This is a crisis. A large crisis..

What the Fuck is going on? The world’s economy is still teetering on the precipice, the US election is under one week away & yet the television, newspapers & radio are full of ‘Sachsgate’. Switch on any rolling news channel & the story is exactly the same: Off with their heads.

Gordon Brown is breaking out of meetings to condone the actions of Ross and Brand, speaking on ‘behalf’ of the British public (I’m not sure if 30,000 complaints amongst a population of 60 million quite constitutes a majority). The conservative party have gone one step further & demanded a full Commons debate on the whole sorry affair. That’s just what’s needed, more hot air.

Not that I condone the actions of the pair; It was a most silly prank to play but hardly shocking considering the characters involved. Ross’s interview technique consists of 15 minutes of ‘Look I’m married otherwise I’d have had you in the green room. What you plugging?’ Brand apparently bathes in women day and night.

The only news website that offers a semblance of truth is the Daily Mash, at times like these I often seek solace in it’s pages: ‘The BBC has offered Brand's £200,000 salary to the Treasury to help pay down the jaw-droppingly out-of-control national debt that everyone seems to think is irrelevant compared to some swear words on an answering machine’

It’s a good old-fashioned smoke screen- ‘Look over there they’ve been real bad. Lets just sweep all this other stuff under the carpet for a while shall we?’ Bet Gordon Brown wants to buy them both a large drink. After all the fuss has died down they’ll most probably both be offered government post’s, Minister’s of Yoof most likely.

In Summary: A big steaming pile of Bullshit.

Back to more important matters: 10 Tracks is a new monthly service that looks an awful lot like 14 tracks. The idea is that each month an artist chooses 10 tracks showcasing the best Scottish talent with the whole bundle available for one English pound. Optimo kicked things off & amongst their selections was this beauty from Truffle Club which is certainly one of my favourite dancefloor tracks of the year:

Truffle Club- Gone Blue (Z Share) (YSI)

In more Optimo news the dynamic duo have compiled a new mix for Domino records. 'Sleepwalk' takes in the likes of Cluster, Duke Ellington, Coil & Lee Hazlewood . It's an expert blend which is definitely NOT a chill out mix, you can purchase it here.

Lee Hazlewood- Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin On (Z Share) (YSI)

Have a smart weekend.

After a hard day of basic training, you could eat a rattlesnake..

A couple of excellent new releases to direct your cold, cold ears towards today: Hush Arbors new long player 'Ecstatic Peace' came out at the end of last month & immediately sounds like your new best friend. It also sounds like it could have been released in any year since 1968, which is no bad thing. As the blurb states: 'While repeated listens reveal more and more details, as good albums should, this is also an album that commands immediate attention. Try to put it on in a crowded room – just try. You’ll have a ‘High-Fidelity-Beta-Band’ scene on your hands within two minutes'. Ooh-er.

Hush Arbors- Water II (Z Share) (YSI)

17 Pygmies hail from Heaven (Somewhere in the US I think) & have also just unleashed their latest beast: 'Celestina' is a concept album about a doomed space flight by a bunch of astronauts getting high on pure oxygen while exploring a giant gas nebula in the constellation Cassiopeia. If that doesn't make you run down to your local record dealer with a fist full of dollars, check your pulse. Bet they don't have a credit crunch on Cassiopeia..

17 Pygmies- Celestina X (Z Share) (YSI)

Why can't I just eat my waffle?

I'm not an American, but i've been keeping a beady eye on the race for the Whitehouse. Larry David is an American (one of my favourite American's) & he spoke exclusively to the internet about the forthcoming election:

"I can't take much more of this. Two weeks to go, and I'm at the end of my rope. I can't work. I can eat, but mostly standing up. I'm anxious all the time and taking it out on my ex-wife, which, ironically, I'm finding enjoyable. This is like waiting for the results of a biopsy. Actually, it's worse. Biopsies only take a few days, maybe a week at the most, and if the biopsy comes back positive, there's still a potential cure. With this, there's no cure. The result is final. Like death.

