My Instinct For Survival Is To Celebrate

No mash, all bangers, as today's selection focuses on some club friendly highlights from 2024 so far.

 

Not just a nod to the artists themselves, who have all delivered some great music this year, but also to the labels that have continued to be a go to each Bandcamp Friday (and in between):

 

Electric Wardrobe Records

Higher Love Recordings

NEIN Records

Paisley Dark Records

Paper Recordings

Plastique Recordings 

Psychederek

 

Enjoy!

1) Bibbles (Craig Bratley's Cali Gold Remix): Andres Y Xavi (Lagos EP)

2) On Fire (Single Version): Stylic (PoPoPoPom EP)

3) Celebrate (Night Version): Hifi Sean & David McAlmont (Celebrate Remix E.P.)

4) Trance Stance (Cole Odin Vocal Mix): Electric Blue Vision (Trance Stance EP)

5) Tongue-Tied (Moodymanc's 'Listen To Me' Mix): Psychederek (Tongue-Tied EP)

6) Jellyfish Albino (Single Version): Elninodiablo (Infinitely Venus EP)

7) I First Learned About Shelley's Through A Magazine (Single Version): La Guardia De La Luz (México 24 EP)

My Instinct For Survival Is To Celebrate (44:10) (KF) (Mega)

Clues To The Edit

Jezebell aka Jesse Fahnestock and Darren Bell have a new release, Cream Tease, out on 2nd October which they, er, teased on Wednesday with The Big Time.

The Big Time starts off like the frenetic, amped up relation of 2022's Visage-sampling Dumbell, building layers of sound so that as you approach the halfway mark, you think you know where this is going. Only it just gets even bigger, the titular sample dropping in a minute or so later. it's not just big, it's huge.

I've been lucky enough to receive a sneak preview of four tracks and they all deliver chug and chuckle in equal measure, with some muscular rhythms and grin-inducing samples. I mean, you need more cheek than a Carry On film to name tracks Donkey and Hung, but they are bloody great.

Donkey misdirects with a few seconds of martial drumming before switching to the more familiar stepping beats and synth flourishes, soon accompanied by an array of Spanish-flavoured samples. 

 

Hung comes in with some heavy beats, a guitar loop and dislocated vocals, like all of the music on offer, seeming like it could go on for at least twice it's seven-minute duration. An infectious track, to use a cliche.

Then there's Darren's Theme which, if were fronting a TV show, would be on at 2.00am on a subscriber-only channel with advisories about adult content. A pounding, sped-up beat straight out of 1992, we're barely 30 seconds in before the groans and sighs begin and a sampled vocal (Karen Finlay?) is making aggressive advances, with a looped response sizing up their male member. 

 

You'll either splutter tea all over the letters page of the Daily Mail, before taking up at the keyboard to type your own letter of digust. Or, like me, you'll love it. 

 

Putting the sleaze in Cream Tease, Jezebell delight in having established an instantly recognisable style but never getting complacent.

Or sleeping, it seems. It's hardly been a quiet 2024 for Jesse and Darren, with the Weekend Machines EP, remixes aplenty for other artists and a standalone (and standout) contribution to the Shelter Me - In Crisis compilation for Paisley Dark Records in April. And that's not forgetting Jesse's extracurricular activity as 10:40 and Electric Blue Vision.

So, as an added treat, I've created an (almost) hour-long mix of 2024 highlights so far. 

 

I've only included The Big Time from Cream Tease as that should be sufficient motivation to pre-order the full release. Likewise, I've left out Perfect Din from the Shelter Me - In Crisis as I (kind of) featured it in a previous post in May.

One final omission is Jezebell's remix of Bibbles by Andres y Xavi. I'd like to say it's because I featured it in a Dubhed selection back in March, but Jesse and Darren provided three great remixes. 

 

I'd also like to say that including it would have pushed today's selection over the one hour mark and I was being strict with timings.

In truth, I got confused and I thought the remixes had been released in 2023, the same as Andres y Xavi's original versions. Sorry!

 

I think the 9 tracks here more than make up for it, though. The Big Time is a strong opener and from there you get two of Jesse's 10:40 remixes, the latter of himself with Emilia Harmony on vocals. All of the Weekend Machines EP, bar a remix of the title track, get an airing as do Jezebell's 808 remixes of two of their songs, released on 808 Day, 8th August 2024.

