Category Archives: Let’s Dance!

New music – Special Request: What Time Is Love? Sessions

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by Ben Hogwood

If we know anything about Paul Woolford and his Special Request moniker, it is that he never stops giving. After a prodigious run of albums in 2021 he took his foot off the gas a little in terms of releasing records, but returns with the first in a run of four releases to show he’s been anything but idle.

This is not just any old release, either. With the blessing of The KLF he has reimagined and recast one of their biggest and most influential tunes, What Time Is Love? While remixing the original would surely be foolhardy stuff, Woolford has been far more imaginative. He takes his own spin on the original, putting it in the centre of a new album, around which orbits a number of tracks written and executed in respect to how The KLF were working at the time.

That means a contrast of out and out, acidic rave highs, and ambient dropout patches, where field recordings and relaxing textures combine to soothe the fevered brow. This being Paul Woolford, however, it’s not quite as simple as that – as you’ll find out when you listen.

Released today, the What Time Is Love? sessions are not to be missed – and will be reviewed in full on Arcana soon.

Published post no.2,018 – Thursday 23 November 2023

On Record: Say She She – Silver (Karma Chief / Colemine)

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by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

Silver is the second album from Say She She, the Brooklyn trio escorting their listeners (and dancers) back to the 1970s. Their second album is set up to make the most of disco, soul and funk in the spirit of Chic, after who they are named in the phrase, “C’est chi-chi!: It’s Chic!” But do they deliver beyond mere pastiche?

What’s the music like?

Exactly as the blueprint says it should be. This is so much more than tribute music, for Say She She have absorbed the music of the 1970s and brought it to us as though they are still there. Anyone new to the party in the wake of the band’s triumphant Glastonbury set will be mightily reassured to learn that their much-loved single C’est Si Bon is no one-off – even though there is understandably nothing that quite gets to that level through the album.

That doesn’t mean it isn’t good though. Astral Plane is a treat on several levels, with its soaring vocals and sighing refrain showing just how good the trio are with their voices. Forget Me Not and Bleeding Heart go the other way, surprising with their depth of emotion and meaningful lyrical content.

The jewel in the crown, though, is the magnificent C’est Si Bon, the funkiest treat imaginable with a blend of mischief and good times that are impossible to resist. It is the party anthem of the year.

Does it all work?

Pretty much the whole way through. The only criticism would be that the album is a little too long, the intensity dipping at times in the middle.

Is it recommended?

Very much so. When it hits the highs, Silver is a party treat, music that feels as good as it possibly can. Add emotional depth, and Say She She are a band who deliver on many levels.

Listen

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Published post no.2,009 – Tuesday 14 November 2023

New music – GU45: Danny Tenaglia (Global Underground)

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by Ben Hogwood

For the third time, Brooklyn DJ Danny Tenaglia has delivered a contribution to the Global Underground series – a series that has been a cornerstone of house music over the last 27 years.

Previous instalments in Athens (1999) and London (late 2000) were big hits and have lasted the course – but in completing the trilogy Tenaglia heads back to his home borough. The mix includes his single Move That Body, with Cevin Fisher, along with what his publicity describes as ‘a multifarious selection’ including Moderat, Monika Kruse with Pig & Dan, Dino Lenny, Radio Slave and Basement Jaxx.

You can listen to the mix below – and check back on Arcana soon for a thorough review!

Published post no.2,007 – Sunday 12 November 2023

New music – DJ​-​Kicks: HAAi (!K7)

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by Ben Hogwood

In the age of streaming it is quite a feat that !K7’s DJ Kicks series continues to serve such an essential purpose – and they have now added an 80th instalment to their ongoing odyssey. In their own words:

London-based, Australian-born Teneil Throssell, aka HAAi, is known for a strain of sonic psychedelia that metabolises precise sound design, melodic techno, electronic pop and thundering beats. Following the release of her acclaimed 2022 album, Baby, We’re Ascending, HAAi has reached what she calls “another career milestone” – an invitation to steer the next edition of !K7 Records’ acclaimed DJ-Kicks series.

HAAi approached this mix with two concurrent goals: to continue to iterate on her artistic theme – which she named ‘always ascending’ – and to highlight her flair for hyperkinesis and drama behind the decks, which she achieves with BPM left-turns, endless upwards tilts and sharp accelerations, liminal transitions and moments of pure euphoria. Within the sweeping journey she moves through an expansive selection of heritage classics, future-facing artists, friends, heroes, and voices from close-knit communities, alongside a number of her own exclusive productions.

You can listen to the mix below:

Published post no.2,005 – Friday 10 November 2023

Let’s Dance: Abel – Cosmic Law (Atjazz Record Company)

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by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

Steve Butler‘s brief is to deliver polished music under his moniker of Abel, for which this is his second album.

To do it, he has enlisted a team of live musicians, who are well worth name-checking as they are some of the best in the business. Lloyd Wright, who plays regularly with Smoove and Turrell, plays guitar and bass, while extra bass is added by Stan Woodward a member of Knats along with trumpeter Ferg Kilsby. Meanwhile Ross Hillard (Magic Number) gives out bass on Traveller. Vocals are supplied by Rona Ray and Sabrina Chyld.

What’s the music like?

This is an excellent and classy dance music album, and the live musicianship is the cherry on the top, right from the sultry introduction with Kilsby’s muted trumpet before the beat drops on Traveller. The instrument also takes the lead in the smooth grooves of In My Dreams.

The vocals are excellent, both Chyld and Ray complementing the hot weather grooves with effortless ease. Ray’s regretful vocal on Can’t Let You Go is an emotive one, while Sabrina Chyld’s pair I Just Can’t Wait and Come And Save Me are very nicely done.

The instrumental numbers are great, too – Glasshouse, Jazz In The Room and the percussion-rich Latin Love are all very nicely done.

Does it all work?

It does. Whether chilling by the pool in Mediterranean heat or ready to hit the floor in a sultry club, Abel’s music is more than fit for the job.

Is it recommended?

It is. Cosmic Love offers up sunny vibes from Abel to brighten up the dreariest of days.

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Published post no.1,993 – Sunday 29 October 2023