PAOLO MOJO
Balance 009
EQ Recordings
Format: 2xCD
Year of release: 2006

Single genre-focused mix CDs have to be really stellar in order to be memorable. Thank goodness for the few DJs out there that aren't scared to mix it up. Paolo Mojo is a name to watch out for, as the ninth installment of Balance proves. This double-disc set is brimming with dance floor classics and future favorites. The first disc sets the mood with deep house which slowly morphs into acid and electro. Halfway through, we're treated to the disaffected vocals of Valeska on Trick and Kubik's "Easy." Things are kept upbeat and moving along the way with joints from Timewriter, Underground Resistance, Harold Heath, and Pepe Bradock, whose "Deep Burnt" makes for a perfect closer to disc one. But something peculiar happens on disc two: we find out that a great spinner does not always a great producer make. Paolo loses his Mojo when it comes to his own work. "Ruckus" and "Everybody" sound painfully typical in their prog-drenched stomps. Somewhere around a remix of Inner City's "Say Something," things get good again and remain that way until the end of the disc. Sebastien Tellier's "La Ritournelle" makes for a dynamic conclusion to a mix set that takes you around the world and back again.

{macedonia}

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Technorati tags: Blog, Music, Electronic, House, Techno

Boogie Angst

Kraak & Smaak

Quango

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KRAAK & SMAAK
Boogie Angst
Quango Music Group
Year of release: 2006

Funkiness can be found where you least expect it. If you didn’t already know, look toward the Netherlands: Dutch dance trio Kraak & Smaak definitely bring it. If you’re wondering about the name, it’s not a reference to illicit substances. It’s taken from an old Dutch proverb (meaning “crunchy & tasty”). Boogie Angst marks their debut full-length, a fun release packed with soulful breaks, danceable grooves, and even some humorous sample fodder. Most folks have been gushing over the club tracks “One Of These Days” and “Keep Me Home,” a pair of disco numbers with memorable vocals and organ riffs that are sure to turn the party out. While they can definitely move some butts, their living room fare is nothing to overlook. “5 To 4” is the best spy theme this side of James Bond while “Mambo Solitario” threatens to dethrone Thievery Corporation as kings of the lounge vibe. “Keep On Searching” is midtempo funk accentuated by a spoken word hook and chicken coop sounds. Hip-hop lives here, breakbeat lives here, and everyone gets along. No arguing over portions at dinner or anything like that – Kraak & Smaak create a peaceful coexistence. And best of all, you can dance to it.

{macedonia}

Technorati tags: Blog, Music, Electronic, House, Hip-Hop

ALOE BLACC
Shine Through
Stones Throw
Year of release: 2006

It was around summertime last year that Aloe Blacc was gettin' dap for his work alongside DJ Exile as Emanon. However, it is through his debut album for Stones Throw that the world will come to know his many talents. Kinda easy to see why some heads dubbed him "the indie R. Kelly" - brother's on some nasty mon business on a number of tracks, particularly the dancehall-bumpin' "Are You Ready" and the straight outta 12 Play talk on "Arrive." Later on during "Want Me," Aloe warns, "this ain't a love song - i'm tryna put it on ya." (At least the brother's honest.) Thankfully, this isn't the only trick he knows how to turn. "Busking" sounds like an old folk song made up on the spot at a bus stop, and is easily one of the album's most memorable moments. Check the midtempo Latin shuffle of "Bailar," where Aloe sings and rhymes in Spanish. For further reminders that the brother can spit, listen to "Caged Birdsong," with its social commentary and inner city pressures. The brother also crafts his own beats, with two exceptions on this album: Madlib's behind the boards for "One Inna" and Oh No pitches a beauty for the Sam Cooke cover ("Long Time Coming"). Furthermore, I propose that "I'm Beautiful" should be taught to every child in elementary schools nationwide, if not the world. Why can't all R&B albums be this interesting?

{macedonia}

Aloe Blacc's page on Stones Throw

Technorati tags: Music, Soul, Hip-Hop, Blog