Decadance 2000: Part 1 – Ear & Drum Session 34

This is a new series of mixes I’m going to do from year to year that looks back at where D&B was at 10 years ago. This mix is part 1 of 2 that looks at the year 2000. I’ve concentrated on the more melodic stuff for this mix and the part 2 will look at the big smashers.

The new millennium seemed to fit D&B perfectly as it was always a forward looking music. D&B parties seemed to explode again after dying off a little in 98-99 and a new generation of producers and labels started to forge their own new sounds. Music technology was getting better and cheaper allowing more and more people who had always loved the music to finally start writing their own tunes. It seemed like everyone was trying to make D&B.

J. Majik had one of the biggest hits of the year with Love Is Not A Game and a little known label called Hospital was starting to show some serious promise. LTJ Bukem released his first solo album Journey Inwards to critical acclaim and Klute, Marcus Intalex & ST Files and Omni Trio continued to show how it was done when it came to melodic D&B.

Decadance 2000: Part 1 – 1hr of Melodic D&B from the year 2000

J. Majik – Love Is Not A Game (Original Radio Edit)
Fellowship – Coming On Strong
Klute – Three of Us
Real Time – Mine
Omni Trio – Secret Life
LTJ Bukem – Deserted Vaults (Instrumental)
Grand Unified Featuring Kadeem – Music Makes Me Feel This Way
London Elektricity – Superstructure (John B Remix)
London Elektricity – Wishing Well (Danny Byrd Remix)
London Elektricity – Round The Corner (Origin Unknown Remix)
Citizen & DJ Kalm – Venus
Marcus Intalex & ST Files – Moonwalk
Klute – Chicks
Bad Company – Colonies
Future Cut – Busted
Total Science – Let It Go
Big Bud – Millennium (Carlito Remix)

Basic Operations – The Lost Tapes

Basic Operations (Atlantic Connection & Kevin Focus) went their separate ways in 2005 leaving a legacy of awesome music. But even better they left a swag of unreleased tunes which they are now putting out under their ‘Lost Tapes’ series. Classics like Drifting on an Aspect (VIP), Keep on Dreaming, New Dawn and Since I’ve Seen You which Bukem caned on dub for years.

You can get a listen and buy it exclusively from bandcamp.com. And to top it all off Basic Ops are also slated to be going back into the studio again to work on some new releases which I am hoping will hit sooner rather than later.

LSTPS001
Basic Operations
The Lost Tapes Vol. 1

1. Drifting on an Aspect (VIP)
2. Since I’ve Seen You
3. O.S.F
4. Keep On Dreaming

Vegetative – Ear & Drum Session 33

Say what you like about the minimal trend in Drum & Bass it looks like it is here to stay. It might not ignite the dance floors but it is sweet on the ears and awesome to veg out to. This is a mix of the latest minimal tracks that are doing it for me.

Sunchase dominates with his new album Static Nitro, but s13 also puts in a good appearance with his Yourself EP. See else where on the blog for a free download of this killer EP from a fresh name. Lenzman, Rockwell and S.P.Y. get honourable mentions for always coming correct with their minimal sound.

You may notice there is a track not listed. For the life of me I can’t find it and if anyone out there knows what it is I’d be mightily pleased if you tell me what it is. Cheers.

Vegetative – 1hr 15mins of Minimal Lushness

Sunchase – Asphalt
dBridge – Love Hotel
Sunchase Violet
s13 – Earth Ulro
Sunchase – Keyring
Netsky – Storm Clouds
Rockwell – My War
Lenzman – More Than I Can Take
Blue Motion & The Square – I’m Dreaming
???
s13 – Immortal
Synthetic Pigments – Morning Glory
Anile – Never Together
Omar – Lay It Down (Triad Full Vocal Mix)
BCee – Mr. Bidigan (Total Science Remix)
Lenzman – Open Page (feat. Riya)
Furi Anga – Inside the Sun
Jose James – Warrior (Rockwell Remix)
Dephzac – We Are Together
S.P.Y. – Hurricane

Mercurial – Ear & Drum Session 32

This year has been a good year for big vocal numbers with a smashing beat behind them. Hospital as always are leading the charge, but labels like Horizons, Esprit, Spearhead and Fokuz are also putting out some amazing dance floor drum & bass. Netsky is on fire right now and artists like S.P.Y., Lenzman and Bachelors of Science keep consistently banging out great vocal D&B.

Some people have been calling this sound ‘commercialised’, but to be honest I don’t hear it. It might be accessible and something your girlfriend might drag you onto the dance floor to jump around to. But when has that ever been a bad thing?

