Disco Monk

 

Here is a homage remix to the great David Bowie featuring Kodo's "Zoku Japanese Drums".  I had this idea I wanted to add some type of marching drums to this stripped down version of "Sound & Vision". Also, there are other added elements as well.  Enjoy!

 

Loss of words and sad for one of the greatest, a true legend and a one of a kind artist/genius/pioneer has left us to another galaxy.  I just finished listening to "Blackstar". Wow! My heart goes out his friends and family. See you on the next plane my beautiful alien.

By far the best album of the year is clearly David Bowie's The Next Day.  After ten years in hiatus, the beauty, purity and longevity of his twenty fourth studio release that came unannounced during his sixty sixth birthday was pure genius with a collection of songs all bound to be classics. Tony Visconti produced it and recreated the magic that pretty much changed the face of music.  Extra has just been released with five new songs and two remixes.  Here is the remix of "Love is Lost" by non other than DFA's James Murphy. Pure brilliance!

September is here and it always feels like an intense month.  Seasons change, historical  events and/or defining moments seem to fall around this time whether catastrophic ones or just time defining.  September seems to stand for a time for change as well.   This mix here reflects a myriad of feelings and musical reflections that seem to be somehow disjointed yet harmonious.  Some of he musical selections are rather obtuse.  I can only say that this mix has a life of his own.  Enjoy!

Here is a song that I never seem to get out my mind.  It's hard to believe that this song is from 1977 with  lyrics and arrangements that sound so poignant and current. "Criminal World" is a song written by Duncan Browne, Peter Godwin and Sean Lyons of the band Metro from their debut self titled album in 1977.  David Bowie recorded it in 1983 for the album Let's Dance.  When first released it was banned from the Radio One play list for its "suggestive" lyrical content.  It is rumoured that the US military played it through a large PA system as a form of aural encouragement whilst trying to dislodge General Manuel Noriega from his office during their invasion of Panama in 1989.  "Criminal World" is not a disco or dance song per say but it has some great hooks and great melodies with some insane guitar solos.  

"Ce Soir (Je Sens que tout peut m'arriver)" according to google translator  means "Tonight I am meaning that anything can happen".  Ummm... I wonder....Anyhow, this is a song that I love very much by Adrienne Ste-Claire. She was part of the trio called Beauregard, Violetti & Ste-Claire also simply known as BVS.  During the mid '70s this group titillated everyone with provocative titles such as "Orgasm", "Undo Your Blouse" and "Frenzy".  Although it was obvious they were influenced by David Bowie and The Bee Gees, this trio made quite a stir in Europe and Canada with their musical style that was unique and unlike anything else at the time.   Their first album,  En Plein Orgasme (In Full Orgasm) is full of beautiful rock ballads, early disco and Glam in a style that is sensual and bitter at the same time.  It was only launched in Quebec and France, featuring one of the most beautiful cover art ever seen for an album in Quebec.  The photo is a result of the work of Daniel Poulin, and the mouth belongs to the comedian and actress Dolores McDonough.  This cover art caused controversy at the time but ironically not about it's sensual nature but rather because of the fact that the record company CBS in Montreal released the rights and the same concept was used for a Wild Cherry LP cover that has become quite famous.  This infuriated the members of the group, a lawsuit ensued and the group is no longer registered for CBS.  I found this album at a Montreal record shop about four years ago. The clerk informed me that this is considered a total classic and it is a hard to find LP.  This is an amazing record that informs the beginnings of Disco, funk and 70's rock with a French twist.  This album also contains a fierce French version of LaBelle's "What Can You Do For Me"which I am planning on posting it in the near future. In the meantime enjoy "Ce Soir"!

Ce Soir (Je Sens que tout peut m'arriver) - Adrienne Ste-Claire