Dimitri From Paris - live @ Djoon, Paris (8/04/2011)

Ok...Let's start off by saying that Dimitri from Paris is actually not from Paris. Dimitri Yerasimos, as is his actual name, was born in Istanbul to Greek parents. However, he grew up in France and from an early age was heavily involved in the French house scene. Taking inspiration from 70s disco and funk, he created a unique sound that quickly got him the recognition he deserved - in 1986 he was hosting the first house music radio show in France on Radio NRJ. Apart from that he was involved in producing runway soundtracks for such fashion labels as: Chanel, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Hermès and Yves Saint-Laurent. In 1996 he released his first album, entitled 'Sacrebleu', on Bob Sinclar's Yellow Productions label, which was a massive success - UK's Mixmag proclaimed it 'Album of the Year'. Dimitri is also responsible for tons of remixes, for such renowned artists as: Björk, The Cardigans, James Brown, New Order and Quincy Jones.

I'm writing about Dimitri cause just a couple of weeks ago I had the immense pleasure of hearing the man live at Djoon - the soulful mekka of all the househeadz in Paris and by far my favourite club in the French capital. And, I gotta admit, it was utterly mind blowing! Trust me, I've been to many clubs in my life, heard many djs play, but what Dimitri showcased cannot be expressed in human terms - it was a night of pure magic and a truly spiritual experience!

If I were to choose one word to describe it, it would definitely be: energy !...Dimitri is simply the god of the 12" realm. Throughout the night he was serving the groove-hungry crowd an eclectic mix of the finest cuts of beats out there. The ease with which he jumps between genres, mixing music from the whole spectrum of 'dance music' results in a hot and heavy mixture of pure joy. Simply dynamite!

I think that's what really separates the men from the boys. DJ-ing is seriously not only about getting the perfect, seamless blends. It's sooo much more! And if there's anybody who understands, it's gotta be Dimitri. The man was like a snake-charmer, hypnotising the crowd with the slightest move of the faders.Utilising tricks that in some societies could easily be classified as black magic, Dimitri took control of our bodies and souls for the whole night, creating a truly mystical musical journey. I mean, at several points during the night I found myself getting to the point where I thought I was gonna rip the hair off my head - if that's not Voodoo, I don't know what is!...Tune after tune, Dimitri manages to make your heart beat faster and faster, and just when you start thinking to yourself: 'My god, can he take it even further?'....straight away, he comes in with another banger of a tune, making you submit to his beat-infused mysticism!

Like I said before, the true magic in this mix stems from Dimitri's excellent intuition and his unmistakable eclectic style. There's soulful, disco-diva-styled vocals, hypnotic hard-hitting beats, fantastic percussion arrangements with plenty of mayfield-like congas and cowbells...all this is covered with fat, funky basslines and a steamy, red-hot groove! Tune, after tune, after tune!

So, if you wanna see for yourself what dance music is really about it, buckle up and let Dimitri hijack your soul!

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Bob Sinclar - I Feel For You (2000)

I recently found an old, long-forgotten CD that was lying around my room, shoved in a corner years ago, covered in tons of dust, and.....it turned out to be a compilation of some old-school Bob Sinclar tracks. Quite naturally then, I felt a strong urge to browse through my record collection and dig out all the fine tracks Bob has graced us with in the late 90s / early 00s and reminisce on these happy vibes.

I also figured I should share a piece of Sinclar's beats with the rest of the world. And trust me, it was a mission and a half to actually pick an album/song for my blog - simply because Bob has made so many fantastic tunes! Nevertheless, in the end, I went for the 'I feel for you' LP...follow me and you'll figure out why!

...Bob Sinclar...the name has become nearly synonymous with house music. Christophe Le Friant, cuz that's his real name, is a true character - trying to grasp who he actually is and getting the gist of his persona would take some considerable research. In the meantime, let's just see what the man himself has to say:

"Who is Bob Sinclar? An international man of mystery, since he first emerged in 1976 his career path has taken in spy, jewel thief. Riviera playboy, mercenary, arms smuggler, Monte Carlo card shark, Studio 54 bellboy, high-class gigolo, sunglasses model and hardcore porn star. It's also rumoured he was roped in to teach John Travolta to dance for Saturday Night Fever, but we don't want to play with the rumours - the mere facts themselves are incredible enough. Now, since his autobiography was banned worldwide in order to protect NATO security, Bob has decided to tell his story via the medium of House music."

This is an extract from the liner notes of his first album - 'Paradise'. I don't think I could put it any better myself. If it still ain't enough, just know that he's responsible for over 80 releases, nearly 300 remixes (for such notable artists as: Ian Pooley, Jamiroquai, Dimitri from Paris, Moby and Madonna) and has made over 1,100 appearances on compilations, albums, mixes and videos. All this under various monikers: Bob Sinclar, Chris the French Kiss and Bob from Paris. Sinclar lives in Le Marais, the gay district of Paris and is currently involved in making shit music...what?!...yep, that's not a typo. A living legend, a leader of the french touch house scene, a visionary artist whose tracks have introduced me to house music, has now become a sell out, making plastic, commercial 'music' that ain't worth the vinyl it's pressed on. Sad but true...

