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The second release to sport DFA's new Death From Abroad spin-off label. Altz, who hails from Osaka, Japan, has previously released singles and a full length on Bear Funk. He provides a fresh sound on the lead-off "Max Motion(1)" incorporating crisp breakbeats...
expand review to the disco-funk sound. The real show comes in the multitude of breakdowns he incorporates into the track. It has an awesome stop-go effect, perfect for getting the crowd into. It's like a Scruff track got but through a DFA blender. For the follow-up, Altz heads into the cosmic territory with "Yello(2)." Moving further into space, the Idjut Boys deliver the Hoe Down mix(3) of "Yello" on the flip (yes, it incorporates a country-rock sound, the next frontier?), plus the requisite Idjut dub version. -the mgmnt
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Who'd have thought the new DFA supergroup featuring the likes of Delia Gonzalez, Gavin Russom, Tim Goldsworthy, James Murphy, etc would have dreamt up this groovy little number? "Casual Friday(1)" sheds the suit and tie in favor of a loose party affair,...
expand review chock full of frivolous vocals (ed.note: with an underline) and wonky synth action. All the while, a driving disco bassline and handclaps aplenty keep them butts a-wigglin. And if vox ain't your thang, there's a handy instrumental(2) on the flip. Put that in your leotard and smoke it. -Roy Dank
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Not to be confused with Betty Botox, the latest addition to DFA's Death From Abroad label is the Parisian duo of Bot'Ox, aka Julien Briffaz and Cosmo Vitelli. These guys both do great things on their own (like Briffaz' [T]EKEL project and...
expand review Vitelli's I'm A Cliche label) so expectations were high for this release; fortunately, the single is really, really good. An extended dark disco jam with ill live instrumentation and plenty of FX work, "Babylon By Car(1)" manages to keep the "DFA sound" and still sound 100% original, like LCD's moody European cousin. Flip it over for some slo-mo Italo with breathy, dubbed-out vocals on "Tragedy Symphony(2)." Plays at 45. -Larri Byrd
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Gucci Soundsystem (aka Riton & Ben from Fat Truckers) step out of the remix shadows for an original 12" on the suddenly resurrected DFA label. "Acarpenter(1)" is a retro-sounding piece of techno-funk that takes a minute to warm up, but once those...
expand review 80s synth stabs drop in, it's a wrap. The B-side features an extended Joakim remix(2), but the real heat is the inside cut of the A-side, the rumbling "Lord A Mercy(3)." A-side plays at 33; B-side at 45. -Larri Byrd
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Second 12" for Herc & LA's huge single "Blind." This time the DFA boys have recruited UK's Serge Santiago to give it the heavy remix(1). Serge's version is a stark contrast to the OG or Frankie Knuckles version, relying on more tech-dub...
expand review styles than classic house or disco. It gets pretty dark at some points but in the right kind of set, this will kill. Kind of reminds me of the Get Physical sound. Flipside features the brilliant dub version(2) of the Frankie Knuckles mix. The first 12" flew off our shelves and this one will probably follow suit so don't miss out! Thick, loud pressing in fancy pic sleeve. -snackmaster
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Listen to those warm drum kicks, minimal synths, lusty ghost vocals, and perfect snares... I'm in jacking heaven right now! But wait, the label says DFA. WTF? Where's the dirt? I dunno, and frankly, I don't give a rat's ass. This is...
expand review minimal jack house perfection. It reminds me of the deepness of an early Kevin Saunderson mixed with the sexiness of Murk, and in short... it's fucking awesome. We just played "Classique #2(1)" on the speakers here and it got automatic props from the Snackmaster and Minimal Man - the groove is that infectious. Not only is the low end hot, but check the catchy synth hook and vocals. Woo! "Roar(2)" on the flip is another heater in the same vein. Honestly, I don't know which side I like better. Just make sure the people you play this for know how to party, and for goodness' sake, make sure it's dark! Have you ever heard deep jacking grooves in a well lit place? It just doesn't work. -Cmish
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Finally some excitement in NYC! Hercules & Love Affair have been blowing up this year with their string of enticing singles, reviews and remixes... but are they the real deal? I'm not the first or last to say this, but yes, they...
