Archive for category News
Chico Mann – Live!
September 22 @ The Toff
You can forget about the obscure ‘grabs’ at the bottom of this poster… If you’re reading this blog you should already know who Antibalas are and you also know RayBan Wayfarers, Oakley Frogskins and kung-fu slippers are for chumps! No reference to ‘Casio’ or ‘the 303′ is gonna make me wanna go to a gig – quite the opposite actually. May as well just buy a daily and ride around on the 86! Motherfuckers at Urb Magazine and Flavorpill need to check their heads (because you look stupid!).
Anyway… Chico Mann. Do yourself a favour and check his blog, listen to his music and watch some of his recent film clips. Brother is heavy! chicomann.com
He’ll be performing with his band at the Toff in Town later this month. It should be a fantastic show. To put it simply: Real music for real people.
Check the poster for more info and ticketing details. Special guests Chris Gill and DJ Manchild will be in the house.
Holy shit, it’s a long way down from my high horse, especially for a bitter old man.
Rappin’ for Rolex
Posted by Rex in Fresh stock, Gigs, In the crates, News, People on September 2nd, 2010
What’s new at Northside?
Last weekend I was down at the Croft Institute for the Kon & Danielsan show (aka Wax Museum Jam) and I ran into one of Melbourne’s most prolific gig-goers and certified hip hop head, Rolex. He told me this blog was getting a little tired at times, so here’s some news to keep him happy!
FRESHNESS:
Chris has just put out a bunch of Funk+Soul 7’s. Stay tuned for the email-out or call Chris or Elle at the shop to get the jump on super digger Arks!
Plus, there is an insane amount of good second-hand hip hop falling from the sky at the moment. Get in quick to check the crate upon crate upon crate of classics. I’m not usually a fan of Serato or any other digital-based DJ system – but you have to love it when peeps are selling the records they’ve been collecting for the last 25 years. Keep it coming!
FEATURED NEW RELEASES:
KOOLISM “The Umu”
Oz hip hop is back on the map with the best release for a long time. Hau and Danielsan raise the bar (again) with a solid album. Thankfully - this doesn’t fall into the narrow cliched sound and content that is oz hip hop; it’s another world class release from the the ex-Canberra duo. It’s been a long time coming, but it’s def worth the wait. The beats are great and Hau is on point as usual. Some seriously good tunes on here – and a little taste of what Daniel is cooking up in his lab for future releases.
HYPNOTIC BRASS ENSEMBLE “Heritage”
This is a dope arse 12″! It features a tasteful selection of tunes - the highlight of which is Fela’s Water Get No Enemy. Plus covers of Art of Noise, Jay Z, Doom+Madlib and more. Cover pictured here. Don’t sleep on this.
SEU JORGE AND ALMAZ s/t
Seu Jorge? It’s that dude from the movie “The Life Aquatic” who does Bowie covers… Almaz is his band. Produced by Mario C (Beastie Boys/Jon Spencer etc). Their album is both warm and dark; psychedelic and yet grounded, uplifting but at times somber. Nice artwork, Sure to be a classic.
THE WORLD ENDS (Afro Rock & Psychedelia in 1970’s Nigeria) VOLUMES 1 + 2
They never sleep at Soundway Records. The is a monster set of funky afro madness. The World Ends is the latest title from Soundway Records showcasing a wave of guitar driven and psychedelic groups that sprung up in Nigeria during the early 1970s. Featuring electrifying and funk laden grooves, this is the sound of a generation attempting to pick up the pieces after the devastation of the Nigerian civil war. CD and LP.
GIGS
CHICO MANN: WED 22 SEPT. TOFF IN TOWN
From Antibalas and direct from New York City, the undisputed James Brown of the Casio…CHICO MANN.
Live Electro, Afro-beat, Afro-Cuban and more! Marcos Garcia aka Chico Mann grew up in a musical family in New York and New Jersey. His father was the owner of a Latin record label based in Hell’s Kitchen in New York City and a young Chico observed the ins & outs of the biz while practicing his guitar and piano. It was then that he began to propagate his deep musical roots with such influences as Afrika Bambaataa, Lisa Lisa, Willie Colón, Celia Cruz and Fela Kuti.
Last in Australia as one of the key collaborators and musicians in the worlds finest Afrobeat band ANTIBALAS. Chico has also worked his magic with such artists as TONY ALLEN, THE ROOTS, RAEKWON, MEDESKI, MARTIN & WOOD, DAM FUNK, DJ SPINNA, TROUBLE FUNK, BRAND NUBIAN, RICH MEDINA, TICKLAH, NICODEMUS, THE BUDOS BAND and many more.
