Its been so long, but here it is folks… the newest installment of the Mental Mix series! And this time its crazy. The mix has really evolved according to my tastes at the time, and its interesting to trace my way back to the beginnings where the sounds of Nujabes, Zero-7, De La Soul, Jay Quest, and others graced my ears. Not that those are bad, not by any means, I am a huge fan, but right now I am getting into some more different music. And I don’t even know how to classify some of it. So I am going to dissect the tracklist of the newest installment and then give you the link. I hope this is enjoyable for us all:

D.A.N.C.E. - Justice

These Frenchies  are giving Daft Punk a run for their money. This track, who’s video I posted recently, and was recently robbed of MTV’s fairly prestigious Video of the Year for which it was nominated. The song is the groups tribute to Michael Jackson, and I figured that the name suited this mix well.

It’s the Beat - Simian Mobile Disco

I love this group. They are supremely awesome. And I figured they would fit right in after Justice well. This song, who’s video I also posted, harkens (is that even a word? it sounds right to me) back to the 80s, while maintaining a fresh, almost futuristic sound.

So Malleable (Cold Mix) - Milanese

Experimental music. Weird Music. But good music. Milanese is the weird type of guy who is elusive, but still takes the time to put secret parts onto his website. This song I thought made a good segway into the rap stylings of Roxy Cottontail, with its incomprehensible non-lyrics.

Playmate - Armen van Helden feat. Roxy Cottontail

Armen Van Helden is a big name in the world of dance music, having graced several Ministry of Sound mixes. His newest release, Ghettoblaster, is another 80’s throwback (as is a lot of todays good dancey music). This track features the playful lyrical stylings of Roxy Cottontail, that keep the track bouncy and fun throughout. This track also worked as a perfect segway into the next series of tracks.

Feeling for the Pack, Touch your Toes, Control - A-Trak

So I borrowed this 3 track sequence from Dirty South Dance. So sue me. This was my favourite part of the mix. The first part of this trilogy, features a ultra-catchy swooning female voice, “at the club, I shake my ass,” as well as some raps from The Pack, all over a beat brought to you by Cassius, a la “Feeling for you.” The mix then segues into a mix of Armand Van Helden which helps transition into the A-Trak produced “Control,” by Kid Sister. Kid Sister is the ish pretty much.

Marino de Bairro - Bonde de Role

Time for some Baile Funk! This again just reeks of 80s goodness, as well as mad Brazillian stylings. Speaking absolutely no Portuguese, I can tell you nothing about what this track is saying. But on how its said… powerfully, and passionately, backed by a fantastic beat.

Yo - Bassnectar feat. KristinaMaria

Another track in foreign languages I don’t speak! But another sure winner. Bassnectar is a truly talented group that ranges from the more dancey type of stuff featured on this mix, to the downtempo stuff more prominent in the original mixes. This song has the feel of Drum n Bass or Garage music, without the incredibly rapid tempo, which makes it perfect for dancing.

Bump - Spank Rock

Spank Rock is awesome. The duo, comprised of MC Naeem Juwan and producer Armani XXX¢ (Exchange… get it!) have taken the attention of hipsters across the country with their crazy electro sounds and party rap feel. They are at the fore-front of the new sub-genre that is showcased here, and that seems to be coming up very quickly into the spotlight (at least the indie spotlight).

Boys - Plastic Little (feat. MF DOOM)

Yes, you read correctly, MF DOOM on a dance mix. And you thought you’d seen everything huh? And this isn’t even a remix. Plastic Little is a group of MCs, including Spankrock, who have worked with artists from MF DOOM and Ghostface Killah, to Amanda Blank and Roxy Cottontail. Their sound is eclectic, ranging from… well this, to well not this. Just check them out.

Jimmy - MIA

MIA has been compared to KanYe West (I know, mandatory KanYe Plug, huh?) in that she too avoided the sophomore slump on her follow up to  her smash success Arular with her second album Kala. This Sri Lankan wonder is fantastic, and if you haven’t heard of her, you definately should have. This is one of the dancier songs on the album, which feels dancey, but when you get into it, really isn’t so much. But yeah, this song ends the mix, and I hope you enjoy!

Thats my track by track, I hope this is enlightening, and now, you can actually listen to the damn thing. 

Posted on September 16th, 2007 under Music • Tags: judge mental, mental mix. • RSS 2.0 feed • Leave a response, or trackback