Following on from the well-received remixes of Romanthony’s “Wanderer”, Glasgow Underground bring back one of its most featured and DJ-friendly producers – Phil Kelsey.
Kelsey has been everything from tea-boy to major-league dance producer at one of the nineties most in-demand studios. At one point he had 3 of his own productions in the UK top ten in one week.
In 1998 he left the charts behind and, recording as Powder Productions, began creating the type of loopy house music work that found favour with djs like John Digweed and Danny Howells. However, it was not until the release of the GU classic ‘Chile Sauce’ in the summer of ’99 that they found true worldwide dj acclaim. From Basement Jaxx to the Slam boys, Danny Rampling to16b, its Latin mayhem made it a firm favourite with a whole host of frequent-flying jocks.
“Witness The Deepness” is pure deep house – Glasgow Underground style with a booming bottom end topped with spacey synths and blissed out delayed vocals while “Organized” steps it up a gear or two delivering a tough, synthed-up house groove reminiscent at times of Plastic Dreams.
The voice of one of the most iconic dance records of all time [Daft Punk’s “One More Time”] is set for a resurgence of interest in 2011.
As well as the re-issues of his original 12” releases on Decks Classix [“Let Me Show You Love” & “The Wanderer”] Rush Hour have lined up the pick of his entire back catalogue for a wonderfully packaged retrospective look at this enigmatic artist. This combined with a desire for his ice cool vocals from the current crop of nouveau-house producers [Mark E, Tom Trago, Kraak & Smaak] has once again shifted dance music gaze on to Daft Punk’s favourite vocalist.
Described by leading electronic tastemaker Discobelle as having a “vocal track cool enough that it kind of makes Prince sound like a dork in comparison”, “The Wanderer” is one of Romanthony’s all-time great songs. Kompakt’s Michael Mayer describes it as a “huge track, indestructible… my favourite was always the acoustic version on B2.” while Spiller – currently getting everyone hot under the collar with Pigeonman’s Revenge – says, “The Wanderer is one of my top records ever. Always in my bag… That crazy intro… The rough beats with “years of pressure” sample… The pain in the vocals… Just outstanding.” And its not just older heads that are in love with this track. Boys Noize is such a fan he licensed it for his Bugged Out compilation, “Suck My Deck”.
But on to the remixes for 2011… Rather than compete with the “The Journeyman Thump” mix that both Spiller & Boys Noize keep in their box, we have taken the vocals from Michael Mayer’s favourite, the acoustic version on the Prescription Underground release [Romanthony regularly records different vocal takes for different styles]. And instead of pairing them with that version’s super-deep guitar groove both Rob Mello & Kevin McKay have taken the track straight on to the dance-floor. Rob delivers a Chicago-style house groove with serious bass bounce whilst Kevin offers a techier workout complete with heavy drums and a hypnotic bass & synth groove.
04/6/11 – Mash – Capital FM [Rob Mello’s No Ears Remix]
28/5/11 – Mash – Capital FM [Rob Mello’s No Ears Remix]
23/5/11 – Nacho Marco – Loudeast Radio [Kevin McKay Remix]
22/5/11 – Ben Watt – BBC 6 Mix [Rob Mello’s No Ears Remix - http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b011fmfp
21/5/11 – Mash – Capital FM [Rob Mello’s No Ears Remix]
21/5/11 – David Dunne – The Triple Dee Radio Show [Kevin McKay Remix]
20/5/11 – Ben Watt & Trentemoeller – Buzzin’ Fly Radio [Rob Mello’s No Ears Remix]
18/5/11 – Nacho Marco – Loudeast Radio [Kevin McKay Remix]
17/5/11 – Charles Webster – Samurai FM [Kevin McKay Remix]
17/5/11 – Untitled Music – Enation FM [Rob Mello’s No Ears Remix]
16/5/11 – Mark Doyle – Fierce Angels Radio [Rob Mello’s No Ears Remix]
13/5/11 – Mash – Capital FM [Kevin McKay Remix]
13/5/11 – Nico De Ceglia – Radio Globo (Italy) [Kevin McKay Remix]
12/5/11 – Ben Watt – Buzzin’ Fly Radio [Rob Mello’s No Ears Remix]
Charts
12/5/11 – Cool cuts chart [New entry #19] 19/5/11 – Cool cuts chart [moves UP to #14]
Press Mixmag “Big Tunes” [July 2011]
