cubikmusik

night pack

fresh release from stereotonic recordings here in dublin (them of bodytonic fame). i have a lot of time for these guys, not just musically but with regard to their approach to it all.

tonight we have simon resoul. originally from roscommon and a member of kormac's live band. the tune i am posting is 'night pack'. i am lovng the whole ep, 'simon says', with a similar feel across two of the other tracks but with a richer sound and a softer production on this one. the first song, entre, with kormac is a great opener bringing you into their world with jammin' reggae piano and a deep bass that lobs around perfectly. need to get the translation of whats being sung!

to celebrate the launch of steretonic recordings and 'simon says' there is a party at twisted pepper on saturday night with simon resoul and others such as conor (cheers mate) dj'ing throughout the night. i'm gonna check it out as i have been in this venue yet and what better night to do so!
details here.

Download NIght Pack [Stereotonic Recordings]

buy: digital-tunes (download)

missy does a pill

i cannot find this tune, or a reference to it anywhere.
a massively fun missy elliot play that's pure party.
shout out to pacosgrove for turning me onto this one.
i think we'll be hearing more from his collection in time.

Download 04 missy done a pill

oh snap!

looks like my nudge to mr. sam a few days ago worked and he has graciously supplied a top tune to kick start his contribution to the world of cubikmusik. moving forward sam is gonna do a monthyl top ten picks from his every growing collection. expect all kinds of classics coming your way. all sure to get you movin' and grooving be it at home, in the car or on the dancefloor. nice one mate!

to get us started sam has provided an absolutle beauty that " has been at the top of my play list for the last two months .It never fails to get the dance floor packed... "  i can attest to that as every time i'm out with sam and he plays this the place starts to pick up a few notches with the energy lifting and shifting. warm keys, heavy synth action from the mighty greg wilson laid over the mantra(s) 'party time is anytime, anytime is partytime' and ' to get more satisfaction, give a little more body action' don't fail to ease the most uptight mind and loosen the limbs.

buy mp3:  juno (UK), amazon (US), stompy (US)

buy vinyl: flex (euro), rough trade (UK)

Download chacona_nick_anthony_mansfield__oh_snap_greg_wilson_remix.mp3

linkage: nick chacona, anthony mansfield
some greg wilson links: bodytonic, ducktape (with mix to listen to. and, is that keri chandler in one of the pics?)
just for kicks, here's a link to the urban dictionary defintion of the term 'oh snap!'.

grande buffo

A cubikmusik exclusive pre-release from Scribble  here. Posted only for a limited time. Tonight I bring you 'captured live' by Dublex Inc who have been responsible for introducing artists, like cubikmsuik favourites, Inverse Cinematics and Sam Irl on their Pulver Records imprint.
Starting off with a bit of a lovely hint of disco and then rolling into a percussion led wonder 'captured live' is a dancefloor killer full of synthy goodness and funk oozing from every speaker. I would expect nothing less from the Dublex Inc and Scribble. Summertime tune if ever.

Also on the release:
"Twisted like a Brezel" is a downbeat atmospheric rework combining again live elements of Spanish guitar with Trip Hop percussive rhythms. "Bienvenido" is a Latin-Jazz dancefloor track, this track was previously released on a very limited press of 7's but we felt we had to bring this one back. Lovely Sax playing and brass hits, a summer tune for sure. "Bitte Drehn" finishes off with beat pressure and wicked dirty bass chops.

I gotta say that my second favourite tune on this EP is Bitte Drehn-double bass heaven.

Would love for some comments and reactions to be left here (or sent to Scribble) about the tune as they want to have it to post on their online store at the time of release.

Download CapturedLive.mp3

Distributed by Kudos Records so check there for purchase locations on May 25th.

Stay tuned  to Scribble for their 7" series kick starting in September with some bouncing bootlegs and remixes from B.d.i, Ishfaq and Mantenlo.

Scribble

A while back I came across a tune by a guy called Kormac. It caught my ear as it were so I grabbed it. I didn't spend any time looking into the artist or label though. Had I done so I would have seen that the release was off this label, Scribble, and that the label is based in Dublin, Ireland and that the label is a part of the Bodytonic crew in Dublin and that the Bodytonic crew own a pub where they put on shows and this would be the same Bodytonic that I was telling my mates in Ireland to check out at ElectricPicnic last year (see visuals from that after the tune).

