A New Breed Of New Wave - A Mix Of Alternative Dance Rock and Breakbeats

No words can describe how ecstatic I am still feeling right now with all the very cool and encouraging (even sometimes flattering) comments that all of you guys have given me; from my "virtual" blogger friends and buddies to fellow DJs and to more new friends popping up into the comments and chatbox sections giving me a shout-out of some sort. Thank you to everyone once again and I promise you the best in music mixes, remixes and mash-ups and even suprises once in a while. :)

For today's upload, I'm thinking of pumping up some breakbeats once more, for a change that is, since I remember my last Breaks upload was still back in June of last year (check out "Bring The Noise - Some Crunchy Breakbeats" for some flashback) and another one in in July of the same year (check out "A Joyful Rebellion - When Rock and Dance Music Collide"). So for all you Breakbeat fans out there, lucky you.

This time, however, it would be more inclined to the dance rock/alternative edge rather than pure Breaks. In reference to the title of my post, I've mixed songs from some of the most promising underground and even mainstream alternative bands of today, whose music reminded me of old school 80s New Wave, from Peter Bjorn and John, Coldplay, The Fray, Interpol, She Wants Revenge, Moving Units, The Kills, Death Cab for Cutie and more. Have also some stuff from Fatboy Slim, The Wiseguys, and DJ Shadow bringing in those funky breaks.

Now if you want something uniquely noisy, but funky and danceable at the same time (slam dance that is), you might enjoy today's mix set.

Tracklist:

1. Idioteque - Radiohead (The Beatmeister's Remix)

2. Clocks - Coldplay

3. The Young Folks - Peter Bjorn and John

4. The Good Ones - The Kills

5. The Heinrich Maneuver - Interpol

6. Written In Blood - She Wants Revenge

7. Bleed It Out - Linkin Park

8. High Noon - DJ Shadow

9. Everybody Needs a 303 - Fatboy Slim (Plump DJs Remix)

10. Short Skirt, Long Jacket - Cake

11. Soul Meets Body - Death Cab For Cutie

12. How To Save A Life - The Fray

13. What I've Done - Linkin Park

14. 100 Years - Five For Fighting

15. Hella Good - No Doubt

16. Start The Commotion - The Wiseguys

17. Starlight - Muse

Link... An Alternative Dance Rock & Funky Breakbeats Mix - The Beatmeister

Have a listen to this mix and prepare your own mosh pit to jump into!

My Tribute To Wacko Jacko - A Different Approach To Michael Jackson

First of all, thanks a bunch for the ovelwhelming response that I got from everyone. It was really nice to know that a lot of people are appreciating the hard work that I put into this blog and in sharing my passion for music globally. So please, keep 'em comin! :)

And now, on with today's upload . As you may very well know, I am very much welcome with your requests and if I remember it right, someone asked for a Michael Jackson MegaMix and voila, wish granted my friend. I was thinking about making something like this for a long time now, but haven't got the chance. Luckily, I had one and didn't waste any time and went through with it.

BTW, a bit off topic, I've noticed recently that everything that is 80s seems to be coming back; from music to fashion to hairstyle to TV. I, for one, bought a new pair of "Sebago Docksides" last weekend for myself just to re-live that 80s spirit. I remember owning several pairs back then (while dancing to "Rock With You" :)), but sadly lost them all. So when I saw it in the mall, I immediately purchased one without hesitation. Thanks to my loving wifey for granting me my retro wish. :) Here's a shot of my nu shooz...

Anyways, going back to MJ, what better to way to bring back the 80s than to resurrect an 80s pop icon, Michael Jackson, that is. As a bit of a background, here's an excerpt from his biography found on the net.

"Michael Jackson never imagined he would be America’s Pop icon when he made his first music video. He had the entire world dancing to his tunes when he crooned ‘Rock With You.’ His exceptional dancing style had people craving to emulate him. This musical prodigy made history over the years to come. And he still inspires millions.

King of Pop, Michael Joseph Jackson was born on August 29, 1958 in Gary, Indiana. MJ, as he is fondly known began a musical career at the tender age of 5. He started a phenomenon with his music and dance techniques. Today, although plagued with controversies, MJ still reigns despite the numerous setbacks in his career." Taken from http://www.buzzle.com/articles/michael-jackson-biography.html

So let me help you re-live those 80s memories, Wacko Jacko style with this different kind of mix. You may notice that I haven't included all of his hits, but most are my personal faves including collaborations with the likes of Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger and the latest from Will.I.Am. Also in the mix are superb mash-ups with Afrika Bambaataa and Q-Tip, and also covers and remixes by great DJs like Z-Trip as well.