expand review are. This is their long awaited full length LP release, finally available domestically, clearly setting some yardage beyond the status quo of dance albums this year. The project is made possible with Antony Hegarty (from Antony and the Johnsons) and Kim Annn Foxman on vocals, Tim Goldsworthy helping with production, a small army of live musicians, and the talents of an amazing young writer, Andrew Butler. Needless to say, they are killing it. I know it's hard to stay away from labels like, "Disco Revival" whose roots run deep in the veins of this city, but the only word I can think of is "Fresh." Fresh as is fresh new sounds, in a time when 80's boogie and disco edits are around every corner. Not that I don't love the old stuff, I adore it, but I also love this too, and it's a sound rarely heard. Of course you'll hear comparisons to Arthur Russell, Inner City, Sylvester, Bohannan, etc(the list goes on), but when is it ever bad to be compared to timeless greats? For a lean walkthrough of the Hercules & Love Affair experience, check "You Belong(1)," "Athene(2)," "Blind(3)," "Easy(4)," "Raise Me Up(5)," "True Flase/Fake Real(6)," "Classique(7)," and "Roar(8)." This is future classics in the making. Also, The CD comes enhanced with their video for "Blind," directed by Saam Farahmand. Highly recommended. -C'mish
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NY's champion horse of modern disco is back with their second official 12". Just when you thought they couldn't follow up "Blind," they drop this on you. If you listened to the album, "You Belong" stands out as an obvious dancefloor heater...
expand review that's perfect for a single release. Unfortunately, the album version is available only on the other single release of this, but this one makes up for it with a more minimal "Hercules Club Mix(1)," a darker house remix by the legendary "Kevin Saunderson(2)," a bumping remix by the infamous Derrick Carter and a sweet modern house treatment by "Riton(4)." Talk about stacked! -C'mish
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DFA is on a tear lately! Whatever this new phase they're in is going to classified as by Vice and a few hipster blogs, I'm totally down with it. New artists Holy Ghost! come with a techy dancerock gem with one dirty,...
expand review dirty bassline. I'm instantly reminded of David Carretta from International Deejay Gigolo's - dirty beats and sassy lyrics. While I'm not too keen on the vocal version(1), thank god there's an instrumental for your ears. Flipping gives us the extra funky remix from Blackjoy(2). Guitar picking, slap bass, and violin jabs funk the hell out of the original, and will more than likely be heard in a Lloydski set in the very near future. I've got 10$ on some serious babies being made on the dancefloor when this one drops. -minimal man
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"Hold On" was one of DFA's biggest hits to date. Not quite as big as "Jealous Lovers" but somewhere in the vicinity of "Yeah" and "Losing My Edge." So for the remix 12", you know that DFA isn't gonna come with the...
expand review stadium-electro-rock version. Instead, you get two brainy reworks by Mock & Toof of "Lycra Virgin" fame. The first remix(1) sounds like a studio outtake from The Time with Roger behind the boards. It's not knocking your head in, but it's consistently funky. You'll catch its genius after the three minute mark. "Mock's Mod Mix(2)" could definitely be classified as minimal, something you'd almost expect to hear on a Spectral release. Hooray for diversity. -the mgmnt
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Debut solo release from former Six Finger Satellite frontman Juan Maclean. Production by the DFA, whose James Murphy also produced Six Finger's last record. The first cut, "By The Time I Get To Venus(1)," is a mid tempo electro stomp with a...
expand review heavy NYC accent. The track gets remixed by 41 Small Stars, aka Ad-Rock of the Beastie Boys, coming with a grittier break version(2). B-side features "TG-3X," a lengthy techno-ish track divided into 2 ambient sections and 2 beat sections. -the mgmnt
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Anything that DFA puts out right now becomes a must have, and judging by the first releases, these singles won't be around for long. The second DFA release for Juan Maclean, former frontman of Six Finger Satellite. "You Can't Have It Both...
