Latest music recommendations:

Ibiza. The island always provides a music schizophrenic like me with tons of inspiration, and this time was no exception. My summer trip that took me from Oslo to London, Ibiza and Barcelona brought together sounds from all genres, and I thought it was a good excuse for a long overdue dj-mix that showcase some of that experience.

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I put together a blend of minimal techno, tech-house and tribal influences from the island. Not necessarily the tunes I heard, but just trying to recreate and relive the summer when the fall sets in and the closing parties are over. All the moments – the girls, the music, the djs, the scenery, the vibe, the clubs.

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You can download the mix here, and I would love to hear your feedback.

Tracklist:

1. Sebastian Leger – Discotechno

2. Lauhaus – Back to Ipanema

3. Solo – Afreaka

4. Dj Gregory  & Gregor Salto – Con Alegria (Solo more cowbell remix)

5. Saeed Younan – Backroom Honey (original mix)

6. Micha Klang – Baby I am for real (Nima Gorji remix)

7. Alex Niggaman – El Henchizo (original mix)

8. Io – Jeton

9. Martin Eyerer and Benno Blome – Pianoroll (Ramon Tapia remix)

10. Nima Gorji – Keep on getting down

11. Johnny D – Soleil (original)

12. Solo – Joga Bola

13. Funkagenda – Flauta Magica (original)

14. Edu Imbernon and Coyu – El Baile (original mix)

15. Muzzaik – Going Underground (original mix)

16. Eric Entrena and D-Unity – Drugs and stuff (D-Nox and Beckers remix)

17. WWW – Relaxx (Uner and Coyu remix)

18. Joris Voorn – Chase the mouse (original mix)

19. Arnaud Le Texier & V-Sexion – Funk some thoughts (remix by Lemons)

Released: 20/10/2009

One of the most distinctive voices of Norway, Erlend Øye has a lot going for him. Whether is Dj’ing and releasing compilations on !K7, as The Whitest Boy Alive, solo albums or Kings of Convenience, Øye has tons of artistic integrity creating his own interpretations of influences while jumping easily through invisible but often defining genre boundaries.

The bands signature sound is defined by acoustic guitars, minimal and light percussion leading the lullaby melodies vocals to its rights. Erlend Øye leads the show, accompanied by Eirik Gambak Bøe. Combine that with thought through lyrics about daily concerns most can relate to and you have Kings of Convenience (or as they say; “music your parents can listen to too”). A well defined project that delivers what you expect and still leaves you with appreciation. The ability to create a rich soundscape based on minimal number of elements is quite mesmerizing, sounding effortless and improvised yet so structured and arranged down to every little detail.

Like the two previous albums, the cover artwork on “Declaration of dependence” is a good cue to the atmosphere. It also tells the history of how the record first came about, with Eirik and Erlend spending time on the same beach in Mexico where they did a gig. The duo had not worked together for more than two years and wasn’t sure if there would ever be another Kings of Convenience album, but the circumstances helped them find together yet again.

The album was pre-released to Spotify Premium members almost a month before its full release, and it it refreshing to se artists support new consumer friendly business models. Kudos.

MySpace | Amazon | Spotify |

There is lots of good stuff happening in Oslo in the coming weeks Most of which there are still tickets available for. We should all go out to see more live music, and with this program you have no excuse to stay in.

First out of my recommendations are Massive Attack, on tuesday 20th of october at Rockefeller. Tickets are sold out now, but I thought I’d give it a mention anyway. Check out their MySpace site to re-experience the incredible albums “Blue Lines”, “Protection”, “Mezzanine” and “100th window”. The new single “Splitting the atom” was just released in a limited edition of 1,000 copies with exclusive artwork by The Vinyl Factory – you can get it here. Revitalized for the digital world – this is the only physical product released. Last time I saw Massive Attack was back in 2003 at the Quart festival, where they delivered an impressive visual show to accompany the soundscape.

The 24th of october, swedish pop-comet Veronica Maggio enter the stage at John Dee. Her fantastic voice combined with Motown and Stax inspired productions made “Måndagsbarn” a huge hit here. There are very few tickets left for this show at the reasonably small venue.

The 5th of november, a true legend is bringing warmth and sunshine to chilly Oslo. Gilberto Gil had a prominent role in the Tropicalísta-movement that revolutionized Brazilian music in the 1960s. Rhythms from the northeast of Brazil like the baião, apart from samba and bossa-nova were fundamental in his formation. Using them as a starting point, Gil forged his own music to which he incorporated rock, reggae, funk and rhythms from Bahia such as afoxé. Gilberto will perform in Oslo together with his son Bem Gil and cellist, producer and composer Jaques Morelenbaum. The show is part of Oslo World Music Festival and is not to be missed. Tickets are 320.- and you can get them here. Why not revisit his music on Spotify or YouTube?

Kings of Convenience is playing at Sentrum Scene friday the 20th of november. Erlend Øye’s acoustic adventures with fellow band member Eirik Glambek just resulted in album number three – “Declaration of dependence”  - which you’ll find on Spotify. Tickets are 270.- and you can get them from billettservice.