Tilllate – House single of the month [July] Romanthony ‘The Wanderer’ (GLASGOW UNDERGROUND) Another issue and another great GU single to rave about following on from Kevin McKay’s quite brilliant ‘Club World EP’. And in so in those immortal words that De La Soul sampled so aptly, “…for my next record we return to the classics”… oh, and what a classic this is. It was back in ‘94 that Prescription picked up this deep and haunting proto-house offering from Romanthony’s Blackmale label. Those impossible-to-find original pressings can now fetch a hefty £100+ price tag, but the Chez Damier and Ron Trent co-creation is worth every penny to those in the know. Now McKay adds his stamp to the classic subtly updating the beats while still allowing the feel and emotion of the original to shine. Likewise Rob Mello’s respectful restyling adds soft techno polyrhythm and shuffling hats in keeping of the Windy City vibe that made this so essential two decades ago. (LD) 10/10
Tilllate review [Mash] ROMANTHONY ‘The Wanderer (Glasgow Underground) GU is back with a vengeance, and is sounding even more relevant now with the latest wave of Maya Jane Coles and Julio Bashmore sounding house tracks out there. Here they raid the back catalogue and come up with two great new remixes of the lungs of Daft Punks, ‘One more time’. Label boss, Kevin McKay turns in a wicked driving remix that just builds and builds. The Rob Mello mix is a jacking affair that reminds us of his sterling work on labels like Classic Recordings. Keep them coming! 9/10 (MASH)
Resident Advisor review ROMANTHONY ‘The Wanderer (Glasgow Underground) I won’t pretend this is universal, but the way I remember it, Romanthony’s “The Wanderer (Journey Man Thump)” blanketed 1994 without seeming to have ever exactly entered it. It didn’t announce itself; it just seemed like it had always been there, floating off your favorite house jocks’ turntables. (I remember it making its way into the odd techno DJ’s set, as well.) Spare, spooky, utterly mesmerizing, it was an anthem that snuck up on you: simple drums, subtle yet penetrative atmosphere, Roman yelping and hooting to beat the band, but not going overboard. It remains the definition of New Jersey (or any other) deep house, and one of the most timeless dance tracks ever recorded. ”The Wanderer” has been remixed a lot (the original version is quite different from the “Journey Man Thump,” for starters), so it’s no surprise to see it surface again on Glasgow Underground. And while neither Kevin McKay nor Rob Mello redefine it, they buffer it up differently enough that comparisons, while inevitable, are also beside the point. McKay’s version is pretty formulaic: a gummy, techy thump underscores the vocal, which is filtered to give it a texture that complements the recurring smoke-machine hiss. It’s a banger, but that’s more descriptor than compliment. Rob Mello’s “No Ears Mix” is closer to an updated version of the classic mix, though he wrings the vocal till it’s even drier and more cracked. No matter—he grounds a funk-accented bounce that picks up a lot of its energy (surprisingly enough) from a guitar overdub that starts itchy but soon starts sprawling rock-style. It’s a bold contrast that adds yet another dimension to a tune that doesn’t quit. [Michaelangelo Matos - 31⁄2/5]
DJ Reactions
Spencer Parker “It’s huge. Mentioned it in a recent article I wrote for RA love it : )” Paul Woolford “Great job on both mixes Kevin! ” Josh Herve “wikid mate” Deetron “hope you’re well, really love this remix!!” Luke Solomon “Been playing this for a minute. Lx” Joakim “Thanks Kevin. This is a great addition to this classic! Bouncy!” Rachel Barton “love the Rob Mello mix of this! Yours also really good. Thanks for sending” James Friedman (Throne of Blood) “that is one of my all time favorite songs! i play the Dixon edit of it quite often since it toughed it up a bit as well… i would LOVE downloads of your mix if you’d provide one! a fresh take on an old favorite would be AWESOME to have” Ben Watt “been hammering this” Lewis Dene “Really feeling this one – no surprises there!” Jon Marsh “thanks for this – really like your remix and will play it out asap.” Charles Webster “both mixes v cool…still love all the orig blackmale and prescription mixes…he is still one of my all time house heroes !” Frank Tope “ love the Romanthony remix – old skool big room stylee, 5 dancing men all the way x, definitely one for the Glastonbury rave fields” Tom Flynn “Liking the Kevin McKay mix.” Grum “I really like your mix, great drums and progression.” Russ Chimes “Really feeling this man, great groove, and I love that bass/synth riff running through! Gotta say that i wan’t familiar with the original either, so a good bit of education for me ” Richard Sen ” Loving the mixes, I love Rob