This is Chicos first trip to Australia with his acclaimed three piece live act.
If you want a taste of the richness of New Yorks musical underbelly then come down and feast on this super funky show.
Support from the undisputed James Brown of the Dunlop Volley, Chris Gill. Sho’ is funky in Chris’ shoes! More guests to be announced. Get the lowdown at chicomann.com
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
I see Chris added a Thought for the Day to the View from the Northside. Just to stick with the program, here’s a quote of the week from one of Melbourne’s finest wordsmiths!
“Remember Breaks? They used to be so good before all the trance / prog people got involved and neutered the sound, really, one minute it’s Raw on 45 with a jamaican style sub bass and some Yardi yelling stuff on top then you turn around and it’s asshats like Sasha and Digweed claiming the sound, fuck was that?“ DJ Ransom
More magic words from Ransom and the Late Show crew here: late-show.blogspot
I just read the latest addition to this blog - I’m in tears after checking what DJ Stiffy had to say about Ben Cousins!
OTHER NEWS:
I’m tired after trying to excite Rolex. Stay tuned for attempted weekly updates of Rappin’ for Rolex. ALWAYS OPINIONATED, SELDOM INFORMATIVE, OFTEN ENTERTAINING!
Rampage this Friday!!!
Cold Crushin’ returns
This Friday is going to be something special. PBS-FM, First Floor and Zack Rampage team up to bring a much needed injection of real hip hop to the streets of Melbourne. Pre-90’s styles from Melbournes’s maestros of all things turntablist. Featuring true heavyweights J-Red and Danielsan, along with the regulars on the Melbourne scene, Manchild, Rob C, Mz. Rizk and the one and motherfuckin’ only, Zack ‘Eric B’ Rampage. Dust off you shell toes and start ironing your fat laces. This is what a lot of us have been itching for. Real hip hop, real DJs and actual real records (we hope).
This is a PBS benefit gig, so all the coin goes back into helping fund and run one of the finest community stations in the world. As such, we’ve capped ticket prices at tenbukah! Awww yeah.
Don’t forget to tune into RAMPAGE every Friday at 2pm!
In other news this week – it’s Wax Museum’s ‘Jam’ 1 year celebration, featuring special guest Kon (Kon & Amir). This Saturday night at the Croft Institute. More DJs on the bill than a long-weekend at Revolver. Expect the dopest-dopeness and the rarest-of-the-rare – and expect special guests Bonez and Danielsan to make the international guest look pedestrian! Others guests include Aux-One, Arks, Kano 172, Kuya, Inkswell and Japeye… It’s gonna be huge. Get in early to see the freshest DJs around. All the info is here: WAX MUSEUM JAM
Count on Northside to bring the realness!
ps. Nice poster!
Jazz Rooms return to Melbourne
Order of Melbourne:
Saturday 14th August
Feat. THE BOMBAY ROYALE,
Russ Dewbury/Blair Stafford + Guests
If you made it down to the last (A night at the) Jazz Rooms show at the Order of Melbourne, featuring POAO, you know what it’s all about. The POAO were dope! Quite possibly the best thing to happen at The Order of Melbourne – ever. Keeping with the outernational flavours, the next Jazz Rooms show will feature Bombay Royale + Jazz Rooms founder, Russ Dewbury.
FROM PRESS RELEASE: DJ Russ Dewbury, founder of the Brighton Jazz Rooms has become the first international dj/promoter to achieve a Distinguished Talent Visa for permanent residency in Australia. In a musical career spanning 23 years Russ has achieved a reputation as one of the best djs on the worldwide underground music circuit. Working with everyone from Art Blakey to The Roots Russ is also well known for his Jazz Bop live Festival, New Jazz Spectrum Radio show and many Record compilations and productions. Russ has recently relocated to Australia bringing with him a club concept that is much celebrated by the underground music community. Running consecutively for over 21 years in the UK, featuring all over the globe and now playing to packed houses in Sydney and Perth, “A Night at the Jazz Rooms” is a fresh new live/dj club night for Melbourne with Jazz at its core.
Expect a heavyweight mix of Jazz/Soul/Funk/Afro/Latin hooked up with Hip Hop/Drum n Bass and House (House? WTF!) brought to you by resident DJ and host Russ Dewbury and featuring some of the heaviest homegrown live acts and Djs around.
