Unspecified Compilation #2: MONUMENTAL/INSTRUMENTAL

Here we go again ladies and gentlemen!

It's always an intriguing thing trying to come up with themes for compilations like this. It's always fun when you begin to rack your brain coming up with simple and often obscene ideas, but then the realisation of actually compiling the songs hits you and that can be quite tedious at first. Once you get in to the groove though, it becomes equally as fun. You start adding too many songs to your initial playlist and then you are constantly playing songs on repeat to see which songs work and don't work together. The order changes, it gets better and you carry on until you have something that (hopefully) works well!

For the second compilation I thought I would enter the world of the instrumental. I could have used so many songs, but to challenge myself I came up with a couple of rules:

1. You can't pick songs from an artist or band who solely produce instrumental pieces of music.

2. It can't be a demo or an instrumental version of a song that has lyrics.So without any further or do, here's a rundown of what's in store:

1. Lifebeats/Prelude - Jethro Tull (Taken from A Passion Play (Steven Wilson mix))

We're kicking things off with something a bit quirky. Don't you hate people who use that word? This fun little piece of prog insanity is taken from one of my favourite Jethro Tull albums. Got to get the ball rolling and get your attention.... if you like this sort of thing of course...

2. To Woo Lady Kong - Chaz Jankel (Taken from My Occupation: The Music Of Chaz Jankel)

Ah, Chaz Jankel. I think the world of indie dance and electronica owe a lot to this guy. Most will know him from his wonderful work with Ian Dury & The Blockheads, but people forget just how funky and dancey he can be. This one is take from the great best of compilation from Strut / Tirk. A really uplifting jazzy number that has enough synths to drown in.

3. Hawkeye - The Alan Parsons Project (Taken from Vulture Culture)

This was a tough choice! If you are a fan of The Alan Parsons Project you will know that each album has at least a couple of fantastic instrumental tracks. Keeping with this uplifting mood (which may or man not change!), I thought was a perfect follow up.

4. Love 30 - The Stranglers (Taken from Off The Beaten Track)

Changing the mood a little, we're going for something a little bit tricky with a track that boggles the mind when listening to it in headphones late at night. The Stranglers are far from conventional and this is a standout piece of music initially appearing as a b-side to the tremendous Golden Brown. I wonder if the band were watching a lot of tennis whilst on heroin?

5. Walk Evil Talk - The Clash (Rat Patrol From Fort Bragg)

From one of my favourite bands to my ALL TIME favourite band and one of their most overlooked pieces of music. The simple, yet effective piano combined with some of Topper Headon's best drumming make this a must that is just as mysterious and atmospheric as the previous track. I think we're starting to go down a more sinister track...

6. Mountains of Mars - Electric Wizard (Taken from Electric Wizard)

Ah, Electric Wizard! If you love fuzz and classic horror imagery, these guys are the band for you. I'm not a massive metal fan, but when it comes to doom (or the many other names for the genre.), it takes a lot to disappoint. This is mellower than what you can expect from the band, but its equally as powerful as their fuzziest numbers. I told you we're getting dark!

7. I Misses You - The Smiths (Taken from Demos & Outtakes)

Yes, there was a Smiths track in the previous compilation, but this is an essential piece of music for the band. When Morrissey allowed his band to let rip, they delivered. It really shows you just how talented Marr, Joyce and Rourke really are. This is a little lighter, but still has that classic Smiths gloom.

8. Yellow Moon - Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats (Taken from The Night Creeper)

Going back to the psych / doom thing for this one. Just when you thought things were brightening up, right? This an odd little number that instantly reminds me of obscure euro horror flicks from back in the day. A great little album from a band that deserve more exposure.

9.  B + A - The Beta Band (Taken from The Three E.P’s)

The Beta Band are one of those bands that where before their time and split too early, but at the right time. They are sorely missed too. They're one of the many bands I got in to thanks to my dad. This track is super laid back with an almost constant soothing cymbal that transports you to wherever you and your joint want to go. I thought it was only fair I perked you up before...

10. The Brooding Side of Madness (Taken from Walker)

I have to admit, as much as I adore The Clash and Joe Strummer, I really didn't care much for Joe's pre-Mescaleros solo work when I first heard it. Thankfully, I have grown much older (can a 28 year old really get away with saying that!?) and my tastes have developed. This is just as the title suggests. An atmospheric, moody number with a simple, but devastating use of piano that makes you feel uneasy, yet comfortable at the same time. A truly beautiful way to close a compilation. We miss you Joe.

