.
Literally in the shadows of Park Row, my first thoughts were of Bondy's. I spoke briefly with one of the owners, who told me they actually tried to get the lease on Bondy's space, but it didn't work out. Malachi is located on the second floor of an office building, so it wasn't easy to find the entrance, but well worth it.

They've only been open a few months, but so far it looks promising.
Malachi Records
139 Fulton St # 135
New York, NY 10038
212 964-1600

Fugi-La

2008-09-20T18:56:00.008-05:00

This was one of those reissues that seemed ubiquitous a few years ago. Now apparently it's out of print, Here ya go:

Mary Don't Take Me On No Bad Trip

Revelations

3 month sabbatical

2008-09-19T15:46:00.003-05:00

Damn, I fell off. I guess impending fatherhood has me shook. My bizza. New postings coming this weekend. Anyone still out there? Is this T-Pain guy done yet? Why would anyone vote for McCain?

No Serato In His Game

2008-06-20T10:16:00.007-05:00

Kool Herc at Grand Army Plaza last weekend. If Herc can still lug his crates around, whats our excuse? Plus look how diesel the man is.
Crates = Fitness.

New DJ mOma

2008-06-12T12:01:00.008-05:00

Shout to the homie mOma, whose new mix is up for free download right here.

As mOma describes it: "This is 70 mins of sleazed-out to smoothed-out disco / boogie, late '79 thru late 82 (except for one or two minor exceptions here and there)."

Equalized

2008-06-11T10:32:00.010-05:00

I rented season 1 of The Equalizer this weekend, some great scenes of NYC in the 80's. Lots of bombed trains, pre-gentrification neighborhoods etc.

Phil Schaap

2008-05-21T11:11:00.005-05:00

The New Yorker has a good Piece on WKCR's own "Rainman of Jazz". If you think you're music obsessed you have nothing on Phil Schaap.

Lonnie Liston Smith - Never Too Late

2008-05-15T09:57:00.003-05:00

I presume for an accomplished Jazz musician like Smith, this was one of those embarassing forays into disco, but to me it's dope. Also included on my Colorful Sweater Mix.
Never Too Late (1983)

mucho recommendo

2008-05-06T14:51:00.009-05:00

Head over to the homie P. Skillz's site and check out this dope mix by Josh D. aka Fox 50. A summer '08 sure shot, this mix has been in heavy rotation on the ipod all week.

so smoove...

2008-04-23T15:38:00.002-05:00

Anita Baker - Angel (1983)

Nina Simone - April 21

2008-04-21T08:20:00.007-05:00

The High Priestess of Soul passed 5 years ago today.

Real Name: Eunice Kathleen Waymon
Born : February 21, 1933 // Tryon, NC, United States
Died : April 21, 2003 // Carry-le-Rouet, France

This is one of my favorite Simone songs, it was written by her brother.

It Be's That Way Sometime (1967)

Word Up!

2008-04-16T06:17:00.005-05:00

So much better than the Cameo song...

Legacy - Word Up

Illegal Signs and a Reporter’s Broken Camera

2008-04-10T15:07:00.009-05:00

Special for those that grew up in NYC, check this idiotic, herbaceous article via the NYTimes City Room. Even better than the article are the miles of commentary. I think "Queens 1978" summed it up best when he asked the reporter "What are you a hall monitor?"

chicago house compilation

2008-04-09T09:37:00.009-05:00

Here are two tracks from this nice double CD compilation:

Jesse Saunders - On & On

Charles B/Adonis - Lack of Love

this song Moves Me

2008-03-19T08:16:00.011-05:00

This is a track I first heard years ago on DJ Eleven's Soul Vol. 3.
Digging last weekend I picked this album up for $2, not making the connection.
I like when that happens.

Arranged by the late great Gene Page.
James Gilstrap - Move Me (1976)

p.s. Eleven, if you're reading, Soul Vol. 4 is loong overdue...

