be your dog

"and I'm movin' on"

2011-01-04T20:35:00.003-05:00

Hey followers. I can't stay on Blogger anymore. Too much interference from the Empire.

Visit me on tumblr for the time being.

http://beyourblog.tumblr.com/

"it's not easy to say goodbye"

2010-12-31T13:32:00.006-05:00

And another year comes to an end...

Boney M - Gotta Go Home
The lead "singer" of Boney M just died the other day. The hugely popular band was produced by the same guy who created Milli Vanilli, hence my quotations. This song was sampled earlier this year in the smash club hit "Barbra Streisand" by Duck Sauce.

The Ting Tings - Hands (Michael Woods Remix)
Like the song above, this remix is rotten with arpeggiated keyboard effects. And I mean that in the best possible way. Nice to hear the Tings coming back for round two. Hopefully their initial MTV exposure will blow them up a little more this year.

ps.
"America doesn't deserve Boney M." - Pete Money

[links removed]

"the party was a huge success"

2010-12-21T22:12:00.004-05:00

Cristina - Things Fall Apart
This is Pete Money's favorite Christmas song, for obvious reasons. The Queen of ZE Records released this in 1981 and the holidays were never the same for those of us who prefer our egg nog spiked.

Polly Styrene - Black Christmas
The legendary lead singer of X-Ray Spex just put out this little number, and I must say it's an enchanting, albeit dark take on the season.

Ramones - Merry Christmas (I Don't Want To Fight Tonight)
Makes you wish there were more Christmas songs like this one, doesn't it? Peace on earth, people! Have a nice holiday, if you're into it. And if you're not - go pick a fight with someone!

"I know sometimes the world is wrong"

2010-12-13T22:15:00.005-05:00

Two songs from the John Giorno Poetry Systems 1989 compilation Like A Girl, I Want You To Keep Coming.

Deborah Harry - Invocation to Papa Legba
A very unusual direction for Debbie, and perhaps the strangest thing she ever recorded. This is a voodoo chant sung in - what I assume is - Creole? Kind of amazing - I especially like the change in meter half way thru.

David Byrne - Song For The Trees
An solo song from around the time that Talking Heads were wrapping things up. Again, a strange recording, but what a pretty melody! And I love the night time insects buzzing about.

"relax... think of nothing tonight"

2010-12-12T14:11:00.003-05:00

Sandra Bernhard - Manic Superstar
Jimi Hendrix vs Andrew Lloyd Webber. A really mad medley from the 90s that even made it into video rotation for a minute. I think this was around the same time as "lesbian-chic" became a catch-phrase.

Sandra Bernhard - Phone Sex (Do You Want Me Tonight?)
Bisexual provocateuse vs. straight-man fantasies. Could you imagine, well - first of all being straight - and hearing this and recognizing your own voice on the other end? Shade.

"you're my creature"

2010-11-07T21:27:00.005-05:00

Kim Ann Foxman - Creature
Another absolutely stunning revisionist house track from the Mr Intl crew. This time it's a solo outing for Kim Ann Foxman, the lesbianesque lead singer for H&LA. Do not attempt to vogue.

MGMT - Congratulations (Erol Alkan Rework)
It has a good beat, and you can dance to it. Erol Alkan is a master of the rework. He gives this MGMT song an atmospheric dark disco effect that sounds really cute in headphones.

[links removed]

UPDATE...
Within two days of posting this, the post got pulled down by blogger. Was it Mr Int'l (Kim Ann Foxman) or Columbia Records (MGMT) who filed the complaint with blogger and got it removed? Your guess is as good as mine. Leave your reactions in the comments if you care to. And in the meantime, here's the Kim Ann track via vimeo:

KIM ANN FOXMAN "CREATURE" [mr.intl records] from KIM ANN FOXMAN on Vimeo.

"it hurts me... I like it"

2010-11-01T21:33:00.010-04:00

Imagination - So Good, So Right
Masters of the slow jam, inspiration to Pet Shop Boys. They were the women you were always afraid to be, all falsettos and spandex cat suits. No amount of glitter and pomade could satisfy. You wanted more. You gave in to the magic. Imagination!

Imagination - Burning Up
Although they may have gagged more fully, having no frame of reference for such legendary black faggotry, London weren't the only ones gagging. In the United States, these Brits fit right into the proto-house music of the early 80s. Get into this piano-led jam and try not to daydream of Frankie Knuckles.

"the world is in your hand"

2010-10-28T08:34:00.005-04:00

Electric Light Orchestra - Showdown
A sludgy jam from a big band. I have recently become re-obsessed with ELO. I heard them a lot as a kid, and inherited the LPs from my aunt and uncle. In junior high, my aunt even gave me her shirt from the concert which I just thought was the coolest. I should check ebay for a replacement.

Electric Light Orchestra - So Fine
On the cusp of disco, ELO turned out their best album, A New World Record, replete with a full string section and electronic noodlings. Get into the breakdown. It's English boogie, ready for the dance floor.

"she's moody and grey, she's mean and she's restless"

2010-10-21T08:22:00.006-04:00

Arcadia - Election Day
When Duran Duran dissolved, they were at the absolute height of popularity. In hindsight, it would have been more interesting if they had done a "White Album" and just put all their own shit out on a Duran Duran album instead of the two efforts we got. Imagine the art-fuck of Arcadia mixed with the power-rock of Power Station on one effort - it would have been genius! Anyway, Arcadia kind of sucked with the exception of this single and maybe one or two other tracks. Big ups to Grace Jones for making a bizarre unintelligible cameo in the middle eight.

Power Station - Bang a Gong (Get it On)
God favored Arcadia, I always say. Three members of the Power Station team died young: singer Robert Palmer and the two members from Chic, drummer Tony Thompson and producer Bernard Edwards, leaving only the two Duran Duran members as survivors. They had other hits, but this cover of the T Rex classic is a stunner, taking the song in an unforeseen blend of 80s cock rock and R&B slickness (hello, Chic Organization). I still slip this into my DJ sets on a regular basis - last week I blew out the speakers with it - no lie!

"splaaaa-aaaahhh-aash!"

2010-10-14T08:27:00.003-04:00

Takako Minekawa - Plash
Like splash with a pee... get your mind out of the gutter - this is too cutesy-pie for golden showers! Where is Takako these days? She hasn't made an album in 10 years.

Chakachas - Stories
I think this song has a tuba AND flutes. What more could you want? A laugh track? You got it. From the folks who brought you the seduction jam Jungle Fever.

"have you ever been in love?"

2010-10-11T21:32:00.003-04:00

Lil' Louis and the World - Do You Luv Me
A gorgeous deep house track from a master of the genre, Lil' Louis. He builds it slow, with tinkling electric piano and whispers... bringing in the synth, a little beat. And eventually a deeper beat. Gentle swooning vocals take you into melody, harmony and longing. And a trumpet solo takes you out like a bird taking flight. I swear I know every moment of this song. I was so obsessed with this album in 1992, and it was unbelievable how the crowd would come alive on the floor at the club when a Lil' Louis track started pumping out of the big speakers.
I miss dancing to house music.

Soul II Soul - Love Come Through
The magic of this track is in the details. At first you may think it's a simple affair. But really get into it. The sampled loops, the hi-hat, the depth of the bass, the birds chirping in the background. And the beautiful arrangement of the vocals as they layer over the bass line and eventually all over themselves. It's a fucking double-chorus people!

ps. at 3:45 when you're left with nothing but the loops, you are listening to one of my favorite 30 seconds of all time. I shit you not. I made a tape loop of that part of the song in college so I could listen to it endless-endless.

"don't fill your bluejeans up with big ideas"

2010-09-25T17:47:00.005-04:00

Not much to say today. Except that these are two songs I am currently living for and spinning regularly on Saturday nights at Nowhere.

Dragonette - My Things
Also known as 'the titty song.' This has become a particular favorite around the bar. I think I have a crush on this band.

Marina & The Diamonds - Shampain
It's overblow and overproduced, but I'm loving it. Marina is giving me 80s Freddie Mercury versus ABBA with a little bit of Kate Bush thrown in for good measure. Is there really a band involved, or is it just a name? Like Benny and the Jets?

"a knife, a fork, a bottle and a cork"

2010-09-18T11:34:00.006-04:00

Escort - Cocaine Blues
This is basically "Love Break" by the Salsoul Orchestra with lyrics that reference an early 20th century rhyme and a legendary reggae track. WORK. And how do you spell Chicago? Chick in the car and the car won't go!

Andrew Butler & Jason Kendig - And I'm (So in Love With You)
The time has come to get back into deep house, children. The late 80s/early 90s variety. Not that shit you heard in your first megaclub. This is the debut release from Andy Butler's new label Mr. Intl. His hotness abounds.

