III: What A Sensation

What A Sensation

Another Day In My Life / Deep Burnt

Another Day In My Life (LV Re-Touch)

Another Day In My Life (LV Re-Touch) [Short Mix]

Classic 90's Nu Jersey House prod from cult label Nu-Groove. This edit is From the the Knights Of The Playboy Mansion release out April 2011
Will be on limited edition vinyl

A little foreword about my set on the comp:

The Playboy Mansion, nicknamed "A Disneylanf for adults" is all about hedonism. So the music I wanted to showcase here had to be hedonistic. After releasing three Playboy themed compilations centered around the 70's Disco sound I wanted to move a little forward in time. 
To me, Disco is the ultimate dance music, and aknowledgedly the blueprint for House Music.
But right after Disco "sucked" and before "House Music was born" there was a very interesting period of transition for dance music: the early '80's. 
Five, seven years where experiments where made, different styles tried. A period when the "Rap" and the "Funk" from key cities in America gradually went from ghetto to top 40 "Hip Hop"and "House". The raw, unformatted hedonistic music of the "hoods" was just too good to stay there, and it went on to become the mainstream. 
So my mix focuses on this transitional period. A time where dance music had no formatted tempoes, rules, boundaries. 
More than just a wall of in your face energy, it was crafted to provoke exhilarating emotions. 
An instrument of pleasure In the hands of a DJ, the sonic equivalent of the Playboy Mansion in the hands of Hugh Hefner.

Tracklist & Notes For CD 1:

1-Jestofunk-I'm gonna love you (MC Turbosax mix)

I've always been a sucker for slower House tracks. Back in the '90's they were not so uncommon, and while they went below the radar in the '00's there seems to be a current trend of those coming back. This Jestofunk cut from '91 is in my top 10 of downtempo tracks that manage to rock many a dancefloor. Sexy and energetic it's the perfect opener to start building up my 4 th enrty in the Playboy Mansion series

2-Tensnake-I need your loving

First time I heard this song I couldn't believe it was made today. German wiz-kid Marco aka Tensnake perfectly captured the spirit of the mid '80's dance music that was being played in the legendary clubs of  New York. A mix of funk, pop soaked in primitive digital sounds that paved the way for House music to burgeon .

3-Dimitri From Paris Presents Electra 80-Rock this town (Dimitri From Paris is Nightdubbin')

My personal take on the pre-house sound. Mid-tempo and dubby. This is the kind of music I was playing when I started DJ-ing 25 years ago, inspired by luminaries like Larry Levan and François K. No particular format just a mix of different things that would make a crowd dance and smile. After years of merciless uptempo domination, we can return to a little more variety and fun in dance tracks.

4-Tensnake-Coma Cat

I'm probably Tensnake's biggest fan. I love his highly detailed yet straight to the point production and I couldnt resist to compile a second cut from him.. Coma Cat is truly a masterpiece of the '00's. Introducing forgotten and new textures in dance music it inspired and urged many a producer, including myself, to step up their game. Coma Cat is the proof that club music can be clever, sophisticated yet highly danceable.

5-Precious-Definition Of a track + Logic-The Warning (Acapella) (on CD only)

Let's rewind a little and go back again to the basics of House music. Back to how it sounded. Very basic, quite raw but irrestibly infectious. Groovy drums a fat bassline and some deep spoken word thrown in courtesy of Logic's The Warning acapella

6-Basil Hardhaus-Make me dance (DFP re-edit)

This is one of the rawest form of House music and I love it. Quirky, twisted, and on a tight budget. Sounding straight of a sweaty basement its limitations and lack of frills  make it incredibly charming, and rather sexy too. The shout outs to select New York DJs in the end deliciously dates it as well. Might be a bit of an acquired taste but as the famous record once said "Not everyone understands house music"


7-DJ Spen & The Muthafunkaz-Reason to love (Dimitri From Paris is Nightdubbin')

DJ Spen, is one of the longest running House Music producer. From his early days of producing Crystal Waters to his new Muthafunkaz project, he blazed through multiple trends over a 20 years plus time. Sticking to his sure fire guns, he constantly delivered Soulful, Gospel tinged music of the highest caliber. It was an honour for me to remix one of his songs featured here in a old school vintage House flavour.