Anyways, what I am saying is that this crew has a whole lot of good going on back home in Ireland and I cannot wait to get back there to check it all out in person rather than this virtual business. Maybe even try out for a DJ slot every now and again. (Nudge, nudge Stee) ;)

"Scribble records is a new independent label from Dublin. We run various nights and are committed to bringing you the best in dj's and live acts from around the globe. At present our regular events include Fridays@The bernard shaw, Saturdays@Crawdaddy and many one-off events. Acts that have played at Scribble include Bugz in the attic, Fat Freddys Drop, Spank Rock and Crazy Penis. DJ's include Greg Wilson, Giles Peterson, Dj Premier, Andy Smith, Mr Scruff, Dj Yoda and Dexter.
Scribble Recordings is now poised to release its 4th record in 2007. We will be bringing you an eclectic mix of Neo-Soul, House, Nujazz, Funkin Breaks, Hiphop and Dub-reggae.

"Cherry Cherry" is a killer disco influenced house tune guaranteed to rock dance-floors. "Brooklyn to LA" brings us promptly into a hip–house tune of two halves kicking off with its bouncing beats and developing into deep house rhythms. "Jesus H Clown" is a funked up collage of beats, basslines and funky licks. While "Pucci's Re-Rub" is a live brass filled cut-up funk affair."

Here's some of what others have to say about the release:

Pucci's Re-rub' is rocking my system the most but its all great stuff! Diesler (Freestyle Records)

Brooklyn to LA is da shiz! be blasting this one out Lee (Featurecast)

dirty, groovin' funk that? we love. A solid release that will be played a lot. All Good Funk Alliance

Sounding great....keep up the good work Mark Rae (Grand Central)

Feelin Cherry Cherry, wicked groove, will play & chart, also did my own little? edit of Brooklyn 2 LA coz i was feelin that tune Simbad (Raw Fusion)

If you like your beats hard and your grooves smooth then check out Simbad's re-edit of Brooklyn to LA by B.D.I below. I am loving this tune-had it playing all day in between meetings and conference calls and will definitely be playing this out and about soon.

Download bklyn2la_simbad_quick_edit.mp3

Buy after January 28th: Scribble Store, Clickgroove, Beatport, Bagpak, Juno

RAW

I've said somewhere here in the past that I try and avoid posting multiple tunes by the same artist and I think that Inverse Cinematics are the only artist to have been posted twice (here and here).
well, after I got this tune tonight, I found out that this is Danilo Plessow from Inverse Cinematics so although it doesn't really count it is certainly a testament to the wonderment of these guys skills.

Here we have Raw Cuts #2  from Motor City Drum Ensemble, released on Faces Records. More disco and funk than house but definitely one to get the dancefloor going with a down and dirty bassline that just rocks my world.

Some stuff said about this release:
Karl Injex (Rude Movements / NYC) - 'As implied by the title, these dancefloor weapons are RAW, touching on the essence of Detroit with dirty drums, ruff basslines and that signature hand-cut feel pioneered by the likes of KDJ, Theo Parrish and crew..' . Mad Mats (Raw Fusion / Stockholm) - 'This shit totally blew me away, real Detroit house at its best'

Download 02_raw_cuts_2.mp3

Buy: Download USA
Buy Other releases (great stuff as part of the Compost Black Label Series) at Soul Seduction, Juno Download.

Happy New Year-2008

Wishing each and very one of you a very Happy New Year.
A beautiful piano and horn driven tune to get you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside as you dance the night (or morning) away.

Here's to a top 2008 for everyone out there. May it bring new horizons with many adventures.
For me personally its a big year as I move on in life to explore possibilities and continue to build a life with family and friends (new and old).
I look forward to sharing many great times with each and every one of you.

Cheers

Download 01_bonaire.mp3

From Dutch Rhythm Combo on High Score Publishing

Buy: iTunes (USA)/, Vinyl (UK), emusic

Jungle Brother

"I got so much funky shit inside my brain
I couldn't explain, I couldn't explain
You wouldn't understand, I couldn't explain"

Posting this today for Dev and the crew over at BlogFreshRadio. I was speaking to Dev today, contributing to their end of year show, and he mentioned that he was into drum 'n' bass so I thought of this sweet little number that I had tucked away.
I cannot believe that this album is 10 years old! I remember well getting this album as I was managing a clothes store, called Hobo in Dublin which is no longer around. The CD was a promo with a bonus disc with remixes of some of the tunes. Even then, like now, I was more interested in the remixes.
We played this album (as well as Roni Size/ Reprazent's New Forms) at full volume during our Saturday rushes. These tunes certainly got the customers into the mood and kept the staff going with its high energy and stimulating sounds.

So, to Dev and team I wanted to say thanks. These guys (and gals) have stepped into an open spot to produce a great weekly online radio show that covers just some of whats going on with music blogs around the world. I for one have been exposed to many great artists and blogs through the show and I wish them every success as they go full steam ahead into 2008.

