N O R T H E R N I G H T S

APOLOGIES AND NEWS

2010-04-20T10:09:00.003+01:00

Apologies first for the lack of service in recent times. Northernights always operated with the help of just a handful of people who were also juggling other roles. Of late those responsibilities have been taking priority meaning that our little, local and lo-fi clubbing site has taken a back seat. We've also realised that it can't go on in this haphazard way.

Anyway, should you stil be reading this, we thought that we should let you know that we're currently looking for an individual, a group or some other kind of organisation to breathe new life into Northernights. This (award-winning!) project then requires someone with enthusiasm for what goes on in the city to develop what we have started.

We envisage that the right person would possibly be able to find ways to monetise the site [www.northernights.co.uk] but, predominantly, we would anticipate that their interest would stem from the potential to build on an existing passion for what the kind of work that we have been doing. In addition to our Best Arts & Culture accolade as part of the Manchester Blog Awards, we were once also nominated within a Best of Manchester category [before losing out to the great Switchflicker/Club Brenda] and were up for a Record of the Day thing. Our posts also pop up on Hype Machine and we're lucky enough to get all sorts of people emailing us with new music [apologies to them for the lack of posting].

We have a number of options that we're currently looking at but should you know someone who might be interested in taming this beast, do get them to drop us a line at northernights [at] gmail [dot] com.

SOME MUSIC

2010-04-19T11:06:00.002+01:00

Here (zSHARE).

MILES AHEAD

2010-03-31T23:15:00.007+01:00

While their re-edit of 'Empire Ants' by Gorillaz is getting coverage on Pitchfork, we thought that we'd quickly turn our attention back to the Clique DJs' earlier remix of 'Last Mile' by May68 [pictured above].

You'll find that slice of digital dance-pop on their Soundcloud here.

EARS

2010-01-23T12:59:00.001Z

Here is another selction of dance-floor sound for you. Oh, and happy new year, by the way.

EVERYBODY HURTS

2010-01-14T23:17:00.006Z

As you'll probably already be aware, Manchester duo Hurts are tipped for greatness by pretty much everyone ever. Which reminded us that we spoke to singer Theo quite a bit back to talk about his last project, Daggers. It was pretty entertaining, actually. And you will find it here.

Oh, and here's the video for Hurts' 'Wonderful Life' which we're sure will end up all over your telly box throughout 2010.

ONE PERCENT INSPIRATION, 99 PERCENT PERSPIRATION

2009-11-29T15:15:00.006Z

Glasgow's 23 year-old Jackmaster will be playing at Contort Yourself next week. That's a good enough excuse to direct you towards the Dress 2 Sweat retrospective mix that he put together. Like here.

Tracklist

Rod Lee – Let Me See What You Workin’ With Rustie Remix (DTS008)
Kazey & Bulldog – Ballin’ (DTS010)
Rod Lee – Oh Yeah (DTS011)
Kazey & Bulldog – Big Truck (DTS004)
Kazey & Bulldog – Big Truck Pt. II (DTS010)
DJ Tameil – I Get Money (DTS003)
L-vis 1990 – Playing With Knives (We almost released this)
Kazey & Bulldog – Sweet Harmony (DTS004)
Bok Bok – Ripe Banana (DTS012)
L-vis 1990 – Hide (DTS012)
Dikulous – You Know What To Doo (DTS001)
Kazey & Bulldog – Snap Yo Balti (DTS004)
DJ Tameil – Back That Thang Up (DTS003)
Kazey & Bulldog – Fo Da Real G’s (DTS010)
Tactic – Can’t Juke Without Me (DTS-XXX)
Rod Lee – Understand (DTS002)
MOVES!!! – Promise (We almost released this)
Bok Bok – NNTF (DTS012)
Piddy Py – Prickly Rose (DTS007)
Piddy Py – Giggle Riddim (DTS007)
MOVES!!! – All Skate VIP w/ DZ Remix (Original mix appears on DTS009)
Rustie – Throw Some D’s (DTS001)
DJ Deeon – Like We Do (DTS006)
DJ Deeon – The Chase (Demo)
Pistol Pete – Knuck If You Buck (DTS001)
Rustie – Lean Wit It (DTS001)
DJ Deeon – Put It In Yo Mouth (DTS006)

PREVIEW

2009-11-24T16:02:00.002Z

Oh yeah, and we're sitting on an interview with the amazing Doorly too. That should be up next week.

(The above is something called 'Henry Doorly Zoo', by the way. Probably a zoo, we'd guess.)

FAN-FAYRE

2009-11-24T14:29:00.009Z

The excellent Greenmoney [Alex Phountzi, formerly of Bugz In The Attic and Leo Greenslade, one half of West London clubnight, yOyO] will be playing at The Warehouse Project this weekend. We should have an exclusive interview with them going up on the main site soon.

In the meantime, familiarise yourself with their sound here. It's a selection put together for Annie Mac [who presents the Saturday bill that also includes Major Lazer, DJ Zinc, Skream, Toddla T, Fake Blood and Buraka Som Sistema] and features Greenmoney's funky reworks of Kid Cudi, Trevor Loveys, Boy 8-Bit, Kid Sister, Aswad, William Orbit and more.

PILE-UP

2009-11-22T15:37:00.001Z

It's been a bit quiet of late so here is something to noise things up a little.

NEVER MIND THE BUZZCOCKS?

2009-11-22T15:23:00.002Z

SoundProof Magazine did a poll of the best Manchester albums of all time. Strangely - with votes coming from the likes of Alan McGee, Liam Frost, Cosmic Disco, Northern Comfort, Richard Cheetham of High Voltage/Night & Day, The Ruby Lounge's Jay Taylor and, yup, Northernights - the above long-player didn't make the Top 20. To read what did, go here.

SHUNT

2009-10-09T16:36:00.003+01:00

Another collision of recent and not-so-recent noise can be found here.

Have a good weekend.

TAKE A BREAK

2009-10-06T16:18:00.002+01:00

Breakspoll winner NAPT play Carry On 09/10/09. As a preview, help yourself to this mix.

CURVE APPEAL

2009-09-17T09:24:00.008+01:00

Curve launches next month with Hyperdub's Cooly G and garage maverick Joy Orbison. As a little teaser, you can now get your grubby little hands all over this this very tasty, genre re-aligning mix by SwingTing's DJ Samrai.

Tracklist

Intro: Round One - I'm your brother (Chicago's Twisted Mix) (Main Street)
1. Snoop Dogg - Sensual Seduction (Instrumental) (Geffen)
2. Box of Yummies - Whena (Mystery Box) (Nervous Dog)
3. Donald 'O' - Deeper (Zach's Slamin Dub) (Music USA)
4. Pseudo - What are you gonna do (Mental Instrum Dub) (Smack Music Uk)
5. Alexander Hope - Keep Ya Happy (Blaze production) (Smack US)
6. Boiling Point - Expression (Nice and Ripe)
7. Da Mob ft. Jocelyn Brown - Fun (Todd Edwards cut up mix)
8. King Maurice - Time Travel (Present) (Strictly Rhythm)
9. Kode 9 - 2 far gone (Hyperdub)
10. Strickly Dubz - Rush (Strickly Dubz)
11. Son of Scientist - Theory Beats (Main Squeez)
12. Trever T - On Me (Mind, body and soul mix) (Firmhanded Records)
13. E.S. Dubs - Standard Hoodlum Issue (Zed Bias Mix 1)
14. El-B - Assassin (Ghost)
15. Oris Jay ft. Mc E-LL - Brand Nu Flava (Original Mix)
16. Dj Target - Poltergeist (Aim High)
17. L.A.S - V.I.P (Militant Beatz)
18. Mc Donaeo and Mc Versa - Artilla Pt.1 (White)
19. Dj Mondie (Shower) (Mondie)
20. Irv Gotti - Down 4U (D'n'D Conemelt Mix)
21. Dpm ft. Durrty Doogz - Look and Turn (DPM)
22. Ramadanman - Humber (Applepips)
23. 2000F and J.Kamata - You Don't Know What Love Is (Hyperdub)

FRESH INGREDIENTS

2009-09-14T12:15:00.002+01:00

Ahead of the date at, Freshers special, Yeah But Is It?, you can get a mix by headline fidget fella Kelevra here.

HEARD IT THROUGH THE BASSLINE

2009-09-04T09:08:00.006+01:00

More internet rave records shunted together here.

SUMMER LOVING

2009-09-02T22:21:00.005+01:00

Boys Noize favourites Shadow Dancer created an epic if chilled mix for Palms Out Sounds' Sounds of Summer series. Obviously, we've not really had a summer over here but that doesn't mean that you should miss out on 150 minutes of music selected by the pair including tracks by Doves, DJ Krush, Boards of Canada, Squarepusher, Beck and Peter Gabriel. You can download it here.

