Show this Friday!

Hello friends,

It's been awhile since I've posted here. If you're still following/reading/staying tuned to this blog, I appreciate the loyalty. I wanted to post a flyer I designed for a DJ show I'm throwing with a friend of mine (see photo). I'm really pleased with how this flyer turned out and am also very excited for the show. If you're in the Uptown Minneapolis area this Friday and fancy a fun dance party, join us! We will be taking over the VFW basement and providing a plethora of underground techno rhythms to keep your feet moving and your ears happy. To RSVP, click on the flyer image.

My new DJ mix: "Late Night Lounge"

Just when you thought this blog was dead, I'm back with a quick update! I've taken quite the extended vacation from this site as well as some semi-unintentional time away from releasing my monthly live mixes. For those of you out of the loop, don't fret! I'm still DJing, still loving it, and have recently released a new live mix for download. It's called "Late Night Lounge" and the title pretty much sums it up. It's packed full of smooth house rhythms and middle-of-the-night lounge-style beats perfect for kicking back and vibing to. It clocks in at just under 90 minutes making it a great weekend warm-up or after hours cool down. I had a lot of fun recording this one. Enjoy:

I plan on releasing more mixes this Summer so stay connected to my Facebook and SoundCloud pages for info and linkage. Thanks for the support.

http://soundcloud.com/dj-robert-james

https://www.facebook.com/djrobertjames

My new DJ mix is here!

 Robert James - Mid-Summer Moombah! by (DJ) Robert James 

Justice for all

Finally... the nearly 4 year wait is almost over. My favorite French electronic duo, Justice, has announced that they will be releasing the first single from their new album on April 4th. The single, called Civilization, made it's world premier in a brand new Adidas spot directed by the legendary Romain Gavras.



The track sounds pretty spectacular even with the added sound effects and noises from the commercial. I love the breakdowns and the vocals at about 50 seconds in and am very excited to hear it in full. It's impressive that the song and album were kept under wraps so well. Anticipation for a follow up to Justice's 2007 debut album "✝" has been killing me and many fans for quite some time with little-to-no news/hints about this comeback. With the combination of Romain Gavras' directing abilities and Justice's musical talent, this commercial becomes quite successful. However, will it succeed in the intended Adidas sales or will it alternately drive Justice album sales? Expect more updates about the album in the future.

New mix: TECH ED

Here is a new DJ mix I recorded. It's full of techy acid house, minimal, tech house, and all around funky songs. Download it here and check out my page on Facebook for more mixes.

Tracklisting: 

Strip Steve - Breakin (Rynecologist Remix)

Djedjotronic - Feta

Jason Taylor - Sabotage

Angger Dimas and Neon Stereo - Zorg

Miles Dyson - Zooloo (Pleasurekraft Remix)

Harvard Bass - Caked

Renaissance Man - Spraycan

Nouveau  Yorican - Boriqua (Douster Remix)

John Roman - Sing!

Tiga - You Gonna Want Me (Hey Today! Remix)

Beltek - Eclipse

James Blake - CMYK

Things I'm enjoying at the moment

Spring break is 1 week away which means I have a plethora of things to accomplish this weekend (studying for 2 exams, finalizing 2 design projects, and preparing a presentation). To prevent stress overload, I have been taking some time this afternoon to entertain myself. Let me share with you what I am enjoying right this moment.

Tame Impala - Why Don't You Make Up Your Mind (Erol Alkan Rework).
Great song, really loving the nice balance of indie and dance vibes going on here. The guitar distortion reminds me of songs by Ratatat.

Gucci Vump - Shashtilism.
This is a funky tech house song that makes me feel like I'm back in Europe catching a train through Switzerland or rubbing elbows with locals in Amsterdam. I have been really getting into these minimal techy songs lately.

Let the Children Techno (Compiled and mixed by Busy P and DJ Mehdi)
My favorite French electronic label, Ed Banger Records, just released a compilation. If you have been reading my blog over the years you know how much I love Ed Banger and all of the associated artists. This compilation is fantastic and offers contributions from a lot of DJs/producers outside of the Ed Banger collective as well. Plenty of funky weirdness going on here.

Rubber, a film by Quentin Dupieux (Mr. Oizo from Ed Banger Records).

I have been covering this film for over a year just waiting with anticipation and it's finally available on-demand tonight. Quentin Dupieux is one of my favorite Ed Banger artists. He's a visionary and has a very unique style of music and film. This movie is about a tire that gains powers and goes on a murderous rampage. It may sound ridiculous to most but the film is really more of a commentary about the whole movie-going experience.

Aside from the above, I'm enjoying the adage.com re-design, my new obsession with Tumblr, browsing friendsoftype.com for inspiration, and scratching things off of my to-do list. I have also been extremely entertained by listening to music while looking at dancing .gif images like this one:

How are you enjoying your Friday afternoon/evening? Anything exciting going on in your world at the moment? Any cool finds? Let me know. I hope you enjoyed the randomness of this post. I often have moments where I'm so entertained by a number of things that I just have to share them with people.

Ciao

A little late on this...