8-Bas Noir-My love is magic (DFP re-edit)

Despite their french moniker (Bas Noir = Black Stockings) this girl duet is actually from Newark. Initially out on cult label Nu-Groove in the mid '90's this act pioneered the soulful House sound of New Jersey alongside Adeva, Blaze and Tony Humphries. This exclusive edit regroups 3 different mixes.


9-Dimitri From Paris and DJ Rocca present: Erodiscotique Ft Fred Ventura-I need a reason for livng (Dimitri From Paris Dubstrumental)

In the mid 80's just before House Music exploded, the latino side of New York's clubbing community was grooving to a  sound of its own. Known as latin Hip Hop, or Freestyle it was flamboyantly merging elements of campy Disco with the current Electro Rap sound. Eventually it made its way into pop teritorry inspiring artists like Shannon (Let The Music Play) and The Pet Shop Boys (Domino Dancing). This song I produced with DJ Rocca from Italy is a loving tribute to that melodic, beat heavy, over the top genre.


10-Breakbot-Baby I'm Yours (Aeroplane remix)

Parisian Breakbot is a new talented producer of the French Touch v2.0, signed on the über-trendy label Ed Banger (Justice, Cassius...) he takes a poppier melodic approach, deeply rooted in vintage Funk & Disco. He is remixed here by fresh Italo-Belgian sensation Aeroplane who turns the original into an '80's flavored club monster.

11-Sebastien Tellier-Kilometer (A-Trak remix)

Sebastien Tellier is not your usual club hero. The spiritual child of Serge Gainsbourg and Daft Punk, he mixes sex infused chanson with vintage, yet ultra modern soundscapes. Former turntablilist and one half of Duck Sauce,  A-Trak is respectfully pumping up the original adding beautiful Disco strings into the mix.

12-Jimi Tenor-Take me baby (Slappers, Organ And RX70 Chorus Mix)

Jimi Tenor is another excentric, this time hailing from Finland. He produced songs like no one else with his tongue firmly planted in his cheek. This delicously corny mix of  "Take me baby" is an orgasmic Disco-Tech-y ride, that sound as if played on the cheapest ever, living-room organ.

13-Cookie Watkins-I'm attracted to you (Original mix) (on CD only)

And from Finland we go to Zanzibar in a quick transition. Not the African town though, but its namesake New Jersey club, home of legendary DJ Tony Humphries. Club Zanzibar often referred to as the "Other" Paradise Garage,  is where black, soulful, house music was refined throughout the 80's. A place where the gospel roots of black suburban america met the new wave of europe's electronic beats. 

14-Darryl Pandy-Just Came To Party (Dimitri From Paris Classic Instrumental)+Blaze-I remember house  (Acapella)

In 1986 "Love Can't Turn Around" sung by Darryl Pandy was the first House music record that crossed over to pop teritorry and it forever changed the face of Dance music. My remix of "Just Came To Party" is a hommage to that musical milestone with the addition of  Blaze "I remenber House" acapella that brings some humor to the historical angle.

15-DSK - What would we do (Original Version)

Another House music crossover hit. I always liked vocals that were a little twisted, I find it adds an irrestible charm to a song. The lead singer here has a particular nonchalance that always reminded of Crystal Waters, and I love this old school sound where hip-hop breakbeats were mixed into House tracks.

16-Photon Inc. - Generate Power (Instrumental mix)

Here comes another House Classic, producer DJ Pierre AKA Photon Inc. From the mythical Stricly Rhythm label, he 
was famous for his "wild pitch" sound. A signature frantic build up of vocal samples, filtered loops, hip hop and house beats. Often imitated, never equalled.

17-Markus Nikolai-Bushes (The first recreation version 1.1)

You must have understood by now that I have a soft spot for excentrics. Frankfurt's own Markus Nikolai, optician by trade, is yet another one of them. Each of his works is unique and different from one another. Bushes, a clever combination of acoustic and electronic instruments wins the prize for "weirdest lyrics in a House song" category. It is very nicely Disco'ed up here by Chicago veteran DJ Derrick Carter.  

18-Endangered Species - Ping Pong

Ping Pong is one of the very first records that back in the 90's incorporated elements of big band Swing Jazz into House music. A great combination that is now a growing trend. I wanted to show it is something that had its roots way further than we would think.

