Dreams

Of all the classical forms of art, music is, by nature, the most abstract. The characteristics of a piece of music have no tangible base or visible grounding in reality; the sound comes and goes like a breeze and after that all that's left are the wisps that you manage to catch in your memory. This inherently transcendent aspect of music is what allows certain pieces to move us, to instantly shift the way we're thinking, or to change our mood - the sound drifts through your ears and grab control of you before you even get the chance to object. For this reason, I've always thought that music does the best job at replicating the sensations and feelings of dreaming; because (if done correctly) music can echo the same abstract qualities of our subconscious. This first song is a perfect example.

This sounds exactly like what floating through a surrealistic dreamscape would feel like, and it comes at the hands of an unlikely source. Diplo has been on a creative rampage recently, churning out remix after remix and bringing his Mad Decent label around the world, but this is completely unprecedented. It's unlike anything I've ever heard by him. It's outstanding. The more I listen to it, the more I can't get enough of it. Check out the music video below.
Deerhunter - Helicopter (Diplo & Lunice Remix)



Deerhunter - Helicopter (Diplo & Lunice Remix) from Mad Decent on Vimeo.

A nice disco-tinged french house jam here. Very Fred Falke-esque

Roman Salzger - Alpha Centauri

New Dada Life.. You guys already know how we feel about doing the Dada. We love it. Can't get enough of it. We do the Dada every day of our lives. This new Dada goes in a slightly different direction though, but I think they pull it off really well. 

Staygold - Video Kick Snare (Dada Life Remix)

Djedjotronic (try to say that out loud 5 times fast) has been wreaking havoc recently as a part of Boys Noize Records. Somebody played this one at HARD Haunted Mansion but I can't remember exactly who it was. All I know is that when I first heard this I was gripped by an insatiable urge to dance and I suspect that you will be too.
Gonzales - I Am Europe (Djedjotronic Remix)


Remixing Daft Punk is pretty much the most hubristic crime an artist can commit, but every once in a while a remix comes out that makes it excuseable. Keatch does a nice job here, keeping in tact enough of  the original while still layering on a new, harder-hitting edge.
Daft Punk - Rollin' and Scratchin' (Keatch Edit)


Russ Chimes' Midknight Club EP came out on Itunes and Beatport the other day, and I really hope that you go buy it. It's absolutely gorgeous, and the epic music video trilogy that comes with it should be enough for you to give Mr. Chimes the respect he deserves. Here's my favorite track from the EP, Targa (but, once again, you should go buy it, because this is a lowly 126kbps). We posted the music video trilogy a while back, but incase you missed it, there's a continuous version of it below. I highly recomend checking it out if you haven't already.
Russ Chimes - Targa



Russ Chimes - Midnight Club EP COMPLETE TRILOGY from Russ Chimes on Vimeo.


I heard this one a while ago and - I can't explain this - I didn't think it was very good. I put it on the shelf and sort of forgot about it. However, I saw it posted over on Vacay the other day and it prompted me to revisit it. I don't know what I was thinking; this one is bomb. Fukkk Offf channel the funk here with a deliciously stutter-stepping beat and attitude-packed vocals.
Fukkk Offf - Worldwide


Bonus..
New Deadmau5 (it's a radio rip, but this is the best quality version around)
Deadmau5 - Right This Moment


.Augustus

Going Pro : Failing Miserably

I am very thankful that this blog exists so it can function as a constant distraction from the work the I should be doing at all times. I hope you guys enjoy it as much as we do. As the great Nietzsche once said, "Without music, life would be a mistake".

Despite the mixed reviews of Aeroplane's latest album, We Can't Fly, Vito Deluca remains one of my favorite producers. Aeroplane's high flying melodies and compelling harmonizations give his music an intangible quality that just exudes dramatic vitality. Growing up as a classically trained pianist, it's no wonder that Vito has such masterful control over the emotions in his music. Transcending genres and touching on many different styles simultaneously, Aeroplane manages to capture the attention of musicians all over the world. Currently on a world tour, I have not doubt that Vito will maintain his iconoclastic reputation by consistently surprising us with new original material. If for some reason you're in Greece tonight, catch his performance at the Shark Club in Thessaloniki.

