Sun Songs Pt. 1

As we enter back into the season of the sun, I begin my musical offerings to you and that warm giver of life, in hopes that in its golden rays we find contentment, warmth and happiness in the coming months. Have a Rad Summer friends.

This one finds you and that special someone, at the tail end of the day, stress and frustrations far behind, enjoying a laugh, a kiss and a warm breeze as the sunset gleams across your eyes.

Starbuck- Sunset Eyes

I Hate The F***ing Eagles

Ok, maybe I don't hate The Eagles, but classic rock stations have pushed my tolerance to the brink. Especially since Texas birthed mega-bands like ZZ Top, Steve Miller, and The Eagles. Their music can be heard back to back in endless rotation on any local FM radio station. I used to think I was suffering from over saturation. Not so, thanks to Another Night on Earth. Last month they shared an edit of The Eagles - "Those Shoes" that caught me off guard. I first heard this track on Dirk & Tonic's mix for beatsinspace, which is still one of my all time favorite DJ sets.
This time the edit comes from the french duo, Rove Dogs. This stunning extended mix ends up redeeming this classic and transforming it into something totally cosmic. Can't wait to blast this at the lake, sunbathing in my tank top and aviators, beer in hand. Ah yes, Summer's coming!!!

Rove Dogs - Dub Shoes

Tightwad Disco

Sticking to the recession theme, I thought it might be nice to share a few Reaganomic hits known to relieve early 80's disco doldrums. Whenever NPR gets on a rant about tight financial times, I immediately think of this tune. Sean might disagree with the songs merit since all versions include a deliciously disgusting sax solo. The more distance I get from 80's sax ballads, the fonder I am towards them. Yeah, I'm sick that way. Anywho, it's sort of a coin toss for me whether the original by the Valentine Brothers is any better than the billboard smash cover by Simply Red. Either way, this song is as relevant today as it ever was. Here's to dancing higher with lighter wallets!!!

The Valentine Brothers - Money's Too Tight to Mention
The Valentine Brothers - Money's Too Tight (Instrumental 12'')

Simply Red - Money's Too Tight (To Mention) Cutback Mix
Simply Red - Money's Too Tight (To Mention) (Dub Version)

Dire Straits

Times are tough, you know. Even nightlife is taking a hit. While CEOs are receiving record breaking salary incentives, the rest of us are having to flask it at the clubs. So, given the present economic climate, I thought it might be nice to make a subtle suggestion to management to give a bit more. That's where Flowchart's 1983 ZYX single comes in handy. Next time the boss throws a little "get together", slip this in the mix. Besides, asking for a raise with an italo-boogie hook can't hurt.

Flowchart - Ask The Boss (Instrumental)

Down and Out In Texas

So, yeah, the server's down for like 2.5 seconds. No problem. We're on it

And now for something completely different...

It's no secret that it's hot as hell in Texas most of the time. So it's no coincidence this mix of lone star electronic projects is equally as scorching. It was put together by Dallas's own keyboard wrangler, Jake Five. An avid fan of minimal wave, italo, and dark disco, Jake's sensibilities have curated a stellar mix of alternative country as only he sees it. And remember, you heard it here first

Sleepless in Giza

Egyptian Lover lets out his inner Prince on this soulful electro love ballad. Taken from the 1984 classic "On The Nile", this bittersweet melody reveals even E.L. gets lonely sometimes. Theres a sweet sincerity to this kitsch confessional. Especially when complemented with a moaning guitar solo which seems to scream the hurt our poor lover can hardly endure. I feel ya' big guy! Come get a hug!

Egyptian Lover - I Cry (Night After Night)

Mourning Dew

The slow awakening from winter's sleep is giving way to the beautiful awareness of new life and new beginnings. But with this new season comes a sense of dread. Spring cleaning can be quite depressing. Especially on rainy days where time seems to slow down, allowing for long walks down memory lane. There always seems to be a soundtrack for this feeling. Songs that float around in the recesses of your soul, illuminating memories like the dawn's early light refracting in the tears of morning dew. This is one of those songs. Reflective and ethereal, Area's 1990 alum, "Fragments of the Morning" has consistently encapsulated this feeling for me. Here's to sharing a little ray of light for your spring cleaning mix tape. Love ya' kiddos ;)

Area - Puzzle Boy