The Bombay Royale are a new Melbourne based 12 piece Indian Bollywood Funk outfit attracting a buzz after a handful of live shows. This innovative live ensemble play a high octane mix of slamming Disco, Funk and Surf tunes from 1960’s and 1970’s Bollywood. Drawing on a wide range of influences from Indian Cinematic music to Jazz, Funk and Afro luminaries Quincy Jones, Ennio Morricone and the Budos Band the band create a heady cocktail of Eastern and Western influences making for a sensational live experience.
Bombay Royale feature vocalists Parvyn Singh and Shourov Bhattacharya who sing largely in Hindi and comprise members from the cream of Melbourne’s live music scene, including bands such as Labjacd, The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra, San Lazaro, Mr Savona, Vulgagrad and Illzilla. Featured percussionist’s are Sam Evans, widely recognised as one of the finest tabla players in the country and multiinstrumentalist Josh Bennett who plays sitar, dilruba and tabla. The band gave their debut performance in April 2010 to wide acclaim and this is a project to keep your eye on. Experience the flavour of one of the world’s legendary club sessions as the “Jazz Rooms” returns to Melbourne after our slamming debut show!
Gill = Daicos !!
I’ve lived in Melbourne for 10 years, and I couldn’t give a rat’s arse about AFL. I’ve upset many people by claiming to be a ‘conscientious objector’ when it comes to the the game that Victorians call ‘football‘. I could go on for days… but, on Sunday I put all my prejudices aside and joined 10,000 other ‘music lovers’ to support the 2010 Community Cup. With the likes of Chris “The Macedonian Marvel” Gill, Ethan “Manchild” Hill, and Zack “Rampage” Rampage taking to the field for the RRR/PBS Megahertz, I felt it my duty to at least go for a look (laugh).
For my first venture into the realm of Victorian Rules since moving to Melbourne more than 10 years ago, I have to admit it wasn’t actually so bad (but it wasn’t actually footy either??). There were streakers, strippers, rock dogs (and their dogs), copious amounts of ice cold Melbourne Bitter, thick plumes of green smoke and more beer guts than I’ve ever seen in one place. The only resemblance to real football (AFL that is) as I understand it, was the sheer volume of tattoos! (oh, and Chris Gill’s shorts).
In what can only be described as a ‘miracle’, the RRR/PBS Megahertz staged a final quarter revival to snatch victory in the dying seconds and take out the 2010 Community Cup. (sadly, I’d had all the footy I could take by this stage and left with about 10 minutes to go – certain that the Espy Rock Dogs would run out comfortable victors). With the final score 41-40 in favour of the the Megahertz, there is no doubt that the real winner on the day was music and the punters, followed closely by CUB. A MASSIVE congratulations goes out to Chris ‘Peter Daicos’ Gill for his his sterling performance which earned him the much-prized Steve Connelly medal for “Best on Ground”. Never again will anyone even imagine telling Chris that his son Otis might have to sit out of of the ‘half time’ Aus Kick game between Collingwood and Essendon (on Anzac Day), or even worse, suggest that Otis “could maybe have a run for Carlton next time”. Good on ya Chris – that’s one way to show those fools!
One of our Northside regulars managed to loiter around long enough to capture this fantastic image of Chris leaving the ground afterwards. The knock on the head he received early in the first quarter certainly didn’t upset his sense of style! Obviously – his dunlop volleys are in the yellow bag along with the Steve Connelly Medal and his heavily soiled Megahertz shorts and singlet thing. If you want the full rundown – tune into Chris’ radio show (Get Down on RRR) this Thursday from noon, where you’re sure to get the insider’s critique on what was arguably the greatest game of football ever!
Congratulations to all the players, organisers and bands who made it such an auspicious occasion. Who knows… next year I might even stick until the final whistle blows.
Diggin’ up the Tasman
Posted by Rex in DJ Mix (Downloads), In the crates, News on May 27th, 2010
Sure Be Nice
To Make Some Money
A Mixtape thing in 3 parts
Dig this ~ Here’s a pretty loose mix of tracks that I made for the shop (Northside) a couple of years back. It’s a collection of obscure and lesser known Australian and New Zealand records that I’ve found in my travels. It’s a mixed bag of jazz, blues/rock, funk, soul and more. Although some compositions are not necessarily originals - the interpretations of these classic tunes and ‘breakbeat standards’ are def worth checking out.
Strictly Australian and New Zealand artists. Some of these records are in pretty rough condition, so apologies for any background noise – at least you know it’s the real deal. The aim here was to compile some local tunes that have been overlooked on the ‘Heading in The Right Direction‘ and ‘Respect Overdue‘ Series’. Hopefully there are some tunes here you have never heard before…? A couple of these have been comped elsewhere since I recorded this mix, but there are still some extra tasteful moments within that will have you scratching your head. Enjoy!
