On Vacation In My Mind

And it feels so good. So sit back, relax, and groove to some smooth music.

Monday Night Tapes

It feels like the perfect time to do a big mixtape post so here it goes!  First up we have Douster with a mix he did for France's Radio Nova earlier this month.
Douster Mix @ Nova Club / 14.01.12 by douster
Next up is a mix from one of my favorite California DJ's, Richie Panic.  The SF based selector comes all out at you with the second in his Future Ass series of mixtapes.
RICHIE PANIC PRESENTS FUTURE ASS VOLUME TWO by richiepanic
And here's a mix of all original material from Lithuanian moombahtonista BOYFRIEND.  Major heat here with a few exclusive, never heard before sounds.
BOYFRIEND ONLY minimix by BOYFRIEND
The following mix is actually a preview of Phi Unit and Cousin Cole's So Emotional EP which is currently available for download.  A very laid back feel going on here, good for any weather.
Cousin Culo and Phi Unit - So Emotional Promo Mixtape by Phi Unit
Finally is a throwback mix from Generation Bass contributor DJ Umb, it was recorded two years prior to his start as a live DJ.
TRUEFORCE - DJ UMB (2002) by djumb

Rainy Day Music

When it gets wet and nasty down here in SoCal I've got one CD I always listen to and that's Alice In Chains Unplugged.  Here are a few especially poignant tracks for all you soaking LA folks.

Zedd Video Features LB Legend

Local celebrity and former Seducing Cindy contestant Terry Fuc'ing Smith is featured in this new video from German electro producer Zedd; the vocal is also from a favorite of ours here at MTH, Jack Rebney.  Enjoy!

Moombahton's West Coast Weekend

WEST UP!

The Golden State plays host to a string of big time moombahton parties this weekend and it all kicks off tonight in the city of angels.  Los Angeles hosts Rotterdam wunderkind Munchi at Muevelo for a night of debauchery featuring local producers 2 Deep, gLAdiator, and Benzona.

Saturday shall be equally interesting for both northern and southern California moombahton fans with SoCal enjoying the stylings of local boy Dillon Francis who'll be hitting up the OC for a party hosted by friends of MTH, Into The Am.

As for NorCal, pioneer and style chameleon David Heartbreak will grace the bay for the first time ever at Fever.  Heartbreak will be bringing the heat to the party and is ready to rock SF.

So for all of us lucky enough to live in CA I suggest getting down and dirty this weekend at one of these parties.  This sort of weekend is few and far between with three localities each getting a big time heavy hitter within the movement to come out and rock the decks.

RIP Etta James

Songstress Etta James passed away this morning from complications of leukemia, less than a week away from her 74th birthday.  She was a pillar in the 60's R&B community and continued to sing late into her life.

Moombahton Massive XI TONIGHT!

GET THERE!

Tonight is the eleventh Moombahton Massive at DC's U-Street Music Hall.  Taste masters Nadastrom will headline per usual with LA's Sabo, San Antonio's Bro Safari, and PHX's Pickster One in support.  These parties are always wild and crazy so we suggest you get on down and party all night.  PS - don't forget to hit up Mama Nada's Empenadas.  Here are some tracks from the featured moombahtonistas.
Bro Safari - K-Hole [Free Download] - The Rise of Moombahton by BRO SAFARI
Dale Mas Claps (new MSTR) - Sabo & Melo by djsabo
Elementz Of Noize - Hit The Deck (Pickster & Jon Kwest Remix) by PicksterOne
Nadastrom - El Baile Diabluma EP by ScionAV

Looking Forward to new KISS Album

Monster, KISS' 20th studio album, is set to be released sometime later this year and personally I'm really excited for it.  Many die hard KISS Army members hesitate on new material from the band because they are attached to that original hard edged 70's rock sound.  The band has apparently gone back to basics on their newest album and let's just hope they stay true to themselves and make a great record.  Here are a couple videos in tribute to one of the greatest bands on planet earth.

ELMO Remixed

EX, LSD, MJ, OXY

David Heartbreak's forthcoming release from Mad Decent's spin-off label Jeffree's will be a spin into the world of uptempo bass sounds.  E.L.M.O. will certainly be a bouncy, dancy, classic from the North Carolina producer and we here at MTH certainly look forward to it.  The boys over at the Mad Decent blog are giving away a pack of remixes in anticipation of the release so I'm passing them on to you!  ENJOY!