Nevertheless, you gotta give credit where credit is due - his early stuff was mindblowing. The 'I feel for you' LP, which is the first single from his second album - 'Champs Elysées' (released in 2000 on his own Yellow Productions label), is simply French house at its best. The release features two tracks: 'I Feel For You' (with two r&b remixes) and 'Save Our Soul', plus two DJ tools - an accapella and a 'beatapella'.

The title track is a great disco-infused piece and has everything you'd expect from an early Bob tune - fantastic soulful vocals, a slamming beat and a funky rolling bass that keeps on driving the track. Where Sinclar really delivers is his sampling. He can take two records - Cerrone's 'Look for Love' and Weeks & Co.'s 'Knock Knock' - x-ray the tracks, scanning for the tastiest, sweetest bits and end up having a short sample, which after applying his filter magic, turns into an unforgettable hook that sends crowds of people crazy...that's pure musical instinct!

As for the B-side, 'Save Our Soul' is a lot more darker and deeper, but it still is a hell of a tune! Here Sinclar sampled the live version of Earth, Wind & Fire's 'Devotion' to create an awesome floorfiller that despite the heavier beat still has that 'feel-good' factor you'd expect from Bob. Personally, I really like the intro to the song, but I can't figure out where's the sample from. And also, is it just me or does the guy really say: 'Save us all' instead of 'Save our soul'? Do you think Bob knew about it? Did he do it on purpose?...It reminds me of 'Ride On Time' by Black Box, who only after several years after releasing their song admitted that the sample they used really said: 'Right on time' but they just misheard it :)

Adding up, the LP enjoyed massive success, being released in over 9 countries on labels such as: Defected (UK), Subliminal (US), Universal (Italy), Legato (Belgium), Vendetta (Spain) etc.etc. Credit must go to Julien Jabre who was the projects engineer and is responsible for that sweet sound. There are also many remixes worth checking out: 'Save Our Soul' was nicely edited by Brian Tappert of Defected and Kidstuff's 'Tear Our Soul Apart' mix is also a banger of a tune!

So the next time you hear 'Love Generation' on the radio, just remember that deep inside, hidden beneath that ton of plastic is Bobs true, vivid, colourful, funky soul - unfortunately it decided to hide for the time being. Let's just hope we will see it make an appearance once again!

French touch, baby!

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Hott 22 - Before I Let You In / 8th Wonder LP (2005)

Hott 22 is a New York based production duo of Chris Malinchak and Greg Bahary, which is responsible for delivering some of the finest house music of the last decade. With over 100 remixes and 20 LPs, their tunes have been showcased on compilation albums of such iconic labels as: Hed Kandi, Stero Sushi, Azuli and Defected. Their songs have that classic house touch that we don't get much of these days - feels good to reminisce on that sound from time to time.

The Before I Let You In / 8th Wonder LP, released in 2005 on the New Jersey based Gossip Records label, is a real banger! The duo delivers two fantastic tracks, both with a very positive, uplifting touch and a funky feel.

Before I Let You In features a great, driving beat with a thumping bass kick and some sweet congas in the background. Besides that, there's a funky 1-bar guitar loop and some soothing keys on top. But what really makes the difference in this track are the sweet vocals of Jocelyn Brown, sampled from Inner Lifes 'I'm Caught Up (In a One Night Love Affair)', which, slightly sped up and pitched, are combined with the short string sample to make a great, melodic vibe that will get you hooked in no time!

On the b-side, we find another great song - 8th Wonder - which is a bit more hazy and dreamy but equally delivers. The recipe is pretty similar to the tune on the other side of the vinyl - a nice beat with distinct shakers and congas, a rather simple, yet very catchy, funky bassline, a 1-bar synth loop, a 2-chord guitar lick, a single-note string in the background and some spoken word and heavily filtered vocals to top it of. Simple ingredients - great result! A true floor-filler that builds up really nicely and is guaranteed to send a smile to your face.

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tony tiptrip - s'il vous PLAY (2011)

Been kind of busy lately so couldn't really find the time to post new stuff on the blog...but after a long hiatus I'm back with a bang!

This time I've prepared a very special treat - my own mix of some pretty banging soulful house tunes! Inspired by the past half a year I got to spend in Paris, it tries to capture the spirit of these joyful times.