Visit WeAreEscort for live dates and more

Visit Mr. Intl. on MySpace

The image is by Wayne Pate, y'all

"my body's saying let's go"

2010-09-03T17:13:00.005-04:00

One of my favorite things in the world is a 7" record. A 45, if you will. I have a lot of them. And it gives me great pleasure to share them with people. So tomorrow night I will be playing all 45s all nite. It'll be a hoot. Come by and say "Hi" if you're out and about in the e-vill.

"Do you have seven inches?"
DJ Jeff Jackson plays 45s all nite.

Numbers @ Nowhere
Saturday September 4
322 East 14th St
New York Fuckin City
10pm no cover

here's a couple numbers to whet your whistle

Freelance Hellraiser - A Touch of Genius
I feel this song is the pinnacle of the mashup genre. It started it, and it will end it. Mizz Aguilera wishes her last effort sounded this hot. Play it loud. And beware the sonics, for they are treble-y.

Breakdown - Planet Rock
A live band workout of the Bambaataa masterpiece. They do it justice. It's recognizable and almost makes people think... "wait a minute. Is this the original?"

"why can't it all be so simple?"

2010-09-01T06:42:00.007-04:00

[links to songs removed]

Plasticines - Barcelona (Lifelike Remix)
It's all about the echo. And the cowbell. And the bass. And the girly vocals. Oh, and they're French girls. Let's dance!

Kaine featuring Kathy Diamond - Love Saves the Day
Much love to Miss Diamond who hasn't been heard from in a while. I don't know who Kaine is, but he/she/it gives her a beautiful, if not aggressive, bed of piano upon which to lay down this epic, moody incantation.

"look at your paycheck..."

2010-08-15T14:47:00.007-04:00

Yacht - Waste of Time
I just saw Ladies and Gentlemen, the Fabulous Stains for the first time, and when it was on I heard this song and thought... where do I know this from? So I checked the iPod and realized it was Yacht, then I remembered when I played this version at the bar one night, someone came up and said "who's doing this song?" And that's how I learned that it was a cover of a song performed by Diane Lane and Laura Dern as post-punk band the Stains. And that's how the movie ended up on my Netflix. And that's the story of why I finally saw Ladies and Gentlemen, the Fabulous Stains.

A Certain Ratio - Waterline
Post-punk funk workout from the Factory that is dark and mostly instrumental. I love the end where it turns into an avant garde piece of noise, similar to early Stereolab. I believe this is produced by the legendary Martin Hannett, who was also responsible for producing ACR's Factory contemporaries, Joy Division.

"trust me, you want me happy"

2010-08-11T21:20:00.004-04:00

Lindsay Lohan - Bossy
Altho I consider myself a huge fan of Lindsay, I must confess that I know little of her oeuvre. Especially her musical output. I'm particularly taken with this song, and hope that there are more out there like this. But I fear that most of her tracks are probably crap. I feel sorry for the people who are trying to re-hab her. Can you imagine taking drugs AWAY from this woman?

Two Door Cinema Club - Something Good Can Work (The Twelves Remix)
The Twelves are freakin' awesome. They have been pumping out hot remixes for a few years now, for anyone shooting for some hipster cred. Two Door Cinema Club already have hipster cred, but it's awesome to hear their sound revised into a pop dance number as such.

[links removed]

"shock me like an electric eel"

2010-08-04T21:49:00.006-04:00

A couple modern covers for your hump day enjoyment.

Katy Perry - Electric Feel
The original of this is kind of interesting in a boring sort of way. So I'm surprised that a woman who I personally find annoying has turned it into something interesting in a non-boring sort of way. [Note: in true Katy Perry lite-provocateuse style, she doesn't change the pronouns a la Joan Jett doing Crimson and Clover.]

Kelis - In For The Kill
I know I just posted a Kelis song not long ago, but I'm going to see her (and Robyn) tomorrow nite, and I kind of hope she does this. Plus it feels like the perfect counterpart to the song above.

"as if you knew exactly where I wanted to go"

2010-07-30T20:26:00.004-04:00

Double Headed Disco
HOT SUMMER NITE

DJs Jeff Jackson and Disco Connie's annual sweaty salute to summer promises to be hotter than July. As if this July wasn't hot enough for you already. Braid your hair, throw on some shades and come on down. The beats and the A/C will be pumping, as will the frozen cocktails. Do you do?

Saturday, July 31st
Nowhere, No Cover, No Shade
322 East 14th Street
New York City
10pm

Stevie Wonder - As If You Read My Mind
Talk about hot! This amazing latin-disco-style piano part is a clear predecessor to house music, and it keeps this song pulsing.

Stevie Wonder - Do I Do
Stunning post-disco production gives this ten minute epic a sheen that has never been duplicated. Plus, it features a guest solo from Dizzy Gillespie. BLOW!

"after you've given all you can"

2010-07-28T12:27:00.004-04:00

Missing Persons - Give
Perhaps a comment on the pressure to follow up on their tremendous first album? This single from 1984 was on their second album. It features great guitar work from Warren Cuccurullo and a relatively subtle vocal performance by lead singer Dale Bozzio, who will forever be an 80s icon, thanks to her outrageous looks. Despite their limited success, not every girl in Los Angeles got their portrait shot by Helmut Newton.

Eurythmics - Wrap it Up
A much bigger success from the same era, obviously. Also due largely to hair-shows, face-paint and MTV exposure. They rip this Stax classic from it's original comfort zone into a new wave frenzy, adding Green Gartside from Scritti Politti into the mix, as if the gender-fuck was strong enough already.

"why won't you give it to me, baby?"

2010-07-25T13:51:00.002-04:00

Two recent record store finds...

Lio - Sage Comme Une Image (Bottin Sage Oil Remix)
The original, as seen in the video above, is simple French disco-pop confection. Bottin chops and twists it into a candy-sweet red licorice shoestring. I picked this up on cherry-red vinyl at Rebel Rebel in the village. Thanks David!

Cheri - Give It To Me Baby
My pursuit of all things Cheri continues with this 12" that I recently rescued. I risked a hunk-o-change on the unopened vinyl at a vintage shop in the E-Vill, and boy and I glad I took the chance. Give it to me, baby!

"I like you like you"

2010-07-24T14:10:00.005-04:00

Kelis - Like You
Ridonkulous opera sample permeates the rhythm of this Kelis track from a few years ago. It's Mozart's Queen of the Night from The Magic Flute. You know Kelis is back now as a club diva, right? Miss honey wants to get paid this time.

Gudda Gudda feat. Nicki Minaj and Short Dawg - Always Love You
Speaking of divas, get into the samples on this one. I don't want to give it away, but then again, I did put that picture up there.

"you're moving closer to the light"

2010-07-18T15:40:00.009-04:00

I picked both of these up on vinyl this weekend. Amazing new disco.

Sare Havlicek - Dreams in Light
The vocals on this track are distinctly Roisin Murphy-esque, but they're actually singer Hannah Mancini who is a guest on Slovenian new-disco act Sare Havlicek's album. I love the groove, very early 80s.

Midnight Magic - Beam Me Up (Jacques Renault Remix)
This group is from Brooklyn, and they sure do wear their influences on their sleeve. I really enjoy the piano part, as it gives me an old school house effect that you don't hear too often anymore (outside of a DFA production).

BUY IT! Sare Havlicek - Toscana Nights

Visit Midnight Magic on MySpace

"hey girls, check that out!"

2010-07-17T10:39:00.004-04:00

Mary Jane Girls - Boys
MJG were to Rick James as Vanity 6 were to Prince. A female group for the flamboyant performer to express his feminine side. It worked brilliantly. They already sound nasty, then comes that breakdown when they start talkin' shit about your Jheri Curl!

Madonna - Ain't No Big Deal
A track from the early days that didn't really surface 'til this sound had expired. It first appeared on a Sire Records compilation called Revenge of the Killer B's and later on as the actual b-side to True Blue. How cute would this have been in 1983? All praise to Reggie Lucas.

"I know you expected a one night stand"

2010-07-12T07:39:00.007-04:00

One of my new guilty pleasures is going to the flea market and buying two dollar CDs. Funny that the medium that revolutionized the record industry is now essentially valueless. Yesterday I picked up a couple albums that I used to have in high school (on cassette, natch).

Bryan Ferry - The Right Stuff
From 1987, this was the follow up to his breakthrough album Boys and Girls. And for reasons I still do not comprehend, it was produced by Patrick Leonard, the studio whiz behind Madonna's True Blue era recordings. He brings an unadulterated pop sheen to the former glam star's sound. Also of note, this song's backing track was originally a Smiths instrumental b-side, and Johnny Marr plays guitar all over this album. His first post-Smiths work, I believe.