Next up is french electronica maestros Air, who recently released their fifth album “Love 2″. Tickets are 350.- and I would recommend to sort yours out asap. Sentrum Scene will provide the right balance of scale and intimacy november 28th.

My last recommendation for the year is Norwegian folk singer Jens Carelius. His second album “The beat of the travel” has given him much deserved recognition and rave reviews. Last time I attended one of his shows (back in february at Gamla) he created an unique atmosphere I highly recommend experiencing. Jens Carelius is playing at John Dee the 11th of december. Tickets are 150.-.

Released: 1976/1999/2009

This an absolutely massive cut – so happy you can’t help smiling. From the very start the horns lead you into a cheerful vibe, the chorus just brings you along and then it breaks down into psychedelic rock guitars and classic drumbreaks. Add some sax and you’ve got a feast! What a track to end the night with.

The original was released on Shadybrook Records back in 1976 and was produced by Gene Russell. Cheyenne Fowler is the name of the vocalist and her records also go under the name “Cheyenne”. The track was part of the album “Cheyenne’s coming”  - and judging by the the few cuts I’ve heard from it, it’s a brilliant record. If you have the full album, let me know as I want a copy!

I don’t know whether it also was released as a single back in 1976, but it was re-issued ten years ago as a 7″ vinyl on Dom Servinis excellent label Wah Wah 45s.

However, it was the recent re-release on Black Cat with “Hanson – Take Me To Your Home” on the B-side that brought the song to my attention. “Take me to your home” is a rhodes-driven, psychedelic funk-rock cut from their obscure LP on Emerson, Lake & Palmers’ Manticore label. Sweet downtempo, smokefueled funk for the late hours. Both tracks are quality and obscure, so don’t miss out on this release.

You can get your copies from Fat City, Juno and Phonica.

Listen to “Come back to me on YouTube |

Released 09/09/2009

It is finally here. The hugely anticipated debut album from Mayer Hawthorne and the County. The long player is definitively my number one record of 2009. “A strange arrangement” is packed with classic soul of the finest Motown vintage, only with the magnificent feat of being recorded today.

I first wrote about Mayer back in November last year and have recommended the first two singles – “Just ain’t gonna work out” and “Maybe so, maybe no” –  The first one catching everyones attention with its characteristic red heart-shaped 7″ vinyl. I still can’t speak highly enough of this artist.

Born Andrew Mayer Cohen, Mayer Hawthorne grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan, just outside of Detroit, and was raised on the rich soul and jazz history the region provided. Curtis Mayfield, Smokey Robinson, Isaac Hayes and others provided the inspired Hawthorne playing instruments from an early age, but he never intended to become a singer. He isn’t formally trained, and never went the traditional route of singing in the church choir. More than anything, it was hip-hop that brought him onto production and dj’ing and that put him in touch with Stones Throw head honcho Peanut Butter Wolf.

The stage name “Mayer Hawthorne” is a combination of Cohen’s real middle name (Mayer) and the name of the street he grew up on in Michigan (Hawthorne Rd). “Mayer Hawthorne and The County” is a name Cohen often uses when performing live or recording as Mayer Hawthorne with other artists. In Cohen’s words, “The County” is basically anyone who plays an instrument or sings on his album.

It is easy to brand the sound “neo-soul” or “retro”. Personally, I think timeless would be a better term. He pays homage to his musical roots, yet clearly establishes his own authentic and personal musical expression. In an interview with L.A. Weekly he recently expressed this intent – “I really wanted to make sure that I put my own stamp on it, and I moved the music forward, and I’m bringing it to a new generation of kids who didn’t grow up on that music, or missed out on it.”

“A strange arrangement” is packed with soul-gems, and it is the strength of the overall package that is most impressive. There are no fillers on the album, the singles are complemented with equally good hits such as personal favorites “The Ills”, “Make her mine”, “One track mind” and the title track. The heart-melting ballads about love won and lost blends well with more uptempo, horn and breaks fueled songs for the dancefloor. The distinctive elements of Motown, such as the orchestration, string and horn sections, tambourines, the interplay between the lead singer and his backing vocalists, and of course foot-slapping drum breaks are all vividly present and arranged perfectly by Hawthorne himself.

MySpace | Spotify | Amazon | iTunes | StonesThrow

Groove Armada have just finished their new album entitled ‘Black Light’. The release isn’t scheduled until February 2010, but to celebrate its completion Andy and Tom have decided to give away the track “Warsaw”.

Yesterday marked the launch the whole album campaign in Warsaw, because the first new track people will hear is called Warsaw. The event held a 70,000 crowd in Warsaw, basically just a massive, free party with an enormous soundsystem. Yesterday, the track also became available for free at Groovearmada.com

I got to hear a version of the song at Lovebox this year, and this album opener featuring on vocals Nick Littlemore from PNAU & the ever so popular Empire of the Sun is marking a really exciting musical direction for the band. It is a very Gary Numan-80s-electro inspired number for the big stage.