This is the Jungle Brothers tune Brain remixed by Natural Born Chillers.

Download 05_brain_natural_born_chillers_remix.mp3

Ah f**k it-two tunes from the JB's while we're here. This is one of, if not THE, first hip-house tune that blew away the clubs. Superb tune!
From Epitonic: "The group went into the studio with NYC underground club and house DJ/producer Todd Terry, and hip house was born. "I'll House You" became a bona fide international hit, making Terry one of the most in-demand remixers to this day."

Download 03_ill_house_you.mp3

Buy Raw Deluxe (USA), (UK)
Buy "I'll House You" on Discogs Marketplace/ Amazon

Unusual & Electric

You know, sometimes the story behind the music is almost as good as the music itself.
Almost.

I wish I could remember where I came across Unusual & Electric about two weeks as I am super chuffed that I did. Upon checking out their tunes I discovered that I couldn't find them for purchase in the States. I emailed U&E and asked if they knew of anywhere I could buy them here. They offered to send me both their EPs and they also ok'd me posting a tune here.
Today, the package arrived and not only had I gotten the two EPs but along with it there were 3 mixes by Adam from U&E (that have super designs as part of the packaging) as well as one of the coolest posters that I've ever seen (now happily on my office wall). The designs are by iyrie so check out their site for some cool work.

So-much thanks to Adam (and Mark) for sending me this great music and artwork. Keep making choice tunes and making these connections mate. Nice one. Next time I'm in London we'll be grabbing some beers and a sound system!

Tonight's tune is called 'st. john street dub #2' . It was a toss up between this and 'slumber zirkus' which is definitely a must have for a night out dancing with your mates. All in all I'd say that these tunes would play massively well on a club system with their solid bass beats but just may be more suited to a bbq or house party, where the dancing goes on into the wee hours of the morning.
st. john street dub #2 is just so catchy and tight. A really sweetly produced combination of reggae, dub, and  solid housey beat with the reliable hats keeping your eye on the ball. ;-)
Here's what Mr.Sugardaddy, Kris Needs, had to say about it in Mixmag "a stripped-down-filth-house vamp somewhat recalling early 90s Leftfield/Sabres in steamy underground club mode". 

Download unusual_electric_st. john street dub #2.mp3

Buy deep fried muffalata
Buy calmly taking the roof off

Another Story

A massive track tonight that I dedicate to Chris over at Another Night On Earth who consistently delivers on choice tunes. I think he'll appreciate this.

This is Lee Douglas coming at you from Brooklyn, NY and my gosh has he delivered a track that can only be described as an anthem. Coming in at just over 9 mins. 'New York Story' has low organ sounds that are reminiscent of Rattatat with a beautiful disco bassline, a solid beat, church bells,  and cosmic synths that will put your hair on end.

Would've loved to have heard this while out and about and dancing back in the day-the crowd would be going crazy!

Lost in Music was the alternative title for this post 'cos no matter what you say there are few feelings as good as being in that state and this tune certainly gets me there.

Cheers,

Cubik

Download 01_new_york_story.mp3

Buy: US Download/ UK Download/ Euro Vinyl/ US Vinyl

Love To Hate You

I so rarely go out to hear/see live music, despite the fact that I live in the Live Music Capital of the World (allegedly).
I don't know what it is about live music that just doesn't get me going. I guess maybe because I think it is hard to recreate good music well on stage. Or maybe I am just closed minded and don't want to change?

Anyways, maybe I will change my mind. After last weekend I am consciously going to try and go out and see live shows more. I got tickets for the LCD Soundsystem ACL aftershow that was going on at Red7 on Friday and so we wandered down around 10.30pm. I was excited to check out LCD Soundsystem and actually hadn't checked out who else was playing.
After the DJ on the outside stage finished up I was somewhat surprised to see two girls to get on stage in front of a laptop and some keyboards. Now, I'm not being sexist here but the reality (in my mind) is that it is rare to see females make electronic music. In my experience over the last 15 years or so I really don't recall seeing a female act or DJ.
When I say surprised I mean pleasantly surprised as it is great to see people going against the norm as it were. I would like to point out that really Austin has a very small electronic scene considering its size and musical inclinations and to so to hear good electronic that is home produced is a thrill. Now picture this, this act is not from Austin, but Wimberley, which has a population of (don't quote me on this) well below 10,000. In Texas. Not exactly renowned for electronic music. :-)

They are Lady Pterodactyl and they have kindly provided a tune to check out. Lady Pterodactyl have only been around since Feb. 2007 but have developed a style that is uniquely theirs to own but with some nice room to grow still. I had such a cool time listening to watching them play as their sounds are simplistically beautiful while being energetic with the show filled with genuine fun and passion.

