Two Party System

"Another Gecko Production" compilation CD-R, circa 2004, featuring some seriously heavyweight tunes.

Gecko is one of the aliases used by my brother for his mixtapes and CDs in the early 21st Century. He was living in Japan at the time, and we'd continue to swap DIY compilations with each other as a shorthand musical postcard of where we were at.

Spanning South West England to West Coast America and some wild zig zags in between, it's a reminder of how much exciting new music was coming out in the early 2000s. There are also plenty of nods to what had come in the decade before. Listening to the NaS track for the first time in a long while sent a shiver down my spine.

I've tweaked a couple of the versions included here, either because I don't have the album versions or because the remix alternative is so good. In the mid-2000s, I discovered McSleazy aka Grant Robson, who posted a load of bootleg mash-ups and remixes online. I particularly liked his darker take on the likes of Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera and today's pick by Kelis. 

Likewise, the version of Dreamy Days by Roots Manuva is a low slung relick by Lotek aka Wayne Bennett that appeared on the Exclusives!, a NME cover-mounted CD in 2001.

Harmonic 33 is one of the many nom de plumes used by Mark Pritchard, after Global Communication and way before he started making music with Thom Yorke. Harmonic 33 is a collaboration with Dave Brinkworth and not to be confused with Harmonic 313, another of Mark's solo ventures. Honestly, you need a sat nav to find your way through his vast body of work...!

Great to hear Definition Of Sound again, who should have been massive beyond the handful of hit singles.  My fact-obsessed brain was fascinated to discover that Pass The Vibes - and second album Experience - was co-produced by Chris Hughes (Adam & The Ants, Tears For Fears) and Jack Hues (Wang Chung). Every day is a learning day!

The mix opens heavy with Massive Attack featuring Mos Def and closes with a Serge Gainsbourg-sampling classic from David Holmes. Not a second wasted from start to finish.

1) I Against I: Massive Attack ft. Mos Def (2002)

2) Where Have They Gone: Harmonic 33 (2002)

3) The Seed (2.0): The Roots ft. Cody ChesnuTT (2002)

4) Trick Me (McSleazy Remix By Grant Robson): Kelis (2004)

5) Dreamy Days (Lotek Bonanza Relick) (Remix By Wayne Bennett): Roots Manuva (2001)

6) What Goes Around (Album Version By Salaam Remi): Nas (2001)

7) Natural Mystic (Ital Mix By Matt Green): Bob Marley (2001)

8) Solid As A Rock (Hexadecimal Edit By Steve Osborne): Bim Sherman (1996)

9) Year 2000: Smith & Mighty ft. Niji 40 & Louise Decordova (1999)

10) Evolution Revolution Love (Album Version): Tricky ft. Ed Kowalczyk & Hawkman (2001)

11) Television, The Drug Of The Nation (Album Version By Jack Dangers & Mark Pistel) (cover of The Beatnigs): The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy (1992)

12) Pass The Vibes (Album Version): Definition Of Sound (1995)

13) California Love (Long Radio Edit): 2Pac ft. Dr. Dre & Roger Troutman (1995)

14) Temple Head (Zenana Mix By Aki Nawaz & Paul Tipler): Transglobal Underground (1991)

15) Don't Die Just Yet (Album Version): David Holmes (1997)

1991: Temple Head EP: 14

1992: Hypocrisy Is The Greatest Luxury: 11

1995: California Love EP: 13

1996: Experience: 12

1996: Solid As A Rock EP: 8

1997: Let's Get Killed: 15

1999: Big World Small World: 9

2001: Blowback: 10

2001: NME Exclusives!: 5

2001: Remixed Hits: 7

2001: Stillmatic: 6

2002: Extraordinary People: 2

2002: Phrenology: 3

2002: Special Cases EP: 1

2004: Trick Me (bootleg MP3): 4

Two Party System (1:13:35) (GD) (M)

Give Our Ears A Rest

The title is a line from the Amadou & Mariam song Wily Kataso featuring in today's selection. Usually meant as a request to shut up (as in the context of the song), I'm instead claiming it as a celebratory balm for the next 75 minutes.

 

Sixteen songs designed to relax, uplift and take you beyond the day-to-day noise before bringing you gently back down to earth. Half a dozen are lifted from the ever-dependable Sahel Sounds label, others from Real World, Nation Records and Honest Jon's Records.

