Musik Kontrapunkt Kontrol http://www.icomefromreykjavik.com/kontrapunkt/ is Copyright 2010 Sat, 26 Jul 2008 01:41:46 -0100 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 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
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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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]]> http://www.icomefromreykjavik.com/kontrapunkt/2008/07/smoothness_in_chorus.html http://www.icomefromreykjavik.com/kontrapunkt/2008/07/smoothness_in_chorus.html músík Sat, 26 Jul 2008 01:41:46 -0100 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 http://www.icomefromreykjavik.com/kontrapunkt/2008/07/and.html http://www.icomefromreykjavik.com/kontrapunkt/2008/07/and.html Thu, 17 Jul 2008 03:33:02 -0100 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
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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
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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
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]]> http://www.icomefromreykjavik.com/kontrapunkt/2008/07/lukku_trio_15.html http://www.icomefromreykjavik.com/kontrapunkt/2008/07/lukku_trio_15.html músík Wed, 16 Jul 2008 21:01:57 -0100 Minimix tracklist... 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']]> http://www.icomefromreykjavik.com/kontrapunkt/2008/07/minimix_tracklist.html http://www.icomefromreykjavik.com/kontrapunkt/2008/07/minimix_tracklist.html músík Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:53:34 -0100 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. :)]]> http://www.icomefromreykjavik.com/kontrapunkt/2008/07/hotplay_from_europe_dj_set_22_1.html http://www.icomefromreykjavik.com/kontrapunkt/2008/07/hotplay_from_europe_dj_set_22_1.html músík Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:25:18 -0100 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
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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
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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
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]]> http://www.icomefromreykjavik.com/kontrapunkt/2008/06/lukku_trio_14.html http://www.icomefromreykjavik.com/kontrapunkt/2008/06/lukku_trio_14.html músík Tue, 24 Jun 2008 12:30:19 -0100 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.]]> http://www.icomefromreykjavik.com/kontrapunkt/2008/06/hotplay_from_europe_dj_set_22.html http://www.icomefromreykjavik.com/kontrapunkt/2008/06/hotplay_from_europe_dj_set_22.html músík Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:34:43 -0100 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"
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]]> http://www.icomefromreykjavik.com/kontrapunkt/2008/06/joke.html http://www.icomefromreykjavik.com/kontrapunkt/2008/06/joke.html Mon, 16 Jun 2008 10:10:15 -0100 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
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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
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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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]]> http://www.icomefromreykjavik.com/kontrapunkt/2008/06/lukku_trio_13.html http://www.icomefromreykjavik.com/kontrapunkt/2008/06/lukku_trio_13.html músík Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:57:09 -0100 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
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]]> http://www.icomefromreykjavik.com/kontrapunkt/2008/06/fake_but_real.html http://www.icomefromreykjavik.com/kontrapunkt/2008/06/fake_but_real.html músík Tue, 03 Jun 2008 08:07:02 -0100 I'm Not Supposed To Care Thomas Leer is a British artist, who experimented a bit with techno-ish music in the late 70s, releasing stuff (under this name) between 1978 and 1985. His early stuff is rather smooth and arty new wave-ish synthpop, with guitars and helluva lot of drum machines, and sometimes his vocals could be lifted from some smooth British 60s pop (that's what I think, at least). 'Heartbeat', one of his last releases from 1985, is much further into the synthpop world than his other stuff, but his career evolved a lot. I like when he manages to blend somewhat experimental oddness with the smooth melodies and vocals, and the songs I'm posting are a perfect example of what I mean. They are both from his 12" 'All About You', released in 1982. The A-side is the vocal version:
Thomas Leer - All About You
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And the B-side is the instrumental:
Thomas Leer - Saving Grace
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While the instrumental has of course some extra production (it's not just an instrumental), it's amazing how the somewhat subtle changes give the songs a different feel altogether.]]> http://www.icomefromreykjavik.com/kontrapunkt/2008/05/im_not_supposed_to_care.html http://www.icomefromreykjavik.com/kontrapunkt/2008/05/im_not_supposed_to_care.html músík Fri, 30 May 2008 01:49:02 -0100 Magic of the Vision of Euro, part IV Germany 1975
Marianne Rosenberg - How Can I Go Now
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This song was not in the actual 1975 Eurovision competition, but was performed for the German pre-selection by the prolific and very successful Marianne Rosenberg, hugely popular in Germany in the 70s and 80s, and, not surprisingly, a gay icon. The German version is more honest (sorry for the corniness) but this one is easier for sing-a-long in the sun.
