Unspecified Compilation #1: Oh, Manchester...

There's a hell of a lot dust flying around here. If there's one thing I am terrible at – it's keeping this place up to date. I'm sure you've heard it all before. Recently, I rediscovered my Innerspace posts from back in the day. If you are a regular reader (first of all, thank you so much!) you may remember the Innerspace series. It was basically a short-lived monthly series in which I would compile (with help from my soul brother Mr. Daniel Lee Harvey) a selection of songs based around a theme. That died out and turned in to Ultimate Cinemageddon. Eventually that stopped for whatever reason and I stopped compiling songs even though music is probably a bigger passion for me than cinema and craft beer! I basically had an itch to restart Innerspace albeit in a new form and not really under the guise of a specific series. So ladies and gentlemen here is the first in what could potentially be a series of new compilations. Kickstarting with something I love and adore – Manchester.

  Although my dad's side of the family is Welsh / Scouse, I've always seen Manchester as my spiritual home. Before I met the greatest person in my life (my beautiful Jeanny of course!), I even had a “dream” of living and working in inner-city Manchester. A city that isn't trying to show off like Liverpool (a city I do love by the way!) with it's Capital of Culture title and shiny buildings. Manchester has that perfect mixture of contemporary, the old and sometimes scruffy. Manchester is never as beautiful as it is when it's overcast. Yes, that's poncey, but I remember the afternoons, mornings and evenings spent in the alleyways and alcoves of the city during my Graphic Design education at Salford (two completely different places by the way!) just marvelling in the honesty and gloom of the city. I remember the early morning hours after nights out just revelling in the silence. My love for the place began before that in my high school years. Going to Wigan on a Friday night and spending the hangover (and my mum's money!) on Saturday in Manchester. I wouldn't be able to do that now of course. I just need to have a couple of beers to feel sluggish the next day. Another major role to play in my discovery and love for Manchester was the music and culture.

My dad rented Michael Winterbottom's 24 Hour Party People a.k.a The Greatest Film of all Time one night and I was instantly hooked. Naturally, next came the Joy Division period of my life and there I was picking up a guitar and getting so impressed with myself when I had learnt Hooky's bass line to She's Lost Control. My dad had always been a fan of Morrissey so he and The Smiths had been implanted in to my psyche from a young age and thus planted the seed. I don't get to visit Manchester all that much now being in Germany, but when I do, it's always a special and somewhat spiritual experience. You'll find me in the Brewdog bar sinking a couple of beers and then making my way through the usual haunts such as Fopp!, Piccadilly Records, The Night & Day Cafe and other historically significant places I won't name off here because I already sound like a pretentious tit. I own the hipster label thrown at me so who the fuck cares, right?

Anyway, the idea to start with Manchester for this series was thanks to getting a tad homesick by reading Hooky's Unknown Pleasures: Inside Joy Division, The Haçienda: How Not to Run a Club (still need to get round to his recent New Order book.) and Mark E. Smith's Renegade: The Lives and Tales of Mark E. Smith. What better way to pay tribute to the city by putting together a small selection of my favourite tracks. No, There isn't any Oasis (for good reason.) or Joy Division (too hard to pick a favourite.) and yes, there are a few Factory related songs scattered throughout!

 

1.The Smiths- Barbarism Begins at Home (Taken from Meat is Murder)

A classic Smiths song for me. My all time favourite is This Night Has Opened My Eyes, but I thought that was too obvious and why not kick things off with a bit of a jig? Of course you have Morrissey's scathing attack on the school system juxtaposed perfectly with an almost disco / funk vibe. We all know Morissey was backed up by talented and unique sounding music, but this is Joyce, Rourke and Marr at their finest.

2. A Certain Ratio- I Need Someone Tonite (Taken from the I Need Someone Tonite 12”)

Possibly the most underrated band on this compilation. Things may have started a bit funky, but this is taken to a completely different level. That bass line for a start! You listen to a lot of that electroclash stuff that was popular in the 2000's and all you hear is ACR. True pioneers.

