Thursday, March 10, 2011

Karl K - Binary Code (1997)

So here we are with another classic, unearthed gem of a mixtape. Released in 1997, Binary Code stands out as one of Karl K's finest mixes. Less a show of tricks and skill, (though that pops up as expected), it's the overall vibe created and sustained throughout the mix that makes this one stand out. It takes me right back to a very particular time period of my life, November of 1997. I moved from my parents house in Northeast Philadelphia and in with friends in South Philly, but was still commuting an hour+ each way every day to work. Throughout the following 3-4 months of subway and EL rides, I played this tape pretty much everyday, it acted as a soundtrack to one of my favorite books, Snow Crash. It was the perfect accompaniment: futuristic techstep and early neurofunk by Trace, Adam F, Dillinja, Optical, Matrix, Andy C, DJ Krust, Future Forces Inc., among others. Apologies for no tracklist this time around - there are too many unknowns on this one for me, but have a go at it in the comments if you'd like!


Download: Side 1
Download: Side 2

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

DJ Trace w/ Dub2 MC: Live @ Bassrush vs Formation (1996)


Sorry for the delay in posts. We're back and re-energized. Soon with a brand spanking new DrumSkool215 podcast chock full of deliciousness, and in the meantime we're rolling out some freshly ripped classic mix tapes. Since we've got to bring it back with a bang, I've unearthed one of the holy grails of the mid 90's jungle scene: DJ Trace w/ Dub2 MC Live @ Bassrush vs Formation, 1996.

Trace
himself actually personally insisted I upload this one - and for plenty good reason. It takes me right back to the vibes of Fridays @ 1415 Locust. Hearing all this stuff the first time around, in a dark, smoky club through floor-to-ceiling speakers was mind blowing. It's an incredibly energetic set loaded with (at the time) fresh dubs from everyone and anyone who mattered at the time. As you can see from the tracklist below (thanks to those who helped i.d.) Doc Scott, Dillinja, Grooverider, Boymerang, Lemon D, and Trace himself all contribute runnin' next step beats.

Note Dillinja's 'Tron' on side two of the mix - it's a very early rollin version of 'Silverblade' that only a select few got a copy of. I'd always hoped for a release, but it seems the DAT has been lost. :(
At least I got to hear it on a proper system a few times.

As always, keep in mind these are cassette rips, there is only so much I can do to improve the quality other than boosting the levels and tweaking the EQ's a bit. And don't forget to check out the Trace Live @ Bassquake in 1997 set that we ripped last year. More to come!!!!

Side 1
Stream:

Download
Boymerang - You Like It Like That
Nasty Habits - Shadowboxing
Lemon D - 12:01
Nasty Habits - Prototyped
Dillinja - Yo

Elementz of Noize - Planet
Boymerang - Blue Notes
Trace & Nico - Area 51
Grooverider - The Warning


Side 2
Stream:

Download
Trace - Mutant Revisited
Boymerang - Still
Trace & Nico - Replicants
Capone - Paradise
Dillinja - Tron
Trace - Squadron
Grooverider - Jon Two
Goldie - Kemistry (Doc Scott Rmx)