My Day At The Munich Film Festival 2012

Recently, I spent the day in Munich for the Munich Film Festival 2012. The festival ran from the 29th June up until the 7th July. I went on the Thursday with my better half. It was thanks to her that i had this opportunity because she studies Film Criticism and students where able to get passes at a great discounted price. We ventured out with the intention of catching an early afternoon screening of a film called Le Cochon De Gaza ( English title not translated but under the name of When Pigs Have Wings) which was a German dubbed only version of a film about a man who lives between Israel and Palestine. He goes fishing and catches a pig.  Of course being between Palestine and Israel… Pigs aren't exactly the most "desirable" creatures, if you know what I mean. The film basically follows the guy becoming friends with the pig. Now, although that sounds hilarious, our tiredness took over so we slept for another hour. Yeah, shoot me. When we finally decided to set off, we took the train, enjoyed the scenery and finally made it to Munich which is a gorgeous city. Full of pretentious people but gorgeous all the same. After winning the battle with probably the most confusing train systems ever we finally made it to the building where we got our passes and to our joy, a nice big bag of swag.

Ooo... lovely bags o' swag!

My "Woody Allen" photo.

The cute handmade book showcasing Italian cinema.

The awesome chunky program.

 As you can see there was a hell of a lot of nice swag for Jeanny and I. Cosmetics that we could easily sell for €40+, some awesome 3D glasses from Sky, A hefty coffee table book version of the festival program, a cute little hand made notebook showcasing the Italian cinema at the festival and the mints and sweets. Not bad at all huh? That put a smile on our faces before we had even began to watch films. After marvelling at our swag for a while, we decided to work out what we wanted to watch so we could get tickets. Our main intention was to watch Killer Joe (William Friedkin) and 360 (Fernando Meirelles) as Jeanny needed to watch and critique these films for her course. Unfortunately, tickets where sold out so we had to look through the program and find some other films to watch. We found ourselves some nice little films.

WELCOME TO PINE HILL
(2012, dir: Keith Miller)

Now when you mention docudrama to me… I usually slap my face and sigh. Don't get me wrong, there are some fantastic examples out there but most of the time they are pretentious and dull. Welcome To Pine Hill however, did not fall under that description. The story follows a recently reformed drug dealer and gang member called Shannon Harper (actually played by himself) who has a somewhat steady job for an insurance company. Down the line he finds out some devastating news that makes him want to make peace with his past and the people he used to know and hang with. To tell you more about the story would do this film a real injustice. A powerful piece of film making that not only tells the devastating story of Shannon and the people in his life but also has an equally powerful message. From a technical point of view, this is a fantastically shot film, the handheld camera actually does what it intends to do and makes the audience feel (sometimes painfully and awkwardly" connected to Shannon's world. Minor complaints are some of the shots linger on too much which I understand symbolises the pain of our main character but it jet made the film run a little too long. Don't get me wrong, this film had me invested all the way through, especially with the fantastic, improvised performances from all the cast involved. Overall, this is one of the most genuinely touching and devastating films that I have seen in a long time and made me think a lot about some of the things in my life. You can't enjoy a film like this of course because the subject matter isn't enjoyable but this is a damn fine film that will have you hooked from start to finish. As far as I know, there is no information with regards to who owns the distribution rights for this film here in the UK for home release but all i can say is, there needs to be a deal done as soon as possible because people need to see this film. Thanks to this film I have also become aware of the Brooklyn Film Makers Collective. What more can I say about this film? It's not perfect by any means but it's a triumph all the same.

After being blown away by the screening we booked our tickets for the next film we wanted to watch but the screening was in a few hours so we decided to go for something to eat. Jeanny suggested a nice steakhouse called Maredo which is a chain in Germany. Being the hopeless, old fashioned romantic that I am, I thought it would be nice if we ate outside and absorbed the sunshine and the gorgeous architecture of Munich. That went well until we where struck by one of the most epic thunderstorms I have seen for a while. We fought the weather and finished our meal (which for me was a marinaded chicken steak with fries and a side dish of garlic bread… oh wait this isn't a food post!) like two mad people. So after defying a storm, we quickly made our way to our next screening which was a blast from the past.

