Hi everybody! Hope you had a good weekend. An uplifting post for this grey Monday for y’all.  Starting with the inclusion of Jackpot’s ‘Un Dos Tres’, which was omitted from the last muzak post because of a record mix-up at Juno (sorry Juno for the ranting, you were most helpful). So head straight to that or listen to this post then head back – entirely up to you. Right, let’s get started!

 What better way to kick off the week with some old-school style Italia piano house? No? Well, how about a couple records heavily inspired by it then? Oh, go on then.

RUNAWAY – BROOKLYN CLUB JAM/LSB REMIX (REKIDS)

Lovely stuff. I was tempted just to post that as this record indeed is lovely stuff. Released on Radio Slave Matt Edwards’ Rekids label, Runaway (Brooklyn’s very own Jacques Renault and Marcos Cabral) deliver a ‘belter’. Taking their cue from the classic ‘Carino’ by T-Coy, it samples an old school piano-led anthem of the 90s (I can’t remember which one) and then adds some spacious bass and percussion to devastating effective. On the flip, LSB manage to illuminate the original with their own blend of sublime nu-disco and warehouse toughness.  Could this be the song of the summer? Who knows? It all depends on the weather.

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MOBY – I LOVE TO MOVE IN HERE (HOLY GHOST! & CLOUDED VISION REMIXES) (TURBO)

I know it’s Moby but there’s no need for you to look at me like that. A lot of bad things are associated with Moby – veganism, baldness, animal rights, adverts, tofu (I could go on but I won’t) but he was responsible for one of the greatest dance singles of all time (‘Go’) and a not half bad Bond theme. Admittedly he has lost his way a bit but slowly and surely he his finding his way back again. Re-discovering his love the early nineties NYC house, this release (part 2 of the 12″ pack) sees him going back to basics – with the mix of uplifting piano slabs, a melodic female vocal hook and driving basslines. Undoubtedly, the highlights of this release is the sterling remixes by DFA’s Holy Ghost! and Clouded Vision. Holy Ghost! do their own downtown New York disco mix with horns and everything but my favourite (at the moment and cos’ I’m nostalgic) is Clouded Vision’s Acid Jazz remix. Not exactly acid jazz but a soulful, large sounding classic house remix with pianos and everything. Don’t hate the bald guy just have a listen.

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That was the ‘Tickling Ivories’ bit. Geddit? Nevermind.

BLACK AFFAIR – PLEASURE PRESSURE POINT (V2 COOP)

I wasn’t that enamoured with the Neon Neon album, something about the bloke from the Super Furry Animals doing a tongue-in-cheek electro album didn’t fill me with joy. Strange that.  Funnily enough I couldn’t wait to hear ex Beta Band and King Biscuit Time main man Steve Mason’s electro album. Thing is, I’ve always had a soft spot for the Beta Band after staying up way too late on school nights listening to the Breezeblock on which they were regular guests. I should have posted this ages ago but was afraid the bods at V2 would sue me or something because this could well be one of the surprise gems of 2008. Hooking up with Warp’s Jimmy Edgar was a stroke of genius as you can hear the wide range of 80s influences. Early hip hop, Depeche Mode, Detroit techno, R&B (amongst many other influences )are blended with Steve’s idiosyncratic style, which reminds me of Paul Haig which is a good thing. Buy the album! You won’t regret it! Now here’s a few tunes.

‘It’s Real’

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‘Tak!Attack!

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‘Will She Come’

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Finally… The Man - Isaac Hayes (1942-2008).

Not going to say much as a lot has already been said but the great man will be missed.

‘Walk On By’

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‘Ike’s Rap 2′

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‘I Stand Accused’

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