3. The Fall- Iceland (Taken from Hex Enduction Hour)

Ah, Mark E. Smith! Ah, The Fall! OK, when you have released 30+ studio albums alone as well as seeing more lineup changes than Shaun Ryder has had drug dealers, not everything is going to be great. In fact, there's a fair few Fall songs that are downright AWFUL! This however, isn't. I have really no idea what the lyrics are about, but that almost constant pace and rhythm is mesmerising and kinda reminds me of LCD Soundsystem's All My Friends. I think James Murphy owes a lot to the likes of Mr. Smith!

4. The Durutti Column- Messidor (Taken from LC)

Vini Reilly may be odd. Really odd in fact, but my goodness is he a wonderful guitarist. There's something so bittersweet with this piece of music. Gloomy, yet beautiful. Much like Manchester itself. Words can't do this track justice.

5. 10cc- Good Morning Judge (Taken from Deceptive Bends)

It's time for a little pick me up and I think this is just right. A jolly little number from a band that I really need to investigate further. First became aware of this wonderful tune thanks to the fantastic re-edit from Mock & Toof which was part of RVNG Intl's RVNG of the NRDS series. This is one of those tracks you can just loop!

6. Dr. John Cooper Clarke & Hugh Cornwell- It's Only Make Believe (Taken from This Time It's Personal)

I am a MASSIVE fan of the original Stranglers lineup and Hugh Cornwell doesn't get the credit from his peers he deserves. I also love John Cooper Clarke's poetry. When I found out they were teaming up together I was confused as I was excited. When I learnt they were collaborating on an album of covers, I was even more confused. This rendition of Conway Twitty's classic is beautiful. In fact, the whole album is a must. Definitely one of the best of 2016!

7. Happy Mondays- Tart Tart (Taken from Squirrel And G-Man: Twenty Four Hour Party People Plastic Face Carnt Smile (White Out))

Aside from coming from the album with best name ever, this a fucking beaut of a song. Happy Mondays are another band who don't get the credit they deserve when it comes to the music. The pills, thrills and belly aches get all the attention. This is just a perfect party track when you're on the right side of fucked. Brilliant video too.

8. New Order- Angel Dust (Taken from Brotherhood)

New Order, but no Joy Division or at least Warsaw!? Are you fucking mad!? No, it was just hard to pick a Joy Division track and in all honesty, I'm more of a fan of New Order. This isn't even my favourite New Order track, but it just seemed to fit in the context of this compilation. That's not to say it isn't a great track. Why would I put it in here if it wasn't?

9. Doves- Firesuite (Taken from Lost Souls)

You don't hear much nowadays about these chaps and you rarely hear Lost Souls getting mentioned. I recently discovered this album and this track and just fell in love with it. Much like Messidor, it's an instrumental track that has a melancholy beauty to it. Great to listen to this as you're traversing the Northern Quarter on a rainy day.

10. 808 State- Techno Bell (Taken from ExEl)

What a banger this one is. The album itself is one of the greatest electronic albums ever in my opinion. I'm reminded of Mr. Oizo for some reason with this one. This is one of those songs you hear now in most electronic music. Some of the sounds in this are phenomenal.

11. The Manchester Mekon- The Cakeshop Device (Take from the A Manchester Collection compilation)

We're ending on a high with probably my favourite song on the compilation. There's something really charming about this one. Another track that seems to have a range of emotions. The Manchester Mekon are a recent discovery for me and a band I am surprised lasted for such a short amount of time. An unsung hero in Manchester's musical heritage. You play this in an indie club now and you're going to blow minds.

Well there you have it ladies and gentlemen. It's not the most original selection of tracks I know, but I didn't want to come across as one of those “Oh my god I am so cultured!” types. I hope these songs move you and all albums these tracks come from are highly recommended from me!

Oh, Manchester...
Here's to the next one. If there is a next one! Oh by the way, you can still download the Innerspace compilations here.

Cheers!
PDx

Innerspace Volume 7: Kissed By The Cosmic Sun

Hello one and all, greetings from a sun soaked Germany. From the sounds of it, you could be having nice weather too which is great. It's been a really busy month here at Mondo Squallido. Lapping up all the weather, spending time with the lady and working on some new projects here. Hope you are all having a gorgeous time with friends and family. That explains why this month's Innerpsace is being uploaded right at the end of the month, had this comp waiting to go up for a while but hey, I'm lazy, what can I say?

