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Moleman’s Top 10 Albums/EPs of 2011
Its always hard to believe that the year almost is over and with the cold setting upon us its nice to take a moment to look back and remember fond memories and their soundtracks while waiting for the sun to give way to the warmth and long days again. These in no particular order are my favorite sounds of 2011 and I hope they where or after reading this will become some of yours too!
1. Toro y Moi: Freaking Out EP: Toro y Moi’s September release sounds like a chilled out funky synth driven tribute to the post disco era. Preforming alone Toro y Moi is the brainchild of singer Chaz Bundick whose voice compliments his music perfectly making me think of Chromeo only more relaxed. A wonderful album to share with your hipster friends.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqEbx0HhQic
2. Submotion Orchestra: Finest Hour: In a world where dubstep is quickly becoming Kornstep its nice to find an orchestra (yes they really are a 7 piece orchestra) who uses live vocals & instruments to create one of 2011′s best dubstep albums. If you like proper progressive avant-garde electronica and appreciate live music do yourselves a favor and watch the video below and then pick up the album. This is how live dubstep should sound!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXmEYmBAqUg
3. DJ Cam : Seven: Normally associated with his genera defining peers DJ’s Shadow & Krush and widely known for his work with the late great Guru of Gangstarr most of you have some idea of who French producer DJ Cam is. This time Cam works with newcomers Chris James & Nicolette and InLove to craft a darker almost cinematic album which was released in the Fall and was a great soundtrack to watch the seasons change too and wonder why Summer goes by so fast.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9cWzQyFjGw&feature=related
4. Planetary Assault Systems: The Messenger: UK Techno pioneer Luke Slater is back as Planetary Assault Systems with a new release on his Mote Evolver label and I couldnt be happier to once again hear the cerebral driving sounds of his alienesc EDM. though not an album for everyone those brave enough will get Slater’s message on this beautifully crafted album!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mm2c0qgnm0k&feature=related
5. Extrawelt: In Aufruhr: German electronica act Extrawelt’s 2011 release was easily one of my favorite EDM records of 2011. Equal parts dancefloor tool and experimental bedroom beats In Aufruhr really blurs the lines of minimal/techno/dubstep & electro to create something brand new which is both cerebral and carefree at the same time. Where many have tried and failed Extrawelt stands out as innovators with their forward thinking approach in both the studio and with their critically acclaimed live shows.
http://mixing.dj/2011/livesets/extrawelt-ideal-podcast-004-07-01-2011/
6. Cosmin TRG: Simulat: Romanian producer Cosmin TRG’s October release on Modeselktor’s 50Weapons label is one of those albums where I pick up something new every time I hear it. Equal parts acid techno and forward thinking dubstep Cosmin uses a unique approach to create long lasting soundscapes which will keep dancefloors full for a long time to come.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kGPq3T68LM
7. Shawn Lee & AM: Celestial Electric: Anyway you look at it Shawn Lee & AM got together and created a masterful Lo-Fi record reminiscent of 60s psychedelia stirred together with a dash of early 90s electronica. More importantly you can listen to it with both your elitist hipster friends and that hot girl from accounting who likes Katty Perry. I encourage that you do both but maybe not at the same time but that depends on you!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vg0N1KMtFlU&feature=related
8. Radiohead: In Limbs: Thom Yorke & company returned in 2011 with their 8th studio album. For some, In Limbs may lack for some of the magic that made the band stand out on releases like Kid A or In Rainbows but for others this is the band at their most forward thinking. I am in the latter of these categories and feel like the band’s best days have yet to be seen and I cant wait for more to come! Also look at for the In Limbs remixes featuring work from notables such as SBTRKT, Modselektor & Jaime XX to name a few.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsZLIQRlleI&feature=related
9. Drake: Take Care: Drake’s music is forward thinking music for the masses and one of my guilty pleasures. Take Care is an awesome record full of falsetto singing and Lil Wayne too bad in about a month I will regret putting this record on my list because top 40 stations from Maine to Hawaii will be playing it every hour on the hour. But still, Drake’s lamenting over lost love lyrics and his collaboration with Stevie Wonder on “Doing it Wrong” remind me that good music is timeless no matter how many times you hear it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heEjJiAOq-M
10. Blackstar & Madlib: Fix Up: Im So Happy Blackstar is going to release a new record in 2012! I am so excited that Im trying to keep it a secret from myself until the full album is released!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRHjPezmuBM
B12
Moleman Caught Up With Focus Productions Boss B12 Who Talked About His Quest For Making That Perfect New Beat:
1. So Lets Talk About Music Production and Your Approach to It.
My Approach is taken upon different styles of Music kinda put together which sounds funny I guess what I am trying to say is I am trying to make a new style of Music you can say….. It was like electro house blew up and ended up to Dubstep…….