I've also made this mix in line with the 25th year annivesary of the biggest selling album of all time, "Thriller." So sit back, relax and "Beat It!"

Tracklist:

1) I Want You Back (Z-Trip Remix)

2) The Girl Is Mine (feat. Will.I.Am) (R.E.E.O. Mix)

3) Beat It (Wicked Whistle Mix)

4) P.Y.T. (Hot Tracks Remix)

5) Billie Jean (Hot Tracks Remix)

6) Get Up and Rock (feat. Afrika Bambaataa) (Spintech Mash-Up Mix) - nice mash-up from a fellow pinoy DJ

7) Breathe Don't Stop (samples "Don't Stop Til' U Get Enough) (feat. Q-Tip)

8) Wanna Be Starting Something (Album Version)

9) Thriller vs. Mama Say Mamasa Mamakossa (The Beatmeister vs. Ron Costa Mash-Up Mix)

10) Smooth Criminal (Soul Revenger Electro Remix)

11) Say Say Say (feat. Paul McCartney) (Ghetto Monkeys Mix)

12) State Of Shock (feat. Mick Jagger) (50th Street Mix)

13) P.Y.T. (Marquis Remix)

14) Rock With You (2k3 Remix)

15) Man In The Mirror (Cover) (Hed Kandi Club Mix)

Link... WackoJackoMegaMix - The Beatmeister

Now wouldn't it be nice to start practicing those "moonwalk" moves once more???

Your Comments/Messages Are Very Much Appreciated

Have noticed lately that the comments and/or messages have been slowing down, but the download stats are spiking up. It's kinda bit frustrating coz' as you may very well know, this is what keeps me inspired to do these music mixes and share them to everyone without expecting anything (monetary that is..) in return. Just a simple thank you or hello is very much appreciated. Also, am really trying my best (even though it's quite hard for me sometimes to juggle my time between work and doin' mixes and writing for this blog), to update regularly and provide you with all the new music and beats, be it retro or fresh, which I know you might enjoy, as much as I do mixin' them. So please do provide me with your thoughts and comments, good or bad, and I would greatly appreciate them. Even requests are very much welcome, as long as I have the material. PEACE!

The House Innovator - An Armand Van Helden MegaMix

Armand Van Helden (born 1970 in Boston, Massachusetts) is a record producer and remixer whose biggest commercial successes came from his remixes of the 1996 Tori Amos song "Professional Widow", which reached the top of the UK Singles Chart, and his own track "U Don't Know Me" which was Number 1 in the United Kingdom in January 1999.

Best known for combining different genres of music like funk, hip-hop, rock, electro and incorporating them into four-to-the-floor beats.

Van Helden released the Killing Puritans album in 2000 (also on Armed Records) which contained the dance hit, "Koochy". His single "Why Can't You Free Some Time" made the number 34 in the UK in 2001. His New York: A Mix Odyssey album released in 2004 produced two hits, "Hear My Name", a collaboration with Spalding Rockwell which reached number 7 on the Billboard dance chart, number 34 in the UK, and the top 40 in Australia; and "My My My", which reached number 4 on the world internet charts, number 5 in the Belgian and Dutch charts, number 6 in Australia, number 15 in the UK and top 30 in the world dance charts. (See Wikipedia for more).

Have compiled some of his best tunes and remixes in one mix set. Hope you enjoy it.

Tracklist:

1) Full Moon (Album Version)

2) U Don't Know Me (2007 Remix)

3) A Girl Like You (David Spoon Remix)

4) NYC Beat (Detroit Remix)

5) The Funk Phenomena (2006 Slice & Case Remix)

6) My My My (2007 Klaas Mix)

7) Witch Doktor (BSOD Remix)

8) Touch Your Toes (feat. Fat Joe and BL)

9) Can't Stand Losing You (Mika Vs. Armand Van Helden)

10) Like Something 4 Porno - Felix da Housecat (Armand Van Helden Remix)

11) When The Lights Go Down (Backstage Sluts Drama Remix)

12) Koochy (Album Version)

13) Hear My Name (Extended Version)

14) Ali In The Jungle - The Hours (Armand Van Helden Remix)

15) This Ain't Hollywood (DJ Froz Extended Mix)

Link... Armand Van Helden Mega Mix - The Beatmeister

Here's to a different twist in house...

M.O.P. Mix 6 - A Slow Groovy Mix by DJ MoProd

First of all, have been down with the flu and feeling under the weather the past week, which was why I wasn't able to answer some of the messages and comments. We've been experiencing quite a bit of freak weather here in Manila, which might be the reason why most people are sick.

