Moby's chicken revenge under disco ball

As you probably know by now, Moby had a disco album in the works. The first single is now out and the video is ready to do damage.

Do you have an uneasy feeling when political or social conscience blends with dance music. The scenario is this. You have a dance song with a beat obviously, so dancing equals party, but how do you party when watching chickens being slaughtered. Doesn't feel right. Are we supposed to boogie, laugh or think?

In other words, Moby attacks the iconic chicken colonel, that's his right - he follows Pamela Anderson, Russell Simmons, Sir Paul McCartney, Alec Baldwin and many others. And true, the meat industry does engage in cruel practices, there's plenty videos to back this up. Moby wants to raise awareness through a music video, it's been done before so what's the fuss? Does it work? Yes! And why not.

Well for some of us, the disco ball is sacred and have no place in a video of this nature. I'm all for Moby the artist (and person) and the cause but come on, blood splatter, Was that necessary?


Moby "Disco Lies" music video on YouTube
PETA's chicken display and celebs at GoVeg
Have fun and kick the bucket: Make your own sign display

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Tommy Boy 2008

How many record labels from the 80s are still around today? I'm amazed Tommy Boy still exist. Haven't seen much Tommy Boy vinyl releases in recent times, there was the Ultra Nate single "Love is the only drug" a year ago, some classic re-issues from Digital Underground, Naughty by Nature and Afrika Baambaata.

On the digital download front for late 2007 early 2008 comes remixes for singles by Ultra Nate, Bob Sinclar and Xpress-2. Promos have been issued on cds...
"Give It All You Got", the third single from Ultra Naté's gleefully received "Grime, Silk & Thunder" features ­singer Chris Willis, who wrote the hits "Just A Little More Love", "Love Don't Let Me Go" and "Love Is Gone" for French superstar DJ/producer, David Guetta. Delivered in a glittering package of top drawer remixes, there's a version of "Give It All You Got" to suit every taste. Redtop delivers downtempo retro-funk, a tough
little electro-inspired mix comes from Risque, the unstoppable Matthias
Heilbronn bring it with full on house heaven and big room mixes from
original producers Andy & Glen Evans and Chris Willis, the UK's Soulcast duo
and smoking production trio Bimbo Jones (Ciara, Annie Lennox, Gareth Gates,
S Club 8) are all on the money.

In the accompanying video, our delicious diva (ya, we can call her that),
continues to amp up the glam quotient. (How much did you love that
Automatic Video?) Working a serious glamazon/Mad Max vibe, Ultra once
again prevails, though instead of cracking a whip to keep frisky, oiled,
nude internet hotties in line, she prevails amidst flying fire-spitting
acrobatic muscle studs, spears, and not a little architectural mascara.

Out December 18th 2007
View "Give It All You Got" the video €

From the Bob Sinclar album "Soundz of Freedom", the single "Together" featuring Steve Edwards comes in various flavors with remixes by Robbie Rivera, Gregor Salto, DJ Madskillz, Eddie Thorneick, Friscia and Lamboy in addition to the original radio edit.

Out January 22nd 2008
View "Together" the video

"Give it" by X-Press 2 featuring Kurt Wagner sounds like a rehashed classic, it's not. Was quite surprised to find out there's no sampling there. It has that old country meets Gospel church 70s feeling, sort of like Joe "Cockerish". Remixes by Friscia and Lamboy plus the radio edit.

Out January 22nd 2008
View "Give it" the video

All are available on iTunes and various top
digital retail sites.

Thanks to Andy Reynolds for the Ultra Nate material

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Piano in the house

In the early days of house music, piano was the backbone typical of the genre, now play "Move your body" in your mind without the piano and the intro is gone.

House music has evolved since, some say it has lost its essence, it's been robbed of its soul and "blackness", true. What happened to the piano?

Want some piano then ... head to the jazz or lounge section genres of your favorite record shop. But we want dance floor piano, piano to make you move your feet, a hurried piano riff like in early house music records or in the disco days on numerous O'Jays hits, even Voyage, the French disco group had a killer piano disco monster in "Lady America" wayback in 1978 and like "Move your Body", the intro is the piano.

SK Radikals is a jazz-house group from the UK who never fails to deliver the goods, and I mention them here cause many times pulled out their singles "On the street" from 2002 and "Someday" in 2005, dropped them on the platters in order to get a dance floor piano high.

For 2008, BBE will be distributing "North Wind" by Rhythm of Elements bringing together the underground club heritage of DJ Uchikawa and classically trained jazz piano of Makoto Kuriya who played with some of the finest jazz musicians of the 20th century including Chuck Mangione, Nathan Davis, Billy Cobham and Donald Byrd to name a few. He has recorded numerous albums and performed across the globe.