So-thanks to Faiith and Sydnie for letting me post about them today.  hope you check them out, let them know on theirspace (or with comments here) if you are into their sounds.
I sure am.

Download love_to_hate_you.mp3

Cheers

Playin' Out

My mate Dubble D is back with his second album on 2020 Recordings and once again he delivers a treat.
You may remember Dubble D from his 'under the influence' post where he shared his amazingly wide ranging influences along with his great passion for music that is infectious and clearly shows in this album.. Thankfully I have gotten to know him through this post and I for one am delighted.
Dubble D sent me a promo a few weeks ago and from the moment I put it on I knew it was a treat. The album is one that starts off with some neat little beat driven tunes (note that he has been studying drumming since 14) that to me display an understanding of hip-hop's roots and future. As I listened to the album a few times I realised that it was put together like a mix-tape or DJ mix, with each song somewhat mixed but each building into the next and so on. It is subtle but effective.

As we both came to realise Dubble D and myself are, what he referred to as, OAP ravers, so this tune is a nod to that life we lead.
Not too fast, not too slow. Not too techno, not to housey.
Lovely!
Download 12_wriggle.mp3

Buy Playin' Out here

Check out some vinyl here

Say U Will

Posting this for one of my best mates, P, who is over in NY with her brother Foges tonight.
P.-I reckon you'll like this tune. Someday soon we'll get to dance to it together. :-)

This tune is such a stomping, uplifting house track, with a solid ass beat, funky synths and warm vocals from Dajae who must be one of the undisputed vocal queens of house music. It reminds me of a compilation that I used to own by the late Tony De Vit for Trade, where the nights went on well into the wee hours of the next day with full on, solid tunes.
Cajmere has been around since the early 90's with such a stunning array of top tunes and this one, Say U Will, certainly continues that grand tradition. He just has a feel for what your body, soul and mind wants from a tune. Amazing.
You may also know him as Green Velvet producing more a sound that is more inclined towards techno so I am also posting Green Velvet's Flash. with the opening lyrics that may take you by surprise, especially at 1am in the morning. :-)
Now picture this as your hear this tune for the first time- a full techno club at the height of its success with the crowd of 500 or so people that has spent a few years worth of Friday nights together dancing to 'filthy mucky techno' and livin' it, lovin' it, largin' it. On comes this tune accompanied by strobes from all angles; needless to say....the crowd went wild!

That was then. This is now. Enjoy.

Download 01_say_u_will_original.Mp3

Download 07_flash.mp3

Buy Say U Will.
Buy Flash

God Made Me Phunky

Welcome to JC’s Vinyl Room, a new section on CubikMusik, where I (JC) will be digging into my old crates of vinyl to bring you some long forgotten nuggets. 

So here’s the deal. Me and Cubik go way back. Like back to secondary school (high school for US readers) when we both had silly hair and an obsession with The Cure. We’ve stayed best mates through a variety of musical adventures since then – including his brief career as a roadie for the band I managed and me leaving him in my car for three hours as I ligged backstage at Feile (Ireland’s major outdoor music estival of the late 80’s and 90’s).

Anyway I built up a fairly substantial record collection between the late 80s and mid-90s covering everything from indie to hip-hop via house and rave. My collection has a fair bias towards funky techno and hard house, largely due to the fact that between 1993 and 1996 I was co-promoter of the UFO Club, the infamous Dublin techno club that had another good friend of mine, Francois, at the controls. Crazy, crazy, fun times. It was a real privilege to make a living out of putting on a club where you could hear the music you loved and where you got to party with your friends. 

A year-out for a world trip at the tail end of 2001 saw my vinyl collection going into storage in the attic of my house (hauling those boxes into the attic, seriously stressed poor old Cubik’s skinny little body). It remained there until last month when Cubik arrived back from Austin with an iTTUSB turntable which allows you to easily convert your vinyl to MP3. Several hours later, after a few beers and some funny cigarettes, the idea of JC’s Vinyl Room was dreamed up.

I’ll be posting regularly with some of my old favourites that will hopefully bring back some great memories and maybe even inspire you to go out and investigate some artists you haven’t heard before. Here’s my first tune from the vaults:

God Made Me Phunky by The MD X-spress (Open)

This is a good deal more house-y than most of the stuff I was listening to when this came out back in 1995 even though it was on the Ministry of Sound’s techno imprint Open. The work of Mike Dunn, a Chicago DJ since the 80s (and not as far as I know any relation of the hip hop DJ of the same name but I could be wrong), this is just one of those infectious old school numbers with a groovy almost spoken word lyric. This gospel-inspure number was guaranteed to get pulled out at least once a night in our after-hours club that ran in the front room of my apartment most weekends. Still makes me want to get up and dance around the room – and it’s not that often that happens these days.

