Born in Detroit, Jason very much eluded the bright lights of the emerging House/Techno scene, this was however his own choice. Emerging in the 80’s dj’ing at underground parties, he was even invited on to radio shows to play, however, he never released any of his music. Instead, Jason – whom makes all of his music using analog machines – continued to produce his music on cassette only, releasing it only to friends and local indie stores. When someone got their hands on his work, after hearing this fairytale story, in a L.A record store they were, to say the least, amazed. Not only are Jason’s tunes original, classic-house, but they are some of the most amazing deep-house you will ever hear.
Following on from his first release on Wax classics, a branch of Skylax records, Jason is back with his 2nd EP. We will be featuring the EP as soon as it drops, on the 23rd of March. However, until then you can enjoy the highlight of the last EP Lost Cuts #1. Safe.
Our favorite British festival has a new home. Admittedly, it is in the heart of Olympic London, making it an expensive do; however, the location is, in a nutshell, sick. ‘Pleasure Gardens’, is overlooked by a monolithic, Stalin esc, industrial landscape, more like a rave site than a festival one.
A far cry from the arcades and the comforts of Butlins, the new venue promises custom built stages like no other. If we are going the adventurism of the ‘The dome’, an inflated stage equipped with visuals, then we are in for a hell of a weekend.
Curated by those behind the nighttime area of Glasto, this is promising to be big. Oh, and if your worried about the timing, if you get pissed off with the early finish of city festivals, such as Parklife, don’t worry the license is till 6am. Bloc2012 is on 6/7th of July, tickets are on sale now. Peace.
Brooklyn based Travis Stewart, aka Machinedrum, is set continue the precedent set in 2011 with his latest EP, titled SXLND. The man behind 2011 smash Room(s) is back, this time on Glaswegian label LuckyMe. The label, which showcased Jacques Green’s – Another Girl in 2011, present the EP, originally written back in 2010 and which after being leaked on rinse has been engineered for 12. Coming fully equipped with a Scuba remix, the 12inch is out on Jan 17th. Until then check out the soundcloud.
Madlib is a mad genius. If I were to explain why I think this to be true I would completely forget the true reason why I started this post – so I think we’ll leave that for another day. In this latest entry into the REVISION ROTATION series, I’ve included Madlib’s Shades of Blue album, a series of remixes over the archives of the legendary Jazz record label, Blue Note records.
This album is a masterclass in the meshing of smooth beats and chill vibes with technical prowess – a description that fits Madlib himself. It manages to be impressive sonically without being obtrusive enough to take your mind off the matter at hand – you could definitely do with this on while you’re busy cramming useless information you’ll never use again.
Some say the New York rap scene is having something of an identity crisis these days. When the only rapper with any legitimate hype in a city is so deeply influenced by another city’s culture (ASAP Rocky, anyone?) that you wouldn’t have known he wasn’t born and bred there – there’s a case for saying there’s a problem. However, at PSA we believe there’s cause for the birthplace of rap to be a tad more optimistic.
Rappers like Action Bronson and Mr MFN Exquire are getting serious exposure as of late, and unlike some, they are so NY it’s impossible to listen to them without thinking of grimy subways and army jacket lining. There is, however, a tendency for the ‘next big thing’ out of the Big Apple to be overhyped and expected to single-handedly restore the city to the pinnacle of hip-hop – which always seems to flop (Cory Gunz, Uncle Murda, Papoose, Charles Hamilton…etc). Which is why in the case of the ‘Flatbush Zombies‘ we hope this trend dies…for good.
The Brooklynite duo hooked up with producer Erick Arc Elliot to drop what can only be described, as eloquently as possible, as a banger. Lyrics, beat and video are the holy trinity of a viral hit these days – and this song can put a tick next to each category. Check the song out below and stay posted.
If you, like me, have some sort of coursework/revision/slave labour to concern yourself with around this time of year – the right kind of music can often put you in the right frame of mind and make the work less labourious. With that in mind, I’m going to be compiling a little series of posts featuring music that gets me in the mood for mind-numbing reading.
If you’ve heard of Diggs Duke, then you should already know what to expect. His Gravity EP was released a few months back to critical acclaim, despite being very short, and ended up on many ‘End of Year’ lists – with a jazzy voice and an ambient, atmospheric sound being prevalent throughout the tape. You can get your hands on this heavy EP for only 99 cents (convert that into GBP if you’re that much of a Scrooge).
His recently released Black Gold EP (produced in collaboration with BamaLoveSoul) is also not the longest in the world (at all), but the soulful and sultry sounds emanating from the Maine resident will definitely have you putting it on repeat. My personal favourites so for me include ‘Something In My Soul’ and the title track ‘Black Gold’.
