The predominant mood of my May chart is undeniably deep, with Art Department (above) featuring twice with two exceptional remixes. I can't help feel like Damian Lazarus's return to production duty has been somewhat overshadowed by the Canadian duo's makeover of his 'Different Now', which is by far the stand-out track from the EP. The same can be said of Azari & III's 'Hungry For The Power', a superb track which although isn't tampered with dramatically, is nonetheless moulded into something even more sultry and impressive. The other deep house institutions, Visionquest and Hot Creations, are represented by Benoit & Sergio's dangerously addictive 'Let Me Count The Ways' and Lee Foss's 'Keep My Cool' respectively, the latter a track with enough brooding intensity to seduce even the most cold-hearted listeners. Although unreleased thus far, those who have heard Matthias Tanzmann and David Squillace's DC10 Circo Loco mix will know the latest Italoboyz output, who together with Blind Minded are tearing up dancefloors (including fabric's when Ricardo Villalobos last landed) with 'Bekeke'. It joins the long line of tracks that have my watchful eye over them impatiently for their release. Elsewhere, Paul Kalkbrenner's new album Icke Weider may have been collectively brilliant, but was also individually distinguished. 'Jestruepp', a track I fondly remember from his live set at fabric in March, is possibly my favourite from the album, but it's essential to hear the full-length to appreciate it fully.

1. Damian Lazarus - Different Now (Art Department Remix)


2. Lee Foss - Keep My Cool


3. Benoit & Sergio - Let Me Count The Ways


4. Italoboyz vs. Blind Minded - Bekeke (coming soon...)

5. Paul Kalkbrenner - Jestruepp


6. Azari & III - Hungry For The Power (Art Department Remix)


7. Steve Bug & Clé - Seven Hills


8. Cozzy D & Eric Volta - The Gift (Kevin Griffiths Northern Exposure Remix)


9. Robin Ordell - The Show


10. MANIK (NYC) - Talk To U

As it seems that the current trend in house music is to produce slower and slower deep house tracks, much like the minimal explosion of a few years back, I felt it was time to post a few housier numbers that have been doing the rounds lately, to great effect.

To begin, a remix by the current superstars of this house movement, the highly talented Kenny Glasgow and Johnny White; AKA Art Department. Alongside Hot Creations label owner Lee Foss and rising star Robert James, they turn the original's dark sultry grooves into a bouncy number that draws elements from each of the remixers in turn. Whilst there is a lot to be said for the original, I feel the more slightly more uplifting nature of this remix fits better with this time of the year.


Clockwork - It's You Again (Lee Foss Meets Robert James in the Art Department Remix)


In keeping with the light-hearted tone, this next song features some pretty weird vocals and an enticing bassline that come together to produce a piece that cries to be played out of your window for all to hear. Do so, and do it loud.

Soul Clap - Lonely C
Pick up the whole DJ-Kicks EP by Wolf + Lamb on Juno now.

Just when we were sure that the era for La Roux remixes was over, out comes this beast on Johnny White and Nitin's Label No 19 Music. No 19 has been picking up some serious pace recently with some quite outstanding releases, and this is no different. Sampling the vocals of I'm Not Your Toy, it blends the cringing pop of the original with deep, dark and sexy bass loops, an upbeat drum pattern and eerie bleeps over the top. 

Modern Amusement - Lee Roux
Grab the whole sexy EP on Juno now.

Taking things into a slightly heavier realm is this recent remix by Italian duo Tale of Us. After their hugely successful rework of Thugfucker's Disco Gnome, they're back with another smashing remix of the Pop/Rock band WhoMadeWho. Scheduled for the third release on the Visionquest label, this pair will undoubtedly be making some great tunes in the future.

WhoMadeWho - Every Minute Alone (Tale of Us Remix)


Whilst our fists are still in the air, here's another stellar remix by KiNK and his friend Neville Watson. Their tune Metropole has been doing the rounds lately, to great effect, so I thought I'd post something along a similar vein.

Terre Thaemlitz - Masturjakor (KiNK and Nevile Watson Remix)


Now whilst the word 'bomb' is often overused, cheesy, and generally unnecessary, I feel that in this particular instance it is the only word in my vocabulary that can be used to describe this song. Hailing from this time last year I have only recently stumbled across it, and as with most things it's better late than never. Just listen to it and see what I mean.

Matt Star - Knarz


As a bonus here is a cheeky little song that I challenge anyone not to groove to. I've tried. It just isn't possible.

Olene Kadar - Little Miss Dynamite


I will leave you with the news that Lee Curtiss will be releasing his long awaited tune Candy via Culprit Records on vinyl this coming Monday.
  CP013: Lee Curtiss feat. Matt Tolfrey - Candy by culpritlosangeles

Also that the Hot Creations offshoot label Hot Waves will be releasing it's debut sampler 12" on Monday ahead of the release of it's first full compilation later in the month. Showcasing upcoming artists like Leeds based Josh T and friends of the label such as Maceo Plex and Richie Ahmed, the quarterly released compilations will feature some delectable new tunes.

  Green Surprises (128 Kbps Snippet) by Josh T