Belgium 1982: 4th place out of 18 entries Kontrapunkt: Stella
Stella - Tut Mir Leid Das Ich Weine
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This song is not very typical of the Eurovision songs I'm posting, as it's one of the few that people actually liked. It got lots of points and got far in the competition. After all, it translates as "If you do like my music". Yes, yes I do. It was sung in French, but this is the German version. It starts pretty basic and soft. Then *kaplow*, bass in your (and my) face, and Moroder vs. Abba vs. Bobby O vs. Sylvia ('Automatic Lover') vs. good times in our hearts and a floating femme delivering luscious vocals. And I love that extra snare hit.
Morocco 1980: 18th place out of 19 entries
Samira Ben Said - Les Enfants de l'amitié
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We're back to incredibly good songs that no one liked. This one ended in 18th place, second to last. People are idiots. Maybe they didn't like cute sounding cuddly Moroccan girls, singing about 'Love Message'? Or, even better, maybe they didn't like anything good at all, because do you know what song was in the 17th place? 'Euro-Vision' by Telex. This is actually a good and a bad thing. Good, because these songs never end up being overplayed on the radio or something worse. Bad, because too many of these songs fall into total obscurity (for some of these artists it's almost impossible to find a picture), and finding copies on vinyl becomes super-hard (simply because no one bought it when it came out). P.s. check out the singers' eyes: open, closed, half-closed. We got the whole spectrum here!]]> http://www.icomefromreykjavik.com/kontrapunkt/2008/05/magic_of_the_vision_of_euro_pa_3.html http://www.icomefromreykjavik.com/kontrapunkt/2008/05/magic_of_the_vision_of_euro_pa_3.html músík Thu, 22 May 2008 23:16:02 -0100 Magic of the Vision of Euro, part III Belgium 1987: 11th place out of 22 entries
Liliane Saint-Pierre - Soldiers Of Love
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Liliane Saint-Pierre is a Flemish megastar. She released a bunch of albums, and during her career she performed with Roy Orbison, Jimi Hendrix, and The Bee Gees. Hot mama indeed. This song was her second attempt at the Eurovision, uu, statue? Crown? Gold plated mic? (I have no idea...that's weird). But what's not weird? This song. Keywords: Nice. Powerful. Dramatic. Durudduddu synth stabs. And Soldiers of Love.
Denmark 1981: 11th place out of 20 entries
Tommy Seebach & Debbie Cameron - Krøller Eller Ej
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In case you don't have your Danish down (I mean the language, not the crusty deliciousness) I wanted to tell you 'Krøller Eller Ej' means 'Curly Hair Or Not' (but the internet told me that the song was performed as 'Straight or Curly Hair'. Whatever). Debbie Cameron is American-Danish, and hopefully hopefully she speaks English with a thick Danish accent, because that is the funniest thing in the world. She is most famous for singing this song. Which is a lot. Tommy Seebach is pure Danish. He competed a total of 8 times, winning three times, almost beating Johnny Logan as the Eurovision Hot Boy. I love the lyrics:
Straight or curly hair,
We love our children so.
May there eyes be brown or blue,
Love your children too.