Meantime, should you want to check out Shadow Dancer delivering a more peak-time club selection, the brothers play Audio Farm 22/08/09.

IT'S A FAIR COP

2009-09-01T19:43:00.007+01:00

80's-themed synth outfit Futurecop will be appearing at Night & Day 04/09/09. The date sees them sharing a stage with Karoshi Bros, Jupiters Heroes and Egyptian Hip Hop. Anyway, we have an interview with Futurecop which should be going on the main site soon but, for now, help yourself to the following MP3s that they have so generously provided.

MP3: Futurecop feat. 3LW - 'Parents R Aliens'

MP3: Futurecop feat. T-Pain - 'Rich Kids'

THE MAGNIFICENT ONE

2009-08-28T09:36:00.003+01:00

Ahead of its first birthday in October, the residents behind Cord session The Magnificent Dance have put together a 30 minute mini-mix which you can download here.

Track list

1) Atlantic Starr 'Circles'
2) Chaz Jankel 'Glad To Know You'
3) Marvin Gaye 'Sexual Healing'
4) Odyssey 'Inside Out'
5) John Carpenter 'The End'
6) Phoenix 'Lisztomania' (Classixx Mix)
7) Greg Wilson 'Dirty Lowdown'
8) Westbam 'And Party'
9) Al Wilson 'Earthquake'
10) Skatt Bros 'Walk The Night'
11) Chilly 'For Your Love'
12) James Curd 'We Just Don't Stop'
13) Human League 'Seconds'
14) Mujava 'Township Funk' (Crazy P Mix)
15) Four Below Zero 'My Baby's Got E.S.P.

SOME RECORDS

2009-08-24T21:42:00.005+01:00

Collated here.

P IS FOR 'PROLIFIC' (AND 'PENIS')

2009-08-21T11:26:00.006+01:00

Quick Crazy P news now as the disco troupe are issuing a new single - 'Caught Up/Reach Me' - through 2020 Vision 31/08/09.

In October, they're also delivering a mix album on the revived Seamless Recordings. Later by Crazy P is a collection of disco, groove and house cuts featuring some special material. The track list includes Those Norwegians' 'Dom B Sensi', Hot Toddy's 'Late Night Boogie' and an exclusive Crazy P remix of 'We Funked The Party' by Kiwi combo Tahuna Breaks.

PRIME CUTS

2009-08-21T11:16:00.002+01:00

Keep an eye out for the first long-player from Trusme's Prime Numbers logo. The album from the excellent Linkwood - titled System - is ten tracks of Detroit techno, 80's boogie and deep soul including appearances from Fudge Fingers and Reggie Watts. It will be hitting the shops and download sites 28/09/09.

Meantime Trus'me will be playing alongside the Motor City's Patrice Scott at the Development & Meandyou party 29/08/09.

OUT OF CONTROL

2009-08-21T06:23:00.006+01:00

Currently embarking on some US dates, D. Ramirez plays at Sankeys 31/10/09.

As a little preview of the kind of electrohouse the man's playing right now, there's a mix that you can point your mouse at here. It includes his large 'Downpipe' plus a re-jig of Joy Division's 'Control'. The latter being one to upset the purists, we suspect.

FOX TROT

2009-08-20T23:03:00.005+01:00

The Kitsune roadshow is going to be stopping off in Manchester again 22/10/09. Co-headliners are local lads Delphic and Northern Ireland's Two Door Cinema Club and you'll find them doing their respective things in Club Academy.

If you're a London reader, you might be more interested in the Kitsune Warehouse Party scheduled for Hallowe'en where Yuksek will be joining the line-up. You may also be familiar with 'The Tube' and 'The Oyster Card'.

Get you.

TOTALLY TROPICAL TASTE

2009-08-20T21:01:00.003+01:00

Ahead of a DJ date from Hugo Mendez at Roots Before Branches, this weekend, you'll find a series of tropical funk mixes from the man's own Sofrito label here.

LEOPARD CAN'T CHANGE ITS SPOTS?

2009-08-17T23:49:00.005+01:00

Bit late posting this [been busy, okay?] but this is well worth feeding your head with: Contort Yourself's Ben delivers a delicious squelchy, acidic discoid blend titled Panthers Love Disco Too.

It's downloadable here.

Tracklist

RMM Special Dub - Metro Area
Azul Blue - Toby Tobias
Acid Disco - Bottin
Couleurs (Jori Hulkkonnen Remix) - M83
Too Hot - Tigerskin
Far Away (Hercules & Love Affair Remix) - Cut Copy
Start Something (40 Thieves remix) - Morten Sorenson
Rolle Niva - Dahlback & Dahlback
Maximus - Beni
Wait a Minute (Arlo Mwambe Remix) - Osborne
Reality Check (Vincenzo Remix) - Audio Soul Project
Modern Romance - Bubba & T-Bone
Hungry For The Power - Zari & III
I Wanna Dancer (Disco Rock Dub Mix) - Faze Action
Dirt (C90s Remix) - Headman
Release the Beast - Den Haan

ONE LITTLE DUCK

2009-07-30T16:12:00.004+01:00

Release number two from Development Music is available now.

Featuring Croatian vocalist Yannah Valdevit and with production by Atjazz and Domu, 'City Madness/Info People' represents the deep, soulful side of, Manchester club session, Development. It also boasts DJ support from the likes of Laurent Garnier, Danny Krivit, Osunlade and Ashley Beedle and you can buy it here and sample a preview here.

HANG THE DJ?

2009-07-22T08:58:00.004+01:00

An unlikely partnership perhaps [Mr Maudlin goes Mariachi, anyone?], but here is Morrissey's 'When I Last Spoke to Carol' remixed by Mexican spinner Toy Selectah .

MERCI

2009-07-13T15:47:00.004+01:00

New mix from S'il Vous Plait here. The night returns to Joshua Brooks this Friday.

Tracklist:

1. air france – introduction
2. whomadewho – keep me in my plane (the KDMS remix)
3. psyclops – where’s jasen’s k
4. fever ray – triangle (james Rutledge remix)
5. asobi seksu – strawberries (CSS remix)
6. the tough alliance – a new start (tanlines remix)
7. chew lips – solo
8. telepathe – chormes hoof (golden panda remix)
9. yacht – psychic city

HAVE A BREAK

2009-07-09T17:57:00.003+01:00

Breaks figurehead Rennie Pilgrem will be bringing one of his explosive sets to Carry On this week. Meantime, you are allowed to download some of the TCR head-honcho's goodies here. You'll find them alongside a special Carry On promo mix too.

GOOD NEWS, BOPPERS

2009-07-08T16:48:00.006+01:00

Yet another small round-up of internet distributed rave hits bashed together alongside one pretty old acid-funk favourite. Find it here.

Tracklist:

1. Boy 8-Bit - 'Baltic Pine'
2. Dre Skull - 'I Want You (Bok Bok remix)'
3. DJ Gant Man - 'Juke Dat Girl (Greenmoney remix)'
4. Ebony Bones - 'The Muzik (Aaron Lacrate remix)'
5. Oliver $ vs The Martin Brothers - 'Watcha Gonna Dum? (Northernights mash-up)'
6. Jesse Rose - 'Pop Yer Porn'
7. Lily Allen - 'Not Fair (Style of Eye remix)'
8. Jahcoozi - 'Watching You (Oliver $ remix)'
9. Christian Martin - 'Elephant Fight (Justin Martin Jungle remix)'
10. Hardfloor - 'Mahogany Roots'
11. AC Slater - 'Banger (Tittsworth remix)'
12. Daniel Haaksman - 'Pobum Coco'
13. Twizzle - 'Skydiving (Greenmoney remix)'
14. Foreign Beggars feat. Dubbledge & Kyza - 'Hit That Gash (Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs mix)'
15. Schlachthofbronx - 'Belly Full of Pills (DJ Manaia remix)'
16. Radioclit - 'Secousse (Riva Starr remix)'
17. Major Lazer - 'Baby (FIGURE remix)'
18. Rye Rye feat. M.I.A. - 'Bang (Buraka Som Sistema remix)'

INEVITABLE (AND PERHAPS DUBIOUS) 'TRIBUTE'

2009-06-26T16:20:00.004+01:00

Well, it does appear to be what you're supposed to do in these situations.

Boys Noize - 'Eat It' MP3 [zSHARE]

LOVE MACHINE

2009-06-25T19:53:00.004+01:00

Everyone's favourite dressed-up digital dance-pop session Clique has got Florence from Florence and the Machine on turntable duties 26/06/09. (This is just after she warms-up for Blur at the M.E.N. Arena.) Meantime you can get your mitts on a Summer Clique Mix that's been prepared by the night's Ian and Damien just by going where this word takes you.

YOUTHINKTHEYSAURUS?