expand review Ways(1)" is a deep electro cum new wave track featuring the vocals of Nancy Whang. B-side is my pick, an ambience filled track that kinda creeps all up on you. "My Time is Running Out(2)" again features Nancy, but with a heavy vocoder vest on and an even heavier new wave edge. I am so afraid of living in oblivion. -the mgmnt
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It's another DFA moment you can imagine unfolding at Irving Plaza, where The Rapture recently tore shit up. This time, the irascible but polished group teams with the mysterious Juan McLean project, with production and songwriting credits going to the DFA and...
expand review synth wiz Nancy Whang (also a member of the band). "Killing(1)" evokes the funky, dance-friendly rhythms of the DFA and LCD Soundsystem's earlier release "Losing My Edge," only now it's been lost and all that's left are the vocal directives of "1,2,3,4! Kick that fucker out the door!" "Give Me Every Little Thing(2)" is a remarkable cross of influences, with disco/funk vocal demands, somewhat progressive, ambient chords and an absolutely disgusting bass line. Sweat this one out if you can handle it, kids! -Jay Lee
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45:33 was originally commissioned by Nike for iTunes as a "work out" mix, but this shit is so good that the DFA decided to put it out on CD and LP. The "mix" isn't a mix in the traditional DJ sense of...
expand review the word, but rather an epic disco-movement played live by James Murphy and Co. It starts off with a lonely synth line that slowly builds in tempo then eventually grows into a full on groover that erupts into various rhythms and styles eventually climaxing, then breaking down into an ambient drone. You'll recognize some tunes of the Sound Of Silver album for sure (like "Someone Great" and others) but the way it is all presented is fresh and unique. You should see the list of instruments that James Murphy plays on this thing too - everything from vintage drums, guitar, all kinds of synths, vocoder and the glockenspiel. Very, very impressive. Recommended. -snackmaster
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Have you seen the movie 21? Those of you that have seen it might recognize this tune by LCD Soundsystem from the soundtrack. "Big Idea (1)" is James Murphy and crew going for a big-ass rockin' sound complete with shreddin' guitars, driving...
expand review drums and a truly catchy chorus. I'd say he killed it. On the flip, Babytalk (of Stickydisc fame) gives the track a re-rub, slowing it down a bit to new disco speed and swapping guitar shreds and vocals for bubbly bass and synth stabs. Another sweet addition to the DFA catalog. -snackmaster
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This EP collects up all the non-album tracks from LCD's Sound Of Silver singles for the benefit of us North American scum. (These were also included on the CD version of 45:33, but not the vinyl.) Up first is the side-long "Freakout...
expand review / Starry Eyes(1)," a 12+ minute disco jam sesh that's sure to become a favorite piece in the J.Murph discography. There's also the deep, dubby Onanistic mix of "North American Scum(2)" and another jammy jam, "Hippie Priest Bum-Out(3)." Beware the misprint: A-side plays at 45, B-side at 33. -Larri Byrd
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Thank God, the hipster-hater's most eagerly anticipated album to hate on is here! We have waded through a million singles' and magazine articles' worth of hype to hear what the fuss is about, and SURPRISE!, the album is really, really good. All...
expand review this time, while the Rapture disappeared off the face of the earth (I think they died of oldness) and countless shitty disco-punk digi-funk imitators have materialized to cover "To Hell With Poverty," Death From Awesome guru James Murphy has been producing the end-all of hipster music manifestos, uniting people of all cultures, from Fader readers to 'Sup readers alike. How is this possible? For one thing, unlike other "now sounds" like Rio Booty Garbage and Grime, the LCD full-length can actually be listened to in the privacy of your home or iPod and be enjoyed as music (as opposed to shrieking noise). Consider: "Daft Punk Is Playing At My House(1), Tribulations(2), Movement(3), Never As Tired As When I'm Waking Up(4) (which I have to include because every review of this album has to include it to show the record's "range"), Disco Infiltrator(5)." Yes, Murphy is kind of paunch and old, and yes, this album is produced and packaged to be EXACTLY what someone my age wants to hear, but fuck it! So is "Kung Fu Hustle" and I'm seeing that shit the day it comes out! 9 tracks total, all brilliant. -the woodman.
