Clever lyrics, dope rhyming, ace beat … this is what I call fresh.

Got them, my speakerkratjes from Heineken (and 6 cans of that silly tasting beer of theirs). Blasting that genius Beach Boys remix project by Bullion through it and it sounds mighty fine (and damn loud) for such tiny things. Feeling great today. Although Sporting’s shameful loss yesterday and the fact that me trying to tape Friday’s dj-sets failed miserably.

 Big thanks to Lieven for getting me the Speakerkratjes.

I try not to let my own political views interfere with this Blog but sometimes I must fail at that. When there’s a good reason to do so. And I feel there is one nowadays.

The only rhetoric you hear these days, when it comes to the future of this tiny country, is one that’s only concerned about the own backyard of the man or woman who’s speaking. Both by the Flemish as the Walloon politicians (Brussels is neglected as if it didn’t exist). It’s too egoistical and lacks all vision about the bigger picture. I miss the voice of those who do not want any separation nor opportunistic expansions of territory. I do not say we should leave all as it is. There are some changes in the governmental structure of this country that can be made for the better, no doubt. But it isn’t the most urgent problem we face nor is it the only one. And changes should be made for the better of all people, not just some happy few.

I miss the voice of those in favour of solidarity. Something we Belgians always promoted in Europe and now fail to do in our own country. This doesn’t mean the federal structure of our country needs to disappear because some topics need to be handled on a level close to the people. And I’m not saying we shouldn’t consider if the form, both territorial as structural, of Brussels needs to be altered because maybe there are some good reasons, economical and demographical, to do so. But that shouldn’t keep us from running this country in a way the quality of life will increase for all. Because the issues that hold back everything are, the way they are treated now, only in favour of some, not all, and are not the most important ones.

One way to add volume to this other voice is to sign this petition. I do not force anybody to do it, nor will I think you’re an ass if you have your reasons not to (although I might want to start a discussion with you). But I know a lot of my friends think in the same way as I do and might want to sign the petition.

The Vaartkapoen, my favourite concert hall in my younger days (saw RATM, Paris, Carter USM, Boo Radleys and many other bands there), is going strong again. Real strong. They are bringing my number 1 rapper du moment over; Pharoahe Monch. The guy released a superb album (Desire) that went practically unnoticed. Better than Kanye, Common, Talib and Curtis combined. In my book these guys are not even playing in the same league, maybe not even the same sport. He’s bringing conscious lyrics with gusto on dope ass beats. A shame so little people recognise. Anyway 10/11 he’s performing at the VK and I’ll be there. After party at Strictly Niceness ?

The other big thing organised by the VK is falling together with the first day of our weekender. Bit of a shame. Because 2 of the most interesting Dubstep cats are coming to Brussels to spin some dubplates; Benga & Skream. At Palace on the Avenue Anspach (presumably the old Pathe Palace / Kladaradatch cinema). 30/11 is the date.

Almost forgot to make some noise for a couple of Hiphop events taking place tonight. There’s Jazzy Jeff playing at Stereosushi and El-P, Lefto & Nanni K playing at Trix, both in Antwerp, and one of our favourite Dutch MC’s will be performing in Ghent (Minus One). For more info check Kicksnare.

Probably forgot to mention them because I can’t attend any of them. No reason you shouldn’t check one or more o’ them.

Tried to apply for it a couple of times but didn’t bother last few years. Maybe a bit out of disappointment, my idea the Belgian side of it is a bit of a clique thing (not sure that’s right to be honest – just a bit of a prejudice) and the fact I’m getting older, more experienced and skilled in doing things my own way. But like with everything, every once in a while, one needs to check if his views are in check with reality. Doing that I discovered that I mustn’t put the whole RBMA thing aside just because of some wild ideas based on little to nothing. It’s a sheer un exhaustible source of info on the music I like and more. It’s digging deep enough, speaking and connecting with the real leaders of the game and bringing you info in a clear, organised way. You only need to dig in and grab your piece of the pie. There are lots vid’s, pics and audio of the seminars they did, interviews galore, mixes plenty and the sites are clean and well designed so it child’s play to find your way to what you want and need to know. Check the main site and the radio site.

This is going to take a while before I’ve plundered this.

And for those wondering how my productions are going. Well, I didn’t enter the Sick Trumpet competition because it took me way to long to get round the technical part of it all. At least too long to complete it before the deadline. But expected that a little. Don’t mind, as long as I keep progressing and pushing my own boundaries. In time I’ll produce something I can share. The readers of this blog will be the first to know.

