PLAYGROUP
DJ Kicks
(!K7/Pias)
The world renowned and internationally respected DJ Kicks series invite Playgroup’s Trevor Jackson to mix the records that are currently doing it for him. The Output label boss, better known for his remixes as the Underdog and as a proponent of ’80s music, has compiled a contemporary take on one of Arthur Baker’s electro sessions circa 1982. Harlequin Fours, Cultural Vibe and Human League set the ’80s tone, while Jay Walk, Charles Schillings and Nigo add a modern twist to what is an excellent selection of straight-up music. “At the end of the day,” clarifies Jackson, “this compilation’s about presenting the music I make — contemporary music with its roots in the past. It’s about having an affinity with contemporary producers who are doing the same thing. Maybe not exactly the same music, but music that shows a sense of history while at the same time putting a few old classics in there that people know already.”
DOVES
“The Last Broadcast”
(Heavenly/EMI)
Moody, dark pieces of atmospheric rock from the Manchester trio, formerly known as Sub-Sub. They’ve come a long way since the heady days of the ’90s dance music scene that spawned them and have matured greatly since the release of their debut album two years ago. “There Goes the Fear” is a classic guitar-pop record, but, like all their tunes, manages to appeal to an audience from all walks of musical life. They haven’t lost their roots despite swapping drum machines for guitars and are probably doing now what the Stone Roses would have been doing if they were still around.
STEREOTYP
“My Sound”
(G-Stone/Discograph)
Stefan Moerth’s influences are brought together on this very particular-sounding album, with bass-heavy dub beats, hip hop breaks and ragga-muffin vocalizing. Having emerged from the Vienna underground with the help of local prodigies Kruder & Dorfmeister, Stereotyp unveils a deep, dirty side to downbeat Austrian noise, tearing up the norm of Germanic musicians producing clean, mellow lounge music. Ruff.
TRIO MOCOTÓ
“Samba Rock”
(Crammed/Wagram)
25 years is a long time between albums, but the Trio Mocotó — Luiz Carlos Fritz, Nereu Gargalo and Joao Parahyba — are back with an album of samba rock, a genre they helped define in the ’70s with Jorge Ben. And, the rhythms haven’t changed much in that time. Funky horns, a hypnotic Hammond organ and a foot-tapping percussion section take you back to São Paulo and samba’s glory days. Sunny sunshine music.
ELECTRO MANA
“Jet Lag”
(George V/Wagram)
Going on vacation? Try listening to this record — a laid-back opus for the long-haul flight out of Paris, or if you’re already on vacation, a soundtrack to a Sunday afternoon stroll in the park. Original ambient jungle, trip hop and world flavors prepare you for a journey to the other side of chilled-out summer listening.
VARIOUS ARTISTS
“O'Range”
(Serial/M10)
This is a tidy selection of downtempo electronica currently circulating around France, via the Parisian Serial Records label. Chicago and Detroit-influenced cuts from Duplex 100, Mister J and A.N.D sit next to hip hop flavored joints from Fab Sioul, plus there’s a sexy house track from Freaky, that should get everyone in the mood for summer...