2009-06-10T17:15:00.007+01:00

This lot [who, by the way, have been snapped-up by Hot Chip's Greco Roman label] are playing Contort Yourself vs Now Wave 18/07/09. They're called Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs.

Meanwhile, my favourite dinosaur is/was Triceratops.

NO LAUGHING MATTER

2009-06-10T13:03:00.003+01:00

A-Trak's pals Jokers of the Scene play The Chapel's summer closing party this weekend. To get you in the mood, here is a mix from the Fool's Gold signed Canadians.

NEXT WAVE

2009-06-08T19:09:00.011+01:00

Championed by Herve, High Rankin has been turning out some of the most twisted, bass-heavy cuts around and - in anticipation of his date at Murkage Goes Balls Deep 12/06/09 - we've posted an interview with the Brighton talent on the main site.

In the meantime, here is a mix so that you can go and upset the neighbours.

Tracklist:

01. High Rankin - 'The Tale Of Clarence Baskerville'
02. High Rankin - 'No Money For Guns'
03. Chase & Status - 'Eastern Jam (High Rankin 100% Unofficial reeeeeemix)'
04. Shuttle - 'Tunnel (High Rankin remix)'
05. High Rankin - 'Corner Of Ya Block'
06. Dokkebi Q - 'Black Vomit (High Rankin Remix)'
07. High Rankin & Gyto - 'Mutant Garage'
08. High Rankin featuring Howard Marks - 'Who's Your User'
09. High Rankin - 'New Messiah'
10. High Rankin - 'Sulfur Tears'
11. High Rankin & Gyto - 'Bubble & Squeak'
12. Raiden - 'Sputnik (High Rankin Remix)'

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER?

2009-06-07T16:18:00.008+01:00

Another quick survey of some of the rave hits that you may find elsewhere in this world wide web should be found here. We should have posted this so-called mix a couple of weeks ago but, well, we didn't.

ALL KILLER, NO FILLER

2009-05-21T13:30:00.007+01:00

The clever B-Music team have got LA's amazing Gaslamp Killer to do a mixtape which mashes up the label's first twenty releases. It sounds a bit like this and is available from the Finders Keepers shop [it won't be available anywhere else until August] . There's also an accompanying, super limited 7" edit which will be sneaking out through the affiliated Twisted Nerve.

COVER UP

2009-05-17T08:31:00.005+01:00

The Kitsune label rolls into town again for a party at The Deaf Institute 17/06/09. Alongside Beni and Chew Lips are the locally-rooted but London-based AutoKratz.

Before all that, you can sample an AutoKratz live favourite: their cover of Primal Scream's 'Swastika Eyes'. Get it here. The duo will also be unleashing their album, Animal, in June plus a single 'Always More' that comes with remixes from Shadow Dancer and Yuksek.

EURONOUNCEMENT

2009-05-16T23:28:00.001+01:00

Northernights is closed for Eurovision.

KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON

2009-05-16T19:23:00.004+01:00

In preparation for Elite Force's date at Carry On on 12th June, the night's promoters have been reminding people of this tech-funkin' mix. It should whet a fair few appetites.

SOUND & VISION

2009-05-14T15:24:00.004+01:00

We don't normally cover cinema listings but this one is a bit different.

Urbis are screening Matt Wolf's compelling portrait of the seminal Arthur Russell 28/05/09. It's just a fiver and it starts at 7.30pm. Immediately after, there's a party at The Social with DJs from Naive Melody and El Diablo's.

What's not to like?

TSUNAMI DO

2009-05-12T17:34:00.003+01:00

What you up to on Thursday night? Nothing? Well increase your nothing quota by not going to the opening of Common's new wall-daubing spectacular, A Wave Called Panic, by graphic designer type lad Chris Gray. It's all ticket you see, they might have sent out all the tickets, although maybe not, get on the blag and try your luck because it's going to be LOVE-ER-LY in there.

We're not sure if it's just the mural or a full exhibition, what we do know is that the walls were not finished on Saturday when NN was in there getting drunk in the sun.

After the opening party for this thing it's the super Stop Making Sense shindig, where they have cleverly booked blog-supremos 20JazzFunkGreats. 20JFG is probably the best music blog on that "world wide web" and therefore their DJ skills should be pretty good.

THE WITCH WAY RAVE

2009-05-05T09:29:00.005+01:00

The X43 is an epic bus route that takes you from Manchester to Burnley, via Rawtenstall. I have had much fun on it before, as have others, and it's popularity has now manifested itself into the form of an actual real life record label.

X43 records is having a sort of launch party tonight at Odd Bar, Thomas Street. The people behind this are from the same quorum as Detroit Public Radio and Chump Magazine, so expect some maxx-ace music from the former, and some maxx-ace fanzines and artwork from the latter.

We especially like the X43 sleeves, produced by Adam O'Bern - the records and CDs will be available to buy at the party, which is lucky.

LET'S BE HAVING YOU

2009-05-01T23:47:00.006+01:00

We understand that the boys behind the wonderful disco de bosh Prostitutes and Policeman are launching a regular mid-weeker in the Autumn at our current fave nightspot Joshua Brooks.

Expect plenty of wonky dancing action in the arched club, more details to follow, well, it doesn't start until September so ...

Yeah.

THEY'RE GRRRRREAT

2009-04-30T11:09:00.005+01:00

The people behind Barely Legal have done a mix. You can download it here.

The music, if described using words, would take this appearance:

not so pretty (feed me remix)- rogues
true romance- golden silvers
rich girls (la castle vania remix)- the virgins
bulletproof- la roux
work it out (the shoes remix)- esser
vision- frYars feat dave gahan
1901- phoenix
no kind words- the maccabees
stuck on repeat- little boots
heads will roll- yeah yeah yeahs
orange shirt- discovery

HOUNDS OF LOVE

2009-04-29T21:12:00.005+01:00

NN has learnt that the re-opening of the North/Isobar site under Afflecks for the Delphic party was not a one-off.

Apparantloid, the owners of the Purple Pussycat have their paws on the site currently monikered Blink. The club will operate for 3 months as is, with the Northern Quarter basement due for a Gok Wan-esque facelift in the late summer.

Sadly, the new place won't be a club as such, more a late night drinking den. We hear that one of the latest linceses in the city is being sorted, allowing punters to, well, drink until sunrise. We have also heard there will be a pool table presence in the establishment.

Oh, and the name of this new gin palace?

The Black Dog Ballroom.

RIP KML

2009-04-28T22:59:00.007+01:00

Anyone else see this?

***************************

REUTERS 0943 27-04-2009 : Manchester's pointy shoed denizens and fur coat clad fe-clubbers were in mourning today as it was announced that Keys, Money, Lipstick will be closing after a final show-down on the 29th May. A source close to the club told us "it's up with the anglez now".

The discoteque - which spawned the useful acronym KML to describe three potential items found in ladies purses - will be giving up their odd-Friday night spot to new twee-mageddon promoters Asparagus Next Left. The swap in night ironically representing the loss of the infamous old adage no nostalgia, no throwbacks with the replacement of, literally, nostagia and throwbacks.

***************************

Yep.

WISSEN DIE SPRACHE

2009-04-23T13:34:00.004+01:00

If you were wondering, it's;

SEAHORSE
UNTIRING
FUCK

See you on the floor.

DIVINE INTERVENTION

2009-04-21T15:55:00.004+01:00

The promoters of Eat My Beat vs Sex With Robots have had to cancel an event that was due to take place at The Chapel 24/04/09. Basically it's due to licensing problems. This means that A1 Bassline and L-Vis 1990 won't be making a trip to Manchester. We actually have an interview with the latter which was set to go up on the site today today too. Oh well.

A1 Bassline will now be making his debut in the city later in June at the Mad Ferret Festival.

TOUCAN PLAY THAT GAME

2009-04-16T12:44:00.003+01:00

Toucan Rave residents Scarecrow Audio - a.k.a. Justin Culkin and Joe Gabbitas - have done a new mix that you can download here.

Also keep your eye out for an exclusive series of mixes that I Am Sam is currently coordinating for Northernights. These upcoming sets should demonstrate the calibre of local DJ talent and provide a bit more insight into some of those nights that we bang on about all the time.

THAT IS THEIR NAME

2009-04-15T18:20:00.011+01:00

Ever since The Ting Tings did that ill-advised "collaboration" with Estelle at The Brits, some of us have been regretting ever having said those three little words: Next, Big, Thing.

But now there's current Next Big Thing Delphic - a Manchester band that came to the attention of resurrected Belgian techno label R&S. And they actually appear quite unlikely to ruin what could be a half-decent performance of 'American Boy'. Check them out. Especially as the current single 'Counterpoint' is produced by the lovely Ewan Pearson [who I Am Sam has just interviewed for an upcoming special on the main site, btw]. Meantime that particular single also comes with remixes by the likes of Paul Woolford and The Chain.

