Lazy

Man I've been such a bum lately! Hence I haven't posted on here for awhile. The funny thing is I've been on the internet A LOT lately. I've just gotten wrapped up in some other things (pretty typical of me once I get started on the internet). BUT I've got a few posts coming up and hopefully some DJ sets to share. I'm compiling right now.

The Presets - My People

I know this is not new music but I was just listening to The Presets and am reminded of their brilliance. If you have not yet taken advantage of their brilliance please do so immediately. This video will serve as reference.

Side Point....

That last post brings up something. Why are artists so afraid to be "pigeonholed"? Maybe that, by definition, is part of being an artist; not being predictable lest creativity be lacking. I definitely understand that but I think there's a few things to think about:

1) What if you're simply not that good at other styles?
For instance, you have "So and So" who makes what has been labeled "tech-house", but for fear of being "pigeonholed" decides to try "acid jazz". Would it be such a bad thing to be stuck in the genre you're good at?

2) What if that's just your sound/look/whatever?
Here's an example of two bands in particular who, respectively (and respectfully), have in the past declined being part of the genre they helped create. Depeche Mode, for instance, didn't like being "club" or "dance music", while Massive Attack didn't like being termed "trip-hop". I understand that sometimes the image that the title or associated group creates may not be what you represent but honestly, the description fits. If people had created any other term would they have liked that any better? While I love both (A LOT), I doubt it.

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for creativity and diversifying your sound but at what cost and is it always good?

Josh Wink to release new LP, "When A Banana Was Just A Banana"

Let me just get the disclaimer right out there: I've never been a huge fan of Josh Wink. However, I do know a fair number of people who will be excited to hear this news. And, well, it's not all about me, is it?

Back on topic, Josh Wink has just recently announced the release of his forthcoming, interestingly titled LP, When A Banana Was Just A Banana. This will mark the Philadelphia-based DJ/producer's fourth studio album.

Wink, who is already known for his eclectic style, seems to be making an even more outspoken statement against the dangers of "pigeonholing" in the electronic music genre.

“In a nutshell, it speaks really of the loss of innocence of music," Wink starts. "Music was just music when I was growing up. Nobody was ridiculed or had views of ‘I only listen to this one kind of music’, I grew up listening to everything. Today, so many people tend to only listen to one style of music with a strong opinion of why. I miss the innocence of how it was, like when you were younger, ‘A Banana Was Just A Banana’.”

True dat Josh Wink!

When A Banana Was Just A Banana is due to be released February 2009.

Depeche Mode - New Album and Tour of the Universe!

This is HUGE news for me, as I am a HUGE Depeche Mode fan! Their 12th studio album (yet to be titled) is in the works right now and will be followed by what I can only imagine is an immense tour. Especially since it has been dubbed "Tour of the Universe 2009". So far only the European leg of the tour has been announced but I'm sure dates for the U.S. will come soon. For now, enjoy the "in the studio" video as a teaser!

December Shows

Perhaps I'll expand this later, but residing in Colorado I thought I'd post some noteworthy shows coming to us in December. They are as follows:

12/2 - The Crystal Method - Fox Theatre, Boulder
12/6 - D. Ramirez - Vinyl, Denver
12/7 - Sebastien Tellier - Bluebird Theatre, Denver
12/11 - Nic Fanciulli - Beta Nightclub, Denver
12/13 - Satoshi Tomiie - Vinyl, Denver
12/18 - Dubfire - Beta Nightclub, Denver
12/19 - Glass Gentlemen - The Snake Pit, Denver *TBC

Get Physical's 100th release

The always brilliant Get Physical just put out it's 100th release, entitled GPM 100. I just listened to it and picked up a few tracks from Beatport. It is certainly worth checking out. See "Donut" from Booka Shade and M.A.N.D.Y. below. It actually reminds me of my friend Option4's music.... a lot!

It's not on GPM 100, but I also picked up "Long Way Down" by Tom Demac from the album, Editing Shadows.

Two funky, kinda strange tracks. Have a listen:

Booka Shade and M.A.N.D.Y. - Donut [Original Mix]
Tom Demac - Long Way Down [Original Mix]