diskow moskow

Moskow Diskow January 9th 2009

2009-01-08T19:59:00.003Z

Moving into 2009 your comrades at Moskow Diskow have decided to take the opportunity to showcase the breadth of their love for electronic music of the past, present, and future by starting with a techno hootenanny banger...

We are enormously happy to announce the arrival of special guest Warp DJ and producer Tom Hopkins, famous for his remixes for the likes of Hot Chip and Jamie Lidell. Stepping up with him we have the delectable Mr. Simon Shelley all the way from Holland. A firm Moskow Diskow favourite on the decks Simon produces his own unique brand of quirky melodic techno under the Tennis alias, and we expect to hear a show case of his latest material all for you dear comrades. As if that wasn't enough we've also got Semi-Squared, head honcho of Pollinate Records. A former Jungle producer, Semi-Squared will be rinsing out his unique style of music, inspired by influences like Basic Channel and Kid 606. We're also going to be graced by the presence of Chris Hammond, one part of the Janitors and well-known for touting 'wonky electronic sex music' around Sheffield and London. Finally, DJ Spuddha, minimal techno heavyweight of Sheffield's C90 night.

TOM HOPKINS (Warp DJ)

SIMON SHELLEY aka Tennis (Prefab Leeds / Eindhoven)
www.myspace.com/raketsports

SEMI-SQUARED
www.pollinaterecords.com
www.myspace.com/semi_squared

CHRIS HAMMOND
www.myspace.com/dothedulondon

DJ SPUDDHA
www.myspace.com/biffbaffer

Beyond that you've got the Moskow Diskow DJs, delving into the depths of their Detroit Techno record collection. Forget the January doldrums, start the new year the way you mean to go on... drinking too much vodka at the Russian Bar.

Armando 'Don't Take It'

2008-12-30T11:20:00.007Z

Apparently this record is quite a big deal, but I didn't realise it existed until I picked up the Thomos and Johnny Fiasco edits in Rough Trade. Obviously hadn't being paying enough attention. Anyway, it was resurrected a while back on Let's Pet Puppies and it's heavy, if you can find it on Discogs or eBay I'd recommend picking it up. It's probably going to be available a lot cheaper than this.

The story goes that, like lots of good things, Don't Take It was made in a hotel room. It was improvised and recorded (obviously) in a single take, during an after-party session. Despite those potentially adverse conditions it's an amazing piece of music. It's hard to believe it's twenty years old, two years old than Armando was when he made it.

As tends to be the case when people record things in hotels, the bathroom was used as a makeshift vocal booth. Sharvette Cole sat on the toilet seat and adlibbed her entire contribution, complete with occasional 'uh's and pauses that add to the rawness. Despite clearly being pretty talented and interesting she only seems to appear on one other record, Marcus Mixx's Shake That Thing. Thomos' edit retains Sharvette's women's liberation speech, whereas Johnny Fiasco's edit strips the vocal out and toughens up the drums a bit. Both of them make you feel like you're in the hotel room with them, and make it hard to resist a bit of air-303...

You can here the Johhny Fiasco treatment here. Personally the one for me is the Thomos version though. If you want to hear that you'll probably just have to buy it.

Moodymann Detroit 67

2008-12-21T13:07:00.007Z

I picked up this end of year release from Moodymann yesterday, and it's really grown on me, one of those releases that is greater than the sum of its parts. Architypal Moodymann from the outset, blaxploitation snippets add the usual cinematic feel. The main track 'Freaki M***er F***er' is all slowed down x-rated ghetto vibes, with a lolloping bass grind, and finger snap metronome. 'Hello 2morrow' is the real delight with its roller-skate party feel and filtered disco-funk guitar. The title track despite more serious overtones relating to the Detroit riots of 1967, deserves a mention for the crazy bass synth weirdness that it descends into.

Also in my shopping basket were: http://www.discogs.com/release/28156
and: http://www.discogs.com/release/1559889

DJ Tennis - Moskow Diskow January Promo Mix

2008-12-17T15:19:00.009Z

Download here: Playing DJ Tennis - Moskow Tennis

Running Time: 50 minutes 24 seconds

Tracklist:

1. Tennis - Intro
2. Tennis/Kilgarriff - Schadenfreude
3. Massi DL - Wonderland
4. Damian Schwartz - R y F 1
5. Gaiser - Trunkated
6. Gabriel Ananda - Doppelwhipper
7. Stephan Bodzin - Rekorder 0
8. Robert Babicz - Dark Flower (Joris Voorn remix)
9. Massi DL - Barbabietola E Spinas

Ed DMX Podcasts

2008-12-15T17:08:00.018Z

I have to credit Ed DMX with being the man who introduced me to a lot of old skool electronic music. Though I enjoy his own stuff, it's his DJ mixes where the education really begins. Case in point see here for a genre hopping masterpiece of stone cold dance floor classixs.