HOWEVER

Delphic are also offering the parts of that track as mp3 and wav files so that you can rework it in any way you fancy before uploading it, calling yourself 'flavour of the month' and taking an Ibiza residency or whatever it is those people do these days. Get them here.

AND

Delphic play at Blink 25/04/09.

HAC ABOUT THAT THEN

2009-04-15T12:01:00.003+01:00

This is what the Haçienda looked like, if you were wondering.

Famously designed by Ben Kelly in 198 ... something, it is easy for us to laugh at the Hooky owned parody of the the club these days, but when it was built it must've been like a spaceship landing on Whitworth Street.

To quote Kelly himself;

"Within a cooled-down space (painted in blue and grey tones) the emphasis was diagonal and vertical, with brightly clad balcony supports and diagonal stripes painted on columns setting-up various “journeys” through the building. Siting the stage to one side, and using fly bars for theatre lights, made the space both flexible and dynamic — visual compositions of colour and texture were everywhere. Directional and warning markings created an inside/outside tension — bollards and cats-eyes delineated the dance-floor — a city within a city, of pathways, plazas and bars, which acted as intimate refuge amid the cavernous space."

Beyond the bastardised, Voodoo Ray soundtracked, mad for it aesthetic was a very beautiful collection of contemporary design. Oh well, we've got the Printworks and Deansgate Locks now, so all is not lost, eh kids?

AA MEETING

2009-04-14T22:10:00.004+01:00

Couple of days late with this post, but if you're clever and shift the frame of reference 48 hours backwards then you'll see where we're coming from.

Here is an Easter mix from the beaux garcons at Akoustic Anarkhy. This selection of laptop-folk is mixed by resident DJ slash promoter Lego ... you see now, easter, lego ... yeah?

If you're still on a come down from the weekend, this mix is the audio equivalent of a mug of hot honey and lemon like your Mum used to make when you lied about having a hangover.

Sounds like this infact;

THE LOW ANTHEM - TO OHIO
MV & EE - THE BEST IT EVER WAS
STAX DEMPSEY - MONET SKY
ANIMAL COLLECTIVE - BLUSH
YELLOW MOON BAND - FOCUSSED
THE PHANTOM BAND - THROWING BONES
ONO & LENNON - HOW DO YOU SLEEP
THE SUPERIMPOSERS - DON'T LETCHA
BRIAN WILSON - VEGETABLES
THE POLICE - SPIRITS
ANIMAL COLLECTIVE - MY GIRLS
INSTRUMENTS OF RAPTURE - DO IT TO THE MAX
KENNY LYNCH - HALF THE DAYS GONE
JAMES PANTS - WE'RE THROUGH

Woooooooooh capital letters.

Download here.

MOVING HOUSE

2009-04-13T18:28:00.005+01:00

Known for his material on 2020 Vision, local lad Danny Ward has got his latest Moodymanc cut now coming out on Steve Bug's very tasty Dessous label. Release information is to be found here.

LOCAL TALENT

2009-04-13T17:56:00.007+01:00

We've been nominated in the Best of Manchester Awards within the music category. This is good. But as it's a reflection of the city and also includes prizes for innovation in fashion and art, we thought that we should further their call for entries. Only competition - particularly when related to creative endeavour - is a very wonderful thing. Last year Rich from High Voltage/Night & Day scooped a prize. This made us happy.

Anyway, here's the message:

MANCHESTER’S ART, MUSIC & FASHION AWARDS – FINAL CALL FOR ENTRIES - ENTER NOW

They’re open - but not for much longer. The Best of Manchester Awards are accepting entries until 1 May, as it searches for the artists, musicians and designers whose boundary-breaking work deserves the Best of Manchester crown.

Organised by Urbis, the annual awards celebrate innovation in art, music and fashion. Anyone working within the fields of music, art and fashion, and who lives or works in Greater Manchester, can enter.

Looking for original and imaginative work throughout the field of music, from up-and-coming guitar-based bands and live acts to electronic music and sound art, (including performers, producers and promoters) are: Luke Bainbridge (Observer Music Monthly), Justin Crawford (DJ, producer and Director of Electriks Ltd.), Caroline Elleray (Head of A&R at Universal Music Publishing), Yvette Livesey (In The City), Dan Parrott (Channel M), Miranda Sawyer, DJ Semtex (BBC Radio 1Xtra), and Tim Thomas (Blueprint Studios).

The Best of Manchester Awards are more than a pat on the back from the industry. They’re about more than the winners’ £2,000 cheque and a major exhibition at Urbis. The awards are a chance for the winners to kick-start their career with the kind of contacts and professional development that money can’t buy.

The awards are open for entries until Midnight on 1 May 2009. Entry is online, at www.urbis.org.uk/thebestofmanchester

TWO LOUDER

2009-04-12T19:50:00.002+01:00

MAKING LAMBS ANGER (ok quality) from oizo mr on Vimeo.

A while ago Mr Oizo played at Bugged Out and ahead of that date we tried to interview 'him'. Anyway, we got this message back saying that the timing was all wrong as Mr Oizo was finishing his Lambs Anger album and now we've been presented with a video documenting that process instead. Enjoy it.

CAT GOT YOUR TONGUE

2009-04-09T17:52:00.005+01:00

Felix Da Housecat is playing Area51 on Sunday. This should be good, although we have no idea what he is playing these days. In some ways, it's a bit like a Dad turning up at your eighteenth birthday party and putting on 2Unlimited or something because the guy has been around for yeeeeeears.

Now, rather than go into a full-on attack on DJ's touring the world and wearing clothes/girls more suited to their offspring, we have to remember that Felix added a lot more to dance music's eclectic spectrum than your average Tongs or Judges.

Although a well respected second-generation Chi-town producer/DJ from the late 80's, it was his, and small group of other like-minded electronic producers, passion for synth pop, punk and leftfield hedonism that spawned the early noughties 'electroclash' scene. Though much derided, the genre fused house, punk, italo, disco, techno, acid and raw electronica to firmly stick 2 fingers up to the then ruling cognoscenti of prog, funky house and trance.

The legacy is obvious. Electrohouse is the dance genre du jour, while the underground is littered with a new wave of non-ironic bubblegum pop. For most, these sounds are nothing new, but nearly 10 years ago, to walk into a club and hear something like the Thin White Duke remix of Felix Da Housecats Silver Screen Shower Scene was really something mind blowing.

We could go on for hours, but fuck that, here's a couple of special songs from our feline friend to get you in the mood for Sunday.

MP3 : Felix Da Housecat - Madame Hollywood (Tiga's Mister Hollywood Remix) 2002

MP3 : Felix Da Housecat - Silver Screen Shower Scene (Malibu Remix) 2002

THE ENEMY OF BUTTER. PROBABLY.

2009-04-07T19:12:00.005+01:00

For practicality, the following entry will be in bullet points;

Hot Knives are a great new band from Manchester.
They have got one of their records mixed by cool blog-house type Neo Tokyo, who in the past has mixed Tronik Youth, Foals and Britney Spears.
Hot Knives are supporting bands such as The Whitest Boy Alive and Telepathe in town soon, check their myspace innit.
Hot Knives could be described in some circles, especially this one, as well tony.

You can download the mix from this here website, there it is, just underneath here.

MP3 : Hot Knives - Solstice (Neo Tokyo Remix)

CRASH BANG WALLOP

2009-04-03T15:39:00.009+01:00

It's Friday. The sun is shining. And, once it's dark, we're off out.

Anyway - given that we've not done one of these for a while - here's a bunch of internet rave hits cobbled together rather clumsily with some wonderfully terrible sound quality just to celebrate the weekend. Stream or download from here.

Tracklist:

1. Schneider TM feat. KPT Michigan - 'The Light 3000'
2. La Roux - 'In For The Kill (Skream remix) [Foamo edit]'
3. Skream - 'If You Know'
4. Mystery Jets - 'Two Doors Down (Duke Dumont reconstruction)'
5. Little Boots - 'Meddle (AC Slater & DJ Skeet Skeet remix)'
6. TC - 'Where's My Money? (Caspa remix) [Jack Beats edit]'
7. Lady Sovereign - 'I Got You Dancing (Jack Beats remix)'
8. Bat For Lashes - 'Daniel (Duke Dumont remix)'
9. Metronomy - 'Radio Ladio (Radioclit remix)'
10. Scott Cooper & Edu K feat. Lella - 'Crank It (Trevor Loveys remix)'
11. Jesse Rose feat. Dieze Tigrona - 'Toca Pri Mim'
12. Esser - 'Work It Out (A1 Bassline remix)'
13. Boys Noize - 'Shine Shine (AC Slater remix)'
14. Beyonce x Tomb Crew - 'Single Ladies Hate Beyonce'
15. DJ Mujava - 'Township Funk (Phra Crookers Supertrance refix)'
16. Hijack - 'Keep It Real (Oliver $ remix)'
17. AC Slater - 'BanGer (Drop The Lime remix)'
18. Shake Aletti - 'The Way He Does (Toddla T remix)'
19. Caspa - 'Big Headed Slags'
20. The Temper Trap - 'Science of Fear (Herve remix)'
21. Cagedbaby - 'Forced (Foamo remix)'
22. The Chemical Brothers - 'Life Is Sweet (Remix 1)'
23. The Kills - 'Cheap and Cheerful (Fake Blood remix)'

BARELY ANY STUDENTS

2009-04-03T15:07:00.007+01:00

'When the students are away, the workers will play' as the well known idiom doesn't go.