Anyways, on with the music. Am uploading a short, but sweet mix by my buddy, DJ MoProd from Houston. It's his second installment from his M.O.P. Mix series and today's set comprises some slow 80s groove and 90s R&B and HipHop.

Tracklist:

1) Friends - Amy Stewart

2) If I Ruled The World - Nas

3) Make It Easy - Sybil

4) Ms. Jackson - Outkast

5) Back To Life - Soul II Soul

6) Return Of The Mack - Mark Morrison

7) It's Like That - Mariah Carey

8) Love Will Be Right Here - SWV

Link... A Slow Groovy Mix - DJ MoProd

Nice one, MoProd and keep on mixin' buddy!

Rap + Guitars + Hippie Beats = A Cool Alternative Mix

Let me jumpstart your week once more with somethin' unexpected. Here's a mix I did containing some of my favorite alternative rock tunes, circa 2000-2003 (if am not mistaken). Once again, I'll try my very best to make this blog interesting and not just concentrate on one or two genres.

I'll be taking you back to the time when there was an explosion of alternative rock incorporating rap and hip hop beats with a DJ/turntablist as a member of the band (am I hearing Linkin Park and Incubus). If you were a fan or even just enjoyed the Beck'ish sound, some rap metal and alternative rock, you've come to the right place.

It's also a good thing, my buddy, djDoc, shared some of his CultureShock tunes, which are nice remixes of these classic alternative rock tracks as it really doesn't change the structure of the song and remains just like the original with some added flava. Once again, thanks man!

For today's mix, you'll be hearing funky laidback to sometimes loud grungy and rap metal tunes from Beck, Jack Johnson, Linkin Park, Evanescence, Fatboy Slim, Lo-Fidelity All Stars, Cypress Hill, Dave Matthews Band, Limp Bizkit, Sugar Ray, Incubus, Modest Mouse, Beastie Boys and more.

Tracklist:

1) Diskobox - Beck

2) Name Of The Game - The Crystal Method

3) Rock Superstar - Cypress Hill

4) Friends + Family - Trik Turner

5) Drive - Incubus

6) This Love - Maroon 5

7) 19-2000 - Gorillaz

8) Where Its At (Ultimix) - Beck

9) Nookie - Limp Bizkit

10) In The End - Linkin Park

11) Bring Me To Life - Evanescence

12) Flake - Jack Johnson

13) Crash Into Me (Fatboy Slim Remix) - Dave Matthews Band - my ultimate fave of all the tracks here.

14) Float On - Modest Mouse

15) Battleflag - Lo-Fidelity All Stars

16) Gangsta Trippin' - Fatboy Slim

17) Alive - Beastie Boys

18) All Star - Smash Mouth

19) Every Morning - Sugar Ray

20) Praise You - Fatboy Slim

21) Crazy - Gnarls Barkley - my wifey's fave

22) Butterfly - Crazy Town

23) Ch Check It Out - Beastie Boys

Link... A Cool Alternative Mix - The Beatmeister

Just remember that life would be boring without some twists and turns...

Bridging The (Generation) Gap - A Guilty Pop Mix

While brainstorming with myself for new ideas for my upcoming mix, my family suddenly popped up. I suddenly realized how great it would be if I would be able to connect with my favorite nieces and nephew through music and what better way to do this than to come up with a mixset solely dedicated to them. Enjoy this one kids, as this mix is for you. :)

Honestly, I never imagined myself including Britney Spears or Paris Hilton (no offense to their fans reading this blog; it's just not my cup of tea) in one of my mixsets, but thanks to great DJs and remixers like Tiesto and Jason Nevins that I suddenly appreciated and even tolerated pop songs like "Piece of Me" and "Nothing In This World."

With some hesitation at first, I eventually enjoyed doing this mix and unknowingly found myself even humming to Soulja Boy's catchy chorus and somewhat retro/DefJam-like beats of Fergie's "Glamorous."

BTW, before publishing this set, I had them listen to it in the car yesterday (test driving it somewhat) and voila, we suddenly had an instant karaoke and dance party! :)

Tracklist:

1) Promiscuous (Indian Sunset Remix) - Nelly Furtado feat. Timbaland and Amar

2) My Love (Rene Goulets D-Cup Send-Up Remix) - Justin Timberlake

3) Piece Of Me (Tiesto Club Remix) - Britney Spears

4) Don't Stop The Music (The Wideboys Club Mix) - Rihanna

5) Real Girl (Moto Blanco Remix) - Mutya Buena

6) I Got It From My Mama (Vibelicious House It Up Mix) - Will.I.Am

7) Crank Dat (Steve Angello & Laidback Luke) - Soulja Boy - very catchy tune!