Well, that was a little darker than I was intending, but there's a lot to enjoy here and you there will be a part 2 soon.

DOWNLOAD!

PDx

LOVESPLOITATION #1 (.acdx RE UP)

So if you don't already know, I have cancelled Oizo Week purely because dedicating time to purely the blog with my current situation (creating design packs whilst having no money, whilst trying to find a job) just was not possible. Fear not though my friends, I am sure when the time is right, we can finish where we left off with that so look out for the next instalment of Oizo Week in the hopefully near future. I do apologise and I hope all my readers (probably a select few) will forgive me. You are probably wondering what this post is going to be from "Mr. Has No Time To Blog Yet He's Blogging Now!". Well, let me explain! I have been wanting to do this post for a hell of a long time and I have a few hours I can spare so might as well take this window and show face with a new post. This is almost an apology as it is a normal post. Today is time for another compilation of songs hand picked by yours truly and as you might have worked out from the title; it has something to do with exploitation films... but what is Lovesploitation I don't hear you asking? Let me explain...

I love exploitation cinema. I love the cult classics. I hate the mainstream film business. Bring back the animatronics and fuck CGI. OK some films need CGI but come on, Transformers a classic? NO! Bring back the directors who actually ideas and stories to tell. Where are our Bruno Mattei's? Where are our Lucio Fulci's? Long live George .A. Romero still making great zombie films. What has happened to great story telling and directors bordering on taste. Tarintino, I salute you! Films are shit now. I want Cannibals, I want zombies, I want exploitation flicks that aren't shit straight to DVD student projects. YOU SEE MY POINT! I could rant on and tell you my favourite films but hey, that's for another blog. Today is a celebration of one of the famous aspects of exploitation/ cult flicks from yesteryear... the soundtrack.

A soundtrack makes or breaks a film for me. A soundtrack can make a bad film good. A soundtrack can make a good film great. A soundtrack can make you ignore the film and concentrate on the music. I present to you the first in a series of compilations celebrating the music of some great classics. Wether it be blacksploitation, zombie flicks, vintage porn, sexploitation, nazisploitation... it doesn't matter. If the jam is killer, it goes on the compilation. The compilation today is called Lovesploitation #1. This is celebrating all songs sexy or lovely. With the slow funk jams from Blacksploitation cinema, some love songs from zombie flicks, a couple of tracks from Deepthroat and more to mention, this compilation is cheesy, romantic, sexy and overall, enjoyable. Here is a track by track rundown for all you cool cats:

1. Fabio Frizz- Ann & Peter (From Zombi 2)
We start off with a lovely little gem from the amazing soundtrack to the amazing film; Zombi 2. Just a short song to introduce what you can expect from the rest of the soundtrack.

2. Goblin- Zombie (Sexy) (From Dawn Of The Dead)
The first song of probably many by the amazing band Goblin. This is from the original Dawn Of The Dead (or as I like to call it; the best film ever made). This is actually from the Argento cut of the film, which if you have seen the original and haven't seen this cut, go see it. This song is a smooth, sexy jazz number.

3. Curtis Mayfield- Give Me Your Love (From Superfly)
This is the classic love track from the blacksploitation flick; Superfly. Written by the amazing Curtis Mayfield who wrote the whole soundtrack for this great film. Forgive if I'm wrong but is this song taken from the bath scene? It's just a nice slow funky ballad and the first of many songs from a blacksploitation film that will feature in the sploitation series.

Unknown- Saxy (From Deep Throat)
The first of 2 songs taken from the classic porn flick; Deep Throat. Not only is this film controversial because it's a hardcore porn flick (yep, lot's of pubic hair throughout this film, so much you find yourself coughing up imaginary fur balls) but because the lead star and the most famous porn star of all time Linda Lovelace was apparently underage when she filmed this. This is just pure cheese but what do you expect from a vintage porno? It's epic.

Harold Faltermeyer- Love Theme From Thief Of Hearts (From Thief Of Hearts)
Now this isn't really an exploitation film at all. It is an erotic thriller but to be honest, it is the same vein. This film is genuinely a sensual experience and you find yourself wanting to be in this scenario. The song itself is one of those 80's dark, synth numbers that is more haunting than anything else but my god does it have an atmosphere.

Isaac Hayes- Now We're One (From Truck Turner)
Another song lifted from a blacksploitation classic. Isaac wrote the soundtrack and even starred in the film as the lead role. This is a kick ass film and the soundtrack is just as cool. The song picked is genuinely one of the most beautiful and charming love songs I have heard. It's instrumental, has nice guitar and keys and has strings. This is gorgeous, you are going to love it.

