Chalice & Ting

6 Mix: Adrian Sherwood

2012-02-14T12:45:00.008Z

I'm guessing that as part of the On-U Sound 30 year anniversary celebrations, this is another example of (the rather belated) recognition of the label's, and of course Mr. Sherwood's, fantastic contribution to our musical education.

An eclectic 2 hour mix, broadcast on BBC Radio 6 Music on Saturday 28 January 2012 at 22:00.

While much of it will be familiar to On-U Sound aficionados (African Head Charge, Mark Stewart, Bim Sherman, New Age Steppers, Gary Clail), there's also some tasters from Adrian's forthcoming album, and other rarities that, to the best of my knowledge, are not available elsewhere (the Congo Natty dubplate of Max Romeo's all time classic Chase The Devil and Adrian's own dubplate of Caspa's Where's My Money?).

Oh, and an Arabic version of Bob Marley's War...

Well worth a listen. And that's the understatement of the year.

1. African Head Charge: Take Heed... & Smoke Up Your Collyweed
2. Lee 'Scratch' Perry: God Smiled (Moody Boyz Remix)
3. Caspa: Where's My Money? (Adrian Sherwood Dubplate Version)
4. Codec & Flexor: Time Has Changed
5. Mark Stewart Vs. Primal Scream: Autonomia
6. Primal Scream: Ju-87
7. Lee 'Scratch' Perry: Like The Way You Should (Digital Mystikz Remix)
8. Adrian Sherwood: Untitled 1 (from forthcoming album)
9. Adrian Sherwood: Untitled 2 (from forthcoming album)
10. Bim Sherman: Golden Locks (Original Version)
11. Bim Sherman: Golden Locks (Acoustic Version)
12. Adrian Sherwood: The Law Of Man (from forthcoming album)
13. Harry Beckett: The Storyteller
14. Harry Beckett: Something Special
15. Crispy Horns: Metropolis
16. Gary Clail & On-U Sound System: Two Thieves & A Liar
17. Jeb Loy Nichols: To Be Rich (Should Be A Crime)
18. Samia Farah & Neyssatou: War
19. New Age Steppers: The Scheiße Song
20. New Age Steppers: Conquer (featuring Ari Up)
21. Andy Fairley: Jack The Biscuit
22. New Age Steppers: My Nerves
23. Mark Stewart: Gang War
24. Lee 'Scratch' Perry: Jungle Youth (Congo Natty Remix)
25. Max Romeo: Chase The Devil (Congo Natty Dubplate)
26. Adrian Sherwood: A Piece Of The Earth (featuring Little Roy)
27. Adrian Sherwood: U Are Sound
28. Mark Stewart: Jerusalem

Download Part 1
Download Part 2

Karmadrome/Eat Me, Drink Me, Love Me, Kill Me CD

2012-02-14T12:14:00.006Z

One of the many CD versions of the 12" posted originally here.

Think this was the first outing for PWEI-Zation since it first hit the turntables in 1989 on the release of Very Metal Noise Pollution.

One for the completists amongst us.

1. Karmadrome (7")
2. Eat Me, Drink Me, Love Me, Kill Me
3. Karmadrome
4. PWEI-Zation

Download

92º... The Incredible P.W.E.I. Vs. Dirty Harry

2012-02-08T12:10:00.001Z

Another fine slab of musicality from Stourbridge's finest, and like other posts here, taken from the excellent Cure For Sanity.

All three tracks stand up to scrutiny, with The Incredible P.W.E.I. Vs. Dirty Harry particularly liable to induce dubbed-out foot-tapping.

Flood is credited with original production for tracks 1 and 2, and the remix for both these tracks are down to the prolific Boilerhouse.

1. 92º Boilerhouse (The Birth Mix)
2. 92º Boilerhouse (The Birth, The Death Mix)
3. The Incredible P.W.E.I. Vs. Dirty Harry

Go on, make your day. You know you want to...

Download

Breach The Peace E.P.

2011-01-10T16:33:00.006Z

Like many others, I suspect, I bought this in the lead up to the Criminal Justice Act.

I need do no more than quote Autechre:

"we advise DJs to have a lawyer and a musicologist present at all times to confirm the non-repetitive nature of the music in the event of police harassment".

A1 Breach The Peace
A2 Do Et

B1 Seven
B2 23 Minute Warning

Download

Bulletproof!

2011-01-10T15:34:00.007Z

If you're something of a completist (like myself), then this will be of interest. However, if quality is in your heart, then this may come up somewhat short.

As I noted in my earlier post, the title track was going to need some radical work to move it into silk purse territory. Adrian fails on this front again, and Boilerhouse fare no better.

The final shame of it all is that the last track (which I believe appears nowhere else) proves to be a sadly accurate assessment of the whole sorry mess.

There we go, that'll be no downloads then...

1. Bulletproof! (Adrian Sherwood Remix)
2. Bulletproof! (Original Boilerhouse Mix)
3. Bulletproof! (Extended Adrian Sherwood Mix)
4. Good From Far, Far From Good

Download

Punk Funk 12"

2011-01-03T20:06:00.004Z

Another slab of vinyl from the Elementalz album.