1hr of New Vocal D&B

Madmen & Poets – Leave It
Netsky – Your Way
Netsky – Mellow
Netsky – I Refuse (Shock One Remix)
Lenzman – Coincidence
Coldbreaker – Don’t Give Up
Robot Redford – Dying Star
Dephzac – We Are Together
Total Science & S.P.Y. Above the Clouds
Bacelors of Science – The Ice Dance (Lenzman Remix)
Netsky – Let’s Leave Tomorrow
Stunna – Back In Time
D Kay & Concept – For Love or Money
Blue Sonix – Luv Me (Logistics VIP)
Chew Lips – Karen (Netsky Remix)
Fat Freddy’s Drop – Cay S Crays (Artificial Intelligence Remix)
Netsky – Iron Heart
Netsky – Memory Lane

Fluent Latin – Ear & Drum Session 31

Someone recently asked for a mix of similar stuff to the music found on the Brazil EP that came out on V Recordings. With summer kicking in over in the Northern Hemisphere I though I might try my hand at a quick Latin mix for all those looking forward to the sunshine.

For me there has always been a fine line between good Latin D&B and pure cheese, so I’ve tried to put together a mix that takes in all that is good about the genre whilst trying to avoid the fromage. Everyone knows Marky and XRS as the Latin D&B masters, but I’ve also tried to get in some lesser known Brazilian producers in here. Plus a few impostors, not from South America, who got the sound right such as Greg Packer, Nu:Tone and John B.

So light the BBQ, get out the spices and salsa and kick back with a hip shaking take on the D&B sound from Latin America.

Fluent Latin – 45 Minute Latin D&B Fiesta

John B – We Like The Music (Latino Remix)
Drumagick – Easy Boom
David W.S. – Talarico
Marky & XRS – LK’
The Mitchell & Dewbury Band feat. Billie Godfrey – Beyond The Rains (Drumagick Radio Edit)
Total Science & MC Conrad – Soul Patrol (Total Science Sunny Side Up Remix feat. Bungle)
Marky & XRS – Rotation (Stress Level & TC1 Remix)
Greg Packer – Be-Bop
Ramilison Maia – Ser
Bebel Gilberto – So Nice (Marky Radio Edit)
Deeper & Pacific feat. Geanine Marques – In The Summer Breeze (Mad Zoo’s Sambass Remix)
Nu:Tone – e.Spresso
David W.S. – Subida Do Morro
M.I.S.T. vs Marky & XRS – Sunshine (Touch Me)
Marky & Makoto – Long Distance
Marky & XRS – Closer

EZ Rolled – Jungletrain Session 153

Jay Hurren and Alex Banks defined the easy-rolling two-step of Moving Shadow Records during the late ’90s with their recordings as E-Z Rollers, after developing hardcore breakbeats earlier in the decade as JMJ & Richie and Hyper On Experience. Meeting up with vocalist Kelly Richards, Hurren and Banks decided to form E-Z Rollers around the threesome.

Their debut album Dimensions of Sound appeared in mid-1996, followed by several additional singles for Moving Shadow and the full-length follow-ups Weekend World and Titles of the Unexpected. Their huge singles Walk this Land and Tough at the Top are some of the most recognisable singles in D&B due to their hard jazz sound.

While not getting a lot of props these days, they have had a heavy influence on D&B and I especially respect their early works. I’ll always have a soft spot for their additions to the Moving Shadow catalogue and hope their future releases live up to the past.

EZ Rolled – 1hr of EZ Rollers

E-Z Rollers – You’ll Never Know
E-Z Rollers – Rolled Into 1 (Photek Remix)
E-Z Rollers – Droppin Science Pt.2 (E-Z Remix)
E-Z Rollers – Retro
E-Z Rollers – Movin’ Target
Omni Trio – Where Are You (E-Z Rollers Remix)
E-Z Rollers – Tough at the Top (Origin Unknown Remix)
E-Z Rollers – RS2000
E-Z Rollers – Weekend World (Calyx Remix)
E-Z Rollers – Walk This Land (Paradise Remix)
E-Z Rollers – Half a Chance
E-Z Rollers – Believe (Marky & XRS Remix)
E-Z Rollers – Tough at the Top (E-Z Rollers Remix)
E-Z Rollers – Rolled Into 1 (E-Z Rollers Remix)
E-Z Rollers – Dust

L Boh – Jungletrain Session 167

Jonny L is an aquired taste and not being a big fan of Piper when it first hit I took a little while to fully appreciate just what a talent he really is. From the sparceness of the beat in ‘Hardcore’, to the hidden funk in ‘Wish U Had Something (Remix)’ and the step-notic rhythm of Piper, Jonny L gets away with a simplicity other producers can only dream of.

His production career has spanned 18 years and not only was he signed to the mighty XL Records during their heyday, but he has also produced for Dane Bowers, Posh Spice and surprisingly S Club. Despite this his albums Sawtooth and Magnetic are some of D&B’s most original and famous solo albums ever. Jonny L now goes under the guise of Mr L and his label Mr L Records is still releasing quality stripped back tunes.