This months compilation is of course the first of a few summery compilations. Yes, it technically isn't summer yet but gosh damn has it been gorgeous recently! That's why I'm not going too summery with this one. This is just to ease you into the summer mood. Having a BBQ? Drinking some Pimm's on the lawn? Sitting around the fire on a cool summer night? This is PERFECT for you all. That's why I haven't really included any party music or some good old French Touch which is fantastic for the summer months. Yeah, I'm not really selling this so I will shush and show you what you are getting in this month's sun kissed compilation.

1. Blondes- Water

2. Alan Parsons Project- Mammagamma

3. Actress- Caves Of Paradise

4. COS/MES- Mescat

5. Pink Skull- Get Inside (My Tiny Pyramids)

6. Antonio Carlos e Jocafi- Edicao Extra

7. Boards Of Canada- Peacock Tail

8. Vangelis- He-Ho (Leo Zero Re-work)

9. Ojeda Penn- Happy People

10. Lonnie Liston Smith- Sunset

As you can see… this isn't your typical "summer" playlist and there's a whole lot of variety in terms of genre but give it a chance bro! Hopefully, this feels as good for you as it did for me compiling it. Hopefully this selection of tracks will be the perfect soundtrack to the start of your summer. The next couple of months will of course be a little less left-field and a bit more obvious. So that's it guys, apologies if this post seems lackluster and apologies for the lateness. Just as long as you enjoy the tracks, that's all I want. I love doing this, I love sharing music.

Have a good summer guys!

Innerspace Volume 7

PDx

Innerspace Volume 4: Fresh Start

Happy New Year everyone! I hope you all had a good one filled with happy and maybe drunken times... oh come off it I know you all drank yourselves silly! It's allowed though! I hope you had a great 2011 and I hope this year will be even better for you all. We thought to kick start Innerspace in the new year we would share some of our favourite edits. What a better way to start the new year. New years are about new beginnings and we thought that edits would be great and fit the theme. These are edits that have breathed new life into old songs. These are edits that have turned us on to great artists and producers. These are edits that just sound and feel great.

So without further or do (or is it further a do?) let's quit the gabble and get on with the good stuff. 10 delicious cuts of prime edit goodness.

1. Rio Edits- Paradise (D)
2. Kool And The Gang-  Hi De Hi Hi De Ho [dublinbusdisco edit] (P)
3. Fantastic Man- Groove With You (D)
4. Anorak- The Locust (P)
5. Check The Guns- And You Know That (JC Edits) (D)
6. Gabor Szabo-  Keep Smiling (Super Value Special Edits) (D)
7. Lovefingers- 1984 (Summer Of Lovefingers Mix) (P)
8. Marvin Gaye- Heavy Love Affair (The Revenge Rework) (D)
9. Daz Dalton- Greatest Dancer (Daz Digs Disco Re Edit) (P)
10. Yarbrough & Peoples- Don't Chop The Music (P)

So there you guys. I think you will enjoy these. Daniel and I have done a great job if I do say so myself! I hope this aids you into your start of 2012. Let's hope that this year the compilations keep coming and I look forward to providing you some great music. Hopefully, the mean SOPA, PIPA and ACTA won't stop us from sharing one of the greatest gifts, the music.

Innerspace Volume 4

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

Innerspace volume 2: Journeys To Other Space

"Let your mind start a journey through a strange new world. Leave all thoughts of the world you knew before. Let your soul take you where you long to be...Close your eyes let your spirit start to soar, and you'll live as you've never lived before.”  Erich Fromm


Why hello there music lovers, disco deviants, rockers, punks... whatever your tastes, it means nothing. As long as you love the music you love, who am I or anyone else to judge? It's that time again. It's time for Innerspace volume 2. Before I start the post I want to thank each and everyone of you out there who took time to read the post and of course to download the compilation. I hope at the very least you found at least one song that you enjoyed. I would also like to thank Daniel once again for selecting some fantastic tracks and for the passion in the descriptions. I would also like to thank you again sir for helping me in this compilation.

