Kontrapunkt

Hi. I'm gonna talk about my favorite music, old and new, fun and boring.
All the songs posted are my current/past/future favorites, which probably have some dust on them (and a lot of other people's fingerprints). A lot of them are out of print, but available used. That's why I have the links. Sometimes I talk about how much I like the song, but usually I try to add something about the artists if (A) I actually know something or (B) I'm able to find something on the almighty internjiet, but, you know, (C) sometimes I have never had a clue what some lyrics actually mean or what the artist looks like and I might not care (so I won't be writing about it), and (D) it is after all the internet, so unless I sound really convincing you shouldn't believe me and google it yourself. (That includes pics and stuff. Photoshop is a weapon, you know?) I provide buy-links in case you love what you hear, but also so that the copyright owners know that I'm hoping that some crappily ripped mp3s can't do their brilliant creations justice. That being said, you can just tell me if you're not happy about me posting your stuff. And, I'm not a native english speaker so don't expect my textual excursions to bring you (or anyone else) to tears.

Dear listeners: go and buy all the songs you like (just click the links), go see the concerts, buy the t-shirts and tell your friends!

And don't hotlink my stuff, please.

I'm Halli



I'm from Iceland and I live in New York. Here's my icelandic blog, and some of the stuff I do.

Likes and loves: Italo Disco, Old Skool Hardcore, classical, Hip Hop ('89-'93), Electricity, Disco, Eurovision, some drumsolos, tilfinningamúsík, minimalism, maximism.

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* Psst! Check out my emotional blog *

26. júlí, 2008

Smoothness in Chorus


Mata-Hari is from 1987. The song is really smooth and subtle, and kinda sneaks upon you. It's incredibly well produced, the wobbly-synths in the beginning are very nice. Upbeat, perfect bpm, super nice vocals...I love it.

"Who is she...
who-who-who is she..."

But it's the chorus which got me hooked, a while back I realized I had listened to this song on repeat for probably 8-10 times in a row, always nodding my head and humming along.

Apart from Squash Gang, I don't think I've heard any other songs by this producer, but I want to, and I don't know why I haven't worked on that already.

Mata-Hari - Mata-Hari
Listen / Buy: GEMM / eBay / Music Stack

Although the songs are not that similar, I get the same feeling as when I listen to Rewind's 'Rosalie (Pop & Go!)'.




Hugh Bullen is a smooth talker. He almost raps -- almost, not quite, but really close -- about this mysterious Alisand. The song is really slick, like a kickdrum party, and the production is really nice...makes it roll.

But like the song above, it's the chorus that makes me love it -- espeeecially the lyrics! And add the voice sample and tom-toms, and it just gets better and better...

Hugh Bullen - Alisand
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17. júlí, 2008

And...

...I know I've been terrible at posting music lately. It's just that since early June my computer has been to Apple five times, and I haven't had proper access to my rips and music collection...which is also bad for me, you know.

Love,
Halli

16. júlí, 2008

Lukku Tríó #15


Body Power, in case your body needs some power.

The muffled sound makes this so delicious.

Body Power - Dancing In The Tears
Listen / Buy: GEMM / eBay / Music Stack


Portofino sing about L.O.V.E. You'll probably sing along with the "durududdu du du du".

The guy is so positive, and the chorus is so large and juicy.

Portofino - All My Love
Listen / Buy: GEMM / eBay / Music Stack


X Ray Connection are getting reeeaaaadyyy.

Sounds like something new, but it's 25 years old this year. Makes me love it even more. Really nice electroish italo, with an excellent bass sound.

X Ray Connection - Get Ready
Listen / Buy: GEMM / eBay / Music Stack

Minimix tracklist...

Here's the tracklist for the minimix I posted below:

01. Ago - 'It Will Never Be'
02. Kariya - 'Let Me Love You For Tonight'
03. Boeing - 'Dance To The Beat'
04. Corina - 'Temptation'
05. Tabú D'Apache - 'Don't Believe In Love'
06. Richie Rich feat. Ralphi Rosario - 'You Used To Salsa (remix of Salsa House)'
07. Charlie - 'Spacer Woman'
08. Deskee - 'Let There Be House'

1. júlí, 2008

Hotplay (from Europe) Dj set @ 22, Wed July 02

Sumarspilerí #2

Þetta er framhald af vikudagsfílingskvöldunum sem við héldum í fyrrasumar, þar sem sumir enduðu dansandi uppá borðum.

--> 22, Laugavegi, miðvikudagskvöldið (annað kvöld) 2. júlí kl. 22-01

Ef þú hefur mætt á kvöldin okkar þá veistu hvað við spilum, en það er ítaló diskó, elektró, boogie, gamalt hás, og önnur róleg og róbótísk músík.

Við byrjum á slaginu 22.00 og spilum til ca 01. Við byrjum örugglega í rólegri kantinum, en sjáum til hvað gerist í hjörtum vorum.

Hér er örlítið minimix sem HOTPLAY (from Europe) skellti saman í tilefni af síðasta partýi.