Disappointingly, the title track is lifted straight from the album, however the Underdog and DJ Crystl treatments of Mad Headz both add interest - hypnotic bass on both.

A1 Punk Funk
A2 Mad Headz (The Underdog Remix)

AA1 Mad Headz (More Edz Remix)
AA2 Mad Headz (DJ Crystl Remix)

Download

Alphabetical Response 12"

2010-12-17T18:07:00.012Z

One mixed-race, one black, one yid.

This 12" is from The Brotherhood's third album, Elementalz, and a fine slab of vinyl that is too. Let's face it, rap that name-checks Poohsticks, Worzel Gummidge, Barry Sheene and quotes Frank Bruno has to bring a smile to the face.

I've always liked British rap, but there's precious little of it that's that good, but this stands up well. What really struck me when I first heard it was that they weren't trying to out-gangsta US rappers; in fact there's no gangsta at all.

Instead, we have some clever rhymes, politically aware lyrics, and best of all a dark, brooding feel to everything.

Fine, fine music.

A1 Alphabetical Response (LP Version)
A2 Alphabetical Response (Instrumental)

B1 One³ (LP Version)
B2 One³ (Instrumental)

Download

Nostalgia's Not What It Used To Be...

2010-12-10T19:31:00.013Z

Been catching up on things now that work is beginning to wind down for the year, and re-discovered lots of draft posts for vinyl I have digitised over the past months.

Sadly, it turns out that most of it was shite, hence the title of this post.

However, I recognise that my taste is not everyone else's, so thought I'd list the vinyl I bothered to digitise, but won't bother to post.

If anyone has a burning need for any of these, just ask nicely, you never know what might happen:

The Beatmasters: Dunno What It Is (About You) 12"

Brothers In Rhythm: Such A Good Feeling 12"

Coldcut: People Hold On (The Blaze Mix) 12"

D-Mob: We Call It Acieeed 12"

Deee-Lite: Groove Is In The Heart 12"
Deee-Lite: Power Of Love 12"

Digital Orgasm: Moog Eruption 12" (Promo)
Digital Orgasm: Running Out Of Time 12"
Digital Orgasm: Running Out Of Time (Remixes) 12"
Digital Orgasm: Startouchers 12"

Double Trouble & The Rebel MC: Just Keep Rockin' 12"

Still don't know why I ended up with so much Digital Orgasm - average at best, and that's being unkind to average...

Haunting Ground

2010-12-10T17:26:00.009Z

Ah, Jarrett Tomlinson, one of the most beautiful voices in reggae.

Not only that, but he has worked with some of the best in the business:

Dub Syndicate
Horace Andy
Roots Radics

Don't normally feel comfortable with posting albums, but pretty sure this one is rare, and it's too good not to share.

Word of caution though: the vinyl looks like the rolling seas - it's on very lightweight vinyl and hasn't fared well, so the quality's not great.

Worth putting up with though, I think.

A1 Haunting Ground
A2 Life
A3 War Mongers
A4 Gold & Silver

B1 For The Future
B2 Thanks & Praises
B3 Moving
B4 Got To Get On
B5 Hang On

Download

Landing Party

2010-08-20T13:39:00.013+01:00

Reminded of Radical Dance Faction by Roy Rocket's recent post, and as a result just ripped this from vinyl.

Have to admit when I first got my USB turntable, two R.D.F. albums found their way onto it fairly quickly, Borderline Cases and Wasteland. Sadly, at the time these turned out to be in the "nostalgia's not what it used to be" category, so never bothered with this 12".

Maybe I shouldn't have been so hasty. This actually stands up pretty well, once you've got used to Chris Bowsher's style, and are feeling receptive to the political/social overtones.

Gary Clail sounds like Maggie compared to this...

A1 Landing Party

B1 Landing Party (Short Version)
B2 Riverwise II

Download

The Afro-Left E.P.

2010-01-05T16:37:00.005Z

Ah Leftfield. Unrivaled music, but so little of it...

This E.P. starts with the standard Leftism version, to remind us where we're starting from, then moves into the variants.

All three derivatives are different, but true to the original. Can't find any mix credits, so I assume they are all the product of Mr. Barnes' and Mr. Daley's hard work.

Afro Ride is more housey than tribal; Afro Sol more hypnotic; Afro Central more eclectic.

1 Afro Left
2 Afro Ride
3 Afro Sol
4 Afro Central

Download

Carnival

2010-01-05T16:01:00.003Z

As I explained below, I had been looking for this Lionrock gem for ages, remembering wholly positive reviews by mates in the early nineties. Don't know how I missed out on getting a copy back then, but now I've got it, it's not disappointed.

Great samples (is it only me, or can I hear Thunderbirds drums in there?).

Chugs along nicely, exactly as it should.

1 Are You Ready To Testify?
2 The Guide
3 As Dawn Approaches
4 The Prankster's Mardi Gras

Download

P.S. not going to post Tripwire, as it's available all over the inter-web...

Escape

2010-01-05T13:35:00.007Z

The last of the Clail triumvirate, and a fine way to round things off it is too.

Escape is not a straight lift off The Emotional Hooligan, as it's nearly a minute shorter. Sounds like they simply faded out the album version at around 3:30. What a strange decision.