Today we actually have a theme for this compilation. If you haven't guessed by the now the theme is journeys. From a journey on your way to work to a cosmic journey. From a journey with friends to a personal journey in your life. Hopefully the tracks will resonate with you, take you back to times long gone or for times ahead. The brief was simple yet complicated but I am pretty sure that each song picked fits perfectly. Like I said, no matter how trivial or meaningful. Literal or metaphorical, life is full of journeys, life itself is a journey and hopefully these 10 tracks hand picked by myself and the fantastic Mr. Harvey (who is making me real proud due to his DJing) will resonate with you or at least make you tap your feet.

1. COS/MES- From Other Space
Pete: To start off this compilation I thought I would showcase one of my favourite tracks from a personal favourite group of musicians by the name of COS.MES from Tokyo. There have been so many great artists emerging from Asia such as these guys and KZA (who you should look up if you haven't) to name a few. This song is taken from the album "Gozmez Land Chaosexotica" on the fantastic ESP Institute label. Mixing mystical with the exotic, this track is perfect for those early hours after a great party where you close your eyes, sit back and just wind down. I can't remember how I came across these guys but I'm glad that I did. I feel this songs really sets the mood for the compilation.

2. Ozo- Anambra
Pete: Now this is one hell of a track. Talk about having a cosmic, mystical journey to the unknown. The first time I heard this, I was in a car with some friends, driving through the dark. Images of coloured smoke and tribal dancing flooding my mind. This was included on Beats In Space on probably my favourite BiS show... other tracks played by Tim Sweeney that night where Fleetwood Mac's Hypnotized and Goblin's fantastic Suspiria. You have to check out that episode, I believe it was episode 552. Another memory I have with this track was when I was in the Lake District in Cumbria. Sat in the back of the car with family on a cold, wet, misty day. Driving past hills and through forests. Even though there is a clear tribal sound to this, images of local townsfolk slowly walking through the forest in ceremonial style. I hope this track has as much of an effect it had on you as it had on me. The chanting still gives me shivers.

3. Matata:- Wanna Do My Thing

Daniel: No it isn't James Brown, but it sounds very similar to it, the intro specifically with the whole crescendo of soulful screaming almost mirrors his mad man habits. In fact this group I talk of is Matata. The strange musical sensation that conjured some of east Africa's finest funk in the late 1960s and early 1970s. In 1969 they toured with Miles Davis in Germany, and Davis was impressed enough to invite them to America. In 1971, the BBC World Service crowned them Best Band in Africa. So what made them different to any other band around that time and area? It was due to the sheer musicianship each one of the ten band members possessed, they are all incredible players and each one of them allowed a pause for the instruments to talk for themselves. I didn't feel this record was specifically written to make sales, it's a record to illustrate a love and a fusion for sound experimentation. In terms of a journey, Wanna Do My Thing explores the cultural roots of community and values and Matata alone is a living proof of that.

4. Gong- Shamal
Daniel: If there was any track to procrastinate to, it would be this one, I like to dance around my bedroom thinking I was some kind of shaman but in all reality, I look like a dad at a wedding. This record has everything and everything to make it shine a purple awe. I was introduced to Gong by my Auntie's partner, a fellow revolutionary and ex hippie from the glory days. He allowed me to borrow a few cds from his collection, Ozric Tentacles, Peter Green, Yes and Shamal. I listened to them all when I got in, all offering different experiences but this one particularly got to me. It has such a vast range and considering the year it was recorded in, I was pretty shocked by it all. There are tracks that would test different areas all over the world, pieces of music crafted around entities and ideas. It is a universe within itself. Shamal which is the leading track on the album is probably my favourite from the line up, so many different influences, so many different sounds. If there was a drink to describe it would have to be a Mai Tai, dark, sunny and bitter-sweet.