Five times a day I'll still say to someone, "I don't know what I'm going to do if McCain wins." Of course, the reality is I'm probably not going to do anything. What can I do? I'm not going to kill myself. If I didn't kill myself when I became impotent for two months in 1979, I'm certainly not going to do it if McCain and Palin are elected, even if it's by nefarious means. If Obama loses, it would be easier to live with it if it's due to racism rather than if it's stolen. If it's racism, I can say, "Okay, we lost, but at least it's a democracy. Sure, it's a democracy inhabited by a majority of disgusting, reprehensible turds, but at least it's a democracy." If he loses because it's stolen, that will be much worse. Call me crazy, but I'd rather live in a democratic racist country than a non-democratic non-racist one. (It's not exactly a Hobson's choice, but it's close, and I think Hobson would compliment me on how close I've actually come to giving him no choice. He'd love that!)

The one concession I've made to maintain some form of sanity is that I've taken to censoring my news, just like the old Soviet Union. The citizenry (me) only gets to read and listen to what I deem appropriate for its health and well-being. Sure, there are times when the system breaks down. Michele Bachmann got through my radar this week, right before bedtime. That's not supposed to happen. That was a lapse in security, and I've had to make some adjustments. The debates were particularly challenging for me to monitor. First I tried running in and out of the room so I would only hear my guy. This worked until I knocked over a tray of hors d'oeuvres. "Sit down or get out!" my host demanded. "Okay," I said, and took a seat, but I was more fidgety than a ten-year-old at temple. I just couldn't watch without saying anything, and my running commentary, which mostly consisted of "Shut up, you prick!" or "You're a fucking liar!!!" or "Go to hell, you cocksucker!" was way too distracting for the attendees, and finally I was asked to leave.

Assuming November 4th ever comes, my big decision won't be where I'll be watching the returns, but if I'll be watching. I believe I have big jinx potential and may have actually cost the Dems the last two elections. I know I've jinxed sporting events. When my teams are losing and I want them to make a comeback, all I have to do is leave the room. Works every time. So if I do watch, I'll do it alone. I can't subject other people to me in my current condition. I just don't like what I've turned into -- and frankly I wasn't that crazy about me even before the turn. This election is having the same effect on me as marijuana. All of my worst qualities have been exacerbated. I'm paranoid, obsessive, nervous, and totally mental. It's one long, intense, bad trip. I need to come down. Soon."

Rough Trade have just issued a new Arthur Russell LP 'Love is Overtaking Me'. It's a round up of the producer's folk & country output. It's a sparkling collection, check out album opener 'Close my Eyes' which has more than a touch of the Dylan's.

Arthur Russell- Close My Eyes (Z Share) (YSI)

Neil Young has certainly appeared more than once on these pages & his 'Massey hall 1971' record is a fine companion on a Sunday afternoon. If you haven't checked it out, get down your local record store rapid-like. It's bloody magical. Here's 'Ohio' which also featured on Stephen Fry's excellent American series last night.

Neil Young- Ohio (Z Share) (YSI)

Fuckin' Love song here boy..

Warp records is a very natural home for Gang Gang Dance's 'Saint Dymphna'; Mounds of percussion underpin layers of sonic beauty. You'll need to give this record a little time to grow on you, on first listen i was a little underwhelmed but a seed had been planted. Now, after multiple spins, I am almost certainly naming my first born Dymphna. Its that bloody good. They're on tour all over the US at the moment, be sure to check them. Here's the blissful album closer 'Dust'.

Gang Gang Dance- Dust (Z Share) (YSI)

Jackpot were recent guest's on BIS & they put together an excellent mix that takes in Syclops, DAF & Liquid Liquid. They also chuck in this new wave disco classic from Kazino, which also features on this compilation.

Kazino- Binary (Z Share) (YSI)

I first heard this week's final tune a little while ago & have been on the search/blag for it ever since. A sublime blending of Elvis & Bob's backing band, The Wailers. At last i can now share it with you, dear reader. Enjoy:

Elvis Presley ft The Wailers- Crying in the Chapel (Z Share) (YSI)

Have a great weekend.

Rock 'n Roll is the most brutal, ugly, desperate, vicious form of expression it has been my misfortune to hear..