Here we have a remix that Aeroplane did of Chromeo's Don't Turn The Lights On. This song is just filled with wonderful chord progressions. Just listen to those awesome piano writing skills starting at around 3:35. Amen.

Chromeo - Don't Turn The Lights On (Aeroplane Remix)

Here is a DJ set that he recently recorded for Paris' Le Mouv radio station. He really chooses a stellar tracklist, most of which you can find in the comments section on SoundCloud.

Aeroplane - DJ Set @ Laura Leishman Project sur Le Mouv' by llplemouv

Included in that set is a sample of Breakbot's (!!!) new remix of Without Lies. All I can offer you at this time is the preview on Eskimo Recording's soundcloud. But seriously kids... I'm so excited to own this one in its full 320 glory.

Aeroplane - Without Lies (Breakbot Remix) preview by eskimorecordings

Boston based dance duo Nightriders has done it again with their latest remix. High flying background synths and that smooth bassline really turn this track into nu disco/indie dance gold.

Human Life - Wherever We Are (Nightriders Remix)

Todd Edwards is the master of the chop and rearrange effect. His abrupt cuts create amazing lines and he truly puts some funky pep in the step of this song. Don't you deny it. Take a chance on love.

The Supermen Lovers - Take A Chance (Feat. Rick Bailey) (Todd Edwards vocal mix)

Now this one is a bit uncharacteristic of me. This here track is quite a banger. Something you might hear in a set by the likes of mad man Busy P. With it's ascending chromatic scales and whatnot, It really gives off that crazy rave vibe that many of us know probably a little too well. Disco Of Doom really captures the mood with this one. Sex face indeed.

Disco of Doom - Sex Face

Facing the Sun is a very appropriate song title for this Fritz Kalkbrenner production. Perfect for that Sunday drive through the country side or nap in the hammock, this track beautifully utilizes repeating harp lines and airy vocals.

Fritz Kalkbrenner - Facing the Sun

This smashing disco remix by Tonka absolutely serves its funky purpose. The groovy vibe will no doubt pack that dance floor with disco loving coolcats. Great vocals by Denmark's own 23 year old Mercedes.

Mercedes - Shock Absorber (Tonka's Hypermodern Disco Mix)

Opptimo is a new turkish producer on brand new label, La Bombe records. He just released an EP by the name of Travellers. This new single, Locate, will be available for purchase tomorrow (Nov. 8). For now, I apologize for the 128. Beggars can't be choosers though, so shut up.

Opptimo - Locate

Here's a great Phonat remix of said track, Travellers. I was unaware we needed more disco in this song, but thankfully Mr. Michele Balduzzi has better incite than I do.

Opptimo - Travellers (Phonat remix) by nathantayloronline

Bonus:

Now mashups are a tricky thing. The interweb is flooded with a million shitty mashups that tend to diminish the quality of both songs involved, but there are always exceptions. This one, boys and girls, is truly a marvel. A 3 song mashup that not only does justice to all songs involved, but also sound incredible. No lie, I'm so happy I have another reason to listen to Kid Cudi's vocals from Day and Night. Yet again, thank you LBCK.

LBCK - Rockets At Night (Cicada vs. Just A Band vs. Kid Cudi)

I'm in love with Aeroplane. Check out their brilliantly costumed video for Superstar.

As usual. Love, Patrick

Beauty

is simplicity. (round 4)

Example - Two Lives (Kris Menace Remix)

La Zebra - Feel the Music (Original Mix)

3OH!3 - Double Vision (Sidney Samson Remix)

Sulumi - Chaotic Tanze Der Funktion (Blende Remix-Rework)

Sidney Samson - Fill U Up ft. Sicerow (Original Mix)

Bass Kleph, Chris Arnott - Where Do We Go (Club Mix)

Michael Woods - Nitro (Original Mix)

Disfunktion - Magna (Original Mix)

Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike - Under the Water (Dada Life Remix)

Sir Real

I'm Ready to Rock This

Maya Jane Coles is a name I haven't come across before, but after giving this track a listen, I expect to see it a lot more. She hails from London and brings some real old-school house elements to her tracks. This one's been sitting pretty high in the beatport charts, and once you take in its deep 90's style beat you'll know why.