And never has this mistruth been more prevalent as en vogue indie-disco Barely Legal stick two fingers up to the myth that promoters should go home for the Easter break along with their soap dodging clientele.

The pair of odd Urmstonians behind Barely Legal will be opening the doors at Joshua Brooks tonight as per usual, expect dancing noises oft associated with the genres indie, electro and pop.

It's very good actually.

NB : When searching the thesaurus under the word trendy, it came up with tony ... ? Have any Northernighters ever heard the term tony as a positive adjective? Let us know, the best example wins a cookie, you tony bastards.

JUANCHESTER

2009-04-01T22:36:00.005+01:00

The original version of this record was a bit special, so imagine our delight to find a very nice radio edit and reasonably nice video. It is the new single though, so it kind of makes sense.

Sorry, it's by The Juan Maclean and it's called One Day. We think it sounds like Metronomy + Madonna + Human League.

The band are playing Now Wave in April, and we're catching up with them soon for an interview on that front page bit of the site.

TURNED OUT NICE

2009-04-01T11:32:00.008+01:00

Above is the latest Mr Scruff single feat. the inimitable Roots Manuva. The video was filmed at, proper nice boozer, The Salutation. Or 'Sally' to her friends.

SAUSAGE JIVE

2009-03-31T21:17:00.003+01:00

.
This is the new video for Sebastien Tellier's single Kilometer.

It's all about the dancing frankfurters.

Manchester, get busy.

ORANGES ARE NOT THE ONLY FRUIT

2009-03-30T16:20:00.004+01:00

A while ago we interviewed Drums of Death and he mentioned the mixtape he was putting together with Peaches. Anyway, ahead of Drums of Death returning to Contort Yourself for a live set, you can help yourself to that very mix. Just do the right click/save as thing on this word here. Or do something else if you're on a Mac. Probably.

MAD DECENT

2009-03-28T11:13:00.004Z

Latest Podcast from sometime Northernights contributor Scallydandan is a bass-heavy monster. Check it out here or via iTunes. It's titled 'I'm Mad As Hell And I'm Not Going To Take It Anymore'. Quite.

THE 2007 REVIVAL CONTINUES

2009-03-23T20:23:00.001Z

Another old, short mix uploaded. Here.

BENT OUT OF SHAPE

2009-03-15T11:45:00.007Z

Ben of Contort Yourself has done a new mix. You will find it here.

Tracklist:

Sandwiches (Original 12" Version) - Detroit Grand Pubahs
No Turning Back (Mowgli & Solo Mix) - Elite Force
Everything I Know I Learnt On Acid (Jesse Rose & Oliver $ Remix) - Swag
Cactus Jack (The Bounce Mix) - Tom EQ
Run For Cover - Mastiksoul
Jump & Twist – Cooper & George
Move Ya - JakZ & Scott Cooper
Juice & Gin (Riva Starr Remix) - The Young Punx
Touch My Horn - Jesse Rose
Can't Be Wrong - Santiago & Bushido
Angerman - Riton
Get Down - Jack Beats
Ritalin - Nadastrom
The Vamp - Outlander
Home Zone (Proxy Remix) - Digitalism
Erreur Jean (Avereene and Misk remix) - Mr Oizo
Peep Thong - His Majesty Andre
Shake That Ass (Mowgli Remix) - Armand Van Helden
Half in Love With Elizabeth (Foamo Remix) - Mystery Jets
Blood Splashing (Fake Blood Theme) - Fake Blood
Evil Nugget (Van Villain Mix) - Aniki
Like To Freak (DJ Bam Bam Remix) - Kelevra
AA 24 7 - Dance Area
Baggy Bottom Boys - Jokers Of The Scene

SPRING CLEAN

2009-03-14T11:26:00.007Z

While having a bit of a tidy up, we found a mix from a while back. We think it was once posted on the old Clique forum. Anyway, it's now uploaded here for download and/or streaming.

ROCKET SCIENCE

2009-03-12T19:31:00.003Z

New mix from Jupiter Rooms is a disco-flecked excursion from Will Tramp. Next Jupiter Rooms, by the way, features Kitsune's Joe & Will Ask? at Joshua Brooks on 20/03/09.

Tracklist

1 Mugwump- 'Boutade'
2 Vastkustska Ryggdunkarsallskapet- 'Vansbro Boogie'
3 Czerwone- 'Gitary (Jackpot Edit)'
4 Simon Fedi- 'Belzebu Tales'
5 Sebastian Tellier- 'Kilometer (Aeroplane's Italo 84 Remix)'
6 The Boredoms- 'Ant 10 (Lindstrom remix)'
7 Macho- 'Not Tonite (Jackpot Edit)'
8 Addicted Funk Bass - Rockmaster Rus B
9 T&T - 'Don't Stop'
10 Chaz Jankel- 'Your'e Too Funky (Ilija Rudman Remix)'
11 Maxim Samos- 'Alpha Storm (AN-2 Remix)'
12 Aretha Franklin- 'Jump To It (Prince Klass Edit)'
13 Shalamar- 'Right In The Socket'

SUREFOOTED

2009-03-08T18:46:00.005Z

We blogged about local duo HeavyFeet before. Plus we did an interview with them ages ago.

Anyway, they've now asked us to share with you a number of musical moments that constitute a fun and pretty tasty new remix EP. So here that is alongside a little explanation of each track from the club-detonating pair:

HeavyFeet - We Gettin' Crunk (A1 Bassline Remix) - Mediafire or zShare links
Current darling of the remix circuit, A1 Bassline takes our original on a epic melodic rinse-out! Check out forthcoming A1 Bassline remixes for Yo Majesty and Little Boots soon.

HeavyFeet - One Last Time (Klaus Hill Remix) - Mediafire or zShare links
Australian based Klaus Hill delivers a crunchy, laser-filled take on the original ravey wonder, with a pounding looped up bassline and crazy LFO hook.

HeavyFeet - She Got It (Cheap As Chimps vs HeavyFeet Remix) - Mediafire or zShare links
Edinburgh based Cheap As Chimps, one of our favourite young artist friends, delivers a wicked, mashed-up jacking take on the original, with us on honourary mixdown duties.

Smart.

MODERN LIFE IS ...

2009-03-05T00:25:00.007Z

Friday night sees Manchester's odd-pop-supremos Modernaire return to base camp for their first gig with a new member in the shape of a 'drumist'.

The electronic ensemble, equipped with some rather tasty new material, are supporting NN favourites Who Made Who at the Deaf Institute for indie cretins Bring On the Dancing Horses.

Modernaire really are (and have been for quite some time) one of the city's finest products. 2008 saw them supporting those Ting Ting kids from the wrong side of the Irwell, and this year looks set to be even more exciting with lots of giggage around Europe with ace-merchants like Metronomy and Love Is All.

We almost forgot, Modernaire sent us a present to pass onto you - a remix of some American upstarts called MGMT. It's yours, take it.

MP3 : MGMT - Of Birds, Moons and Monsters (Modernaire Remix)

GET YOUR HITS OUT FOR THE LADS

2009-03-02T21:54:00.007Z

In Flagranti - them boys who we have interviewed on the front page - have kindly sent us a link so you cats can download and print poster size super-files featuring some smart retro razzle bongo mag stuff.

Get busy by pointing your mousey friend onto this word here.

Oh, and they're playing live at Contort Yourself on Saturday.

EVERYBODY'S FREEEEEE

2009-02-21T18:39:00.009Z

Joseph Grant investigates the local free party scene...

It’s your typical Saturday night in the city of Salford: cold, unexciting and bleak. The aluminous aura of Manchester city centre looks very inviting from the top floor of a tower block in Pendleton, and although I am only a fifteen minute drive away, the two neighbouring areas seem worlds apart. The high-rise blocks, council estates, and numerous abandoned buildings that litter the Salford landscape are a harsh reminder of how much this once prevalent industrial centre of the north has degenerated over the years, succumbing to commercial competition from overseas, and national economic instability. Tonight however, I am genuinely excited to be in Salford.