The upcoming 12inch release will also contain the Disco Dub Remix and Dub Beats. Expect a deep tech house groove, laced and sweetened by fine musicianship from Kuriya.

Now let's move the piano from the lounge area and bring it on the dancefloor with a nod from Ray Charles up above.

image: Tribe 2 - North Wind by Rhythm of Elements upcoming 12 inch vinyl

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Space eye candy and dj mixes for your ears

In 2008, slappin' some mixes on a website is not enough.

With all things cosmic and space being the trend "du jour" (or is it?), we'd expect a pleasant graphical and interactive futuristic interface to listen to the latest dj mixes some time soon. YouMixIt.com is it and it was launched just last month.

You don't have to log in or register. There's a ... Weekly Top 15, the most played songs, or all available songs in random order. The site streams a wide variety of music styles. More info about the dj, the tracks, the equipment used can be found by clicking on the dj name.

Djs may upload their mixes by creating an account for free.

The latest buzz now is for djs to make their mixes available on web storage sites. The problem is that the download link is buried alongside tons of ads, it's arranged so that we accidently click a malicious or unwanted link, it takes 4 pages to get to it, pop-ups appear all over the place. It's like going into a forest and being attacked by insects.

If you're tired of being bombarded and attacked by ads, YouMixIt is the zen alternative, no forced ads, no mess, no pop-ups.

Listen to some dj mixes on YouMixIt.com

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Calvin Harris free download

What was the B-Side to Calvin Harris' "Acceptable in the 80s" 10 inch vinyl limited edition first single released late last year, 9 months ahead of the album release of "I created Disco"?

Don't recall? No problem! Calvin Harris is giving you "This is the Industry", the download for free.

Calvin Harris has contributed a few songs to Kylie Minogue's new album "X".

Evidently, there's a catch. You have to ... sign-up to his newsletter. Hurry! It's for a limited time.

Get Calvin Harris "This is the industry" download for free

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33Hz, Codebreaker, Chromeo concerts to go

If you happen to be in New York July 5th 2007 and dig old school/Nu skool future funk, go see 33hz and Chromeo at Hiro for free if you're on the guest list or RSVP online.

You may leave a contribution on your way out, knowing how incredible these guys live and on records are and considering you can't get in at a club for less than 10 or 20 bucks... it'll go to a charity.

33Hz, Chromeo and more
July 5th 2007
Hiro Ballroom
371 west 16th at 9th Ave.
New York NY
21+ with ID only

Wait! There's more.. If you're in San Francisco July 23rd, you'll get to see Codebreaker and Chromeo at:

Codebreaker and Chromeo
The Mezzanine
444 Jessie st.
San Francisco California
From 10PM to 2AM

More about Chromeo at DiscoStyle.com
More about 33Hz at DiscoStyle.com
More about Codebreaker at DiscoStyle.com

Hurry up and RSVP Now for Free Admission for the New York show

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New Shapeshifter and Etherfox

The Shapeshifters, the team behind Lola's Theme, Back to Basics, Incredible and Chic's Sensitivity has come up with a new single and a new album is slated for release soon.

The new single "Pusher" should be out July 2nd. It's been on Rotation on BBC's Radio 1 thanks to Pete Tong. In tune with 2007, expect some electro style bass synth, if you haven't heard it already.

The Shapeshifters officially have a third member and female singer Jenna G, and will perform live with a 7 piece band for the delight of music lovers worldwide. Dance music with ... musicians is now the way to go, ask Basement Jaxx.

They have teamed up with the label Nocturnal Groove responsible for Etherfox's underground funky disco house monster track of last summer "Something to say" which will get the re-release and remix treatment.

Listen to both The new Shapeshifters single and Etherfox "Something to say" here

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Free LCD Soundsystem concert in Philadelphia

LCD Soundsystem
Philadelphia PA, June 6th '07

To attend the concert for free, you must get on the list and have a MySpace profile, here's what to do:

1: You must be in Philadelphia June 6th 2007.
2: Add LCD Soundsystem and The List to YOUR Top Friends at MySpace.
3: Send a MESSAGE to The List with your name/e-mail answering this question: What does DFA (James Murphy's Record label) stand for?
4: Once you're on The List you'll receive an e-mail with venue info and instructions on how to pick up your tickets for you and one guest.
5: Hurry up cause space is limited and June 6 is near!

LCD Soundsystem at MySpace
The List at MySpace

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Stay with Sexy Rexy tonite

Old school funk and R&B aficionados might remember 1983's "Stay with me tonite" by Jeffrey Osbourne, a former member of L.T.D. (re: Back in love again, Love to the world). Jeffrey Osbourne's "Plane Love" also from 1983 was remixed by Larry Levan and was a Paradise Garage fave, "Stay with me tonight" crossed over to the Top 40 charts.

