SOVIETPANDA

Bangkok

2009-11-24T10:00:00.000-06:00

Boris Dlugosch - "Bangkok"

Not especially new, but a huge track that I love hearing. Sounds like an Afrojack remix of Popof. Out now on Erol's Phantasy label.

It Radiates

2009-11-23T15:34:00.001-06:00

Who's there?

Oh, it's just Riton and Primary 1. Hello.

Washed Out is Going to Call You Back Soon

2009-11-20T15:44:00.000-06:00

Washed Out via Fader

RIP Jerry Fuchs

2009-11-19T10:00:00.000-06:00

The Juan MacLean - Happy House (Live @ The Double Door) from The Belmont Sessions on Vimeo.

This video acts as a sort of testament to the extreme talent that was Jerry Fuchs. I had the pleasure of meeting Jerry while on tour with !!! and the Juan Maclean, and the equal pleasure of seeing him perform a handful of times. The area where electronic music and live music meet is where most of my time is spent, and Jerry had MIDI in and out ports tattooed on his arms - the literal living embodiment of that music. He was as nice and talented as everyone has been saying, and will be deeply missed.

Krautrock

2009-11-18T10:00:00.001-06:00

I've watched the recent BBC 4 documentaries, Krautrock: The Rebirth of Germany and Synth Britannia, twice each. Both are well done and incredibly inspirational. Stream Krautrock below, or search for it on Google or your favorite torrent site to watch.

Krautrock explores the social and political climate in post-war Germany during the 60's and 70's that led musicians to explore truly new music, with as few ties to the UK and US as possible, which ultimately meant electronic music. The story quickly traces lines between Kraftwerk, Neu!, Can, Cluster, the endlessly strange Faust, Tangerine Dream playing in churches, a shining cameo from Iggy Pop via Miami, explains how the term "krautrock" is basically an insult, and ends with Brian Eno and Harmonia recording together, positing that Eno ran off with the three cassettes of material and subsequently released Bowie's "Heroes". My only complaint is that I wish it were longer.

The film has left me exploring all of these bands' albums, both familiar and new to me, and is a great excuse to dig into the recent Kraftwerk reissues - badly needed on CD and very welcome indeed. (I suggest reading Pitchfork's interview with Ralf Hütter for even more information on the German robots we so greatly revere, a band still miles into the future and virtually peerless.)

Funnily enough, I am left most strongly with a newfound obsession for "Heroes". I can't stop listening to the album, or the pristine, singular statement that is the title track. I hope Harmonia don't think less of me because of it.

Can - "Mothersky (Pilooski Edit)" [YSI]
Neu! - "Halleluhwah" [YSI]
Kraftwerk - "Autobahn" (Remastered) [YSI]

November Chart

2009-11-17T19:37:00.001-06:00

1. Azari & III - Hungry (for the Power) - I'm A Cliché
2. Jackpot - Brief Encounter - RVNG
3. Neurotic Drum Band - Robotic Hypnotic Adventure - Wurst
4. Traxx - Down 2 House - Nation
5. Hercules & Love Affair - I Can't Wait (In Flagranti Remix) - MP3
6. Nadastrom - Squarez - Dubsided
7. Drums of Death - Got Yr Thing (Cage & Aviary Remix) - Greco-Roman
8. Simian Mobile Disco - Cruel Intentions (Maurice Fulton Remix) - Wichita
9. LCD Soundsystem - Bye Bye Bayou - DFA
10. Jackpot - Greased Lightning (Rory Phillips Remix) - Permanent Vacation

[RA]

Fuck Buttons

2009-11-17T18:11:00.000-06:00

This is a photo from Fuck Buttons' website. I'm not really sure what's happening in it. At first glance it looks like Fuck Button Benjamin John Power is inhaling a joint while starting a jet engine, which appropriately enough works as a description for their new album, Tarot Sport. Produced by the legendary Andrew Weatherall, it sounds like a jet engine spinning at the precise frequency where all of its mechanical workings correctly align to produce danceable rhythms from its clicks and clacks, while the roaring white noise coalesces into trance-like chord progressions and melodies.

Album opener "Surf Solar" is a good place for take off. The album version is much longer than this 7" edit, and a sufficient jaw-dropper/mind-expander to start the record. Fuck Buttons will be at the Cave (again, very appropriate) at Carleton College tomorrow, and at the Triple Rock on Thursday, with the Social Registry's Growing opening.

Hallowe'en

2009-10-29T08:00:00.005-05:00

I am DJing some kick-ass Halloween parties.