Riz Ortolani- Love With Fun (From Cannibal Holocaust)
Who knew that one of the most shocking and gruesome cannibal flicks (if not all time shocking films) carry such a lovely song. In fact, the whole soundtrack seems out of place somehow which just adds another scale of weirdness to the film (the scene where they slice open the giant turtle will always haunt me). The song isn't a love song or from a sex scene but it's still a romantic, somewhat psychedelic song and actually quite cheery.

Unknown- She's Got To Have It (From Deep Throat)
Yes it's another song from Deep Throat. This song is the definition of cheesy. With in your face innuendo lyrics and the cliche' funk sex music that is overly satired (I don't think that's even the proper word). This is a fun song and you will find yourself clicking your fingers and singing along.

Bonnie Pointer- The Beast In Me (From Heavenly Bodies)
Like Thief Of Hearts, this sin't really an exploitation flick. Well, it could be classed leotardsploitation or workoutsploitation. The song however is yet another genuinely sexy song from the 80's. It's taken from the scene where the leads are undressing each other with their eyes while it keeps cutting back to them making love so I think this totally belongs on this comp.

Dennis Coffey- Sexy (From Black Belt Jones)
The final song on the compilation and like the first, it's only a short and sweet one but unlike the romantic intro, this is one of those funky, sexy jams. Taken from a film that I still need to watch, Black Belt Jones. Great sax on this beast with a bit of dialogue from the film scattered on top. A great way to end a great compilation.

So there you have it. The first in the series of compilations. I hope you enjoy the music as much as I have enjoyed it. Films are a great way to get into good music and I confess, that most of these films, I actually heard the soundtrack first. Let me know what you think and if you have any ideas for similar compilations just let me know.

LOVESPLOITATION #1

PDx
Original .acdx post

Innerspace Volume 6: Stranger In A Strange Land

Greetings from Germany my friends! As some of you guys who know in the real life, Youtube or the Book of Face, you will know that I am currently in Germany and will be here for the next 6 months. I am spending time with the love of my life which is amazing and to top it off, I'm in a gorgeous city in a fantastic country and hey, the weathers nice for the most part, the alcohol is cheap plus they play Bob Ross on TV late at night.... you dig? In all seriousness though, I'm the happiest I have ever been with the single most important person I have ever met in my life and we have the greatest kitty in the world. Life is wunderbar! Now you might be thinking "well that's all well and good Pete, happy for you but what musical delights are you treating us to this month?". Well this month is something a bit personal that maybe I will only truly "get" but I hope at the very least you like the songs I am providing you. Like last month, I am going lon wolf on this one. Daniel is going from strength to strength with his own endeavours and it makes me even prouder and happier day by day knowing he's my soul brother. So I figured, he has some bigger fish to fry right now... not that he would mind of course you understand! So yes, let me stop waffling on give you the goods...

This months compilation (half a year already!?) is like I said, something a tad personal to me but I am sure a lot of you guys have experienced the same or something similar. I have been in Germany for 2 weeks now and I have to say I am settled in and feeling very comfortable in a new country, new surroundings and learning (very slowly and painfully) a new language. Today however, I experienced something which has only happened to me a few times before. I ventured to the shopping centre to pick up some things for the weekend and decided to walk there. It's only a 10 - 15 minute walk but hey, I got a little lost so it took a bit longer but as I was doing this, every so often a song would play on my ipod where I would get goosebumps. Have you guys ever experienced being in a new city, listening to your music and THAT song comes on which almost transports you to another dimension or gives the city an atmosphere? It's hard to explain but I hope some of you guys can relate. Bottom line is, it just proves to you how different a situation can be witha  different song and just how powerful music can be. So yes, there are 12 songs today folks that I really think capture what I felt today. You could say this is a companion piece to the Journey compilation or even a sort of sequel.

1. Joni Haastrup- Greetings

2. Stephen Falken- Shadow Of The Wind

3. Boards Of Canada- 1969

4. Lonnie Liston Smith- Summer Nights

5. Lindstrøm- Another Station (Todd Terje Remix)

6. Alan Parsons Project- Mammagamma

7. Maethelvin- Lost In The big City

8. The Clash- Justice Tonight/Kick It Over

9. Pamala Stanley & Paul Parker- Stranger In A Strange Land

10. DJ Mehdi- Anything Is Possible (Feat. Vinia Mojica)

11. Blondes- Paradise city

12. Psychic Ills- Meta

So there we go gang. A very, very mixed bag of stuff here. Lots of different moods, feelings, atmospheres. Music for different times of the day, from the easy grooves of walking to the shop on an orange blanketed sky to the high energy of a good club night. You don't even have to be in a strange place to appreciate or even feel what I felt. These songs have the power to change your surroundings. These songs have the power to take you to a different place. Overall, I just hope you get some joy and get turned on to some great artists. Share the music and the good times my friends. Life is too short so you got to make the most of every little feeling, every moment. Safe journeys my friends and if you are in a  new city pop this compilation and see what happens.