 

Hey You by Puerto Montt City Orchestra is a cover/reimagining of a 1988 song called Hay Fever by 14 Iced Bears. Puerto Montt City Orchestra aka Angus Murray and Tim Salter persuaded frontperson Robert Sekula to re-record his vocals and, put through the 10:40 rinse, the song becomes a euphoric, uptempo excursion to a beachfront club.

 

Pandit Pam Pam is Brazilian artist Eduardo Ramos. His track Pass A Wish gets two Paul Simon-inspired (in title only, perhaps) remixes from Jezebell. The 50 Ways remix is equally excellent, but the Leave Your Lover slotted in seamlessly with the mix, in sonic terms equal parts chug and hug. 

 

I always enjoy having a crack at a Jezebell selection, but this one was an especial pleasure. Not just because everything seemed to click and naturally fall into place - this is about the closest this cack-handed amateur DJ will ever get to almost competent beat matching and cross-fades, I promise you - but because the music is just so very, very good.

 

I'll be listening to this - and the original tracks by Jesse, Darren and co. - a lot over the coming weeks. It may be thunder, lightning and torrential rain outside but whilst I'm listening to this, it's a glorious, endless summer. 

1) The Big Time: Jezebell (2024)

2) Hey You (10:40 Remix): Puerto Montt City Orchestra ft. Robert Sekula (2024) 

3) Trance Stance (10:40s Haight Steppin Remix): Electric Blue Vision (2024)

4) Autostrada: Jezebell (2024)

5) Dumbell (808 Day Remix): Jezebell (2024)

6) Weekend Machines (Single Version): Jezebell (2024)

7) Citric: Jezebell (2024)

8) Pass A Wish (Jezebell's Leave Your Lover Mix): Pandit Pam Pam (2024)

9) Dancing (Not Fighting) (808 Day Remix): Jezebell (2024)

 

Clues To The Edit (57:39) (KF) (Mega) 

You can also find May 2024's Jezebellearic Beats Volume 1 (Dubhed Selection EP) right here.

If Ever The Devil Was Born Without A Pair Of Horns, It Was You Jezebell, It Was You

Like buses, you wait for a Jezebell-related release for a while, then three come along at once. I'll cover the new music later but just over a week ago, I received the long awaited double vinyl edition of the superb Jezebellearic Beats Volume 1 compilation.

Bearing in mind that Jesse Fahnestock and Darren Bell released Jezebell's debut single Thrill Me in 2021, issuing a 'greatest hits' in August 2023 and labelling it 'Volume 1' may have seemed rather ambitious, cocky even. Yet, even with a digital edition packed with 20 tracks, the duo still had to leave out many mixes and versions that could easily have made the cut. It's really that good. 

Even more mind blowing is that the compilation, with a run time of over two hours, was - and still is - available as a 'name your price' purchase on Bandcamp.

I've hugely enjoyed all of the Jezebell music as it's emerged, whether under their own name, remixes for other artists or re-edits that in reality remake and remodel the source material into something so different that it's essentially a brand new song. So, when it was announced that a limited vinyl pressing of Jezebellearic Beats Volume 1 would be available, I didn't hesitate in ordering it.

Given the timing constraints of four sides of vinyl - only Side 3 nudges above the 25/26-minute mark - the track list and running order varies a fair bit from the digital edition, making for an equally rewarding and essential listening experience.

The digital edition opens with the full length widescreen version of Jezebelle Et Moi, their 3-part cover of Max Berlin's 1978 song. At nearly 12 minutes, it's swapped on the vinyl version for one of the variations, Le Funk Et Moi, with no less impact as a statement of intent. The following three songs match on both editions, including the (kind of) title tracks and re-titled re-edits of Tullio De Piscopo and Laurie Anderson. 

I should add at this point that though I purchased many of these songs at the time of their original release, the versions on Jezebellearic Beats Volume 1 have been given a re-master by Rich Lane.

For the remaining three sides, the ordering is mixed up more considerably, not least because the vinyl version contains 16 tracks compared with the digital edition's 20. So, track 5 on the latter - a superb re-edit of The Notorious B.I.G. - opens Side 4 of the former. "Bed Heads", Jezebell's contribution to Shelter Me: The Album in 2022, is track 17 on digital but closes the vinyl album in fine style.

At the time of posting, there are 9 copies of the one-time only vinyl pressing left on Bandcamp. If you miss out and haven't bought the digital edition yet, then what are you waiting for? The compilation cover by Rick Oliver is based on Dave Little's artwork for the seminal Balearic Beats: The Album Vol 1 collection and believe me, the music on this Jezebell compilation is every bit as good.