Friday is Distant Planet, thrown by Andrew "Naughty" Wood at the very cool Gallery 13 space (811 LaSalle). This is right downtown. The soundsystem is going to be large and loud. The line-up is diverse and quality, including a live set from my buddy Wet Legs. The space is going to spaced out. The admission might seem steep, but it gets you free drinks, beer and liquor, all night! Plus it's a good break from your typical club atmosphere - we go very late! Definitely the Halloween party to be at. Come out and freak out! More details on Facebook.

Then on Saturday is First Avenue's annual Halloween party and costume contest. If you've never been, it really probably is the biggest Halloween party in the Cities. Jam-packed with people dressed in the most elaborate costumes, it's really something to witness. I know two people who have met their spouses at this party. I will be DJing the main slot. Advance tickets are only $5, so get them now! This will sell out/fill-up so get there early.

Acid Party House

2009-10-28T23:52:00.000-05:00

My good friends the Moon Goons recently debuted their first track on their blog, "Acid Party House." It's a bit spastic, but it bangs hard in all the right places, all while their particular sense of humor seeps through. Definitely check it out and watch for more good things from them!

The Moon Goons - "Acid Party House" - [Direct] [MediaFire]

Shit Robot

2009-10-23T14:18:00.000-05:00

I am thrilled to have Shit Robot at Too Much Love tomorrow. His latest single, "Simple Things (Work It Out)" has been an anthem of sorts for this year, and I love listening to his DJ sets. He has a fantastic take on production and house music, so I can't wait for tomorrow. More details at the TML blog.

The Bot was the guest on Beats in Space this week, where he and James Murphy gave TML a small shout-out. Definitely listen to his set on BiS, and check out his "Simply Shit" mix on XLR8R.

Shit Robot began his mix with LCD Soundsystem's latest track, a cover of Alan Vega's "Bye Bye Bayou" which you can stream on MySpace. Vega's Suicide has come up more and more often as a reference point for music I enjoy - I heard the Horrors have been ending shows with "Ghost Rider" - so I was really not surprised when this song popped into my life. It's a driving synth work out, with expertly delayed vocals, and what sounds like helicopters descending in Vietnam.

October Chart

2009-10-01T01:36:00.005-05:00

1. Retro/Grade - Moda - Retro/Grade
2. Junkie XL - Cosmic Rave - MP3
3. Crazy P - Caught Up (Still Going Remix) - 20:20 Vision
4. Beni - Maxmius (Harvard Bass Remix) - Kitsuné
5. The Glass - Wanna Be Dancin (In Flagranti Remix) - Plant Music
6. Noob & Brodinski - Peanuts Club - Turbo
7. Q&A - Tumbling Cubes - DFA
8. LCD Soundsystem - 45:33 (Theo Parrish's Space Cadet Remix) - DFA
9. Delorean - Seassun (John Talabot's Kids & Drums Remix) - Mushroom Pillow
10. DJ T - Shine On (Motor City Drum Ensemble Warehouse Dub Mix) - Get Physical

[RA]

1977

2009-09-29T03:40:00.002-05:00

"i think what's fascinating about 1977 to me is that it sort of says to me that there is no one overarching narrative to everything
that stuff comes to an end and everything is a bunch of smaller finite canons instead of one big one"

July 24 – Led Zeppelin plays their last U.S. concert in Oakland, CA at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. A brawl erupts between Led Zeppelin's crew and promoter Bill Graham's staff, resulting in criminal assault charges for several of Led Zeppelin's entourage including drummer John Bonham.

I never listened to this until today.

Led Zeppelin - "Rain Song (Live)"

In Flagranti

2009-09-23T09:38:00.000-05:00

This Saturday, I have a very special edition of Too Much Love. In Flagranti, one of my favorite producers and DJs, will be headlining. For more info, check out the TML blog.

As a sidenote, tonight I will be playing music with my friend Dom Terrace at Gang Chen in Minneapolis, from 10 until 2. It's 2-4-1's the whole time, and I hear the food is good, so get down to Nicollet and hang with us. It's basically a block off Franklin Ave, towards downtown, at 1833 Nicollet Ave S, and I've seen it get pretty wild. Join us!

$99

2009-09-10T17:21:00.007-05:00

You can find me at a ton of events in Minneapolis this weekend, so come out!

First, on Friday evening, I will be DJing the $99 Sale at the Soap Factory with my friend Elliott Payne. The $99 Sale is an extremely cool art event in the Twin Cities, and I can't find a flier for it, but you can read about it at the $99 Sale website, or in this week's City Pages A-List.

Directly following, I will be dropping disco and house heaters at Jetset, which is always a fun time. Jetset's hip interior and classy cocktails are a win. 21+ and no cover.