Over the past week, rumours have been spreading about an illegal rave that is taking place somewhere near the university. The supposed organisers are well established in the Manchester scene, so our expectations are high. According to some sources we can expect several rigs playing an eclectic mix of drum and bass, dubstep, techno, punk, metal and even ska (an assortment of which I have never come across before).

Many, many phone calls later, I eventually find out where the rave is being held and after a short walk through the dreary streets I arrive at an abandoned hotel. An assorted mass of people ranging from hippies, students, punks, scallies and just plain looking weirdo’s can be seen bundling through a tiny door at the back of the derelict building. I patiently wait in line to enter the squat.

The arduous procedures a raver must endure in order to get to a party is something I have always found very intriguing. You often end up waiting around for hours making an endless amount of phone calls, driving further and further into the abyss in your clapped out Fiesta with nothing but the most absurd directions to guide you to your destination. For example: “What you want to do right is...errr…umm…take a left turn after the small bush that looks a bit like that bloke that used to present Blue Peter”. Carl from Essex, a keen raver for the past five years, describes the process as “frustrating but exciting at the same time” and “never sure if your night is going to be a complete disappointment or if it will be one of the best of your life.”

Eventually, however, I emerge inside the desolate building to witness what seems like hundreds of people packed in like sardines, manically pogoing to the ominous and sludgy beats of Dj Stenchman’s dubstep. The rumours about this party were indeed true. The ground floor is divided by two separate speaker systems and a third rig is being set up on the top floor. It seems quite an impressive feat when one considers the amount of organisation that goes into these events. Considering that the majority of the organisers are strictly non-profit, it makes you wonder what compels them to keep arranging them, week after week, and year after year.

“It’s not about making money for us and it never will be. We’ll leave that to the clubs in town” says Martin, a party organiser based in Manchester. “The reason I’ve been putting these parties on for such a long time is for the love of the music and people that come along. The atmosphere of a free party is like no other I’ve come across. Everyone is there for the sole purpose of having a good time and not be constricted by any rules or regulations.” Martin, who has been involved in the scene since the mid-nineties, explains how it has changed and developed overtime. “I think there has definitely been a shift in the overall vibe of parties, especially in the past ten years or so.” He goes on to say that “the whole, loved up, ecstasy driven thing has kind of faded away, but that’s not to say that raves are intimidating places to be now. I guess there’s just more of a blasé attitude amongst the crowd.”

When asked about the musical developments within rave culture, Martin claims that the music has become a lot more “dark and aggressive” with the rise of “hard techno and dubstep, which seem to be the preferred choice for all the party goers at the moment.” He also claims that this is “probably linked to the drugs that are being taken nowadays. It’s gone from everyone taking ecstasy, to everyone taking ketamine, which have completely opposite effects.” Although some of the factors may have changed since the original acid house warehouse parties of the late eighties, it seems that the raves of today are still as hedonistic as they were twenty years ago, which is one of the main reasons for much of the negative press that the rave scene has been victim to.

Drug use amongst counter-culture movements is not exactly ground breaking news, but it makes me question the motives behind the whole free party ‘ethos’. Is the entire rave scene built upon the self-indulgent desires of drug fuelled, disenfranchised youths as the media would have us believe? Or is there a genuine empathy to create an autonomous zone where people can freely express themselves in whatever manner they please without fear of persecution? A political activist and avid raver, who wishes to remain anonymous, who I questioned regarding this suggests that “drugs are an ingrained revolutionary aspect of dance culture an offer us an explanation of the genres longevity and popularity” and that “drugs are the last stand of rebellion in the United Kingdom and they are vital to the survival of dance culture.”

These statements are fairly bold and are certainly subject to debate but it does make you wonder about the co-existence between drugs and dance music. I find it almost impossible to imagine the Madchester and London squat scenes ever coming to fruition without the introduction of ecstasy. “Drugs and sub-cultures are so inexplicably linked”, says Martin. “People who seek alternate lifestyle choices often want a fresh perspective on their overall outlook, and I guess drugs are one way for them to achieve that.” When asked about the dependence of the free party movement on recreational drug use he replies “it’s not as simple as that. People are getting really sick of the drunken yob mentality and boring nightlife that you find in the town centres. Clubs and pubs are getting more expensive, and the music is becoming less and less diverse.”

I can’t say I whole heartedly agree with that final statement, with regards to Manchester at least, where alternative music seems to flourish. I can appreciate Martin’s point though, considering my own personal introduction into free parties was purely sheer boredom at the local nightlife in my small seaside town in Essex. Even the occasional night out in the larger, nearby towns proved to be bland and unexciting, which makes me wonder if we would see a decrease in the popularity of raves if the more ‘traditional’ club scene catered for my diverse tastes? “It’s a possibility, but not very likely” explains Martin. “They have their target audience, the norms!” he laughs. “Most of the free party crowd are pretty hardcore; they won’t give in so easily. It’s not just about musical preference.”

A seminal moment in the history of rave was the introduction of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act in 1994. The sections regarding raves and trespassing was considered by some to be a reaction to the Castle Morton ‘mega-rave’ two years previously where up to 40,000 people where said to have attended. According to the bill, a rave is defined as a gathering of a 100 or more people, where amplified music is played “wholly or predominantly characterised by the emission of a succession of repetitive beats.”

“The law hasn’t really changed anything” according to Martin. “Organisers have had to wise up a lot by knowing the law and their rights but it won’t stop us from putting parties on.” To me the laws that prohibit raves are completely ridiculous and unjust, and trying to outlaw so called ‘anti-social behaviour’ such as this seems like a waste of time. In my opinion, ravers should be regarded with high esteem as the people who actually stand up to political legislation and commercial pressures whilst the majority of us sit back and do nothing. Ravers are remarkable in the fact that they do this without having any real political agenda. They merely want to be left in peace for two nights a week to escape the harsh realities of every day life. Is that so much to ask?

One thing is for certain, free parties are as relevant as they were twenty years ago and I am fairly confident they will be around for a long time yet. I just hope the masses eventually realize that they are not to be feared, and most importantly that the government realizes that compromise is the best solution to a problem.

NOIZE IS GOLDEN

2009-02-18T19:57:00.008Z

Manchester duo Paul and Alan Farrier, AKA Shadow Dancer, are about to release a debut album on Boys Noize Records. Golden Traxe is 13 "convulsive, beat-propelled electro-synth" songs which includes three previously released tracks, 'Poke', 'What Is Natural' and 'Soap'. The duo recently released the latter as a teaser for the full-length, and it's currently being hammered out by the likes of Soulwax and Erol Alkan.

Tracklist:

01. Poke
02. Soap
03. Infinite Lies
04. Walker
05. Golden Traxe
06. Landlines
07. Drivetime
08. What is Natural
09. Loader
10. Be Happy
11. Lower Left
12. The Bad Thing
13. This is This

Boys Noize will release Shadow Dancer's Golden Traxe 23/02/09. The pair also play Bugged Out 17/04/09.

EIGHT RECORDS

2009-02-16T18:05:00.006Z

Impromptu rave vibes via this small mix that features tracks and mixes by the likes of Riva Starr and Jack Beats. Download, stream or ignore as you see fit.

EWAN BELIEVE IT

2009-02-16T11:16:00.009Z

Ewan Pearson is a vocal critic of posting MP3's on blogs, so imagine NN's surprise to receive an email from a label he's just done a remix for, suggesting we post it for all you little northophiles.

Luckily for you, the track is a winner as it's the latest release from Moon Unit, signed to that odd little Berlin imprint Supersoul Recordings - remember that competition we did with the DFA album thingy way back in 2008? Yep, same people.

Anyway, here it is, apparently it's 'somewhere between Belgian New Beat and classy bondage party'.

MP3 : Moon Unit - Connections (Ewan Pearson's Slo NRG Dub)

SYNTHESISE

2009-02-15T19:22:00.002Z

This is the new track and video by Simian Mobile Disco.

It features Todd Rundgren on vocals.

That's all.

For now.

...U KNOW THE SCORE

2009-02-12T14:09:00.007Z

Last night I went to FACT in Liverpool to hear, author, Simon Reynolds expand on his Hardcore Continuum theory. You can read more about that here or even pick up a copy of the current Big Issue in the North which features an interview I did with him. Anyway, it was pretty good and worked particularly well as Reynolds used key tracks to illustrate his points. For example, he explored the link between Jonny L's 'Hurt You So (Alright)' and the speed garage of Fabulous Baker Boys' 'Oh Boy' and noted how that led to Jonny L's work as one half of True Steppers. (And somehow made Posh Spice believe she was relevant for about a week.)

The last section with Reynolds in conversation with the guy from The Wire magazine lacked a certain spark and it might have been better if they had edited down the chosen tracks so that we didn't get an Amen onslaught for a few minutes before fading it out at the best bit [due to the lecture's time restrictions] but, over all, it was an interesting evening out. And, as Ruth Allan whispered to me, quite possibly the most surreal environment to listen to some chipmunk-vocal rave record ever.