2. What/Who Inspires You?
I have to say Afrojack, Deadmau5, Joker, Caspa, Claude Von Stroke Luciano, they inspire me in the Samples and Sounds they use but as Dj’s or Crowd Composers since Deadmau5 does not Dj as for Dj’s….I love me some Steve Lawler and Luciano with a dash of Claude Vonstroke!
3. What Are You Using?
I use both Ableton and Logic but I prefer Logic….
4. Are Your Tracks Available To Our Readers?
Yes they are through Sound Cloud
5. Whats Your DJ Set Up Like These Days?
God it has changed so much right now I am djing HID controlled Serato with 2 CDJ2000 and mixing on a DJM2000 but I sometimes I do miss 2 Tech’s which I still have, but I remember djing use to be not so complex..
6. Focus Productions is Back and You Have A Few Shows Coming Up. Whats in store for NM EDM Fans This Winter?
Well were trying to do Bigger but Smaller Events, What I mean by that is going with bigger talent in Night Clubs not so much RAVE status……. and were doing a New series of a Surrounded Sound System which were alloying maybe a head count of 300 or less to keep it more sacred soared to speak…….
7. There are a Few New DJs on The Focus Roster. Can You Tell Us Who They Are?
Well we got Carlos B, Justin O Brien, Tempo, L Disko, Sketch, Ralpheal Fread, which are really awsome Dj’s and great Friends to have involved with Focus…….
8. What/Who Was Your Fav EDM Song/Record or DJ of 2010?
We No Speak Americano – Original Mix
Nov. 17th 2010-
Whoa, You Took Too Many!!
A Review of Mark Farina’s 7th
Beethoven’s 7th is Dope. No really, if you haven’t heard it stop reading this and YouTube it. Listen and soon you be transported to a far off time when things where simple and groovy like in 1998 when I bought Mushroom Jazz Vol.2 from BowWow Records on Central. Though defiantly not his magnum opus Mark Farina’s Mushroom Jazz Vol. 7 proves that the maestro can still find left field downtempo tunes to make hipsters, ravers and other wise good music seekers get their grooves on. This newest installment features work from a diverse group of producers both known (such as Andy Caldwell & Colossus) and also introduces some new producers most notably of whom could be Slakah the Beatchild. For listeners and collectors of one of the longest running series of mixtapes in electronic music history you will be happy to know that there are enough good tracks to transport yourselves back to the good ole’ days of when obscure vinyl was the what everyone wanted and sought out. Meanwhile new discovers of Mushroom Jazz will delight in the record’s warm sounds and in it’s ability to transport you anywhere. Focus Productions will bring Mark Farina & his house laden Mushroom Jazz Vol.7 World Tour to Effex Night Club on November 17th, 2010. More Info On Mark Farina including a preview of Mushroom Jazz Vol.7 can be found at http://www.djmarkfarina.net/
Pretty Lights – Passing Behind Your Eyes – Released 10/09
When I think of the words pretty lights I often think of Christmas lights or maybe aurora borealis. However as I was to find out after listening to the new record by the Denver based electronica act of the same name it should really be synonymous with experimental body rocking HipHop beats. in October 2009 The group Independently released and made available for free download their third effort ” Passing Behind Your Eyes”. Pretty Lights, who actually take their moniker from a 1966 New Years Eve concert poster which featured the music of The Who and Pink Floyd and which urged patrons ” Come and watch the pretty lights” consists of beatsmith Derek Vincent Smith and drummer Cory Eberhard. The duo’s music is a wonderful blend of Proper HipHop Samples, Dubby Rythms and 2-Step Bass. Such is illustrated perfectly on ” Sunday School ” which offers the listener a classic Biggie Smalls sample matched with a spacey synths which would create a groovy atmosphere in any situation. Pretty Lights is Bringing their high energy fully LED supported show to Albuquerque’s Historic El Rey Theater On Wednesday April 21, 2010. 2550 will be out in full force for this one too and will bring you a full concert review and crowd shots! More information about Pretty Lights and download links for their music can be found through their website http://www.prettylightsmusic.com and information about Historic El Rey and where you can get tickets can be found at http://www.elreytheater.com
Pretty Lights Music
http://www.prettylightsmusic.com
