Before Kanye West ever got his hands on “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger,” hip-hop all-stars had made use of Daft Punk‘s robotic sound. Dating back to 2005, Busta Rhymes found the duo’s “Technologic” to sample for the lead single from his album The Big Bang. Produced by Swizz Beats, “Touch It” contains a snippet of the original’s vocal, used as the chorus to support Busta’s verses. Properly crediting Thomas and Guy-Man, “Touch It” is one of the few noteworthy Daft Punk samplings in hip-hop.
Seeing Dennis play the inaugural Sensation America last year reminded me why he continues to come to mind as one of the modern-era house music greats. That was in 2012, but this cut from 2006 is timeless in its own right. The track isn’t too in-your-face, but the sum of rapid percussive variations, (what sound like) ritualistic chants, and perfectly appropriate synth stabs keeps the groove going without letting up. This was never Ferrer’s most famous song — but as DJ Mag recently warned, just don’t call him “Mr. Hey Hey.”
Dennis Ferrer – P 2 Da J
Release: 2006
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Bedingfield’s near-turn-of-the-century pop/dance crossover was both a radio and club hit, and not without reason. The central riff is both sparse and catchy at the same time; the stripped-bare instrumentation allows Bedingfield’s vocals to take over and do the work. “Gotta Get Thru This” is a song that hasn’t aged gracefully, but it’s sure to rekindle memories for many.
This weekend we’re taking it way back with “Walk 4 Me,” Tronco Traxx original production from 1998. After becoming acquainted with “Swims,” a friend introduced me to the tune that Boddika & Joy Orbison got their vocal samples from. “Walk 4 Me” is evidence of the timeless nature of techno. It might have been produced fifteen years ago, but I don’t doubt it still has enough power to ignite crowds even now.
If you’ve seen Deadmau5 perform anytime in the last four years or so, it’s possible that you heard James Holden’s remix of “Safari.” Although he doesn’t play it in every set, it seems to be a frequently used weapon of his — particularly during his unhooked sets. Even after almost a decade, the Crosstown Rebels released track is still a powerful dance floor killer. Its heavy bassline and spooky vocals make for an eerily twisted tune — one that may take some time getting used to, but once you have it’s unforgettable.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Many people are aware of Deadmau5′2012 and 2013Grammy nominations, but less are acquainted with his 2009 nomination for “The Longest Road” (released in 2008). The track was considered for “Best Remixed Recording, non classical” and although it didn’t win at the awards show, it’s still one of his best offerings. Everything from Lissie’s rapturous, smoky vocals to the tinkling melody and infectious bassline are blissful and calming. With the summer months rapidly approaching keep this song in mind for your top down drives and festival road trips.
Fun fact: Deadmau5′s remix was featured in Tap Tap Revenge 3.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Contrary to popular belief, “Leave The World Behind” was not Swedish House Mafia’s first single. Sure, it helped launch the Swedes’ careers back in 2009, but their first release as a trio was “Get Dumb.” Credited individually as Axwell, Sebastian Ingrosso, and Steve Angello, “Get Dumb” also featured a younger Laidback Luke. Nearly a month away from the end of their collective legacy, this rewind reveals their sound prior to their explosion — Swedish club beats, and some throwback Dutch bleeps from Luke as a bonus.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Once upon a time, there were no champagne facials. No Paris Hilton sightings, no inflatable raft crowd surfs, and still no “No Beef.” The year was 2010 — and there was, however, an Afroki. Afrojack and Steve Aoki had teamed up long before parading around Las Vegas for their “No Beef” spectacle. One year prior, the tag team hit the studio for “Show Me Your Hands,” a production for Steve Aoki’s I Love Techno 2010 compilation(the title was less shocking three years ago). Both forces brought their then-fresh, frenetic electro sounds together for a track you only dream about today.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
We’re taking it way back (over two decades to be exact) for today’s Weekend Rewind. Rapper turned DJ Richie Rich’s “Salsa House” was released in 1989 and features vocal samples from Michael Jackson’s “Get On The Floor,” an MJ track so old that many young fans of the late icon won’t even recognize it. Despite its age, the song doesn’t sound too dated to be touched by adventurous DJ. In fact, Roger Sanchez blew the dust of this record in 2011 at Southport Weekender.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
2009 was the year that Swedish House Mafia would heat up in Miami and become hot enough for the globe. After releases of “Show Me Love” and “Leave The World Behind,” the Swedes went on to produce “One” — and the rest would be history. But not before Steve Angello captured the year’s Miami vibes and packaged them into his debut artist album. The Yearbook presents club music geared for South Beach — day and night life. Without the big room appeal or vocal enhancements of modern productions, Steve’s 10-track outing pays testament to his dance intellect and deeper side.
Headed by “Valodja” and supported by a track produced under his Mescal Kid moniker, The Yearbook remains in the archives as Steve travels the world for One Last Tour with his Swedish brethren. Jump below the break to stream the album and get hooked on the earlier sounds from the Size Records head honcho.