Norma Jean Wright

2008-03-07T12:55:00.008-05:00

In my quest to collect all things Chic Organization®, and all disco songs about "Saturday" I discovered this gem. Norma was the lead singer of Chic, and this was her first (and only) solo album.

Classic Rodgers/Edwards production, with the soaring strings, and just the right touch of melancholy.
Norma Jean Wright - Saturday (1978)

A message from the RIAA, circa 1983

2008-02-28T08:01:00.005-05:00

Two fierce joints from '79

2008-02-26T06:15:00.009-05:00

Sorting through my crates this weekend I found these two joints that I had forgotten and never digitized.
Enjoy.
Stargard - Wear It Out (1979)
The Invisible Man's Band - All Night Thing (1979)

Valentine's Day Special Mix

2008-02-14T08:19:00.005-05:00

DJ P.Skillz asked me to contribute a mix to his blog, so I made this valentine's day special. Neo-soul, Newjack soul, and some 80's R&B. Its a live mix, so there are a few woozy blends, but hopefully you'll be too busy gettin' busy to notice.

Here is the link to P.Skillz blog, while you're over there check out some of his dope mixes and vinyl rips:
The Grown 'n Sexy Warmup

DJ Elwood - The Grown 'n Sexy Warmup
01. Rahsaan Patterson - Burnin'
02. Amp Fiddler - Eye To Eye
03. Booster - You're The One
04. Juicy - Sugar Free
05. Angela Winbush - Treat You Right
06. Chuckii Booker - Games
07. Keni Burke - Risin' To The Top
08. Mixed Emotions - Never Gonna Stop
09. Groove Armada - My Friend
10. Karyn White - Weakness
11. Maxwell - Ascension
12. Sade - Paradise
13. Ledisi - Joy
14. Peven Everett - Testin' Me
15. Joyce Sims - Come Into My Life
16. Loose Ends - Stay A Little While Child
17. Sunshine Anderson - Heard it All Before (quantic rmx)
18. Luther Vandross - Shine
19. Stevie Wonder - Love Light In Flight
20. Maze - Joy & Pain (live)
21. Kleeer - Tonight
22. The Jones Girls - At Peace with Woman

This is a Test Press

2008-02-12T10:22:00.000-05:00

but by way of discogs I was able to ascertain:
1. Snowflake records was an offshoot of Prism
2. It was produced by Pure Energy
3. It was arranged by Curtis Hudson, who I assume was Laurice's husband?

Laurice Hudson - Feel My Love (1982)
Laurice Hudson - Feel My Love (Dub)

This track is included on my Colorful Sweater mix, see post below.

DJ Elwood - The Colorful Sweater Mix (2008)

2008-01-22T12:30:00.000-05:00

This is a mix I put together to give some burn to all those tracks I love that were a bit too smooth or mellow to fit on the ten other disco mixes I have in the oven. I would like to call special attention to track 22, which is the best Kashif, Paul Laurence & Morrie Brown (Mighty M) production EVER!

Download from the link below or listen right here:

DJ Elwood - The Colorful Sweater Mix (2008)

Keep Your Nerd Hand Strong

2008-01-10T14:03:00.000-05:00

In case you didn't know:
The Red Bull Music Academy hosts great (but very long) interviews with some of your favorite artists and producers. It's like Inside The Actors Studio for record nerds (without all those annoying actors)!

Leroy Burgess
Talks about the early days in Harlem, his neighbors the Fantastic Aleems, pretty incredible shit!

Leroy pt. 1
Leroy pt. 2
Leroy pt. 3

Hank Shocklee
Hearing Hank describe the feats of human engineering that it took to craft "A Nation of Millions" is humbling to anyone who has ever used a computer for music. It will make you feel like such a privileged piece of shit...

Hank pt. 1
Hank pt. 2
Hank pt. 3

Bob Power
This one takes the most patience, dude is almost as annoying as an actor, but worth it for an inside look at much of the Native Tongues' early work, from their Engineer's perspective.