If you heard something like "Stay with me tonight" with another singer delivered in Euro electronic Disco House style recently, you're not hallucinating... , It's a re-interpretation by DeMarco on the Sexy Rexy label owned by Tony Massera who runs the internet radio station Diva Radio Disco and Funk out of Europe.

De Marco "Stay with Me tonight" is one of 7 tracks off the Miami 2007 Sexy Rexy sampler, other tracks are in the funky disco house vein.


Check them out at JunoDownloads.com or
at Tony Massera's Sexy Rexy at Myspace.com

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Nouveau Disco of Gus Gus

Judging by how they look like and where they are from, nothing says Gus Gus are disco until you hear their latest album "Forever" (their fifth). To make matters worse, its availabilty is extremely limited.

GusGus was established in 1995. It started as a film/art/music collective group of 12 and through the years has narrowed down to the divine number of three; Biggi Veira, Earth and President Bongo.

Pall Oskar, ("the discodiva # 1" they say), lends his smooth voice on "Need In Me", as well as on "Hold You" with the Detroit native Aaron-Carl. Omar Gudjonsson lays his calloused fingers over "You'll never Change" and inspires both President Bongo and Veiran to do handle their own guitar necks in "Forever". "Professor" Ottarr Proppe pukes out the welcome words to "Forever". Mr. The President himself graces golden larynx through the track "If you don't jump, you're English" flashing rusted guitar samples from the everlasting Icelandic 80's punk band Purrkur Pillnikk and hammered power hi-hats by Helgi "HitHat" Helgason.

The current single from FOREVER is "Moss" featuring former GusGus lead singer, Daniel Moss, whose solo album "Swallowed A Star" is out now.

Discover Gus Gus; view all videos, listen to streaming albums, read their news blog, etc. at www.gusgus.com

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Free Madonna Live Earth song download

We're telling you point blank, it's not a dance song, but it's Madonna, brand new and will put you in a green spirit, what have you got to loose, it's free.

Madonna's new song, "Hey You," inspired by the upcoming Live Earth series of concerts, is now available to download exclusively on MSN.com and LiveEarth.MSN.com. MSN is pleased to offer this song in conjunction with Madonna and is proud to donate 25 cents for each of the first 1 million downloads to the Alliance for Climate Protection, in support of Live Earth. The new song will be performed live by Madonna on 7/7/07 during the Live Earth concert at Wembley Stadium in London.

Get the song now at MSN.com

Hurry! It's for a very limited time.

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Gotta get some downloads from Super Jupiter

*FREE*FREE*FREE*

Super Jupiter are the new kids on the block on the electro-disco band scene.

Videos of their singles have been on YouTube since late 2006, "You know" has been pressed on pink 12 inch vinyl, it was picked up for inclusion in the RoboPop compilation series alongside Tiga and Goldfrapp. While the world is waiting for their first album, Super Jupiter is giving away for free remixes + the original version of "Got to get some" totaling 7 free downloads. Hurry while it last!

No sign-up, no registration, no newsletter, no log-in. All you have to do is go to their MySpace page, look for the mixes on the right hand side, right-click, save and enjoy! While you're there you may also listen to 3 new songs!

Discover Super Jupiter and get your free MP3s here

Talking about showing some love, artists truly love their fans, giving away free music is their way to do it and we on the receiving end, don't have to wait for our birthday or x-mas for the freebies.

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Simply Red Free Concert in New York

Are you going to be in New York City this Friday lunchtime?!

Be there Friday April 27th 2007 at 1pm at Borders Bookstore on Columbus Circle, New York City for Simply Red's only East coast in store performance and CD signing.

Come and watch them perform soulful stripped back versions of the new tracks from their brand new album 'Stay' and then drop by to say hi to Mick and the boys and get your CD signed!

Mick Hucknall and the boys of Simply Red celebrate the US release of their album STAY with a live and exclusive performance. Simply Red has amassed numerous hits over the decades with their nod to classic soul and smart songcraft. The album already has debuted top ten in the UK and now is set to conquer the US. You can meet them following their rare retail instore performance -- the only one in NYC -- and have your Borders-purchased copy of the new CD signed.

Be sure to get there early to ensure a good spot!

Simply Red Free Concert NYC April 27th 2007
Borders
Manhattan - Columbus Circle
10 Columbus Circle
New York, NY
Phone:212.823.9775

Details-Direction-Map info

More about Simply Red

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Female singer wanted by Mark Ronson

Mark needs a female singer to take on tour

Ronson urgently seeks to find a stylish female vocalist with presence, whom has a flexible range and expression which can express music that will go from the vocal stylings of Lily Allen, Amy Winehouse, and Santo Gold.