But this is a mix that you all need to hear. I loved Luvstep 1 and this is even better. A very solid collection of mellow and heavy dubstep.

Tracklist:

1. Allie
2. Claire Maguire – Ain’t Nobody (Breakage Remix) [UMG]
3. Starkey – Cockroach [Civil Music]
4. Hooray For Earth – True Loves (Rx Remix) [Dovecote]
5. Skream ft. Sam Frank – Where You Should Be [Tempa]
6. Magnetic Man ft. Katy B – Crossover [Sony]
7. Freestylers ft. Belle Humble – Cracks (Flux Pavilion Remix) [Circus]
8. Gemini – Blue [Inspector Dubplates]
9. Yasmin – On My Own (Stench Man Remix) [Data]
10. Afrojack ft. Eva Simons – Take Over Control (Adam F Remix) [Spinnin]
11. Blue Foundation – Eyes On Fire (Zeds Dead Remix) [White Label]
12. Kito & Reija Lee – Sweet Talk [Mad Decent]
13. Blu Mar Ten – Nobody Here (Kastle Remix) [BMT]
14. Starkey ft. Anneka – Paradise [Civil Music]
15. Koreless – Maria [White Label]
16. boyChild ft. Soundmouse – Counting What Ifs [boyChild]
17. Summer
18. dBridge – Rendezvous [Exit]
19. dBridge – City of Lonely Runaways [Disfigured Dubz]
20. Intra:mental – Watching You [Nonplus]
21. Two Inch Punch – Love You Up [White Label]
22. Pearson Sound – Down With You [Darkestral]
23. Gladkill – Eastbound [White Label]
24. Phaseone – Being With You [Lefse]
25. Caspa ft. Mr. Hudson – Love Never Dies [Sub Soldiers]
26. Derek Allen & Top Billin – Suspiria [Mad Decent]
27. Fenech-Soler – Lies (Doctor P Remix) [B-Unique]
28. Cassius – I <3 U So (Trowa Remix) [White Label]
29. DJ Fresh & Sigma - Lassitude (Dillon Francis Remix) [Breakbeat Kaos]
30. Claire Hux - Grab On (Flufftronix Remix) [Unruly]
31. Submerse - Hold It Down [Well Rounded]
32. Psychonaught - One Wish [White Label]
33. Submerse - Downcast [Maltine]
34. Clementine

Happy Birthday

 Robert James - RJZNOV by DJ Robert James 

BRAINS - October Mixtape

Halloween is almost here so I included plenty of violent grime in this mix. Make sure to turn your speakers way up on this one. This is not a full quality stream so don't forget to download.

Cassius: The Rawkers EP

The new Cassius EP is finally here. I raved about the single, "I <3 U So", a few posts back when it was in my head for close to 24hrs a day that week. What a tease/wait it has been since I first heard that song in DJ Mehdi's summer mix. 

There are six songs on this EP which are all very different from the Cassius vibes I am used to. The Rawkers is far less poppy than the album, 15 Again but each track maintains the Cassius touch. My favorite of the bunch is still "I <3 U So", but the remaining five tracks are impossible to rank right now. I am looking forward to what I'm sure will be some extensive remix treatment in the near future.

Get your copy of The Rawkers on iTunes here

Now Playing

The Saturdays - Missing You (Azedia Remix)

Deadmau5 - Raise Your Weapon

A nearly 10 minute epic yet to be released. The first half is typical Deadmau5, the sweet spot is near the 5 minute mark

Neon Hitch - Drop It Like Its Hot (Snoop Dogg vs. Alina Orvola)

Unreal cover

Das Racist

Check out some refreshing alternative hip-hop from Das Racist. I am completely down with these guys at the moment. Two personal faves:

Computer Magic

My "albums in rotation" series has been pretty lackluster lately but this should hold you over. Let me introduce you to Computer Magic, a lo-fi, chill-core band out of New York. I don't know much about her (or them) but I like the music a lot. You can download 10 tracks for free on the site right now. My personal favorite at the moment is "About You". Another great track is "Electric Fence", check it out below.

Septembre Sombre

Here's the latest installment in my mix series. Went for a more mellowed out and smooth approach with a nice climax this time around. I also threw together two versions of artwork for you to choose from to add to iTunes. It looks like the hosting site is having some issues so streaming may be hit or miss. Download for original high quality. Hope you enjoy.

"So gifted at finding what I don't like the most"

It seems that everyone is obsessing over this song following the VMAs on Sunday. I have always had a problem with Kanye West as a person but I definitely love some of his music. This song has been stuck in my head all day and I'm not even a huge rap fan anymore. The beat is simple but extremely effective and the lyrics need no explanation.

I Love You So

I am so excited for the proper full quality release of this song that I need to share it with all of you.  It's a new single off the new EP from Cassius called The Rawkers. If you're not familiar with these guys, get familiar. They are friend's of Busy P and Ed Banger Records (who will be releasing this EP) and a part of their collaboration, Club 75. This song is so mellow yet so heavy and you may recognize the vocal sample from Gladys Knight & The Pips - "I Feel A Song". Enjoy.

OH.