As the man himself puts it “To understand a groove like this you got to be funky”.

Download God Made Me Phunky

Under The Influence with...Dubble D

When you start something like 'Under the Influence' you know that you are gonna get to hear some great new tunes and hear about artist's influences. A bonus of doing this is that you also get to be exposed to the passion that people have for music. All I can say is that if anyone in this world has passion for music it is the one and only Dubble D (bio)! It is infectious.
When I emailed him a few weeks ago, to ask if he'd be into contributing, I wasn't expecting a response in all honesty but within a few days I recieved an excitied response and he was signed up. Today we get to see what Dubble D is under the influence of-it is a treat!

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                                                        Dubble D.  Under the Influence.

What a buzz! Imagine, receiving an e mail asking you to make a selection of  tracks that have influenced your career! What a great gig!
Anyway, after days of dilemma, here goes; I have to say, not as easy a task as I’d originally thought.
(I could go on for ever!!). A lot of the artists I have chosen are influential through their entire careers rather than the specific tracks here so I encourage you, if you can be bothered, or are inspired, to check out their discographies and  collaborators and get diggin’!!!!

1.Miles Davis-“so what”.
Taken from “a kind of blue” Miles’ seminal album. The best selling jazz album of all time. I first heard this as a kid and it continues to inspire me today. An amazing band and beautiful compositions. ANY and ALL of Miles’ work is worth checking out; a true innovator and visionary and an inspiration for life!!
Download 01_so_what.mp3

2.John Coltrane-“you’re out of this world”
Taken from the Impulse album (check out the rest of the label’s releases too!)  “Coltrane” an amazing groove featuring one of my favourite drummers; Elvin Jones and indeed one of my favourite ever groups. Coltrane really soars on this track. Another one I continue to hammer and hear fresh things each time I do.
Download 102_out_of_this_world.mp3

3.Eddie Palmieri-“justicia”
As a percussionist, I naturally fell in love with afro-cuban music. In particular New York Puerto Rican salsa. Eddie Palmieri is a genius/pianist/bandleader. This is a fania recording from the 70s. Check out the groove and the ridiculous solos! Amazing!
Download 02_justicia.mp3

4. Flora Purim-“moondreams”
From “butterfly dreams” and featuring fusion giants Stanley Clarke and George Duke as well as her percussionist/husband Airto.(a major hero and influence). The tune is written by Brazilian composer Egberto Gismonti (another big influence; especially his recordings on the ECM label which I have rinsed!!). I’m a massive fan of Flora and Airto and was lucky enough to collaborate with her and her daughter for a track on my album “Reachin’ Out” (2020 vision). Totally trippin’ . What a buzz!!!!
Download flora_purimmoonbeams.mp3

5.Herbie Hancock-“spider”
I think that in centuries to come people are going to look back upon Herbie Hancock as we might do Mozart. Except, of course that Herbie is a whole lot funkier. This track is from “Secrets”. Herbie’s use of synthesizers was completely innovative and still influences electronic funk producers everywhere today. Awesome….Firm favourites of mine are also “Manchild”, “Thrust”, “Sunlight” and “Headhunters” but it’s well worth checking out anything he’s done.
Download 03_spider.mp3

6.Lonnie Liston Smith-“Expansions”
Amazing groove. Beautiful sentiments. A club classic in Manchester which never fails to take me back to my early clubbing days!! I could also include anything by Roy Ayers at this point but in particular “everybody loves the sunshine” and “we live in Brooklyn baby”. Still kicking it live with an awesome band, another amazing musician who is an innovative producer.
Download expansion.mp3

7.Marvin Gaye-“what’s goin’ on?”
I don’t go anywhere without this album. A message more important today than ever. True soul. How can we ever get close? Beautiful.
Download 06_whats_going_on.mp3

8.Public Enemy-“Don’t believe the hype.”
This record changed my life. I heard it in my mate’s bedroom when I was about 14 years old. It ripped my head apart and still does. It made hip hop a part of my life and everything I do.
Download 04_dont_believe_the_hype.mp3

9.A Tribe called Quest-“We got the jazz”
From “the low end theory” I also love everything else they’ve done. In particular “midnight marauders”, and  “beats, rhymes and life”. Intelligent, witty and poignant lyrics and killer beats and production. Check the brilliant Busta Rhymes cameos on this album too!! Hip hop does not get better than this!!!
Download 02_jazz_weve_got.mp3