Mello’s stuff and this one is another killer.” Mark E “Thanks alot for these, love Romanthony, and your version sounds excellent, ill try it out soon.” Michael Mayer “Well, The Wanderer…. huge track, indestructible… my favourite was always the acoustic version on B2. It’s difficult to remix a track like that, I mean… there’s nothing to improve, really. So, I like Rob’s Todd Terry-ish take and will test it for sure. But I’ll also dig out my original. Long time no play! Thanks for this and all the best to you!” Moodymanc “proper proper proper proper!!!!! Love em both!!! Thanks man!! am sure the heads will be jumping on this one….” Spiller “The wanderer on blackmale its one of my top records ever. Always in my bag… That crazy intro… The rough beats with “years of pressure” sample… The pain in the vocals… Just outstanding.” Omid 16B “loving it big time” David Alvarado “Both mixes sound great. Thanks for sharing.” Neville Watson “Thanks for sending this over (Man, I’d love to have got my mitts on those vocals!). I’m a big fan of Rob’s music and always have been. I have to say though, that I prefer your mix. Strong, thumping groove and the vocals really work well over that. It also builds really well without being obvious in any way at all.” Harri “Both these Romanthony mixes are more up my current street, good work guys” Q Burns “NIce, here … Rob’s mix is great but I think your mix is the one for me out of the two. Thanks for it!” Master-H “Great reinterpretation from Rob Mello like it will play thanx for sharing:)” Olle Lostegaard (Oslo) “Really like both mixes.” Small Pyramids “Dope remix!!” Leigh Morgan (Urban Torque) “Well I have to say I love this mate, absolutely wicked!!” Sean Holland “#9 was indeed the mix, I don’t remember it clearing any floors but rather keeping them hanging on around 6am…but nice show from you guys here.” Nacho Marco “Thanks Kevin ! Your remix is my favourite here, loving it, any chance of a dub mix ?” Samy Morpheus “I always loved the original, a big classic that will sound great forever… and the rob mello rmx is fantastic. Top stuff thank you!” DJ Undo [Razzamatazz] “very nice classic house release! thanks” Nico De Ceglia “A real classic, Romanthony was one of my fave, so many gems from him. Both of you guys have done a great job. I’m definitely going to play this out and I’ll pass it on to Pete as well.” DJ Three “wow man…. so awesome to get these!!” Dave Alcock [Mn2S] “Very nice Kevin, full support!” Justin McMullen [Planet of Sound] “Shweet..thanks mate” Mark JAckson [Size] “nice bounc’in mixes” Stuart Balfour “Thanks for the track, it was a classic and loving what you have both done to it and will make sure I play one of them out on Friday.” Sasse “Great mixes, will play both!” Pathaan “Groovy !!” G-Ha (Oslo) “Hey kevin! Rob’s mix absolutly rocks, will play! Thank you sir!” Bxentric “brava mr k, your rmx is so hypnotic deep and evil when it hit three mins and that build comes in i had a grin on me as wide as a cheshire cat!!!! larve that snare. i think for my sets though the rob mello one will suit me more.” Jelo “very mellow for me but it’s sounding nice !” Alain Bosshart “House as it should be and nicely redone here.” Irfan (Rainy City) “Thanks so much Kevin” Richie (Untitled) “Another nice couple of tunes, personally preferring your remix – like the intensity of it more.”
Following on from the spooky disco of Mash’s “Somebody’s Property” is a four-track ep of straight-up house action from Kevin McKay.
As one half of Muzique Tropique Kevin was behind some of the 90s deepest house music with releases on the Muzique Tropique label, Glasgow Underground, Jus’ Trax and remixes for the likes of Larry Heard, Two Lone Swordsmen, Trevor Lovey’s House of 909 and 16B.
His solo remixes include a stand-out mix of Mateo & Matos’ “The Real Thing” which Matthias Tanzmann was such a fan of he’s recently asked us for the files to do a re-rub for 2011.
In 2002 he discovered Mylo and set up the Breastfed label. As well as mixing all the Mylo tracks released on the label including all of the UK platinum selling album “Destroy Rock & Roll” he co-produced much of Mylo’s noughties classic. And as the writer/producer half of Linus Loves he was also responsible for “Night Music”, “The Terrace” and the Linus Loves album “Stage Invader”. To keep in with the mysterious, slightly mischievous nature of Breastfed all this work was done under his Kevin Kennedy pseudonym.
In 2008 he signed Grum and set up the Heartbeats label.