Robert Palmer - I Didn't Mean To Turn You On
From 1985, off the powerful Riptide album which was produced by former Chic bassist Bernard Edwards. This was essentially an extension of the Power Station lineup, minus one Duran. And for those of you who aren't familiar with his oeuvre, Robert Palmer was true blue-eyed soul and is known for his R&B covers. The original of this song was by Cherrelle, of course, and written by Jam and Lewis.

"my ghetto eyes on her ghetto ass"

2010-07-10T14:55:00.005-04:00

Uffie featuring Pharrell - A.D.D. S.U.V. (Armand Van Helden Vocal Remix)
Although this is Uffie's single, her vocals are essentially incomprehensible cooing. Pharrell kind of steals the show. But for me, this track belongs to Armand van Helden. The original version is not nearly as booty shakin' as the remix. And the way he interplays his rhythm tracks with their vocal parts is masterful.

Colouring In - Intergalactic Romantic
I have no idea who these guys are, and they are essentially un-Google-able. Go ahead and try! I know I picked this up off a music blog quite a while ago, but it's been bubbling under for me for a long time. The singer has quite a range, no?

"it's a thing that I keep in the back of my head"

2010-07-09T19:51:00.005-04:00

White people love Africa.

Vampire Weekend - White Sky
When this came out (six months-ish ago) I though immediately of Paul Simon's Graceland.

Paul Simon - I Know What I Know
See? Appropriating the horrors of colonialism makes for good pop music.

But no fooling, I love both of these songs. Graceland reminds me of a very specific time in my life when my dad bought the LP and we listened to it around the house and in the car all of '86/87.

"folks get brown in the sunshine"

2010-07-05T09:15:00.006-04:00

I'm going to the beach to cool down and get a nice tan.

Sylvia Striplin - You Can't Turn Me Away
You may recognize this from the new Erykah Badu album. She turns it into "get munny" but Sylvia Striplin keeps it all about love, honey.

Seu Jorge and Almaz - Everybody Loves the Sunshine
Speaking of love, I love the sun. But mother nature is really giving us a dangerous dose this week. Global warming, yay!

"murder me with orgasms"

2010-07-01T08:48:00.003-04:00

Mock & Toof - Farewell to Wendo
Plinky plonging as if in Nippon, but this is actually an avant-dance ensemble from London who are trendy wendy in a DFA kind of fashion. I love the non-sensical chanting.

Basement Jaxx (feat. Lightspeed Champion) - My Turn
Although they're no longer saving house music, they do continue to churn out respectable tracks on a most consistent schedule. In this number, impossibly pleasant guitar playing leads into a squelchy bouncing beat. In fact, the squelch seems to have a chorus of it's own during the instrumental breaks.

BUY IT
Basement Jaxx - Scars

Mock & Toof - Tuning Echoes

PS. The photo above is by the brilliant Stuart Sanford. I highly recommend spending some quality time alone with his website.

"america, do you ever think this world is yours?"

2010-06-28T15:51:00.008-04:00

William Onyeabor - Better Change Your Mind

Appropriately hot music for a hot day. This is a long, extended afro-pop jam that serves you equal parts James Brown, Steve Miller Band and Talking Heads... as played through the radio and taped on your portable cassette deck next to the speaker.

Afro Cult Foundation - The Quest
On a jazzier tip, a sultry sax solo opens up this number that distinctly reminds me of New York's ultra cool no wave Lounge Lizards. Beautiful rhythmic play between the keyboards and the percussion.

Both of these tracks are available on the marvelous collection Nigeria 70. Highly recommended for those of you looking to get your feet wet.

"you make me feel"

2010-06-21T22:49:00.009-04:00

DJs Jeff Jackson, Pete Money and Disco Connie want you to FEEL IT at the annual pride edition of DOUBLE HEADED DISCO.

Feel It: June 2010 Mix by doubleheadeddisco

Be on the lookout for the Popper Patrol.
Marvel at BJ's pornology.
Libate with River and Nate.
Prove you're gay to Mr. K.
Lose yourself in the Judy Room.

Do it. Use it. Taste it. Hit it. Handle it. Turn it. Love it. Hump it. Bump it. Pump it. Be it. Flaunt it. Swish it. Drink it. Shoot it. Serve it. Touch it. Swirl it. Twirl it. Swallow it. Shake it. Sell it. Move it. Tease it. Kiss it. Slap it. Eat it. Freak it. Funk it. Work it. FEEL IT.

DOUBLE HEADED DISCO
Saturday, June 26
10pm

Nowhere
322 E 14
NYC

Join us on Facebook!

"ano natsu no hi anata to atsui hizashi no naka de"

2010-06-18T17:40:00.006-04:00

Pizzicato Five - Mon Amour Tokyo
In what can only be described as "retro madcap movie chase scene" music, P5 excelled at this genre. Perfect for riding around in a convertible in the summer time with the breeze in your kerchief.

Betty Boo - Don't Know What To Do
Why on earth am I posting a Betty Boo song? I have no excuse. I didn't even listen to her in the 90s, I SWEAR! But for some reason I have a bunch of MP3s from her BOOMANIA album floating around and this one is always such a pleasantry that I thought I share it with you.

"it was fun for five minutes"

2010-06-16T09:49:00.008-04:00

New Young Pony Club - We Want To
Bounce bounce bounce bounce. Chirp chirp chirp chirp. Build up to joyous chorus. Break down and repeat. It's all good! New Young Pony Club are back with another single from their new album The Optimist. Proving once again that you don't have to be pretty to be a pop star.

Kele - Tenderoni
Epic new single from the leader of Bloc Party. I posted the video for this a few weeks back. It's out of control. His debut album comes out next week, so get it, ok?

BUY IT!

New Young Pony Club - The Optimist

Kele - The Boxer

"hey, hey, hey, I've got it"

2010-06-14T20:33:00.007-04:00

Air Miami - World Cup Fever
For the record, I do not have world cup fever. I really could care less. But it does give me an opportunity to post a couple Teen Beat tunes, especially this timely number from Air Miami.

Unrest - Make Out Club
Mark Robinson was the leader of Teen Beat Records and both Air Miami and Unrest were bands he led out of Washington, DC. The alt crowd loved them, and they eventually broke through onto MTV for a hot minute with this song. I hear there's a reunion tour this summer.

"it's all yours when you're dead and gone"

2010-06-10T07:41:00.007-04:00

Yacht - The Afterlife
This song sounds like lumber falling down the stairs. To a beat. With chanting. Yacht seem like they were beamed in from 1981, a forgotten opening act for the Waitresses and the Flirts. But they're a contemporary act and they're DFA, so there. PS. Teenage suicide. Don't do it.

Robyn - Don't Fucking Tell Me What To Do
I'm not a Robyn fan, per se. But I do like the occasional song. This one tickles me because it's (a) talky rap and (b) has amusing lyrics about things that people claim "kill" them. Plus she calls out her percussion a la Neneh Cherry. Kick drum.

[links removed]

"why not just kiss?"

2010-06-07T20:54:00.008-04:00

Tracey Thorn - Why Does the Wind? (Ewan Pearson Radio Edit)
Simple and gorgeous, produced by the incomparable Ewan Pearson. The new TT album is pretty much a downer. And this is pretty much the fastest, most upbeat song in the collection. But don't let that discourage you from picking it up. You'll be happy you have it on a really gray day in October.

The Whitest Boy Alive - Courage
I know I've posted this band before, but since I was putting up a song produced by Ewan, and their stuff sounds so close to his style, I thought it was a fitting double-bill. And remember. There's joy in repetition. Courage. Courage. Courage. Courage.

BUY IT!
Tracey Thorn - Love & Its Opposite
The Whitest Boy Alive - Rules

"like when you get your first ticket for illegal parking"

2010-06-04T09:33:00.006-04:00

Foster Sylvers - Misdemeanor
I always thought a woman sang this song... turns out it's a little multi-tracked boy. And not Michael Jackson either! No, this is Foster Sylvers from the legendary Sylvers family. It's so crisp and cheerful, but also kind of cheap sounding. Perfect for summer, 1973.

The Dramatics - Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get
This was a big, glamourous number one single in 1971. It feels like it has one foot in the 60's (the Detroit-style vocals) and one foot in the 70s (slick strings, punchy horns). It's an archetype of the sound that would dominate the first half of the decade, and lead us right into disco territory.

"you're the hottest stylist in town with the best hair"

2010-06-02T20:12:00.006-04:00

Farah - Gay Boy (Radio Edit)
I can't decide if this is the worst thing I've heard all year, or the best. I'm leaning towards best. Won't you change your mind? Change your mind. From the contemporary disco label Italians Do It Better out of New Jersey. Heeeeeeeyyyy! (ps. I also love that this is a 'radio edit.' As if.)

Grizzly Bear - Knife (Girl Talk Remix)
Obviously pleasant Tears for Fears sample leads into an unexpected rap mush-mouth from what I have been told is tracks from Clipse and Ying Yang Twins. I don't know much about indie/gay darlings Grizzly Bear, but I have a feeling this is not their usual effect. I chalk this up to schizo Girl Talk.