However, you can catch Reynolds at Waterstones on Deansgate today where he's talking about his latest post-punk book.

IT'S ALL GONE... ERM, OKAY ACTUALLY

2009-02-10T22:08:00.005Z

Just a few weeks after Greg Wilson showed up on the Essential Mix, Stockport instititution Mr Scruff has now contributed an equally fine selection for Tong & co. The track list is below while you can head over to the Radio 1 site and check it out for yourself.

01. Body and Soul ‘In The Beginning’ [National General]
02. Leroy Hutson ‘Lucky Fellow’ [Curtom]
03. Eddie Kendricks ‘Girl You Need a Change of Mind’ [Motown]
04. Zed Bias and Jenna G ‘Let Me Change Your Mind’ [Development]
05. Mr Scruff ‘Give Up To Get’ [Ninja Tuna]
06. Mr Scruff ‘Rocking Chair’ [Ninja Tuna]
07. Theo Parrish ‘Chemistry’ [Sound Signature]
08. Arcadion ‘Ghostfeeder’ [DC]
09. Ragga Twins ‘Wipe The Needle’ [Shut Up And Dance]
10. Q Tip ‘Manwomanboogie’ [Motown]
11. Mr Scruff with Skuff and Inja ‘Zen’ [Ninja Tuna]
12. James Brown ‘Get On The Good Foot’ [Polydor]
13. Mr Scruff and Quantic ‘Donkey Ride’ [Ninja Tuna]
14. Mr Scruff ‘Fish’ [Ninja Tune]
15. Mr Scruff ‘Get On Down’ [Ninja Tuna]
16. Thomas Bangalter ‘On Da Rocks’ [Roule]
17. Psychotropic ‘Only For The Headstrong’ [Raw Bass]
18. Mr Scruff ‘Chicken In A Box’ [Ninja Tune]
19. Mitsu The Beats ‘Kuro Fessional MC (instrumental mix)’ [Mukatsuku]
20. Color Climax ‘Disque O Heights’ [Breakin Bread]
21. Jazzanova ‘Boom Clicky Boom Klack (Mr Scruff mix)’ [Sonarkollektiv]
22. Talking Heads ‘Once In A Lifetime’ [Sire]
23. Mr Scruff ‘Kalimba’ [Ninja Tuna]
24. Sweet Salvation ‘Rock Steady’ [Elektra]
25. Cosmic Force ‘Ghetto Down (Kenny Dope mix)’ [Truth and Soul]
26. Mr Scruff ‘Sweetsmoke’ [Ninja Tuna]
27. Benny Ill, Kode 9 and The Culprit ‘Fat Larrys Skank’ [Tempa]
28. Nicolette ‘Dove Song’ [Shut Up And Dance]
29. Channel One ‘Jungle Skank’ [Channel One]

BETWEEN THE STICKS*

2009-02-04T19:28:00.009Z

We often forget to list Jam Street Cafe's presentations over in deepest Chorlton which, y'know, is pretty poor of us to be honest. So consider this some kind of apology and also a little reminder that Rob Bright joins the Eighty Six residents for some offbeat music this very Friday. The following month features Jan Hammered while Balearic deity Moonboots drops by on April 3rd.

(*This title relates to the OAP bloodsport known as 'Bingo'.)

TOO MANY BROKEN CARDS IN THE WORLD

2009-02-01T17:07:00.005Z

Common, the bar on Edge Street in the Northern Quarter, is ace. Here's why; Like some shit Watchdog type thing, one NN monkey (namely me) mailed the nice Commoners to enquire about the new membership scheme. Below is the letter from said monkey, and then their smiling inducing reply.

It's actually better than most of the press releases we get from professional press release type people.

///////////////////////////////////////

howdi,

i am confused, you see, i have an orange membership card from a
couple of years ago and to be honest it means a lot to me.

i often use it to impress people, and girls dig it when the powerful
thing magiocally wavers the Â£2 entry fee while chumps stood outside
in the cold.

it is also ripped in half and stuck back together again with tape,
it's got character.

but i fear i don't know it's worth anymore, i turn up and they say
sorry it's Â£2 for members your card is worthless, and then they try
and sell me rum for cheap at the bar - which is great, i love rum.

but i'm just unsure as to what the hell is happening with this
membership jazz. please don't take my card away from me, i don't
want a new one. one day it'll be featured in a book or something.

i'm not sure i feel so super special anymore.

bestest regards,

sam, prince of fallowfield.


///////////////////////////////////////

Hello Sam

Ah, confusion reigns, but fear not: your card is still yours (and
yeah, they work a treat with the ladies).

Towards the end of last year we did some very high level research into
how many of our members were taking advantage of not having to pay the
£2 entry at weekends. Yes, we did a tally. What that tally showed us
was that on average 5 people a night were taking advantage of the 'no
door charge' perk. I'm sure you'll agree that's not to great a number
so we concluded that it wasn't really working as an incentive to get
people to come on a Friday and Saturday evening. So we decided to
change what the card gets you, one of our valued members.

Firstly we decided to extend the 10% discount on food and drink so
that it's valid all day and night every single day - just show your
card when you're ordering your babycham or whatever people are
drinking these days.

Secondly we decided to introduce the 'Members Only Prices' scheme
whereby every few months we pick a couple of drinks that seem popular
and sell them to members for £2.50 every Thursday, Friday and Saturday
after 9PM. At the moment it's bottle of Vedett lager and Sailor Jerry
and a mixer.

Thirdly we scrapped the the free entry partly because, as I mentioned
above, no bugger seemed to be taking advantage of the perk, but also
because we have new promoters for Fridays and Saturdays and they
wouldn't make anything if the place was full of members getting in for
nothing.

It was a difficult decision to make but we reckon it's the right one.
If not then we'll keep changing things until they're right.

You might not feel it but you'll always be super special to us.

///////////////////////////////////////

Awww, shucks.

MAGIC ARM IS PLAYING AT MY HOUSE

2009-01-30T08:42:00.005Z

Switchflicker Records' delightful Magic Arm has a new 10" release due 23/02/09 called 'Bootsy Bootsy'. He'll also be playing Club Brenda at The Deaf Institute 28/02/09.

Meanwhile the label is currently offering a free download of The Real Dolls remix of the title track plus there's also a lovely DIY pop version of LCD Soundsystem's 'Daft Punk is Playing at My House' which you can grab either here or there.

WORD UP

2009-01-26T12:11:00.007Z

If you can be bothered, have a go at the wordsearch above. We've started you off and you should be able to find the artists and titles relating to six records contained on this streaming or downloadable audio clip. (If you need a bigger version of the wordsearch, click here.)

Send us whichever tracks you've managed to locate to northernights at gmail dot com. We'll pick a winner on February 14th and send them a dapper (read "basic") Northernights 'You Should Get Out More' T-shirt plus a selection of CDs that have been cluttering the place up.

GO NOHO GO

2009-01-24T11:27:00.006Z

There's a new bar in town. Named NOHO, it's situated on the corner of Spear Street and Stevenson Square in the Northern Quarter. It looks great, has amazing original parquet flooring, some beautiful vintage furniture and exposed lightbulbs hanging down which is probably pretty cool.

Strange that we have seen nothing about this place as it's been open a week. Fingers crossed it does ok, but the DJ - no offence - wasn't that great, unless generic rare groove (puke) is your bag.

Also, what's with the name? Yeah, associating yourself with a part of New York is fine but not when there's a club round the corner called Moho. Durrrgh.

OOH LA LA

2009-01-23T14:55:00.005Z

In preparation for the launch of the S'il Vous Plait discotheque, I Am Sam (or "Je Suis Sam") has done a mix. You can download it ici.

Tracklist:

fan death - the son will rise
we are enfants terrible - eagles don't sparkle
revl9n - someone like you
teenagers - sunset beach (cfcf remix)
pink stallone - new fate
little boots - mathmatics
loose shus - threesome
digitalism - apollo gize (fred falke remix)
la roux - fascination
walter meego - forever

LIVING FOR THE WEEK-DAYS

2009-01-22T20:00:00.007Z

The students are back in town after spending christmas with Mama and Papa in Berkshire or whatever, and amongst the Ugg wearing plonkers with their polytechnic emblazoned hoodies are our fantastic young guns - The kids who keep Manchester dancing mid-week at some of the most forward thinking nights in the city.

Here's a run down of the current/future hotties.

Monday :

Monday Murkage | 1 Central Street
The ultimate ghetto rave, with a clientelle that look like the contents of the Vice Picture Editor's bin, be prepeared for mad noises that would kill old people and kids with ridiculous gold chains on. They do fidget and slow jamz. Did we just put slow jamz?