This would likely involve a good deal of touring globally around Mark's new album version. At present, the show is a 12-14 piece review all-star style party. Rehearsals start early May. Dates are throughout the Summer and Fall 2007. This is a very special opportunity with a strong vehicle for someone who has that certain magic and wants to enjoy making a bit of musical history with some great people.

If any of you think you fit the bill, or know someone who does, please forward MySpace links (no demos) where Mark and crew can hear them. Mark ask for serious responses only please.

Contact Mark through MySpace

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The Asha Puthli Spring Collection

The legendary Asha Puthli has a new cd single out, "Pant & Fur", recorded in duet with Syr Gabryel, French manga-style animated character singer. The track is a concentrated dose of disco ingredients both shiny and new as well as classically euro, delivered with a cool jazzy style and a knowing wink. The cd also contain 2 new mixes of her "The Devil is Loose". Watch Discostyle.com for a proper article on Asha in the near future.

Image source

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New single and album by Dame Shirley Bassey in '007

Shirley Bassey to celebrate her 70th with style and music

Some might remember Shirley Bassey as the vocalist for the most memorable James Bond theme songs circa Sean Connery era. Others might remember the disco song she did with Chris Rhea in 1998 for the soundtrack of the Italian movie "La Passionne" - in which she starred as herself- , others got reacquainted with Dame Miss Bassey because they sang her songs at American Idol last week.

Shirley Bassey is coming up with a new album for her 70th anniversary slated for release in May 007. But we don't have to wait till then to savor the magic of Shirley Bassey both in Bond style and club style, long or short on her new single "The Living Tree". As usual, the Brits are picking up on it and here in corporate North America, we will never hear it on the radio.

Dame Shirley will be performing at the Glastonbury festival on Sunday June 24th 2007 in the "Living Legend" slot. The Arctic Monkeys, The Killers, The Who, Kaiser Chiefs and The Kooks are also part of the bill.

Rediscover Bassey on her official website
Listen to the new single "The Living Tree"

Watch the video of the Living Tree with Dame Shirley Bassey in feathery canary yellow, it's new!

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Free dance song for your portable player

Free song for your portable player courtesy of Anton Leuba

You like 80s/minimal synthesizer style sounds, a blase male voice, a melody that's danceable? Slightly cheesy maybe? DJs might want to mixmash it cause it sounds like a demo or not yet polished.

Anton Leuba has a gift for you. Now go get the gift and if you don't like it, then you can always pass it along.

And the next thing you know, it could grow on you or your friends, like it did for me.

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New nu tracks by Fatback for 2007

The Fatback Band's leading and founding member Bill Curtis has new tracks to cater to both lovers of soulful house and discostylish nu grooves for 2007. Like Roy Ayers Ubiquity where his past classics were given the new millenium treatment by today's top djs/remixers/producers, Fatback has collaborated numerous times with the French group Bah Samba among others.

Bill Curtis wants to know what you think, listen to the new tunes and give your feedback here at the Fatback website.

1998 may have been the year disco officially came back mutated into disco and funky house, but it is in the new millenium (the exception is Tom Jones with Mousse T for Sex Bomb in the late 90s) we witnessed the pioneers slowly coming back to recording dance music, often alongside djs, remixers and producers from generation X and Y; there's Tom Moulton, Vince Montana Jr, Melba Moore, Earth Wind and Fire, Charlie Wilson, Sergio Mendes, Claudja Barry, Duran Duran, Depeche Mode and the list is getting longer and longer every year.

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Simon Grey's Galactica Suite 2

Simon informed us there will be a follow up to his epic single Galactica Suite. Also in the works is a Japan only compilation album and his latest single "Together" is out right now at Traxsource. A vinyl release of "Together" should materialize on Dave Storm's label Ceremony Records.

Together can be heard on Simon's MySpace page and Traxsource.com

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Isn't she lovely; Amy the powerhouse

Once in a while comes an incredible performer that blows your mind.

It was another average evening where I was working on the computer and the TV was on in the background. The Brit Awards were being broadcasted that night. The Scissor Sisters performed and surely caught my attention. Thinking nothing could top them off, afterwards, went back to the keyboard, then later, that big female voice echoed in the room, I looked at the TV and saw an incredibly stunning singer looking strangely like Eva Mendes with a huge beehive, dressed retro, backed up with what looked like a blues band all dressed in black, she had tatoos on her arms, who is she? Amy Winehouse. She later grabbed an award that night and I've been hooked on her ever since.

People have said all sort of things about her, some true some not, that she's a transgender, a junkie, an alcoholic, a lesbian. Artists have the right to be freaks or outside the norm, they don't have to be role models. At least Amy is being herself, not molded by her manager or a record company like most artists in the US right now.

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