I think I found this Kid Creole single at the Swansea Sal's.
And then dug up this amazing live version. This performance reminds me of everything I used to dig about BOP (harvey) shows back in the day, and makes me realize I need more Coconuts vinyl in my tree.
- Dyn-O-Mite
This afternoon, I was heading back from the Swansea Sal's, where I picked up a copy of Spectacular Space Hits by the Odyssey Orchestra, MC Hammer's 1st album from '88, and a 12" released by Jive Electro in '99 with Bad Boy Bill and Doc Martin doing remixes of Tribe and Kool Moe Dee tracks.
Anyway, I turned on the radio and heard a really rockin' jam fading out. The DJ piped up, said we were listening to Cosmik Radio, and next up, we should "get ready for Lady." Then the track kicked in, and I was feeling it big time.
Lady are a duo featuring former Missy Elliott protege Nicole Wray and UK singer Terri Walker, who met in New York. Their self-titled, full-length debut dropped on Brooklyn-based Truth & Soul Records back in March.
Turns out Cosmik Radio has been on the airwaves for eight whole years, during which time DJ Cosmik has served up heaping helpings of funky goodness for her listeners. A stew of "soulful r&b, hip hop and urban music that is mostly underground or unreleased, as well as incorporating some more popular artists," according to the show's official bio.
DJ Cosmik is also an artist and producer who's apparently toured with Doodlebug from the Digables. And not too long ago she interviewed Devin the Dude!
The cosmik consciousness must be spreading, 'cuz now the show's on two other local stations (WBSR and The Buzz 96.7 FM) besides broadcasting Tuesdays from 1-3 pm on WRIU! That's positive. Now that we know the score, we'll definitely be tunin' in...
- Dyn-O-Mite
Found this on 45 at the Swansea Sally's: Amen, Brother by The Winstons. Featuring what's billed as the "most famous drum break of all time."
For the full story, check out this pretty amazing 18-minute video breakin' it down:
which reveals the track was sampled on 3rd Bass' Wordz Of Wisdom and Straight Outta Compton by NWA, among other classic hip-hop joints.
- Dyn-O-Mite
Today I stopped at the Swansea Sally's and found $20 worth of great records. One of which was Disco Gold, an underground disco compilation from 1975 entirely composed of remixes by legendary 70s producer and remixer Tom Moulton, aka the father of both the remix and the 12" single. And one of the standout tracks on that was Make Me Believe In You, by Patti Jo.
It was originally written and produced by Curtis Mayfield, and released as a single in 1973. The original version is great, but Tom Moulton's mix is off the charts fantastic. This track was specifically mentioned by Andrew Holleran in his classic 1978 novel Dancer from the Dance about queer life in New York City, set amidst a backdrop of the era's gay bars and discos.
Disco Gold is super cool artifact of the 70s disco era because the back cover lists nearly 300 disco DJ's with the dedication, "Thanks, for without your help this album would not be possible." The list includes pioneers like Steve D'Acquisto, George Cucuzzella, Alfie Davison, Francis Grasso, Walter Gibbons, John Hedges, Richie Kaczor, Barry Lederer, Larry Levan, John Luongo, David Mancuso, David Rodriguez, Tom Saverese, Nicky Siano, Roy Thode and David Todd. Additionally, on the inside gatefold cover, there's a list of nearly 200 discos that were operating in 1975, primarily ones in New York City but also discos in 16 other states, plus D.C., Puerto Rico, Canada, Australia, and the French West Indies.
- Dyn-O-Mite