To enjoy Black Gold in it’s entirety, head to the bandcamp page (click the cover artwork above) and name your price. The first 1200 people get a free download, no complaints here.
Stussy, being no stranger to collaboration (whores), have kicked off 2012 in typical fashion. Collaborating with Danner, the streetwear icons have brought another casual boot to increase your choices in that department this winter.
With the coming months set to be cold as a bitch, it’s definitely a worthwhile investment to get yourself kitted out sherpa-style. Release is scheduled for Jan 7th.
I’m calling it first – Habits and Contradictions is going to be the mixtape of the year. Schoolboy Q‘s 2011 effort, Setbacks was probably my personal favourite of the year – and the TDE spitter looks like he’s ready to force his way onto everybody’s playlist.
Show stealing features on the critically acclaimed Section 80 and LiveLoveA$AP – two of the biggest tapes of 2011 – have set the tone perfectly for the Cali representer to have a crazy 2012, and if you had listened to any of his previous work you’ll know that his hype is long overdue. This latest track to leak from the upcoming HnC is called “Blessed” and features man of the moment and fellow TDE partner in crime, Kendrick Lamar. Peep the track below.
To begin with, this is not a reflection of the collective opinion here at PSA; this is a collection of my (Sameed) favourite releases of 2011. I hope you enjoy.
20
Kool Vibe – Deep Inside (Brawther’s 7inch dub)
This 7inch, released on My Love Is Underground, was limited to only 150 copies maintaining the labels elusive ethos. Paying homage to the classic house sample, the dub never left the record bag.
19
The Odd Trio – The Medley (Bastard, Lemonade, AssMilk)
Covering Odd Future the Jazz trio, now under their new alias BADBADNOTGOOD, reworked much of the collectives work. This edit of Tyler the Creators ‘Bastard’ provided a fantastic teaser to the mixtape.
18
Hype Williams – Your Girl Smells Chung When She Wears Dior – One Nation
The strange duo produced some of the strangest music of 2011, and not to everyone’s taste. Your Girl Smells Chung samples Cassie’s vocal from ‘Addiction’, reworking with vintage chords a shuffling percussion and excessive tape delay. The eccentric pair are one of the most original artists to break through 2011.
17
Julio Bashmore – Battle for Middle You – from Everyone Needs a Theme Tune EP
This monster house track was a staple for most DJ’s in 2011, and was dropped by everyone across dance spectrums. Not much more has to be said.
16
Michael Kiwanuka – Tell Me a Tale
Since our review back in May, the soulful Londoner has done it all: Numerous appearances on Giles Peterson’s show, toured with Adele and a slot before Red Hot Chillies on Jools Holland. His sound has been dubbed as vintage soul and comparisons to Bill Withers are rife, making it a massive breakthrough year for the 23 year old, sure to blow in 2012.
15
Gang Colours –Fireworks in Pocket – from In Your Gut Like a Knife EP
The latest talent to get gobbled up by Giles Peterson’s Brownswood label, Gang Colours debut four track EP falls into that ambiguous electronica/post-post category. Playing with psychedelic and futuristic instrumentation the EP provides perfect 5am listening, one to watch out for again in 2012.
14
Tyler the Creator – Yonkers
Need i say anymore?
13
Boddika – Warehouse – from Back & Fourth
Boddika aka Instra:mental was a huge figure in 2011. It proved difficult to select one track to sum up his year, with ‘Acid Jackson’/’Soul What’ also huge; however, this track was a central feature of his acidic sets in 2011 and fully went off.
12
Space Dimesion Controller – Flight of Escaped Vessels – from The Pathway To Tiraquon 6
Another of the huge breakthrough act of 2011, Space Dimension’s psychedelic sounds provided the soundtrack to some amazing R & S records nights.
11
Shlohmo – Places – from Bad Vibes
LA Hip-Hop’s latest son produced some outstanding music in 2011; this is my pick from his EPs etc.
10
James Blake – Whilhelms Scream – from James Blake
At first, I was cynical; I didn’t like his whining voice and his nervous aesthetics. In short, he annoyed me. I will be first to admit I was wrong, as his almost apocalyptic singing grew on me I was converted after seeing his band live. Much like Nicolas Jaar, he took electronic music to a visceral level, returning to live instrumentation.
9
Deadboy – Here for You – Here
Glasgow based NMBRS has established itself as a front runner in UK electronic music, and with releases like this its easy to see how. Following 2010’s sellout ‘If U Want Me’, Deadboy returned from his US tour with a fresh house orientation.
8
Joy O – Sicko Cell
As stated, 2011 was a huge year for Swamp81. This ambiguous release was kept under wraps for much of the year, before Mr Orbison claimed responsibility. A camp favourite at Outlook, in the tent not the gay sense, I was subjected to this one on a daily basis.