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"I'm Losing My Edge. To the kids from France and London. But I was there, I was there in 1968, I was there at the first Can show in Cologne." "Losing My Edge(1)" is self-deprecation over banging lo-fi electro from DFA founding...
expand review member James Murphy. This has got to be one of the most entertaining and enlightening tracks I've heard in a while. Anyone who's been in the game for an extended period will definitely appreciate it, as Murphy's dead pan lyrics capture the moment that cool kid geezers start to wonder what the game is all about, and start noticing the younger breed of cool kids breathing down their necks. It's a strange and painful phenomenon, a mid life crisis of sorts. A masterful work of sarcasm and self analysis, it ironically has become an underground club hit of sorts. I've even heard it's become a Williamsburg party favorite. How avant po-mo. Newbies stick to the b-side "Beat Connection(2)," but will of course quickly migrate to the flip. Recommended. -the mgmnt
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I've always liked James Murphy. He's a charming character, rattling the cages of his very own audience with stuff like "Losing My Edge" while giving you the old "wink wink, nudge nudge," telling you he knows he's just as bad. Plus, he...
expand review keeps the rockstar dreams alive for doughy, scruffy, un-rockstar type dudes like myself. Predictably, the DFA haters were all over the first single, "North American Scum(1)," but here's the thing: by now, LCD Soundsystem songs run on a pretty precise formula (hard, skeletal percussion + affected vocals + shouting female backups + COWBELL), and if you're waiting for something else, they're probably not the band for you. Meanwhile, if you like your disco new and your jams extended, have I got the album for you! Check the Italo-influenced opener "Get Innocuous(2)," the piano-driven "All My Friends(3)," the punky "Watch The Tapes(4)" or the appropriately titled closer, "New York, I Love You But You're Bringing Me Down(5)." In 20 years, when this shit isn't cool anymore, some kids are gonna discover this album and think it's the greatest thing ever. It's not - but it sure is fun. 9 tracks; 55:55 minutes, double vinyl. -Chris Lemon-Red
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Mofug. We managed to get copies of this very limited DFA 12" that came out in 2005. It's a single sided release: one side features an etching of the DFA bolt logo, while the other side features the super-awesome Rub N Tug...
expand review remix(1) of "Too Much Love." If vintage drum machines and androids made pornos, this is what it would sound like. Get one before Bogman takes the whole lot for his gypsy crew. Recommended. -the mgmnt
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Having released one of last year's best singles (Losing My Edge), James Murphy is back with another brilliant extension of his LCD Soundsystem. LCD records seem to speak to those kids sick of the scene, who want their 12" to retain interest...
expand review longer than the next trend, but without sacrificing up to the minute relevance. An impossible feat, but listening to tracks like "Yeah (Crass Version)(1)" will make you a believer. The song writing and composition are the foundations that the track is built on, with enough rock pretentiousness and sleazy analog to keep you interested. It takes a little more to keep our jaded ears interested these days, and this is it. "Yeah (Pretentious Version)(2)" is a completely alternate version, offering a cleaner instrumental take on the track. One listen, and you'll understand why you'll see these 12"s on the wall at Sound Library one day. Also includes the "Clap-a-Pella." Recommended. -the mgmnt
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God, how I would love to front on these guys. They represent everything I should despise, but fuck if they don't make some dope music. They're definitely hit or miss; I mean the Larry Heard sine wave they use on every song...
expand review they've ever made gets seriously played out quick, and the "I'm reading free verse I wrote on the train in a haze of post-Bellevue release depression" vocal meanderings take it to new levels of pretentious. I also don't really think these dudes should be trying to "rock out." But when they drop something like "Yr City's a Sucker(1)"? I can't help it. It's like Liquid Liquid in 2046. I guess that's what all this DFA shit wishes it was, but the first time I dropped this in the middle of a 99 type set, people bugged the fuck out. This record is just undeniably New York. To hear something in this style that is actually creative and unique is really an anomaly; and this one absolutely fits. I love this shit, fuck the dumb, and fuck their fans who wouldn't know Sal Principato if they tripped over him laying on the floor of A-1, but would pay $25 to see him play "Pop Your Funk" because they heard Rosario Dawson goes there. Shit is really pathetic, but like I said, I'm not buying the scene. Includes instrumental on flip. -Bob Bannister
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