L Boh – 1hr of Jonny L

Jonny L – I Let U
Jonny L – Techonic Cycle
Jonny L – Treading
Jonny L – See Red
Jonny L – Piper (Grooverider Mix)
Jonny L – Wish U Had Something (Remix)
Jonny L – Change
Jonny L – The Bells
Jonny L – Camouflage
Jonny L – Trouble
Jonny L – Let’s Roll
Jonny L – Part of U
Jonny L – Piper (The Clone)
Jonny L – Turn Up the Bass
Nasty Habits – Shadow Boxing (Jonny L Mix)
Jonny L – Hard Core

Finely Calibrated – Jungletrain Session 166

Calibre’s finely tuned sense of melody and bass is something that steps him apart from his contemporaries. A master of liquid beats and grooves, very few producers can strip back a tune to just it’s bare elements and still keep the impact that Calibre does.

A prolific producer he drops albums almost bi-annually whilst still releasing strings of singles. He has appeared on just about every liquid label you would ever want to be on including Soul:R, Creative Source, Phuturo, Exit, V, Hospital and many others. His own Signature label releases just Calibre tunes, including the mighty Shelflife I & II and Overflow albums.

I have a lot of time and respect for Calibre. He isn’t the worlds most inovative producer, but he has spent years forging and perfecting his own sound. What he does, he does better than anyone else out there. So strap yourself in and get ready to have your head massaged by the mighty Calibre.

Finely Calibrated – 1hr celebrating the genius of Calibre

Calibre – Crazy
Calibre – Like It Is
Calibre – Bullets featuring Diane Charlemange
Calibre – Deranged
Calibre – Late Night Squeeze
Calibre – Turn Around
Calibre – Drop it Down featuring Singing Fats
Calibre – Things A Re-Arranging
Calibre – Always
Calibre – One Word
Calibre – It’s
Calibre – Film feat. Slarta Jon (Calibre Dub)
Calibre – Time & Space
Calibre & High Contrast – Mr Majestic
Calibre – Inflicted

Urban D.Kay – Jungletrain Session 182

D.Kay has been one of the most consistent and diverse producers in D&B over the last decade. He can pump out quality tracks across all genres and rightly so has been recognised by some of the scenes biggest labels. As well as his own two labels, Illskillz Recordings and Brigand he has appeared on Metalheadz, Hospital, Exit, C.I.A., Soul:R, Bingo and whole host of other labels.

This mix was done back in 2008 so it doesn’t cover a lot of his most recent output. However it is a good selection of his earlier output including tracks from his stunning Individual Soul album which is a highly under-rated classic.

Urban D.Kay – 1hr of classic cuts from D.Kay

D Kay – Rain
D Kay – Devotion
D Kay – Serenade
D Kay – Interlude
D Kay & Lee – One Nation
D Kay & Epsilon – Barcelona (High Contrast Remix)
London Elektricity – Out of This World (D Kay Remix)
D Kay – Planet Music
D Kay – Tuning
D.Kay & Kasra_- Spider
D Kay & Epsilon – Platinum
D Kay & Lee – Wax’d
D Kay & Lee – Desire
D Kay & Rawfull – B There 4 U
D Kay & Blacksun Empire – Bullet In The Head

Drum Anne Bass – Jungletrain Session 181

When I first got Serato I went CD mad. I bought up as many old CD compilations as I could to convert all those sweet tracks I’d missed out on buying at the time of their release. Around this time a friend of mine rang me to say his girlfriend (Anne) was looking to sell off some old CDs and that I might be interested.

What Anne had was the mother load of 1996 intelligent and jazzy D&B compilations. Her taste was impeccable – Artcore 1-4, Jazz & Bass Sessions 1-3, Logical Progression 1-3, Lost in Space – Drum & Bass 1-2 and many more. To top it off she gave them to me cheap, and I mean dirt cheap. So to show my appreciation I said I’d do her a mix.

This is the result.

Drum Anne Bass •• 1hr of 96-97 Remixes and Rarities

Saint Etienne – The Sea (PFM Remix)
Soundman & Don Lloydie Feat. Elizabeth Troy – Greater Love (T-Power Retro Grade ‘N’ Motion Mix)
Omni Trio – Soul Promenade (Nookie Remix)
Statik Sound System – Revolutionary Pilot (Rob Smith Mix)
Link – Amenity (Chameleon Remix)
Adam F – F-Jam Featuring MC Conrad
Omni Trio – Living For The Future (FBD Project VIP Mix)
Omni Trio – Renegade Snares (Rob’s Reconstruction Mix)
Ken Ishii – Stretch (Shogun Remix)
N&G&O – Tekken (Windermere Dub Mix by T. Power)
Rogue Unit – Dance Of The Sarooes
Aladin – We Enter (Deep Forest Dub VIP Mix)
One True Parker – Bubblegum (Ray Keith Remix)
Garbage – Milk (Goldie’s VIP Trash Your Sh*T Mix)