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Revisiting Thelma Houston's Dancefloor Classic - A Nostalgic Spin on - You Used To Hold Me So Tight

Today thanks to Brokli - I am walking into the auditory time machine, I dropped the needle on Thelma Houston’s “You Used To Hold Me So Tight,” and was instantly teleported back to the golden era of dancefloor glitter and groove. There's a certain magic in rediscovering a tune that's been etched into the synapses of your memory—like a ghost of disco past, long forgotten, now summoned forth in shimmering apparition. Listening to it now, decades removed from the pulsating heat of '80s clubland, the experience is akin to unearthing a time capsule buried beneath layers of musical evolution. The track is a vibrant portal, faint yet vivid, that transports me back to the verge of adulthood—my formative teens where each beat in that bass line felt like it was dictating the rhythm of life itself. Thelma Houston's powerhouse delivery on “You Used To Hold Me So Tight” has lost none of its potency. Her voice sails over the production with a clarity that cuts through the years, still

DISC SPOTLIGHT: “The Boogie’s Gonna Get You” by Woods Empire (1981)

From the vinyl vaults of funk's golden era here we have a track that's ripe for a seasoned resurrection, a gem by Woods Empire titled "The Boogie's Gonna Get You." Nestled in the 1981 archives of Tabu Records, this syncopated tune has an unapologetic groove. Upon laying the needle down on this disc, you're greeted with the kind of funky rhythms that are thick with bass and rich with a vibe that's both nostalgic and timeless. The opening bars call the listener direct to the dance floor. The use of the vocoder in this track is so sweet and used effortlessly once again bonding man and machine. Now, looking back through the retrospective lens, it’s a genuine shame that "The Boogie's Gonna Get You" seems to have slipped through the cracks, disappearing from playlists where it once may well have been well applauded. . Tabu Records, with their exquisite taste and sharp ears, curated a lineup of tracks and artists that defined an era. "The Boogi

George Michael - A Different Corner (Official Video)

What a day, what a week, and what a life! I need a moment to reflect. it seems like so many moving parts are happening at once right now and it reminded me of this video "A Different Corner," George Michael brings forth essence of vulnerability and introspection. The somber setting and minimalist approach underscore the themes of love, loss, and longing. Just like the poignant scenes in the video, many of us right now find ourselves at a vulnerable corner in our lives, particularly when there are strong astrological occurrences, such as a Lunar Eclipse, which can intensify our emotions and experiences. Much like George Michael's portrayal here, many of us find ourselves pushing boundaries, trying to get through challenging situations. It is during these times that we should approach ourselves with compassion. Embracing our vulnerabilities allows us to be authentic, and in this resonance, others find a desire to connect with us. Just as George's performance resonates w

Baile/Baile: Where Music, Culture, and Community Collide at a remote place in Scotland

Sigi Whittle, an innovative DJ based in the picturesque Highland region of Scotland, is on a mission to break the monotony of Highland winters and revitalise the spirits of the youth with a universal mix of DJ's sonics and audio electronics. In a unique fusion of cultures, Sigi and his colleagues have crafted a series of community-backed club nights that bear the intriguing name, "baile/baile." This name draws its inspiration from the Scottish Gaelic word "baile," meaning "township/village," and the Spanish word "baile," meaning "a dance."  On November 4th 2023, the stage will be set, and the beat will drop as baile/baile launches at the remarkable The Ceilidh Place Venue, nestled in the heart of Ullapool, Scotland. This intimate 100-capacity music hub and exhibition space will come alive with a series of four electrifying parties featuring both nationally and internationally renowned DJs, producers, and party starters. Sigi Whittle

HACKNEY RECORD STORE VINYL PIMP IS OFFERING CUSTOMERS THE CHANCE TO STAY OVERNIGHT

Digging for vinyl treasures late into the night? Now, you've got the hookup! Vinyl Pimp, the Hackney hotspot for vinyl heads, just cranked up the cool factor. Picture this: you can crash right amidst their vinyl stash! Situated in the heart of Hackney Wick, Vinyl Pimp is unleashing a game-changer. They're giving you the keys to their guest suite, allowing you to dive deep into their vinyl collection. Here's the lowdown: it's on the house, but you gotta drop £200 on weekdays or £250 on weekends in the store. Got a sidekick? Toss in an extra £100 for them. They spilled the beans on Instagram – not only do you score a comfy crash pad, but you get to explore rare vinyl gems and budget-friendly records. It's a vinyl lover's paradise! Picture yourself vibing in a vinyl wonderland, right in the heart of Hackney Wick. The room even rocks a dedicated listening booth for the ultimate vinyl experience. Talk about music discovery! And that's not all – cozy up in a mezza

Nadeem Khan's "Tu Tak Tu Tak Tutiyan" — The Elado Touch - This is so good!

Just look at that head, Nadeem Khan, is having it!  Elado, a name synonymous with innovative beats and heart-thumping remixes, has once again showcased his unparalleled prowess in sound manipulation. His original edit of a beloved Bollywood classic, "Tu Tak Tu Tak Tutiyan" by Nadeem Khan, has not just been an ode to the song, but an outright global phenomenon and quite right so! Over the past two years, this reimagined version has become the lifeblood of dance floors worldwide, bringing with it a surge of nostalgia, love, and euphoria.  With the ever-evolving demand and appreciation for this enchanting mix, Razor-N-Tape didn't merely rest on their laurels. They've supercharged the emotion by releasing an official 7’ remix package, and it is spot on! The package, a delightful duality of sound, sees the familiar "Gulab Jamun Rework" enveloping listeners on the A side. This version, while retaining the essence of the original, adds a layer of contemporary zest

Who loves who?

