Archive | April, 2010

Get Dressed to This: Outer Space

30 Apr

This morning, during my commute to work (which, as of late, has been the only time I have had to review music for this site . . . sigh), I came across a mix that just made me think of space. It could be because I was watching Danny Boyle’s highly underrated film Sunshine, which is about a spaceship crew that is burdened with the task of saving the Earth from utter obliteration by reviving the dying sun. But I also think it has something to do with the mere fact that I spend so much time packed into small spaces. Nothing is vast, and everything that happens in my life seems to take place in small spaces, inches away from someone else’s armpit or centimeters below someone’s magazine. It’s all in context really, but when I think about day to day existence, particularly with the coming of higher temperatures, I think of tightly packed subterranean suffocation and the need to break from that, the relief of being above ground, and the dream of floating in the vast openness of the sky.

When I was little, I had the occupational dream of being an astronaut, though mainly because of the fashionable uniform and the prospect of eating space ice cream on a regular basis. Between then and now, my job desires have shifted quite drastically, but my interest in metallic wares remained in tact. On that note, I present to you this week’s Get Dressed to This feature. The music is a mix by London-based DJ Stopmakingme that has been making its rounds on the blogs. I chose it because something about it screams “space robot” like no other, making it one of the most fitting choices for the futuristic, borderline-spacegear ensemble I’ve put together for this post. Enjoy!

the music:

Stopmakingme – Mix for Dummy Magazine
Stopmakingme – Dummy Mix 27 (March 2010)bystopmakingme

the outfit:

1. Shoes: Karim Rashid for Melissa in Pewter, $104 USD

 

2. Dress: Endecott Dress (in black) by Kimberly Ovitz, $415 USD

BACK

FRONT

3. Earrings: Long Hammeres Silver Earrings, SStargell via Etsy, $34 USD

4. Ring: Silver Geode Ring, LexLuxe via Etsy, $94 USD

  

- Retail DJ

Retail DJ April Tracklist: Rainy Day

30 Apr

My sincerest apologies, dear readers, for just getting this to you. As I expressed on my Twitter and Facebook pages, there was little out there this month that compelled me to add it to the April tracklist. Most of the new indie bits I came across were a little lacklustre. Fortunately, thanks to the folks at Discobelle, Too Many Sebastians, and God knows where else because they have been on my iPod for a while, I was able to put together this month’s (albeit late!) tracklist for your listening pleasure. The theme for this month’s set is “Rainy Day.” April showers, afterall, bring May flowers, right? That’s how the saying goes of course, but I felt like adding a little more to that idea.

Most of the songs on this mix are a little more mellow than my usual. What’s great about them, though, is that all together, they combine to make one partake in a little light dancing while stuck inside during the rain. When I was little, I used to do exactly that on rainy days. I’d stay indoors, playing my 35s and 45s in my Fisher Price record player while sprawled out on the floor drawing and coloring. I actually enjoyed the rainy days more than the ones that were sunny and nice because they allowed me to be at rest and really find the source of my creativity. Not only that, they allowed me to be fully engaged with my first and most solid love: music.

All that being said, I hope you all enjoy this April Tracklist. It’s made with the rainy day in mind, but certainly can be co-opted for even the sunniest of days. Enjoy!

