Ursula 1000's Guilty Pleasure Disco Picks

To celebrate the release of "Blast Off!", Ursula 1000's disco-tastic collaboration with NYC's legendary Lady Bunny (the founder of Wigstock, no less), we decided to ask Mr. 1000 for his top three disco sleaze / cheese 'guilty pleasure' cuts. Break out a precariously low-hanging mirror ball, as he delivered these fabulous selections and commented on each:

→ Sarah Brightman and Hot Gossip - "I Lost My Heart To A Starship Trooper"

Ursula 1000: The main inspiration working on my "Blast Off!" track with Lady Bunny off my new album Voyeur was definitely the Hi-NRG sleazy electro disco of Sylvester and Patrick Cowley and of course synth stuff by Giorgio Moroder and even New Order. We were also channeling some of that campy outer space science fiction imagery and that can totally be heard on this fun romp by the one and only Sarah Brightman alongside dancers Hot Gossip!

→ Kroma - "Sexy Films"

Ursula 1000: "Sexy Films" by Kroma is a rarity. Definitely Italo-disco, but I can't seem to find more on this. I hear a little of that dead pan Gina X / Cristina of Ze Records style vocal which I'm a total sucker for and I had to have this. Love the "hahaha" bit...!

→ Maj Britt and The Suggestions - "Sorry Caller No One Home"

Ursula 1000: I have no idea who Maj Britt is. I thought maybe Britt Ekland …? I found this 45 in Vienna while on a DJ tour there … I went record hunting for '70s glam rock and came across this. This is one of those occasions where the title "Sorry Caller No One Home" won me over. You cue up the record and hope it's not a dud and BOOM – what a winner!

And while we're at it, let's have a listen to "Blast Off!" by Ursula 1000 featuring Lady Bunny:

JP Soul - From Within EP (Roam Recordings)

JP Soul has unveiled three heartfelt songs from the San Francisco underground, comprising the From Within EP for Roam Recordings. After a successful slew of singles, collaborations with Anthony Mansfield, and tracks remixed by the likes of Wolf+Lamb, The Revenge, and Sleazy McQueen, JP Soul bounds forth with a release that's 100% on the solo tip. Snaking synth melodies and Italo-influenced textures abound, as these cuts hypnotize through their trippy sonic motions. "From Within" and its dreamy soundscape, the multi-genre blend of "I'mkindagoingthroughitrightnow", and "Invisible Fences" with live drums from JP augmenting its psychedelic romp … these tracks flow like neon fluid from living circuitboards onto the dance floor. Tune in and trip out.

JP Soul's From Within EP will be released on vinyl 12" and digital download.

Nick Warren - "Great EP from JP. 'I'mkindagoingthroughitrightnow' is ace."
Tensnake - "'From Within' is sweet."
Larry Tee - "Tasty!"
Hard Ton (Gigolo / Permanent Vacation) - "Lots of funk here … my favorite is 'Invisible Fences'."
Vanilla Ace - "'From Within' is cool."
Rodion (Alien Alien / Gomma) - "Very nice EP."
Rory Hoy (Howlin' Records / Super Hi-Fi) - "Great release!"
Ulysses (Neurotic Drum Band) - "I like the Italo touch of 'I'mkindofgoingthroughitrightnow'."
Chris Massey (Paper Recordings / Electriks) - "All are dance floor friendly … on the right side of being tough for the late night jackers but also pack plenty of groove and soul to work on the early door crowds. Great skills."
Adam Warped (Whiskey Pickle / Strange Days) - "'Invisible Fences' is a lovely moody cosmic ride."
Hober Mallow (Excursions / Mighty Reel Radio Show) - "The synth and melodies have a bit of a throwback to mid 2000s Lindstrom sort of sound, especially 'Invisible Fences'. I really enjoyed this EP."
Al Bradley (3am Recordings) - "All three tracks are total crackers and the EP is so good. The combo of Roam Recordings and JP Soul is a winning one."
Simon Kirk (Stag Beetle Radio Show) - "Another absolute stunner from JP Soul. 'I'mkindagoingthroughitrightnow' is so beautiful and I love the sluggish pace of 'Invisible Fences'. Amazing stuff."

Available now from Beatport, Juno Download, and iTunes.

W Jeremy - Clear To Me EP (Get Up Recordings)

Get Up Recordings co-owner W. Jeremy rounds out the label’s 2015 original releases with the Clear To Me EP. The package includes three original tracks – “Clear To Me (It’s Ovah) feat. Devon Dunaway", “Devil's Backbone” and “Spring (Alternate Mix)” – and a remix of “Clear To Me (It’s Ovah) feat. Devon Dunaway” coming from Chicago’s own house music maestro Doc Link.

“Clear To Me” is W. Jeremy’s first full vocal production and it’s a sweet throwback to NJ piano vocal house. The collaboration between Jeremy and vocalist Devon Dunaway started when he sent the track to Dunaway asking if he could find someone to remix the then instrumental track. Dunaway’s response was that he had lyrics that would fit the music perfectly, and the song was born. Dunaway’s singing is reminiscent of vocal house legends Colonel Abrams, Robert Owens, and Aaron-Carl, and takes inspiration from gospel, jazz, '70s soul, R&B, post-punk, and art-rock. Perhaps best known for his searing collaborations with tripped-out techno-house guru Floppy Sounds on “City For Sale” and “Those Voices” – both issued on Wave Music – Dunaway has also worked with acclaimed Danish downtempo artist Ganga, Finnish tech-house masters Roberto Rodriguez and Mr. A, “hard-dark-and-tribal soul” heavyweight Tedd Patterson, and Mercury Prize-nominated electronic alt-pop group, Bat For Lashes. The music is clearly rooted in early '90s NJ piano house, almost an “ode to” the records that were out at the time on Strictly Rhythm, Easy Street, and Movin’ Records.