Thankfully, Escape (On The Mix) redeems this miserliness, and things are rounded off solidly by False Leader (Parts 1 & 2), featuring the ever popular Marcus Garvey Dread sample from Big Youth's Dreadlocks Dread.

1 Escape
2 Escape (On The Mix)
3 False Leader (Parts 1 & 2)

Download

These Things Are Worth Fighting For

2009-11-03T15:22:00.010Z

Until I looked carefully, I thought I had just picked up the CD version of the 12" I already own, but I was only partially right. The 12" and this CD share the following tracks:

These Things Are Worth Fighting For (Perfecto Mix)
These Things Are Worth Fighting For (Perfecto Radio Mix)
These Things Are Worth Fighting For (Young Gods Radio Mix)

But the CD has these two mixes which are not on the 12":

These Things Are Worth Fighting For (Young Gods Club Mix)
These Things Are Worth Fighting For (On-U Sound Mix)

The 12" has this mix which is not on the CD, but is on the These Things Are Worth Fighting For (Justin Robertson Remix) version:

These Things Are Worth Fighting For (Lion Rock Mix II)

Honestly, I hope no one accuses the record industry of taking advantage of those of an anal disposition, because as we can see from above this would be wholly unwarranted.

Anyway, here's the lot, I'll leave it to you to resolve any duplication...

1 These Things Are Worth Fighting For (Perfecto Mix)
2 These Things Are Worth Fighting For (Perfecto Radio Mix)
3 These Things Are Worth Fighting For (Young Gods Radio Mix)
4 These Things Are Worth Fighting For (Young Gods Club Mix)
5 These Things Are Worth Fighting For (On-U Sound Mix)

Download

These Things Are Worth Fighting For (Justin Robertson Remix)

2009-11-03T11:27:00.009Z

I'd already heard the Lion Rock Mix II version of this (it's on the 12" I previously posted) so I was looking forward to the others, to see what magic Mr. Robertson had been able to weave.

Pretty good they are too.Lion Rock Mix IV really chugs along nicely, and the break around 2:10 in the Prankster Mix I really hits the spot.

Probably one for the Gary Clail and/or Justin Robertson completists, but worth a listen nonetheless:

1 These Things Are Worth Fighting For (Lion Rock Mix II)
2 These Things Are Worth Fighting For (Lion Rock Mix IV)
3 These Things Are Worth Fighting For (Prankster Mix I)
4 These Things Are Worth Fighting For (Prankster Mix III)

Download

TV USA

2009-11-03T10:30:00.013Z

Following on from the previous post, only going to post this Sheep On Drugs acquisition, as I discovered I already had versions of both Track X E.P. and Motorbike/Mary Jane (meaning others had already posted).

As it happens, this is the best of the three anyway, being closer in style to Out Come The Freaks from Live At The Brain 2 (in fact if I'm not much mistaken The Flaming Church is a reworking of Out Come The Freaks?). Personally, I didn't get on quite so well with their other releases.

Like the sample on The Flaming Church; makes me smile...

1 TV USA
2 USA
3 Church
4 The Flaming Church

Download

Oxfordshire Market Town Defies Expectations...

2009-10-27T21:34:00.017Z

I wouldn't normally look to bore anyone with the minutiae of my life, but today was such a surprise I'm willing to break my self-imposed rule on this.

Picture the scene: a sleepy Oxfordshire market town; I'm there to complete some tedious shopping (personal hygiene products etc.); the weather is unseasonably warm.

On the off-chance, I venture into a well known charity shop. I've been here before, and the audio items on offer have been the normal uninspiring candidates: Westlife, S Club 7, Kylie etc. etc.

On this occasion, however, things are different. At the front of the normally piss-poor collection of CD's is Lionrock's Carnival - I've been looking for this for ages, both on-line and in the real world. Next I discover Tripwire by the same esteemed artists. My pulse quickens (such is the banality of my life).

It becomes clear that someone's collection of early 90's CD singles has somehow ended up here. They are either a music lover who has lost the faith, or whose other half has chosen to punish them for unknown misdemeanours.

No one gives this stuff away, at least not if they are in their right mind. Here's my haul in full:

Gary Clail & On-U Sound System:

Escape
These Things Are Worth Fighting For
These Things Are Worth Fighting For (Justin Robertson Remix)

Leftfield:

The Afro Left E.P.

Lionrock:

Tripwire
Carnival

Pop Will Eat Itself:

Karmadrome
Bulletproof!

Sheep On Drugs:

TV USA
Track X E.P.
Motorbike/Mary Jane

System 7:

Habibi

Once I've burned them, and worked out what's not been posted before (or is available to purchase) I'll share my good fortune.

Charity's never been so good...

Cheeba E.P.

2009-10-05T17:56:00.009+01:00

More choice tunes from Rising High, this time from Project One.

This 12" bought off the back of XL Recordings: The Third Chapter.

Although the Linval Thompson sample on Smokin' is well worn, and dare I say it clichéd now, back then it was fresh.

Ah, takes you back to an age of innocence...

A1 Smokin'
A2 It's Driving Me

B1 Give It All You Got
B2 Live Vibe II

Download

Brutal-8-E (Orange Edition)

2009-10-05T13:10:00.009+01:00

Great track.

Great mixes.