Maya Jane Coles - What They Say

Bonus: More old-school vibin house from Azari & III. Props go to Sir Real for showing me this a while back.

Reckless with Your Love - Azari & III

These Bingo Players guys have impressed me a lot. Each track they unleash has such a unique, stripped down and simple sound that I honestly can't get enough of. This one's got their signature formula; don't be surprised if you completely lose yourself in its hypnotic rhythm.

Bingo Players - Get On the Move (Original Mix)

Hopefully you guys realize how much we all love Chuckie at this point. I'll be seeing him Nov. 18th when he comes to St. Louis with Paul Oakenfold's Facelift tour. Maybe he'll drop this guy. Only Chuckie can make a drop of out Lil' Jon saying "WHAAAT?!"

Bob Sinclair ft. Sean Paul - Tik Tok (Chuckie & R3hab Mix)

I've got huge track from the Dutch big room master himself, Laidback Luke to give you all. When this man does it right, as he so often does, you're in for a treat. Here he gives Robyn's "Indestructible" the heavy treatment, transforming the relatively tame original into a certified banger.

Robyn - Indestructible (Laidback Luke Club Mix)

I was pretty disappointed with Surkin's Silver Island EP; it just didn't have the quality I was expecting from the young Frenchman. I came across this excellent remix of "Fan Out" from Light Year recently. It maintains a very Surkin vibe, especially with the vocal chops, but lays it over a nice bass-y synth line and some quick hitting percussion. Quality.

Surkin - Fan Out (Light Year Remix)

-PK

HARD Haunted Mansion, Day 1

Photography by Dan Rawe

Every October 30-31st, downtown Los Angeles hosts the HARD Haunted Mansion, one of North America's most legendary dance music events. Between the costumes and the carnival-esque vibe of Halloween, HARD has a unique feel that's unlike anything else out there. Previous years have had incredible lineups, featuring everyone from Justice to deadmau5. With that said, this year's could have been the most well rounded lineup yet (that's saying a lot).


We wanted to get there early to see UCSB alum Sticky K on the decks, but due to what can only be described as poor event organizing, we ended up spending nearly 2 hours waiting in line outside the venue to get in. I was a little upset that we had to miss him, since I was hoping to catch the mysterious Prince of Persia live (he put a preview of the monster track on his soundcloud for like 2 days before taking it down with no explanation). Nonetheless, the moment we got inside there was no time to dwell on it, as we were greeted by the blaring chants of "BUSY P, WHAT THE FUUCKKKK"

Busy P
As soon as I heard that line, I knew I was in for a good time. It comes from his collaboration with the rapper Murs, To Protect and Entertain, which was the song that first introduced me to the world of Busy P. I heard it at the end of Justice's Metissage Mix in 2008, and it completely blew me away. Between the diabolical synth bassline and the hilarious raps of Murs, the song smashed together elements of hip hop and electro in a way that I'd never heard before. Looking back now, it was way ahead of its time in 2008, as the lines that used to separate hip-hop from the various forms of electronic music are becoming more and more blurred every day. After a little research, I quickly learned that being ahead of the curve was no new thing for the man named Pedro Winter. Between managing Daft Punk for a decade and running one of the coolest record labels in the world, Ed Banger, Busy P has quietly been involved with some of the best house music made anywhere over the past 15 years. Needless to say, I've been waiting for the chance to go see this guy.


Busy P - To Protect and Entertain (feat. Murs)

The repetitions of "BUSY P, WHAT THE FUUCKKK" (one of the funniest catch-phrases ever) that had greeted us were quickly followed by the bouncing, energetic drums from the Crookers remix of "To Protect and Entertain." Over the next hour, Busy P pieced together a ragetastic electro mix that utterly disregarded any concept of boundaries between genres. Some highlights include Jimi Hendrix's Voodoo Child Mixed over Big Boi's Shutterbug, and Cassius' I Love You So to finish the set. While the songs came from all different styles, one thing stayed constant throughout his set. From start to finish, the performance was threaded together by the same fun, get-down-and-dirty elements that To Protect and Entertain embodied in the first place.  Busy P can start a party like none other. 