Love,
Pete

Innerspace Volume 6

Innerspace Volume 5: Cosmic Journey To The German Lands

Well, it's been a long time since the last compilation. Well, we missed a month but still, apologies for that. February has been something of a hectic month for Daniel and I. Myself, February was the month of my birthday and the month when the love of my life spent some time with me which was gorgeous. I was intending on doing an anti Valentines Day compilation because you don't need a card company to write a message for your loved one. I don't know why I decided not but, maybe it was uni work being a pain. Daniel however has been involved in some exciting projects that are going rather well which is amazing and thoroughly deserved, Unfortunately, Daniel, my disco brother in crime is not going to be helping me pick tracks because this is rather an impromptu compilation and is actually a personal subject.

This month's compilation has got a European feel to it. Volume 5 has a German flavour. Why Germany do you ask? Well, my girlfriend is from Germany and I thought that (even though she doesn't really like disco) I would give tribute to (yep, cheese factor turned to 11) her. Not only that but Germany has given so many great things like brilliant beer, spaltter films, scary morality tales for children and of course some fantastic music. Of course I jest, Germany is a fantastic cultural hot spot and of course is home to the bestest lady in the world!

This time I'm going to treat you to 12 fantastic pieces of musical bliss. Everything from some good old disco hits to some classic krautrock and of course some Hi NRG Europop and everything in between. Some songs and artists you may know and some you may not. Some of these tracks only came about while researching so I have discovered some great tracks and I hope that at the very least, you will too. So let's stop this rambling and get on with the goods:

1. Klaus Schulze- Timewind
2. Todd terje- Your My Heart Your My Soul
3. Lucifer's Friend- In The Time of Job When Mammon Was A Yippie
4. Casablanca- Angel Of Light
5. Peter Synthetik- Captain Berlin
6. Tangerine Dream- Le Parc
7. Tender Aggression- Train To Somewhere
8. Penny McLean- Lady Bump
9. ZaZa- Dschungel Liebe
10. Kreis- Wirst du da sein
11. Boney M- Trip Two (The Flying Squad Edit)
12. Kraftwerk- Metropolis

So as you can see, there is a lot for you tuck your teeth into. Thank you very much for stopping by and apologies about the lack of activity on the blog. As you guys can understand, it's been a very busy time. I hope everyone had a nice Valentines Day if you celebrated it and I hope you are having a nice start to the Spring.

Love you all for the continued support and especially my lady, ich lebe dich <3

Innerspace Volume 5

Pete x

Innerspace NYE Special

This compilation is dedicated to my beautiful girlfriend who without her, I wouldn't be inspired to create this series and any other projects. Love you so much baby.

Wow. I bet you never thought you would see another post from me this year? Well, truthfully, neither did I. That's until my Innerspace partner in crime Daniel suggested just after posting the Christmas compilation that we do a New Years compilation. Of course! It makes sense! So after slapping myself in the face repeatedly, I regained composure and plucked into the depths of my brain... and my itunes library. We wanted this compilation to be the grooviest, funkiest jumpin' collection of jams. Stuff that will well and truly make you want to shake, shake, shake, shake your booty. It doesn't matter if you are having a lonely celebration, a small gathering or a grandiose party... these fine cuts of disco... beef (???) will definitely help you all from the start of the party, all the way to the early hours of the new year.

Just like the Christmas compilation (did you enjoy your sun filled Christmas party?) we want the music to do the talking so y'all can just concentrate on having a good time. So what are you getting on this New Years feast I hear you ask?