LIFE AND DEATH · Don't Worry Psy Happy - Sebra Cruz Veteran artist Sebra Cruz embraces euphoria, introspection, and pulsating rhythms in his debut album, Don't Worry Psy Happy LP, released under the esteemed Life & Death imprint helmed by DJ Tennis. One standout track, "Don't Worry Psy Happy," transports listeners to a world where hedonistic and trippy soundscapes reign supreme. As if riding waves of pure sonic pleasure, the song encapsulates what Cruz does best: blending emotions with compelling sound stories. "Sunfish," another lead track, swirls with powerful synths, intermittent vocals, and a breakbeat cadence—perfect for those early morning dancefloor highs. Yet, the album is not just about dance beats. From the cinematic touches of "Optimist" to the atmospheric guitar riffs in "Poliziesco" and the passionate retro beats of "When Life Was Slow," Cruz showcases his versatile artistic palette. Revealing a predominant

The Harmonious Intersection of Neuroscience and Art: The Journey of Greg Dunn and Will Drinker

  My Brain is like a Brainbow today - it feels like it is expanding in so many ways, AI and constant search for new things, tools, ways to work, as I watch the collapse of agencies and industry around me. We must keep in mind that his has all happened before, everyone needs to adapt and embrace, they need to add value, more value. If you used to create one blog post a week, now you need to do five a day! The tools have arrived and it is all possible.  Especially in the realm of art and science, few have managed to merge the two worlds as seamlessly as Greg Dunn. Gregg began his artistic journey during his grad school days at the University of Pennsylvania, where he developed a profound love for the intricacies of the human brain. The fascinating forms of neurons, combined with his appreciation for Asian art, led him down a unique artistic path, exploring the beauty of neuroscience through intricate ink paintings and scrolls. Over time, not only did he attract commissions from universit

The REFLEX Wheel Spin 7" inch

Here is a funky offering of a song that has gone up before then came down again. The French Producer Reflex, graces us through the Flex7 label,  and it's  an easy hit to remember. The Reflex, a moniker paying homage to Nile Rodgers' legendary remix of Duran Duran's 1984 classic, and a nod to the innovative Flextime tool in Logic Pro, showcases his mastery once again . This 7" record offers a double dose of creative brilliance straight from the master tapes, promising an electrifying experience for dance enthusiasts. On the A side, "Wheel Spin" (Revision) delivers a mesmerizing blend of low-slung grooves and soulful energy, propelling listeners to new heights on the dancefloor. It's a testament to The Reflex's ability to infuse soul power into every beat. Flipping the vinyl reveals "Giv It Up" (Revision), an infectious slice of downtown vocal funk that's impossible to resist. The Reflex's skill in breathing new life into tracks is evi

Review: Keith Papworth - "Hard Hitter"

It's safe to say that the Fat Beats reissue was a game-changer, propelling this gem into the musical stratosphere. This album, with its intensely sampleable funk breaks, found itself right at home in the bustling landscape of New York City's hip-hop culture. Its beats and rhythms became the secret sauce for beatmakers, providing the foundation for countless hip-hop classics. "Hard Hitter" went beyond being a simple musical joy; it became an enduring source of inspiration for a generation of artists. The beauty of "Hard Hitter" lies not only in its historical significance but also in the sheer musical brilliance that it encapsulates. Papworth's ability to craft intricate and infectious funk grooves is evident throughout the album. Each track is a testament to his mastery of the genre, with tight drum patterns, funky basslines, and soulful melodies that are impossible to resist. The Dynamite Cuts reissue ensures that a new generation of music enthusiasts c

Album Review - Fresh out - Sylvester Album - Private Recordings August 1970 LP + booklet

Sylvester's "Private Recordings August 1970" LP, released by Dark Entries US, offers a captivating glimpse into the multifaceted talent of the influential disco legend. While most remember Sylvester for his chart-topping hits like "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)," this album delves into a completely different musical realm, showcasing his deep appreciation for vintage jazz, blues, and gospel sounds. The collection comprises nine recordings of old-time classics, each lasting around 2-3 minutes. Listening to these tracks, it's as if you're transported back in time to the studio with Sylvester and his collaborator, pianist and record collector Peter Mintun. Their partnership paints a vivid picture of an artist exploring his musical roots and experimenting with a different sonic landscape. One can't help but be struck by Sylvester's unique falsetto, a precursor to the mesmerizing vocal style that would define his later, more famous works in the disco

Musical Instruments of the Ancient World: A Forgotten Legacy

In this exploration, we delve into the fascinating history of 10 ancient musical instruments that have left an indelible mark on music, influencing the design of instruments we know and love today. Music has been an integral part of human culture for millennia. While we often celebrate modern instruments and songs made with the use of VST plugins and virtual synthesizers, it's crucial NOT to forget the ancient musical treasures that paved the way for contemporary soundscapes and ritual music. Here are some of those brilliant instruments. 1. Sistrum Origin: Ancient Egypt History: The sistrum was a sacred percussion instrument used in religious rituals and celebrations. Its jingling sound was thought to appease the gods and drive away evil spirits. Influence: The concept of shaking or rattling objects to produce sound influenced the development of various modern percussion instruments, including maracas and tambourines. 2. Didgeridoo Origin: Indigenous Australia History: The didgerid