The New Town Hall building and Orlando owned by the chef, Alfons Schubeck.

The "thunderous" view from Maredo.

 STORMY MONDAY
(1988, dir: Mike Figges)

As part of the film festival, one of the main events was honouring the work and career of Melanie Griffith. Aside from this film there where a few other titles being screened. Films such as Something Wild as Working Girl to name just a couple. Now, why pick a film like this to watch at a festival? Well let me put it this way. You have a cast that mainly consists of Sting, Tommy Lee Jones, Sean Bean and Melanie Griffith and it's set in Newcastle! How could we not spend the night watching a film from the 80's that stars Sting and is set in Newcastle? I won't go into much detail regarding the story as this is a fairly old film that's been reviewed time and time again by better reviewers than I. All I will say is that is a great little story about corruption, betrayal, death and jazz! You have got Sting playing as a cool, foul mouthed owner of a jazz club (yes, there is a scene with Sting playing the double bass). Sean Bean who plays as your average Joe who gets a job cleaning at Sting's club… but becomes his right hand man. Tommy Lee Jones plays as a witty, sharp Texan businessman who wants Sting's club and you have Mlelanie Griffith who plays as call girl who sleeps with people for Tommy Lee Jones but falls in love with Sean Bean. Yeah, I'm sure you can see what happens. What you have is a funny, smart drama that is worth a watch if you haven't done so already. Has that classic, late 80's English film that you all know and love. Not bad at all…. did I mention it stars Sting?

Arty shot of the lights on the screen before watching Stormy Monday.

Well, those where the films that I caught at the Munich Filmfest. Yeah, I could have gone to other days but Jeanny was away for the first few days and could you imagine me trying to navigate Germany's  rail system? I could have joined Jeanny for the Friday but let's just say my stomach decided to be a mean son of a bitch so I had to stay at home… thank goodness I have a cute cat to keep me company. Overall, I enjoyed my day there and looking through the program, I have so much inspiration for films to watch.

Please click the links below regarding the films mentioned and website for the film festival itself. Hopefully, next time I will go for more than just a day and fingers crossed I will find some more awesome festivals to go to.

Thanks,
PDx

Munich Filmfest Site
Teaser For Welcome To Pine Hill
Stormy Monday Trailer

SOUTHSIDE 2012: A Review

 Well this is being posted up later than planned. I'm actually writing this the day after our journey home but due to internet issues while I was away… going to be up late, not that it matters of course. I have of course just spent the weekend at the Southside Festival in Germany. I spent the weekend with my beautiful girlfriend and her awesome friend Seppster. It was overall, amazing! I have been to many festivals before but never actually camped for a whole one. A weekend full of great music, uncomfortable beds, fear of using toilets and all round good times with everything in between. I figured that I need to blog more and a what a perfect time to do a run down of the bands/ artists I had the pleasure of watching.

FRIDAY

BUSY P

Last time I saw Busy P was at the Warehouse Project in Manchester a couple of years back. Unfortunately I wasn't too impressed with his song selection. I had however, seen him a year earlier at the same place and he was amazing. In a nutshell, he was more amazing than the first time. Having to deal with one of his decks breaking all the time, like a true champ he carried on and pumped out some great tunes. I had dragged my girlfriend to see him, wasn't really her thing but she enjoyed it. Busy P! What the fuuuuuck!?

DIE ARTZE

Die Artze are my girlfriend's favourite band and she has seen them countless times. I was first introduced to these guys through her early on in our relationship and even though they of course sing in German, they are still enjoyable and my God, do they know how to put on  show for their fans. Three talented musicians full of charisma and full of genuine wit… plus Farin the bassist drinks tea on stage. What's not to love? Oh and a little bit of trivia, Die Arzte where the first of 2 acts at Southside who used a 9/11 reference. Seems legit.

