Run It with Scion

I've got some more phat beats to share with you from our friends over at Scion and their Scion A/V label. Out of the kindness of their hearts (and a little marketing smarts), they've put out some excellent remix singles like Ghostface Killah's Charlie Brown and one from 45 King, as well as some full lengths, including two from the most respectable Daptone Records featuring a bunch of artists from their roster. Scion covers all the costs of putting out the discs, and any proceeds generated go right to the artists. And of course, we get some sweet tracks.

I've got a handful more to push out to you, starting with today's: a remix of legendary old Skool artists EPMD's Run It. It's got a Middle-Eastern flair to it and Duke Dumont steps things down to make it a slow steady burn. It's one of three on the single, and just barely edges out the first track (the Herve's Got His Hands Up Remix) as my favorite. I'm not sure that you can buy the single anywhere yet, but Scion gives them away free at their events (which are listed on the Scion Events page). If you can't make one, keep your eyes open in iTunes in early October.

EPMD - Run It (Duke Dumont Mix) : Scion Run It Remix Single

Meltdown Imminent

So, I'm holding my breath waiting for my computer to self destruct at any minute. Literally. It could go in the middle of this post for all I know, or it could keep trudging along until next week when I'll hopefully have its replacement (shhhh...don't tell it that, it might decide to commit hari kari just to spite me). You know the feeling: you're scared to listen to iTunes while having two windows open in your browser, and you hold your breath while typing praying that you aren't hitting the keys faster than the computer can deal with. It know it, too, I'm convinced. It knows it's got you.

Anyway, like Custer, I'm going to keep firing my six-shooters to the end. In that spirit, I'm tossing out a track to pump you up to hit the floor tonight if you aren't already there. I've been a long proponent of the Scion A/V series, first posting up on them way back in December of 2007. Since then they've consistently rolled out releases that span a wide range of sounds. And while I haven't enjoyed every single one of their releases, I still applaud them for their generous musical marketing strategy.

Their latest project involves partnering up with the European music blog Fluokids to put together a five track EP of house music that's pumping. Check out the track Fruit Loop from Renaissance Man, a song which, much like the similarly named Beastie Boys' Flute Loop, features a flute masterfully mixed in. Check it, and then try to stop in a Scion event to pick up the EP for free. You can also listen to the other four tracks on the Scion A/V website.


Renaissance Man - Fruit Loop : Scion A/V Presents: Fluokids

Visit the Fluokids website (if you can read French), become their friend on MySpace, and the Scion A/V website.

Diggin' Fool's Gold

The latest installment from the Scion Sampler Series is now out, packed with tracks from the new label Fool's Gold. Founded by DJs A-Trak and Nick Catchdubs, it focuses on house music of all persuasions. You can pick up the seven track collection for a measly $3.99 on iTunes, or you can pick it up for free at Scion events, so what are you waiting for? As always, our friends at Scion are covering the costs and all profits go straight into the pockets of the musicians.

Check out the fourth track from the collection, the sinisterly groovin' Kid Sister cut Pro Nails (Rusko Remix), the labels first hit that propelled them into the spotlight done over with synth lines and dubstep drumbeats.

Kid Sister - Pro Nails (Rusko Remix) : Scion CD Sampler v. 22 – Fool’s Gold Remixed

Visit the Scion A/V website and the Fool's Gold Records website.

Old School Vs. New - Charlie Brown

Here it is: a classic battle between old school and new school, The Coasters vs. Ghostface Killah, infectiously fun doo-wop R&R vs. the street smart rapper. OK, so maybe they're two completely different songs - the gauntlet has been thrown down.

What brings today's battle to light? Remember reading about the Scion Sampler Vol. 19 - Daptone Records Remixed? Well our friends at Scion have struck again, this time dropping tracks by Wu-Tang rapper Ghostface Killah. They've taken his cut Charlie Brown and put out two singles which will be given away free at events across the country that Scion will be at (check the list here to see where you can get yours). The first single has the original track, an instrumental version, and an acapella version. The second singe has four guest DJs cutting and mixing the track with their own particular flair, resulting in four remixes very different from one another. The Orgasmic Remix for example, which you can check out below, not only has the best name but also has got a Euro-Mobyish house flow to it.