 

Side 1

1) Le Funk Et Moi (Remix) (Cover of 'Elle Et Moi' by Max Berlin's): Jezebell (2022)

2) Jezebellearic: Jezebell ft. Alfredo (2023)

3) Spring Calling aka Stop Bajon (Primavera) (Jezebell Edit): Tullio De Piscopo (2022)

4) Re-Birth aka Born Never Asked (Jezebell Edit): Laurie Anderson (2022)

Side 2

5) Pedestal (Jezebell's Dizzy Heights Dub): D:Ream (2022)

6) Thrill Me (Original Version): Jezebell (2021)

7) Hush Hush aka Too Shy (Jezebell Edit): Kajagoogoo (2022)

8) Hypnorise (Jezebell Edit): Herb Alpert (2022)

Side 3

9) Concurrence (Original Version): Jezebell (2021)

10) Swamp Shuffle: Jezebell (2023)

11) Jezeblue (Full Length Version): Jezebell (2023)

12) Red Shift (Jezebell's Inner Child Mix): MAN2.0 (2022)

Side 4

13) Vibrations aka Baby Let Me Kiss You (Jezebell's Hitachi Dub): The Notorious B.I.G. (2022)

14) Trading Places (3PM) (Remix): Jezebell (2023)

15) Burning Bush: Jezebell (2023)

16) "Bed Heads": Jezebell (2022)  

 

I've cobbled together a half-hour Dubhed Selection EP, selecting one song from each side of the vinyl edition, plus A Dangerous Side, the bonus digital track offered as an exclusive to those purchasing Jezebellearic Beats Volume 1 on vinyl. 

 

 

Jezebellearic Beats Volume 1 (Dubhed Selection EP) (32:11) (KF) (Mega)

....but that's not all, oh no. Paisley Dark Records recently released the third compilation album in the Shelter Me series, and made the other two (plus a bonus remix) available again for purchase via Bandcamp.

The Shelter Me compilations raise funds for housing and homeless charities, the latest compilation focusing on Crisis, which does incredible work across the UK. Even if it wasn't for a good cause, these albums are chock-full of great music that you should want to buy, regardless.

Jezebell contribute again to Shelter Me: In Crisis with the brilliantly titled Perfect Din, which has got me scratching my head trying to work out what samples they've expertly woven into 408 seconds of groovy sounds.

 

 

Jesse Fahnestock has also reunited with Emilia Harmony for another excursion on the version as Electric Blue Vision. Trance Stance was released last week, via the empathetically named Electric Wardrobe Records. The single version is described as "a hooky and seductive electronic slow-dive [which] hypnotically conjures up the story of dance-floor attraction with all the anticipation, posturing and human behavior that comes with it."

 

I think that pretty much nails it, but see what you think.

 

if you like that, just feel the quality of the three accompanying remixes. 

 

At a glance, The Time Machine Dropouts was an unfamiliar name, until I read that this a duo of Matt Gunn and legendary DJ Chad Jackson. An inter generational soundclash that provides breakbeats, funky guitar, Moroder-esque synths, shades of M's Pop Muzik and Emilia's vocals right up front. Great stuff.

San Francisco-based drummer Cole Odin is another name that's new to me. A lovely, syncopated synth-washed rinse with Emilia's treated vocals swirling in and out of your ears. Jesse himself brings things to a close with 10:40's sunshine skank reprise. All in all, another top notch release and perfect for what's proving to be a sun-kissed bank holiday weekend here at Casa K.

Help Me To Find My Way

A multi-disciplinarian who seemingly doesn't require sleep, Jesse Fahnestock is back with a new single, Other Skies, a collaboration with Emilia Harmony as Electric Blue Vision. 

 

It would be understating things slightly to say that Jesse's creative fires have been burning brightly and strongly in 2023. February saw the third full-length 10:40 album Transition Theory. In April it was Jezebell's turn, Jesse and Darren Black unleashing the brace of Trading Places EPs, swiftly followed in July by the widescreen epic Jezeblue and then August's 20-track magnum opus Jezebellearic Beats Volume 1. Remixes for Högt I Tak & Jamie Tolley, Perry Granville, Pim Secle & Orchid and Warriors Of The Dystotheque have plugged the gaps and a just over a month ago, Jesse launched a new project, Powder Wax, collaborating with S.A.A.R.A on the single Little Black Dress.