Tell me you're not smiling...

A1 Brutal-8-E (Jungle Brutalism Mix)
A2 Brutal-8-E (Z-Trance Mix)

B1 Brutal-8-E (Orange Edition)
B2 One For John (DJ Nex Mix)

Download

Hypnotic St-8

2009-10-05T12:48:00.008+01:00

Ah, happy days, with Altern 8 for company.

All sounds a bit samey now.

Didn't back then.

A1 Hypnotic St-8 (Higher St-8 Mix)
A2 DJ Nex's Break

B1 Infiltrate 202 (Joey Beltram Remix)
B2 Armageddon (We H-8 Garage Mix)

Download

The Head E.P. Volume 1

2009-10-05T12:10:00.008+01:00

Embarrassingly, I think I bought this as much for the names of the artist and the E.P. than anything else.

Never heard anything before or since by Dub Collective, and would be interested in hearing the other Head E.P.'s, as hearing this again was definitely nostalgic.

Of the four, Bongo Burial's the one that does it for me, like the hypnotic bass line...

A1 Death By Dub
A2 Bongo Burial

B1 Re-Energized
B2 The Light

Download

Big Mouth/Dirty 12"

2009-09-08T08:45:00.005+01:00

Browsing through Moggieboy's old posts reminded me of this one, and although it's probably the best known of messers Emerson, Hyde and Smith's Lemon Interupt incarnation, I think it still stands up pretty well.

Certainly, if you're an Underworld devotee, there's plenty here you'll recognise from their better known alter-egos.

A1 Big Mouth

AA1 Dirty

Download

Origins Of Dance 12"

2009-09-06T13:25:00.008+01:00

Until the dreadful Swamp Thing (when the wheels came off a bit), I think The Grid were pretty solid, and this tune (with Dr. Timothy Leary collaborating), has a nice low-key, chill out room feel to it.

I guess in 1990 you would always get some interest if Dr. Leary was involved...

A1 Origins Of Dance (Electronic Future Mix)

B1 Origins Of Dance (Hi-Tec Pagan Mix)

Download

Electric Guitar 12" (YRTX104)

2009-09-06T13:08:00.003+01:00

Three more fine mixes, same logic as below applies...

A1 Electric Guitar (Vibrochamp)

B1 Electric Guitar (Hot Tube)
B2 Electric Guitar (Superwound)

Update

Just noticed (after following the link to Discogs) that you can purcrhase this, so taken down the link.

Electric Guitar 12" (YRT104)

2009-09-06T13:04:00.004+01:00

If you like music that chugs, you'll like Fluke.

If you like Fluke, you'll like Electric Guitar.

If you like Electric Guitar, you'll love these mixes.

Fluke at the height of their powers...

A1 Electric Guitar (Humbucker)

B1 Electric Guitar (Sunburst)
B2 Electric Guitar (Headstock)

Update

Just noticed (after following the link to Discogs) that you can purcrhase this, so taken down the link.

Re-Post Requests...

2009-07-26T16:11:00.008+01:00

As per usual, I've been utterly rubbish at regularly posting (normal excuses apply - work, family, indolence, etc.).

Will try to put that right in the next week or two, but as a starter thought I'd re-post the following:

Follow the links to the original posts, and the download links should now work again.

Sinbad/Quest 12"

2009-04-25T17:08:00.013+01:00

All that Gary Clail has put me in the mood for something a bit more dance-centric, so dug out some old 12"'s I've not heard for a long time, this one amongst them. How glad I am that I did - System 7 hit the spot once more.

As far as I am aware neither of these Quest mixes appeared on any of the album releases, at least not first time round (I think that Quest (Moon Mix) appeared on the re-issue of 777).

A cracking trio of tunes, with the final track trumping the other two in terms of length, hypnotic quality and sheer infectiousness. Well done Mr. Thorpe.

A1 Sinbad (7th Voyage Of Sinbad)
A2 Quest (Moon Mix)

B1 Quest (Moody Boys Interpretation)

Download

Human Nature 12"

2009-04-12T08:52:00.003+01:00

What a cracking tune.

From the Emotional Hooligan album, his most consistent product along with End Of The Century Party.

As a bonus, you get to enjoy Bim Sherman's dulcet tones on Rumours.

A1 Human Nature (On The Mix)

B1 Rumours

Download

Who Pays The Piper? 12"

2009-04-12T08:28:00.006+01:00

Yet more dance from the Bristolian roofer, although a confusing message as I can't imagine Gary being averse to the odd cheeky one.

Another track from the Dreamstealers album, probably the only other besides These Things Are Worth Fighting For that stands up for itself. Superb music though,

What can those biscuit shaped items on the sleeve be?

A1 Who Pays The Piper? (Perfecto Mix)

B1 Who Pays The Piper? (On-U Sound Mix)
B2 Who Pays The Piper? (Trance Mix)

Download

These Things Are Worth Fighting For 12"

2009-04-12T07:57:00.007+01:00

Taken from Clail's Dreamstealers album, this is a pretty good track, with some interesting mixes. The rest of the album was somewhat hit and miss. Actually, it was mainly miss.