"I just can't wait 'til Saturday"

2010-05-28T07:46:00.005-04:00

It's that time of the month again...

Get your extensions and spandex bodysuit together because DJ Jeff Jackson and Disco Connie are spinning to gold... SOLID GOLD! The music has the magic, you know you can catch it.

Vintage Solid Gold videos all night long and beats to match. The sound starts to glisten the more that you listen.

Get it, girl!

Double Headed Disco
Saturday, May 29
10pm

Nowhere, no cover, no shade

Connie and I made a special mix to get you in the mood. Enjoy!

I Just Can't Wait 'til Saturday: May 2010 Mix by doubleheadeddisco

01. Norma Jean - Saturday *
02. Baby 'O - In The Forest ^
03. C.J. & Co. - Devil's Gun *
04. Linda Clifford - Hold Me Close (Jinichi Re-Edit) ^
05. GQ - Disco Nights (Rock Freak) *
06. Amant - Don't Bring Back Memories ^
07. Don Armando's 2nd Avenue Rhumba Band - Deputy of Love *
08. Two Man Sound - Que Tal America ^
09: Gino Soccio - Remember *
10: Blondie - Do The Dark ^
11. Crown Heights Affair - I Don't Want To Change You *
12. Snatch - Another Brick in the Wall ^
13. Skyy - Let's Turn It Out *
14. Sparkle Tuhran & Friends - Handsome Man ^
15. First Choice - Breakaway (Tee Scott Edit) *
16. Rick James - Cop N Blow ^
17. Billy Ocean - Nights (Feel Like Getting Down) *
18. Young & Company - I Like (What You're Doing To Me) *
19. Ralph MacDonald - Calpyso Breakdown ^

* Disco Connie
^ Jeff Jackson

"such pure intentions"

2010-05-21T13:55:00.009-04:00

Homosexuality abounds...

Silver Columns - Browbeaten

This is the gayest thing I've heard since Bronski Beat. Well, maybe that's taking it a little too far, but give it a listen and you'll see what I mean. Someone is channelling Jimmy Somerville. Let's shave our heads and shorten our pants!

Scissor Sisters - Invisible Light (via RCRD LBL)

A new peak-hour track from our lesbian sisters. I am enraptured by the middle bit where it lulls, then builds, then builds some more, then explodes like a love bomb complete with Sheila E style timbales. Inexplicable voice over by Serena in a Vincent Price Thriller mode. And speaking of Mode, the end bit really reminds me of the cooing on Shake the Disease.

"love is an open book to a verse of your bad poetry"

2010-05-17T16:57:00.004-04:00

VIDEO: LCD Soundsystem - I Can Change (Live on Jools Holland)

When one of your fave bands puts out a new album, there's a lot of anticipation, right? So here comes some new LCD and everyone's got an opinion. I've read glowing, and I've read not-so-glowing reviews. But it really only matters what YOU think.

Nonetheless, here's what I think... because this is my blog, and this is what I do.

Overall, the album is good. Not great like the previous two. But if this one had come first, it would be considered great. Although I feel like I've heard prototypes of several songs before, there are some surprises. For example...

"I Can Change" is supremely 80s in tone, and generally quite sad. James Murphy writes the best sad 80s songs. This one may stand out for me because I can relate to the lyrics (I am resistant to change) as well as the sonics (I like synths).

I've played this on Saturday night at the bar a few times now--and each time--people come up to the DJ booth to say "can you tell me who this is?"

That's a sign of great new music.

So, what do you think?

BUY IT! LCD Soundsystem - This Is Happening

"I had a brain that felt like pancake batter"

2010-05-15T09:01:00.003-04:00

The Golden Filter - The Hardest Button to Button
Electro darlings take this Jack White song to a new place... and I like it. It sounds thick and sludgy. Like pancake batter.

Winter Gloves - Someone Great
LCD gets an uptempo pare-down from Montreal indie boys. The original is so sad. Winter Gloves convenient avoid that tone by just skipping the end of the song altogether.

"don't want to end up like bonnie and clyde"

2010-05-10T19:56:00.008-04:00

Desmond Dekker - The Israelites
Perhaps the first ska song I heard? It's hard for me to remember, but it might be. I had an amazing Island Records double-cassette compilation and this song was on it. Then later it was featured in the film Drugstore Cowboy, which had a huge influence on my post-high-school leather and black hair phase.

Sly & Robbie - I Should Have Known Better

The geniuses behind many acts, especially Miss Grace Jones. But their solo work (is it solo work if you're a duo?) doesn't get as much attention. This track is from an album called Sixties + Seventies + Eighties = TAXI. Huh?

"i'm not in a rush to feel rejected"

2010-05-08T10:08:00.006-04:00

Today it's two acts that I can't wait to hear more from...

Solange Knowles - T.O.N.Y.
She's feeling free... Adorable retro effects from Beyonce's little sis. Her debut album was really good. I hope somebody gives her some more money to make another one soon. Supposedly she's the one turning Sasha and Jigga on to all this indie music.

Mark Ronson featuring Alex Greenwald - Just
Fab cover of the Radiohead. Ronson takes this in a totally unexpected direction, and unlike some of his productions for the Version project, this doesn't fall apart under it's own weight. Can't wait to hear more.

BUY IT! Solange - Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams

BUY IT! Mark Ronson - Version

"it hurts me, it hurts you"

2010-05-06T18:12:00.000-04:00

N*E*R*D - You Know What
A perfect warm weather jam that makes the ladies move. I miss NERD. They have some new shit coming out soon. A single has leaked with Nelly Furtado. It won't change your life, or anything. But it's worth seeking out.

Loose Joints - Tell You Today
Speaking of nerds, this is an Arthur Russell jam, second only to Is It All Over My Face. Mad, bouncy and very summery. And totally horny... err---I mean... the horn section is totally nuts!

"if you want tough, i'll give you tough"

2010-05-05T14:19:00.003-04:00

Kele Okereke from Bloc Party has a solo album coming out in June. This is the first single... TENDERONI. Not to be confused with this. Or this.

Kele recently came out in BUTT Magazine. It's a pretty interesting interview from the point of view of a UK Nigerian, and what it's like to be gay coming from that type of background.

"alles was ich and dir mag, ich mein das so wie ich es sag"

2010-05-04T21:01:00.004-04:00

In 1983/84, Germany's best export was pop band Nena. Everybody - and I mean everybody - knows their mega-number-one-in-every-country hit single, but how many of you had the album? I did, but mine was all in English. Which is why I was tickled to find the German version years later. Suddenly all the juvenile lyrics sounded scary and mean.

Nena - Nur Getraumt
Speed much? But seriously, this is fun to jump around to. Sounds like Berlin (the band, not the city).

Nena - Leuchtturm
Pretty good production for a cheap europop ballad. Good handclaps!

"yo yo yo yo baby pop"

2010-04-29T07:51:00.003-04:00

Operator Please - Back and Forth
New fave band alert! I just learned about this group of youngsters when I saw this video on PopJustice. They're styled to within an inch of their lives. Adorable. And there's a fiddle player in the band? Fun! Apparently this will be the lead single from their second album.

Operator Please - Push It
They've been around since '07 and they hail from Australia - the Gold Coast. And yes, this is a punk funk cover of the Salt n Pepa classic. A tough cover to pull off well, but they manage to do it.

WATCH! Operator Please - Just a Song About Ping Pong

LINK... operatorplease.musotool.com

"I'm going to make my own law"

2010-04-27T22:42:00.007-04:00

Giorgio Moroder turns 70 this week. Astouding. His productions changed the face of music forever. Here are a few less-well-known selections.

Madleen Kane - Playing For Time
Former model and Swedish native, Madleen made many soft, soft disco records, full of lush string arrangements and breathy vocals. However, when Moroder got a hold of her in 1982, he gave her an electro-pop makeover.

Philip Oakey & Giorgio Moroder - Good-Bye Bad Times
Human League were undoubtedly indebted to Moroder, so when this collaboration was released in '85, it felt so natural. You may know their other single better than this gem.

Donna Summer - With Your Love
Moroder produced some of the biggest hits of the 70s for his muse Donna Summer. This song is from their soundtrack to the 1978 film Thank God It's Friday.

"I don't need a bullet in the head"

2010-04-25T20:27:00.003-04:00

The Blow Monkeys - Atomic Lullaby
Many of us were fairly certain that nuclear war was imminent in the 1980s. Including Doctor Robert, the leader of Blow Monkeys, who not only wrote this love song that just happens to take place amidst the detonation of a nuclear bomb, but also named himself after the director of the Manhattan Project.