*click to play; click the small arrow to download*

1. Proxy – 8000 (John Roman Lost Tourist Dub)

Retail DJ April Tracklist – Track 1 by RetailDJ

2. DJ Wool – Watch This
Retail DJ April Tracklist – Track 2 by RetailDJ

3. Anonym – Trust Me (Original Mix)
Retail DJ April Tracklist – Track 3 by RetailDJ

4. Detachments – Circles (Mighty Mouse Remix)
Retail DJ April Tracklist – Track 4 by RetailDJ

5. Little Majorette – Bite the Bullet (Le Prix Remix)
Retail DJ April Tracklist – Track 5 by RetailDJ

6. Max Sedgley – Something Special
Retail DJ April Tracklist – Track 6 by RetailDJ

7. Siriusmo – Discosau
Retail DJ April Tracklist – Track 7 by RetailDJ

8. Leonardus – Can You
Retail DJ April Tracklist – Track 8 by RetailDJ

9. Daft Punk – Technologic (Lebatman Rework)
Retail DJ April Tracklist – Track 9 by RetailDJ

10. Lo-Fi-Fink – Marchin’ In (Silver Columns Remix)
Retail DJ April Tracklist – Track 10 by RetailDJ

11. Alan Braxe & Fred Falke – Chrystal City
Retail DJ April Tracklist – Track 11 by RetailDJ

Funk on a Friday: Leo Justi

30 Apr

A few days ago, I received an email from a super nice Rio-based producer named Leo Justi. Somehow, he’d caught wind of Retail DJ and decided to send me some tracks that were laced with a sound I know very well and love very much: funk carioca. Leo had remixed the MC Miltinho track “Kid Conga” to take it to a whole new level of funkyness, and I’ve got to give him props. I LOVE it, and I hope you do as well. Happy Friday!

MC Miltinho – Kid Conga (Leo Justi Remix)

Mc Miltinho – Kid Conga (Leo Justi Remix) by Leo Justi

On top of that, Leo has given a new face to a track that I am straight up sick of. He manages to replace the bored look on my face with a smile via his remix of Major Lazer’s “Pon the Floor.” I think his mix brings out something in the track that was missing in the first place.

Major Lazer – Pon de Floor (Leo Justi Refix)
Major Lazer – Pon de Floor (Leo Justi Refix) (2009) by Leo Justi

For more on Leo Justi, check out his Soundcloud page. It’s chock full of delicious, dance-y sounds!

- Retail DJ

Please Bring Back the Pants

29 Apr

Leggings =/= Pants

I love leggings as much as the next girl, but I certainly don’t consider them legitimate options for full coverage legwear a la pants. The folks over at Jezebel have long-remarked on the phenomenon now known as “leggings as pants,” and its related glance atrocities (aka random acts of violence committed to the onlooker upon observing one wearing leggings at pants), but I didn’t realize what a serious fashion faux-pas it was until I returned to the States. At the time of the trend’s initial takeoff, I was in Brazil, where it’s more like “pants as leggings” (aka the lady jeans are often so tight they cut off circulation). What I referred to as the “anorexo-jean” (meaning it’s so skinny that it looks like the jeans are starving themselves) are still a more favorable alternative in my opinion to the leggings as pants craze because at least there is SOME structure, some semblance of the things actually being meant to worn as a clothing item and not a legccessory a la stockings. But in NYC, it’s really gotten a bit out of control.

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For Your Listening Pleasure

28 Apr

Siriusmo

I often place mixes here that induce dancing or that are good to get ready to GO dancing, but every now and then, I come across mixes that are just.amazing.for.listening. I found this mix from Siriusmo a few days back on the Too Many Sebastians site (which has moved to www.toomanysebastians.net), but didn’t get a chance to listen to it until during this morning’s commute.

I was pleasantly surprised.

I’ve liked Siriusmo and his amazing remixes for some time now, so I should have known that the mix would be musical gold, yet for some reason, I had not gotten around to listening to it. Then again, I believe some things happen for very good reason. This mix set the tone for my day, which, despite circumstances, was pretty calm and ended on a really positive note (which I will describe at some point in the near future . . . ahem).

It’s not the best mix for dancing, mainly because it travels so much genre-wise that it makes you wonder mid-way whether or not it’s the same mix or if your iPod has somehow shifted to some other long-lost track on the list. He jumps from funk to jazz to house to hip hop and back again, and it’s surely a set of trips that cannot be missed. So take an opportunity and check out this mix. Trust me when I say you will be very happy from taking my advice on this one!

Siriusmo – Shir Khan’s Radioshow at Fritz (3.23.2010) DJ Mix

(follow the link to download)

Tracklist after the jump

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Upcoming Shows: The Twelves. Grum, and SOUL CLAP!!!!

27 Apr

I am very excited to announce that one of my absolute favorite DJ duos Soul Clap will be here tonight at Santos Party House playing amazing grooves for the ears of non-dancing New Yorkers. Hopefully, they will rile up some sense of positive dance-worthy happiness that makes people move beyond the bar . . . we’ll see.

Soul Clap

Tutu Tuesdays: SOUL CLAP + Crazy Larry + Futuretro @ Santos Party House ($2 w/ a tutu before midnight, $7)

click here for more details: http://santospartyhouse.com/index/event/id/1510

On top of that, this Thursday, Grum and The Twelves (whose amazing mixology I have featured here) will also be at Santos.