Bob pt. 1
Bob pt. 2
Bob pt. 3
Bob pt. 4

Love Rescue

2008-01-07T10:57:00.001-05:00

What can I say, I love this record, the way it comes in with that fierce cymbal crash, the extra long intro, the lispy vocals by the effeminate male "rapper". The only imperfection for me is that the ladies' vocals are a bit too Broadway/overproduced (Similar to those in Alan Hawkshaw's "Here Comes That Sound"). It was produced by Canadians though, so let's forgive them, they are a strange bunch.

I dont know much about PBI records, but that Crab mascot with garfield eyes is dope. Though sort of an unfortunate choice for a mascot, in my opinion.

Love Rescue (1981)

7 Dope Mixes from '07

2008-01-01T12:11:00.000-05:00

Diplo's Pitchfork Mix was really dope as was DJ Soul's Assorted Donuts, but you already knew that. Here are a few compositions that may have fallen under your radar:

1. DJ Mike B: Steady Dippin' - Mike always brings the heat on his blog, and his recorded live sets are consistently dope, however this mix really stood out to me for its concept and selections. Sweet Soul galore. Mike breathes life back into songs I havent ever even bothered to put on my laptop like Santana. Well done.

2. Asaf: Argyle - I discovered this mix by way of Fox 50's 100 limousines, which has plenty of equally dope disco mixes which I have yet to digest. I will be checking this site out on the regular.

3. U Tern: Bodywork - A mix of (mostly) instrumentals to all your favorite Boogie joints, hilarious samples, expertly crafted, what more could you want?

4. Lloydski: Something Special - I think this was actually from '06, Lloydski puts his self deprecation on the backburner and lets the music shine. Spaced out disco goodness.

5. Woodman: Fire On Fire - And I thought Simple Text voice drops were done, boy was I wrong. Very fun.

6. DJ M.O.S: Friday Night Lights - worth it for the Colonel Abrams tracks alone. This is a great mix to have in your serato for warm up hour. Sets a grown and sexy vibe without burning too many heaters.

7. DJ Anonymous: Disco To Get Drunk To #4- I've been a fan of DJ Anonymous since I heard the first installment of this series on mix of the week (4 years ago?). Consistently dope, nice transitions, I always discover some records I absolutely need to own on here.

Marvin DVD

2007-12-12T10:05:00.000-05:00

I recently bought this DVD "Marvin Gaye - The Real Thing" from amazon. I highly recommend it. In addition to 16 great performances, as an added bonus there are 7 ACAPELLAS (!!!).
Only $11.99, so cop that!

Listen to the haunting Pretty Little Baby

and the requisite Aint No Mountain High Enough

cold world

2007-11-29T15:46:00.001-05:00

YO. Doesn't anyone like my "Funkmaster Levan" photoshoppery? I was hoping for at least some comment love on that shit. damn.

Funk Flex Dance Classics Set 12/31/93

2007-11-29T08:00:00.000-05:00

Tasty Boogie Gem

2007-11-19T11:52:00.000-05:00

I don't own the vinyl. This is from an overpriced Joey Negro compilation, which I bought strictly for Mid-Air's "Ease-Out", which unfortunately was edited and FX'd on this compilation, rendering it useless. Anyway this song here has really grown on me.
C-Brand - Wired For Games (1982)

P.S. 40 throwback

2007-11-16T10:47:00.000-05:00

This song was my SHIT in second grade. I have never played it out, or even come across the 12", but it must have been at least a minor hit. I used to make tapes off KISS, WPLJ, Z100, and this song was on a lot of them.

KC & The Sunshine Band - Give It Up (1982)

DJ Moma - The UK Soul Mix!

