317 electro

Hercules And Love Affair
and
Jokers Of The Scene


Come one come all to the hottest thing in Ottawa this week, no fucking pun intended for those caught outside, but in all honesty Babylon is hosting a sick DJ set this Saturday, February 7th. Local Ottawa electro-jam pioneers, Jokers of the Scene (pictured below) are playing with, I believe Andy Butler, the mastermind of Hercules and Love Affair (pictured at the top), DFA's newest creation. In all fairness, in the case of Hercules and Love Affair, I am classically behind schedule with this one, the album debut was in March of '08 I believe, in any case, the band consists of, as mentioned above, the man, the myth, the legend: Andy Butler, Nomi Ruiz, Kim Ann Foxman and Antony Hegarty (from Anthony and the Johnsons).

So yeah these guys have brought something very fresh, funky, add a healthy dosage of disco vibes and some amazing vocals, from Antony Hegarty in particular. The tracks I'm gunna post up here feature Antony on vocals and their is no coincidence as I have a serious crush on this dude's style, pure dopeness! I digress, first the madness of "Blind", what a track, almost spooky and ethereal, but so real and infectious, the second, "Raise Me Up" features some great up-beat synth-keyboard breakdowns, and yet another entrancing baseline. 'nuf said.

Hercules and Love Affair - Blind

Hercules and Love Affair - Raise Me Up

Next up is some material from the local boys, the Jokers. First, a dope remix of a slightly older track, by non other than Mr. Andy George and Scott Cooper. This track is sick, a little repetitive, but not so much that it stops you from moving about like a disco zombie (overused term!), whatever as Babylon would say, its all gravy. Second up by the Jokers is a track I'm not too big on, although it does have a dope piano loop and some pretty rad lyrics/vocals. In any case, I don't want to sound like a hater, so I'll just say it doesn't get me moving like the other track does, but it definitely portrays a different direction in their style and vibe. say what? say WORD!

One Bloody Sunday - Jokers of the Scene

Jump and Twist (Jokers of the Scene Remix) - Scott Cooper and Andy George

And one last treat for all you lovers of old house/even older disco/funk and soul. Recently, my/our good friend Adam posted up an amazing old jam by the mysterious and wonderful Stardust. Behind the pure gold single, "Music Sounds Better With You", lies an interesting and almost as equally catchy soulful jam by the diva herself Chaka Khan. Thank You Wikipedia! As promised, the original sample to "Music Sounds Better With You" by Stardust. Listen close for the sample, although its pretty easy to catch.

Chaka Khan - Fate

catch all those who can make it this Saturday @ Babylon in Ottawa, its gunna be a banger!
peace and love. erger.