Deadmau5 – Album Title Goes Here: The Review

October 15th, 2012

Posted by Gosia Mrugala

Indefatigable bpm:tv bloggeuse Gosia Mrugala walks you track-by-track through the much-touted new Deadmau5 release, Album Title Goes Here. Buckle up!


And we’re off …

(1) Superliminal – I don’t think an album could ask for a better opening track. I am absolutely addicted to this one, which pulled me in from the start to the last beat. One of the tracks I had on repeat while listening to the album.

(2) Channel 42 – On this one, Deadmau5 gets together with Grammy-nominated American house music wunderkind Wolfgang Gartner. It’s quite an intriguing track, but one I had to hear several times before it grew on me. It really didn’t catch my ear at first, but in time I was won over by this funky tune.

(3) The Veldt [8 minute edit] – Can’t say that I’m a big fan of this track, something I would blame on overexposure. It’s an impressive, very mellow piece, but runs on a bit longer than the style really warrants. Still, I’d say it offers plenty of remix potential: we’ve already seen what artists like Tommy Trash and Ezon have managed to come up with when they’ve jumped on this track and added their own kick.

(4) Fn Pig – A calm, mellow buildup until it hits the 2:52 mark — then it changes up. And at 3:41 it kicks in seriously. Makes me think of one of my all time Deadmau5 favourites: “Strobe.” The same kind of insouciant buildup, and a nice rhythm as you get deeper into the track.

(5) Professional Griefers – I can’t lie: I was excited to review the album knowing this track was awaiting my judgment. The verdict: A-plus-plus-plus-plus. Seriously, Deadmau5 has done a transcendent job on this one. And throwing the vocals over to Gerard Way? Perfection. The music video, by the way, is beyond-words entertaining. Check it out:


(6) Maths – Another track I was anxious to review. How else can I put it? I’m absolutely addicted to this dirty electro track! By the one-minute mark it had captured my heart and my grimy, grimy soul.

(7) There Might Be Coffee – Kinda makes me feel like I’m watching  the credits of a Eighties film. Deadmau5 Presents … Flashdance! A funky beat that had me sorely tempted to grab my leg warmers, neon tights, Adidas shorts and a cut-up top. And after the workout? There might be coffee!

(8) Take Care of the Proper Paperwork – This one dragged on a bit, and kept me waiting for a drop that never quite materialized. Still, I can’t lie: I did replay it a few times. A tad repetitive maybe, but it assuaged my musical sensibilities.

(9) Closer – An intriguing opening, enough to really tweak my curiosity — and then it kicks in really nicely at the 2:18 mark. Relaxing, yet upbeat enough to keep the listener from dozing off. Consider me a fan of this one.

(10) October – With its ever-changing cadence, this is one that will satisfy just about any listener’s unique musical taste. I can see it rocking a festival crowd or being enjoyed on headphones in a more serene setting.

(11) Sleepless – Gotta say: not a big fan of the computerized vocals slapped on this track. For the first 25 seconds or so, it was all I could do not to press skip. Minus the vocals, it’s not a bad tune, and maybe a good one for chilling out at home. Can’t really imagine it being dropped at a club or a festival, though.

(12) Failbait – Um, WTF? This one caught me off-guard a little bit. We’ve got a decent EDM album here, and then suddenly: rapping. All “f*ck this” and “b*tch that.” Sorry, won’t lie to you: I didn’t even get past the one-minute mark.

(13) Telemiscommunications – Meh. For an album that starts with a boom and definitely pulls the listener in, it disappoints on the last few tracks. This one, like “Failbait,” just doesn’t feel like it belongs on the album. Instead of arriving at the end of the album wanting more, I was left feeling confused and a little ambivalent. Maybe this track will please some EDM listeners, but it was too mellow for my own tastes.


Gosia Mrugala is a Toronto-based blogger and reviewer. You can read her blog HERE, and follow her on Twitter HERE.

 

 

Sweets of the Week – February 17

February 17th, 2012

Posted by Scott Willats

   

It’s Friday! TGIF! This weekend feels like one made for the inner socialite in all of us. Since the single people of the world had to endure the shame of being alone on Valentine’s Day, you can expect the clubs to be packed with people redoubling their search for Mr. or Ms. Right. And if that’s true, then the DJs best come correct with tunes to help you bolster the courage. On the other hand, if you’d prefere to keep it low-key with a house party or a small gathering, we’ve got you completely covered with this week’s best tracks. Have at it!