On Saturday, I will be joined by my frequent partner-in-crime Naughty Wood for a trip at Too Much Love. Naughty Wood gets the kids hyped on acid house and trippy disco, so

expect a hot night of dancing. [Facebook event]

Finally on Sunday, my buds the 717 Boys (aka Josh and Travis from the Moon Goons and Wurst Music) will be taking over my monthly night at the Kitty Cat Klub. Denial is always a fantastic way to end the weekend, with bloody marys and a very wide selection of tunes, and I'll be sad to miss this one. Luckily you don't have to! It's 21+ and FREE. Check out my live Denial promo mix here. [Facebook event]

September Chart

2009-09-02T21:59:00.003-05:00

1. Still Going - Spaghetti Circus - DFA
2. Canyons - Fire Eyes - DFA
3. Erol Alkan & Boys Noize - Waves - Boysnoize
4. Jacques Renault - Love Attack - I'm A Cliché
5. Riton & Primary 1 - Who's There? (In Flagranti Remix) - Phantasy
6. A Mountain of One - Bones (House of House Remix) - AMO
7. Fever Ray - Triangle Walks (Tiga/Rex The Dog/Spektre Remixes) - Rabid
8. Idjut Boys - Jammy Dodger - Noid
9. C.O.M.B.i. - Tangled - C.O.M.B.i.
10. RüF Dug - Dirty (Unabombers Remix) - The Popular People's Front

[Resident Advisor] [Too Much Love]

Add This Video

2009-08-31T21:39:00.001-05:00

Add This Song

"GusGus return with their latest album "24/7" which is out 9.14 on Kompakt. Their latest video for their first single "Add This Song" is a trippy journey through a hospital and morgue."

JOTS IT DOWN

2009-08-30T17:10:00.000-05:00

HAPPY HOUSE REDUX

2009-08-20T10:22:00.000-05:00

The Juan Maclean's "Happy House" has just been rereleased with a strong batch of dance-floor oriented remixes. Included is the deep and dubby Chateau Flight remix, an extended take from Will Saul and Mike Monday, and a surprisingly strong version from VHS or Beta, featuring synthetic strings and an acid wash breakdown.

MIRROR'S IMAGE

2009-08-19T15:38:00.001-05:00

The Horrors will be back in the Twin Cities at the Turf Club on Saturday, October 10. (You'll be at TML, so you can't go.)

FREE ENERGY FREE ENERGY

2009-08-18T16:00:00.002-05:00

Free Energy's self-titled debut 7" is available for pre-order now. The band will be back in Minneapolis on September 5 for the Clapperclaw festival (along with Elite Gymnastics, a band I'm in).

MOTOR CITY DRUM ENSEMBLE

2009-08-18T01:53:00.003-05:00

Motor City Drum Ensemble is neither an ensemble nor from Detroit - it is Danilo Plessow of Stuttgard, Germany's own "motor city." And there is something very Detroit (and American) about MCDE's take on house music, which first came to my attention in recent months through his single series, Raw Cuts. Loops of old soul songs drive these thumping tracks, making for old-school songs that sound just right on new-school dancefloors.

MCDE recently made a trip to NYC, with stops at the Yard for the Sunday Best party, and at Tim Sweeney's legendary Beats in Space radio show. Luckily, each appearance has been recorded for our downloading pleasure, and I recommend checking out both.

BODYWORK

2009-08-12T00:22:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow night (technically tonight) I will go see Glass Candy play live and Mike Simonetti DJ at Metro. I am psyched. Seeing Glass Candy is sort of like going to a disco pep rally, without any of the negative connotations of the term "pep rally" (or "disco").

The above photo is from Megan from Desire's photoblog, from Glass Candy and Desire's recent European tour. This was pointed out to me by the Italians Do It Better blog, which also pointed me to this disco edit from Simonetti, and this track which was purposefully left off the recent Desire LP.

Check out this recent RA interview with Simonetti. I really hope he plays White Label - Untitled White Label (unknown). And finally, here's an interview with Glass Candy where they discuss Karl Lagerfeld and their forthcoming LP Bodywork.

BONES

2009-08-11T13:59:00.003-05:00

A Mountain of One's "Bones" twelve inch is out now, with a freaked out Way of the Ancients remix from Thomas Bullock, and a transcendent "minimal-electro-trance" revision from House of House.

(For those of you keeping track, Thomas Bullock is one half of Rub N Tug with Eric Duncan, who is one half of Still Going with Liv Spencer, who is one half of House of House with Saheer Umar.)

JEFFER

2009-08-05T14:31:00.001-05:00

Boys Noize - Jeffer from Ryan Staake on Vimeo.

PSYCHIC CITY

2009-08-03T14:10:00.002-05:00

YACHT - Psychic City (Voodoo City) from Jona Bechtolt on Vimeo.

See Mystery Lights has been one of my favorite albums of the summer.