Some artists - Etran De L'Aïr, Mdou Moctar, Songhoy Blues, Transglobal Underground - are regulars here. Others - Ali Farka Touré, Oumou Sangaré, Amadou & Mariam - are surprisingly (to me, at least) making their first appearance on this blog. 

 

This selection is dedicated to beautiful soul and inspiration Sheila Chandra, who provides the closing song.

1) Paisano: Nkumba System ft. Mamani Keita (2020)

2) Adounia: Etran De L'Aïr (2022)

3) Niger: Mali Music (Damon Albarn, Afel Bocoum, Toumani Diabaté & Friends) (2002)

4) Eliss Wan Anas Douban: Les Filles De Illighadad (2016)

5) Gomni (Live) (Cover of Ali Farka Touré & Ry Cooder): Songhoy Blues (2013)

6) Anar: Mdou Moctar (2013)

7) Wily Kataso (Radio Edit): Amadou & Mariam ft. Tunde Adebimpe & Kyp Malone (2012)

8) My Heart, My Life (Album Version): Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan & Michael Brook (1996)

9) Tromba Marina: Transglobal Underground (1994)

10) No Waiting: Les Frères Smith ft. Seun Kuti (2020)

11) Sukunyali: Oumou Sangaré (2009)

12) Jarabi: Wau Wau Collectif (2022)

13) Moribiyassa: Kaba Blon (2011)

14) Penda Yoro: Ali Farka Touré (2006)

15) Kayraba: Amadou Binta Konté & Tidiane Thiam (2014)

16) Om Namaha Shiva: Sheila Chandra (1992)

1992: Weaving My Ancestors' Voices: 16

1994: International Times: 9

1996: Night Song: 8

2002: Mali Music: 3

2006: Savane: 14

2009: Seya: 11 

2011: Music From Saharan Cellphones: 13

2012: Wily Kataso EP: 7

2013: Music From Saharan Cellphones: Volume 2: 6

2013: Songhoy Blues Live (bootleg): 5 

2014: Anar: 6

2016: Les Filles De Illighadad: 4

2017: Waande Kadde: 15

2020: Bailalo Duro: 1

2020: Mutation: 10

2022: Agadez: 2

2022: Mariage: 12

Give Our Ears A Rest (1:14:41) (KF) (Mega)

You Gotta Fight The Power

Dreadzone celebrate their 30th anniversary this year. Initially a duo of Greg Roberts (Big Audio Dynamite) and Tim Bran (who I knew of from his work with Julian Cope as Branno Of Gwernsey), Greg has remained the constant through three decades, along with former BAD bassist Leo Williams, who joined early on. 

The Dreadzone collective has seen an impressive number of people over the years, some briefly, some for a longer journey: Earl Sixteen, Alison Goldfrapp, MC Spee as well as former BAD compadres Dan Donovan, Mick Jones and Don Letts. The current line up for the 30th anniversary live shows is Greg Roberts, Leo Williams, Earl Sixteen, Bazil aka James Bainbridge and Blake Roberts (Greg's son).

 

I saw Dreadzone at the Bristol Community Festival aka Ashton Court Festival in July 1995. Sadly, none of the dates on their recent "Part 1" tour were relatively nearby but I'd be tempted to see them if "Part 2" offers up some accessible locations.

A new album will be landing this year. In the meantime, here's an hour-long selection of Dreadzone tracks and remixes to whet your appetite.

Older and Dubwiser indeed.

 

1) Zion Youth (Dreadzone Mix): Dreadzone (1995)

2) Gangster (She Is Danger Remix By Lena Cullen & Maya Jane Coles): Dreadzone (2010)

3) Lookee Here (Dreadzone Remix): Transglobal Underground ft. Natacha Atlas & Heitham Al-Sayed (1994)

4) The Good The Bad And The Dread (The Bad) (Remix By Tim Bran): Dreadzone ft. Alison Goldfrapp (1993)

5) Video Games (Lana Dub Rey) (Dreadzone Remix): Lana Del Rey (2012)

6) Stupid Girl (Dreadzone Dub Version): Garbage (1996)

7) Africa (Single Version): Dreadzone (1993)

8) Brazen 'Weep' (Dreadzone's Instrumental Mix): Skunk Anansie (1997)

9) Fight The Power 95: Dreadzone (1995)

You Gotta Fight The Power (1:00:41) (KF) (Mega)

Still Praying To The Skies...!