SWEETS

No hesitation about jumping into the warm waters with this one. Bingo Players have a banger with help from Heather Bright.

Bingo Players featuring Heather Bright – Don’t Blame The Party (Mode) (Adria Vila Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE


From here on in let it be known: any new Kill The Noise release will immediately be posted. That is all.

Nero – Must Be The Feeling (Kill The Noise Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE


I am definitely not one to highlight an artist in the aftermath of his or her death. That has to be said. However, I am one to highlight anything that features Chromeo. Whitney had what may have been one of the best voices in the history of time — so we can hope that, among the truckload of remixes that will be doubtless appear over the coming weeks, we get more gems like this.

The Hood Internet – When The Night Knows (Whitney Houston x Chromeo): LISTEN TO IT HERE


When I chatted with Chris Lake last year, all he could talk about was Tommy Trash. Tommy this and Tommy that … apparently he knew something the rest of us didn’t, cuz Tommy is killing it right now.

PNAU – Unite Us (Tommy Trash Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE


A little R&B twist on this one. Nothing says Valentine’s Day like a good break-up song. This beat is good — almost too good. Don’t go too far to the dark side, Diplo!

Diplo – Climax: LISTEN TO IT HERE


Enough of that soft and slow s**t — let’s get into the nitty-gritty. If you hear this song at the venue tonight, grab him / or her / or both and get to it. Your choice.

Dilemn – Always Continue: LISTEN TO IT HERE


Why is it that Paris always seems to be two steps ahead of everything else happening in EDM? Who knows? But if you can’t beat em, join ‘em

The Mekanism – Can’t Believe (Mario Basanov remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE


Last, our favourite dinos …

Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs - Tapes & Money [SoundCloud Edit]: LISTEN TO IT HERE


VISUAL SWEETS

AC Slater is Mr. Bass, and Mr. Bass is a joker. Here’s a little clip about his preparations for a tour Down Under, for all you kangaroos.


Sometimes proper remixes need proper visuals — as for example, Gingy & Bordello‘s reworking of ZZT‘s “Work.”


I love my job! Have a good weekend, you maniacs………..xx

 


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Sweets of The Week – February 3

February 3rd, 2012

Posted by Scott Willats

 

This week we see the continuing evolution of bassssssss, as Feed Me and Gemini team up on “Whiskers.” Even heavier and nastier is the newest remix from Adventure Club, who are quickly becoming big dawgs in the dub world. So what if nearly all of what they put out is remixes? All of them are fire. This remix of Foxes‘ “Youth” might just be their best yet. Like I said, heavy!!!!

We also had the release of Steve Aoki‘s “Ladi Dadi” remixes, featuring some of our favourite artists. But the highlight of the week had to be the return of Bob Sinclar. It’s been a long time since we’ve heard anything new from Sinclar — so long I’d practically forgotten he used to hold a top five position on the DJ Mag 100. But on the evidence of these two new tracks — both fun and easy on the ears — I have a feeling that come the middle of summer he’ll be headlining once again at all the big events.

By the way, WMC 2012 in Miami is just around the corner; look out for some announcements next week. Keep it locked!


SUGAR-COATED-FULLY-LOADED SWEET OF THE WEEK

Insane!

Foxes – Youth (Adventure Club Dubstep Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE


Steve Aoki feat. Wynter Gordon – Ladi Dadi (Tommy Trash Remix) [PREVIEW]: LISTEN TO IT HERE


Steve Aoki feat. Wynter Gordon – Ladi Dadi (Autoerotique Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE


Bob Sinclar feat. Gilbere Forte – Around The World: LISTEN TO IT HERE


Bob Sinclar feat. Snoop Dogg – Wild Thing: LISTEN TO IT HERE


Feed Me & Gemini – Whiskers: LISTEN TO IT HERE 


Pitbull Ft Enrique Iglesias & Afrojack – I Like (The Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE


VISUAL SWEET

The Israeli maniac…..Boooooooooorgoooooooooore!


Interviewing Bob Sinclar in Miami!!!!


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The Monday Mash – Deep Freeze Edition

January 16th, 2012

Posted by Scott Willats

  

Bitter cold throughout the city of Toronto this weekend, but that didn’t stop the concert and party scene. I, however, am the biggest wimp when it comes to minus-15 weather. So I grabbed a couple movies and a couple of mixtapes, some wine and steak sandwiches, and called it a hibernation weekend. It’s a shame, too, because Burakka Som Sistema had been calling my name for the past couple of weeks, but I just wasn’t up for it.