The Twelves

Canal Rubber Presents: Grum + The Twelves + JDH and Dave P + Eli Escobar ($5 adv, $10 day of)

click here for more details: http://santospartyhouse.com/index/event/id/1390

It’s going to be a very good work week!

- Retail DJ

Special Event: NSR, Dash Speaks, Das Racist, and more…

26 Apr

Dash Speaks and NSR Keep It Dapper

So get this: in a few weeks, some of my favorite interviewees will be performing at Le Poisson Rouge right here in NYC. That’s right. Dash Speaks and NSR will be “dropping knowledge” (sorry, I am a little behind on my hip hop lingo!) for a massive audience at this amazing space along with Das Racist, Mazzie and Sneakas, Blitz the Ambassador, and DJ Portarock on May 13th at LPR. Advance tickets are $12, $15 day of. Don’t miss it! It’s going to be wild!

Click here for more info: Almost Famous Showcase

- Retail DJ

La Roux Talks to Style.com and Makes Me Love Her More

26 Apr

I’ve liked La Roux for some time now, but after this interview with style.com, I think I fell a little deeper in love. She seems totally down to earth, funny, and incredibly modest. It’s odd that she’s only 21, and seems wise beyond her years. It’s also interesting to hear her give her perspective on her look, especially considering that she embraces a self-described “androgynous” style, and unapologetically at that (which takes a lot of ovaries considering the over-sexualization of women in the entertainment industry).

Citing David Bowie and Prince as her style icons, homegirl can do no wrong.

Check out the interview here.

here’s a video here (for those of you who have been living beneath soundproof rocks):

- Retail DJ

I <3 Mondays: Cassian

26 Apr

I recently stumbled across this great mix by Australia’s Cassian on Too Many Sebastians and immediately thought it would work well as an I <3 Mondays set. It’s mellow, but just upbeat enough to keep me from falling asleep at my desk. It’s a quiet Monday, albeit one that certainly warrants a little sleeping during my lunchbreak, but there’s just something about these beats that makes me want to avoid putting my head on the floor and instead put some moving feet there :- )

I hope you all enjoy this mix as much as I did. There are quite a few well-known tracks for those of you who have been following this site, but familiarity in this case certainly doesn’t come at the cost of quality. All-around good work, Cassian! P.S. be on the lookout for the great remix of Cassius’ classic “1999″

Mr Friday Night Mix – Cassianbycassian88

(click to play)

Tracklist after the jump

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Simpson Goes South: The Price of Beauty Goes to Brazil

26 Apr

As most of you know, I lived in Brazil for a while and have been several times. On top of that, I’m well-read in racial, cultural, and class issues within the country. Because of this, I became a little anxious when I saw that The Price of Beauty, the show hosted by Jessica Simpson that covers the diverse variety of beauty-related norms within different cultures, would be going to Brazil. In a strange way, I am very “protective” of the Brazilian image. I find that as a result of rampant stereotypes in the media, I become annoyed when I feel that one media source or another is going down the same path. I think even others are so ignorant of certain issues there that even one tries to present fair cause for the stereotypes that have been set (as I once did in a series I did for Racialicious on Beauty in Brazil), it goes awry because people are so blinded by the stereotypes themselves that it’s hard to get to the root of them and where they came from.

For example, in the opening of the introduction for the series, I noted that many people, upon discovering that I was going to Brazil and/or had just gotten back from living there, always asked about how “hot” the women were, a question that I found offensive and steeped in stereotypes (via the media) that have become hardened like resin in many the American mind. In refuting these claims and then thus trying to clarify the pressures for many Brazilian women to maintain a certain image, some (in not having fully read the piece) assumed that I was working to reiterate said stereotype (which couldn’t be further from the truth).

There’s certainly a possibility that I am approaching this coverage of Brazil via Simpson’s show with the same equally unjust pre-emptive caution and bias. There’s certainly a possibility that the show will fairly cover beauty norms in Brazil while not simultaneously reinforcing a stereotype. But as most pop culture takes on diversity and other nations’ traditions go, I have a feeling I might be proven right. I am keeping my fingers crossed that they truly cover the stories with some validity and not solely focus on waxing and tanning. I also hope that they go beyond Rio for their coverage (at least in narrative). But I suppose there is only one way to find out.

check out the sneak preview of tonight’s epipsode

The Price of Beauty airs Mondays at 10 pm EST/9 pm CST.