Soul Migrantz is a Belgian House duo (one of them is TiNo, I know some of you know the dude). Their first few releases lacked what most (Belgian) House lacks in my opinion; Something that stirs the soul. It was, like 95% of all (Belgian) House DJ’s and producers, kinda flat, not really bad but far from exceptional. But now they released a tune which is a real winner with me. The kind of Kerri Chandler-esque mix of their “Calling Chicago” tune is something I’m definitely going to play. Will score it on my next music hunting trip, no doubt. More of that, please.

Onda Sonora going Reggae, concentrating on the digital era, one of the most interesting ones according to us. Party is held at JH Eenders, Saturday the 27th of October. Entrance will cost you 3 euro’s (you’ll get 1 drink for free if you’re a member of the youth centre). And the sounds playing will be Boomblast, Boom-a-Ranks and the mighty locals and longtime friends from Jugglin’ Discotheque. Come check it out.

A bit of a shame that I’ve never been to the Chicago Boogie parties nor the Make Up Club in Ghent (will be there when Greg Wilson will rule over the decks). But most interesting dates are when there’s something else to do. Like now. It’s 1Love. in Halle with Red D. But if you’re stuck in Ghent and want to check out the guy, you need to go to this party. Certainly because one of my House music heros will be playing as main guest. DJ Deep, House music encyclopedia and master of fine sound quality and deepness when it comes to selection. We need to bring over the man to a Onda Sonora party.

Nice to hear you like the Blog and everything but feel free to add some comments every once in a while.

Not blogging as much as your used to. Taking it easy on all possible levels. Making some time for friends and family. Had a really nice time last week(end). And I’m going back to school. One day a week learning more about acoustics.

But here’s some things to keep you busy for a while.

Those loving quality Dutch Hiphop need to check VPRO’s 3voor12 Luisterpaal. You can check the new releases from Opposites, Sticks & Delic and Pete Philly & Perquisite in full. Some dope stuff.

This weekend it’s party time in our heimat. Friday it’s Soul Rebel’s 1Love. party with Red D and Lady Linn, the organiser and us playing the beats. Expect new stuff from Belgian’s top DJ / vocalist combination. Maybe even own productions. We’ll be opening with an extra long and deep set.

Saturday Boenanza happens again. The party organised by and in Boelekewis, a restaurant near the "Provinciaal Domein" in Huizingen. Resident Jonathan is joined bij Wout (ex-Zap) and Sir Raz.

Sometimes people ask me what I can recommend before they go buying CD’s. I’m talking about those friends who like good music but aren’t as mad as us to buy the latest dope releases seconds after they are pressed or dig deep in the crates worldwide looking after some obscure Rare Groove bombs. People who just want to hear some fine music in the car or while doing the house chores.

Usually when I get those questions I’m too staggered to give a proper answer. Or I don’t know if it was released on CD or not. So I’m gonna start a topic on this Blog with recommendations which y’all can click too before going on a buying trip.

First up is a collection of music from fresh up and coming beatsmiths. All influenced by the late Dilla, no doubt, but all great artists in their own right. Some with vocals or raps, some instrumental. Producer No. 1, released by the nice people from Fat City, is a collection a selection of tunes done by some of the most talented cats around like Domu, Rednose Distriktn Ta’Raach, Samiyam, Marc de Clive-Lowe and Eric Lau. All winners no fillers. Soulful, abstract but without going boring or too intellectual. A fine introduction into the world of music with its origins in Hiphop but going way beyond what most people’s idea is of this genre. The vinyls have been on constant repeat at my home and most tracks have been played by Lefto, Benji B, Simon Harrison and alike in their radio shows.

Other similar releases I can recommend are Wajeed – The War LP (Fat City), V/A - Beat Dimension (Rush Hour), Sotu the Traveller - Daydreams (Appeltree), V/A – From L.A. with Love (Milan), Flying Lotus – 1983 (Plug Research), Rdnose Distrikt – Poes (Rush Hour)

And recommended Dilla: J Dilla – Donuts (Stones Throw), J Dilla – Ruft Draft (Stones Throw)

Just yesterday I was saying more people should start a Blog and here’s one of our other favourite DJ’s starting one. Benji B’s blog, which has not much more than that ace Ty & Kory exclusive for Deviation on it. As it is online just recently. Looks promising.

His Myspace is updated too. Given a similar look as the Blog and some of his edits are online. Subtle crafted pieces of music the die hard followers of his show might already have spotted in his shows. Love them all but the D-Train dub is pure bliss. Got to work devastating on any dance floor.

In his quest to conquer the world Benji B has started a monthly party in London. It kicks off the 3rd of October and will take place every first Wednesday of the month. First guest is Skream, one of the leaders on the Dubstep front. More info about the night here.