By this time, Clail had embraced dance music more than ever before, and the mixes here are evidence of that. Sadly, despite the presence of Justin Robertson on the first track on the B-side, the mix doesn't really do him or Lionrock justice, although it does pick up at about the six minute mark.

However, Clail's agit-pop is always entertaining, and this is no exception. Pick of the bunch for me? The Young Gods Radio Mix. Shame it's so short...

A1 These Things Are Worth Fighting For (Perfecto Mix)
A2 These Things Are Worth Fighting For (Perfecto Radio Mix)

B1 These Things Are Worth Fighting For (Lion Rock Mix II)
B2 These Things Are Worth Fighting For (Young Gods Radio Mix)

Download

Two Thieves & A Liar

2009-04-05T17:23:00.008+01:00

Taken from Clail's End Of The Century Party album, it seems only right to draw to the attention of those not familiar with his body of work this absolute gem.

I wouldn't normally consider posting a single track, concentrating as I do on posting complete vinyl that I own, but given the current economic situation, the samples on this track are just too apt. I would love to know where they come from - I've read various theories, including that the voice is that of some East End gangster talking on a documentary about Canary Wharf. If anyone knows for sure, please share your knowledge with the world...

Whoever it is, they should be congratulated on their foresight - wise words indeed. So wise, in fact, that I will quote them here verbatim (the numbers shown are the timings in the track of the two soliloquies). Emphasis (in bold) added by myself.

00:12 - 00:31 "I've had a few dealings in the City, met a number of stockbrokers, and I can tell you in all my life I've never seen such dishonesty and greed. It's like a big betting shop, a bookies, a casino, where they're all screwing each other and the rest of the world."

02:45 - 03:40 "When the Jewish and Italian communities went to America, right, they landed in a new country that was ripe for organisation and for rackets. Now in this country, that's not possible, because the big power, the real money, the real rackets, have been going over here for hundreds of years; they're all stitched up, been passed on from generation to generation; and the American gangsters, right, they're still struggling to get the respectability that they're after; but we've had three centuries head start on those buggers, and look haven't we done a beautiful job of it an' all. I'll bet you, there are millions of people, right, who think that the blokes who work here in the City are really good blokes, hard working, who've got the economy of this nation deep in their heart. What a load of cobblers. It's the best confidence trick in history."

Enjoy.

Download

The Emotional Hooligan (Promo) 12"

2009-04-04T11:59:00.004+01:00

Simply a great track, off a great album.

As a Dub Syndicate stalwart, I view this is the very lovable red-headed step-child of a collaboration; the album reverberates with Style and co.'s quality. Melded with Clail's left-leaning Bristolian-accented lyrics, still makes me smile 16 years later.

This 12", which teems with surreal dog bark samples, is irresistible. I defy anyone not to find their lower limbs at least twitching to this:

A1. The Emotional Hooligan

B1. Crocodile Eyes
B2. The Emotional Hooligan (Dub Wize Mix)

Download

On-U Sound...

2009-04-03T21:23:00.005+01:00

Along with the subjects of earlier posts, there has been a common thread running through my musical life, that being the On-U Sound label/collective/sound system.

Much has been written of the genius of Senor Sherwood, and I doubt that I can add to the more erudite musings of others, so I won't try.

What I will do, however, is post some of what I hope is the finer output of said label/collective/sound system. I am sure I will also post some slightly more questionable On-U Sound productions, for the sake of completeness...

There are a number of things of which I am certain:

1. Not all of it will be to everyone's liking.
2. All of what I will post is to my liking.

Will begin with a series of Gary Clail-centric posts, not least because he is the closest Adrian and co. had to a cross-over act...

Death Is Not The End

2008-10-12T10:25:00.011+01:00

Having heard Green Man (Rum & Black Mix) on XL Recordings: The Third Chapter, and in various other remixes in clubs etc., it was with some confusion that I contemplated this CD whilst standing in yet another charity shop.

The reason for this confusion? I did not have my iPod with me, so I was not sure if this was the Shut Up & Dance that I thought it was; this combined with the odd album title, even odder cover artwork, and even odder still the inner sleeve shot (see below) which made me think that this could be some sort of jazz-funk nightmare or the like.

Having taken the chance, I'm glad I did because:

a) They are the Shut Up & Dance I thought they were.
b) It's a really interesting mix of dance, rap and hard to describe music.

It's hard to pick out favourites here because it's so eclectic, so it depends on what mood you're in. So, based on my mood at the time of posting, I'd recommend Here Comes A Different Type Of Rap Track, Not The Usual 4 Bar Loop Crap and Down The Barrel Of A Gun.

Java Bass will suit you whatever your state of mind, great bass line...

1. Death Is Not The End
2. Raving I'm Raving (Remix)
3. Autobiography Of A Crackhead (Acoustic Version)
4. Cape Fear
5. Here Comes A Different Type Of Rap Track, Not The Usual 4 Bar Loop Crap
6. The Green Man
7. Java Bass
8. So What You Smoking?
9. Runaways
10. Blue Colour Climax
11. Pure White Black Life
12. The Art Of Moving Butts
13. Down The Barrel Of A Gun
14. My C-Lab Crashed & Did This

Download

Way In My Brain (Remix)/Drumbeats

2008-10-11T12:21:00.009+01:00

Another CD single acquired in Swindon, but at a different time and in a different shop to On A Ragga Tip.