7
Unknown Artist – B1 – from Music Institute 20th Anniversary (Part 1 of 3)
- B2 , not B1
The first of three limited edition vinyl’s released on Detroit’s Kai Alce’s NDATL imprint as part of the 20th anniversary of the world famous Detroit Music Institute. Hailed as the epicentre of Detroit’s epic rise to electronic folk law, the institute played host to a who’s who of Techno/House. The release, although not made in 2011, is unreal. Salvaged from DAT’s tapes/CD’s, in a series of ultra rare and lost tracks, this release blew my mind! Unfortunately i couldn’t find B2, so heres B1.
6
Brawther – Do it Yourself – from Do it Yourself EP
A focal point of my sets for much of the year, this is a pure darncefloor groove. Straight up house grooves from a standout player in my 2011.
5
Daphni aka Caribou – Yes I Know – from Yes I Know/Jiao EP
2010 gave birth to Caribou; 2011 gave birth to Daphni, his evil twin. ‘Yes I Know’ was a feature of his outstanding RA podcast, and completely throws dance floors every time.
4
Wendy Rene – After Laughter Come Tears (Nicolas Jaar Edit)
It would be easy to harp on. So I wont. His album was sick; live sets, also sick; and mixes, again sick. This track was never released, being part of his mix for XLR8R magazine; however, the edit of Wendy Rene’s original, which can also be heard in Wu-Tang’s classic, is epic and hard to come by.
3
FaltyDL – Brazil – from You Stand Uncertain
A standout track from one of my favourite albums of the year.
2
Bugge Wesseltoft and Henrick Schwarz – Kammermusik – from Duo
German house mogul Schwarz needs no intro, remixing from MJ to Bill Withers; however, 2011 saw him turn his attention away to live shows, and away his house roots. With the progression of both musicians coinciding, Schwarz towards live music and Bugge towards electronic, a project seemed fitting. The collaboration merged live Jazz improvisation with carefully orchestrated compositions, making a beautiful record. ‘Kammermusik’ is underpinned with a Piazolla esc piano line and evocative percussion, making a remarkably original record.
1
Thundercat – For Love I Come – from The Golden Age Of Apocalypse
Thundercat is best known for his extraordinary basswork for the likes of FlyLo, Erykah Badu and Shafiq Husayn, including the bass on Cosmogrammas “MmmHmm”.Produced by FlyL and featuring Grammy award-winning drummer/brother Ronald Bruner Jnr the album included an amazing re-interpretation of George Duke’s classic “For Love I Come”, quintessential listening.
Karhu is a Finish sportswear brand that shot to prominence in the 1920’s making javelins and discusses for the Olympic games in Antwerp. The brand initially used the three-stripe design, but later lost the trademark when Adidas bought the rights in the 50’s. Most of their apparel is tailored to specific sports, pioneering the first removable running spike and producing 400,000 hockey sticks a year. This T is part of the originals collection, celebrating Karhu’s 80’s collection. Selected designs are now available in the UK, check out FootPatrol whom recently started stocking.
Already featuring the ‘99’ ranges this year – see http://psamag.com/2011/06/04/swag10/ – we return to the classic New Balance collection with these fresh 998s. These rarely seen 998s are given a stealthy revamp in black/red. Chilled
Established in 2009, Uniform Wares produce contemporary British timepieces characterised by classic and seasonal designs. Tailored with durability, each component is handpicked from the best Japanese and Swiss manufacturers. Sounds goods. The 200 series watch is a continuation of the 100 series, inspired by the mid century wall clocks of Post Offices, the watch screams simplicity.
Detroit rapper Danny Brown is back with his latest set of visuals from his seriously dope project XXX. The video to Monopoly adequately complements Brown’s off-kilter, stream-of-consciousness style with visuals reminscient of some acid trip gone wrong.
Check out the video below, if you haven’t got XXX yet – what are you waiting for?
Last month I made the decision to sell my beloved CDJs and to make the leap to vinyl. Perhaps premature, as being a student it is difficult to maintain such a consuming hobby, in terms of money; but I made the leap, and do not regret it one bit. Why, because now I can spend time looking for records, knowing that my money has to be invested well, I invest my time well. This record epitomizes my newfound ethos.
Straight from Kenny Dixon Jnr’s archives, the record under the renowned alias Moodymann is an ‘ultra’ rare collection of Jan remixes and edits. The first track “Into My Room”, a soulful jazz infused house number, is simply classic Moodymann. Following jazz infused percussive phrases; the track centers on soulful female vocals ‘I just want to get you in my room’. The rest of the EP toes a similar line, straight up grooves, infused with soul, jazz and trademark gospel vocals. Amp Fiddler shines on the B-side’s, “Into Your Eyes” and “Superficiality”, both following the soulful ethos embedded before.
