I have to get something off my chest. It's been stuck in my craw and it's time to release. Here we go: I don't like the Black Eyed Peas. I don't like current Hip-Hop. And I hardly ever listen to the radio. There, I said it.
The Peas do have their own sound, and they are talented kids. But like the current Hip-Hop producers of today's music scene, they are catering to a hook-addicted public. Creating music that's designed to become popular and quickly turn stale is a waste of their energy and mine. I just don't have the time. Now I'll get off my soapbox.
The Generator is re-opening. Stay tuned for the news on what they are playing. Many of you may not remember that club from back in the day, but get ready ya'll, it's comin' back.
Pride is almost here. And of course, as the summer heats up in anticipation, so are the dance floor tunes. A fantastic compilation album just came out called 'Liquid Groove - Floor Burners' on the Touch Of Class Recordings label.
It's House, House, and more delicious House. A little on the progressive side, the disc is made up of what I'd call more late-night tracks, definitely Deep and perfect for an after hours party or the last hour on any dance floor.
To really appreciate these songs, you have to crank up your sound system and let the beats hit you. A varied bunch of artists is represented across the disc, all Underground House names that know their stuff.
H2O has five tracks on the album, all of which are great grooves. 'Living for the Future' is a really Deep-Tech House groove, with lots of digital sounds and some really funky House beats. A similar sound can be heard on their second one 'You Can Run,' which combines some vocal hooks and the hissy hi-hats that hallmark House beats. Their third 'Got To Be Me' is all about a guitar riff and a diva with enough rasp in her voice to soul you into next week. 'Nobody's Business,' a digital remake of the Billie Holiday classic has new vocals and a very Euro House sound.
Dangerous Minds has also dropped a hot track into the mix called 'Live In Unity' that sounds like the old days of House with electric piano and looping vocals. In a similar vein is Lovebeats' Heller 'n Farley mix of 'This Is The Only Way.' It's a male-vocal track that will take you back in time.
In my spotlight is Mount Rushmore's Superfly Mix of 'This Is The Only Way.' It starts very spare with some beats and some vocal loops. When the keyboard hook rolls into it's solo groove you'll be taken way down into the land of Deep Underground House. For the next five minutes if you're not dancing it's only because you're not alive. This track is the shiznit, don't miss it.
Deep Underground in 4/4,
Peter Mavrik
peter@windycitymediagrou.com