10. Common-“the light”
Common. For me this guy is on another level lyrically. His album, “Like water for chocolate” is amazing. J.Dilla is, (along with Pete Rock, ) one of my production heroes and this is one of his best. Deep!!! Also check out Dilla’s “Donuts” album. Made on his deathbed, it is a true testament to innovation in hip hop production.
Download 12_the_light.mp3

11.DJ Krush-“yeah”
Mo Wax came along in the early nineties and blew me away. This track from Krush is taken from his album “ Strictly Turntabalised”. I love the dirt and the swing. This album realy made me think about producing beats myself.
Download yeah.mp3

12. Fila Brasilia-“weasel out the muck”
Funky drum loops. Great Samples. Hip references. Great synth sounds and programming. I love Fila Brasilia. Their albums “maim that tune” “mess” “old codes, new chaos” and “luck be a weirdo tonight” were a revelation. Tying jazz, hip hop and house production values in a way that nobody else did. I was lucky enough to work with the guys and have nothing but love and respect. Indeed, it was Steve Cobby who convinced me that I should be producing. The ethos behind their then label, Pork Recordings, was completely refreshing and all about the music. Check it out!!
Download 10_weasel_out_the_muck.mp3

13.Daft Punk-“revolution 909”
Homework is one of my favourite albums. Daft Punk have the funk. In a massive way. What can you say? Probably nothing. Turn it the fuck up and dance!
Download 01_revolution_909.mp3

14.Future Sound of London “Papua New Guniea”
I loved going to raves. I was lucky enough to witness the social change brought about by ecstasy in the late 80s. This tune takes me there. Amazing. I love it and still play it whenever I get the chance!!!!
Download papua_new_guinea.mp3

15.Aim-“Cold Water Music”
From the album of the same name. When I first heard this tune I was completely blown away. At the time I was quite heavily involved with Grand Central records; playing drums with Rae and Christian. I was lucky enough to go on to play with Aim live through whom I met Q n C and Kate Rogers with whom I recorded for my album “Reachin’ Out” (2020 Vision). (C’mon, that’s only 2 plugs so far!!!!)
Download cold_water_music.mp3

16.Kerry Chandler-“bar-a-thym”
This, for me, is what house music is all about. Kerry is soul and this record makes me want to jump around like a lunatic and whistle. YES YES YES!!!!
Download bar_a_thym.mp3

17.Mary J.Blige-“M.V.P.” (feat. 50 Cent)
I love soul, (some people call it R & B!!!) particularly girly soul, and Mary J. Blige is the queen. No question. This track tells her story. Genius. I’m a BIG fan. One day she might marry me.
Download mvp.mp3

At this point I must also mention some of the DJs who have been huge influences on my musical development.
Ralph Lawson
Mr. Scruff
James Holroyd
Francois Kevorkian
Derrick Carter
Norman Jay
Ashley Beedle
Chris Cruicks
Theo Parrish
These guys have influenced me as much as any individual record. Thank you.

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Now check out the sounds that Dubble D brings us.

Taken from his debut album, Reachin' Out, these two tunes display the breath of influences that we read about above. My gosh- truly stunning. It is so hard to pick two tunes from this album as it is really solid. As you know, Cubik is not the biggest fan of albums and sticks to songs or compilations but Dubble D's hits the right buttons with this one. Check out this BBC Review.

Squelch: Download 09_squelch.mp3

Big Fish: Download 12_big_fish.mp3

Buy Reachin' Out: USA/ Europe

Cheers Danny,

Cubik

Flowerz

Artist: Flowerz
Tune: All Tonight (Matt Flores Metrosoul Mix)
Another great tune from Compost Black Label releases that goes along nicely with Boogie Beat that was posted a while back. A beautiful tune that harks back to some wonderful house music classics with subtle vocals, a tease of piano and of course some nice bass for good effect.
I just can't wait to drop this tune when I get home for Christmas!
Download 01_all_tonight_matt_flores_metrosoul_mix.mp3

Cheers,
Cubik

Sir Henry's Cork

I've mentioned Sir Henry's in passing before but today is the day when I go into some detail.

Old reliable JC passed this onto me this morning and I've been grabbing tunes like mad, full of nostalgia. For anyone who was at Sir Henry's in the 90's, or wanted to be there or just likes dance music from that time go check out what the guys from CorkDJs have come up with.

Sir Henry's (and Cork in general) always had the best nights out with a crowd that was always up for a full on party. I met some great people in those times- from standing in line to get the weekend started up to leaving and being invited to great partys ( a special shout out to Colm and Andrea at radio Friendly who broadcasted the after party at JC's stag!).

