REVIEW: Kavinsky - OutRun

Kavinsky - OutRun

A return to the past in music can often be a misguided journey, with homage taking precedence over creativity. Rather than looking to the future with a set of classic influences, the end result sounds relegated to refresh what’s already been done before. But in the case of French DJ/producer Kavinsky (né Vincent Belorgey), the past is just the palette upon which he creates the future.

LISTEN: Phantoms - "Do Yer Thang"

This LA electro-funk duo splits the difference between timeless grooves and modern flair, as exhibited here with "Do Yer Thang," the bonus track off their new EP. Often times bonus tracks can wind up sounding more like b-sides or less accomplished cuts, but that couldn't be farther from the truth with this track. It's got soul, it's got funk, and it's got a heavy dose of electro bass, which all wind together to create a propulsive, seductive jam. Spin this and turn your Monday into a Friday.

In Case You Missed It, Spin This New Hour-Long Flying Lotus Mix

It's Monday. Oh man, it's MONDAY. Well, we can all sit here and say, "Well might as well just hang my head down at a 45 degree angle all day, because, otherwise, Monday is just going to slap me in the face." Well, sure it's Monday, but you could escape for a little while, away from the walls of your cubicle, with experimental producer and DJ Flying Lotus' latest Lovers Melt mix. It's full of old school soul and spirit, and plays out like a trip to world where pain, love, and beauty all coexist like welcomed complements of one another. And maybe, once you learn you can download it for free direct from the source, you'll forget it's still Monday.

DOWNLOAD: Flying Lotus - Lovers Melt III (via Brainfeeder)

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LISTEN: DJ Tommy TNT Presents "Devastating Duets"

MP3: DJ Tommy TNT Presents "Devastating Duets"

While checking into a press release I received, I followed a link over to the Dunham Records official site and came across something best described as a "gold mine." Right smack on the homepage, I noticed a link for an MP3 labeled "Devastating Duets," which I initially thought was just a one-song MP3. I have a thing for old Motown/soul/R&B, so I was already sold on checking it out, and it just so happens that Dunham is a sublabel of Daptone Records -- so I knew I was in a good place. To my surprise, the MP3 was actually a podcast; a mix of great duets from over the years. The man behind the mix and compilation is DJ Tommy TNT, who, I'll admit, I had never heard of before. Tommy TNT is actually Thomas Brenneck, the man behind Dunham Records, the founder of the Menahan Street Band, a member of The Dap-Kings (you know, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings), and a member of The Budos Band. To say the man knows his old school soul/R&B is stating the obvious.

So, hit play and get down. If you're looking for some pure recording gold, you've found it. Great voices, great music, and that aged, warm vinyl sound. See the tracklist for the podcast after the jump.

Japan's DJ 2BOY Releases Debut Mixtape

Japanese DJ 2BOY recently released his first mixtape entitled Good Morning Mr. Insomnia. In all honesty, until he got in touch with me, I was unaware that DJs produced their own mixtapes nor did I have any idea as to what exactly a DJ mixtape was. I discovered that, just as rap mixtapes showcase the skills of the rapper, DJ mixtapes showcase the mixing skills of the DJ.

Hailing from Tokyo, 2BOY (real name Taichiro Tsuboi) sets himself apart by never adhering to one specific genre. Good Morning Mr. Insomnia sees him mixing a wide variety of styles, from classical to rap. It's a constant flow of energy and embodies the line on his MySpace "RPM never dies, BPM never stops."