Bless this house!

Sound Advice (2006) - The Shapeshifters
Positiva Records
Highly Recommended

Primer on the two: (from http://www.nocturnalgroove.co.uk/)

With no.1 and top 10 singles already under their belts, and a third hit set to repeat their success, shapeshifters have forged a musical path beyond many of their contemporaries. their debut artist album, "sound advice"; will firmly dispel the myth that dance bands can't write songs, with a depth of song-writing and further exploration of musical styles that far exceeds their earlier promise, it could very well make 2006 their year.

as musicians, producers, international djs and label owners, simon marlin and max reich enjoy a double life that sees them on top of the pops one minute, and booked into the world's coolest clubs the next. 2005 saw a  "best breakthrough djs" award in the house music awards, the second instalment of house grooves, a summer residency in ibiza, and their continued london residency at their nocturnal night at aka/the end. and with legends like chic and frankie knuckles declaring them to be the leading lights of dance music's new breed, they're picking up all the right props from the figures they most admire.

It already said everything

This album is what I listen to these past few days (as well as Paul Oakenfold's A Lively Mind which hopefully I will do a review.

In this album, there is an eclectic mix of rhytmic beats and good vocals. Of course the standout tracks are the singles Lola's Theme (which went number 1 in UK), Incredible, Sensitivity and Back to Basics (number 10 in the charts). Also included in the album are unconventional tracks (not normally house) namely You Never Know (more of R&B/pop but still great, reminiscent of Liberty X, maybe) and If In Doubt Go Out (A club anthem in the making).

If you are in the Philippines, you may recall them as part of the Magic 89.9 Party on Weekends House album with their Lola's Theme track 

My take? great stuff! They wouldn't have the chance to do an Essential Mix if they weren't that good. They also did mixes of various artists but this is their first album. The vocals I believe is what made their music stand out. You can easily sing along to some of the songs and that's what makes the adrenaline pumping and make you jump and shout your lungs out.

Check out their videos their music speak for themselves:

Incredible

Back to Basics 

Sensitivity 

Lola's Theme 

Highly Recommended :D

P.S. Why can't I post videos from You tube here? if you know pls tell me.. sayang naman :D

Reading to: Q&A correspondence at work (in Japanese)

Watching to: Nothing 

 I haven't been like this all my life. I have enjoyed different kinds of genre of music from Pop, to Rock, and even sometimes Classical or New Age (I have been an Enya fan for reasons unknown). But for the past few years, I have been leaning myself towards the Techno and House genre. My first dabbing into the Electronica genre was listening to artists such as Paul Van Dyk, Oakie (Paul Oakenfold), Chicane and Safri Duo. I haven't progressed much in learning more since I don't really know where to look except for the mainstream stuff such as Larusso and Square Hands (I liked them before, but never never Eiffel 65 "I'm blue da ba dee..." aaargh).

 Anyway, I have been checking out record shops for new material everytime at UM (University Mall near DLSU) for sometime and not until about late college that I have discovered the beauty of house music. My virgin ears have been exposed to the voice of Bonnie Bailey. Safe, from Hed Kandi Beachhouse 04.02 (I think), that made me realize there's more to electronica music than On'ne se'moire plus jamais.

 As I progress, learning more everyday, there's a song that has been perennial in my playlists Its You Its Me by Kaskade.

I think I have heard it from someone before, but I love this song so much that I hasn't left my playlist for the longest time. Catchy beats.. soulful mood... the perfect song to listen while lounging at the beach.

 I was recently at Tower Records where I was surprised that an album by Kaskade was available.

Kaskade - Here and Now (Philippine Release)
P325.00 Universal Records
Highly Recommended

Now I stress Philippine Release, why? because first, It says so inside. Second, while I was ripping this CD, I saw a similarly titled album from Kaskade and it has a different set of tracks, some are the same but there are songs that I would have liked to be included but wasn't there. (Maybe I was just expecting new material)

The minute I saw this I said to myself I have to get buy this. I have been waiting so long to have a clean copy of Kaskade's tracks and not the crappy 128kbps mp3 downloaded from somewhere. (Disclaimer: I'm not advocating piracy here, its just that it's not really available locally so..)

Hmm, what about the album? It contains tracks that made him famous such as Its You Its Me, Sweet Love, Everything, and Steppin Out. Its essentially album which could circulate  into party playlists from time to time. Tracks such as Samba Love and I Feel Like gave a vibe that is easy which can help you relax after partying hard. Its a must buy album if you want to get started in the House Music genre. If I were to give it a rating, i would give it 4.5/5 or a Highly Recommended. well the .5 is mostly because I would've wished for new material in this album. But since this is the first Kaskade album (which I know of) that is released locally, then I think its a good starter.

check out Kaskademusic.com for more info regarding the incredible Ryan Raddon and OM Records. (He was here last holy week and I wasn't even there.. stupid me)

Listening to the album, I was caught surprised listening to Track 2 - Gonna Make It. It sounds really really (and I mean really) similar to Breaking Down - Ananda Project of the Magic 89.9 Party on Weekends album. I dunno who sampled whom but I was dumbstruck.

Its late and I got to sleep..

check you out guys tomorrow and I hope

 I hope

that there are people reading this other than me hehe

cheers! 

usual banter yes.. there still coming.. but then mainly they'll be about another part of me that I'm passionate about..

MUSIC

thus the blog name: Paraiso Ritmo

a play of the words (a wordplay perhaps) Paraiso (Paradise) and Ritmo (Rhythm)

It'll feature things such as:

my current playlist,

gigs

whatever..

the list will mainly be composed with House, Techno Music

 Just watch out whatever happens.. Although i wish i could give more time to blogging hehe

CHEERS!

A taste of my current playlist:

1. Steppin' Out - Kaskade

2. Rise - Samantha James (Eric Kupper Mix)

3. No Promises - Hott 22 feat Bonnie Bailey