19-Biboulakis Ft Nina Zeitlin- If only alarms didn't ring

For those who don't know, a sign at the Playboy mansion's door says "I you don't swing, don't ring" So I couldn't find a better track to conclude this set than this Swing flavored song by young fellow frenchman Biboulakis.

Bäs Noir - My Love Is Magic DFP Edit

Life Is A Song is originally from David Morales's new album featuring the incredible vocals of Michelle Perera who was a contestant on The Voice in Italy. The Philly remix is done by grammy award winning DJ/producer David Morales. This is a happy uplifting disco infused classic vibe.

LIFE IS A SONG - Philly Mix

TRAXSOURCE

The MuthaFunkaz Galaxy 2023

The Shapeshifters teases the deluxe edition of their 2022 studio album ‘Let Loose’ with a remix from Aeroplane. The long-awaited release on Glitterbox saw Simon Marlin work with luminaries from the world of disco, house and soul like Billy Porter, Joss Stone, Kimberly Davis and Teni Tinks, and the album succeeded in pushing The Shapeshifters sonic aesthetic, retaining the brassy, string flourishes and colourful instrumentation that we have come to expect. A year later, ‘Let Loose: Deluxe’ bolsters the original LP with remixes from fellow Glitterbox mainstays. Belgian disco producer Aeroplane remixes ‘Giving Me Something Better’ featuring Obi Franky, mixing rhythmic synth goodness into the funk-laden OG.

Giving Me Something Better (Aeroplane Extended Mix)

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The Shapeshifters feat. Obi Franky - Giving Me Something Better (Aeroplane Extended Remix)

A home for unmissable funk, disco and house releases, Glitterbox Recordings proudly unveils a powerhouse collaboration from undisputed music legends Kelly G. and Candi Staton, ‘Power Of One’. A pioneering Chicago DJ, producer and executive, Kelly G.’s influence on dance and hip-hop culture is palpable. From his #1 UK garage classic ‘Never Gonna Let You Go’ with Tina Moore, to chart-topping tracks with Chicago house icons Steve “Silk” Hurley and Terry Hunter, Kelly G. has worked with and remixed iconic artists like Mary J. Blige, Janet Jackson and Aretha Franklin, as well as Glitterbox favourites Dames Brown and Horse Meat Disco in recent years. As an Emmy award-winning film and music executive, Kelly has produced projects for Netflix and Comcast all while having a keen eye for talent by helping propel the careers of global icons like Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Drake, and now the esteemed Candi Staton. Known for era-defining, chart-topping hits and unmistakable vocals that have earned her respect in both mainstream and underground circles around the world, the quadruple Grammy-nominated Candi Staton continues to perform on major international stages, recently at legendary UK festival Glastonbury. Together the powerhouse pairing release ‘Power Of One’, a slow-burn funk-meets-house escapade, spotlighting Candi’s arresting vocals over Kelly G.’s infectious composition and expert production skills.

Power Of One

Kelly G. X Candi Staton - Power Of One (Extended Mix)

iTunes: http://po.st/litmepit | Beatport: http://po.st/litmepbp | Traxsource: http://po.st/litmepts | Spotify: http://po.st/litmepsp | Apple Music: http://po.st/litmepam | Deezer: http://po.st/litmepdz

Providing a taste of what’s to come from the upcoming album Glitterbox – Love Is The Message, this sampler serves up the very best dancefloor-filling beats, balancing classic with contemporary across five glittering tracks. 

Up first is a sublime remix of Soul Rebels ‘I’ll Be Good’. Soul Rebels covered the Rene & Angela electro-funk classic back in 2005, and this brand new remix is the first of two EP exclusives from the current king of disco re-edits, Dr Packer. Already a familiar name on the Glitterbox Recordings imprint, Dr Packer specialises in creating glorious upbeat re-works of much-loved favourites. Next up is his brand new remix of King Unique’s anthem ‘Love Is What You Need (Look Ahead)’. Another instant classic, it employs a warm, relaxed beat to give that unforgettable vocal more of a disco vibe.

The third exclusive on the EP, Luke Solomon & Terry Grant’s ‘Disco Revision’ of the seminal ‘Wonky Bassline Disco Banger’ reimagines the charmingly bonkers track, smoothing over some of the wonkiest bits but maintaining the disco fever by amping up the shuddering strings. 

