Oct
22nd
On Point: Fantastic Plastic Machine
By Afolabi
During my brief period of highlife convalescence I had the opportunity to explore new territory musically. Discover new sounds if you will. Pretty much an exercise in stretching my sonic proclivities beyond their current shores. A lot of the music I came across is actually by artists from other countries; including this particular artist. Dj/Producer Tomoyuki Tanaka, a.k.a. Fantastic Plastic Machine, hails from Japan. He played the bass, dj'ed, and recorded music in Japan through the 80's and early 90's. Eventually releasing his first solo effort titled Fantastic Plastic Machine in 1997. The sound is highly influenced by bossa nova, house, and 60s lounge music, making it almost seem theatrical at times. He's released five more albums since his debut, and they're all solid. Here's a little sample, but I highly recommend getting to know more of the Fantastic Plastic Machine.
Sep
29th
The Jumpoff 09.29.09
By Afolabi
Welcome back ladies and gentlemen! It's been a bit. I haven't
really been on top of writing lately, as i'm sure some might have
noticed. I promise it's all been for good reason. We're
a year old now at The Highlife, and i thought i'd thank all of you
out there livin' the highlife with a Jumpoff. We're only just
getting started people, and it seemed fitting to kick it old school
to give you a glimpse of things to come on The Highlife. Take
for example, the image you're looking at right now. Created
by one of Boston's finest artists, Dan Szymanowski. You may not
know him yet; that'll change. But like i said, this is only
just a preview. Welcome to The Jumpoff!
A-Side
This British house duo has been making me dance since high school, but i kinda eased off their sound once college hit. Which would explain why i'd gone relatively unaware of their 2003 release, Kish Kash, for quite a while. Nevertheless, it made its way into my ears, and now it will make its way into yours. The juicy cuts at least. This is Basement Jaxx.
B-Side
Sometime last year i put up a post with the Entourage Season 5 closing credits soundtrack. They're not killin' it so much this year; the show's still good though. But the song from last week was absolutely solid. They dug deep to find an unreleased gem from the catalog of a music legend; I have nothing more to add... Marvin Gaye - Piece of Clay
And that'll do it for today. I can't say when next i'll be posting, but it'll be sooner rather than later. Live, love, be the highlife. Stay cool. Until next time, be easy.
-Afolabi
A-Side
This British house duo has been making me dance since high school, but i kinda eased off their sound once college hit. Which would explain why i'd gone relatively unaware of their 2003 release, Kish Kash, for quite a while. Nevertheless, it made its way into my ears, and now it will make its way into yours. The juicy cuts at least. This is Basement Jaxx.
B-Side
Sometime last year i put up a post with the Entourage Season 5 closing credits soundtrack. They're not killin' it so much this year; the show's still good though. But the song from last week was absolutely solid. They dug deep to find an unreleased gem from the catalog of a music legend; I have nothing more to add... Marvin Gaye - Piece of Clay
And that'll do it for today. I can't say when next i'll be posting, but it'll be sooner rather than later. Live, love, be the highlife. Stay cool. Until next time, be easy.
-Afolabi
Jul
30th
On Imagination
By Afolabi
IMAGINATION who can sing thy force?
Or who can describe the swiftness of thy course?
Soaring through air to find the bright abode,
Th'empyreal palace of the thund'ring God,
We on thy pinions can surpass the wind,
And leave the rolling universe behind:
From star to star the mental optics rove,
Measure the skies, and range the realms above.
There in one view we grasp the mighty whole,
Or with new worlds amaze th'unbounded soul.
-Phillis Wheatley
-Bibio
Jul
10th
New Music - Blackjoy
By Afolabi
"Go in this thy might..."
60 minutes. That's all you'll need to be thrown into full-blown summer mode. The group we're spotlighting today just might turn the rest of your summer (possibly year) into one big dance party. I learned about them very recently, and have now become quite attached to their sound in my ears (all day every day!). They're a french based group spearheaded by Jerome Caron, and a group of talented musicians who produce a very specific brand of "disco-house", that is irresistibly infectious. Just press play and you'll see what i mean.
So, for the next 60 minutes all you need to do is, turn up the volume as LOUD as possible, kick back, loosen up, and behold the unassailable might of...
Blackjoy
By the time this is done you should be bouncing wherever you are; work, home, train, wherever. Just try not to scare people with your enthusiasm. They're probably not as ready for the summer as you are. So do feel free to share Blackjoy with as many people as you can. I highly recommend getting your hands on a copy of Blackjoy Disco Jams, the only problem you'll have is liking it too much. If that's possible. Also, check out their blog for the latest on all that is Blackjoy.
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And that will do it for this New Music week. Please do check out the groups and artists spotlighted all week, they're awesome and I know they'd think you're awesome too. So get to know them. Until next time, keep dancing, stay cool, and be easy.
Afolabi
60 minutes. That's all you'll need to be thrown into full-blown summer mode. The group we're spotlighting today just might turn the rest of your summer (possibly year) into one big dance party. I learned about them very recently, and have now become quite attached to their sound in my ears (all day every day!). They're a french based group spearheaded by Jerome Caron, and a group of talented musicians who produce a very specific brand of "disco-house", that is irresistibly infectious. Just press play and you'll see what i mean.
So, for the next 60 minutes all you need to do is, turn up the volume as LOUD as possible, kick back, loosen up, and behold the unassailable might of...
Blackjoy
By the time this is done you should be bouncing wherever you are; work, home, train, wherever. Just try not to scare people with your enthusiasm. They're probably not as ready for the summer as you are. So do feel free to share Blackjoy with as many people as you can. I highly recommend getting your hands on a copy of Blackjoy Disco Jams, the only problem you'll have is liking it too much. If that's possible. Also, check out their blog for the latest on all that is Blackjoy.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
And that will do it for this New Music week. Please do check out the groups and artists spotlighted all week, they're awesome and I know they'd think you're awesome too. So get to know them. Until next time, keep dancing, stay cool, and be easy.
Afolabi
Jun
27th
DJ Jantine B - Sleeves on Hearts (KUSF 90.3)
By Afolabi
3 hr set from the one and only DJ Jantine B, on San Francisco's KUSF 90.3. Get your musical schooling from one of the best DJ's you'll find on either coast. Kick back, relax, and get in the groove.
Listen - Sleeves on Hearts
May
1st
Simian Mobile Disco Attack Decay Sustain Release
By George
Originally formed as a traveling English DJ
duet, Simian Mobile Disco first
became well known for their remixes of
Muse, Klaxons, The Go! Team, Air and
others. Their minimal instrumentation and hypnotic beats make
these guys one stylistic pair to keep a pulse
on.
Be sure to also check out Simian Mobile Disco music videos
- pure
goodness.
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