The Colourfield - Virgins and Philistines
I am currently obsessed with this album. It was remastered and reissued on CD this month with a heap of bonus tracks. As I listen to it, start to finish, the music washes over me like a dream on a rainy day. This is one of the rare pop songs that features a clarinet solo.

BUY IT! The Colourfield - Virgins & Philistines

"my message won't go through"

2010-04-19T22:01:00.002-04:00

Blancmange - Game Above My Head (Razormaid Mix)
This band always bubbled under my consciousness. To this day, I still don't really know much of their output. But I certainly am enjoying this moody chunk of electro.

Thompson Twins - The Gap (Club Remix)
Major 80s production gets the elongated dub treatment. Good for early and/or late nite sets. When I went to college I was told I looked a lot like the lead singer Tom Bailey.

Aren't these two songs remarkably similar!?!

ps. I fear that BeYourBlog will soon be killed by Blogger, since they seem to have made a pact with the devil. So I will begin exploring a move to another platform in the coming weeks. Stay tuned...

"when I answered your phone, I heard a gasp and a click"

2010-04-14T17:34:00.001-04:00

BUY IT! Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings - I Learned The Hard Way

"gotta keep your balance"

2010-04-13T22:28:00.003-04:00

Janelle Monáe feat. Big Boi - Tightrope
Cute retro Ronson-esque single from R&B freak Janelle Monáe. Part of the long wake of Winehouse. It gets a little lost around the bridge (a radio edit would be nice) but otherwise, most enjoyable.

Erykah Badu - Turn Me Away (Get Munny)
Cute retro-esque single from R&B freak... Erykah Badu. The new album is quite good. It's not entirely tuneful, but it's a consistent groove and mood. Perfect for a sunny, lazy day. Or for relaxing between tall buildings.

BUY IT! Janelle Monáe

BUY IT! Erykah Badu - New Amerykah Part II

"we're so pretty"

2010-04-10T00:53:00.010-04:00

... we're vacant.

Sex Pistols - No Future

Bow Wow Wow - I Want Candy

Malcolm McLaren & The Ebonettes - Double Dutch (New Dance Mix)

Malcolm McLaren - Duck Rock Cheer

Malcolm McLaren & the World Famous Supreme Team Show - She's Looking Like a Hobo

Malcolm McLaren - Madame Butterfly

Malcolm McLaren - Deep in Vogue (Banjie Realness)

"we'll wait with knives after class"

2010-04-08T09:26:00.002-04:00

Here's a couple songs about crazy bitches.

Be Your Own Pet - Becky
Although I don't condone cutting a bitch, I do sympathize with our dear protagonist. Everyone's known some two-faced cunt who writes something cute in your yearbook and then gets drunk at a party and spills all your tea. Fuck Becky!

Jonathan Richman & The Modern Lovers - She Cracked
She was sensitive, but then she kind of got over you and started sleeping around. Maybe it was the drugs, but she got messy and it wasn't fun anymore. So you stopped seeing her, just sat around at home eating organic vegan food, writing songs that sound like Velvet Underground.

"I'm gonna punch her face in"

2010-04-02T15:48:00.009-04:00

He's a guest on the new Gorillaz album, and he'll be King Neptune at the Mermaid Parade this year! Things are looking bright for Lou in 2010.

Lou Reed - Charley's Girl

Be warned. Charley's girl is shady. You can invite her to the function, but at your own risk. (Sounds like a true story to me.)

Lou Reed - Goodnight Ladies

The audio equivalent of the drunkards walk. This song starts as Goodnight Ladies, but once it wanders outside, it turns into "a lonely saturday night."

BUY IT! Lou Reed - Coney Island Baby

BUY IT! Lou Reed - Transformer

[links removed]

"never no turning back"

2010-03-31T22:06:00.005-04:00

David Bowie - Win
From Young Americans. I always thought this song had a quality not unlike ripples of water. Must be the sax.

David Bowie - Right
Also from Young Americans, in which Bowie dips his toe into the early disco movement by way of Philly International. Give it up for Ava Cherry, Robin Clark and Luther Vandross on the backgrounds.

"giving it a little bit more"

2010-03-29T23:35:00.004-04:00

Friendly Fires - On Board (Pig Bag Version)
This is not actually remixed by Pig Bag, but it does bear resemblance to their brand of cacophony. Must be the horns. It's loud and fun!

Hanayo - Joe Le Taxi
A booming cover of the Vanessa Paradis classic. This was very big in the clubs during the whole electroclash non-movement.

"I view my transformation"

2010-03-27T11:25:00.003-04:00

For a minute in the 80's, it was all about Terrence Trent D'Arby. With a full set of knees, elbows, cheekbones and braids, he came over from the UK and served us a Brit pastiche of Michael and Prince. However, after this shining debut came one of the classic missteps of pop music, the psychedelic sophomore effort, Neither Fish Nor Flesh.

Terrence Trent D'Arby - You Will Pay Tomorrow
So many influences, so little time. Amazing and dense arrangement of strings, groove and horns. Um, and there's a kazoo in there too. Reminds me of the Temptations.

Terrence Trent D'Arby - This Side of Love
Unlike other tracks on the album, the psychedelic touches don't overpower his strengths as a songwriter and performer. Reminds me of the Temptations. Wait? Didn't I just say that?

"that's nasty"

2010-03-25T01:03:00.001-04:00

Last weekend was the infamous Black Party in New York City whereupon thousands of gay men descend on midtown for an orgy of drugs, leather, sex and tacky music.

I've never been. Not my scene.

I like to throw an alternative party. Namely, the PURPLE PARTY. An orgy of Prince and his protégés, plus all manner of outré funk, horny pop and new wave nuggets. Because I'm an old-school Prince head from way back.

It was a whole bunch o' fun, and has had me listening to a lot of Prince ever since. Par example...

Prince & Morris Day - Cloreen Bacon Skin

This song is a mess. And a long one at that. It's clearly playtime in the studio, with Prince and Morris messing around on drums, bass and vocals... and NOTHING ELSE. But you can't deny a hot groove, gotta let it play out. Knowwhaddimean?

Prince - La, La, La, He, He, Hee
Described as "highly explosive" on the sleeve, I must admit, this truly blew my mind at 17. Partially due to the 12" sleeve art (below) in which Prince toyed androgyny more than ever by having his back-up dancer "Cat' pose as him. It's impossible to understand how bizarre this was at the time unless you were there.

"your wish is my command"

2010-03-14T18:10:00.008-04:00

Breakbot featuring Irfane - Baby I'm Yours
Cute retro-80's-disco effect from up and coming bloggable act Breakbot. Most enjoyable.

Lindstrom & Christabelle - Baby Can't Stop
Art-disco by well-known remixer Lindstrom and collaborator Christabelle. They have a whole album out. Check it.

BUY IT - Breakbot

BUY IT - Lindstrom & Christabelle - Real Life Is No Cool

"your thing is a drag"

2010-03-13T12:47:00.005-05:00

I'm following in yesterday's footsteps. More retro soul, more bands named Kings.

Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings - Your Thing Is A Drag
Sharon Jones has a new album coming out soon. This is from her 2005 album Naturally, which of course I highly recommend. Great groove, and flawless delivery, as always.

Stevie Wonder - If You Really Love Me
A sunny song for a sunny day. Stevie put this out in 1971, and I find that it is in bright contrast to his stark, sociopolitical output over the next several years of the 70's. They lyrics are despondent, but the song isn't. It has more in common with Bacharach than Motown.

Pre-Order Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings - I Learned The Hard Way from DaptoneRecords.com

"back up and get ready"

2010-03-12T11:30:00.006-05:00

Bobby Byrd - Hot Pants... I'm Coming, Coming, I'm Coming
Like Prince in the 80's, James Brown was so unbelievably prolific in his heyday that there are scores of records out there by people from his entourage that are basically James Brown records with a different person on the mic. Bobby Byrd was James' right hand man, and can be heard on many of the master's own singles. Hot Pants is perhaps his best track of all time. Get into the break down at 1:30. It's fucking bouncing off the walls.

Kings Go Forth - One Day
This is a new band, and in the vein of the Dap Kings, they are bringing you old school realness. Sharon Jones can't take it. They are signed to Luaka Bop and supposedly will have an album out this year, so keep your ears to the street kids and show some support.

Visit KingsGoForth.com

"time out is what I'm here for"

2010-03-06T22:55:00.005-05:00

Hall and Oates - One on One
One of many perfect singles that HnO put out in the 80s. They always remind me of the "perfect" girls that went to my high school who had big hair, their dad's cars, didn't smoke and dated jocks. GOD I wanted to be those girls...

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark - Joan of Arc
... but instead I was sitting with a nerdy girl in my nerdy 70s Saab, smoking, with too much hair spray in my hair, listening to bands like OMD. But at least I knew what all the jocks looked like naked, thank you very much, gym class.