"Simple plea for racial harmony", according to the 1981 announcer. Word, my Danish brother. Okay, now for the drama: I think this song shows how getting too worried about the format of Eurovision can sometimes push songwriters into poking the song the wrong way. In other (much simpler) words: apart from the chorus, this song has so many juicy elements, but totally looses it the moment the chorus kicks in, dontcha think? Starts like a disco powerhouse, building up to the chorus...which is total crap. I almost did not post this, but like I said, there's a lesson to be learned. The video makes it a lil' better. p.s. Debbie dear, next time, try not spreading your thighs all the way, mmkay?
Belgium 1983: 18th place out of 19 entries
Pas De Deux - Rendez-Vous
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This is one of my favorite Eurovision songs, ever. Weird and so good so good! Could be something from Alexander Robotnick's Fuzz Dance label, or Ze Records, but no, it's Belgian Eurovision oddness that everyone hated. See my comment above about the clueless Icelandic contestants? They'd have given this 0 points. Remember: clueless. But we are not clueless, which is why we love Pas De Deux. I give them The Golden Merkat of Eurovision. The band released a few 7" and a LP, and have had songs on various compilations released over the years, but they are mostly famous for this Eurovision disaster, a precious favorite of mine. Just like this song, their performance was amazing, too! If only the today's competition was full of this kind of greatness.]]> http://www.icomefromreykjavik.com/kontrapunkt/2008/05/magic_of_the_vision_of_euro_pa_1.html http://www.icomefromreykjavik.com/kontrapunkt/2008/05/magic_of_the_vision_of_euro_pa_1.html músík Thu, 22 May 2008 04:30:01 -0100 Waiting for Nice Moves Gina X Performance were singer Gina X and producer Zeus B. Held. The band was active between 1979 and 1984 or 5, releasing around four LPs and a few singles.The producer had been active in rock bands before starting this project, and after meeting Gina X, his solo performances eventually evolved into what became Gina X Performance. He also did a lot of production and remix work in the 80s, for Nina Hagen, Alphaville, Dead or Alive, Simple Minds, Tranvision Vamp and Gary Numan. I love Gina X's voice. She's a vixen, and the secret daughter of Nancy Nova and Nico. I really like the likable weirdness and the softly cold delivery of words. Ech, I hope you know what I mean. And -- their first ever concert was with Boney M. This song is from their first album 'Nice Mover', which came out in 1979. That album also contained two other amazing songs, 'No G.D.M.' and 'Plastic Surprise Box', but this one is my favorite.
Gina X Performance - Nice Mover
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This one is from their last album, 'Yinglish', released in 1984. It's so large and grand and dramatic and so f'in cool. Listen closely to the lyrics.
Gina X Performance - Waiting
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]]> http://www.icomefromreykjavik.com/kontrapunkt/2008/04/waiting_for_nice_moves.html http://www.icomefromreykjavik.com/kontrapunkt/2008/04/waiting_for_nice_moves.html músík Sat, 26 Apr 2008 14:31:42 -0100 Lio really goes to my head múm play two shows, and FM Belfast go totally berserk at the afterparty. I discovered that jumping and shouting is hard. I seriously thought I would expire on the middle of the floor. Lio, born in Portugal, raised in Belgium, a star in France. This song is from her 1980 album 'Lio', and is a cover of an excellent Billie Holiday song. As most of her albums, this one is produced by geniuses Dan Lacksman and Marc Moulin from Telex, with one song produced by Jacno (and containing lyrics by Elli). I recommend you try and get your hands on her albums, as they are excellent. I just listened to this song four times in a row, and as I'm writing this short sentence the silence is killing my poor lil' ears.
Lio - You Go To My Head
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I need to make a 15 minute edit of this song. A whole lot of artists have covered this song, but apart from the one I'm posting, my favorites are Judy Garland (loung-y latino feel) and Bryan Ferry.]]> http://www.icomefromreykjavik.com/kontrapunkt/2008/04/lio_really_goes_to_my_head.html http://www.icomefromreykjavik.com/kontrapunkt/2008/04/lio_really_goes_to_my_head.html músík Thu, 24 Apr 2008 19:15:49 -0100