Apart from track 3, the others sounds somewhat dated, and dare I say it formulaic?

Anyway, this one is dedicated to Musical Coco Basket, who has, apparently, had to sell music for food in the past. Hope this fills your stomach...

1. Way In My Brain (Remix Edit)
2. Drumbeats
3. Aftershock
4. S.L.Ectro

Download

On A Ragga Tip

2008-09-13T11:23:00.007+01:00

Having posted XL Recordings: The Third Chapter, thought I'd see what I've got by any artists that were on it, and it turns out to be not much.

The one exception to that is The Prodigy, but it's not as if millions of others haven't posted on Liam and co., so I'll not bother.

The second exception is SL2. Although I'm not personally a huge fan, nor do I normally post anything but vinyl rips, wanted to post this CD single (picked up in a charity shop in Swindon of all places) for The Double K, in recognition of his kind comments.

For my money both tracks 2 and 3 are better than the title tracks - maybe that's just because I've heard On A Ragga Tip too many times.

Here it is:

1. On A Ragga Tip (Edit)
2. Pleasure (Original Mix)
3. Changing Trax (Original Mix)
4. On A Ragga Tip (Original Mix)

Download

Kingdom

2008-09-05T15:43:00.001+01:00

This is the last of the vinyl that I have which was purchased as a result of my original Live At The Brain acquisitions. As mentioned earlier, I thought there was more, but if there was I don't know where it's gone.

I really (and I mean really) like British Summertime, a true classic if ever there was. The album it's from (Every Man & Woman Is A Star) is pretty damn good too, and I bought the album as a result of hearing British Summertime on Live At The Brain 2.

I applied the same logic to this purchase, but sadly the results do not compare. I know that Nolan Micron feels this is a ground-breaking piece of work, and I have to admit that I am not overly familiar with the 'folktronic' movement.

However, in my humble opinion, this is a piece of over-indulgent, pretentious, up-its-own backside piece of work if ever there was.

So, having given you every reason to not bother checking it out, here it is.

Utter tosh, but posted for completeness...

A1 Kingdom

B1 Goldcrest
B2 Kingdom (Extended Mix)

Download

Truly Ashamed...

2008-09-05T14:49:00.004+01:00

...it's been over two months since my last post.

Got the turntable back on it's feet, so will post in the next day or two...

Due To Unforeseen Circumstances...

2008-06-30T23:20:00.009+01:00

...currently unable to post vinyl at present, due to the fact that an unknown individual in my household has separated my Numark TTUSB turntable's tone arm from its stylus. With extreme prejudice.

Anyway, conscious that I have been a bit quiet of late, and that recent posts have been more driven by squaring the Live At The Brain circle than by quality, thought I would share a discovery.

As you can see from earlier posts, I am more than a little keen on Pop Will Eat Itself. Whilst searching for the same, came across Castles In Space, which is a real blast from the past. Very keen on Nolan Micron's musical tastes, in particular The Orb, The KLF, Orbital and System 7.

Strongly suggest you check out Nolan's musings. If Nolan keeps up the prodigious posting rate, we should all be in for a treat...

Power/Knowledge

2008-06-20T14:11:00.010+01:00

Looking back at my earlier posts, I may have given the impression that I had quite a number of 12"'s by the artists that appeared on Live At The Brain Volumes 1 & 2.

I honestly thought I did, but having stared my vinyl collection squarely in the eye, it appears my memory is not what it used to be.

In fact, the only three are this, Catch-22 and Kingdom by Ultramarine (of which more in the next post).

There can be no doubting that these four tunes come from the same hands as Inflating Plastic Explodable on Live At The Brain, with a number of samples/tracks seemingly re-used here. The less charitable amongst us might conclude that Mr. Monday could have done with a larger collection of vinyl; the more generous of nature simply that he had some favourite tunes which needed to be repeatedly shared with the wider world.

Given his track record, and not being a DJ, I fall into the latter category...

Ironically, I think the strongest track here is on the B-side: Listen 'N' Weep. I Can't Breath When I Look At You is definitely B-side material; filler not killer. Still can't make my mind up about the A-side:

A1 Busy Going Crazy
A2 Daybreak

B1 Listen 'N' Weep
B2 I Can't Breath When I Look At You

Download

XL Recordings: The Third Chapter

2008-06-19T15:35:00.026+01:00

The only one of the four original chapters that I own, and probably the second best. Really like XL Recordings: The First Chapter best - sweet house, rather than this more techno-centric release.

After The First Chapter, XL helpfully started putting descriptions of what you would find on the enclosed vinyl, so XL Recordings: The Second Chapter was sub-titled "Hardcore European Dance Music"; this one was "Breakbeat House"; but for XL Recordings: The Fourth Chapter they returned to the mystery approach, and no sub-title was forthcoming. By this time though, most punters knew what they would be getting, and the artists weren't exactly unknown either, containing the likes of Underworld, The Prodigy, Liquid etc.