5. America- Horse With No Shame (Wade Nichols Edit)
Peter: Now here is a treat. Combining one of my favourite songs of all time with one of my favourtie producers doing one of his great re-edits. I was first introduced to this song thanks to Grand Theft Auto San Andreas. Yep, a lot of you guys out there partial to gaming can happily admit that some of your favourite songs have been discovered by the GTA series. I adore this song, it is one of the many songs I wish I wrote. I shall have to learn this on my guitar sometime! Anyway, this song? Fantastic and I personally think what Todd Terje has done is absolutely fantastic. The intro has been extended and the fading out at the end... words don't come close to how much magic this production has. Taken from the amazing (again, you should look out for this) Rvng of the Nrds series of 12"s put out by the amazing RVNG label. You can picture sat by a fire in the desert, with friends. Burning the midnight oil and singing. Simple yet effective in every sense of the word... well, words!

6. Sammy Barbot- New Mexico (Lovefinger's Barrio Edit)
Peter: Sticking with a somewhat desert theme we move on to another gem of a re-edit. This time courtesy of Lovefingers who funnily enough run ESP Institute. Where do I start with this one? Maybe after your night round the fire? Waking up to the sound of silence, heat on your face and sun beaming in the sky. Off to make a break from the sheriff. This a genuinely jolly little number which makes me smile every time I hear it. Listen ut for the fantastic little orchestra session. Oh boy this was a joy to put on this compilation. I don't know much about Sammy Barbot but thanks to modern producers playing around with the classics... I think I will have to. If not, there may be a bounty on my head and I ain't gonna stand up to Clint Eastwood!

7. Phyllis Dillion- The Love That A Woman Should Give To A Man
Daniel: This woman got me into rocksteady, she was born and raised in St Catherine, Jamaica, Phyllis was influenced by the cool blues and jazz singers in America, the ones who sang emphatically under a pale spotlight which would be choked in the smoke of cigarettes and cigars from the folk that watched. If you listen to this song, you travel with her words, the flicks within her musty vocal tone as well as her inability to make you feel vulnerable is a difficult thing to do. Phyllis Dillion recorded for the Duke Reid record label ''Treasure Isle'' and Duke Reid's passion for American blues and jazz music was also very evidential too so the matching was pretty much perfect. During her career, Phyllis circled in and out of New York to perform and would frequently fly back to Kingston to record singles with some of the other stars on Treasure Isle. After 4 energetic years, Phyllis Dillion ended her career at 23 in the year 1971 however that was revived in 1991 when she was approached by Michael Bonnet, the entertainment director for the Oceanea Hotel in Kingston. She refused the opportunity however that was later rescinded and Phyllis continued to tour countries and record until illness took hold of her. She passed away in 2004 at the of 56 after a 2 year battle with cancer and now remains a emerald in the lucrative crown of ska and reggae.

8. Cela- I'm In Love (Joey Negro Edit)
Daniel: I'm in Love produced by M.Celay and R.Drake is one of the rarest disco joints to escape the 70's Italian scene of flares and fros. It is one of my guilty pleasures, not exactly the most masculine song there is but it's a great track, the bass line, the backing vocal that melts into the lead is amazing. I've always found with Italian disco hits, there is a stronger sense of production, you can tell that it's been fomented with many different orchestral layers due to the reverb that haunts the chorus. It's a song that is punched with hooks and surprises and as you listen more deeply, you will get a understanding and a sense of appreciation of how technically driven it is.

9. Jacques Renault- In The City
Peter: So we have one power house of the re-edit, now let's move on to another fantastic producer, Jacques Renault. I was lucky enough to interview Jacques for Seven Shades Of Black which was an honour for me as I adore this guy. This is a re- edit of Cousin Ice's Catch Your Glow (which strangely enough I am only just listening to the original song as I type.. thank you Youtube!) which I first heard a couple of years back on a DFA Radio Mix from Jacques himself. I loved the song so much I ripped it from the set. Imagine my joy when I found out that Jacques released this as a re-edit. The smile on my face has never faded, no matter how many times I hear this song. This is perfect for a train ride, especially on a nice summers day. You will love this, I know I did. I consider this one of my favourite songs of all time. It feels amazing that I can share it with you guys. Jacques, you are amazing!