Recently he's started producing a podcast where he discusses tunes that have inspired him with a radio 2 style voice over. It is my tip for this month's recommended downloading:

dmxkrew.blogspot

(Gear freaks should also take a look at his studio tour.)

I really love Ed DMX, and as one of the few musicians who can regularly be seen out at parties in the punter capacity, I've on more than one occasion taken the opportunity to say this to his face. Unfortunately, and I blame the number of beverages it takes me to get to pluck up this kind of courage, it's never been well received. So I feel I should take this opportunity to make an official apology for all the times I have - and will - run up to the poor bloke and shouted "I love you Ed!" off my head at 4 in the morning. I'm really sorry.

The photo above is one I took during Ed's set at Extrema Eindhoven, where there was also a fat man doing some amazing break dancing moves whilst trying to poke a cigarette out of his belly button:

Moskow Diskow @ Korsan Bar, Kinglsand Rd - Sat 13th Dec

2008-12-13T12:43:00.002Z

Moskow Diskow are delighted to announce a Christmas Party edition, with our close friend and mainstay of the Moskow Diskow dance floor: gwEm.

Expect to hear the no holds barred floor filling sounds of 8-bit, micromusic, electro, rave, old skool, dub-step, hip hop, and jungle all churned into a melting pot of musical mayhem by this protagonist of the perfect beat.

gwEm is fresh from recent gigs in New York and Japan as part of his 8-bit micromusic collaboration with M.C. Counter Reset. Check their cover of The Man-Machine (Die Mensch-Maschine) by Kraftwerk on Astralwerks' 8-bit Operators Compilation. Tonight he will be turning their hand to the turntables, though his talents don't end there so expect some additional Nintendo DS 8-bit action.

On top of that we've got Meschi, stalwart of the italo/disco/electo scene and Apiento, who will be taking a break from his music bunker, where he's been holed up crafting a whole new genre of music based on the workings of Jam and Lewis, Compass Point and Prince...

gwEm (Shitkatapult)
gwEm describes himself as an "Atari ST Old Skool Rave DJ and Heavy Metal dude" which succinctly describes his mad scientist formula of 8bit, hardcore rave and driving hard rock guitar which has seen success on Berlin's Shitkatapult and Muller records, his own London based label preromanbritain, and net community Micromusic.

gwEm is also known for his Atari ST chiptune virtuosity, as demonstrated on his ground breaking Atari ST music disk, 'The Phatt Demo', and with the renowned 'YM Rockerz' crew.

www.myspace.com/gw3m
www.preromanbritain.com/gwem

MESCHI (Dream Machine / ISM / RobotDJ.NET)

Located in London UK, Meschi appears to operate on the fringes of the local scene. He's seemingly ever present but purposefully chooses to keep a low profile. His vast knowledge covers the wide range of all music including, but not exclusive to; avant-garde Rock, Ambient noises, deep Techno and wonky Electro. But in the end, genres are of little consequence as he puts together refreshing mixes which hold the highest musical pedigrees. - www.MPIII.com

Check some of his excellent mixes here:
Dance Frandisco
Disco Propaganda
Your Friend, The Robot

www.myspace.com/meschi

APIENTO (Junior / Testpressing)

Apiento had been making music for years, under many guises, including a spell doing production for M.I.A. He'll rinsing out some classic dancing tunes from one of the best (and neatest) record collections around.

www.myspace.com/apiento

MOSKOW DISKOW
www.myspace.com/moskowdiskowlondon

Also, catch us at 93ft East on NYE for Jack To The Future, with To The Bone, Rough Disko and others:

Jackmaster Hater - Your Mind (Passion)

2008-12-03T19:55:00.003Z

One of my recent purchases I guess this is really one for the historian, apparently unreleased tracks credited to Ron Hardy edits. The first batch sold out in a few days, but I managed to pick one up on discogs with a few other bits and pieces. The tracks are remastered from tape but what they lack in fidelity they make up for in authenticity - these cuts are raw Chicago artefacts, all minimal drum beats, echo and tape fx, with druggy whispered lyrics drifting in and out. I've seen it alleged that these are Larry Heard tracks with Robert Owens on vocals, but I couldn't vouch for that. What they are is a great piece of house music history that after 20 years have finally made it out into the wider world.