So which version ends up on top? Leave a comment, what do you think?

The Coasters - Charlie Brown : Charlie Brown 7" (get it on Yakety Yak: The Platinum Collection)

Ghostface Killah - Charlie Brown : Ghostface Killah vs. Rhythm Roots Allstars (get the album version on Fish N Chips)

Ghostface Killah - Charlie Brown (Remix By Orgasmic) : Charlie Brown Remixes

Show Scion some love for this fine music, visit their website.

Audible Party - V. 20

I think that the true measure of a mixtape put together by a professional' DJ (or in this case, two DJ's - LA Riots) is does it take you for a smooth trip from A to Z without any jarring transitions, all the while keeping the energy level high enough to keep you moving. Well, this latest sampler put together from our friends over at Scion does all that and a bag of chips. They've recruited Jo’B and Daniel Ledisko (a.k.a. LA Riots) to mix up a tasty electronic club cocktail of remixes seamlessly stitched together to create a fifty minute dance party. You can listen to it all at the Scion website, and you can pick up a copy for yourself at any one of the number of events Scion will be at.


Kid Sister - Control (LA Riots Remix) : Scion CD Sampler V. 20

Become LA Riots' friend on MySpace.

A Soul Revival

Stax Marquee

You can't take two proverbial steps around the blog-o-sphere without running into a Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings song. And to be truthful, I've got nothing bad to say about that. Their music doesn't just sound retro - I'm convinced that somehow Sharon is channeling genuine soul music from the 60's that was mistakenly unreleased by Stax Records and is manifesting itself through her. I'm sure of it.

That being said, if you've been groovin' to Sharon, Scion (yes, those people who make those boxy squatish cars that are hipper than a pimped out low-rider Corolla) have teamed up with Daptone Records to release a two CD sampler that will get you ready to Boogaloo. The first CD contains 9 remixes of songs from various bands from the label (The Budos Band, The Daktaris, The Sugarman Three & Co., and of course - Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings). The second CD is a sampler of album cuts from the same bands. You can pick up the pair of CDs for FREE at Scion events across the country, or if there's not one near you (or if you're too cool to attend), you can buy the Remix album on iTunes (follow the link below).

For those of you who've newly discovered Sharon and are wondering where to go from her, this compilation offers some excellent leads to follow to some of her label-mates. All proceeds from this comp go right to the bands, so even if you don't peruse the rest of Daptones' rich catalog, you're still supporting some solid music.


Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings - Stranded In Your Love (Cool Calm Pete-Sweet Nothing Mix) : Scion Sampler, Vol. 19 - Daptone Records Remixed



The Sugarman Three & Co. - Take It As It Come : from Pure Cane Sugar

Visit Daptone Records and Scion.

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Have you already explored Daptone Records deep line-up? Check out the following to delve even deeper to discover new (old) artists and for more sweet soul music.

To listen to:

Stax Gold (eMusic listeners go here)
The Complete Stax/Volt Soul Singles Vol. 1: 1959-1968
The Complete Stax/Volt Soul Singles Vol. 2: 1968-1971 (eMusic listeners go here)
The Complete Stax/Volt Soul Singles Vol. 3: 1972-1975 (eMusic listeners go here)
Atlantic Gold

To read:

Sweet Soul Music
Boogaloo: The Quintessence of American Popular Music

To read and listen to:

Souled On (Music, Art, Politics, and Life)

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Isaac Hayes - Theme from Shaft : Greatest Hits

Big Joe Turner - Shake, Rattle And Roll : Atlantic Gold: 75 Soul Classics From The Atlantic Vaults (Disc 1)

Sam and Dave - Soul Man : Soul Men

Buzz-In with Scion

I've been a big fan of the Scion A/V series for a while now (check out previous project posts). They pull in a wide range of artists and genres, and the profits go directly back to those musicians involved. It's a win / win situation for the artists and the brand. I've come to expect the unexpected from them, but their latest release takes the cake and eats it, too. Start off with Japanese metal group Boris, pull a track from their creations, namely Buzz-In, and then turn a bunch of diverse DJs and producers loose on it, and the results are wider than the Grand Canyon. I'll say it straight out, the original song doesn't work for me, but all four of the remixes here appeal to me. Here's one, follow the link the hear the rest, and get a free copy of the single for yourself at an upcoming Scion event.