If the Sonics had come along 40 years later & originated from Paris they would bear a remarkable resemblance to Cheveu, who employ a dusty old drum machine & rock the shit out of it:

Cheveu- Dog (Z Share) (YSI)

I'm not sure how these next two tunes ended up on my hard drive but they're both damn good so have a gander. I'd take a bet that The Kult had flowers in their hair..

The Kult- Mr. Number One (Z Share) (YSI)

Ace glam stomp on Michael Dracula's 'Poppers':

Michael Dracula- Poppers (Z Share) (YSI)

You selfish coun-try music loving lady.

If we had such a thing as single of the week, Fan Death's newie would win by a country mile. The Erol Alkan rework takes the tracks disco elements & strings it out into dancefloor bliss. Buy the full mp3 version here.

Fan Death- Veronica's Veil (Erol Alkan Extended Rework) (Z Share) (YSI)

That Todd Terje is a bit good isn't he: It almost wants to makes me want to grow my hair, grow a beard, move to Norway & record the sound of shooting stars ripping over the Fjords. Or something like that. Here's Prins Thomas remix of 'Bodies' from a few years back.

Todd Terje- Bodies (Prins Thomas Remix) (Z Share) (YSI)

Cold Sun's 'Dark Shadows' is revered as one of the best kept secrets of the early 70's: It was discovered in 1990 & has quickly acquired classic status with many a beathead. You can purchase a limited edition vinyl LP for an eye-watering £46.99 from Piccadilly Records, or you can get the CD for a much more agreeable price here.

Cold Sun- Twisted Flower (Z Share) (YSI)

Music might be the Refuge..

Next up on the Fabric One's & Two's are Metro Area: And it's pretty fucking special mix. If your a Disc Jockey you'll be scurrying off to your local record dealer armed with a long list of records to track down. If takes in some not so obvious disco, some quality house & finishes up with the new wave stylings of Devo. We were lucky enough to have a chat with Darshan Jesrani who filled us in on new Metro Area recordings, his penchant for soft rock & his take on the economic downturn:

JPP: Hi Darshan, congratulations on a splendid mix. One of the best I’ve heard in a long time.
DJ: Thanks a lot, we had fun making it.

JPP: What’s your DJ set up when you guys play?
DJ: It’s mostly vinyl records with some CD’s with unreleased tracks or edits that we’ve made. We normally play a couple of records each back to back.

JPP: Is that how you recorded the Fabric mix?
DJ: Yeah pretty much. We recorded from decks into our digital editing environment & edited the mix together. It’s a lot different to what we do in a club but hopefully it has a lot of the same energy but with cleaner mixes!

JPP: It certainly has the feel & energy of a live set, sounds like it’s just you guys having fun with some records.
DJ: That’s exactly what we wanted to do, give it a party/mixtape vibe.

JPP: Have you got any new Metro Area releases planned?
DJ: Yeah, we’re kinda taking stock of which tracks we’re gonna use on the new album & then writing new material in the first few months of next year. Hopefully we’ll have a release out in the second half of ’09.

JPP: How do you guys write?
DJ: All the finishing of the tracks is done together, in terms of starting idea’s we’ll normally come up with something independently & then we’ll get together & then try and flush it out into something.

JPP: What’s your favourite piece of studio kit?
DJ: I really like the mixing console we use at the moment, it’s a trident tri-mix a British console from the late 70’s. I really love the sound; it’s a very strong, clean musical signal. A lot of English Rock & Roll stuff, Queen for example, were done on trident boards & it has this really nice balanced sound.

JPP: Do you collect keyboards, do you consider yourself a gear head?
DJ: We both have some nice pieces but they’re pretty modest when you compare it to some studio owners. We both definitely are into our synths for sure. We’re not really like serious gear head collectors though; we tend to get stuff with personality that we can effectively use.

JPP: When speaking to producers they often comment that the most important part of production is the idea.
DJ: Absolutely, we made a lot of our original tracks by very basic means. Most of our 1st album was done on a 16 channel Mackie. It’s a good thing when you come up against the limitations of your gear.