- Retail DJ

S.I. Futures – “We Are Not a Rock Band”

25 Apr

When I was younger, I used to watch MTV’s AMP, a show that profiled electronic music acts’ amazing videos. It not only helped fuel my love of electronica, but also happened to be visually stimulating. Most videos nowadays are total crap and entirely predictable, as they were then as well. So it was nice to see something different on the screen that appropriately matched the quite varied nature of electronic music to begin with, especially in its departure from the sounds we were used to typically hearing.

One such group whose video I recalled seeing once on AMP was S.I. Futures, whose most well-known single “We Are Not a Rock Band” compelled me to buy their full album (which was actually pretty good!). Does anyone else remember this?

 

Reminds me a bit of Gattica . . .

- Retail DJ

Get Dressed to This: Wolf in Lamb’s Clothing

24 Apr

For this week’s Get Dressed to This, I’ve got the boys in mind again. Though it’s definitely a challenge for me to find interesting clothes for men to go out in, particularly considering that men’s clothing, while usually well-tailored, varies less, I am open to posting what I would wear if I one day woke up and were in a man’s body. It’s fitting that I should say that considering that today’s mix comes to us from Wolf + Lamb, the amazing record label and promotion group based in NYC that works with amazing DJs to put out stellar music. When I think of Wolf + Lamb, I happen to think of the common saying that one is like, “a wolf in sheep’s clothing.” If I were a guy out on the town, I think I’d end up going for that look: good boy on the outside, bad boy on the inside. . .

the music:

Wolf + Lamb Radio Presents “Zev Live from Sunset”

(click to play, right click to download)

tracklist can be found after the jump at the end of the piece

1. Polo Ralph Lauren Bleeker Patchwork Shorts, Nordstrom, $90 USD

2.White One Pocket Tank, Oak, $62 USD

3. Bass Burlington Saddle Shoe, Urban Outfitters, $90 USD

4. Double-breasted Cardigan in Green, TopMan, 36 Pounds (UK)

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Se Voce For Dancar…

24 Apr

If you are going to dance, do it to this new funk meets ghettotech mix straight out of Rio. It’s adding a new sound to the funk carioca (aka “baile funk,” as it is known stateside). With far more influences within, this mix does an amazing job at showing the rapid progression of the popular Brazilian musical genre that has been both lauded and looked down upon by locals and more popularly accepted by folks across the seas (mainly because most of them have no idea what is being said in the lyrics). Nevertheless, I appreciate this somewhat schizophrenic approach to funk because it shows that the genre can do more than make you dance to lyrics about short skirts, booties, and guns.

Its creator is a DJ named Wooles, who has been working on music since 1999, but whose talent and musical knowledge really shines here. He somehow manages to put in funk carioca, ghettotech, bounce, breakbeats, hip hop, dancehall, and even dubstep, which is impressive considering some of those genres are little known within Brazil, God forbid the States. Kudos to him. Take a listen and have a little Saturday afternoon dance:

WOOLES Dj – tape1 by APAVORAMENTO SND SSTM

via Discobelle

- Retail DJ

Boy 8-Bit: The Keep

24 Apr

Love the song (especially when it gets all deep and gravel-y), though I am little indifferent when it comes to video. Nevertheless, gotta love the old school military/police uniform. Enjoy!

 

via Discobelle

- Retail DJ

Retail DJ March Tracklist: Last Few Days to Download!

24 Apr

Hi Everyone,

I decided to extend the Retail DJ March Tracklist availability for a week, so be sure to get the tracks noooooow before they expire (April 29th). Thanks! April Tracklist coming up sooooon! :- )

Have a great weekend!

- Retail DJ

Emergency: Zombie Disco Squad Saved My Life

21 Apr

Yesterday, I felt a little weak. I’d had too much coffee, and not enough water or food, yet somehow, I had convinced myself that despite the circumstances, going to Bikram yoga class would be a good idea. I was wrong. I had to lie down halfway through the class and stayed that way until the end thanks to my utter state of body futility. As if fate were testing me, it threw another challenge into the course of the night: an emergency.