 

Other Skies is the second single from Jesse and Emilia, following 2021's inaugural release Electric Blue Visions. This time, the original is accompanied by a trio of remixes from Hardway Bros Meet Monkton Uptown (Sean Johnston and Duncan Gray), Tambores En Benirras (Graham Newby aka DJ Gripper) and Balearic Ultras (Mike Bradbury and Duncan Paterson).

 

The original version of Other Skies contains all of the elements that made Electric Blue Visions and At The Turning Of The Tide (from Transition Theory) so enjoyable, not least Emilia's breathy vocals which border on sprechsang and carry you over the gently undulating synth washes. Dr. Rob, of the excellent Ban Ban Ton Ton music site, provides a spot-on promo copy for the release and conflating two of his reference points, Other Skies is like the lovechild of Century by Instastella (especially the Adamski remix) and One Dove's White Love. It's that good.

 

Needless to say, the remixes are all superb. Balearic Ultras really play up the aspects of the above comparison, whilst Messrs. Johnston and Gray draw in elements of Augustus Pablo and inevitable reminisces of Star by Primal Scream. The EP was previewed with the Tambores En Benirras remix and it's a monster, built around the vocal refrain "Up down, spin around, bring it back together" and chugging along irresistibly for an all-too-short five minutes. All very different from the source version but, as a package, Other Skies is an absolute bargain at £4.00 for the lot. You can buy it now from Higher Love Recordings via Bandcamp.

 

It's been 18 months since I posted my first selection of Jesse's music and given the sheer volume of music that's been released since then, a return visit is well overdue.

 

I previously struggled to whittle the selection down, ending up with 16 tracks over an hour and half. I was determined to be more ruthless this time and provide a shorter yet still representative sample of music spanning Jesse's solo and collaborative work. The selection below is 17 tracks and just shy of an hour and three quarters, which pretty much tells you how well that went for me.

 

I've topped and tailed the mix with the two Electric Blue Vision releases and the segued and sequenced tracks in between feature Jesse and friends from the early releases in 2020, my slightly belated jumping on point in 2021, the birth of Jezebell and a handful of tracks from this year. As before, you can hear and feel the forward momentum and evolution of the music but also the connections. I think the opening four songs sit well together and illustrate as well as any how consistent - how consistently good - the music has been from the start without ever settling for repetition, tropes and safe options.

 

If this is your introduction to Jesse Fahnestock, Emilia Harmony, Darren Bell and friends then fasten your seatbelt, you've one hell of a flight ahead.

1) Other Skies (Original Version: Electric Blue Vision (2023)

2) The Knack (Jezebell's Feeling Moody Mix): 10:40 (2022)

3) Bone Cutter (Album Version): 10:40 (2021)

4) See Me Through (Sirens And Soldiers Dub): 10:40 (2020)

5) At The Turning Of The Tide: 10:40 ft. Emilia Harmony & Matt Gunn (2023)

6) Too Shy (Jezebell's 'Hush Hush' Edit): Kajagoogoo (2023)

7) Drugskill (Album Version): 10:40 (2020)

8) The First Step: 10:40 (2022)

9) Trading Places (5AM): Jezebell (2023)

10) Figure It Out (10:40's QED Edit): Royal Blood (2022)

11) Deliverance (10:40's Walk Off Dub): S.A.A.R.A (2022)

12) Picking Flowers: 10:40 (2023)

13) Loft Music (Jezebell's DC Metro Mix): Ian Vale (2022)

14) Dumbell (Original Version): Jezebell (2022)

15) Submissive Background (Jezebell Remix): Pete Bones & The Stones Of Convention (2022)

16) Coat Check: 10:40 (2022)

17) Electric Blue Visions (Original Version): Electric Blue Vision (2021)

2020: Found Time: 7

2021: All Of Us: 3

2021: Electric Blue Visions EP: 17

2022: 10:40's Advent Calendar: 4, 10

2022: Deliverance EP: 11

2022: Diavol Edits Vol. 7 EP / Jezebellearica Volume 2 EP: 6

2022: Higher Love Vol. 2: 8

2022: Hyena Hopscotch Remixes: 15

2022: Jezebellectro EP: 14

2022: Kissed Again EP: 16

2022: The Knack EP: 2

2022: Loft Music EP: 13

2023: Other Skies EP: 1

2023: Trading Places EP: 9

2023: Transition Theory: 5, 12

Help Me To Find My Way (1:42:15) (KF) (Mega)

You can find my previous selection from May 2022 featuring Jesse and friends right here.