10. Weldon Irvine- Music Is The Key
Daniel: I remember listening to this track when I was really young, it has now found a place within my mind and every time I hear it, the feeling is rejuvenated. I always have a need to travel somewhere, it's a voyeuristic piece that expresses a key element, music. I love the lyrics and the way Weldon Irvine has supplemented the words with these futuristic synths. His style and vision was so innovative for its time and it's wonderful that I have the chance to share it with you within this compilation... gold dust.

Well there you have it people, another selection some great songs. Thanks again to Daniel for being there to make these compilations possible and introducing me to great songs, artists and labels. Hopefully, you will all feel that the tracks blend together well. If not, then I suppose I could argue that not every journey is smooth sailing. As long as you guys get a kick from one of the song, that's mine and Daniel's job done. Thanks in advance to everyone who downloads and supports this. I hope your journeys no matter how long, short, trivial, important or personal are as good as they can be... and most of all, enjoy the music.

Pete and Daniel

Innerspace Volume 2

“Success is not a place at which one arrives but rather the spirit with which one undertakes and continues the journey.” Alex Noble

InnerSpace Volume 1

Evening, morning, afternoon... whatever time it is when you read this I do hope all is going well. Today on the blog is something special and hopefully something that I will be doing a lot in the future. This one is for all you music lovers out there. This is the first in a series of compilations I will be putting out. Some with the help of some friends, some just songs that I will do on my own. I thought for the first compilation I would enlist the help of my partner in crime and fellow disco deviant, Sir Daniel Lee Harvey. I have been friends with Daniel for a couple of years now and man has this guy introduced me to some fantastic pieces of music so naturally I thought I would ask him to contribute five songs for the comp. Daniel and I are both involved in the fantastic online magazine, Seven Shades of Black ran by the legend that is Soraan (who hopefully will aid me in a compilation sometime!).

The idea behind the compilations is simple. Providing the readers with a nice collection of musical treats. The idea is to create compilations based on themes but I figured for the first one we would just share five songs each that we are listening to a lot. Really happy with how this has turned out and hopefully if anyone is reading, you will too. So without further or do, let's take you through the tracks:

1. Sven Libaek- Music For Eels
Pete: To start off the compilation I thought I would use this lovely little number. I think this is from a documentary about sharks from the 60's or 70's. It just seemed right that the compilation should start with this, really sets a happy tone for the rest of the album!

2. Oddisee- Clara Barton
Daniel: Oddisee grew up in Mary Land which is in the Mid Atlantic Region of America. He was surrounded in Hip Hop and Soul as well as the myriad and influence of musicians on both sides of his family. A friend of Oddisee introduced him to hip hop production and showed him the basics to dissecting a track and creating a whole new ambiance out of it. From then forward Oddisee focused upon beat making and within time, he joined the Low Budget Crew, a legendary family of producers, mcs and djs. Oddisee grew his reputation through networking with already established rappers and released several collaborative albums that would show a palette of different music approaches he showed an interest to. This late solo album in particular is a favourite of mine; it has such a fresh take on the sound we are all use to when comparing soul and hip hop together.

3. Sir Mack Rice- Dark Skinned Woman (Parts 1 and 2)
Pete: I came across this fantastic track when I chanced upon one of the many amazing compilations of the fantastic Stax Records and fell in love with it straight away. I must confess I don't really know of his other work but going by this song, I am in for a treat. The introduction to this song is amazing and needs to be sampled if it hasn't already!

4. Jimmy McGriff- Criss-Cross
Daniel: What can I say about this one, that it’s Jimmy McGriff. I have so much admiration for this record due to how the instruments all blend in with each other through deep jazz and funk rhythms. It’s the kind of music that circulated the Bronx and other urban circles in 1970 and today it still remains an integral part of cultural history. I think the music illustrates the true meaning of what the genre is about. I’ve been a fan of this record since my early teens and first discovered it when I was voyaging Out Of Time in Ipswich. The album cover wasn’t different from the rest that other funk groups were creating. It had the pose of a black woman looking flirtatious and innocent, but I knew it was going to be good, there was just something about it. The name didn’t ring a bell nor did the title, but I decided to take my chances. I got home and played it straight away on the turntables in my bedroom. The needle began to slip on the groves and then you would get the sound of the bass rumbling through the sub woofer and then slight dapples on the jazz organ which would integrate with a beat from the drum. Its good music and simply that, my favourite track on the record will have to be this one, everything about it is mouth-wateringly delicious.