"I have visions of you but not with me"

2010-03-05T18:09:00.002-05:00

Gossip - Love and Let Love
Fucking slick, man. The major label Rick Rubin treatment works pretty well on this track for Beth Ditto and company. Butch versus femme? It's music for men, children.

Robin Thicke featuring Estelle - Rollacoasta
I'm no fan, but I gave "Sex Therapy" a try and enjoyed a few tracks, including this one. Too cornball? Decide for yourself. Sounds like he's trying to snatch Justin's sound right out from under him, rrriiiiight?

BUY IT

Gossip - Music for Men

Robin Thicke - Sex Therapy

"is it working for you 'cause it's working for me"

2010-03-04T21:41:00.006-05:00

New fave band alert. I've been on to We Have Band since some time last year when they're single "You Came Out," ahem, came out. They have an album on the way and the new single is "Divisive" - see video above.

We Have Band - West End Girls
This is a hard song to cover. Many have tried. Few have succeeded in making anything remotely listenable. I'd say this one works because it's not trying too hard. I've played it out and people instantly recognize the opening, but then get a bit confused when it doesn't turn into Pet Shop Boys. It can be found on the b-side to "We Came Out."

Pet Shop Boys - Up and Down
Speaking of PSB (and b-sides), this is a b-side (or extra track?) from their "Did You See Me Coming?" single last year. I'm continually surprised that they've managed to stay so relevant for all these years. And pleased.

"let's do it now"

2010-02-26T16:59:00.006-05:00

Does your face sit?
Is your carta nice and soft?
Even in the middle of winter?

Madleen Kane - Let's Make Love

Karen Silver - Make Me Feel Alright

Brave the February briskness and bring your gorgeous self down to Double Headed Disco. DJ's Jeff Jackson and Disco Connie are feeling to feature the dainty ladies of disco, inspired by cover star Naomi Sims, the first African American supermodel of the world!

Double Headed Disco
Saturday February 27
Nowhere
322 East 14th Street
10pm
no cover
nice and soft
(save your dollars for moisturizer)

Join us on Facebook!

"all you got to do is say so"

2010-02-25T10:25:00.006-05:00

Pretend it's 1985 and you want to dance.

Phyllis Nelson - I Like You (12" Shep Pettibone Mix)

This track is probably the reason Pet Shop Boys and New Order were on Shep Pettibone's dick for the years following 1985. He took an interesting track and pumped up the best parts, drew it out to 7 minutes 20. Basically let the kids have it. Poor Phyllis never had another hit like this one, and died rather young. But her influence can be felt on much of the late 80s.

Siedah Garret - Do You Want It Right Now?

Perhaps best known as the singer on Michael Jackson's number one ballad "I Just Can't Stop Loving You," Seidah is actually a really talented singer and songwriter in her own right. Miss thing is Oscar nominated! Anyway, this came out the same year as Phyllis's big hit, and was later covered by not only Taylor Dane, but also Armand van Helden. WORK.

"you treat me right and I'll treat you good"

2010-02-23T07:44:00.010-05:00

Banji Boys - Love Thang (Catwalk Mix)
This is an old remix by Armand Van Helden which will force you to napkin-vogue in your hallway. It reminds me of my club days in Boston. Sunday was the night to go out. Avalon for the mainstream queens and Axis for the underground bitches. There was one bitch in particular, a really big black boy who would pump it on Axis's tiny stage and work a hanky for you to this song.

Deee-Lite - Pussycat Meow (Murk Boys Remix)

This was a single from Deee-Lite's ill conceived sophomore album. For the 12", it was remixed by Miami's Murk Boys, who deepened the base beat and accented it with what I would consider to be beat-boxing. Oh, and lots and lots of purring. I like it, but I also miss Miss Kier's shrieks of "pussycat no!" Don't you?

"you've been too long in the institution"

2010-02-20T07:47:00.003-05:00

This band really messed with my 15 year old mind back in '85.

Fine Young Cannibals - Move to Work
There was a lot of unrest in the UK of the 80's, which led to some amazing music. With a subtle touch and a cheerful varnish, Fine Young Cannibals commented on the situation with songs like this one about a guy who can't stay where he is because he can't find a job and his better half needs to eat.

Fine Young Cannibals - Like a Stranger
In this jangly pop song, plain old piano and some echo-y drums lend a sense of normalcy to a song that eventually turns into absolute madness. When the chorus kicks in half way through, you're like "whoa, what's going on here? what's all this about the institution?" And then, the girls start singing and screaming!

"hey white boy, what chu doin' uptown?"

2010-02-18T08:49:00.011-05:00

Here's a couple of insane covers for your Thursday.

Vanessa Paradis - I'm Waiting For The Man
I think this was a ballsy idea. But I guess when you're a gorgeous and precocious French girl, you can get away with it. It's produced by Lenny Kravitz, and my guess is that he wanted to cover it himself, but didn't have the nerve. I like that they didn't change the gender of the lyrics, so it seems that dear, thin Vanessa is perceived as a boy when she ventures up to Harlem.

Spanky Wilson - Sunshine of Your love
Absolutely stunning version of the Cream classic. Miss Wilson is an under appreciated soul singer who has thankfully been reissued on CD. Let's face it, this beats the original down with a hot comb. The original guitar part has been completely supplanted by a raunchy horn section. And I guess they couldn't afford a microphone that could actually capture the tone of Spanky's high notes because at the end, her voice distorts like the ghost of an electric guitar. She's still making records, so visit her site and show some love.

BUY IT! Spanky Wilson - The Westbound Years

"drinking, smoking cigs and sniffing glue"

2010-02-12T15:15:00.003-05:00

Pulp - Help The Aged

One of the saddest - and most perverted - songs I know. And absolutely genius fucking lyrics. It follows the Nirvana pattern of 90's hit making: soft, loud, soft; loud, loud, soft. Don't forget that there was a time, kids, when Pulp ruled your indie brain. This particular moment was brought to you in 1997, a top ten single in the UK, and on the This Is Hardcore LP in 98. Ahh, the 90's. They didn't suck as much as I remember.

Iggy Pop - Success

Another moment of genius lyrics, and a kind-of sad song, I suppose, when you think about what a god forsaken mess Iggy Pop was in 1977. Funny to think that one of punk's godfathers released this paean to materialism at the height of punk's breakthrough. It's from his Bowie years, and bears a distinct similarity to the Berlin records Low and Heroes. Here comes my face... it's plain bizarre.

"when you're ready, come into the light"

2010-02-09T11:16:00.008-05:00

La Roux - Reflections are Protection
This album is growing on me. At first I thought it wasn't very interesting. The voice can be shrill and the production is cheap, two things that ordinarily don't put me off. So I kept coming back. And now, I have to admit, I like it. My big question is, what's up with the singer Eleanor Jackson? She comes across like such a bitch, but I have no valid reason why I feel that way other than a couple news blips I've read (she was mean to Little Boots).

Yaz - Bring Your Love Down (Didn't I)

The comparison is too obvious. La Roux are so clearly influenced by early Depeche Mode and Yaz that it's not even funny. Ms. Jackson's voice doesn't compare with Alison Moyet's, but then not every girl can have a smoky alto. Right?

BUY IT! La Roux

BUY IT! The Best Of Yaz

"bow wow - you're a dirty dog"

2010-02-08T19:26:00.007-05:00

Fans of beyourblog are no doubt aware of my adoration for all things Ze. So there's a new compilation of re-edits called Zevolution, re-edits of disco being all the rage these days. Here's a couple whistle wetters.

Kid Creole & The Coconuts - I'm Corrupt (Idjut Boys Edit)
Obviously there's some August Darnell brilliance going on here. This track is impossibly cheerful. It certainly brightens my winter. The vocals are mostly stripped out, with the exception of some Coconuts. But the original groove is retained, extended and echoed. You can even hear some vinyl artifacts.

Gichy Dan's Beachwood No 9 - On A Day Like Today (Todd Terje Friendly Children Edit)
Has there ever been a more preposterous name for a band? Don't answer that. Just listen to the children sing. And get into the percussion. They are letting you have it.

I encourage everyone to seek out this comp. It'll be worth your while.

BUY IT! Zevolution

"we will be free one day"

2010-02-02T20:08:00.003-05:00

Nina Hagen - Born in Xixax
Crazy shit from bat shit crazy Nina's Nunsexmunkrock album. I love the guitar part and her possessed-by-the-devil vocals. Terribly danceable, in my opinion.

Nina Hagen - Iki Maska
To me, this has always felt like part two of the song above because
(a) it comes right after it in the album sequence (duh)
(b) because it's the same tempo and
(c) it feels like a perverted inversion of everything you hear in Xixax. Truly mad. Some might say unlistenable.