I already put out an August mix which you can find a few posts back, so consider this one to be the awkward middle child until I put out a September edition. Being that it's awkward, I have affectionately titled this 50 minute piece, "OH" (to be effective you need to say the word in a very dry and monotone fashion to constitute judgement or lack of approval). The track selection is random yet effective and includes some odd moments, some bangers, some classics, and more. Enjoy.

About my mixes:

After posting my August mix some people asked why it has to be one long track instead of cutting it down to individual parts. That's a valid question but these are mixes not albums. I make them by recording myself while I DJ in real-time so the end result is one file of everything I have done for however long I choose to DJ. If you're new to DJ mixes and have a hard time following the whole thing in one sitting I recommend playing them while working out, partying, relaxing, going on a long drive, etc.

August Mixtape: Freaknik

I just finished fine tuning a mix I put together a few weeks ago and it's ready for download. It's a short one, only about 25 minutes, but it packs enough noise to freak out to/get freaky to/act like a freak to or just enjoy while having a picnic... thus, FREAKNIK. The tracks range from new and old so I hope you all enjoy, I had a lot of fun making it. You can stream and download below or use this link directly. Don't worry, it's a safe download so ignore any awkward ads on the site. Also, since it is a longer file, buffering may take a moment or two if you're trying to stream it first.

Albums in rotation

Here is a list of some albums that I recently got my hands on, some good, some alright, some not.  Click the artist/band name for info about them and the album name for Amazon.com.  I have also listed my current favorite tracks from each album which are sure to change (there's a lot of new music here to choose from!)

Eminem - Recovery
I am not a die-hard Eminem fan but I do think he's entertaining.
Check out: Going Through Changes (love the Ozzy Osbourne sample here), Won't Back Down

Phoenix - It's Never Been Like That
After falling in love with their recent album, Wolfgang Amadeus, I wanted to give this one a try from 2006 and it's fantastic.
Check out:  Too hard to decide

The National - High Violet
The new album from a great band that I was introduced to while living in England.
Check out: Sorrow, England

Ok Go - Of The Blue Colour Of The Sky
I'll be honest, these guys never really grabbed my attention but I had an urge to listen to this album and so far it's nice.
Check out: White Knuckles, While You Were Asleep

The XX - XX
I had heard of these guys a while back but never got my hands on the album until now. Really love their sound.
Check out: VCR, Night Time

Vampire Weekend - Contra
Similarly to Ok Go, I have never found myself craving anything by Vampy Wknd but have still wanted to give this album a shot.
Check out: Still deciding

Mystery Jets - Serotonin
I gave these guys a try when they released the album, Twenty One.  I liked it at first but it didn't stick.  I downloaded this new album and I liked it so much it made me start listening to Twenty One again.  I guess I just wasn't ready for them initially.
Check out: Too Late to Talk, many others

Discovery - LP
I heard about this band while in England as well but never gave them a try until now. I can honestly say this album is horrible.  It has it's moments but I do not like the overall package. Maybe it will grow on me.
Check out: Osaka Loop Line

Ra Ra Riot - The Rhumb Line
Oldie but goodie
Check out: Run My Mouth

Yeasayer - Odd Blood / All Hour Cymbals
Hard to say what I like and don't like here.  Both albums are very different and have elements of good and bad.
Check out: Both albums are still growing on me

Two Door Cinema Club - Tourist History
I heard about these guys a few months ago when I found a remix of their single Something Good Can Work and finally got around to getting the album.  Great stuff.
Check out: Something Good Can Work, Undercover Martyn

Big Boi (from Outkast) - Sir Lucious Left Foot...  The Son of Chico Dusty
I have always been a fan of Outkast as well as Big Boi's and Andre 3000's solo work. They are each unique artists and their sound is far from cookie-cutter hip-hop.  This album showcases that.
Check out: Daddy Fat Sax, Shutterbug

A Killer Tire

I don't even know where to begin with this one because it is so well known and unknown at the same time and there are things to talk about on multiple levels so I'm going to keep it brief and cut to the specifics I want to show.  Mr. Oizo, one of my favorite DJs/producers/film makers/wierdos is has a new movie called Rubber about a tire that comes to life and goes on a rampage.  It was shown at the Cannes International Film Festival not too long ago and is being shown in Montreal very soon and will hopefully be released within the year. I have always loved everything Oizo makes because his musical and cinematic style is so unique and unconventional. There are very few people out there as odd as him but he knows how to make odd things work.

As with any movie, there needs to be a soundtrack.  Who better to make the soundtrack for Rubber than Oizo himself?  I agree.  He has also enlisted the help of fellow Ed Banger label-mate and one half of Justice, Gaspard Auge.  This brings me to the point of this post.  Not only am I extremely excited for this film but for the soundtrack as well.  I can't imagine how mind bending both products are going to be. To give you some idea and to bring you up to speed I have included a zany teaser for the film and soundtrack as well as a sampler of some of the music here.  If you have never experienced anything by Mr. Oizo don't be discouraged.  It can take time to appreciate the art behind his noise.  I have been following the progress of the film and I will update accordingly with release dates.  Get excited people!