EXCLUSIVE DOWNLOAD: Kuniyuki - Birds (Tony Lionni & Tokyo Black Star Remixes)
Musical minds from all over the world have coalesced around the inventive sounds created by Kuniyuki Takahashi. He doesn't sound anything like the producers who lined up to remix his body of work, preferring free-flowing, organically sourced jams (guitars! flutes! real drums!) held together by synth jelly to the usual 4x4 structure. But even Theo Parrish, Henrik Schwarz, Cobblestone Jazz, Chateau Flight, Tokyo Black Star, A Mountain of One, and Tony Lionni -- the cast behind Remixed -- need to free their minds every now and again. Those in need of a bit of mind-expansion should check out these remixes of Kuniyuki's "Birds," both which remain relatively faithful to the piano-laden original with certain twists. Tony Lionni revels in the tune's earthiness and plays up the piano, which floats on a bed of soothing pads and lilting flute. Diametrically different, Tokyo Black Star opts for synths and charges to the dance floor, aided by a cavalry of digital claps, bongos and segmented bass line. It's a nice contrast of spiritual tension and physical release.
Sounds like: Henrik Schwarz, Chateau Flight, Francois K
Download: Kuniyuki - Birds (Tony Lionni Remix)
Download: Kuniyuki - Birds (Tokyo Black Star Remix)
DOWNLOAD: Kalabrese - Not The Same Shoes
When people dismiss dance music as merely non-stop bleeps and bloops, I take them by the hand and direct them to the nearest release from Swiss producer, club owner and promoter, Kalabrese. It's more than just his sense of humor; Kalabrese (known to his friends as Sacha Winkler) works with his Rumpelorchestra, a traveling six piece group which bring live bass, vocals, guitar, horns and drums (played by the main man himself) to the studio and make for a massively entertaining live show. The live instruments add organic texture and sonic diversity to Kalabrese releases, like on his biggest hit thus far, "Not The Same Shoes." Featuring the vocals of Kate Wax, the tune rattles and wiggles between Swiss funk and straightforward techno and feels as good as it sounds. Wrap your ears around "Not The Same Shoes" and let go of the bleep-bloop preconceptions.
Sounds Like: Paul Frick, Isolee, George Clinton
Download: Kalabrese - Not the Same Shoes (ft. Kate Wax)