Hailing from Chicago and inspired by the legendary club sets of Farley “Jackmaster” Funk and Ron Hardy, Doc Link inevitably launched his own DJ career in 1987, his first professional DJ gig happening in 1989 and then finally making music in 1994. Doc launched Liberate Recordings with sometimes production partner Eman in 2007. Liberate boasts 107 releases with artists such as Roy Davis, Jr., Stephanie Cooke, Hanna Hais, Angel-A, Rainy Payne, Rescue Poetix, Diana Waite, Veronique, Malik Alston, Randy Muller, Sheree Hicks, MJ White, Marissa Guzman, and Eman. Doc has had his own releases on Defected, Hi-Rise, King Street, Transport, Distant Music, Nite Grooves, Tony Records, and Farris Wheel. Doc Link’s Eyes Wide Open Mix is a beautiful, bumping, stripped-down version of the original lush track. He incorporates his own trumpet hook to compliment the synth hits, which coincides with the rhythm of the beat.

The second and third tracks, “Devil’s Backbone” and “Spring (Alternate Mix)”, are intended for sheer listening pleasure. Both tracks delve deep into the electronic disco soundscape. Classic drums and '80s synths drive “Devil’s Backbone”, giving it a darker feel. At the other end of the spectrum is “Spring (Alternate Mix)”, which is a take on W. Jeremy’s “Spring” track released earlier this year. With its bright keys and acid elements, it is a playful and light-hearted track.

Graeme Park - "This is absolutely superb … massive!"
Charles Feelgood - "This boy is nasty!"
Abicah Soul - "Niceness!"
Master Kev - "Alright, W. Jeremy … this is hot!"
DJ Heather - "I'm digging it!"
Gene Farris - "Good job here."
Hard Ton (Gigolo / Permanent Vacation) - "Nice retro mood … I love it."
Diz (Iz & Diz / Vizual) - "Goodness!"
Curtiss Logan (Jersey Soul / Aqua Sol) - "Great package from W. Jeremy and Devon. Full support on Doc Link's remix."
Craig Whitfield (The HHA / Restless Soul) - "Very classy vocal … I love this."
Distant People (Foliage / Seamless) - "This has a good balance of a modern house track with elements of the classic sound."
Nigel One (Intimate Venues) - "The original mix is some proper NJ garage. I dig it and will be spinning it. I'm gonna grab the Doc Link mix as well for deeper situations."
Deli G (The Touch / Future Sound Of House) - "I'm loving all the cuts on this EP."
Jeannie Hopper (Liquid Sound Lounge) - "Gorgeous … may be another Robert Owens in the making with that voice."
Michael Fossati (Spirit of House) - "The blazing hot rework by Doc Link is sure to set the floor on fire."

Available now from Beatport, Traxsource, and iTunes.

Alistair Albrecht - Late Night (Muskox Records)

Muskox Records label boss Alistair Albrecht has impressively stepped up to the plate with the imprint's newest single, "Late Night". Alistair's impressive discography and experience 'in the trenches' show through in this impeccable deep house production, lovingly crafted with layers of melody and emotion. Featuring a smooth, jazzy interplay between piano and trumpet, the track's deep bass bounce and crisp rhythms guide the dance floor on a distinctive, musical journey. The cut has already made its debut on Nicky Romero's radio show, been re-edited by Bob Sinclair, and supported by Nick Warren, Mousse T, Goldfish, Mastiksoul, and Sonny Fodera. Now the chance has arrived to hear what the hype is about.

For the remixes, Alistair has first enlisted his good friend and Dutch DJ legend Dennis Christopher (Spinnin' Records) who delivers a lush and dubby treatment that is both ready for the beach as well as an after-hours underground affair. Sleek and sophisticated, Dennis's remix features a subtle female vocal and flowing synths, and effectively highlights repeated riffs from the original's trumpet. The second rework comes from new Muskox signings Svenson Music & To.ne who use more of the original's elements, but in a gorgeous 'chill out' context. A galloping hi-hat pattern guides the rhythm while building layers of electronic textures envelope the piano and horn parts. All in all, these tracks make for a brilliant, well-rounded single and another 'feather in the cap' for Muskox Records and Alistair Albrecht.

Nick Holder - "I'm digging this!"
Glenn Underground - "Nice grooves here."
Abicah Soul - "This is hot."
Gene Farris - "Good stuff!"
Robert Owens - "Nice tracks!"
Marques Wyatt - "I'm feeling this!"
Aki Bergen & Richter - "Nice remix by Dennis Christopher."
Claudio Coccoluto - "Great music."
Kai Alcé - "The Svenson & TO.NE mix is hot!"
Booker T. (Kings Of Soul / Liquid Sessions) - "Wicked vibes … full support."
Craig Whitfield (The HHA / Restless Soul) - "I really like this joint … very slick! I bet it sounds great on a big system at about 5 AM."
DJ Pope (Poji Records) - "The original mix is the one!"
Al Bradley (3am Recordings) - "All three are very nice here. I think the slightly deeper feel of the Dennis Christopher remix is the one which stands out, but to be fair all are great."
Simon Kirk (Stag Beetle Radio Show) - "Hands down one of the best records I have had the pleasure of receiving this year. The Jazz elements are brilliantly executed, matched with a standard of production that leaves you staggered. Damn good!"
Jon Manley (hOUSEwORX Radio Show) - "I'm liking the sultry, jazzy grooves on the Svenson Music & To.ne remix."
Michael Fossati (Spirit of House) - "A truly refreshing and eclectic deep house production."

Available now from Beatport, Juno Download, and iTunes.