8) Sexy Back (Richard Humpty Vission Mix) - Justin Timberlake

9) Gimme More (Stonebridge Club Mix) - Britney Spears

10) Umbrella (7ups Klubhouse Rework) - Rihanna feat. Jay-Z

11) Hot Stuff (Chase and Status Mix) - Craig David

12) Stronger (A-Trak Remix) - Kanye West

13) Bounce It From My Mama (MashUp Mix) - Sean Paul versus Will.I.Am

14) Glamorous (Culture Shock Remix) - Fergie

15) Lovestoned (Justice Remix) - Justin Timberlake

16) Nothing In This World (Jason Nevins Remix) - Paris Hilton

17) Since You've Been Gone (Jason Nevins Remix) - Kelly Clarkson

18) Big Girls Don't Cry (Raphael Gomes Remix) - Fergie

19) Don't Cha (Kaskade Club Mix) - Pussycat Dolls

20) The Way I Are (TT Helge Mashup) - Timbaland

21) Maneater (Kenneth Keith 2008 Remix) - Nelly Furtado

Link... A Guilty Pop Mix - The Beatmeister

For a heavy dose of pop fix, have a listen...

Experiment and Innovate - An Experimental Alternative Mix

Here's a mix I did a couple of days back while experimenting with some tunes and even including a couple of songs from "Sandwich," a local act currently making waves in the band scene here in Manila with their unique sound.

Celebrating their 10th year in the local music industry, their sound evolved from simple indie rock to now, what sounds more like 80s new wave, having similarities with the B-52s, The Pretenders, Violent Femmes and the like.

Led by frontman and former Eraserhead, Raimund Marasigan, they had just released their latest album titled, "(S) Marks The Spot," which for me is a must-buy album, including a bonus disk with some remixes of their past hits (I myself just bought one and it rocks man!).

Check out their new vid , "Procrastinator," directed by Quark Henares (a famous director known for great indie films and music videos in the Philippines) and it goes well with the upbeat melody of the song; quite unique visuals BTW. Have also included this rockin' tune in today's set. This goes out to my fellow Pinoy visitors and non-Filipino blogger friends alike. Give it a try and you won't regret it.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=3nLGBJIjc1Acom/watch?v=3nLGBJIjc1A

In this mix, expect varying moods, tempo and music styles, which is very much what I felt while doing this set. The sound ranges from New Wave to Alternative to Trip Hop to Reggae to Punk, that is... whatever tune pops out of my mind. This set contains songs from my favorite alternative bands like She Wants Revenge, Sublime, and Sneaker Pimps to name a few.

Tracklist:

1. Procrastinator - Sandwich - my head keeps on wobbling with this rockin' tune!

2. Gone Daddy Gone (Culture Shock Remix) - Gnarls Barkley - nice remake of a Violent Femmes classic

3. Tear You Apart (Culture Shock Remix) - She Wants Revenge - really sound like Joy Division

4. Whip It (Philip Stein & Ramin Sakurai Remix) - Devo

5. Walang Kadala Dala (Remix) - Sandwich - a Filipino song by the band meaning "persistent and never giving up"

6. Just Like Heaven (Chuck Remix) - The Cure
7. Doin Time - Sublime
8. Clint Eastwood - Gorillaz
9. Fly Away - Lenny Kravitz
10. Cowboy - Kid Rock
11. Walking Dead - DJ Z-trip feat. Chester Bennington
12. What Its Like - Everlast
13. 6 Underground - Sneaker Pimps - very cool track!
14. Bittersweet Symphony - The Verve

Link... An Experimental Alternative Mix - The Beatmeister

Thanks once more to djDoc for some of the tunes from his Culture Shock collection.

Go ahead and don't be afraid to do some experimentations on your own. Peace!

My Tribute to The Original Beat Masters and Sampling Gurus - The Art Of Noise Mega Mix

Before there was "The Chemical Brothers", there was "The Art Of Noise". I remember back in the 80s when I first heard "Peter Gunn Theme" from WXB102 (check out my tribute mix to this superb new wave station) and this tune eventually got me hooked up with this band (if you can call it a band).

As quoted from their biography, The Art Of Noise was never a band and they never were. They could be described as an organization, a distinctly non-rockist creative, post-modernist collective. Starting out as a mysterious Trevor Horn led experimental studio outfit, the primary contributors to this so-called "adventure in experimental dub" were Royal College of Music graduate, Anne Dudley; producer/arranger J. J. Jeczalik and songwriter, instrumentalist and engineer/producer Gary Langan.