Boris - Buzz-In (Nosajthing Remix) : Scion A/V Remix Project: Boris

Visit Boris' website and become their friend on MySpace.

Toxic Remixes

I've been a big fan of the Scion A/V series for a while now, and while I'll admit that I don't go ga-ga over every one (they do a great job of presenting such a wide range of artists), I completely appreciate what they've got going on as their philosophy: bring in diverse artists, turn them loose in the studio with free rein, kick out some singles and compilations, and send all the proceeds right back to the artists.

Their latest project brings Simon Delacroix, a.k.a. The Toxic Avenger, into the game along with a stable of producers to remix some of his electro thrash tracks. The result is some heavily aggressive electro assaulting music that doesn't have a soft corner anywhere to be found.

The Toxic Avenger - The Fall (Jakwob Remix) : Scion CD Sampler Vol. 26: The Toxic Avenger

Visit the Scion A/V website and become his friend on MySpace.

Roy Davis' Vision

Here's the latest from our friends over at Scion and their A/V Department. It hits shelves next week, but here's a sneak peak for you to jam to this weekend. It features a track from Ubiquity Records' legendary house producer Roy Davis Jr. with Erin Martin performing vocal duties. As always with Scion's releases, 100% of the profits go right into the artists' hands, so check out this remix and then share some of your coin with Roy by buying the rest of the single which features four other booty shaking mixes.

Roy Davis Jr. feat. Erin Martin - I Have A Vision (Edward's Visionary Dub) : Scion A/V Remix - Roy Davis Jr.

Visit Roy's label Ubiquity Records and become his friend on MySpace.

Call The 900 Number

You probably don't recognize the name 45 King. That's cool - consider this your lesson then, because if you consider yourself a hip-hop fan..ESPECIALLY an old school fan, you need to get educated. His name comes from the fact that he cooks up beats using 45's - some obscure, others well known. King got his start as the "record boy" for Bronx-based rap pioneers the Funky 4. This gave him an inside peak, and the savory taste, of what could be spun to pump out the breaks that initially kindled hip-hop as a genre unto itself. He's been spinning vinyl himself since the mid-80's, but the beat he's probably most famous for dropping is one that he took a looping tenor sax solo from Marva Whitney's Unwind Yourself for and used it in his track The 900 Number, which was in turn sampled by DJ Kool in his track Let Me Clear My Throat back in 1996.

Fast forward to 2008, when 45 King's beat has been brought back to life, this time with DJ Pase Rock laying down some brand new lyrics on the 2k8 version which you can hear below. Listen closely, and you just might catch on to the fact that the entire song is pieced together using lyrics and song titles from other songs opening up with Tag Team's Whoomp! (There It Is), and going on to Arthur Conley, Loose Joints, James Brown, Montell Jordan, Stardust, Ludacris, Mylo, Freddie Jackson, Outkast, Timbaland, Nelly, Eminem, M.I.A., Afrika Bambaata, The Beastie Boys, Eric B and Rakim, Fedde le Grand, 50 cent, East 17, Kanye West, LL Cool J, Kylie Minogue, Usher, Kanye West, P Diddy, Will Smith, Maze, Dr. Dre, Mims, Trick Daddy, R Kelly, This is Justice, Fat Joe, Chaka Demus, DJ Khaled, and Snoop Dogg. I know I'm missing some here - but I'm pretty sure every line comes from someplace else.

In addition to the re-worked 900 Number tracks (there's a remix of the new version as well), 45 King's new EP includes a few new tracks as well featuring Pase Rock, Wale, and 4th Pyramid. All of this comes together thanks to Scion, the same folks who put out the Ghostface Killah tracks I wrote about last week. Here's the 900 track, along with some of the songs that are referred to in the lyrics.