The highlights here for me are Smokin' and Hoovers & Spraycans:

A1 Sweet Harmony (Liquid)
A2 Green Man (Rum & Black Mix) (Shut Up & Dance)
A3 Uptempo (Reese Mix) (Tronikhouse)

B1 On A Ragga Tip (SL2)
B2 Smokin’ (Project One)
B3 Keep The Fire Burning (The House Crew)

C1 Everybody In The Place (Fairground Mix) (The Prodigy)
C2 Hard Times (Nu-Matic)
C3 Right Before (First Project)

D1 The Bouncer (Housequake Mix) (Kicks Like A Mule)
D2 DJs Take Control (DJ Seduction Mix) (SL2)
D3 Hoovers & Spraycans (Mark One)

Download

Pop Will Eat Itself: Post Script...

2008-06-16T00:26:00.015+01:00

Well, the last six posts cover all the non-album vinyl I have by P.W.E.I.

Thought I would round off these posts by thanking a few bloggers who have provided me with other P.W.E.I. odds and sods:

Madchester Rave On:
92°
Get The Girl! Kill The Baddies!
X Y & Zee

Moody Places:
Karmadrome

Musical Coco Box
There Is No Love Between Us Anymore (Specially Extended Dance Mix)

Retro In The Perfect Sence Of The Sentence:
Def. Con. One

Bulletproof Mixes!

2008-06-15T23:42:00.013+01:00

When P.W.E.I. first posed the question "Is Everybody Happy?" my answer was an unconditional yes.

I thought I had died and gone to heaven - my two most favourite things in the musical firmament, namely P.W.E.I. and On-U Sound (in the god-like incarnation of Sir Adrian of Sherwood) coming together in what could only be an immaculate union.

Sadly the truth, and my expectation, were somewhat at odds with each other. By quite some distance. My disappointment was palpable. How could they do this to me, after such unstinting support on my part?

In fairness, I already knew that the version from The Looks Or The Lifestyle? hadn't exactly set the world alight, but surely Adrian's musical Midas-touch would save the day?

It appears not:

A1 Bulletproof! (The Mile High Mix)

B1 Bulletproof! (No Half Measures Mix)

Download

X Y & Zee

2008-06-13T17:42:00.010+01:00

Another quality tune from Cure For Sanity. Actually one of the most 'poppy' tunes they've done, but still very good.

For the sample-centric this one contains the great "no pop, no style" line from Althea & Donna's classic Up Town Top Ranking.

If there's any criticism due, it's that there's not a lot of difference in the three mixes, and I'm pretty sure (despite a slight track length difference) that B1 is in fact the album version, which is a bit cheap.

Judge for yourself:

A1 X Y & Zee (The Intergalactic Mix)
A2 X Y & Zee (The Electric Sunshine Mix)

B1 X Y & Zee (Sensory Amplification Mix)

Download

Karmadrome/Eat Me, Drink Me, Love Me, Kill Me 12"

2008-06-11T23:14:00.012+01:00

Title track (and the other three variations on a theme) on this one taken from The Looks Or The Lifestyle? album, which does not quite measure up to its predecessors, but does score serious brownie points by having a song called Harry Dean Stanton (aah, Alien, Escape From New York, Repo Man etc.).

Thank goodness I have to go to bed or I would end up tying myself up in knots by muttering about the links between P.W.E.I. and Colourbox (e.g. P.W.E.I. recorded a song called Harry Dean Stanton; H.D.S. appeared in Escape From New York, Colourbox's Baby I Love You So features an Ernest Borgnine sample: "Nobody gets to meet the Duke, you meet him once then you're dead" from Escape From New York and so forth).

Oh, why do I have to work when this is so much more fun?

Hey ho:

A1 Karmadrome
A2 Dread Alert In The Karmadrome

B1 Eat Me, Drink Me, Love Me, Kill Me
B2 Eat Me, Drink Me, Dub Me, Kill Me

Download

Dance Of The Mad

2008-06-11T18:33:00.009+01:00

Right, now we're cooking on gas...

For me, P.W.E.I. were at the height of their powers with the This Is The Day...This Is The Hour...This Is This! (from which the Preaching To The Perverted track is taken) and the subsequent Cure For Sanity (from which the title track mixes are taken) albums.

This is also around the time they hit the jackpot with their affiliation with The Designers Republic, about which much has been written (made more money from merchandise than the music blah, blah, blah) and upon which I won't dwell. That said, despite being old enough to know better, still think the artwork is pretty cool... if George at Asda started selling Poppies t-shirts I would be sorely tempted.

Enough of my sad musings, here's the tunes:

A1 Dance Of The Mad ... Feet On Heat

B1 Dance Of The Mad ... Seven
B2 Preaching To The Perverted Remixed

Download

Love Missile F1-11 (The Covers E.P.)

2008-06-11T08:43:00.011+01:00

Although this was released before There Is No Love Between Us Anymore, I purchased this later (another Record & Tape Exchange acquisition I think). At the time I was quite excited - I liked the title track by Sigue Sigue Sputnik (whose picture appears in the illustrated dictionary above the phrase "style over substance"), but now realise the error of my ways.

In truth it's a pretty shabby piece of vinyl (and only posted for completeness really), the only track worth a mention is Orgone Accumulator, but the quality has more to do with Hawkwind than P.W.E.I. sadly.