Mixkow Diskow

2008-11-30T13:47:00.002Z

A recent disco mix I recorded, was going to go back and add a few more tunes, but I ended up being happier with the flow left as is:

Download it here

1. Skyy - Jam the Box
2. Bohannon - Let's Start the Dance
3. The Players Association - Turn the Music Up
4. UK Players - Can You Feel the Force
5. Evelyn 'Champagne' King - Shame
6. Skyy - Call Me
7. Gino Soccio - Dancer
8. Patrice Rushen - Haven't You Heard
9. D Train - Keep Giving Me Love
10. George Kranz - Tromelanz (Din Daa Daa)

Larry Levan Mix At Paradise Garage 1985

2008-11-30T11:42:00.000Z

I love DeepHousePage it's must be the most encyclopedic archive of house music mixes available. A Godsend for people who were too young, too far away, or just missed out first time around.

As I mentioned this Larry Levan mix in my previous first ever blog post I thought it really deserves a special post of its own. Discovering this mix a few years ago was one of those real musical revelations for me, and it must be my favourite and most listened to mix since then. There are lot of other contenders for this accolade and I hope to get through some of these in future posts - should I keep this up that is!

Download Here

Tracklist which I shouldn't take credit for

1. Jocelyn Brown - Somebody Else's Guy - Live PA
2. T.C. Curtis - You Should Have Known Better (Dub Mix)
3. NYC Peech Boys - Come On, Come On (Don't Say Maybe)
4. Answering Service - Call Me Mr. Telephone
5. Man Friday - Love Honey, Love Heartache
6. Serious Intention - You Don't Know (Paul Simpson Limited Edition Special Remix)
7. Tony Paris - Electric Automan / Black Mamba 'Vicious' (A Cappella)
8. Man Friday - Jump (Garage Version) / Gunshots
9. Aretha Franklin - Jump To It

The photo was taken by myself on my pilgrimage to the Paradise Garage when I went to New York in 2006.

Cheyne - Call Me Mr. 'Telephone' (Answering Service)

2008-11-30T11:32:00.000Z

This was my latest ebay purchase, a cover of an Italo record by Answering Service which I first heard on a Larry Levan mix downloaded from the excellent deep house page a few years back. The Answering Service version has been high on my 'to hunt down' list ever since, but the list being so long, and my financial resources being so limited I decided to plump for the cheaper and easier to track down Cheyne cover. In my irrelevant opinion it's still pretty good.

Seeing as this is my first ever blog post I thought I ought do a bit of research in an effort to not make my lack of knowledge quite so glaringly evident in blogging about a record released at a time when my parents were still plying me with all manner of A-Team related toys in return for the promise that I’d grow out of my embarrassing dummy-sucking habit. A habit I should have parted with long before the age of four. Or at least I ought to do some research in an effort to make this post even vaguely worth reading.

YouTube, after discogs was first port of call and as ever came up trumps - you can listen to the track in all its glory here:

The thing I love most about YouTube is that it's one of the few places on the Internet inhabited predominantly by real people and not by the holier-than-thou forum nerds, discogs trawlers, and self-important blogger-types (i.e. people like me) who pervade the dance music echelons of the rest of cyberspace. Reading through the posts there I was delighted to discover this fabulous excerpt:

DncnBoy
This record was produed by Mark Kamins... he produced Madonna-Everybody... Madonna wrote "Into The Groove" for Cheyne!!! I saw Cheyne perform this song and Into The Groove... then Madonna took it back and released her version, now id love to hear Cheynes version ( BTW this song was a cover of an italian dance record)
grebel82
where did you see me?
You're still alive! cool! CPx
DncnBoy
I saw you at the Paradise Garage, im also a myspace buddy, i went to see you purposely and stood at the front of the stage for the show, yes im alive and well..and lucky !!!! Loved Call Me Mr Telephone and Larry Levan pumped it for weeks, my feet hurt dancing to that beat.. I wish i could hear your Version of Into the Groove now.. relax your mind to the funky beat!!
grebel82
Everything about Into the Groove is true. It was meant 2b a follow up 2 this no. 2 US dance hit. still love her version Life would've been very different 4 me, probably wouldn't b alive now 2 be honest. I still sing! Not just country, rhythm& blues, anything real. I also dance, cheer coach, & Mum, wouldn't trade that 4 anything. Oh yes, I've managed to retain my soul, conscience and integrity. Not everyone can say that. CPx

