Fratzengulasch

I have been listening to some new interesting techno lately and I have to say that I have found renewed interest on this fickle genre of dance music.  Reason for this new enthusiasm is German outfit Die Vogel. Die Vogel (German word for the Birds) is a collaborative project between Jakobus Siebels and Mense Reents.  Jakobus is an innovative multi-instrumentalist who has previously recorded distinctive albums for Tomlab, Chicks On Speed Records and Karaoke Kalk.  The equally talented, Reents is a member of the groups Egoexpress, Die Goldenen Zitronen and Stella.  He also operates the Art Blakey Studios in Hamburg, where their first EP titled Blaue Moschee, on Pampa Records, was recorded opening a can of worms on Techno with songs such the album titled track and  "Empire". Both songs left a big mark on the global Techno movement.  Both songs are on heavy rotation among the big Dj's of now.  The duo return with two tracks of what can only be described as 'Pampa Techno'.  "Fratzengulasch" is a tribal meditation sung beautifully by Jakobus and Ebba Durstewitz, otherwise known as the band Ja Konig Ja. The other song on this EP is called "Maikaferbenzin" and it will leave you speechless.  They are planning on a full length release in 2012.  Die Vogel are revolutionizing techno as we speak and creating a totally new sound out it along the way.  Note that this song featured here will be only available for download for a few days only since this is a new release. Enjoy!

Fratzengulasch - Die Vogel 

Happy Birthday Larry Levan

Today would have marked Larry Levan's 57th birthday.  Last Sunday I happened to stumble on King Street by accident during a bike ride and couldn't believe my eyes when I happen to stop at the old site of the Paradise Garage  which is now a sad Verizon parking lot.  I was also stunned to discover  the main door ramp open.   I never had the opportunity to experience the place during its glorious days yet I feel deeply connected to the music and the myth of Paradise Garage and Larry Levan.  Here are the pictures of the place and entrance where the legend and myth took place.

Building site of Paradise Garage

The famous entrance ramp.

To celebrate his birthday, here is the rare "Winners" by Man Friday.  A true classic! Larry, you are truly missed and hope your are celebrating in some disco somewhere in the Cosmos.  Your spirit shines on here on Earth and will always remain.

Winners ( Larry Levan Demo Mix) - Man Friday

My World is Empty without You

Here is an interesting take on a classic by the legendary Supremes.  I came across this tune on Sound Cloud and was totally mesmerized by it.  This remix was the brainchild of Drop Out Orchestra. It began as a one man  and a sampler and has grown into a three man team consisting of a music teacher, a studio engineer and a music tech writer. Their true identity is a mystery making us the listener to focus on the music only.  In the past they have "dropped" some awesome disco tunes using real instruments and other vintage "discoteria" with several releases including two albums and remixes for Illija Rudman, Beatfantastic, DJ Agent 86 and Kinema.  In addition to these official releases they forge into reworking some of pop music's most iconic figures into something danceable.  So here is an example of this forays stripping down "My World is Empty without You" and seducing us with a new fresh take making us stop and think again on the dance aspect of this song in a new way.  Enjoy

My World is Empty without You (Drop Out Orchestra Remix) - The Supremes

Bailando

Here is a very alluring, sweet and silly tune called "Bailando" by Spanish early '80s Pop/New Wave band Alaska y los Pegamoides to put you in the mood this Saturday night.  The band was formed in 1979 from some of the members after the break up of a band called Kaka de Luxe (loving the name by the way). Originally the band was composed of Alaska, Nacho Canut, Manolo Campoamor and Carlos Berlaga and went on to add more members later.  The band was short lived while they enjoyed success in Spain and in other underground discos around Europe. The played live around the clubs in Madrid and Barcelona during that seminal time in music where the lines of disco, punk and new wave were blurred. Their last live gig was in November of 1982 at a discotheque called Yoko Lennon (loving the name also) in Bilbao. This song is nothing short of disco fabulousness.  It was released both in English and an Spanish.  The Spanish version is way more campy and offers more breaks than the English one.  I have heard that this song is getting a new revival on the dance floors of now.  This song is great to hear during those sweaty nights out wherever you find yourself this summer even if is in the pleasure of your own living room. Just watch out for your neighbors 'cause this song is meant to be played loud and of course dance. Enjoy!