The “Club World EP” is his first production work since 2009 and his first solo single in nearly 10 years. Inspired by his regular visits to Moscow’s Propaganda club he decided to create an anthem for the legendary Russian club. “Propaganda” is the result – a blend of bass pulses and hooked-in synth riffs that lifted the roof of the place on its debut in November last year. Fuelled by that success, he created “Body Talk” a track inspired by Glasgow’s Voodoo Room (where he was resident dj in the early 90s), the piano-house madness of “Atlantis [Piano Mix]” and the rolling, hypnotic groove of “Atlantis [Deep Mix]” dedicated to Harri & Slam’s early 90s Saturday night residency @ Glasgow’s Sub Club.
10/04/11 – Mash – Capital FM [Atlantis Deep Mix]
03/04/11 – Mash – Capital FM [Atlantis Piano Mix]
27/03/11 – Mash – Capital FM [Atlantis Deep Mix]
25/03/11 – David Dunne & Andy Daniels – Triple D Radio [Atlantis Piano Mix]
24/03/11 – Christian Davies – in Demand Radio [Body Talk]
20/03/11 – Mash – Capital FM [Atlantis Deep Mix]
DJ Reactions
Steve Mac “lets get physical, lol. could do really well for ya” Junior Sanchez “wicked stuff mate!!! all dope body talk is tight!!!” Omid 16B “fukin awesome mate …killa… could you please send this to me as a wav im playing dubai tomrw to 4000 people this will kill it !!!” Neil Aline “Proper chi-house! Thanks a lot Kevin , you’ll get my full support” Frank Klein (Dabruck + Klein) “i really love the bodytalk!” Tom Flynn “Liking Atlantis.” Grum “I think this all sounds bloody awesome, really strong release! Especially liking the deep mix of Atlantis! That one surprised me. Body Talk – really like the chopping on the sample and the suspense before it kicks back in. Really strong tune.” Richard Sen “Liking ‘Atlantis’ Piano mix…..90s house builder.” Hernan Cattaneo “very good stuff man my fav is atlantic deep mix. really good release!” Lewis Dene “Really feeling the ONJ sampling cut – a great hook to use…” Orde Meikle (Slam) “glad to hear your back in the studio…tunes sound big man… thanks…” Jon Marsh “i prefer the deep mix of atlantis, and propaganda. both more textural and melodic. hope it does well for you” Drop Out Orchestra “The original mix of “Body Talk” sounds great! Thanks for sending.” Bxentric “the ep its hot property man, i cant wait to play it, my favourite is ‘body talk’ i love the whole release but the chords are epic on the break of BT, proper gets me feeling euphoric i can already picture the crowd reacting :0)” Mash (Galaxy FM) “These tracks are all great. Every one of them very playable. Out of them all I love the Atlantis (deep mix). Propaganda rocks in a big room style. Both named after the clubs? Body Talk is a natural heir and more up to date take on the Mylo sound. Could be big mate! A great ep. Very strong! “ David Dunne “They’re very nice tunes and I will definitely play one of them in our radio show this week. Jolly lovely.” Moody Manc “Nice one mate…really like the piano mix! X” Jamez “like the EP man!” Punks Jump Up “sounds cool!!” Andrew (CD Pool) “Superb EP + very varied! ‘Body Talk’ and ‘Atlantis’ are both very classic sounding.” Phil Kelsey “Seriously mate these are all really good. I think you should do well with it. Especially love the piano mix.” Dan Haug (Ruckus Roboticus) “Body Talk and Propaganda are right up my alley! I look forward to playing them out.“
After a sporadic (at best!) release schedule since label owner Kevin McKay set up Breastfed (to sign Mylo) and set up Heartbeats (to sign Grum), the Glasgow Underground label is back in business for 2011.
First up is “Somebody’s Property”, the spooky dub disco classic from Mash. Originally released on vinyl only in 2006 this wonky DFA-style cut used samples of children singing, “We don’t want to become somebody’s property. We don’t want to give up on our liberty. No legs, no eyes, so I walk just because we are told.” over Mash’s distorted beats and bumpy live bass.
It was a big hit with influential Dutch DJ i-F and featured on his much-loved “I-F – Mixed up in Dublin (07/10/2006)”.
The remixes for 2011 include reworkings from Turbo Recordings artist Sei A (deep, kick- heavy, hypnotic), Mash (slow-motion disco), Kevin McKay (synthed-up house), Rob Etherson (jacking) and The Revenge cohort OOFT (tripped-out bass).
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