JUSTICE

Oh Gaspard, I still have a worryingly big amount of love for you but sort the hair out. I miss your shorter curly… oh wait… Justice are one of my favourite acts of all time. This is the third time I have seen them live. The first time was their first run of live shows, the second a DJ set at Warehouse Project and this third time with their newer show. All I can say is that seeing Justice live is an experience that everyone must try. Great sound and an amazing light show. This show is a lot better than their first run but I have to say [SPOILER ALERT] I do miss Masters Of Puppets being their finale. Gaspard and Xavier, thank you, it was amazing!

SATURDAY

BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB

This was Seppster's choice and I have to say I thought it was damn good. My dad has told me about these guys for a few years but I never got round to checking them out properly aside from their more popular songs. This was a great way to be introduced properly, I shall be inducting these guys to my prestigious itunes music library sometime soon.

K.I.Z

Another German act suggested by my girlfriend. I was only intending on seeing a couple of songs to pass the time before another act started but after listening to the "gangster" lyrics lovingly translated by my girlfriend and the genuinely awesome music. I enjoyed it. Not to be taken seriously at all and from I gather the guys are just having fun and being very ironic with their songs about fucking your mother and other family friendly activities. Give these guys a listen, they're fun!

THE MARS VOLTA

Only caught the last 20 minutes of their set because of K.I.Z. I have to say, not really heard too many songs from these guys aside from the ones that used to play on MTV2 and the indie music channels that used to be on Sky. From what I had heard, I pictured that this would be epic and fr the most part it was. Some great music but like I said, only saw the last couple of songs. I shall be having a further listen soon though.

THE SHINS

Shiny happy music for people who love to wear flannel shirts and buy fair trade food… oh and think of Starbucks as a statement of their place in society. That being said, I love Starbucks (Caramel Machiatio is my official coffee) and I love The Shins. Not because it's cool to do so but because they create great music and their live show was very good. You probably love The Shins so I don't need to say more. Great stuff.

THE CURE

Another highlight for me and an even bigger highlight for my girlfriend. We both love The Cure and Robert Smith and to share a moment like this with the one you love stays with you man. A great set mixing the classics with the new. Not too familiar with recent stuff but hearing Robert Smith's fantastic voice singing our favourites was amazing. He still has a great voice and props to him for keeping the same look and not going all clean on us. Smith seems like a genuinely beautiful person and his almost childlike innocence is refreshing. If you haven't please go see The Cure if you can. Love Catsssssssss!

NEW ORDER

One of those "You have to at least once in your life…." moments. Being a MASSIVE fan of electronic music and a lover of the city of Manchester… this was amazing for me. I remember my dad playing stuff like Smiths, Joy Division, New Order… (you know the artists awesome dads like) all the time as a child. Joy Divions helped me learn guitar instead of going down the "Smoke On The Water" route. Seeing songs like "Blue Monday", "Temptation" as well as classic Joy Division songs such as "Love Will Tear Us Apart" is something for the heart to behold. It's a real shame Hooky isn't a part of it anymore but it doesn't matter because a loofa these producers nowadays and their pre teen followers don't come anywhere near as special as New Order, arguably one of the most important bands of all time, especially for electronic music. Another reason why this was so special for me was because I again, shared it with the one I love. You can't ask for more. Oh and thank you dad if you are reading for giving me the ability to appreciate great music.

SUNDAY

EAGLES OF DEATH METAL

"Just leave him alone because the boy's bad news…." These guys where awesome. Full of charisma a great catalogue of songs. Again, a band that I knew because of a couple of songs and again, a band who will be gracing the prestigious Mondo Squallido music library sometime soon. A real fun performance and I don't know the frontman's but you sir are one cool motherfucker.

WOLFMOTHER

Very solid and enjoyable set. I am not the biggest Wolfmother fan but I do like them a lot. There was a crazy girl next to us who was either French or on good drugs who enjoyed this a lot more than probably anyone else did. Aside from constantly standing on mine and my girlfriend's toes… I salute your…. mental side. I think you need good beer or evidently, good drugs to really appreciate Wolfmother. Not bad but can't say I remember much…

RISE AGAINST

One of those bands who you have no fucking idea who they are but you've heard their songs all time. From moody teenagers who think they have lived to flicking through channels like Kerrang and Scuzz on Sky. One of my girlfriend's favourites so of course I will give it a try and a try is all I gave it. Only saw the first two or three songs because I was again waiting for another act. I have to say, not bad. Don't think I'll be racing to the nearest record store but if Jeanny's got a CD or two I'll have a go.