1. Linkwood Family- Who La La (D)
2. Hamilton Bohammon- South African Man (P)
3. Locksmith- Far Beyond (U- Turn Edit) (D)
4. The Clash- Dirty Harry (Speed Mix) (P)
5. Bootsy Collins- Psychoticbumpschool (P)
6. Sequence- And You Know That (D)
7. Aquarian Dream- You're A Star (D)
8. Gil Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson- Racetrack In France (P)
9. Kool & The Gang- Spirit Of The Boogie (P)
10. Howard Johnson- Keeping Love New (D)
11. Anorak- 100MPH (P)
12. BB & Q Band- Imagination (D)

Ouch! My feet are hurting already! Hopefully these tracks will help finish your year and greet a new one in. A real treat for you, your friends... and if so... the cats you are spinning for. Trying to compile a 12 track compilation was tough. Thank goodness Daniel has to suffer too... although, it's all good. Innerspace started out as an alias for my "music" and seeing it grow to a monthly compilation is great. Even though it's still in it's infancy, the response we have had with this is really rewarding. What is truly rewarding however is being able to work alongside cats like Daniel and essentially just compile a nice selection of songs for people to hear. The whole process is in itself is rewarding. I get to spend time once a month rummaging through my library, hear some great choices from Dan... some new, some old favourites. Music is a powerful art form and has been with us from the dawn of time in one way or another. So before I end up sounding like the old fart on the chair delving deep inside and filling the room with words of wisdom, I want to thank each and everyone of you guys who have read these posts, downloaded the comps and took time out of your lives to listen to some great music and enjoy the work Dan and I have put together. I would also like to thank Dan for being my soul brother and partner in crime. If it wasn't for you Dan this wouldn't be as fun as it is. I would also like to thank again, my beautiful girlfriend Jeanny who has made this latter half of the year amazing for me.

So let's raise our glasses, put on our dancing shoes and see out another year and let in a prosperous new one. Have a safe one guys and see you next time for some Innerspace goodness.

Peace and love x

Innerspace Volume 3: Festive Spice

Hello everyone... oh wait, I need to pop on my Santa hat and do this properly. Seasons greetings readers, lovers, disco deviants... whatever or whoever you are. Thank you for stopping by. I hope everyone's festivities are in full swing and you and your own are having a jolly good shin dig. Ok, enough of the festive cheer, I'm too much of a Scrooge... but I do have a heart of gold because it's time for more Innerspace goodness. Again, Daniel and I have compiled some fantastic tunes for you all. This time however, in the true theme of Christmas we are treating you that little bit more by compiling a few more tracks than usual. See, I'm not all bad!

So what is this months theme? Christmas songs? Alternative Christmas songs? No!? Not even covers of Christmas songs!? Nope, Daniel and I... actually no, Daniel deserves the credit for this months theme. We are not going to give you a krautrock renditions of classic Christmas carols (although... I seriously hope such things exist) or a smooth, R'n'B renditions of Christmas classics. Not anywhere close people. For this month we are seriously treating you with some nice, hot musical treats. We are warming up your feet, swapping your eggnog with a cocktail or some rum. We are taking you on a trip to warmer pastures where the hectic Christmas shopping is being replaced with the laid back vibes of the dance hall.

In the third installment of Innerspace you are going to be treated to some nice African, Latin, North American vibes. You see that snow covering your car? That's now beach towel on the golden sands of the Ivory Coast. You see those overly excited children tugging at your loved ones sleeve? That's the sultry, Latina barmaid bringing you some tropical delights. I think you get the picture now? Are you sitting back yet? Good. The music is going to speak for itself so I am going to stop yapping and let you enjoy this next hour or so. We aren't even going to talk about the songs because hey, it's Christmas... the best thing is the surprise right?

1. Gene Harris- Listen Here (Dan)
2. Deodato- Latin Flute (Pete)
3. Black Uhuru- Utterance (Dan)
4. Antonio Carlos E Jocafi- Simbarer (Pete)
5. Jackie Mittoo- Evening Time (Dan)
6. Carlos Garnett- Chana (Pete)
7. Archie Bell & The Drells- Tighten Up (Dan)
8. Lee Perry & The Upsetters-  One Armed Boxer (Dan)
9. Eko- Manyaka (Pete)
10. Hugh Masekela- Ashiko (Pete)
11. Joni Haastrup- Greetings (Pete)
12. Milton Henry- Good Old Days (Dan)
13. Chakachas- Stories (Pete)
14. Mikey Dread- Zodiac Sound (John Peel Session) (Pete)
15. Astrud Gilberto & Walter Wanderley- Nega (Dan)
16. Ahmad Jamal- Peace At Last (Dan

Well, there you have it. Like I said, no descriptions on the songs because we really want you to discover these gems for yourself. Hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas... I know, rich coming from Scrooge here.... and I hope you all enjoy these tracks Daniel and I lovingly put together for you.

Pete and Daniel x

Innerspace Volume 3