Side 2 of a mixtape, originally recorded 20th July 1992.

 

When I previously posted Side 1 in July last year, it was with no commentary or fanfare. It was a couple of months into challenging myself to post every day, maybe I was tired, maybe I was late for work and didn't have the time to wax lyrical. Either way, I did a disservice as I really, really love this mixtape.

It's a snapshot in time: after a year travelling, I was a year into my second attempt at A-Levels and college, having dropped out six months into my previous attempt; I was also back home living with my parents "out in the sticks" (boo! hiss!) but I was in love with a beautiful woman (back off, Dr. Hook!). More importantly, I had my own set of wheels. Whilst I could barely afford to keep the car on the road, any money left over from my part-time job went on music and recreation.

I'd hear very little of the "club music" selected here when I was out and about, but it was the sound track to my excursions to and from college and occasional nights out in Bristol and Bath, when taxi fares were prohibitive and city centre bedsit flops were limited. I think I had less success in converting my girlfriend and other college compadres - The Levellers, Ned's Atomic Dustbin, Ozric Tentacles, Nirvana were more popular choices - but there was little denying the get-up-and-dance joy of, say, Opus III.

This isn't the first appearance of the 12" Mix of It's A Fine Day, written by Edward Barton and originally performed as a straight a cappella by Jane Lancaster in 1983. Opus III gave the song a trance overhaul, but it's Kirsty Hawkshaw's vocals that define this song. 

 

Side 1 contained several heavy hitters, starting off with In Yer Face by 808 State and taking in the mighty Hypnotone Mix of Cascades by Sheer Taft and Andrew Weatherall's unbeatable mix of Don't Fight It, Feel It by Primal Scream. The rest of the side saw several 1970s and 1980s artists rejuvenated by the exploding electronica and dance scene - Cabaret Voltaire, The Cure and Steve Hillage and Miquette Giraudy as System 7. Even the fey indie popsters were declaring there had always been a dance element to their music, in this case, Frazier Chorus to surprisingly good effect.

Side 2 similarly starts with 808 State, this time with indie darling Björk, and the start of what was the end of one partnership (with The Sugarcubes) and the beginning of another (with Graham Massey and other like-minded dance producers). There's less of Björk on this mix, but it's brilliant all the same.

 

Rainbow was the first Sly & Lovechild I heard, courtesy of a great remix by Mark Moore. It was a few years before I was able to track down the debut 12" and Andrew Weatherall remix, but Rainbow was an equally great single. A shame that chart success eluded the duo.

 

The Deee-Lite remix was taken from my girlfriend's copy of the Groove Is In The Heart 12" single, which was already popping and crackling like a breakfast cereal a year on. Likewise, my brother had the original Deconstruction 12" of Temple Head, which introduced me to an enduring love of Transglobal Underground and consequently, Nation Records.

 

I'd heard of The Sensational Alex Harvey Band, but I don't think I was particularly aware of Faith Healer at the time I bought this. My motivation was probably that Recoil was the solo project of Alan Wilder, formerly of Depeche Mode. Here, he's joined by Nitzer Ebb's Douglas McCarthy on vocals, with a ton of remixes on the 12" and CD singles. This one by Moby in his Barracuda guise, is the standout.

 

The selection closes with Treaty by Australian collective Yothu Yindi. I was in Australia when this song exploded. Aside from the fact that it was the first song by a predominantly Aboriginal band to chart in Australia and features significant portions sung in Gumatj, it was a perfectly timed song, protesting the lack of progress on the treaty between Aboriginal peoples and the Australian federal government, promised to be in place by 1990. Treaty initially didn't make the desired impact, but the subsequent remix by Filthy Lucre took it to the clubs and the singles chart. The song also had a global impact and the UK release sported remixes by William Orbit and K-Klass. The Filthy Lucre remixes remain the essential purchases. 

 

The inclusion of The Jesus & Mary Chain's Jim Reid as the mixtape cover star is slightly harder to explain. I can only assume that this was the only available clipping from my copies of NME or Melody Maker of someone looking up to, and thereby potentially praying to the skies. Sometimes, I was just that literal.

