ALBUM REVIEW: Danuel Tate 'Mexican Hotbox' out now on Wagon Repair

This is a very well crafted dance album by producer who knows his musical history, likes a bit of fusion and is not afraid to take some risks. He is rewarded spectacularly for his risk taking throughout the album with some superb tracks like the title track Mexican Hotbox' that reminded me a little of Markus Nikolai's stormer 'Bushes' from a few years back now. Click Here if you haven't heard Bushes before because it is a classic track!

This is an innovative forward thinking project and for me some of the tracks did not come off but I loved 'OK Then' which had elements of reference to Herbie Hancock in there sliced up with a stunningly quick tempo. This tempo is used again to stunning effect on the drum and bass-like 'I'll Be Your Whatever' which I  am also a big fan of.

Then there is the devastating synth bassline combination on 'California Can Can'. That is worth the album fee alone. Tate is a producer and musician of immense talent and if you are serious about dance music then you simply cannot overlook this one.

4/5

CTZN V41N

VIDEO: Andy Warhol paints Debbie Harry on an Amiga in 1985!

Check out this video featuring Andy Warhol and a stunning Debby Harry doing a presentation for Commodore Amiga. He 'paints' her after taking a digital image of her and then uses a paint program to edit it. This is pretty impressive given that is happened way back in 1985! I wonder if we will see any celeb / artist colabs with new technology today - like using the new Microsoft Kinect? Nah!

ALBUM REVIEW: Masomenos 'Balloons' out now on WTM

The French duo of Joan Costes and Adrien De Maublanc come up trumps with a stunning new album that kicks off with the chilled out minimal undertones of the 11 minute Sansula /El Toucan and does not look back.

Masomenos describe the making of the album as a "Succession of Happy accidents over a period of time that at one point becomes a story" and I for one cannot argue with them on that one. This 'story' however does not appear to be created, as Masomenos put it modestly, 'by accident'. The intricate level of detail and soundscapes and layer upon layer of enveloping gooey goodness that come out of the first track alone simply cannot have happened by chance and if it did well WOW!

The diverse use of instruments and vocal effects throughout is a welcome touch and it's not hard to see why the duo have released over 25 Ep's and 3 albums. This is another notch on the post and it's a spectacular success making it a must have of 2010!

5/5

CTZN V41N

VIDEO: Daft Punk 'Derezzed' Tron music video

Check it out. The Tron movie comes out 17 December in the UK.

ALBUM REVIEW: Laura Lopez Castro & Don Philipe 'Optavivo' out 13 December on Nesola

It's sometimes hard to pinpoint exactly why you like something then put it into words. With Optativo I have had a difficult time trying to express myself without using the hackneyed clichés and platitudes. Do you know the Secret Love series of compilations on Sonar Kollektiv? Any one of the 10 songs on the album could feature on this compilation series. So if you have heard of Secret Love then you know what I'm talking about and you can stop reading and go get yourself a copy.

If not then please keep reading. The album is one of those immense works of beauty that one is lucky enough to come across once or twice a year if lucky. I haven't been this moved by a single album since Digitonal's 'Save Your Light For Darker Days' but this is not in the same genre as that masterpiece so there is really no comparison to be taken.

LLC's voice has a dreamlike quality (cue cliché's) that simply has to be heard to be believed. It's soft, rich, sensual, soothing, gentle, matriarchal yet not overpowering and reminds me of home and good good times without the sentimentality. This is coupled with the overwhelming warmth of Don Philipe on guitar. The duo have a chemistry that works on so many levels beyond words. This album is a feeling, a gorgeous positive feeling of wonderment, enchantments and relaxing vibes and bon temps that soothe the soul. It's a perfect accompaniment to any chill out session but beware putting it on before you want to do anything strenuous as it will sap your energy and take you back to  the couch.

5/5

CTZN V41N