Hungry, thirsty, tired, and on the verge of passing out, I changed clothes, put on the black cowboy boots that waited for me in the studio lobby, and readied myself to carry my 2 huge, heavy bags to the L train, where I knew I’d have to fight hipster youth and the elderly to get a seat. I failed. After a long wait, the train finally came, and nary a seat remained available for your exhausted narrator. Then, 2 stops from the transfer point I have to take to get on yet another train (the ever infamous G), someone decided that pulling the emergency break was a good idea. It was around 11 at this point, and I was itching to get home, eat something, and relax.

Instead, I was stuck on the L for 40 minutes, privy to someone’s pot addiction (it was 4/20) as he or she (never saw the face, just smelled it) lit up as we were all stuck on the train. After a looong time and the constant refrain of “The emergency brake has been pulled, so please be patient as we investigate each car. We will be moving shortly. Thank you,” restlessness had turned into agitation. After finishing about 3 chapters of my book, the train finally got going, yet as I reached the connection point, I realized that the G was undergoing maintenance, and thus my wait would be doubled. A W E S O M E !

Despite my irritation, however, music helped make my nightmarish commute a tad more pleasant. Thanks to Zombie Disco Squad, I didn’t quite lose my shit on the train or pass out during the transfer. It sustained both my sanity and my common sense to avoid satiating the desire to just drop everything and lie down on the cold, dirty subway floor and sleep.

Zombie Disco Squad – Trumpets and Drums Festival Mix

(follow link to download this hotness)

tracklist after the jump

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The XX – “Islands”

21 Apr

There is a new video out by the XX, who happen to be DJing at Le Poisson Rouge tomorrow night (!!!), for their song “Islands.” While I am a little sad that I found the video on mtv.com today while looking at dumb reality shows, I definitely am glad that I came across it. The song is pretty dynamic on its own, but the video adds an interesting touch because of its subtle changes with each bar.

Have a look: The XX – “Islands”

- Retail DJ

Dancerock Will Never Die

19 Apr

Dancerock, the fabulous sonic culmination of all the good things in rock and dance music, is great for those of us who find ourselves safely on the musical fence. I like all types of music, and sometimes the ADD that kills my braincells and my iPod battery makes it hard for me to stay focused on one particular genre. Luckily, dancerock exists to fill the void.

Some dancerock artists include The Rapture, CSS, The Klaxons, and New Young Pony Club, to name a few of many of the groups who got their starts in the earlier half of the 2000s and blew up in the later half of the decade, found their way into this awesome mix by EZRAKH, a favorite around these parts and force to be reckoned with. Check out the mix he did for Formatic, a clothing store/blog/all-around website worth taking a looksie beyond just the mix. Click below for more details and the mixxxxxxxxx! Enjoy!!!

EZRAKH – “Dance-Punk Wave Past and Present” Mix for Formatic

(click to play)

To download the mix, follow this link.

tracklist after the jump

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Sia: Clap Your Hands

19 Apr

Keep smiling, Sia. You're awesome.

I love Sia, so I was happy to see that her new video for “Clap Your Hands” was out and ready for the viewing. All the day-glo colors and puppetry burns the eyes a bit, but her amazing voice and catchy chorus bring you back to the simple fact that Sia is an incredibly talented artist.

Check out the video here.

By the way, here’s the video for one of my favorite Sia songs. The video, while a bit . . . disturbing, is at least an interesting departure from all the boring monotony going on in most music videos these days. Enjoy:

By the way, remember this? Zero 7 had Sia work on several of their tracks, and much for their betterment. Her voice makes my soul melt every time:

- Retail DJ

Going Solo Never Sounded So Good

18 Apr

Han Solo, you say? No, Solo the DJ

This weekend, I’ve been catching up a bit on my mixes, and I came upon a plethora of musical genius all over the blogs. This week, I am working super hard to filter all that I’m listening to and send you the best of the bunch. This mix comes to us from Solo, an artist whose recent residency at Fabric (London) prompted this super delicious sampler mix. While it has quite a few genre shifts, it’s worth a listen and a whole lot of dancing as a result. Enjoy.

Solo – Fabric Mix 2010

(follow the link, then click to play; click the little arrow on the right to download)

Tracklist after the jump

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