1) Ooops (Mellow Birds Remix): 808 State ft. Björk (1991)

2) Rainbow (Green Mix By Phil Nicholas & Doug Martin): Sly & Lovechild (1991)

3) What Is Love? (Holographic Goatee Mix By Satoshi Tomiie): Deee-Lite (1990)

4) Faith Healer (Barracuda Mix By Moby) (Cover of The Sensational Alex Harvey Band): Recoil ft. Douglas McCarthy (1992)

5) Temple Head (Zenana Mix By Aki Nawaz & Paul Tipler): Transglobal Underground (1991)

6) It's A Fine Day (12" Mix) (Cover of Jane): Opus III (1991)

7) Open Up Your Head (Vocalfield Mix By Leftfield): If? (1991)

8) Treaty (Filthy Lucre Remix By Gavin Campbell, Paul Main & Robert Goodge): Yothu Yindi (1991)

Side Two (46:18)

Side One here

Ich Bin Ein Ausländer

I first became aware of Aki Nawaz via Nation Records, personally one of the most exciting labels to emerge in the 1990s. Little did I know at the time, but he'd featured in my record collection previously as drummer with The Southern Death Cult (who incrementally dropped prefixes to become The Cult, but that's another story).

 

As well as providing a home and creative outlet for artists via Nation Records, Nawaz also performed as rapper Propa-Gandi and has released an immense body of work as Fun-Da-Mental. Nawaz has consequently courted controversy over his political acts, lyrical content and recital of verses from the Qur'an over Fun-Da-Mental's music, as referenced in this 2015 interview with Vice's Jack Dutton.

 

This selection focuses on the 1990s, 12 tracks over 75 minutes, taking in Fun-Da-Mental remixes and remixed, including the collaboration with Pop Will Itself that provides today's post title. Some unsurprising inclusions here, with Transglobal Underground and Indian Ropeman, but hopefully a few unexpected remixes too, such as Hyperhead (Mary Mary's band between Gaye Bikers On Acid and Apollo 440) and especially The Jesus & Mary Chain.  

 

Fun-Da-Mental's last album was 2018's There Shall Be Love. As the Bandcamp release info states, the music "is a soundtrack to "life lived" and "life observed". The Political commentary, although very outspoken and nuanced, is and remains a matter of debate."

 
1) "You Have Become Human Swine" (A Lesson In Love...Listen!!!! Reprise): Fun-Da-Mental (1999)

2) Ja Sha Taan (Karachi Deathcult Mix By Transglobal Underground): Fun-Da-Mental ft. Nawazish Ali Khan (1997)

3) New World Order (Extended Version): Fun-Da-Mental (1994)

4) A Lesson In Love...Listen!!!! (Wisdom Speaks) (Remix By Phluide): Fun-Da-Mental (1999)

5) Ich Bin Ein Ausländer (Fun-Da-Mental 12" Mix): Pop Will Eat Itself ft. Blacka-D, Hot-Dog & Propa-Gandi (1994)

6) Mother India (Spirit Of The Tiger) (Remix By The Moody Boyz aka Tony Thorpe): Fun-Da-Mental (1994)

7) Shri Durga (The Organic Science Mix By Fun-Da-Mental): DJ Cheb I Sabbah ft. Mala Ganguly, Shafqat Ali Khan, Ustad Salamat Ali Khan & Ustad Sharafat Ali Khan (2000)

8) Ja Sha Taan (J&MC Debate With F<D>M Version By The Jesus & Mary Chain): Fun-Da-Mental (1999)

9) This Is Fascism (Exterminate Fascism Before It Gets Your Teddy Bear By Fun-Da-Mental) (Cover of Consolidated): New Fast Automatic Daffodils (1996)

10) Teenage Mind (Fun-de-mental Midi Breakdown Dub): Hyperhead (1992)

11) Mr. Bubbleman (Album Version): Fun-Da-Mental (1994)

12) Demonised Soul (Indian Ropeman Remix By Sanjiv Sen): Fun-Da-Mental (1998)

 

1992: Teenage Mind EP: 10

1994: Ich Bin Ein Ausländer EP: 5 

1994: Mother India EP: 6

1994: Seize The Time / Taking Liberties: 11

1994: Volume Nine: 3 

1996: This Is Fascism: 9

1997: Ja Sha Taan EP: 2, 8 

1998: Demonised Soul EP: 12

1999: Why America Will Go To Hell EP: 1, 4 

2000: Maha Maya: Shri Durga Remixed: 7

Ich Bin Ein Ausländer (1:13:45)