Holding down the “classic” end of proceedings is Kings Of Tomorrow with ‘Tear It Up’, featuring the heavenly voice of Julie McKnight. Glitterbox is all about those euphoric ‘hands-the-air’ moments, which this track has endlessly. Rounding off this outstanding EP with an irresistible groove, Mike Dunn’s re-work of Gershon Jackson’s ‘Love Desire’ is a certified dancefloor pleaser. If you can’t get enough, there’s plenty more where that came from on Love Is The Message.

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King Unique 'Love Is What You Need (Look Ahead)' (Dr Packer Remix)

Vince Montana Jr left us on April 13, he was 85 years. 

He spent most of them writing, playing and arranging beautiful music. You can hear playing vibraphone (or vibes for short) on pretty much EVERY recording that came out of Philadelphia's Sigma Sound Studio from the late 60s to the mid 80's.

He was playing the vibes with MFSB, composers Gamble & Huff's studio supergroup, the core of what is known as the Philly Sound. He conducted the same musicians as his own Salsoul Orchestra giving them many classic Disco songs, amongst them the infamous Runaway with Loleatta Holloway on vocals on which you can clearly hear Vince's trademark vibes licks. 

In the 90's newer school House producers got him back in the studio and he arranged strings for Mousse T, DJ Meme and most notably for MAW collaborating on the Braxton's cover of the Boss and remaking his own classic Runaway.  

When I first heard "The Way U Love Me" I immediately asked to remix it and a budget to be able to get Vince to score the strings and vibes in Philadelphia. I was certain the song could be turned into a Philly Sound classic. Despite suffering with major illness at the time Vince enthusiastically accepted and made my dream come true.

The T.S.O.P. version of "The Way U Love Me" is the remix I'm the most proud of. It features a cast of more than 30 people, each one of them putting a part of their soul in the recording.
The mix you can hear on this page is an unreleased instrumental edit where the forefront is taken by the string orchestra and vibraphone solos.

As India was saying in the NuYorican Soul remake of Runaway:
"Vince, play them vibes for us just one more time"

Full credits below: 

Ron Hall & The Muthafunkaz Feat. Marc Evans - The Way You Love Me (Dim’s T.S.O.P. Version) Unreleased Dubstrumental
Written by Gary Ahrens, Marc Evans, Gary Hudgins, Irvin Madden, Sean Spencer & Dimitri Yerasimos
Original Produced by DJ Spen & The MuthaFunkaz

Lead Vocals by Marc Evans
Background Vocals by Marc Evans, Jada Davis & KT Spencer

Original Keyboards by Gary Hudgins
Original Bass by Irvin Madden
Original Programming by Ron Hall & DJ Spen
Originally Mastered By Gary Deane @ Code Red Recording Studios Baltimore MD
Executive Producers: DJ Leo & Neil Pierce

T.S.O.P. Remix Exclusively Produced & Arranged by Dimitri from Paris for La French House of Entertainment
New Rhythm Section by Los Amigos Invisibles
New Drums by Juan Manuel Roura
New Bass by Jose Rafael Torres
New Keyboards by Armando Figueredo
New Guitar by Jose Luis Pardo
Congas by Mauricio Arcas
New Strings Arranged & Conducted by Vincent Montana, Jr.
New Violins by Igor Szwec, Diane Barnett, Gloria Justen, Louigi Mazzoechi, Olga Konopelsky & Elizabeth Kaderaback
New Violas by Davis Barnett & Nina Cottman
New Cello by Anthony Pirollo
New Vibraharp by Vincent Montana, Jr.
New Rhythm Section recorded at Tu Casa New York City & Casa del rhythmo, Brooklyn
New Strings recorded at The Studio, Philadelphia
New PA engineered by Jeff Chestek
New Vibraharp recorded at Philly Sound Works
Vibraphone recorded by Louis Benedetti

New Mix by Dimitri from Paris
Additional engineering by Julien Jabre at La French House Studio, Paris

Published by Defected Music Ltd & Blonde Music
P 2006 Defected Records
C 2008 Defected Records


The MuthaFunkaz Galaxy 2023

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