First off there is a nostalgia section with flyers from Sweat, the weekenders (see flyer below) and some pics (I may be in one of them! :-)

Then we have a trailer for a documentary about Sir Henrys. I really hope to see the full version of this as it tells a great story.                

"Sir Henrys needs no introduction: its walls saw some of the greatest DJs and club nights in Europe dwarfing any pretenders in other Irish towns and cities. Its demise and eventual demolition brought a tear to Cork hearts but the memories live on. Vinyl Films has embarked on what can only be described as a final and most fitting tribute. In this feature length documentary significantly titled “120 bpm” – a nod to the more relaxed pace of Henrys tunes – we are taken on a journey back in time with interviews from Greg and Shane, Stevie G, Jim X Comet, Henry’s manager Seán O’Neill, Mike Pickering, Radio Friendly head honcho Colm Moore, Graeme Park and New York producer Kerri Chandler."

A great story from this trailer comes from Jim X Comet when he talks about Laurent Garnier playing one Saturday night at the weekenders. I remember what he talks about (which is pretty amazing)-this was my birthday weekend and was a top night. Laurent Garnier was playing at 2am and mixed in Donna Summer's 'I Feel Love' and as the chorus came in he hit the strobes and as Jim says it was like the roof was gonna come off the building!

And last but certainly not least-the cherry on the cake! The CorkDJs have gone and posted about 60 tunes that sum up Sir Henrys between 1987 and 1996!

Here are some of my favourites from back in the day.

Slam: Positive Education. One of the all time classic tunes-produced to perfection.
Download Slam.mp3

Sven Vath: Barbarella. From one of the masters of trance comes the hypnotizing Barbarella.
Download SvenVath.mp3

Jam & Spoon: The Age of Love. I just don't know what to say about this track. I never knew the name of it yet always loved it to bits. Beautiful.
Download JamAndSpoon.mp3

Ok-now we are getting towards the end of the night at Sir Henry's and gearing up for the after parties!

Rising High Collective: Fever Called Love. "You send me up, up, up to the highest peak."
Download RisingHighCollective.mp3

South Street Player: Who Keeps Changing Your Mind. Last tune of the night-in the courtyard of Sir Henrys, rain drizzling down but everyone dancing with all the soul in the world.
Download who_keeps_changing_your_mind.mp3

Then the after party!
4th Measure Men: 4You. JC's top choice always at his gaff. :-)
Download 4You.mp3

Thanks to everyone who organized, played and danced at those weekends-great memories.
I can't wait to go back for the reunion. ;-)

Cheers,
Cubik

Feeling Free

Artist: Nicole Willis & The Soul Investigators
Tune: Feeling Free (If Music Stringstrumental)

I included this on one of the CubikMusik mixes a few weeks back but reckon that it deserves its own post here. An epic tune that will appeal to any fans out there of Les Fluer (the most popular tune on CubikMusik) with its orchestral arrangements, complex beat structures and overall beautiful sounds.
Download feeling_free_if_music_stringstrumental.mp3

Bagpak Music Presents....

Another first for CubikMusik. We are delighted to be joining the excellent Bagpak Music to deliver top picks along from their store along with some free downloads to CubikMusik readers each week.
Bagpak Music was established in May 2005 as a globally focused digital music outlet in New York City. Bagpak carries house, nu-jaz, broken beats, future jazz, hip hop, disco soul, funk, techno, electronica and beyond.

We can also look forward to some installments in the 'Under The Influence' series from artists on the Bagpak Records label.
Much thanks to the crew at Bagpak for working with us here and we look forward to it.

Artist: Brothers Warrin
Tune: How I Feel
From the Sun Runners compilation this track is a nice little piece of downtempo that reminds me of the sounds of Boozoo Bajou. I can't help but picture myself swinging on a hammock listening to this one.

Artist: Crate Soul Brothers
Tune: Swinging with Miss Goodnight (Panoptikum Mix)
Fresh future jazz sounds from this duo coming at you out of Budapest.

Artist: Proxy
Tune: The Art of Leisure
Album: Album: Jazz&Milk Breaks Vol.I
My favorite of todays picks. Taken from the Jazz&Milk Breaks EP; just check out what Diesler and Boca45 have to say about this EP.
"5 REALLY OUTSTANDING TRACKS. I AM NOT JUST SAYING THAT EITHER MAN. IT IS         TOTALLY DOPE AND I AM GOING TO BE CAINING IT OUT FOR A GOOD FEW MONTHS.         9/10 MAN! SEROUSLY!!!" DIESLER // TRU THOUGHTS

"WHAT A NICE SURPIRSE GETTING THE NEW JAZZ & MILK WAS! IT`S SOLID LIKE THE LAST    RELEASE AND VERSATILE, MY PERSONAL FAVE IS A1 JAZZHOLE - FREE THE ROBOTS         BUT THERE IS SOMETHING ON THIS RELEASE FOR ANY DJ WHO LIKES TO MAKE PEOPLE      MOVE ON NIGHTCLUB DANCEFOLLS! GRET PACKAGING ALSO.. TOP DRAWER STUFF..         CHEERS," BOCA 45 // WORLDWIDE

Artist: Frankie Valentine
Tune: Moogrock
A house tune whose name just says it all!