JPP: Is there any artists/bands that you would like to produce?
DJ: Not at the moment, but it’s a direction we both want to move into. It would broaden our production & what we’re able to do. We’d like to work with songwriters & produce people in a live environment. I Think it would ensure more longevity in terms of the life of our catalogue, especially in this business were a lot of the music is seen as pretty ephemeral. At the moment I’m still finishing up building my studio & once all my gear is up & running I’m really gonna be scouting & see who would be good to work with.

JPP: I suppose it’s a natural progression for you..
DJ: I’m really interested in doing a soft rock record, I feel like I being pulled in that direction. Maybe like an Eagles or Steely Dan type of thing.

JPP: Which current producers are you into?
DJ: I love what Kelley Polar is doing, I also really admire what Escort do. They make live disco records from the drum tracks up. Also Tim Goldsworthy’s work on LCD & Hercules & Love Affair has a nice strong sound to them.

JPP: Can you name a few of your favourite records from the past year or so?
DJ: First is an older record that I’ve recently discovered: ‘Liondance’ by Hiroshima. It came out in the late 70’s & has an ethereal disco vibe to it that’s really nice. There’s a slower disco record called ‘Get up and Dance’ by Mynk, which is a great 12 on posse records. I also picked up the Electric light Circus album on DC recordings; I like all the stuff on that label Emperor Machine, Padded Cell, Goat Dance. That stuff’s really cool.

JPP: Anything outside the dance scene?
DJ: I just heard the MGMT album, I was a little sceptical as they’ve got a lot of hype but it’s really good. Got a good 60’s vibe to it.

JPP: What’s your favourite time of day:
DJ: I would have to say morning time, the old me would not believe it but I’ve come to appreciate getting up in the morning & getting a nice long workday in. Maybe it’s getting old.

JPP: How has the economic downturn affected you?
DJ: I’m definitely worried for the people around me, my loved ones. The stuff leading up to this economic problem has affected me, the cost of airline tickets has gone up quite a bit due to rising fuel costs. I feel like it will be a real mix of positives & negatives, maybe the economic pressure on NY will be eased a little bit because there isn’t much money floating around & landlords expectations will have to mellow out a bit & give us a bit more leeway to do some more creative things in terms of nightlife & music, that could be a good bi-product of the situation.
JPP: Whenever you speak to anyone from NY, the rent situation is one of the first things that comes up..
DJ: Towards the end of last year the rents were at their peak: Residential rent would be $2700 per month for a one bedroom flat, outrageous. Picture the commercial pressure for a venue were they have to clear $40,000 per month just on bills.
JPP: I suppose they have to book people that will definitely sell out the venue; it must be a lot harder for artists who are trying to break through.
DJ: That kind of pressure doesn’t give the people who may have a broad appeal the chance to get their foot in the door.
JPP: Hopefully it will come full circle, throughout history people have always wanted to dance their worries away..
DJ: For sure, Music might be the refuge

Metro Area- Dance Reaction (YSI)

Mynk- Get up and Dance with Me (Instrumental Mix) (YSI)

Devo- Freedom of Choice (YSI)

I recently made my debut on Blog Fresh Radio, you can listen to the episode here. As previously reported i make tunes as one half of Dognoize, we had a tune played on Huw Stephens Introducing show on Radio 1 the other night, go listen.
Have a tres bon weekend.

I'll use this opportunity to up my dosage..

Spiritualized rolled into town on Saturday night & delivered one hell of a rock show. Highlights: A booming 'I Think I'm in Love' & a rawkus 'Electricity'. Even rolled out a few Spacemen 3 numbers that included a violently good segue from 'Come together' into 'Take me to the Other Side'. If you get the chance, get the fuck down.

Spacemen 3- Take me to the Other Side (Z Share) (YSI)

The Juan Maclean has new LP 'The Future will Come' ready to go in '09 & as a little taster he slipped out an EP of tracks that will not feature on the record. It features this acid soaked beauty:

The Juan Maclean- Lets talk about Me (Z Share) (YSI)

Very good compilation to point you towards, it's a round up of Sir Victor Uwaifo's early 70's output. By this time Uwaifo was already renowned as a painter, sculpter, poet & composer. According to interviews at the time Uwaifo saw tones as colours, weaving them into patterns inspired by tradational Akwete cloth. You can get the record here.