SEBASTIAN

OK. Fisrt things first. THIS WAS THE GREATEST FUCKING THING I SAW AND LISTENED TO!!!! I fucking love SebastiAn. One of my favourite producers ever and one of my face Ed Rec Cru members. Just his whole middle finger to modern and popular electronic music is amazing. He uses sounds that I have never heard used before in a way that they shouldn't actually work but they do. SebastiAn and Oizo seriously need to collab more or at least release stuff together because that would literally blow up the world. Sorry Rise Against but I definitely made the right choice here. The only act I saw on my own and I'm kind of glad because I danced like a man possessed. To put my thoughts on this live experience in a paragraph is just impossible but believe me when I say that you NEED to experience SebastiAn and you need to do it now. I knew the live show was going to be amazing because his music live is amazing and after seeing him DJ at Warehouse Project at 4 in the morning when everyone is fucked and literally having 10 seconds of droning, distorted noise building up, killing your ears at the start of his DJ set while he continues to give the middle finger to the audience and even lying down smoking a cir… yeah I have gone off track but Jesus, GO SEE SEBASTIAN NOW! Oh and another bit of trivia… contained the second 9/11 joke/ reference. CTFO!

BLINK 182

Remember right at the start of this run down I said I dragged Jeanny to Busy P? Well, this was my "punishment" if you will. I will happily go on record to say that I never have and never will be a fan or a lover of the music of Blink 182. That being said, this was actually a great performance. The fans loved it, Blink knew it, they milked it… everyone loved it. A lot more enjoyable than expected. Plus, this also had a special feel to it because not only did it take me back to my youth, more importantly the skateboarding (I would have been better than Rodney Mullen if I would have carried on) but the fact that Jeanny was lost in the music of band who she adores… it was a gorgeous situation to be in. Call me old fashioned but moments like this make life amazing. Oh by the way, I gave up watching Stone Roses to see Blink…. don't worry, never really cared for the Stone Roses anyway.

So there you have it, a rather impressive list of acts if I do say so myself. Aside from the great music, it was just a great experience all round. Spending time like this with awesome people and just living in filth was awesome. I was always skeptical of the festival experience but I have to say I rather enjoyed it. If the information is still on the site I will be putting the link down below so you can see who else played. I had an awesome time and have moments that will stay with me. Jeanny if you are reading this, our first festival together was amazing and I can't wait for more!

Because I am feeling the love right now, I thought I would share a few pointers and give my words of wisdom to you guys:

1. Girls, don't dress like you're going to be included in a street fashion article, you just look stupid. Boys, now is the perfect time to wear women's clothing and customise your own, it's comfortable and you are allowed!

2. Tinned ravioli is love in a tin.

3. It may be hard at first but overcoming the fear of festival toilets is a must.

4. note to self… I need to make a music system from a car CD Player and some speakers… that shit looked and sounded awesome.

So yeah, that's me out. Here's a photo of me kinda looking like a girl… sorry ladies… and boys but I'm taken ;)

 Love,
PDx

South Side 2012

                                

Frankenography by Mark Ryan

She dances by night, sleeps by day
Pin-up, burlesque, dancing display
She whips up a storm from 1am till 4
Has a shy assistant to collect her limbs from the floor

Stitches and knots keep her in good shape
And if she runs out there’s always gaffer tape
Dollar bills and vodka shots is how she spends her nights
See-through corset and sheer black tights

Employed by the devil in the pits of hell
His personal bar where blood is all they sell
Her soundtrack every evening, is death and decay
Not much rhythm but then she doesn't get paid

Boogie with Beelzebub, Getting nasty with Ol Nick
Jiving with spring-heeled jack is her new party trick
Satanists and god-botherers buy her latest DVD
Ghouls Gone Wild Volume 6: Frankenography

by
Mark Ryan

Look out for short stories and tales from Mark Ryan who is a very talented friend of mine. Hope you guys out there enjoyed this and share the work.

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

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