Midweek Mixes (27/07/22)
A run-down of some of the mixes and radio shows that have been soundtracking my existence – from the box-fresh to the tried-and-tested – all guaranteed to brighten up your week.
Giancarlo - The Danceteria Mix, April 1991
Listen here
It’s not clear if this is a recording from Danceteria itself. There are conflicting sources online, but it seems that by 1991 the legendary new wave club had a new Midtown venue plus an outpost in the Hamptons, which I guess is the location this mix refers to - whether as a live recording or simply as a tribute.
Part of the Pine Walk collection, this tape is the second from this treasure trove that I’ve written about here, the first being this Michael Jorba mix from 1985. The difference between the two is instructive. By 1991, the saccharine songs and guitars of mid-80s new wave and italo (presumably more in line with the sound popularised at the original Danceteria) have made way for edgy synths, implacable drum machines and a whole load of sexy attitude. That’s what I hear anyway from the mysterious Giancarlo, whose taste happily intersects very closely with my own.
The bpm is low-slung at 123 and the moody basslines and vocals are mixed together in an unfussy but energy-giving way, making the most of the variety of linear and broken grooves. Bleep is present and correct, there’s US-by-way-of-Toronto-and-Antwerp house, and more than one intriguing dub hybrid that I wish I could identify. (The only thing I could do with less of is the hip house, which these days feels like a cheap trick in many DJ’s repertoires. But lovely Giancarlo can’t be blamed for that.)
The years leading up to 1991 must count as one of the richest and most creative periods in dance music and this mix represents its abundant harvest.
(Thanks to Leo for sharing this one.)
Dana Kuehr/The Morning Show @ Kiosk Radio (15/07/22)
More morning goodness from all-round goddess Dana Kuehr. The Morning Show now has a regular rotation between its residents but the formula remains largely the same: soothing ambience, scratchy experimentalism, touches of dance music and MFING BANGERS. So in this episode we were treated to Cocteau Twins, Brian Eno, plenty of phat downtempo beats and MFing Aretha Franklin. The only thing missing is some mic action!