Wale - Slight Work

Wale - Slight Work (prod. by Diplo) by diplo on SoundCloud
I don't know Wale very much but I definitely dig his flows. Having Diplo produce this track is also a plus. I'm loving most things this guy has to offer, and loving his taste in collaborators ..so far.

Primal Scream - Give Back But Don't Give Out (Portishead Remix)

As a disclaimer, please excuse the cheesy visuals of this YouTube clip. It's all about the song anyway, so just spark one up and...

What a fucking gem! In 2010, a heavyweight LP titled "Portishead - Remixes (Chapter 1)" was released featuring seven songs by other artists, remixed by Portishead. What makes this compilation so special to me is that these hard-to-find tracks are dated, and have that narcotic trip-hop groove that Portishead helped pioneer in the 90's. Though I don't own a copy of this record, I will be searching eBay for a copy. Unfortunately, my life continues for the moment sans turntable. This compilation was only released on vinyl.

The dubby, spaced out beat, and cosmic wah-wah of the guitar bring me to that dark, special place. Add the female back up vocals and the film-noir keyboard samples, and you've got me hooked.

Black Milk Showcase

I came across Black Milk a month or two ago watching this fantastic documentary from Palladium Boots about Detroit's thriving creative scene. Hosted by Johnny Knoxville, it exposed the blossoming community of artists and musicians that Detroit has been an incubator for over the past few years.

So I fell in love with Black Milk's work. Sure, as a fellow Michigander, I'm a little biased. But it's great to see that though Motown's industry has crumbled, something great is on the rise from its ashes.

Terry Callier - You're Goin' Miss Your Candyman

Another great track from Cinematic Orchestra's LateNiteTales compilation.

I was intrigued about Terry Callier's history, reading up on his life. Born in 1945 in Chicago, he was raised in Cabrini-Green, and was apparently a childhood friend of Curtis Mayfield. His first single came out in 1962, and played at venues all over the city while his career grew.

You're Goin' Miss Your Candyman - Terry Callier - LateNightTales: The Cinematic Orchestra by qrvaelet2

Shuggie Otis - Aut Uh Mi Hed

Last year, one of my favorite groups, Cinematic Orchestra made a contribution to the LateNightTales compilation series. I suggest you take a listen, because it's loaded with great music - some I knew before, some first revealed to me through this record.

Here's a track featured on the disc, a Shuggie Otis classic.

Rapture - How Deep Is Your Love

Approximately 8 years ago this bands quickly became my favorite band; I had just moved out on my own, just entered my twenties and theirs hit single 'House of Jealous Lovers' was the right mix of nostalgia (House Music) and the new disco-punk sound that was exoding from New York.  

A few years after their last album (which didn't get as much praise as it deserved) they're back, still exploring dance genres - this time (it seems) with Disco as their base.  I'm a sucker for a piano rif mixed in with dance beats.  

You should also check out this video, it's pretty badass.  I'm loving the found footage, or made to look like found footage dance bands have been using this year.  It ends with a wonderful clip from Saturday Night Fever, Mr. Travolta showing why he was a sex icon to all those over 40 and under 55.  My mom still swoons over that movie. 

.... 

Update:  The other video reference i was going to use, the original music video for Hercules and Love Affair's My House has been taken down.  Bummer, it was damn good.

Anyway, i can't wait to put this album in my record collection!

Disclosure - My Inention Is War

I've been in the mood for electronic music, experiencing the slight effects of dance music withdrawal. With a sample from Robin Thicke & Pharrell's "Wanna Love U Girl" this 90's-esque track sounds lke a classic house jam, and is just what the doctor ordered.

The 16- and 19-year-old brotherly duo, Disclosure hails from south London and have just put out a free EP which you can download by liking their Facebook page. It's filled with bouncy beats and walks a strange line between dubstep and house.

My Intention Is War by Disclosure.

And while I'm at it, here's another song from their EP I'm digging, titled "I love...that you know."

i love...that you know by Disclosure.