Bailando - Alaska y los Pegamoides  

I Don't Smoke

Don't be misled by the title, in fact it might make you want to do the opposite upon hearing this song. Or  not.  However you take it, the message here is irrelevant and the fact is that this tune has been making waves ever since it debuted during a live set Matias Aguayo  did on Beats In Space.  That's where I heard this song first and haven't been able to get this song out of my head.  I recently did a posting on Rebolledo and promised to do a feature focusing on  Mr. Aguayo.  So here it is. Born in 1973 in Santiago, Chile and for many years now simply a citizen of the whole world.  He is a true original with a unique vision among electronic music performers and composers.  Influenced by a variety of music genres and rhythms,  Aguayo began his career organizing events, djing at the legendary Liquid Sky parties in Cologne, Germany and then became part of the project Closer Musik where he released his first album on Kompakt in 2002 and took flight. His voice and productions ever since have become a trademark of electronic sexiness and deep techno grooves.  He released a song titled "Minimal" in 2008 successfully critiquing the vacuous nature "minimal techno".  Soon after, Matias tired of the Eurocentric techno went even further to explore inspirations in South America starting street parties and free club spaces in Buenos Aires where he teamed up with Diego Morales in Santiago de Chile, Daniel Maloso in Mexico where he founded the label Comeme.  His gigs are blurred the lines between live performance and dj sets mixing house, swing, italo disco, kwaito, techno, electro, tribal huarachero, cumbia and Colombian champeta.  This song is just another example of his constant flow of unique, raw and much needed eclecticism in dance music.  Enjoy!

I Don't Smoke - Matias Aguayo

Can't Believe

Here is a dance classic that I have recently re-discovered recently.  I have heard it before on some mix by either from Francois K or Danny Krivit as a speeded up snippet and but never from beginning to end.  So here is the full glorious unaltered version for you to enjoy.  Nancy Martin's actual name is Nancy Catherine Julia Martinez and was born in Rosemount, Montreal.  She studied classical piano at a young age and singing during high school.  Nancy worked at clubs and parties before becoming a background singer.  "Can't Believe" was Nancy's first single and it was released in 1982 under the alias Nancy Martin.  The same year she released another single, "I"m Gonna Get Your Love" under another alias, "Jade".  Both singles received moderate success in her hometown of Canada.  Her first album was released in 1983 titled  Lay It Down  featuring her hit single "So Excited".  Ms. Martinez went on to become well known  singer among club circles during the mid to late '80s.  She still continues to make music.

Can't Believe (12" Version) - Nancy Martinez 

200th Post!

July Mix by Jack Rivas on Mixcloud

To celebrate the 200th post of Disco Monk, I am featuring a "hot" July Mix fresh out of the oven by DJ Glamjack.  So far I have enjoyed sharing with you some of the music that makes my body move and/or elevate my soul.  I wish to be more consistent on the postings in here but life sometimes takes unexpected turns and makes priorities harder to choose.  The July Mix is very eclectic with lots of rarities of old and new that I have been listening recently.  Stand outs are Max Essa Ft. DC Mathias "How Do You Feel" which is already climbing on many DJ's favorite play lists.  I hope you enjoy this mix and use it as a soundtrack for those BBQ parties, layout on the beach, workout, long summer drives, late night house gathering pick up or unwind. It all depends on how you hear it, where, how and when.  Enjoy!

July Mix - Dj Glamjack 




Track Listing:

  1. In D #1 - Arandel
  2. No Hay Problema - Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers
  3. How Do You Feel - Maxx Essa Ft. DC Mathias
  4. Soul Clap - Quantic
  5. Japanese War Game - Koto
  6. Quiet Life - Japan 
  7. Knight Moves (Lone Remix) - Gonzales
  8. Stay Free (Dimitri's Re-Edit) - Ashford & Simpson
  9. Love Can't Turn Around (Intro Acapella) - Darryl Pandy
10. Some Lovin' (Deep Dub) - Liberty City
11. Summer Rain - Bebu Silvetti
12. Miss Broadway - Belle Epoque
13. Inner City Blues - James Last
14. Far Nearer - Gil Scott Heron & Jamie XX