And finally, here are the top picks from Bagpak this week-enjoy.

Artist: Fug
Tune: Thin Air (Atjazz Vocal Mix)
Label: Bocajto/ Nuphonic
Thin Air is a track that is colorful rather than dry and fusty. It gets remixed by Atjazz who  add a spacey quality to the track. This is currently the top selling track over at Bagpak.
Listen/Get it here

Artist: L'Aroye
Tune: South Visita (dub version)
Label: Faces
...the ever changing Faces sound as some of the true pioneers of a broken sonic language yet to be written...
Listen/Get it here

Artist: Brisa feat Arcoiris
Tune: Release (B's Reconstruction)
Label: Irma Japan
Debut single by Brisa aka Tetsu Shibuya, one half of Agora Rhythm. B's Reconstruction of Release is a melodic broken/ jazz tip that features Silvia Donati and Roberto 'Red' Rossi from spiritual jazz act Arcoiris along with Japanese guitarist Yukihioe Atsumi.
Listen/Get it here.

Artist: Kava
Tune: Blue Man (TM Juke Remix)
Label: Fabrique
TM Juke (TruThoughts/UK) comes up with a groovy beat workout giving the original a new freshness.
Listen/ Get it here

Artist: Simbad aka Mowgly
Tune: 2nite's da nite
Label: Faces
Simple put....It's a house ting. The feet-note heavy "2nite's da nite" is dirty and uncomprimising, sexy to the fullest....
Listen/Get it here

Artist: Simbad aka Mowgly
Tune: Interluv
Label: Face)
Hip boogie foreplay 4 the b-boys & the b-girls…
Listen/Get it here   

Artist: M-Swift feat Vanessa Haynes
Tune: Morning Light (Notenshun Remix)
Label: Irma Japan
London based Japanese producer M-SWIFT delivers quality soulful house in the style of Reel People and Rasum Faber.
Listen/ Get it here

Artist: Ralf Gum vs Dennis Legree & Inaya Day
Tune: Try Me (Ralf Gum & Benny PecoraioOriginal)
Label: Gogo Music
It’s about a musical soul, which is manifested in thrilling melodies and far-reaching lyrics.
Listen/ Get it here

Artist: Raw Artistic Soul 
Tune: Zaab (Ralf Gum's History Goes By Mix)
Label: Gogo Music
Wrapped in a timeless robe of house-beats with influences from Funk, Soul, Afro-Latin and Jazz Gogo Music got renown for its unique releases.
Listen/Get it here

Cheers,
Cubik

                                                        ***Disclosure***
CubikMusik does not receive any monies, products or services fom Bagpak Music in return for this series of posts. This arrangment is based on CubikMusik's desire to look at new ways to bring music recommendations to our readers along with a mutual respect in each other's musical taste.

Bid for King Britt!

This is one of the best things I have come across in a long time.
"NextAid is a Los Angeles based humanitarian organization dedicated to creating sustainable solutions for African children orphaned by AIDS. By partnering with socially-responsible businesses and organizations in the production of music benefits and other awareness-raising activities, NextAid provides immediate and long-term aid to African children in need."

But heres where it gets really interesting:
"Join the biggest names in the dance music community raising funds for NextAid! Our goal to raise $20,000 will benefit the continuing development of our earth-friendly child support center in Dennilton, South Africa. Check out the catalog - everything from top DJ and studio gear, to once-in-a-lifetime experiences with your favorite artists!"

So-you can bid on a 2 hour set by King Britt with an opening bid of $1,000 (or buy now for $4,000). This closes on November 17th. Maybe you will be tempted to figure out a way to throw a party in 2007 with King Britt DJ'ing while you help a very worthy cause.
Anyone in Austin (or elsewhere) wanna contact me to try and see if we can throw a show? Email me @ cubikmusik@gmail.com.

Check out two remixes from the man himself:

Download josh_one--contemplation__king_britt_funke_remix.mp3

Download senor_coconut--smoke_on_the_water__king_britt_funke_mix.mp3

I gotta give a shout out to Undomondo for inadvertently helping with this post as I just got these tracks from there. :-).

Cheers,
Cubik