2007-11-13T08:00:00.000-05:00

The homie dj mOma just released this hot mix of UK soul. Dude sweats the British more than channel 13, but its all gravy...
Art direction by yours truly.
Download it:
Soul By The Pound

Or listen right here:

Le Tracks:
01. Won't Talk About It (Remix) - Beats International
02. Hangin' On A String (Contemplating) - Loose Ends
03. Never Stop (Heavies Remix) - The Brand New Heavies
04. Back II Life - Soul II Soul
05. Return Of The Mack - Mark Morrison
06. Been Around The World - Lisa Stansfield
07. Ghetto Heaven (Soul II Soul Remix) - The Family Stand
08. Dub Be Good To Me - Beats International
09. Get A Life - Soul II Soul
10. Get Yourself Together (Edit) - Young Disciples
11. You Can't Deny It - Lisa Stansfield
12. My One Temptation - Mica Paris
13. Paradise - Sade
14. Always Reminds Me (Demo Mix)- Azur
15. Feels Just Like It Should (Sa-Ra Remix)- Jamiroquai
16. AM FM - Natasha King*
17. Buddy X (Remix) - Neneh Cherry*
18. Hypnotize (Orginal Version) - D'Influence
19. Hypnotize (Soul Cut Mix) - D'Influence
20. Sometimes (The Ummah Remix) - The Brand New Heavies
21. Game Dunn - Soul II Soul
22. Betcha - Izzy Dun
23. Take The Box (The Headquarters Mix) - Amy Winehouse
24. Tell Me How - Sarah Winton
25. She's Got Soul - New Sector Movements
26. This I Promise You - D'Influence
27. I'm Feeling You feat Stevie Wonder (Edit) - Omar
28. Nothing Can Come Between Us - Sade
29. All Fired Up - The Brand New Heavies
30. London Town - Light Of The World
31. Space Cowboy (Le mOma Extended Edit) - Jamiroquai
32. Something For Nothing - Light Of The World
*Both allegedly raised in UK, good enough...

before the fall...

2007-11-01T09:25:00.000-05:00

Shortly before the whole Rawkus/Backpacker/Hip-Hop-Purist scene blew up, and subsequently imploded, this was a hot "underground" record:

I remember Stretch Armstrong slaying doubles of this, can't remember if it was on 97 or KCR, but that was right about the time he started to distance himself from the scene. And wise decision Mr. Armstrong, considering how cornball things got.

Rahsheed & Ill Advised - Redd Hott (1998)

90's Jam this Friday!

2007-10-17T10:09:00.000-05:00

The homie-stromie dj mOma and I will be spinning an all 90's night at Opus this Friday.
No cover, just a $5 donation for the seeds. Please come thru.

Let Me Show You (rmx) (1990)

Make You "SWEAT", get it?

2007-10-11T14:34:00.000-05:00

While the gimmick of including your last name in a song is generally not a good look, especially when you're already a few albums deep into your career, this song works well. And though I hated it in High School, it sounds pretty great right about now.

Keith Sweat - Make You Sweat (1990)

Inner City joint

2007-10-07T18:37:00.001-05:00

I enjoy this record, especially the Detroit Mix.
Till We Meet Again (detroit) (1991)
Till We Meet Again (rmx) (1991)

Sylvester 12"

2007-10-02T09:05:00.000-05:00

This is one of my favorite Sylvester 12"s. A big departure from the High NRG sound. Give It Up is a great end of the night track to just let ride out, and Here is My Love is some super-mellow growd'-n-sexy.

Here Is My Love (1981)

Give It Up (Don't Make Me Wait) (1981)

Mic Murphy heater

2007-09-28T06:34:00.000-05:00

Early heatrock by Mic Murphy of Attitude/The System. One of my all-time-favorites, and not that easy to find. Never thought I'd be giving this one up, but oh well, its my birthday weekend.

Much Too Much (1982)

Joyce Sims

2007-09-19T15:44:00.000-05:00

Kurtis Mantronix takes a stab at downtempo, years before there was such a genre as "downtempo"... and comes off lovely.