And just for the sake of being complete here’s the Deviation Myspace. Where you can listen to the opening tune all day long and find the playlists.

Nagano Kitchen -Destination Nagano (Ibadan)
Frank ‘n Dank - Clap Hands - Morgan Spacek Remix (Dopeness Galore)
moO - Apples & Pears (Up My Alley)
Eric Lau & Guilty Simpson - For The D (Fat City)
Ta’Raach - Baaaby (Fat City)
B.T. (Brenda Taylor) - You Can’t Have The Cake And Eat It Too (West End)
Alicia Myers - I Want To Thank You (M&A Records)
Madlib - Organ Stroll (Stones Throw)
Q-Tip - Official (Motown)
Weldon Irvine - Jungle Juice (BMG)
Dorothy Ashby - Action Line (Cadet)
Rotary Connection - Love Has Fallen On Me (Cadet) (Big Common Sample !)

I’ve put a new mix online on our Podcast page. It’s a chill out mix. Keep in mind that it is mixed on a very worn down mixer which has its repercutions on the sound quality. It’s a problem that should be fixed in a couple of weeks. Once I’ve got a new one, you can expect more mixes.

But about the mix now. Didn’t really knew which title I should give to this tape. It’s lower tempo music, not necessarily meant to dance. But it’s definitely no easy listening nor music to lounge to. It’s music that touches you deep within. It’s music that makes you dream, think and reaches your soul. You could call it spiritual but that’s a word that’s gotten a little icky over the years. So I just called it "Headphone trip". Because its music to listen to through a quality headphone on your trips which takes you on a trip. A mental trip, a trip to undiscovered musical territory, a trip through memories good and bad, a trip to anywhere you like. You choose.

And as much as I’d like to let the music do the talking I can’t hold myself from giving a little info with every track in the mix. So here we go with the track list.

Donny Hathaway- I love the Lord: He heard my cry (parts I & II) (ATCO 1973)
Opening track of one of the best albums of all time, "Extensions of a man". Maybe a bit baroque and the title may be a little too religious for me but it’s a great song to begin with. All the tracks of this mix are taken from ace LP’s. Check them out in full too if you can.
Terry Callier - Dancing Girl (Cadet 1972)
Another opening track from an album I rate very highly, "What color is love" on the ace Cadet Records. Produced by Charles Stepney of Rotary Connection / Minnie Riperton / Earth, Wind & Fire fame. A must in every soul aficionado’s collection.
Incognito - Fearless (Mercury 1999)
I love a lot of Incognito’s work but this is the absolute top one for me. Seeing them live at Southport Weekender last year, doing this live, was a moment I won’t forget lightly.
Fela Ransome Kuti & The Afrika 70 - Gentleman (Kalakuta 1973)
A little less known as some other songs of this Nigerian legend but top quality, taken from the LP with the same name. Nice to see people like Lefto play more Fela (or Femi or Seun). He’s getting slowly the respect he deserves.
The Pointer Sisters - How long (betcha got a chick on the side) (Blue Thumb 1975)
Not all their albums are great but this one surely is. It blew me away when I first heard it. Picked it up for 1 euro at the VRT vinyl liquidation.
Marvin Gaye - Anger (Motown 1978)
I’m a big Marvin Gaye fan. He made plenty of superb records (and some bad ones too, I’m afraid). Strong message which has become something of a mantra to me. From the album "Here my dear" he made after his divorce as part of the settlement with his ex-wife.
Leon Ware - Instant Love (Motown 1976)
From his "Musical Massage" LP. Leon Ware worked with Marvin Gaye on the latter’s masterpiece "I Want you". This is a bit in the same vain. With Minnie Riperton on backing vocals.
Jon Lucien - Would you believe in me (RCA 1973)
From the "Rashida" album. Sadly passed away this year. Underrated artist.
Stevie Wonder - Golden Lady (Motown 1973)
From the "Innervisions" album. Had to put some 70’s Stevie in this mix. Hope to see him at least once in my life performing live.

Lefto, one of Belgium’s finest DJ’s and certainly one of our favourites behind the wheels of steel has updated his personal site. He’s got a blog now. A thing we like a lot. More people should have blogs. It’s nicely designed too. Check it out.

A couple of hours ago I didn’t even know it existed and now I’m playing there. I’m talking about "Dansbaar", a dance bar situated in the very centre of my hometown, Halle. It’s in the Kardinaal Cardijnstraat (former tapas bar just around the corner of the Blue Note café, next to our basilica church). I’ll be assisting Jonathan (of Boebar / Boenanza fame who plays there regularly). Looking forward to share the decks with him again.

