Music: Joe is Smooth and he's taking us to the promised land.

Brothers...Sisters...This is in my ears the ultimate House Track. No matter where you are or when this track is played, one thing is for sure; People are gonna be Clapping, Singing, Dancing and yes...sometimes even crying. There will be people embracing in Love and some even waiting to take someone home. At least in my humble and rather critical opinion, this track gives me the chills. Seriously, it might be the lyrics or maybe just the melody. Maybe it's that piano, maybe it's just everything. For Someone who called himself Joe Smooth, this track is not just cool...It's an Anthem...a Lifestyle...a Mantra. Call it whatever you want, For me, it's just simply the one song I wish could change the world.

Joe Smooth - Promised Land

Findlay Brown - Promised Land (Cover)

Music: Friendly Fires can Happen to your Love!!!

Ok, It's not lazy Sunday and in fact there was no real reason for this post but I felt compelled to write something while I'm in the process of cleaning my mac from accumulated mp3 garbage. Going through 1000's of unsorted music files is a bitch and even more so is the actual cataloging of such files. And while I'm not gonna bore you with the details or reasons for this Epiphany, I came across this indie band from the UK by the name of Friendly Fires. bla bla bla, they are nowhere close to reaching the success of the Klaxons or Bloc Party but it's nice to dream right? Actually, truth is they are probably doing pretty good for themselves. In fact they remind me a bit of Zoot Woman (sans Stuart Price). In any case the reason why I got so inspired to write this silly post was because of their one song I found in my hard drive.

For all those who are not familiar with Mr. Jamie Principle, he was one of the first recording artists in House Music. Far from being a DJ, principle was an artist, and at that time some of his early tracks didn't even get credited as his, while Frankie Knuckles took the praise (or so the story goes). Principle went on to have a successful career, so no worries there. Anyways, The Particular track I wanted to bring attention to is "Your Love" which is the closest thing to a "House Ballad" if there could be such a thing. The track has such an Aura and although it borderlines New Wave, there is something even more poetic and sexual than any love song New Order ever did (and trust me, I love those Mancunians). Well, long story short...The Friendly fires covered the song a couple years ago and with a decent result may I add. First of all the song is kind of obscure if you're not a House Head and Secondly for an Indie band to cover such gem is a gem in itself. I'm not particularly familiar with their repertoire, but i saw they have a single remixed by Aeroplane and that speaks volumes as well. If you are in Boston, you can get a chance to catch their gig at the Paradise Rock Club on March 28, so of you are curious like i am, chances are you'll be there too.

Friendly Fires - Your Love
Jamie Principle - Your Love

Lazy Sunday: Time to Jack!!!

Another Lazy Sunday and another excuse for Dance Classics. As we gear up for a night of Chicago House at the Enormous Room this week, here are some of my personal favorites. It's time to Jack!!!

Adonis - No Way Back
Chip E - Like This
Steve Silk Hurley - Jack your Body
Farley "Jack Master" Funk - Love Can't Turn Around
Marshall Jefferson - Move your Body

Music: Love Can't Turn Around!!!

This is crossing Lazy Sunday territory, but I couldn't wait to share it with you. The year was 1986 and "Love Can't Turn Around" by Chicago House Legend Farley Jackmaster Funk (with Darryl Pandy on vocals) charted in the UK and reached a top 10 spot (and a legendary performance on top of the pops). Now the seminal House track is officially back with some "2008-style" remixes by Lifelike and "nu ravers" Dolby Anol. But the surprise about this homage (courtesy of BACKYARD recordings) is the remix by Boys Noize that did not make the cut...possibly because it samples/mashes DJ Sneak's classic "You Can't Hide From Your Bud". Ironically, I think i prefer this super mash-up/remix an infinity more than the aforementioned two (no offense or nothin'). So go git your headphones kids and get ready to party like it's 1986 or 1996 and why not 2006...any excuse is good to Party when the heat is on!!!

Farley Jackmaster Funk ft. Darryl Pandy - Love Can't Turn Around (Boys Noize Remix)


ps: buy the white label 12" here from our pals at Turnable Lab!
watch the history behind this classic track here!