A1 Love Missile F1-11 (covers Sigue Sigue Sputnik)

B1 Orgone Accumulator (covers Hawkwind)
B2 Everything That Rises (covers Shriekback)
B3 Like An Angel (covers The Mighty Lemon Drops)

Download

There Is No Love Between Us Anymore

2008-06-06T13:00:00.009+01:00

As promised, the first of a few P.W.E.I. posts.

This one's taken from the Box Frenzy album, and if I'm honest it's not the best of their output, but at the time it blew me away.

There wasn't anything else that sounded like them back then (even now, I guess), and they grabbed all the best bits of the genres I liked (metal, rock, hip hop, dance etc.). I'm not going to try and describe why they are so great, plenty of others have done so, and have done a better job than me. They just are.

A1 There Is No Love Between Us Anymore
A2 Picnic In The Sky

B1 "...On The Razor's Edge..."
B2 Kiss That Girl

Download

Pop Will Eat Itself

2008-06-06T09:14:00.009+01:00

As I alluded to in my first post, I have a long standing relationship with P.W.E.I.

I remember very clearly how this began - I saw the video for Sweet Sweet Pie on T.V. (Old Grey Whistle Test I think, but not sure). Went out very shortly afterwards and purchased the 7", and never looked back.

Over the course of the next few days will post all the 12"'s I have. Not going to post albums as these are pretty much all still available.

As they themselves say, The Poppies Are Crap...

Catch-22

2008-05-27T19:32:00.014+01:00

Following on from my (all too delayed) Live At The Brain posts, and Dalston Shopper's kind comments, thought I'd continue in a similar vein, at least for the time being.

I think I went on a bit of a mission at the Record & Tape Exchange after I discovered the two Live At The Brain albums, as I seem to have amassed a number of 12"'s by artists that were on them. For some reason, my memory of these purchases seems to be mysteriously vague...

Anyhow, to this end, see below for a Sheep On Drugs 12", which isn't at all bad. Actually, it's pretty damn good, though sadly it does not quite reach the heights of Out Come The Freaks:

A1 Catch-22

B1 Drug Music

Download

Live At The Brain 2

2008-05-25T22:20:00.020+01:00

Hot(ish) on the heels of Live At The Brain, here's the second (and last) in the series.

To my mind, this is not quite as polished overall as the first, but Out Come The Freaks and Triangle are excellent.

A1 Container (Nexus 21)
A2 Out Come The Freaks (Sheep On Drugs)
A3 JP233 (Hi-Ryze)
A4 Robotu Okoku (Man Machine)

B1 British Summertime (Ultramarine)
B2 Triangle (The Purple Room)
B3 Sbassed (Lunarci)
B4 Kersnipp (Doi-Oing)

Download

Live At The Brain

2008-05-23T18:15:00.028+01:00

Well, at long last as promised, here's Live At The Brain. Having finally got my USB turntable (a Numark TTUSB, which I have to say I am very impressed with), it has to be said that I am gazing at my old vinyl longingly... I had expected a certain frisson, but not quite this level of anticipation.

For me the stand out tracks on this one are Inflating Plastic Explodable and Massif. Enjoy...

A1 Inflating Plastic Explodable (Mr. Monday)
A2 My Body Like Heaven (Funtopia)
A3 8 Track Mind (Eye)
A4 Son Of Chime (Orbital)

B1 Massif (Ramjac)
B2 Saturday's Angels (Technoed Up By Mr. Monday) (If?)
B3 Attack (11 Wardour St. Mix) (Audio One)
B4 You (Bliss)

Download

At last...

2008-05-19T21:52:00.006+01:00

... got myself together and have ordered a USB turntable. Gave up on getting the Rega Planar 2 up and running.

Aaah, I can feel the vinyl beckoning me as we speak...

First on my list, as promised, will be Live At The Brain Volumes 1 & 2, along with XL Recordings: The Third Chapter.

After that, who know what horrors my vinyl collection will throw up...

There's nothing like a prolific blogger...

2008-05-15T18:22:00.010+01:00

... and I'm nothing like one.

Have, however, managed to make a bit of progress, mainly around trying to get my turntable up and running. To this end, I managed to find a manual to help me get my Rega Planar 2 back on its feet, which others may find useful:

Rega Planar 2 Instructions

I have also scanned my original Rega Planar 2 'protractor' (as mentioned in the Rega Planar 2 Instructions above) which amazingly I still have:

In case anyone wants to use it, the original size is 113mm wide x 169mm high.

Finally...

2008-03-18T18:13:00.002Z

... got myself together and posted, although sadly not a lot to say. First question I asked myself is should I reveal what I am really like, or try to give a false impression? Decided that the latter was the way to go, at least for the time being...

Anyway, first something truthful: my tastes are eclectic, although tending towards reggae, rap, ambient dub and a near-obsession with On-U Sound.

Oops, forgot to mention that for my (all too limited) money Pop Will Eat Itself are going to be hard to improve upon; shame that Clint Mansell has moved onwards and upwards and does not want to revel in his grebo-ness any longer.

I hope to return the kindness shown by others by posting some stuff that, as far as I know, is only available to those that own it - in other words tunes that the record labels have chosen not to re-release (e.g. Live At The Brain Volumes 1 & 2). Once I get my turntable fixed that is; it's only been 10 years since I last used it...