The Art Of Noise was best known for great instrumental tracks and were one of the first to use computers and electronic samplers in pop music. Among my favorites are "Legs," "Moments In Love," and "Beatbox," which was also included in the soundtrack of the 80s cult movie, "Breakin'" (which BTW, is a great track for breakin' and poppin').

They also had collaborations with the likes of Duanne Eddy ('Peter Gunn'; 1986), fictional TV presenter Max Headroom ('Paranoimia'; also from 1986); and Tom Jones (a cover of Prince's hit, 'Kiss', 1988).

Perhaps, The Art Of Noise, could be considered as "Hall Of Famers" when it comes to beat making, noise sampling and tape splicing, mixing hip-hop beats with studio trickery. Enough said, this is my personal tribute to this great collaboration of music geniuses from the 80s.

Tracklist:

1) Peter Gunn Theme (Beatmeister's Art Of Twang Remix)

2) Kiss featuring Tom Jones (Battery Mix) - many thanks to my buddy, djDoc, for this superb vinyl rip

3) Legs (12" Extended Version)

4) Beat Box (12" Extended Version)

5) Paranoimia featuring Max Headroom (1989 Ben Liebrand Dance Mix)

6) Back To Peter Gunn (Original 12" Extended Mix)

Link... The Art Of Noise Mega Mix - The Beatmeister

Now who needs Ableton Live or Fruits Loops when you can have the raw, analog beats and samples from The Art Of Noise. :)

Break It Down - More Bad Ass Beats

Let's admit it, hearing the same thing over and over sometimes makes us feel bored and tired. No offense to the househeads out there (am a househead myself), but it's nice to hear something different once in a while to refresh our minds and give us new ideas.

So to break the four-to-the-floor monotony for the meantime, am going back once more to my other favorite genre, which is drum n' bass. Even though it's one of the most difficult genre to mix (IMO), I really love to challenge myself once in a while and take the more difficult path, as it's nice to learn from our mistakes and is also the best way to improve our craft, DJ'ing that is.

For today's mix, expect minimal to hardcore beats from Krust, Eternity, DJ Sage, Fatboy Slim, Roughcut, Touch And Go, Illkillaz, and more.

Tracklist:
1) Joy & Pain (Cartel Meltdown Mix) - Eternity
2) Spoils Of War - Krust
3) Groove Tube - Illkillaz
4) Agent Orange - DJ Sage
5) One Blood - Roughcut
6) Made You Look (SKC Remix) - Nas
7) The Rockafella Skank (Mulders Urban Takeover Mix) - Fatboy Slim
8) Rapture - DJ Sage & Elektra
9) Would You Go To The High Plains (The Beatmeister's Krust & Go Mash-Up Mix) - Krust vs. Touch & Go
10) Would You... - Touch & Go
11) Why Must It Be So Tainted - Bachelors Of Science
12) PNG - FSOL (Future Sound Of London)
13) Bass In Your Face (Breakbeat Science Remix) - Camp Lo-Black Nostaljack
14) Dilemma (Drum & Bass Mix) - Nelly feat. Kelly Rowland

Link... BadAssBeatsMix - The Beatmeister

So whatchu' waiting for, try somethin' different, relax and free your mind.

The Beatmeister, Live and In The Mix - Somethin' Funky, Somethin' Retro

Had a blast last weekend. After 20 years, at last, I was able to play live again. I remember my first time mixing at a gig back in the 80s and man, I was really quite nervous then. Last Saturday, I had that same feeling once more when my nerves got the best of me, but as soon as I got the hang of it, I was mixin' my heart out like hell and pumping those beats hard. I really had a great time that night along with my old friends, whom I haven't seen for quite a while.

Would like to give a shoutout to my buddy, Chinaman (of 89DMZ fame), for giving me the chance to spin again, live that is. If you're in Manila, you might want to check out his place called "Astica" if you want a cool ambience and into the latest house grooves.

Here are some pics taken by my wifey dear...

My best buddy checkin' it out, in the background...

As a sort of treat to everyone, am uploading a mixset similar to what I've played that night with a theme of "Somethin' Funky and Somethin' Retro" sort of house. No tracklist this time, but expect tunes from the Doobie Brothers vs. Korin Ladke, Kaskade, Bell Biv Devoe vs. Evan Rhodes, Natural Rhythm, The Sound Diggers, Young MC vs Maverick Renegade to name a few.

Link here... Somethin' Funky and Somethin' Retro - The Beatmeister

Special thanks also to my blogger friends, DJ Chronic and Moley of Underground House Music, for the superb funky tunes, which I've included in my set.

Here's to more live DJ'ing and mixing in the future!!!