FPU (aka Peter Benisch) "Crockett's Theme"

A few years ago, Peter Benisch, under the guise of FPU, unleashed this soothing, luxurious version of Jan Hammer's "Crockett's Theme" from Miami Vice. No cold, clumsy 80's production here. It's more like classic, warm Moroder with a hint of vintage Kraftwerk. A timeless melody with a simple, subtle beat, washed over by gorgeous, thick synths. Good stuff.

Tokyo Black Star Psyche Dance EP

Picked this up at InBeat in Montreal via recommendation. The real treat on this record comes when you flip to the B-side. That is where you'll find "Violent Rush" - a straight-up Bladerunner nugget all the way! Whirling synth sweeps echo steadily all around a thumping, mellow, house beat anchored by a simple cowbell. The beat sits in the background while the luscious synths and sparkling guitar do most of the dirty work. Dark, sly and organic. The future is now!

Lee Perry & The Upsetters feat. Mahalia Saunders "Suspicious Minds"

Yeah, that's right... A lo-fi, souled-up reggae version of the Elvis smash. This is a bonafide classic. It doesn't have any of the spliffy, outer-space dub madness that Lee Perry has since become famous for. This is a straight-up, skanking stomper. Mahalia Saunders delivers a beautiful, scorching lead vocal. Pure joy. A slice of heaven.

Freeway feat. Jay-Z & Beanie Sigel "What We Do"

Just Blaze kept it perfectly simple when he laid the soulful foundation for this track. With a luxurious vocal snippet of vintage soul bouncing on a boom-bap trampoline, three heavyweights deliver top-notch verses. In the background, a soft, subtle, synthesizer drones along, occasionally accented by glittery, sweeping bells. This chill track thumps along perfectly. It's momentum and flow is natural, and just right.

White Heat

The white Fender Stratocaster. Weep at it's magnificence.

Interpol Antics

Finally obtained Interpol's last album, Antics. Aside from the irritating vocals that plague "Evil", the album is very solid throughout. Interpol's drummer is superb. His flourishes astonish without sounding overwrought. The warm production style that the band has chosen to embrace on both of their albums is to be admired, especially in this digital age. They smartly avoid sounding cold and sterile, even though their particluar style of music could take them down that road. Standout tracks like "Slow Hands" and "Length of Love" bring a disco element that sounds natural, not forced. Interpol is an extremely talented band whose music is delicate and precise, but never frigid. Great album, and surely will stand the test of time.

Get Lost In Heaven

Man, I wish someone had told me earlier that Gorillaz were channeling 70's era Beach Boys. I'd have picked up Demon Days a lot earlier!

Notorious Revolución Ready To Die Wear

Must have! Get it here.

Macka Diamond feat. Mad Cobra"Mi Nuh Dun"

This track just kills! Distant Bambaatic synths swirl behind a thumping dancehall riddim. Dueling vocals bounce and stab with finesse. A true banger!

The Return of Dispenser Magazine

Ten years ago the free premier (and only) issue of Dispenser Magazine hit the shelves in Providence, RI. Filled with interviews and record reviews written mostly by this writer, along with Eric Smith, the free zine covered a broad range of musical genres, local and worldwide. Now I'm going it alone, blog style. I'll be reviewing anything musical. Singles, albums, films, shows, and even gear. Most entries will be in a "review" style, but you can also expect music news and commentary. Posts will be sporadic. Stay tuned...