Also check; Revolver | Roadhouse (vintage rock n roll)

Tuesdays :

S'il Vous Plait | Night & Day
Yes, this is self promotion, but even if it wasn't mine I would still love it. Expect the most futuristic of synth laden pogo-pop combining cow bells, drum machines, vocoders, keytars, guitar solos and queeny american accents. It's free to get in too, but dress the fuck up.

Also check; Sex With Robots | Roadhouse (bumpy house)

Wednesdays :

Now Wave | Deaf Institute
Although a band and DJ night, this has kind of been all about the bands. They seem to book every hot band from the blogosphere, thus providing a service to Manchester that many don't have the balls to do. The DJ's are ace though and mad dancing often prevails.

Also check; Pull Yourself Together | Common (all sorts of alternative business)

Thursdays :

Stop Making Sense | Common
Manchester must have the quietest Thursdays in the world, there's plenty of good nights but few ravers out to get busy. SMS has been going for a while now, and although unfortunately their weekend offshoot has erm... shot off, the original pub disco remains. Expect slomo disco, bubbling electronic funk and edgy post-punk art school vibes.

Also check; The House That Dub Built | Jabezz Clegg (dub, evidently)

DOGGING

2009-01-21T22:14:00.006Z

Our friend Rex The Dog has a new video.

It's good huh? You like the bit when the dog plays the cardboard keyboard huh?

DUBBLE TROUBLE

2009-01-20T23:02:00.008Z

Manchester's Danny Ward a.k.a. Dubble D a.k.a. Moodymanc has completed a new podcast for 2020 Vision. You will find it here.

Tracklist

1. Claro Intelecto - 'Operation'
2. Pawas ft Mathias Keul - 'Piano Rain'
3. Moodymanc - 'Seedz'
4. Soul Minority - 'Soul Thing'
5. Mike de Vellis - 'Alkaline Metal (Moodymanc sax dub ft. Kenji Fenton)
6. 2020Soundsystem - 'Sliding Away (Johnny D mix)'
7. D'Julz - 'Fleurette'
8. Domu - 'Coming Back Around (Atjazz dub)'
9. Laurent Garnier - 'The Man With The Red Face'

NOW THAT'S WHAT I CALL MUSIC

2009-01-17T16:56:00.004Z

New mix here from Now Wave. Oh, and remember that the night has got some upcoming parties featuring the likes of Black Lips, Deerhunter, The XX and Kele from Bloc Party.

Tracklist:

1. ANIMAL COLLECTIVE - MY GIRLS
2. GANG GANG DANCE - HOUSE JAM (XXXCHANGE REMIX)
3. THE VIRGINS - RICH GIRLS (THE TWELVES REMIX)
4. BOY CRISIS - L'HOMME
5. VAMPIRE WEEKEND - THE KIDS DON'T STAND A CHANCE (CHROMEO REMIX)
6. HOT CHIP - TOUCH TOO MUCH (FAKE BLOOD REMIX)
7. METRONOMY - HEARTBREAKER (DISCODEINE REMIX)
8. PASSION PIT - SLEEPYHEAD
9. DEERHUNTER - NOTHING EVER HAPPENED
10. FLORENCE & THE MACHINE - DOG DAYS ARE OVER
11. HOCKEY - SONG AWAY
12. THE SOFT PACK - NIGHTLIFE
13. BLACK LIPS - STARTING OVER
14. NO AGE - THINGS I DID WHEN I WAS DEAD
15. EMPIRE OF THE SUN - WALKING ON A DREAM

SILVER SURFER

2009-01-16T16:41:00.003Z

You may remember that we did an interview with Duncan a.k.a. DNCN a bit back largely concerning his new project Silverclub. That's signed to Leftroom and the line-up also includes Tommy Walker III plus there's often some studio trickery by Marc Ashken. For a while they were called This Years Model. Now they're not. No. Now it's Silverclub. We already told you that. Silly. They play the Friends of Manchester festival 24/01/09. And there's an EP coming soon.

Anyway, Duncan and Tommy have also done a mix. You can download it here.

Tracklist:

Darryl Doo and the Don'ts - 'Immigrant Song'
The Arch Nazards - 'Lets Get Physical'
Jobriath - 'World Without End'
D-Train - 'D-Train Theme'

Ploy - 'Sandy Duncan (Tommy Walker 3 remix)'
DNCN - 'Swiss Army Knife (Ashken Tweak)'
Matzo & Pauli - 'Drama'
Revolting Cocks - 'Attack Ships On Fire'

Heartbreak - 'Robot's Got The Feeling'

That is all we have to say on the matter.

VOTE WITH YOUR (DANCING) FEET

2009-01-14T17:53:00.008Z

Is it just us or have you been bombarded by messages to petition against anyone ever playing loud music ever, ever again in this country with punishment of death?

Or something like that anyway. If you go here you can stand up for this apparent wrong doing and the long list of ravers, rockers and hip hoppers will be thrust under the nose of Gordon Brown.

This is the official blurb;

It has been brought to attention that the government wish to consider it a legal requirement in the new tax year to introduce laws insisting anyone applying or re-applying for an entertainment license must have a noise control device fitted to the venue. This will be the final NAIL for ALL entertainment in the UK as the level at which these devices CUT you off is dreadfully low and damaging.

PLEASE DO NOT INTRODUCE THIS LAW, WE LOVE LIVE MUSIC!

Hmmm, what do you think?

PACK YOUR TRUNKS

2009-01-13T14:22:00.006Z

For those quick enough, an initial batch of discounted tickets have been released for this year's Electric Elephant event in Croatia.

Again promoted by the Manchester team behind Electric Chair, it's set to take place between 28th and 30th August in beautiful Petrcane. While 2008's initial foray played host to some 700 party-goers, the festival capacity has almost trebled for this latest excursion but, as yet, the line-up is under wraps. Still, what festival charges a paltry £49.99? Well... the sort that also boast hotels for around ten euros a night, actually.

More details to be found here.

FAUST PRIZE

2009-01-11T21:46:00.006Z

Justin Faust is a house (not house) producer from Munich and like all things German, he is amazing - well, not all things, they drink beer and coke together, that's fucking wrong-er than a night out on Quay Street.

You have to love the video, and check out the track Revenge on his MySpace, it's the happiest song in the world.

BONNE CHANCE

2009-01-10T14:59:00.007Z

There has been a lot of foreign talk on the blog of late, hasn't there? Well that's continuing today as we turn our attention to S'il Vous Plait: a new project brought to you by a team that includes, Northernights colleague, I Am Sam.

Previously our club pal has been spotted behind both Civil Action Disco Club and Jeudi Noir in Manchester with some other events notched up in exotic places with weird and wonderful names like 'London'. This latest session takes place at Night & Day every second and fourth Tuesday. First one happens 27/01/09. And, by the way, it is free.

MAY IT CONTINUE

2009-01-09T19:38:00.007Z

There's a new band in town called May68 and guess bloody what...

They're top banana. Listen.

Catch them supporting Max Tundra at Bring on T'Horses on the 6th of February.

THAT FREITAG FEELING

2009-01-09T17:36:00.008Z

New night Freitags starts tonight at Common. Residents are Up The Racket's Wes and Will from Tramp.

However don't overlook the lovely posters by the marvellous Teacake Design.

They are above.

Yes.

They are.

JACQUES YOUR BODY

2009-01-08T16:13:00.007Z

After putting out records on DFA, Rekids and Italians Do It Better, New York's Jaques Renault is due to play at El Diablos Social Club 07/02/08.

Familiarize yourself with the fella (who also masquerades as Runaway) with some music that you'll find located here.

FRENCH DEAD

2009-01-07T23:01:00.007Z

Remember that Best Arts & Culture Blog award that we won? Yeah well, to keep up that facade, we must occasionally post something of civilizing slash learned content. In the above video there are traces of such clever terms like arthouse, animation and france.

It is of course Gallic duet Zombie Zombie, who, whilst puffing the smoke of their Gauloises in your face, will also be flopping out their krautrock disco madness live at the Ruby Lounge on the 26th January. The video is perhaps the best thing we've seen move this year and is both horrifying and laughable at the same time, much like the last NN editorial meeting.

RAINBOW SCENEZ

2009-01-04T19:40:00.003Z

Excuse the massive picture, but sometimes things of beauty need space to breathe. The image above is not some crazy modern art jazz from Paris or somewhere cool, it's actually a poster for a new and exciting club night called Colours (see what they've done there).

It will take place on Saturday 14th February, and some more in March and April. Venue is Jabezz Cleg and they have some cool techno people coming over to play. Check it.

IT'S FRENCH FOR "THE RUSSET-RED ONE"

2009-01-02T13:43:00.006Z

Kitsune's La Roux will be headlining at Contort Yourself 07/02/09. Yep - that's here up there doing her 'Quicksand' for the telly. She'll also be supporting Lily Allen in March.