There is a lot of exciting collaborations to look forward to – numero uno being Roxy Music’s Bryan Ferry! – but also the likes of Lovefoxx (CSS), Saint Saviour, Jess (She keeps bees), and Ben (Fenech-Soler).

Head over to groovearmada.com to get the free track!

The band just announced that they will be giving the UK its first taste of their all-new Black Light live show, with six dates across in October – with Bristol, Leeds, Edinburgh, London, Birmingham and the wonderful Warehouse Project in Manchester the chosen destinations.

Released: 04/08/2009

I have lots of superlatives in stock for Tanya Morgans “Brooklynati” that was released back in may. The album is still on iTunes list of the top ten best selling hiphop albums.  Their soulful, positive old school vibe with most of the elements I look for in modern hiphop. “Never enough” features the lovely Carlitta Duran on vocals and got that late summer atmosphere you’d want from a song about unconditional love.

Brooklynati is Tanya Morgan’s third project following the success of “Moonlighting” and “The Bridge”. Since Von Pea, Ilyas, and Don Will formed Tanya Morgan in 2003, they have received high praise. References to artists such as De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest is very much justified. Based on the fictitious city of Brooklynati, this release pushes the boundaries of a concept album by incorporating not only lyrical imagery but also cultivating a culture and mindset.

Now, to celebrate the album’s success and the release of the trio’s “Never Enough” iTunes single, Tanya Morgan is giving aspiring producers an opportunity to remix the single. Native Instruments, 2dopeboyz, Tanya Morgan, Interdependent Media, Society Original Products, and Audible Treats have joined forces and are proud to present the “Brooklynati’s Got Talent Remix Contest.” After downloading the Acapella of “Never Enough,” featuring Tanya Morgan’s and Carlitta Durand’s vocals, contestants will have two weeks to craft their best beat and submit their remixed version of the song to be judged by Tanya Morgan and their label, Interdependent Media.

You’ll find everything you need to know about the competition HERE!

Listen to the song | Buy the single from iTunes | MySpace | Amazon |

To celebrate the release of Brownswood Bubblers 4 on the 24th of August 2009, the lovely people at Brownswood Recordings have put together a special ‘Best Of Bubblers Mixtape’ featuring a selection of some of their favourite tracks from all four Bubblers compilations.

If your new to the Bubblers series, then this will give you a taste of what they are all about. If your a seasoned Bubbler then this mix is sure to push all the right buttons and set you up nicely for BB4.

The Tracklist is as follows:
1. Soundspecies – Can We Call It Love (with Ahu) [BB4]
2. Simbad feat. Steelo – Soul Fever [BB1]
3. Bullion – Get Familiar [BB3]
4. NSM – The Hype [BB2]
5. Katalyst feat. Steve Spacek – How Bout Us [BB3]
6. Cornish Waters feat. Duchess – Walking [BB2]
7. Ayak & First Man – Can We Go Back? [BB1]
8. DJ Day – A Place To Go [BB3]
9. Mayer Hawthorne – Maybe So, Maybe No [BB4]
10. Iman – Who Was I Trying To Fool [BB1]
11. Flying Lotus – Tea Leaf Dancers [BB2]
12. New Look – Everything [BB4]

For me, the label have provided quality from day one, including compilations, singles and albums. If you haven’t checked out the label yet, I suggest you do!

Download the mix HERE

Released: 22/06/2009

It has been a while since my last post, the reason being extensive traveling. Over the past month I have been to London, Ibiza and Barcelona – all providing new musical experiences and inspiration. One tuesday a few weeks ago I went to the Notting Hill Arts Club and Marina and the Diamonds did a live gig at the intimate underground venue. I was unaware of the Welch-born, London-based Marina Diamandis, but the Arts Club is great for both discovering new talent and to hear good djs and electronic artists.

Marina impressed me both with her voice and her presence on stage. The crowd was special as well, made up of a large proportion of her friends. Her voice is distinct and powerful, yet fragile and sweet. Comparisons to Florence and the Machine is not too far off. ”I Am Not A Robot” is the lead track from ‘The Crown Jewels EP’, released through Neon Gold on 22nd June 2009. Check out the video here, and a live BBC recording of “Mowgli’s road” here. After releasing her first single, she has appeared live at Glastonbury and her tour schedule is now filled with both UK and international dates. One to watch!

MySpace | MySpace

U.S. Soul singer Leela James is playing at John Dee in Oslo on sunday. You don’t want to miss out on this one. Check out this YouTube video and you get my point. She has been likened to soul greats such as Aretha Franklin and Chaka Kahn and has released two full length albums, the latest being this years “Let’s do it again”. Leela is more than capable of doing her own shows nowadays, but she has also toured with artists like Macy Gray and the Black Eyed Peas. Collaboration-wise she has people like Kanye West, Wyclef Jean and Raphael Saadiq on her CV. 

Personally, I’m still at Lovebox Weekender in London, so I am a bit bummed about missing out. Especially as she did two shows in London only days before I arrived. Anyway, I would be happy if you attended – it will be a great show. Be sure to tell me all about it afterwards!

There are still tickets left (billettservice), so be quick!