This Friday: Speculator!

This week, we have a real "Off The Record" guest for you. It's true that this seldom seen Brooklyn music guru rarely makes visits to Manhattan's meat packing district, but that's exactly why Speculator's appearance will be nothing short of... spectacular!

I met William Burnett(Specualtor), through my good friend Frantz, who used to work with him at Greenpoint's infamous dig spot, The Thing. He would let me in on Will's affinity for creating music with vintage synths, and to me, it was like hearing about urban legend in a way. Up until then, I had been meeting with mostly DJ's and was still very in the dark about producing with real synthesizers. The fact that he was collecting all this 80's equipment got me curious enough to buy his records and eventually seek him out. After meeting him in person, I've became quite a fan of his whole catalog but even more so, his damn hustle. You would never guess by his surly old man vibe, but he's actually a striking conversationalist, has a widespread knowledge of all things weird and cool, and is one of the hardest working producers I know.

Not only has he done remixes for Dream Disco's "In Your Eyes" on Das Drehmoment and Music Cargo's "Ernte 05," he's also been releasing some amazing original synth music under Grackle, and cosmic disco releases as Galaxy Toobin with producer homie Elliot Lipp. Besides all that, he still holds it down at The Thing, co-runs a used synth shop called Pentatonic, started his own label WT Records, and provides fresh new sounds for you every week on East Village Radio's "Night Bus" every Thurs from 10pm-12am.

He'll be taking a break from his busy schedule to throw down some of his favorite vinyl selections with us this Friday. A perfect way to start the weekend, I say.

Money Crazy!

so relevant in these times we live in...

Disco: Moonchild

Snack found this at the Thing(infamous digspot in BK) for $2. When I heard him give it a spin at the studio, I immediately said to myself, "I must have this," just to have all those hopes get crushed when I researched it on Ebay and Popsike :-( Thanks to his gracious rip, we can all enjoy the glory of this timeless jam.

Captain Sky - Moonchild, 12" Version, (1979, AVI Records)
(7 min 34 sec / 320 kbps MP3/ 11MB)

This Friday

Originally from Chicago, Master Khan is an undeniable musical force. Raised under the influential sounds of Ron Hardy and The Music Box, Khan released his own house productions in the late 80's - 12" 'Under the Cherry Tree' & 'Just Like Heaven' - under the group title 3:26 (the alias and address numbers for The Music Box).

His immaculate selection of lost disco classics, soul, jacking beats and house has led him to play with such legends as Larry Heard (http://www.myspace.com/larryheardakamrfingers), Moodymann, Theo Parrish, to New York's heavy hitters DJ Spinna at Santos Party House and Duane Harriott at his Get Up Great Weekend party.

Recently, he and Duane destroyed the dancefloor at our Easy Access Loft Party. For those that missed it, you can catch the set here.

Come to APT this Friday, where you can catch the Master playing live, throwing down for us at OFF THE RECORD.

PS - It's Master Khan's B-day! Even more reason to celebrate!

Kyle Hall Live Mix

So if you came out last friday you already know who the secret dj was, but for those that missed it... it was Kyle Hall! The 17 year old wonder kid from the Motor City has been making big waves lately (destroying the YARD the Sunday after) and it was a huge treat to have him throw down with us. This kid's got serious skills. From house to disco, soul, hip-hop, boogie and jazz... the set was absolutely amazing and his energy on the decks is incredible. Here's part of the live set caught on MD, enjoy!

KYLE HALL @ OFF THE RECORD PART 1
(1 hr 15min 35sec / 192kbps MP3 / 103MB)

BIG thanks Kyle!

This Friday

Why all the mystery? Secret Surprise Guest? Is he that important? Yes, he is.

This friday, we'll have one of Detroit's finest new producers come and lay down his favorite selections on wax. In fact, it's so exciting that we can't even tell you who it is! Expect sexy, heavy, melodic, and hypnotizing vibes all night. I'm guessing we'll never have a secret guest again so...(in schwartzenegger voice): "Party now, or hear about it later!"

Easy Access Loft Party: Recap

Big thanks to everyone who came out this 4th of July! All night long, the music kept bumping jam after jam and everyone took their turn sweating it out on the dancefloor. Even as the sun was coming out, the vibes were so perfect no one wanted to leave. Huge thanks to Sara, Micah, Patrick, Branson for making this party happen, Duane and Master Khan for their outstanding set of soul ripping selections, Matty B for throwing down some daring disco and blowing up all the balloons and to Snack for killing the decks and lugging out our rotary. I'd have to say, the night was truly unforgettable and definitely the best loft party yet. Until next time, you can relive the jams here...

Easy Access Loft Party - Duane Harriot and Master Khan (Live Set - 07/04/09)"

Easy Access Loft Party

This Saturday, 4th of July, we throw down. Don't miss this for the world - The party takes place in a 4th story, 4,000 sq ft. loft overlooking the J train in the distance, so you can dance while seeing the train quietly passing by. The last one that we had was legendary and it's not too often we throw parties at this spot. This time Snack & I, Matty B, Duane Harriott(Negroclash, Bim Marx), and Master Kahn(I Love Vinyl) will be commanding the decks till dawn. $4 gets you an entry and free Yeungling Keg Beer until it runs out. See you there!

Response to Dam Funk

If you search youtube to find new Italo or Boogie joints, you may have seen some of Druckman's posts before. He's got some of the better clips out there and still produces today. In fact, I was talking to Druckman about a year ago about repressing his track Tickle - "Good Love, Bad Love" which was supposively an only 100 pressed private joint from the 80's, but after listening closely and seeing all the suspicious feedback, my conclusion came to be that he is not telling the truth. His track is definitely not from the eighties but a hoax to gain recognition. Doesn't mean the song is bad(it's okay), it's just that the story had holes in it and I know better than to do business with dishonest people.



Anyways, it smells like he's back to his tricks again. This track was posted in response to the Dam Funk video below by Druckman. At least he's admitting that it's from 2009, but I still smell Druckman under the moniker Reggie Blount. There was a Margaret Blount and David Blount that did work for Weeks and Co. and The Jammers, and I'm thinking the name is borrowed? I dunno. But I must admit, I do like the song. It's combines a lot of elements I like right now - Boogie, Disco, Italo, House...I've never been one to put politics above musical talent and I would actually be happy to have a vinyl copy of this in my bag. I mean, for real, who else do you know has the balls to post up a track in response Dam Funk right now?

Dam Funk - 10 W

Kinda have to post this after seeing the Dam Funk in store performance at Academy Records in Manhattan yesterday. It's one of my favorite places to shop for used records and it was pretty awesome to see the Ambassador of Boogie Funk come and throw some wax around. I heard from some reputable sources that his forthcoming album is set for release in October and is going to be a 5 LP box set with all the songs pressed up in 12" format. Way to go Stones Throw! Here's one of the new cuts that he's been spinning lately. Perfect for midnight cruisin' and groovin'.