Had to skip the one last Sunday because I’m in my chill period when it comes to going out. But early December there’s another chance. The London Loft Party with David Mancuso will return on the 9th of December in The Light. Check this site for more info (soon).

And I know it’s nowhere near the orginal Loft experience and everything, like Body & Soul in London wasn’t anything like the NYC one, but I’ve had a very good time last time I saw David Mancuso. Plus, people pay ridiculous amounts of money to see has beens like the Stones, which is far less relevant to me than this.

Need to check quite a lot in London. Theo Parrish’ monthly residency at Plastic People, Benji B’s night, Co-op, Inspiration Information while it still can, … . Too much.

Feeling sick today. The Bad weather and not sleeping well is taking its toll. Thus not really in the mood to do a lot of posting. Will try to put a mix I’ve made over the weekend online this evening.

Completely forgot to mention this. But “De Hop”, our favourite Belgian radio show, is back since begin September. Now on Thursday evening, back in the dynamic duo format with GUS and Lefto. Heavy playlists like we’re used to and some mad chaos and fun in the studio. Listen to it on the Studio Brussel website. Dopest show on national radio, lightyears ahead of all competition.

The first of November the show is going live from Democrazy. At Minus One in Gent. With a killer line up;

DJ SPINNA (NY, Usa)
BLACK MILK (Fatbeats)
SEAN P (Boot Camp Clik)
GUILTY SIMPSON (Stonesthrow)
LEFTO & GUS

You won’t get it much doper than this in our little country.

Only problem is; I’m in England. For Southport Weekender, which softens the blow but nevertheless still missing one of the events of the year.

Got my tickets booked for Lissabon. Going to visit Kris near the end of November. First time in Portugal. Really looking forward to it.

Billy Palmier from Citywurl recordings hinted this. Usually I’m not too fond of all those Dilla clones nor am I a big Beech Boys fan (no, not even Pet Sounds). But the two mixed into something new like Bullion did works extremely well for me. I guess double minus means plus. That’s the engineer in me talking. Anyway check it out on the man’s Myspace. You’ll find a link to where you can download the ish on it.

It took some time to gather them and certainly to select, edit and upload them but I’ve put some pics from Notting Hill Carnival 2007 online. You’ll find them on our Myspace. Some really hillarious ones. Seeing them again puts a big smile on my face. Had such a good time.

The one above this post is taken at Inspiration Information. The guy in the back is Phil Asher, the rest of the picture is a bit wishy washy but that kinda reflects our state of mind at that very moment. Happy, a little drunk and in a very good mood.

We’ve uploaded another mix on our Podcast space. Finally. It’s called "Disco Dalglish Digs Antwerp" . All gold Disco and Boogie tracks with a common factor which is explained in this little text : 

What’s in a name? All the tracks in this mix were purchased at the same second hand store in Antwerp, Belgium’s second city and once home to the Onda Sonora duo BLA the 12” Allah and Disco Dalglish. The wax used in this mix costs, in total, about 25€. These days you can hardly download them for that price. The tracklist contains 12 soulful dance floor goodies. All selected and mixed in quite an euphoric mood, the day after Strictly Niceness’ 07-08 season kick off party. Talking about a great Brussels based party. Great atmosphere. Great dj’s. Check them soon at Onda Sonora at JH Eenders.

Tracklist
Deodato – Night Cruiser – Warner Bros. Records 1980
Crown Heights Affair – Dance Lady Dance – Barclay
Double Exposure – I Got The Hots For Ya – Salsoul Records 1979
Gregg Diamond – Chains – Polydor 1978
Kongas – Anikana-O – Barclay 1978
Al Wilson – Earthquake – RCA 1979
GQ – Disco Nights (Rock Freak) – Arista Records 1979
Delegation – Heartache No. 9 – Ariola Records 1980
Frisky – You’ve Got Me Dancing In My Sleep – Vanguard 1979
Nick Straker Band – A Little Bit Of Jazz – Epic 1979
Teddy Pendergrass – The More I Get, The More I Want – Philadelphia International 1977
Double Exposure – My Love Is Free – Salsoul 1976

Enjoy !

Kris, the Wickywacky dance machine brought this site to my attention. Haven’t checked it in its entirety but it looks like a neat source of information on one of my main musical interests; Disco. Read the nice article about the building blocks of Boogie by Greg Wilson. Gonna check the rest of it later this week.

Greg Wilson will be at Make up the 12th of October. All Boogie fans should be present.

And Kris will be back on Belgian dance floors early October. Be prepared.