These four amazing tracks provide quintessential listening for fans of Moodymann and are a must have for any house collector; id recommend copping this before it sells out and pops up on Discogs at $99.99.
One of the finest albums to drop this year came out of Seattle, alternative hip-hop duo Shabazz Palaces crafted a unique and experimental take on hip-hop with their LP, Black Up – and where others failed they succeeded in a major way. Balancing being adventurous and progressive with making a hit record has been a serious pitfall for alternative hip-hop acts in the past few years, but Black Up managed to sound different to every other tape out there without sounding forced or contrived in any way. If you haven’t managed to catch my drift yet, it’s pretty obvious that this has the PSA stamp of approval.
Anywho, to cut a long story short – the duo have teamed up with director Kahlil Joseph to bring this short film to the interwebs. With snippets from the album accompanying the visuals – I think this might be worth 5 odd minutes of your time.
Mehdi Hasan wrote a controversial article in last Fridays Guardian, titled “If you lived in Iran, wouldn’t you want a nuclear bomb?” illustrating their ambitions are only ‘rational’ given the encircling by Western allies. The piece ignited a ‘twitterspat’, a war of words, provoking wild responses from Labour MP’s, wives of Ministers and University professors. Being of Iranian descent, I thought it only right to highlight some of the issues highlighted and put forward my own views on this very controversial subject matter.
Iran, formally known as Persia, has a long history of violence and drama: invasions, conquerors, great leaders, warlords and revolutions. During the reign of Cyrus the Great the empire spread three continents, covering 8 million km. However, its geographical location alongside important trade routes, and imperative to modern history its oil reserves, has hindered as much as it helped her, making Iran a victim of foreign aggression. Today Iran demands our attention in the West as an aggressor; as an enemy; and as one of the biggest threats to our Western world.
The time of Cyrus encompassed a tolerant and embracing approach to life that is still revered throughout in Iranian culture today, just go to an Iranian’s house at feeding time. This ethos in part spawns from a connection with the Zoroastrian faith, which holds a sacred responsibility of every human to work towards the establishment of social justice on earth. A bisexual motherfucker Alexander the Great conquered the Persian empire in a rampage of destruction, burning the epicentre Persepolis and threatening the Zoroastrian ethos.
By the time of the Arab conquest their ethos had all but disappeared, with much falling into ‘a realm of darkness’, tainted by corruption and greed. The Persians adopted Islam, but over a period of centuries fashioned their own version of Islam known as Shiite.
Today Iran is a threat to the modern world, an oppressive Islamic regime with nuclear ambitions. To understand the issue you must look into the past; not at the Arabs; not at the Macedonians; and not at the Ancient Greeks, but at the governments that are today condemning Iran.
In 1953, a CIA and British organised coup helped overthrow the Iranian government, reinstating the oppressive Shah and reclaiming oil resources from the nationalist government led by Mohammad Mossadegh. The move, under the banner of communism, was instrumental in the 1979 revolution destroying the secular parliamentary system, creating huge anti-western sentiments and facilitating a rise in conservative Islam. Iranian history is domineered by three recurring themes: Leadership, foreign invaders and a synthesis between Islam and pre-Islamic times. The coup was instrumental in facilitating a rise in conservative Islamic leadership, culminating under an umbrella of anti-Western sentiments and masqueraded by a false hope of freedom from an oppressive Shah. The results of the 1979 revolution were much different to the ambitions of the Iranian people, whom thanks to the training given to their secret service the SAVAK were able to continue an inherent system of oppression, this time under Islam.
The issue of Iranian nuclear ambitions is controversial, and I am not supporting the regime, nor am I supporting their aspirations for building a nuclear warhead. What I am trying to highlight is their reasoning why. Try for a second to imagine your nation was stripped of its government and all political sway was directed towards an unelected leader, and the reason: business interests, economic gains for a country, a business, thousands of miles away. Your resources are being depleted and your freedom is restricted, you live in poverty while foreign businessmen get rich of your land. Now I know for a fact man would be pissed.
I am not saying that the issue is a simple as historical resentment, the issue is much deeper and has strategic importance to power in the region. However, what I am trying to highlight is their reasoning why. As David Wearing so aptly summarises, “If you don’t want Iran to go nuclear, don’t create the conditions under which that’s bound to happen”. To understand the issue of Iranian nuclear ambitions we must look at the situation rationally, and try to understand the historical and strategic reasons why. Ignoring domestic and humanitarian arguments and by no means supporting the regime, one can see clearly why Islamic leaders want to protect their land, their resources, and their people. PREACH.
