Azari & III: “Manic”

Canadian duo Azari & III have just released their self-titled debut album. It’s about half previously released, beloved but overplayed songs like “Hungry for the Power” and “Reckless (with your Love)” (both reaching back to 2009), and half new songs that lack the same impact. It’s not total crap, though, and in fact album closer “Manic” is quite nice with its Paisley Park funk cast upon frenetic, icy house beats with passionate vox from mainstay collaborators Starving Yet Full and Fritz Helder.
-JH

MC Hammer: “U Can’t Touch This” (Wardian remix)

In honor of Slutwalk Berlin!

MC Hammer was never exactly proponent of feminism, and “U Can’t Touch This” was most certainly not about street harrassment or sexual violence, but fuck it, we’re reappropriating it as such. Wardian‘s new unofficial remix is as kitschy as a cassette-shaped iPod case, but sometimes that’s exactly what’s needed to channel your inner slut on the dancefloor. So wave your hands in the air, bust a few moves, run your fingers through your hair. Fun fact: When sampling “Superfreak” for the song’s beat, Hammer never got consent from Rick James, who later sued for copyright infringement. As a result, the track credits were changed to include James as co-author, which brought him hefty royalties from the hit’s earnings, helping fund his $7,000/week crack cocaine habit.
-JH

Avenue D: “Do I Look Like a Slut?”

In honor of Slutwalk Berlin!

Avenue D‘s “Do I Look Like a Slut” from 2005 is perhaps the only electroclash tune to dent the Billboard charts. Kind of like “Set it Off” by Peaches, it’s one of those tunes with  lyrics that have somehow set into the mainstream public’s consciousness, even if the average person couldn’t name the artist (or pick up on the feminist undertones). Not only does this track fit with the Slutwalk ethos, but Avenue D themselves were politically vocal even offstage throughout their years of activity. Although they broke up in 2008, half the duo Debbie D is now a member of Miami Bass Warriors along with perverted sound contortionist Otto von Schirach.
-JH

Heatsick: “Dream Tennis” (Prins Thomas remix)

Heatsick has released dozens of CD-Rs and cassettes over the years, but since moving to Berlin from London, Heatsick’s profile has really risen, even playing live on just a damaged Casio keyboard in Panorama Bar earlier this year . Now, thanks to the CockTail d’Amore label, he receives his first vinyl release for the lo-fi Psychicago house track “Dream Tennis”, accompanied by an anachronistically delightful reinterpretation by Prins Thomas with a breezy Brazilian feel. The three-track EP is out exclusively on vinyl, limited to 250 copies.
-JH

TOP SECRET #5: August 13th @ Hubertuslounge

Top Secret: Slutwalk Edition
Musical promiscuity w/ DJs
Dickey Doo & Joey Hansom

Saturday, August 13, 10pm

Hubertus Lounge – Eisenbahnstr. 6, Berlin-Kreuzberg
Between U Görlitzer Bahnhof & U Schlesiches Tor

Joey Hansom and Dickey Doo will hold the latest edition of their Top Secret dance party following the Berlin Slutwalk, a demonstration against street harassment and sexualized violence.

After the daytime march at Gedächtniskirche, Joey “lesbian trapped in a fag’s body” Hansom and Dickey “raised by dykes” Doo will head back west to the Hubertuslounge. To find the party, enter the lounge and look for the wardrobe closet in the corner. Hidden inside you will find a stairway leading you down to the dancefloor.

For this special Slutwalk edition, expect to hear Avenue D’s “Do I Look Like a Slut?” and MC Hammer’s “U Can’t Touch This”, along with Dickey and Joey’s usual blend of pop hits and obscure gems from the 70s, 80s, 90s and today.

All genders are welcome, slutty outfits are encouraged, and sexism will absolutely not be tolerated!

Koudlam: “See You All” (Acid Washed remix)

Acid Washed are offering a free download of their remix of the latest single from “French symphonic composer” Koudlam. Like their own productions, Acid Washed’s version of “See You All” has definite strands of Moroder in its DNA, with throbbing basslines and dazzling arpeggiation mingling with Koudlam’s string arrangements and detached, yet emotive, vocals.
-JH

Beautiful Swimmers: “Excited Track”

Max D and Ari G AKA Beautiful Swimmers are on a roll: A new 7″ coming on Future Times (the label Max co-runs), an upcoming appearance at MoMA PS1‘s Warm Up series, a European DJ tour throughout July and a contribution to an upcoming Permanent Vacation label compilation, which you can preview here. “Excited Track” shows the Swimmers’ darker leanings, hovering in the twilight between EBM and Chicago house.
-JH