HULKSHARE for the zip

Sleigh Bells Comin' Back for Sophomore Release

heavy as ever

Sleigh Bells' follow up to their critically acclaimed debut Treats drops on February 21st in all formats.  Reign Of Terror will follow a similar heavy path of their previous work and now we're giving you a taste of the first single, "Comeback Kid".  It's over-driven guitars will blow your hair back whilst it's ethereal vocals will beckon you to slowly return.  According to Pitchfork, pre-ordering ROT gets you a free download of this debut single, preview the track here and head over to iTunes to get the album along with Sleigh Bells' back catalog.
Comeback Kid by Sleigh Bells

MLK Day

Here's a bunch of tracks inspired by Dr. King in remembrance of his birthday.  GET DOWN.


Drum Major (MLK Day 2012) by Jon Kwest

Hoppen On Board

Woke up to some great tunage in my inbox this morning from the Netherlands.  Tim Hoppen, Prinsenbeek's own representing TMH Music sent along his promo material with a few moombahton tracks to get this Sunday cracking!  So now I'm sharing them with you; this kid is only 17 and has been producing tracks since he was 12 apparently so we here at MTH expect he'll keep improving and only get gnarlier and gnarlier once his horizons broaden with age.  Follow Tim on Twitter.
Flux Pavilion - Bass Cannon (TMH Moombahton Bootleg) by TMH Music TMH - Disco Bitch (Moombahton mix) by TMH Music

Mystere-who?

Sazon Booya (Mr. Vega and DJ SAV) were massive players in the moombahton game last year and this year doesn't look any different for the NY natives.  Along with their assistant (?) Mystereo they'll be taking on the world in an effort to rock dance floors at any opportunity; the Moonlight EP is available now on beatport.  Their Adele remix was one of the top selling tracks of the year, check it out along with two bonus tracks to get you more familiar with the sound.
Adele - Set Fire to the Rain (Sazon Booya Remix) by Sazon Booya
Modabot - Sevillans (Sazon Booya Remix) | Free Download | by Sazon Booya
.357 - Gojira (Sazon Booya Remix) by Sazon Booya
Take a look at this interview from the west coast swing of their Moonlight EP Tour.

Saturday Morning Wake Up Tune

I woke up this morning with this song stuck in my head.  My neighbors looked at me funny when I emerged from my domicile singing it loudly whilst walking down my block.  So here are three awesome Quiet Riot songs to shake the sleep off your Saturday morning.

Coachella SOLD OUT!

WOW

Within two hours of going on sale, the massive music festival ran out of tickets.  That's right, both weekends of Coachella 2012 are officially sold out.  Headliners The Black Keys, Radiohead, and Dr. Dre & Snoop Dogg will play to over 90,000 on two consecutive weekends in April.  It appears that the world of extra large festivals is ever expanding with events like Las Vegas' Electric Daisy Carnival, Ultra in Miami, and Coachella selling out regularly.  Congrats to all those lucky music fans who will be in attendance and sorry to all of you who will be scouring craigslist for the next three months.

Brodinski Just Screwin' Around

I stumbled upon a gem this morning when perusing soundcloud, French producer Brodinski has apparently been on a screwing rampage!  For those who don't know, in the early 90's Houston legend DJ Screw began slowing down records to alter their sound, mimicking the internal feeling of being affected by the drink known as "Purple Drank".  The popularity of this sound didn't spread out of Texas until after Screw's tragic death in 2000; the DJ overdosed on codeine, the active drug in "Purple Drank".  In 2004 the Houston scene invaded mainstream hip-hop via Swishahouse Records and artists like Mike Jones, Slim Thug, and Paul Wall.

RIP DJ Screw

Now it appears there has been a resurgence in Paris.  Brodinski dropped nine screwed tracks dubbed The Slower The Better, remixing the likes of Aaliyah, Eric Benét with Faith Evans, Alicia Keys, Lil' Wayne, and Justin Timberlake; all in a tribute to DJ Screw.  It's pretty awesome to see this sound somehow re-emerging; I still remember driving slow, switchin' lanes, and bumping "Already Platinum" on late nights in Signal Hill back in the day.

Mike Jones - Still Tippin' Rmx (Screwed By Brodinski) by Brodinski

Lil' Wayne - With You Feat. Drake (Screwed By Brodinski) by Brodinski

Aaliyah - Rock The Boat (Screwed By Brodinski) by Brodinski
Six more tracks after the jump!