Og við viljum endilega að þú verðir vinur okkar á mæspeis:
http://www.myspace.com/hotplayfromeurope

Ást og virðing!

p.s. 2. júlí kl. 22 á 22 -- auðvelt að muna. :)

24. júní, 2008

Lukku Tríó #14


The Creatures are true believers. The two main guys behind this project were Mario Flores and Sangy, who worked (not necessarily together) with almost too many artists: Max Him, Silver Pozzoli, Fun Fun, Gaznevada, N.O.I.A., Amanda Lear, Valery Allington, and Flores was even half of Local Boy.

This is one of my favorites.

The Creatures - Believe In Yourself
Listen / Buy: GEMM / eBay / Music Stack


Florio Time Dj is one smooth talking mutha. This song is very laid back, in order to enjoy it perfectly I'd recommend a hammock and complete isolation.

This beauty comes with a cost: it's really, really hard to get, and really, really expensive.

Florio Time Dj - Time Out
Listen / Buy: GEMM / eBay / Music Stack


Extra T's made this E.T. inspired boogie megahit. This is so so so good, I don't want to talk about it, just listen.

Extra T's - E.T. Boogie
Listen / Buy: GEMM / eBay / Music Stack

20. júní, 2008

Hotplay (from Europe) Dj set @ 22, Saturday June 21

Hotplay (from Europe) are playing at 22 (former Barinn) this Saturday, from 10pm. Italo Disco, synthpop, new wave, old skool house, freestyle, old skool hardcore, and heeling music for all mankind.

Hotplay (from Europe) are me and Terrordisco -- if you liked the Italo parties we hosted last year, this is something for you.

Here's a new Minimix, 16 minutes and 49 seconds (some of which are delay) -- it's a short sample of what we'll be playing.

Kontrapunkt
Hotplay (from Europe) - Minimix #1


Á íslensku:

Hotplay (from Europe) eru ég og Svenni, eða Kontrapunkt og Terrordisco. Ef þú mættir á og fílaðir ítalópartíin sem við héldum á Barnum síðasta sumar og í vetur, þá verður jafn gaman núna. Við spilum snemma um kvöldið, því allt sem er gott í lífinu gerist snemma: kynþroski, kökuilmur, og ítaló & tilfinningamúsík.

Við erum komnir með kombó-nafnið Hotplay (from Europe) og spilum á Dansa Meira kvöldi Partyzone á 22 á Laugavegi núna á laugardaginn, frá klukkan 22.

21. kl. 22 á 22 -- ekki erfitt að muna það, ha?

Við ætlum að spila Ítaló Diskó, synthpop, new wave, old skool house, freestyle, old skool hardcore, og aðra gamla stuð- og heilunarmúsík fyrir mannfólk.

Að ofan er Minimix með smá smakki af músíkinni sem við spilum. Sæktu og hlustaðu. Þetta eru 16 mínútur og 49 sekúndur sem þú sérð ekki eftir.

16. júní, 2008

Joke


International Music System is one of my favorite bands. I posted their excellent 'Run Away' before, and this song is from the same self-titled LP, which is one of the most solid LPs I have ever heard.

There's not much to say, other than "if you can afford it, buy it".

International Music System - Bonus Single "Joke"
Listen / Buy: GEMM / eBay / Music Stack

11. júní, 2008

Lukku Tríó #13


Phaeax made this eeeexcellent song, with a singer with an attitude, and some crazy moves (I imagine). It's weird in the best possible way, like a weird relative who's also cool, nice, and is always sneaking $50 bills in your pocket. Shirt pocket, by your chest, in front of other adults. It's safe. Trust him. Like this song.

Phaeax - Talk About
Listen / Buy: GEMM / eBay / Music Stack


F. R. David is most, strike that, is probably only famous for his 'Words' megahit. At least I can't remember (or imagine) anyone talk about anything else he's done. God knows I haven't been paying attention until lately, after I heard the italo-ish mix of the aforementioned emotion rollercoaster named 'Words'.

This song is raw power. The video probably had smoke, green laser, and a lady answering the phone in a robotic manner (whatever that means).

This is no quality rip, so you have to trust that the song itself will make up for it.

F.R. David - Pick Up The Phone
Listen / Buy: GEMM / eBay / Music Stack


K.B. Caps is my favorite dude when it comes to super light and breezy summery songs, and this is perfect for no worries. No buttons on your shirt? Don't worry. Someone stole the bottom half of your pants? Don't worry. Someone replaced your energy drink with a Pina Colada? Time to party.

K.B. Caps - Do You Really Need Me
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3. júní, 2008

Fake, but real

Fake was a group of Swedish musicians produced by clever Italians. Sort of like Ferrarikea, or meatballs with prosciutto.

Their main producer, Alessandro Novaga, was the owner of D.I.D. Records, home of many bands who he worked for, including Maskio, Cellophane and Steve Doesn't Drive. He also sang for Camaro's Gang, and was member of Cellophane, Models, and Lipseye (my previous entry). Amazing discography.

Fake's songs are more synthpop than Italo Disco, perhaps somewhat because of the singing style. They released a bunch of very good records, including 'Brick' and 'Frogs In Spain'. The one I'm posting is really good, feelgood discowave.

Fake - Donna Rouge
Listen / Buy: GEMM / eBay / Music Stack