There’s more than 85 minutes of audio here so it has been chopped it into 3 parts to make it a little easier to download. Click on the links (parts 1, 2 & 3) to listen and download.
Part 1.
1. METAPHYSICAL BREAK (EDIT): PETER O’MARA
2. A MESSAGE FROM THE REBELS
3. 3500: TODAY THIS WAY
4. SURVIVOR: RON BARRY EXPRESS
5. WORLD IS A GHETTO: ALAN LEE QUINTET
6. WORK SONG: THE DYNAMIC JUNE SMITH
7. THE GHETTO: SKYLIGHT
Part 2.
8. BACK ON THE STREETS AGAIN: BILLY THORPE
9. LOVE IS FOREVER: JEFF ST. JOHN
10. BRAND NEW BAG: THE ID
11. ODE TO BILLIE JOE: MARGARET ROADKNIGHT
12. ALL RIGHT IN THE CITY: QUINCY CONSERVE
13. IT’S JUST BEGUN: HOT CITY BUMP BAND
14. MOVE ON UP: QUINCY CONSERVE
15. MAXIMUM LOAD: MAXIMUM LOAD (aka JUNE SMITH)
Part 3.
16. THEM CHANGES: MISS RENEE
17. DJERBA (EDIT): LEEK SOUP
18. I FEEL GOOD: THE QUINCY CONSERVE
19. SPINNING WHEEL: WILLPOWER
20. ONLY TIME WILL TELL: JEANNIE LEWIS
21. ESPY SOUL STEW: DIANNA KISS*
* Never released on vinyl. CD release only
I’ve not supplied 100% accurate info in this tracklist for the obvious reasons. If you want to know anymore about any of these tunes, just hit us up and we can shed some light on some of the more mysterious artsits and tunes here. Hope you enjoy. If you’re feeling it – send donations to me (Rex) care of Northside records. Trying to raise $1,000,000.00 for ongoing vinyl research (and to pay the artists).
Shout outs to Johnny Topper, Takse, DJ Sheep (Tasman Connection), James ‘Votary’ Pianta, Dave Reitman, Katalyst, Vinko, Idem, Arks, Roger at Mainly Jazz and the rest of you (us) freaks. There are still more records out there…
Pictured right: just some records – not necessarily from this mix, but made in the same 2 countries.
Record Store Day – April 17
The Bamboos explode at Northside Records!
It’s almost that time again – International Record Store Day. To celebrate, and entice you away from your laptop and illegal downloads for a day, Northside Records is proud to present THE BAMBOOS, appearing live instore at 3pm on Saturday April 17. We’re not sure where we are going to put them all, or how anyone else will be able to actually get into the store once the band is setup, but that’s a minor detail. The important thing is live music from one of Australia’s hottest soul/funk outfits. In past years we’ve been lucky enough to host Cookin’ on 3 Burners, but this is gonna be some next level shit! The Bamboos are set to tear up Gertrude St. with a frantic 30 minute set of smoking soul and funk tunes. It’s gonna be a riot!
Entry will be free, and aside from the band, Northside will be offering some other special deals to celebrate Record Store Day, like Chris’ famous 6 reissues for $100, give-aways and dance demonstrations from the funky man himself. If you want to see the Bamboos up close, we suggest you get in early because it’s gonna get damn steamy with so much funk in one place. 3pm sharp. Don’t sleep.
More information about Record Store Day can be found on the official website, along with a comprehensive list of all the record stores who will be participating around the world. Keep vinyl alive and dip into your deep pockets for one very special day of train-spotting and nerding-out. ‘Nuff said.
Blisterfinger: Pimp my own shit…
Who writes this rubbish?
I’ve been pimping the Northside bizniz for some time now, so just for a sec I’m going to talk about my own shit!
When I’m not working at the shop, writing highly opinionated record reviews and making slanderous comments about Chris Gill on this blog, I work doing a bunch of other things – Graphic Design, Copywriting, Promotion and the odd DJ spot. I’ve been doing it for longer than I care to mention and during this time I’ve had the opportunity to work with some amazing people. A lot of my work, especially my freelance design, has been music related and that’s why I’m here blowing my whistle on the Northside blog.
Some of clients over recent years include such record labels as BBE, Unique, Invada, Universal, Crookneck and Obese, artists and musicians including Space Invadas, Katalyst, Dynamo Productions, Fdel, Flow Dynamics, Raph Boogie, A-Love, F&d, Mnemonic Ascent and many more. Other projects and clients of note include Behind The Beat (Gingko Press), PBS FM 106.7, Beci Orpin (online store), Revolver Upstairs and of course, last but not least, Northside Records.