I won't dwell on it too much cause, quite naturally, I'm biased. I'll just give you the tracklist so that you know what you're in for. S'il vous PLAY!




download the mix @ http://www.tonytiptrip.eu




1. Kings of Tomorrow – Make Believe [Defected UK, 2005]

2. DJ Hal – Don’t Give It Up (Lawnchair Generals Mix) [Blockhead Recordings US, 2004]

3. Rithma – Funk Is Still Alive (Joey Youngman Mix) [Om Records US, 2005]

4. Jay-J & Chris Lum - Without Love [Moulton Studios Recordings US, 2003]

5. White Lotus Society – Got It (Live Vocal) [Large Records US, 2007]

6. Tom Gianelli & Martin Ikin - All That I Need (Full Vocal) [Soul Purpose UK, 2004]

7. Kathy Brown – Give It Up [White Label, 2001]

8. Bongoloverz – Spirit Of House (Piano Mix) [Soulfuric Trax US, 2006]

9. Lenny Fontana pres. The Exclusive Club – Thinkin’ About Your Love (Classic Club Mix) [Distance FR, 1999]

10. Soulmagic – Come On Come On (Main Mix) [Soulfuric Deep US, 2005]

11. DJ Circle – Call It A Day (Shik Stylkø Remix) [Realbasic Recordings DE, 2006]

12. JT Donaldson – Trust Me (Broadway & Wilson Remix) [OM Records US, 2004]

13. Julien Jabre – Swimming Places (Original Mix) [Defected UK, 2005]



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A Guy Called Gerald - Voodoo Ray (1988)

'Voodoo Ray'...these two words make househeads all over the world go: 'Hell yeah!'. A true dance music anthem, a song that summed up an era, defined the movement and inspired generations of artists. It's like the year zero in the evolution of electronic music. A tune that forged the sound of the 90s and heralded a beginning of a new phenomenon that was to transform British society - one word, four letters: rave!...But hold your horses, let's start from the beginning...

...In the 1980s, the only place in the UK where you could hear this weird, imported, American music called 'house' was Manchester's now legendary club, called the Haçienda. Opened in 1982 by Tony Wilson of Factory Records (the label that brought us Joy Division, Happy Mondays and New Order, among others), the club enjoyed its best years in the late 80s, when DJs Mike Pickering and Jon Da Silva opened up their ibiza-inspired night called 'Hots'.

It was on one of these nights when Gerald Simpson, a 20 year-old club regular from Moss Side, walked up to the DJ booth and handed Pickering a demo of a tune he'd been working on. Not even 10 minutes later Simpson, while dancing on the floor, thinks he might have heard the intro to his song. He thinks to himself: 'Nah, it couldn't be!'. Strangely enough, it turns out it was his song and it also turns out that everybody in the club is loving his tune. The DJs played the song two more times throughout the night, and with every single play, the crowd went even more mental about it. The ecstatic Simpson runs up to the DJ booth thanking the DJ for playing it.

Bam! The song gets released and Gerald Simpson becomes A Guy Called Gerald! History was made!

So...what's so special about this song then? Well...it was pioneering in the sense that it introduced a new aesthetic to the sound and paved the way for stuff like jungle, drum and bass and hardcore. Sure, the acid house sound with the iconic Roland TB-303 (a bass synthesiser for guitarists which got abused by acid house producers to make that famous, distinctive sound) was already out there, sure it was still 'four-to-the-floor', sure it had a beat made with a simple sequencer, sure it was just a couple of samples....but still, it somehow managed to spark a new movement that changed Britains racial, social and even legal context!

How come, you ask? Well....just check it out and maybe you'll find out for yourself if there's anything more to this tune than just a catchy story!

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Shakedown - At night (Kid Crème remix) (2002)

Do you ever get that weird feeling when suddenly, out of the blue, some random long forgotten tune just pops in to your head starting an avalanche of memories? Well, the exact same thing happened to me a couple of days ago. I was doing some irrelevant, mundane household chores when this great, great house classic invaded my head spawning a massive grin of joy on my face.

I know most of you probably heard this song (though not necessarily in this fantastic remix), and the aim of this blog is to showcase rather non-mainstream stuff, but nevertheless - it's definitely worth to check this tune out one more time and take that trip down the memory lane.

The original (made by the Swiss duo: Shakedown, comprising of two brothers: Stéphane & Sébastien Kohler) first appeared in 2001 on Naïve, an independent French label and already a year later was re-released on Defected - an iconic british label started by Simon Dunmore in 1999, which has now become the epitome of quality, mainstream house music. (BTW, one of Dunmores' first releases on Defected was Bob Sinclars 'I feel for you' - an amazing track which captures that fantastic 'french touch' house sound of the 90s, when bob used to make good music).

Anyways, 'At night', in its 2002 Defected release, got two remixes - one by Mousse T and and one by the belgian Kid Crème. The former ('Feel much better mix') is a bit deeper, electroey with a wobbly, heavily synthesised string running the melody. Cremes 'Funksta remix', however, really hits the spot. It has everything you need from a house banger: a great, driving beat with a heavy, thumping bass kick, a 4-bar funky guitar loop, which, together with a rather simple, yet thick, bassline (both guitar and bass credited to Daniel Romeo), gives the track a fantastic groove - exactly what you need in good house music! Add to that a little bit of spoken word by MC Shurakano and a beautiful vocal from Terra Deva and you got yourself a smasher!

Don't believe me? Well then, just see for yourself:

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