"my heart is full of love and desire for you"

2010-01-27T13:23:00.009-05:00

As you probably know, beloved R&B and disco star Teddy Pendergrass died a couple weeks ago. He was certainly a trailblazer, and one of the great macho men of disco. He was sexy, he knew it - and he knew how to use it! An old school panty melter if there ever was one.

Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes - Don't Leave Me This Way

You may be more familiar with the Thelma Houston version, but this one is mighty fine. Somewhat understated. Maybe even better? It's certainly sexier with that deep manly voice belting it out.

Teddy Pendergrass - Life Is A Circle (Lee Douglas "Do Right")

A frenzied, virtually instrumental, contemporary re-edit of a solo track from 1979. I think it's better than the original, as it reduces the song to it's base elements and repeats them til you can't take it anymore.

Teddy Pendergrass - Close The Door

Teddy Bear was the ultimate crooner of his generation. And this is one of his most famous ballads. It's soft and slow, perhaps indicative of his lovemaking technique as described in the lyrics.

Oh, and ps... this weekend is Double Headed Disco's Fifth Anniversary.

DOUBLE HEADED DISCO

FIFTH ANNIVERSARY

Saturday, January 30

Tag team DJing all nite from Jeff Jackson, Pete Money, Pete Madden and Disco Connie

Nowhere

322 East 14th Street

New York City

10pm

no cover

Join the Double Headed Disco page on Facebook!

"I remember the first time I laid eyes on you"

2010-01-25T21:05:00.006-05:00

Amanda Lepore - Cotton Candy
It's been a while since we had a new song from plastic goddess Amanda Lepore. Her latest is a synth-pop freak out, perfect for testing the bouncability of your new breasts.

Brigitte Bardot - Moi Je Joue
And speaking of large breasts, here's a jumpy little chanson by Bardot which you might recognize from a recent television ad for perfume directed by Sofia Coppola

"can I confess these things to you?"

2010-01-20T15:09:00.005-05:00

Night and day...

The XX - Night Time
The trendy band of the moment. Their whole album is a moody sedative and I must admit, sounds very good at night. Especially in winter. This song has a gentle build up from intro to verse to chorus until a light disco beat kicks in about 3/4 of the way through, which disappears almost as quickly as it showed up. With different instrumentation, say a bank of keyboards and samplers, this could be a Depeche Mode song.

(I feel like I always compare new acts to old ones, which I kind of wish I didn't do. But I suppose I should embrace it and get over it. Everyone's influenced by what came before them, right? So, the XX sound at times like... Chris Isaak, Mazzy Star and Young Marble Giants. Not in that order. They do not sound like Depeche Mode.)

Camera Obscura - Honey in the Sun

Ever been embarrassed by your emotions? Wish you could stop thinking about a certain someone all the fucking time? Wish your heart was cold like morning dew instead of warm like honey in the sun? Nope? Me either. This literally does what it says on the tin. Sweet and sun drenched Glaswegian pop, full of echo and horns. It's remarkably cheerful for a song about being irritated with oneself. From Camera Obscura's lovely latest album My Maudlin Career.

BUY IT!

The XX - XX

Camera Obscura - My Maudlin Career

"girl, it's a mess!"

2010-01-18T12:34:00.002-05:00

It's an original versus a sample on MLK day.

Sylvester - Was It Something That I Said
In which the legendary drag queen Sylvester discusses his latest break-up with his good Judys. (From 1978's Step II)

Lil' Kim - Big Momma Thang
In which the legendary drag queen Lil' Kim discusses her technique to keep a man. Perhaps yours. (From 1996's Hard Core)

"discipline is what we lack"

2010-01-17T14:10:00.003-05:00

Amanda Blank - Shame On You (Yuksek Remix)
Love this remix. Love Yuksek. He takes the song to a totally different place than the original. It builds, and builds, and builds, and builds. But never goes over the top. It's atmospheric without going too far out into space. A sweet slice of disco pop for the kids. It's definitely a different direction for Yuksek. I'm glad to see him branching out.

The Whitest Boy Alive - Timebomb
Nerditry on point, led by the whitest boy alive, Erlend Oye. Minimalism with a disco beat. Reminds me of Can or Flying Lizards. Very clever and enjoyable. Why aren't these guys in the DFA camp?

"what's my line?"

2010-01-15T23:54:00.002-05:00

David Bowie - Shake It
An album track from the anomaly album, Let's Dance. Also featured as the b-side to one of the mega-singles. I think it may have been the title track. I know everyone thinks Bowie sold out on this effort, but fuck off. It's a hot album. Don't hate the man for breaking through. Did you want him to be a Hitler saluting heroin addict all his life? How tired would that have been in the 80s, girl?

David Bowie - Don't Look Down
A friend recently asked me 'why did Bowie follow up Let's Dance with an art-album.' And I said 'honey, he always made art-albums. Let's dance was the anomaly' (see above). Don't Look Down is a blanquito lovers-rock London dub effect from the arty-follow-up Tonight. And I have to say, if you put on the first side of Tonight these days, it is a pretty shocking departure from Let's Dance. It is slow, deliberate. I adore it, and think it's a perfect antithesis to it's uber-slick predecessor.

"you're smoking pot with groovy chicks"

2010-01-13T08:02:00.004-05:00

In the mid 80s, I had no concept of Fun Boy Three or The Specials. No, my first introduction to the mind of Terry Hall was The Colourfield.

Colourfield - Pushing Up The Daisies (Live)
From the 6-song Colourfield ep, which I picked up for a song back in high school. It certainly was strange to me, and listening to it now, I think the songwriting may have been too sophisticated for me to truly latch on to at the time. But this one that really stood out for me. I'm not a big fan of live recordings, but I still enjoy this version more than the studio version. Perhaps it's nostalgia, or perhaps it's because it's faster, and nearly runs off the rails.

Colourfield - Take
I picked up the 7" of this song last time I was in England. Interesting choice for a single, considering how nasty it is. It's got a great beat and you can dance to it, but if you listen to the lyrics, you're likely to stop dancing and start feeling that our protagonist has some serious shit to work through. Bad breaker-upper!

"i'm sorry but i'm out of milk and coffee"

2010-01-11T19:34:00.004-05:00

Here's a couple covers for your Monday moods.

Queen of Japan - Do You Think I'm Sexy?
Oh electroclash. Where are you now? Queen of Japan did a whole CD of cover songs and were promptly never heard from again. It was very cute for the time. I still give this one a spin now and then. The original gets a spin now and then too, but only on disco night. I also used to enjoy the cover by Revolting Cocks where they change the lyrics "I'm out of milk and coffee" to "I'm out of KY jelly." In fact, I've never heard that lyric the same since.

Jupiter - Mama Used To Say
The original of this - by Junior - was my favorite song for a minute back when I was 12. This version from 2009 is cute too. It gets the booty movin' on Saturday nights. I have no idea who Jupiter are - or why they would pick an ungooglable name for their band in this day and age.

"he left me here in this mess"

2010-01-07T09:37:00.009-05:00

Millie Jackson - Love Doctor
I'm a fan of Millie from way back, and of all her tracks, I have to say I think this one's my favorite. It's not dirty, it's not nasty. It doesn't have a 3 minute breakdown about your man. It's concise, longing, almost Motown-like. And verging in pretty. It was from the soundtrack to 1973's Cleopatra Jones.

Aretha Franklin - Jump
From Aretha's soundtrack to Sparkle, produced by Curtis Mayfield, this song literally does what it says on the tin. It jumps! Don't you wish it was longer?

There's a tremendous new double-CD set from Soul Jazz called "Can You Dig It? Music & Politics of Black Action Films: 1968-1975
." It's not exhaustive, but it's great for those of you who desire a solid collection of Blacksploitation tracks and theme songs.

There's a lot of similarity between this collection and the Ice-T compiled "Pimps, Players & Private Eyes" CD that came out in the early 90s, a disc that I can pretty much credit with not only spurring my interest in collecting these soundtracks on vinyl, but seeking out the movies on VHS. It's got some nuggets that you won't find on the Soul Jazz comp. Check 'em all out.

"if you give me half a chance I will do anything for you this time"

2010-01-05T16:23:00.009-05:00

Here's a couple tracks that I might have known back in the day, but didn't really remember that they existed until I heard the latest DJ-Kicks by Chromeo.

Val Young - Seduction
Could this be any more Mary Jane Girls? That's because it's a Rick James affair. Ms. Young was from Detroit, but she sang with George Clinton and The Gap Band before Rick worked her out, branding her the 'black Marilyn Monroe.' M'kay!

Donna Allen - Serious
Get into those leggings! Hot schtuff! This is obviously a Minneapolis wanna-be production, as almost all R&B was between 1985 and 1987. It went top 40, but that was it for Ms Allen. Altho she did have several additional hits on the R&B and dance charts.

"why is my love such a struggle with life?"