I don't know if Cheyne ever recorded her version of Madonna's "Into the Groove", but even with this Madonna era being my secret not-so secret guiltiest pleasure, I can't help thinking that if Cheyne's version had even a smidgen of the attitude on display here she'd have rocked it a lot harder, and then I wouldn't have to be so embarrassed about liking it so much, or maybe even better if Madonna had only disappeared into obscurity, shortly after Vogue (at the latest). Perhaps then she might even have been remembered as cool nowadays. Blah - whatever - I certainly can't see Madonna pulling off that "I aint Kurtis Blow or Grand Master Flash…” rap, but I digress... YouTube also has a video which I wasn't expecting recorded for Call Me Mr Telephone from an 80s dance show:

Look out for the posts by Cheyne (grebel82) on how she quit the industry to avoid being billed as the 'black Madonna’. Respect to a spirited woman, who continues today as a country singer apparently here in London. Perhaps I will start the lobby here to get her version of Into the Groove released.

You probably want to listen to the original Answering Service version here too:

Just don't buy it before me.

Moskow Diskow w/ Ali Renault Photos

2008-11-16T19:36:00.002Z

Here are the photos from Friday's Moskow Diskow. As to be expected from our parties now we had terrible sound problems and of course far too much drinking was done on the part of the residents, but this time guests alike. Ali's fantastic set and the raucousness inspired in the crowd made this party our best yet.

Ali Renault

Ali Renault

Moskow Diskow

Moskow Diskow w/ Ali Renault (Hearbreak DJ Set) Friday 14th Nov @ The Russian Bar, Kinglsand Road

2008-11-13T13:08:00.000Z

As well as being an accomplished DJ and producer Ali is one half of the super-hot duo Heartbreak. Ali is one of the most hard-working DJs around at the moment, as you'll see if you check out his Myspace, and with Heartbreak he's earned various accolades and high praise from people like NME, VICE, The Guardian, Dazed, i-D and Fact.

Expect dancefloor pounding disco, italo and robotic soul. Ali will be on the decks shortly after Midnight.

As usual the rest of Moskow Diskow will scuffle over the turntables and pull off the occasional decent mix before they get too drunk to stand up. The music will be ace though, and that's what counts...

www.myspace.com/moskowdiskowlondon
www.myspace.com/alirenault

Nicky Siano @ Academy, Montreal Aug 2007

2008-08-11T18:13:00.003+01:00

Amazing party!

Moskow Diskow July @ The Russian Bar, Kingsland Road

2008-07-01T12:37:00.001+01:00

After the resounding success of June's launch your comrades at Moskow Diskow have collectivized their records for a second installment. Expect to be spending the night of Friday 11th July at the Russian Bar working it like Stakhanovites on the dance floor.

Your Central DJ Committee will include James McLintock, Shafique Barabhuiya, Benedict Wallis, and Nikos Kavalis and we are pleased to present this weeks special guest Ambrose White. From the Steel City itself Ambrose is renown up and down the UK for his ability to play records whilst simultaneously wearing a silly hat. Prepare for disco bombs.

9pm until late. Guaranteed free entry before midnight.

David Mancuso @ The Light 2008

2008-06-22T13:02:00.001+01:00

David Mancuso

Sunday @ DEMF 2007

2007-06-21T12:24:00.001+01:00

Techno Head

Kenny Larkin

Model 500

Saturday DEMF 2007

2007-06-21T12:09:00.003+01:00

Delano Smith

AUX 88

Antony "Shake" Shakir

Detroit's DJ Surgeon

Scan 7

Kerri Chandler

Moodymann

Soul Skate

Friday Party @ The Works DEMF 2007

2007-06-21T12:01:00.000+01:00

The Works

James Pennington aka Suburban Knight

DEMF 2007 Photos - Submerge

2007-06-10T13:16:00.005+01:00

Seeing as I've started writing for this blog I have a few things I'd like to add to the backlog, one of these is my flickr photos from the Detroit Electronic Music Festival 2007. Seems a bit after the event to review now, but needless to say the weekend was a breath taking and inspiring experience and I hope to return soon.

Sugmerge Records

KDJ

Submerge Display Case

Trainspotting: L-R: Roland TR-727, Ensoniq EPS 16+ Sampler, MPU-103, Korg SQD-1, Roland TR-909, Roland 808.

Juan Atkins "Stay Underground"

Richie H "It all starts here"

Inner City Platinum

Detroit Babylon

UR Metro Times award