Sounds kind of glamourous? Well, it ain’t. The music industry is in a rapid state of decay, and musicians and record labels (and record stores) never had any money to start with! It’s really for the love of music and a chance to work with artists and labels I admire. Sure it has some perks, like free tickets, backstage passes and some free booze – but unfortunately my landlord is not willing to accept these in exchange for rental accommodation…. which brings me to my point, shameless self-promotion.
You may have seen the link to BLISTERFINGER on the Family & Friends section of this website? That’s me, and that is what I call my ‘mixed business’. Check out the Blisterfinger myspace page, and stay tuned for my new website and folio online soon. If you’re looking for a designer, art director, copywriter, DJ, or just someone to make slanderous comments about you, hit me up via any of the contacts on the links below – or get in touch with Northside for more info. Hope I didn’t bore you too much!
Soul-A-Go-Go Returns
Saturday April 3
9pm onwards…
Soul-A-Go-Go is back after 3 months of rest, rehab and record collecting. There may be new venue, but the same good times are guaranteed when PBS presents Melbourne’s finest monthly night of Funk & Soul dancefloor burners. Just as with the previous nights, the Johnson will operate two rooms, splitting the Soul DJs and Funk DJs across 2 floors. We’re not really sure what PBS have up their sleeve for the re-opening night – but expect the new Soul A Go Go to be bigger and even better than before.
The soul room will be shaking to the sounds of Vince Peach, Pierre Baroni, Emma Peel, Richie 1250 and live band Saskwatch! In the funk room it’s gonna get nasty with DJ Manchild, Miss Goldie and Zack Rampage tearing it up for PBS, along with special guests - Northside’s one and only Chris ‘Funky Sneakers’ Gill and Minister for Misinformation, Rex aka. Mistarex.
It’s not often that any of the Northside Crew appear on the same bill – so both Chris and I are looking forward to burning the house down with our favourite and most ferocious funk 45’s and vinyl rarities. I’m also excited about seeing Melbourne’s best and most innovative DJ dance moves from the original master of the ‘hip drop’ and long time pundit of the Dunlop Volley, Chris ‘I’m Busy, I’ll call you back’ Gill. We’ve said it before – but we’ll say it again: Sensible shoes is a must. Get Down!
Check the PBS website or keep your eye out for PBS posters featuring Tina Turner (hopefully not singing Nutbush), for more information. Rest assured, no one in the funk room is gonna play Nutbush. Just to prove it I thought I’d best knock up a Northside rebel flyer.
New SJ&DKs @ Northside
Posted by Rex in Fresh stock, News, Recent releases on March 29th, 2010
I Learned The Hard Way…
Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings
If you live in Melbourne and shop for tunes at Northside or listen to any of our great indie radio stations - you already know Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, and we don’t really need to tell you what to expect…. y’all know it’s gonna be good! For those who don’t know, here’s the blurb from our distributor:
“Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings have released I Learned the Hard Way, their fourth full-length on Brooklyn’s independent Daptone Records. The record marks a bold step forward for a band who almost single-handedly stewarded today’s return of soul music to its more traditional sound. From the lush Philly-Soul fanfare that ushers in “The Game Gets Old” at the top of the record, to the stripped down Sam Cooke-style “Mama Don’t Like My Man” at the tail, the Dap-Kings dance seamlessly through both the most crafted and simple arrangements with subtlety and discipline. I Learned the Hard Way is the “Daptone Sound” at it’s finest.”
The stand out tune for me on this record is “Better Things”, written by DK’s drummer Homer Steinweiss. It’s simple, it’s raw and it’s just plain good without trying to be anything other than real soul music. There’s no fronting from Sharon Jones or the Dap-Kings – they’re just doin’ what they love, and making a whole lot of people look (and sound) like amateurs. GBTTD (Got Better Things To Do)… remember this acronym for text messaging your friends next time they want you to go see some over-rated, over-hyped, over-priced try-hard innovators of soul bullshit.*
As always - we’ve got enough copies of the vinyl to go around, but these records move fast so don’t wait too long to get yours. Available now on LP + CD.
There’s plenty more Daptone goodness instore too. Don’t forget the amazing Daptone Gold comp that pulls together all the crucial Daptone moments since the label’s inception. And, we’ve always got a tasteful selection of Daptone 45’s for those who like it with a big hole in the middle.
* The opinions expressed in this post represent only those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of management or staff of Northside Records - nor perhaps anyone else, anywhere, ever.
-
-
You are currently browsing the archives for the News category.