Heather Locklear is Damaged Goods

80's Sweetness

Old school hotty--former wife of Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora--Heather Locklear was hospitalized earlier this week for allegedly taking a potentially lethal dose of prescription meds and alcohol after partying court side at the Suns vs Lakers game on Tuesday night.  We hope that she makes it through this rough patch in her life and realizes that there is a lot she has to live for including her daughter Eva.

Justice Remixed

On'n'On...and on and on and on...

On the 30th of this month Ed Banger Records is set to release a remix EP follow up to Justice's highly anticipated sophomore release Audio, Video, Disco.  The On'n'On EP features remixes from heavy hitters Brodinski, Rick Rubin, Tiga, and Erol Alkan.  Today Ed Banger leaked two remixes for "Canon" to The Guardian and Steroegum and we here at MTH would like to pass them on to you!

Here's Erol Alkan's Re-Work.

And here is Tiga's remix for your listening pleasure!

Dad Rock Waxing Poetic on Hair Metal

RIP Jani Lane

Earlier this week, SF Weekly blog Dad Rock featured a piece about author Ryan Foley's recent indulgence in the greatest sub genre of rock the world has ever seen.  Now most people will argue that fact with me, as I'd say 80-90% or music lovers despise the world of 80's Hair Metal while we here at MTH really love it.  Foley acquaints the soaring vocals and guitars of Skid Row with his thoughts about Siberia and exile from everyday life as he seemingly, "jumps off into the void."  Now when most people think about hair metal they think of the hair, the lavish parties, booze, and ballads and Foley does the same but I have to question this ideology.  Hair metal wasn't all about swooning chicks and writing songs about breaking up with girls; these guys ROCKED and that's the aspect that most people will overlook.  People are quick to say they hate glam rockers like Cinderella, Poison, and Warrant because it's too soft or  just lame but I challenge that idea.

(1989)

(1991)
Everyday I challenge MTH readers to see the heaviest side of all music genres.  Heaviness doesn't just live in drop-D tuning and screaming vocals; it lives in the hearts of musicians everywhere.  From Mersey-beat to Zepplin to Crüe to AIC to Seether to Justice to Munchi, if you look closely you will find the heaviness (sometimes it's easier than others).  It is my mission to show everyone the heavy side of music but pointing out that heaviness is relative and we shouldn't just write off a whole sub-genre because they use too much hairspray.  Dad Rock showcased the monster ballads that most of these glam bands are remembered for so I'm using this post to refute with a few heavy ass tracks from the same bands and maybe one or two extras for you.

(1985)

(1986)

DJ Tittsworth Reppin' DC

Jesse Tittsworth is one of the original OGs of moombahton, rocking parties in the early stages with Dave Nada.  Nada has said Tittsworth originally wasn't feeling his moombah stylings but soon was converted.  His club tracks blow the speakers to bits and his 'ton stuff can get the fattest latina asses shaking on the floor.  Here are some heavy cuts off his soundcloud for everyone to enjoy on this fine Thursday.
Diabluma Theme (Tittsworth Remix) - Nadastrom by Tittsworth
(From Nadastrom's El Baile Diabluma EP)
Neva Get Caught (Tittsworth Remix) - Clicks & Whistles by Tittsworth
Pendejas (JFK Edit) by Tittsworth
(JFK is one half of MSTRKRFT)

Wednesday Evening Moombah!

BANG YOUR HEAD!

It's hump day so I thought I'd pass along some music to bounce your week steadily closer to the upcoming long weekend.  Here are three tracks I can't get enough of lately.
Fuck Wit My Eardrums - DJ KLEVER x BILLY THE GENT by Billy The Gent
This is the lead cut off Billy The Gent's late 2011 comp Through The Wire and its dancy right outta the gate.  With loads of heavy bass and Klever's patented hard edge stylings, this track has been on REPEAT for me at the gym (I've never ridden a stationary bike so fast in my life).
2Hearts - Waltz Me Moombah (Original Mix) by Kick Around Sounds
Hailing from the American mid-west, 2Hearts brought out some classical dance moves for their contribution to last year's New Wave Of Moombahton release.  "Waltz Me" is a great show piece for the variety that really exists in this baby genre, from the heaviest of tracks down to a slow dance, it has a little something for everyone.
Doin Ya Thang (Sabo Edit) by SolSelectas
Every time this track comes on in my car I die laughing.  The vocal samples Sabo has laid in here just get me rolling, I imagine bouncing at the club then stopping, clapping my hands, and greeting the return of the beat with vigor.  Say, "we came to partayyyyyyyyyy"!!!