Sorry the sound quality is kinda booty, thats how the record sounds.

Come Into My Life (1985)

Postcard from '81

2007-09-19T14:53:00.000-05:00

Caption: The "Guardian Angels" ... self-styled anti-street crime executives.
Photo by Stephen Shames.

Too much yoga?

2007-09-12T09:02:00.000-05:00

Is It just me or is Russell Rush looking more and more like Sam Cassell these days?
Discuss.

PANDYMONIUM!!

2007-09-11T09:34:00.001-05:00

Darryl Pandy is like the gay man's Biz Markie.
He's obese, outrageous, and mildly retarded, yet just so endearing.

The vinyl I have at home has him talking all this hilarious shit to his "girl" (yeah right) that he "seen her at Nieman Marcus" But this is not that version...
Love Can't Turn Around (1986)

Ever see the video for this song? Peep the "afro-mullet", so not a good look...

80 Blocks From Tiffany's 1/8

2007-09-08T17:57:00.001-05:00

Incredible footage. Watch all eight parts. Shout to Kenan at Southpaw who put me up on this film.

Jones

2007-08-31T10:02:00.001-05:00

Whenever I try to blend this record, Ron G's shout gets lost in the blend, and that just ain't right.
Ron G needs his propers, thus this quickie edit:

Where I Wana Be Boy (1994)

*note: thats the wrong cover, but thats all I could find on google

Mica P

2007-08-31T09:21:00.000-05:00

I dig the 12" version, but that intro is type sprawling, for real. I can never remember where its gonna drop. So here is a quick edit:

My One Temptation (1988)

Ashford & Simpson

2007-08-30T10:58:00.000-05:00

Say what you will about my man's grooming habits, this song is fucking GORGEOUS.

It Seems To Hang On (1978)

Richie Rich

2007-08-28T07:06:00.000-05:00

Aw yeah.

Salsa House (1988)

The Kool Keith / Eddie Murphy Connection

2007-08-17T09:00:00.000-05:00

Kool Keith has always been one of my favorite MCs, and Eddie Murphy one of my favorite comics. However, one can't ignore a disturbing similarity in their careers: Given the right direction, they can fucking SHINE (Coming to America, Critical Beatdown), but left to their own devices: serious garbaggio. (Norbit, Matthew... wtf!!)

Ultramagnetic MCs - One, Two, One, Two
Kool Keith - Livin' Astro (Da Rock rmx)
Fuck You Eddie! - Bubble Hill

Humphriebone Re-up

2007-08-16T09:24:00.000-05:00

Had to re-up this post. Two kings of the NY Dance scene in their prime. Only 200 downloads? Stop sleeping:From a 1981 Kiss mastermix weekend, playing "The Dance Hits of 1980". And thats exactly what they do. Every song here is a banger, and you probably heard them a million times, but there's something special about hearing them all together, when they were still new.
Sorry for the poor sound quality.

Tony Humphries & Shep Pettibone (1981)

Herbs!!!!!

2007-08-15T09:33:00.000-05:00

I never post about silly gripes, but... All you dudes I see on the train every morning reading your Harry Potter w/o the dust jacket, you're not fooling anyone. If you're reading the latest one, I can only assume you read all the other ones, and saw all the movies. All in all you've probably lost a month of your life to this worthless franchise. That's precious time you're never going to get back! And you know what, thats all good, but if you're going to be a nerd, OWN that shit, don't try to hide it. No one thinks you're reading a big yellow dictionary.

gospel train

2007-08-12T21:03:00.000-05:00

I'm no gospel aficionado, but any gospel record that:
1. graces its cover with a bombed train
2. Attempts to insinuate its logo into the said graffiti (though not very well) and
3. boasts a rhythm section of CTI session men
well... hey, thats my kind of gospel record.

This song is milk.
NYCC - I'll Keep My Light In My Window (1978)