Busy P - To Protect and Entertain (Crookers Remix)

WTF! & Dead Prez - It's Bigger Than Hip Hop (Dubbed Out Mix) 

Tiga - You Gonna Want Me (Hey Today! Remix)

Big Boi - Shutterbug (Jack Beats Remix)

Mr. Oizo was supposed to come on next, but.. well, actually I'll let Busy P do the talking..(explanation comes on at the 2:00 minute mark)

Video courtesy of GlenJamn from glenjamn.com

Diplo
Diplo was a welcome substitution, but to be honest I was really hoping to see Mr. Oizo live. His productions are filthy and bizarre, deliberate and powerful; I'm sure his live performances are similar. People in the crowd were excited for Diplodocus, but I saw him at Electric Zoo 2 months ago and was a little underwhelmed (too much dubstep), so I was a little skeptical about what to expect. Don't get me wrong, I love Diplo and Major Lazer, it's just his recently dubstep-leaning live style that doesn't really jive with me. He appeared to be chilling during the set anyway, turning over the decks for extended periods to one of the other DJ's on Mad Decent. All in all though, it ended up being a pretty solid set.


Gyptian - Hold Yuh (Major Lazer Remix)



Crookers
Up next came the goofy and wonderful Italian duo, Crookers. One of the most Bright & Shiny sets of Ultra 2010 came courtesy of these two madmen, so they were one of our heavily anticipated acts at HARD. As we had hoped, their performance lived up to the high level of both quality and creativity that has come to define their sets. Seamlessly mixing between some of their classics and underground anthems, Bot and Phra put together a bumping hour of electro-house that had us yelling CROOOKAAZZ the whole time.


Don Rimini - Let Me Back Up (Crookers Tetsujin Mix)

Duck Sauce - Barbra Streisand (Afrojack Meaty Mix)

Adam Sky vs Mark Stewart - We Are All Prostitutez (Crookers Mix)

Brodinski
After Crookers, Rusko took the stage outside, and as you know we're not really about that dubstep here at Bright & Shiny, so I moved inside to check out Brodinski, one of the many high quality frenchmen on Ed Banger. What I walked in on was some of the rawest, most unprecedented shit that I'd seen in a long time. In the middle of destroying everyone with his relentless, Alex Gopher-type style, Brodinski did something that I'd never seen before and I doubt I'll ever see again. Towards the end of his set, with the crowd fully immersed in every beat he was putting down, Brodinski layered into a fierce, grinding build up that sounded similar to what I would anticipate the tearing of the fabric of the universe sounds like, and he just held it there. And held it there, and held it there, and held it there... fast forward at least 2 or 3 minutes, he was still holding the drone steady, toying with everyone to an extent that I'd never even conceived possible. There he was, chilling on stage with his homies, pounding his drink, while a room full of ravers are ripping their eyeballs out from the most intense build up of all time. I've never seen a crowd yearn more for a drop than I did then - the room was pregnant with a burning, soul-pervading tension. 


Right as I began to wonder whether this frenchmen was some loon who'd gotten himself in over his head, the relentless drone that had been going on for several minutes now released into an unidentified drum beat that was the most awesome thing that's ever been poured into my ears. The crowd went absolutely berserk, and Brodinski solidified himself as one of the ballsiest, most ruthless frenchmen to ever set foot this side of the Atlantic. Don't trust this man anywhere near your mother or sister.

D.I.M. & TAI - Lyposuct

Highbloo - My Sitar

The Bloody Beetroots (DC77)
I was a little skeptical about Death Crew 77, (DC77 is the Bloody Beetroots performing their songs like a live band), but the second that they took the stage on saturday, I knew that those doubts were misplaced. The high octane group from Italy crashed out of the gates with Domino, which I've thought for a long time is one of the greatest set-openers ever, and they kept up the energy for over an hour. I'm not going to lie, they had me dancing like a deranged chimpanzee for the entire time. Some highlights were Warp 1977 and their live cover of New Noise by Refused.


The Bloody Beetroots - Domino

The Bloody Beetroots - Talkin' In My Sleep (The Bloody Beetroots Remix)

The Bloody Beetroots - Warp 1977





Special thanks to Glenjamn from Glenjamn.com for the video, and to Dan Rawe Photography for the pictures. 


.Augustus