45 King Vs. Pase Rock - The 900 Number (2k8) : Scion A/V Remix - 45 King

DJ Kool - Let Me Clear My Throat (live) : Let Me Clear My Throat

Tag Team - Whoomp! (There It Is) : Whoomp! (There It Is)

Montell Jordan - This Is How We Do It : Def Jam's Greatest Hits

Afrika Bambaataa and the Soul Sonic Force - Planet Rock (Old School Classic Mix) : Planet Rock Remixes Vol. 1

LL Cool J - Mama Said Knock You Out : All World - Greatest Hits

Visit 45's website and become his friend on MySpace.

Become Pase Rock's friend on MySpace.

NLarge Your Parties!

DON RIMINI - NLARGE YOUR PARTIES (TRAILER) from Someone Factory on Vimeo.

It's Friday night and hopefully you're whooping it up more than I am sitting here at home. If like me you're stuck without any options, here's a track to make your living room feel like the place to be. It's from electro producer Don Rimini, a man who I've bumped before in these parts a few times, and his latest floor filler EP is titled NLarge Your Parties.

Don Rimini - All About - NLarge Your Parties

and an older favorite:

Don Rimini - Kung Fu : Scion A/V Presents: Fluokids

Visit his website, his label Mental Groove, and become his friend on MySpace.

Big Gipp's Hot

Here's the third and final remix single that made its way into my grubby little hands and it's Hot! (forgive my cheesiness) It features a cut from southern rapper Big Gipp, and like the EPMD single I already shared with you, it's got three remixes of the track. You'll have to wait until October 21st to get all of 'em, but in the meantime, here's the 1st track, the Treasure Fingers Remix.

Big Gipp - Hot (Treasure Fingers Remix) : Scion Hot Remix Single

Sunday Soul - Chicago Falcon

This is it folks, the final stretch of the great Chicago trip. Here's some Sunday Soul to help bring it to a close. My plane lands at midnight tonight, so don't expect much out of me early on this week!

The Budos Band - Chicago Falcon (The Washington Sq. Lads Remix) : Daptone Records Remixed - Scion CD Sampler

Visit their website, their label Daptone Records, and become their friend on MySpace.

Sunday Soul - Menahan Street Band

I was really excited when I caught wind of Make the Road By Walking, the debut album from the Menahan Street Band. It's a super-group collaboration of musicians from Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, El Michels Affair, Antibalas and the Budos Band, brought together by the leadership of musician/producer Thomas Brenneck (whose work includes Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, the Budos Band, and Amy Winehouse). Their name comes from the fact that it was recorded in Brenneck's bedroom of his Menahan St. apartment in Bushwick, Brooklyn (home of Daptone Records).

The album is an instrumental affair along similar lines to the groups these musicians come from, but the ultimate product is a breed of its own. There's no afro-beat from the Antibalas connection and no hip-hop from the El Michels Affair, resulting in a feel that's closest to the Daptone contributors. While there are healthy heaps of horns here, unlike the Budos Band they work more with the other instruments instead of trying to steal the show. Also, the flow of the album is a little mroe soulfully smooth, with less of the funk influences evident on some of the other Daptone products, and even some island feel here and there with some vibes added.

While there's a heavy connection here to Daptone Records, the album is actually the fledgling offering from Dunham Records, a new division of the Brooklyn based soul giant. Below you'll find the title track from the album which was sampled by Jay-Z in his hit Roc Boys (and the Winner is…) last year. The second track is the album closer, the band's take on a classic track from the original Rocky movie. The third cut from the band is The Telephone Song, the vocal version of Tired of Fighting, the second song from the record. Enjoy, and then check out the rest of the album.

Menahan Street Band - Make The Road By Walking : Make the Road By Walking

Menahan Street Band - Going The Distance (original from Rocky) : Make the Road By Walking

and a bonus cut from a collaboration the band did with Charles Bradley:

Charles Bradley and the Menahan Street Band - The Telephone Song : The Telephone Song 7"

Visit their label Dunham Records and become their friend on MySpace.

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El Michels Affair - El Pueblo Unido : Sounding Out The City

Antibalas - Colonial Mentality (live Fela Kuti cover) : Live at Club Soda - Montreal, QUE - 3.29.03

The Budos Band - Chicago Falcon (The Washington Sq. Lads Remix) : Scion CD Sampler Vol.19 - Daptone Records Remixed