Stephen Pearcy, Alive and Well in 2012

Way Cool Jr. in the Mesh Top

Starting the year off with a band, RATT frontman Stephen Pearcy sat down with Rock Confidential for an update on his solo album Sucker Punch as well as new material from the LA hair-aficionados.  Along the way Pearcy talks about life on the road, their latest release Infestation, and an upcoming video release that sounds pretty awesome to us here at MTH.

On songs for the new Ratt album:

"It’s coming along amazing actually. We’ve got some great stuff on the table right now. This new Ratt record is gonna be strong. I’m glad I waited with these songs."

On writing:

"We literally went back to basics. We found a small room, got the acoustic guitars and the cassette decks. It’s the same format we wrote Out Of The Cellar with."

On unreleased footage from their hay-day:

"I have so many formats of video from day one, Europe, Japan, shows with Ozzy. Forget the stuff on YouTube. I have the shit with real cameras that never saw the light of day."

New VH Single "Tattoo"

Filmed at the Roxy before their two months of rehearsal at the legendary Sunset Strip venue, Van Halen has released the video for their latest single "Tattoo" off their forthcoming album.  The sound harkens back to their hay-days of rock, crooner Roth's vocal soars around, Eddie delivers a top notch lead, and the three part harmonies are on point as expected for this much anticipated release.  A Different Kind Of Truth drops everywhere on February 7th.

PRE-Moombahton

Pre-Moombahton here at Metal Top Hat consisted mostly of hard electro stuff and heavy metal.  But DJ Umb over at Generation Bass tells the complete story of the infamously slowed style out of the nations capitol with chimes from DJ Melo as well as other moombah-historians on the internet.  Check out the full story HERE.  And check out these two examples of the pre-Moombah era of latin house riddims.

Wednesday Afternoon ROCKERS

(1989)

(2010)

(1990)

BTW - Jackyl is gonna do a six gig run in California and Arizona later this month.

Jon Kwest Heading West in Support of Debut

"I've seen....attack ships on fire off the shores of Orion"

His Last Don EP comes out next Tuesday but it looks like Jon Kwest and Think 2wice Records are giving everyone a listen early.  This comes ahead of a west coast trip for the Bmore native who will play at San Francisco's SOM-Bar this Sunday at Moombah Sauce.  As far as what he's prepared for, Kwest told SF Station, "Being somewhere where people actually want to be is fun. I have some Bay Area songs I’m gonna play, see what peoples reactions are." Check out a selection from Kwest's forthcoming release.  And follow the jump for two bonus remixes!
Skratch Riddim by Jon Kwest
This is really my favorite Kwest original of the bunch as it showcases his bouncy nature.  It feels like I'm already in the club getting ready to shuffle onto the dance floor after a couple drinks at the bar.
Stabbin Cabin by Jon Kwest
Kwest turns to one of his many specialties here with "Stabbin Cabin", a laid back soul filled track that calls on its listener to keep up the pace.

Moombahton Massive XI Coming to U-Hall DC

it's on

Returning once again to the legendary U-Street Music Hall on January 18th it's Moombahton Massive XI featuring Nadastrom, DJ Sabo, Pickster One, and Bro Safari.  These parties are infamous for ass shaking, loud bass music, and people getting reallllll grimey on the dance floor.  Need proof?  Check this preview video for the upcoming event.

Moombahton Massive XI Promo Video - U Street Music Hall from Seannie Cameras on Vimeo.

I'm looking forward to the next installment in the Moombahton Massive EP series which usually precedes these events, the most recent being MM7 from Sol Selectas.

A Little Soul For Your Monday

Moombahsoul that is...

Sacremento's own Dwight Aims (aka DAIMS), one half of DAIMS&CHRISUPREME has put out a three track EP of soulful spins for people of all classes to get down to.  The duo's tracks have been heard round the world and have big support from mad heads in the moombahton movement.  Check out the "Sat On Soul" release here, download and enjoy!
Sat On Soul by DAIMS&CHRISUPREME

Coachella 2012 Lineup Announced

2 Weekends Of Fun

Goldenvoice today released the highly anticipated lineup for it's dual weekend festivities coming this April known as Coachella.  Among the dozens of acts making waves this year, At The Drive-In who announced today that they were reuniting (possibly in conjunction with the Coachella announcement) and Sunday will be a hazy night in the desert as West Coast OGs Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg (who was arrested over the weekend for drug possession) headline.  I was hoping some big names in the Moombahton movement would get invited but it looks like they'll just have to settle for the infamous hotel parties that go on throughout Palm Springs during what is sure to be a crazy two weeks.

