Thunder Picks #52 – On The road again

Hi, it’s the littlest Hobo checking in for an irregular edition on Thunder Picks and a look at some of the best music of the last couple of weeks. Now back to the road…

Jorge Velez – Aventuras EP (Crème)

It’s that fella who was responsible for the wicked MMT Tape Series and who did some stuff on L.I.E.S. Skip to 5 mins 45 secs as the last two tracks are what do it.

Portable – Sportable (Perlon)

A new record from Alan Abrahams is always something of an occasion, because aprat from being a gifted producer he also has one of the most unique voices in house music. 3 full tracks on this with ‘Continue’ being the one to check first.

Smacks – Purdie (Magic Jams)

Simply one of the tunes of the summer. I slept on this, you shouldn’t do the same.

Terekke – Untitled (LIES Black)

When this record came out a few weeks ago every seemed to go bonkers and it sold out in about 8 seconds. You can kind of see why, Terekke has something special, it is encapsulated in these fouyr tacks of weird, spaced out, dubby house and electronica.

Mind Fair – c.e.r.e.m.o.n.y. remix (Gold Channel)

Already a brilliant record then Gerry Rooney & Joel Martin pile in with their Velvet Season and Hearts of Gold remix, which turn 'brilliant' into 'classic'.

Endless New York – Scale the Heights (Golf Channel)

When I heard this record, I have to say it blew me away and had me logging off of my laptop and heading straight up to my local record to buy a copy. It makes me feel like a 15 year old excited about hearing strange new music for the first time. Absolutely brilliant.

Forthcoming: Andy Vaz – It’s Ok (Yore Records)

Loving this new four tracker from unsung hero of German house music, Andy Vaz. The first track ‘Love You Forever’ is the sort of Victor Simonelli-esque vocal house King Street might have put 20 years ago but with its crips, modern production values, it still manages to sound ‘now.’ I think the vocals are appropriated from somewhere else and it’s kind of driving me crazy, so if you know answers on a postcard to the usual address please. I think my favourite tack on the record is ‘Worst Fantasies’ with a slower tempo, bubbling acid b-line and almost rap vocal – and as we all know, I love a good rap (Ed: Miles's MCing was an Unknown Festival low point…). The EP closes with the deep and techy ‘U Did Me Wrong’ is great too. Out early next month.

Forthcoming: Yuri Shulgin – Acid Vertigo (Modernista)

At the last Thunder we were treated to a fabulous warm up set from Modernista label boss Dan Harrington. The man clearly has a good ear, as is borne out by the label’s last release by Paul Bennett, which is currently in the >>shops<<  and the equally brilliant forthcoming release from labels’ latest artist,Yuri Shulgin – three tracks of acid brilliance.

Repress of the Week: Sly Mongoose – Snakes and Ladders (Mule)

That piano! Guaranteed tops off.

That Disco Thing: Vera – Take Me To The Bridge (Rio Records)

Saint classic, "I'm your New York City woman, You're my New York City man…", such a beautiful record. Something else that is beautiful is the outpouring of love in the Youtube comments section when Patricia Masi, the voice behind Vera, comments on the video. A song that clearly made a mark on a lot of young men, gives me goose bumps at my desk, so I can only begin to imagine what it must have been like to hear it at 6am on the balcony at The Saint.

Mix of the Week: Mark E Thundercast #09

Cracking new podcast from Mark, building up from Balearic bumpers to jacking badness.

For more inane chit chat about music, list records no one cares about, mickey taking and the inside track on Thunder parties, check the Thunder Facebook Group too.

Miles "Thunder" Simpson