2010-01-03T12:50:00.007-05:00

Culture Club - Dangerous Man
The beginning of the end for Culture Club. Their third album kicks off with this track. It's pleasant and polished. Perhaps the best song on the album, but not a single. Instead they chose other, more dreadful things to release, essentially killing the momentum of their mega-popularity with tracks like The War Song and...

Culture Club - Mistake No. 3
No shade, I like this song. But I don't think it did much for their career. Perhaps because it was accompanied by the most outrageous video the band ever made, where George finally made his full transformation into womanliness. See below.

"I can do it anyway that you want it"

2010-01-02T11:43:00.002-05:00

Happy new year!

Duck Sauce - Anyway
I'm still not really clear on who Duck Sauce are, but they are "presented by" Armand Van Helden and A-Trak. For what it's worth, it really really really sounds like Van Helden to me.

O'Spada - Ten Strikes
I'm also not sure who O'Spada are, but isn't this song UP! According to MySpace, they're Swedish. You just can't beat Swedish pop.

"I want to give my all, all to you"

2009-12-30T16:58:00.003-05:00

Once again, the Double Headed crew are DJing New Year's Eve. DJ's Jeff Jackson and Disco Connie will be serving up serious classics all nite. With guest bartenders Danny, Dez and JTV plus Mr. Karen on the door, as always.

Double Headed Disco presents

A FUNCTION
NEW YEAR'S EVE

Thursday December 31
10pm -- no cover!

Nowhere
322 East 14th Street, NYC

Here's a couple white-boy moments to get your feet movin.

Bee Gees - Jive Talkin'
Before the white suits, before the big soundtrack, they were just reinventing themselves with this little song. So simple and pure. Love the keyboard solo.

KC and the Sunshine Band - I'm Your Boogie Man
One of disco's early hitmakers, KC had a string of hits that ran through the mid-70s. This one is possibly my fave, as it has that horn section that builds and builds into a joyous poly-rhythm.

"I don't know why the industry wanna keep me a secret"

2009-12-29T19:21:00.004-05:00

Two of the hottest rappers of '09.

Wale (feat K'naan) - TV In The Radio
Sort of the darling of the indie circuit, this Wale track is appropriately produced by the trendy Dave Sitek, from TV on the Radio. Hence the name. Duh.

Kid Cudi vs Vampire Weekend - Cudderisback (Ottoman Remix)
Having a name that people aren't sure how to pronounce is a sure way to have an 'in' crowd. If you know how to say it, you're in. Anyhoo, this track is a bootleg (I think) where Cudi raps over Vampire Weekend. Clever.

"we've got a taste for champagne and endless fortune"

2009-12-23T10:08:00.005-05:00

Like bookends to the decade.

Lady Gaga - The Fame

This is basically a Gwen Stefani song. The high-octane production, the layered vocal arrangement, the sentiment. And whenever I play it, people who aren't familiar with Gaga are always surprised to hear that it is - in fact - Gaga. It's pretty interesting to me as it basically lays out her modus operandi from the get go. Gaga was determined to be famous, and by golly, she fucking is. The image overwhelms the product, but the kids love the product nonetheless.

Gwen Stefani - What You Waiting For (Thin White Duke Remix)

I feel like the first half of this decade belonged to Gwen. She was peaking with No Doubt and basically had to go out on her own, having eclipsed the band as a star in her own right. But the pressure for her to come out of the gate strong must have been overwhelming, because her first solo single is anxiety-ridden, almost demented. Like the ramblings of a lunatic. Which is probably why she turned into uber-glamourpuss-cum Alice in Wonderland, complete with tiny Japanese girls as accessories.

ps. I also want to note something about the Thin White Duke remix of "What You Waiting For." Thin White Duke is Stuart Price, who is also part of the band Zoot Woman. He is perhaps most famous as the behind the scenes musical director of Madonna's 2001 and 2004 tours. After which he made this remix for Gwen. Which as you can hear, turned out to be very much like Madonna's mega-hit "Hung Up" a year later. I think it's a beautiful remix, it doesn't destroy the original. It basically expands it and transforms it into a New Order song. Very that.

"work all day or work all night"

2009-12-20T21:29:00.004-05:00

I have been working all day and working all night. Here's two songs from a working class town, Sheffield.

Heaven 17 - Crushed By the Wheels of Industry
I love how Heaven 17 always seemed to turn their socio-political themes into dance anthems. Whoo whoo!

Human League - Rock Me Again and Again and Again
A cover of the Lyn Collins classic. Kind of a crazy choice, but it works for them. James Brown probably was into it.

"I know you wanted perfection but I lost my nerve"

2009-12-17T22:20:00.004-05:00

Get into some L.A. ladies of the early 80s.

Missing Persons - Noticeable One
In which Dale Bozzio pleads to be noticed. She is one of the noticeable ones. Notice her.

The Motels - Whose Problem?
In which the dark and smoky Martha Davis laments her position in the world.

"world, you turn me"

2009-12-15T13:37:00.009-05:00

Today it's two tracks that sound distinctly like they came from another decade.

[Links to tracks removed by request]

Del Marquis - Litter To Society (Lifelike Remix)
This remix of a single by the bass player from Scissor Sisters (arguably the 'cute' one?) gives me a distinct Stock Aitken Waterman effect.

Dizzee Rascal - Dirtee Cash

From his new album Tongue N Cheek, Dizzee turns out the hip-house sound from the late 80s, early 90s. It's ridiculous but I love it!

"do you stand by your man?"

2009-12-09T09:22:00.004-05:00

Hot Chip - One Life Stand
This is my new favorite song. I played it at the bar on Saturday night and a whole bunch of people danced to it despite having probably never heard it before. I think that's an undeniably good sign. It throbs, and pulses. The vocals are half crystal, half haunting. There's steel drum involved. And that squelchy keyboard solo is destined to be a classic.

Hercules & Love Affair - I Can't Wait
This must have been a total b-side that never got released until H&LA put out their Sidetracked mix CD earlier this year. It's pretty cool, not really tonally sound. More atonally sound, if you will. But it does go to show that they have more in store for us, and I can't wait to hear it.

"my white honky, I do miss him"

2009-12-07T23:13:00.006-05:00

In 1984, Malcolm McLaren took classic opera songs and mixed them with contemporary elements of pop and American hip hop for his album Fans.

Malcolm McLaren - Madame Butterfly

Malcolm McLaren - Carmen

"i'm on a tightrope"

2009-12-02T12:19:00.004-05:00

We had a Grace Jones party at the bar last weekend, but due to the Thanksgiving holiday, I didn't really get a chance to post these tracks before hand. So... here's a little belated Grace for your face.

Grace Jones - Well Well Well
A dubby affair from her latest album, the remarkably good and consistent Hurricane.

Grace Jones - Unlimited Capacity for Love
This is from her Compass Point years, and it sounds like it. Give thanks to Sly & Robbie, y'all.

[links removed]

"i'm yours 'til I die"

2009-12-01T11:03:00.003-05:00

Today is World AIDS Day.

Above is kd lang's contribution to the Red Hot + Blue project from 1990, a beautiful rendition of the Cole Porter ballad "So In Love."

Below is a more lively take on the song by Motown's jazz vocalist Paula Greer.

Paula Greer - So In Love

Never forget.

"you can make a white girl sing the blues"

2009-11-25T10:20:00.006-05:00

Here's a couple rarer tracks by Tina to round out my week of obsessing. Happy Bday, Tina, and Happy Thanksgiving to the rest of ya.

Tina Turner - Fruits of the Night
The lead track from the solo album Rough. It's kind of frenetic, veering between funk, disco and rock all in a few minutes time. Get into that wacky keyboard part.

Tina Turner - I Wrote a Letter
An early b-side from the Private Dancer sessions. It's written by German rock legend Inga Rumpf. I personally think this should have been on the album. A very strong song and performance. Maybe it was too rock.

"I'm a soul survivor"

2009-11-24T14:04:00.006-05:00

The comeback.

Tina Turner - I Might Have Been Queen

Much of the Private Dancer album is ubiquitous. But this track, the first track, is still a stand out for me. It was written specifically for her, as you can tell from the lyrics. I'd go so far as to say the bridge is one of the best moments of her career.

Tina Turner - Afterglow

A ballad from the Break Every Rule album, and a beautiful lament from a performer who spends her life on the road. I love the pulse of this song and the simplicity of the arrangement.

"do your thing soul sister"

2009-11-23T20:59:00.005-05:00

Ike & Tina Turner - Bold Soul Sister
Riffing on a classic R&B groove, very similar to Sly and the Family Stone, this heavy number features the funkier side of the Ike and Tina and a bevy of ridiculous lyrics a la James Brown.

Ike & Tina Turner - Crazy 'Bout You Baby
This is a subtler number from the same era as the song above. It's got a longing feel, and a blend of classic soul and backwoods twang that really let's Tina shine. I think her delivery is perfection.