What I was up for was dedicating some time to finding new cuts you’ll love. And what I came up with was Steve Aoki remixing Bassnectar, Urban Noize brightening up Young Money‘s Tyga, and more. Take a taste and savour the flavour.


Bassnectar dropped the new Divergent Spectrums EP on Friday, and it features a host of remixes from some of our favourite names. I’m not sold on all of them, but the more I listen the more I hear pieces of a picture I admire. Plus when it’s free and it’s Bassnectar, you want to just snatch it up and worry about  the fine details later.

Bassnectar – Divergent Spectrum Remixes: LISTEN HERE


Urban Noize‘s remix of Tyga‘s “Rack City” seems to have disappeared from Soundcloud. Here’s a link where, with luck, you’ll be able to find it. If not, be sure to check it on YouTube — it brings a different feel to a song that a lot of people are jumping on.


Forgive me for being tardy with this one. Our favourite Swedish electro duo F.O.O.L. (F**k Our Ordinary Lives) gave a way a free track for us last week and I missed it. The good news is, I’m all over it now — and it’s dark, which I find to be F.O.O.L’s best style. Pick it up!

F.O.O.L – Nighthum (Original Mix): LISTEN TO IT HERE 


Eby Le Beatz goes innnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn! This is heavy!

Justice – Planisphère Part 1 (Eby Le Beatz remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE


Tommy Trash‘s name came up a lot in the conversation when I linked up with Chris Lake last month — and with tracks like this you can def see why.

Swedish House Mafia Vs. Knife Party – Antidote (Tommy Trash Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE


Sick video from Aoki and Wynter Gordon.


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Eyes Wide Shut

January 5th, 2012

Posted by Scott Willats

 

When you come from a nation renowned for its EDM producers, you have to see things differently to stand out. And right now I don’t think there’s anyone who matches the vision of Style of Eye.

Linus Eklow, a product of the genre-dominating nation of Sweden, has turned thegame on its head with inventive originals and irresistible remixes. Understanding the elements of a big room track seems to come naturally to the Swedes — but Linus digs even deeper into that store of natural talent they possess. Rather than sticking with the routine, he blends in heavy electro instead of the typical pulsating kick-bass line. Take his remix of Tommy Trash‘s “Ohrwurm.” He takes what’s already a big tune on its own, and creates an eerie carnival feel. Suddenly it feels like game time. Put on the cleats on and tape up your fingers — it’s on.

Tommy Trash – Ohrwurm (Style Of Eye Remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE


For an example of his originals, look no further than “We Are Boys.” A minute in, and you know that you’re in for something special. The sample used is something you wouldn’t expect to sound so methodical over his orchestral keys — yet it’s done to perfection. The genius of a track like this is that it’s a big room anthem, yet would feel every bit as much at home — maybe even more — in the confines of a tiny, brick-walled basement club. When you hear the track you’re immediately intrigued — and that intrigue turns quickly into allure, then addiction. At which point you’re rewinding the track over and over and over and …

Style Of Eye – We Are Boys (Original Mix): LISTEN TO IT HERE


While scanning the bio on Style of Eye’s Facebook Page, I came across a paragraph sums up his style perfectly:

As you’d expect from someone who cites influences as diverse as Stevie Wonder, nineteenth century classical composer Edvard Grieg, and Yello, Style of Eye isn’t keen to be pigeonholed. His moniker comes from a desire to put everything out under one name, regardless of what it sounds like… Says Linus: “Since I take in so much different music and put it in a blender I wanted to be able to put everything I see and that inspires me into one project. This album is a huge step from my first release but you can still hear that it’s me.”

An artist who’s not afraid to mix and match with his tastes and sounds is exactly the kind of artist who’s destined to lead us in 2012. But bear in mind that exceptional talent is still a prerequisite. Anyone can throw some cello onto a track with an electric guitar, add some bass on and wrap it all up with an opera singer. What Style of Eye possesses is the ability to blend all those elements and get the Avicii fan to dance alongside the Nico Jaar fan.

And if it’s not him … well, I’m pretty sure it will be someone from Sweden. If EDM is soccer and hockey, that country is Brazil and Canada, producing new Peles and Gretzkys every day, or so it seems. So for that, in Swedish: Tack!

Icona Pop – Manners (Style Of Eye remix): LISTEN TO IT HERE


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