Steed Lord says hello to 2012!

wassup Iceland??

It hit the mid 70s today in LA where trio Steed Lord has settled but in their Icelandic homeland, it was a chilly/snowy day that they chose to release their latest remix of "Devil In Me" by fellow Icelanders Legend.  The Steeds have promised much for 2012 and I expect them to deliver as this track does, with their classic synth stylings highlighting the great vocal of Krummi Björgvinsson.  Look for the track as a free giveaway on the Steed Lord facebook page; and follow the jump to more from LEGEND.

Legend - Devil In Me (Steed Lord Remix) by Steed Lord

3 Tracks For Tony Iommi

Black Sabbath co-founder and legendary metal guitarist Tony Iommi today announced via the band's Facebook page that he has been diagnosed with lymphoma:

With the news that Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi has been diagnosed with the early stages of lymphoma, his bandmates would like everyone to send positive vibes to the guitarist at this time. Iommi is currently working with his doctors to establish the best treatment plan--the “IRON MAN” of Rock & Roll remains upbeat and determined to make a full and successful recovery.

This comes as Black Sabbath--Ozzy Osbourne (vocals), Tony Iommi (guitar), Geezer Butler (bass) and Bill Ward (drums)--are writing and recording their first album in 33 years in Los Angeles (still set for release this fall) with producer Rick Rubin. They will now go to the UK to continue to work with Tony. Further information will be released as it becomes available.

We here at MTH want to wish him all the best and wish the band strength in this time of great strife; and to honor Tony here are three of my favs from Sabbath.

The KING Of All Birthdays

Elvis Aaron Presley
January 8th, 1935 - August 16th, 1977

He would have been 77 today.

School For Screamers!

And no I'm not talking about you naughty girls in the bedroom.  This is a vocal lesson from legendary front man Sebastian Bach on how to scream with the big boys.

Sunday Fun-day

On A Boat!

This weekend lucky moombahtonistas Dave Nada, Brodinski, Dillon Francis, Diplo, DJ Craze, and many more are hitting the Caribbean for some pari-tyme at sea!  Meanwhile back on the mainland we're enjoying Wild Card weekend and a little sun ourselves.  Here are a few tracks we've been listening to and hope the folks on the boat are rocking out to. Bonus mix from Pickster One after the jump!
Mackai & J-Trick - G.U.N.Z (Original Mix) by J-TRICK
DJ Melo, Boyfriend & Jon Kwest - Boom Blast by Jon Kwest
LunyP - Quiero Quojer (Original Mix) by LUNYP

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M.etal T.op H.at

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DC Homer Cam Jus Debut Out Now!

Rot10 Musik today has released moombahtonista Cam Jus' initial release, Badman EP.  Cam Jus has played every Moombahton Massive since it's inception at DC's U-Street Music Hall and his work here does not disappoint.  Check it out below and buy it over at Beatport.
CAM JUS - BADMAN EP by Rot10 Musik

The Last Don EP Coming in 2 Weeks

Coming out everywhere January 17th on Think 2wice records will be Jon Kwest's debut release, The Last Don.  He was so kind to post this mini-mix preview of the album and we want to share it with all of you.
Jon Kwest - The Last Don EP Mini Mix by Jon Kwest

Close of Business British Invasion

(1966)

(1963)

(1965)

Sonic Boom Followup is a MONSTER!

Paul Stanley and Tommy Thayer from KISS posted a video from the studio alongside producer Greg Collins on the progress of their latest album, Monster.  Thayer says, "this is great stuff, it's amazing!"  Whilst Stanley promises that "the album kicks major ass and we're very very proud of it...We're almost done."  Looking forward to it fellas!  And just for fun here's a great video of the boys on one of their famous Kiss Kruises.

Wednesday Afternoon Mix

thee Mike B

LA mixmaster (thee) Mike B dropped the third in his "Watch Your Ton" mixtape series and he so graciously is offering it up for free so we here at MTH thought we'd pass it along.  Featuring a handful of B's infamous edits and heavy hitters from Nadastrom, Riot Earp, Pickster, Melo, Ben Tactic, and A-Mac, it's sure to set the mood to any occasion.
(thee) Mike B - Watch Your Ton Vol. 3 by theemikeb