5. Space Ranger- Plastic Love (Featuring Captn K)
Pete: Now this song blew my mind when I first heard it. I took a chance on an album called What About The Magnetic Fields? by Space Ranger after hearing some re edits on Youtube and melted when I heard this track. It's one of those tracks that has a great juxtapostion like 10CC's beautiful "I'm Not In Love". It's a song that is quite beautiful and almost sensual but has a sad contrasting message to it. It was hard to put just one track on the compilation from this fantastic album but I think I have found one that fits in perfectly with the rest of the tracks.

6. Lucio Battisti- Prendila cosi
Pete: As if one beautiful song wasn't enough. I thought I would treat you lovers out there (stay blessed) to one of the prettiest and genuinely beautiful songs that my ears have ever been treated to. This has to be one of my favourite songs of all time... especially more poignant now that I have someone in my life I can share and dedicate this song to (I love you so much baby if you are reading). I first discovered this song in a brilliant edited form from the fantastic and highly recommended Super Value0 Super Funk compilation. My heart melted then and when I heard the full version... it melted all over again. A stunning song that you can share with your loved one or just listen to so you can have a skip in your step. Just listen to the chorus and the fantastic use of trumpet and strings. Beautiful!

7. Rocco Raimundo- Give Me Your Love
Daniel: For starters, I thought he sounded like a bit of a porn star and I wasn’t very touched by the opening of the track, it had a continuous bass and drum line, very ministry of sound, but once you got deeper, it pulled you in with these contagious hooks. The echoes on the vocals as well as the slender cuts from rhythm to rhythm marry each other very nicely. There are not many djs or producers that can manage to insert a new aspect without damaging or diluting any of the original elements. It’s a track that can get anyone dancing, with or without your John Travolta white suit.

8. CFCF- COMETRUE (D eon Remix)
Pete: I first heard this fantastic remix on Beats In Space a while back. If you don't know what BiS is then you are seriously missing out. What can I say about this track? CFCF is one of my favourite produces from recent years with a string of fantastic songs and remixes under his belt. I just love the almost Asian sound that is has. It has an almost dreamlike feel to it too. It's a shame summer has left us. Imagine listening to this when the sky is a deep orange on a cool summers evening lay on a field with friends... oh boy!

9. Dudley Perkins- Flowers
Daniel: This song was recorded sometime in the summer of 1999 however it was left unreleased until 2002. It was the first record Dudley Perkins released and if you think about the time it was originally produced, the sound coming off it has a futuristic kind of nostalgia. I always have had a liking for Perkins flow, it isn’t too bouncy or concise; it just falls on through with the day-dreamy kicks of the beat. He raps on subjects that have relevance to issues happening within today society and on that note alone, I can quite happily say, he’s adds to the contribution of philosophical lyricism and yes I'm speaking on Gil Scott Heron and Sly Stone level.

10. Suff Daddy- VICES
Daniel: Suff Daddy, you will need a neck brace at reaching distance when listening to his beats. I’ve picked this one out because it has a fractured backbone of vocal samples, electronic bass lines and scratches. It’s something you would expect to hear in some ghetto on another universe. Suff Daddy is someone who likes to mould together other fractions of genres. He manages to create a seamless beat from putting two completely creations together. On this track in specific, if you listen to the intro, there is a run of woodwind and then it follows in with the thunderous crash of vocals and bass. Suff Daddy is a scientist when it comes to music construction and if you listen to more of his work, than you will begin to see the formula.

So there you have it guys. The link to the album is down below as well the link to the Seven Shades Of Black Facebook page where you can check out more fantastic articles, pictures, music from the rest of the SSOB crew. I would like to thank Daniel for not contributing some fantastic music for the comp but for the fantastic words on each song. I would also like to thank him for helping me build a fantastic library of music... thanks so much man, you are amazing! As are you guys, hope you like compilation.

PDx

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