Sir Victor Uwaifo- Egbe Natete (Z Share) (YSI)

Pigeons? I don't like pigeons. They have no respect for public art..

Today is Deer day here at JPP- A celebration of our two favorite deer's 'hoof & 'hunter. 'Offend Maggie' is available in the shops now & is another ace collection of skewed pop wonder. They have a plethora of live dates between now & Xmas, check here for details. Here's 'Buck & Judy' which borrows just a pinch of 'We will Rock you':

Deerhoof- Buck & Judy (Z Share) (YSI)

'Microcastle' is finally due for release this month: Lots of tour dates available for Deerhunter too. Always worth a watch. Bradford for president? You better believe..

Deerhunter- Agoraphobia (Z Share) (YSI)

The only other deer related track i could find was Midlake's 'Chasing after Deer'. And it's a little beauty:

Midlake- Chasing after Deer (Z Share) (YSI)

Have a great weekend.

I thought you were gonna do a little fireball there..

Been very much enjoying the 14 tracks service from Boomkat: Every week the best tracks are selected from a specific genre for your listening pleasure. So far we've had Detroit techno, downward acid, cover versions and deviant disco amongst many, many others. Here's a few of the tracks I've discovered, starting with this delicate rendition of 'No. 1 (Lent Et Douloureux)'.

ISAN- No. 1 (Lent Et Douloureux) (Z Share) (YSI)

From the downward acid set here's the awesome Claro Intelecto:

Claro Intelecto- Only Yesterday (Z Share) (YSI)

And a great cover to finish from Alton Ellis which features on this excellent compilation celebrating the sweet soul music of Jamaica.

Alton Ellis- It's a Shame (Z Share) (YSI)

There's an excellent article up on Expletive Undeleted about Manchester's Indie record shops at the moment, go read.

You don't need guns, you have kidney pie..

Kelpe's 'Ex-Aquarium' has been not been far from our turntable since it's release in February. You can now feast your eyes on 'Extraquarium', a remix long player that features the likes of Zombie Zombie, The Oscillation & The Boats amongst others. DC recordings have once again given us the scoop on this, check Kelpe's own stormy version of 'Whirlwound'. Buy the LP here.

How many of you people feel like human beings tonight?

If you haven't pointed your wireless towards Beats in Space recently, do it pronto: A few weeks ago The Glimmers spun some splendid selections & this weeks show includes this gem from Subway. Their previous release 'Persuasion' was a big favorite from last year & new single 'Simplex' is just as good. Gatto Fritto rejigs the whole thing into pure kraut bliss. Buy it.

Subway- Simplex (Gatto Fritto Remix) (Z Share) (YSI)

Joakim has long been welcome round these parts: He's preparing to release a remix LP called 'My Best Remixes'. You know it be off the hook. Here's his very tasty remix of Poni Hoax's 'Hypercommunication'. Hero Rock.

Poni Hoax- Hypercommunication (Joakims Cartoon Muscles Remix) (Z Share) (YSI)

We recently had a splendid communication from reader Graeme Fisher who expressed delight at some of our recent posts & also sent over some tracks that we might enjoy. Included in the bunch was this beauty from Cosmo V (Wonder who that might be..). Ace slow grooved disco:

Cosmo V- That Thing (Z Share) (YSI)

Thanks Graeme, Y'all have a good weekend.

This is for Tina - I'm sorry I stabbed you..

Following on from the inadvertent San Francisco post, here's some songs celebrating the BIG Apple. Check the industrial electro styles of Deekay Jones:

Deekay Jones- New York, New York (YSI)

'Sidewalk Songs & City Stories' is a compilation rounding up some of the leading lights of the new folk scene, including Jeffrey Lewis, Daniel Johnston & Animal Collective amongst others. Here's Prewar Yardsale dream of a bicycle free NY:

Prewar Yardsale- Bicycle Free New York City (YSI)

Never really got Interpol, but their ode to New York is majestic. Listen to this at 5am in any city & it'll send tidal waves up your spine bone.

Interpol- NYC (YSI)