Its May and its getting hot out there. In New Mexico, that means a few things for lovers of electronic dance music, namely the return of patio parties in Albuquerque & Santa Fe and also the sweet return of outdoor massive freak out sessions the first of which will take place this weekend in the mountains of Taos. The Watts That Smell?!?! Music Festival is the third installment in a series of events which have taken place in Northern New Mexico since 2007 and will showcase some of the best EDM talent in the state. Attendees can look forward to tag team sets of Trance,Dubstep,Techno,House and Breaks from DJs: Rev.Mitton & Justin O’Brian, Dave Decibel & 13 Pieces, Terry Vernixx & John Bowra, B12 with Jerm and Machina King & Ryan Leon to name a few. For some, the highlight set may come from Family Moons collective Dubstep artist Jai Riddim & NM Trance mainstay Blue Sunshine as they combine efforts to seamlessly blended and mix their respective styles at peak hour. For others, the vibe maybe caught in the Chillaxin Unit’s Chill Dome which will feature DJs: Alan B,Simpill, Mittens, Sblazo & The Golden Talismen amoungst others. Open deck time will also be on tap for this weekend so there will be much in store for NM lovers of electronic music in the Taos Mountains this weekend. More info about this and other events can be found at http://www.deepprogressions.com.
go deep or go home
http://www.deepprogressions.com
Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings: “I Learned The Hard Way” – Daptone Records, 2010:
“I Learned The Hard Way” is the fourth studio record from Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings and it could be their best effort to date. Listeners are treated to 12 cuts of raw, uncut funky soul tracks which are reminiscent of some of the best work of the genera’s hay day of 1969 – 1974. The title cut from the album offers soul aficionados a multi- layered experience complete with soaring horns, a funky drum kick and of course Sharon Jones’s memorizing vocals which complete one of the best tracks so far in 2010. In a music world gone digital “I Learned The Hard Way” is a refreshing much needed escape back into musicianship proving to us yet again that the analog approach still works and should never be forgotten. More info about Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings can be found through their website @ http://www.sharonjonesandthedapkings.com and via Myspace @ http://www.myspace.com/sharonjonesandthedapkings
Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings – I Learned The Hard Way – Available 04.06.10
http://www.sharonjonesandthedapkings.com
Audio Buddha: “Reflecting Pool”
Steve Brisk of Santa Fe has recently become one of my favorite New Mexico electronic music producers. Brisk, who is better known as “The Audio Buddha” has recently independently released a beautiful multi-layered track entitled “Reflecting Pool” which runs an epic 14:34. Listeners can expect to hear Brisk creating a dense and pervasive atmosphere of ambient meets progressive Drum & Bass. The track is made more psychedelic sounding with the addition of violinist Nathaniel Mahlberg, whose deep notes add another layer to the Audio Buddah’s complex pulsing sequencer patterns helping to make this wonderful effort from the duo stand out and not play second fiddle to other electronica producers in New Mexico. So sit back, relax and take a listen to “Reflecting Pool” which is a brilliant track and a much needed escape from the trappings of popular music. More information about Audio Buddha’s music and live dates and a link to hear “Reflecting Pool” can be found below.
“Reflecting Pool” – can be heard Via Sound Cloud @ http://soundcloud.com/audiobuddha/reflecting-pool
&
Audio Buddha’s Myspace Music Page is –
http://www.myspace.com/audiobuddha
Audio Buddha on MySpace Music – Free Streaming MP3s, Pictures & Music Downloads
http://www.myspace.com
MySpace Music profile for Audio Buddha. Download Audio Buddha Trance / Shoegaze / Progressive music singles, watch music videos, listen to free streaming mp3s, & read Audio Buddha’s blog.
Hi, where did you get this material can you please support this with some proof or you may say some good reference as I and others will really appreciate
Unbelievable, that’s exactly what I was shooting for! You just saved me alot of work
Joella,
The material is written by our resident DJ and reviewer of all good things, Sir Moleman. Who then purchases the album, or ticket for the show that he will review. Each entry should contain a link which is ‘proof’ or ‘reference’ as you request. If you need more references to find information, be sure to check out our ‘dope links’ section on the main page to find all kinds of useful information that we find interesting, plus the links are updated and added regularly! Take care, and thanks for writing!
2550 staff
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