Dr Rob lives in Japan. This is his response to recent happenings. Help where you can people. Ed.
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雨ニモマケズ
風ニモマケズ
雪ニモ夏ノ暑サニモマケヌ
丈夫ナカラダヲモチ
慾ハナク
決シテ瞋ラズ
イツモシヅカニワラッテヰル
一日ニ玄米四合ト
味噌ト少シノ野菜ヲタベ
アラユルコトヲ
ジブンヲカンジョウニ入レズニ
ヨクミキキシワカリ
ソシテワスレズ
野原ノ松ノ林ノ ノ
小サナ萓ブキノ小屋ニヰテ
東ニ病気ノコドモアレバ
行ッテ看病シテヤリ
西ニツカレタ母アレバ
行ッテソノ稲ノ朿ヲ負ヒ
南ニ死ニサウナ人アレバ
行ッテコハガラナクテモイヽトイヒ
北ニケンクヮヤソショウガアレバ
ツマラナイカラヤメロトイヒ
ヒドリノトキハナミダヲナガシ
サムサノナツハオロオロアルキ
ミンナニデクノボートヨバレ
ホメラレモセズ
クニモサレズ
サウイフモノニ
ワタシハナリタイ
Be Not Defeated By The Rain by Kenji Miyazawa
Translation by David Sulz
Be not defeated by the rain, Nor let the wind prove your better.
Succumb not to the snows of winter. Nor be bested by the heat of summer.
Be strong in body. Unfettered by desire. Not enticed to anger. Cultivate a quiet joy.
Count yourself last in everything. Put others before you.
Watch well and listen closely. Hold the learned lessons dear.
A thatch-roof house, in a meadow, nestled in a pine grove’s shade.
A handful of rice, some miso, and a few vegetables to suffice for the day.
If, to the East, a child lies sick: Go forth and nurse him to health.
If, to the West, an old lady stands exhausted: Go forth, and relieve her of burden.
If, to the South, a man lies dying: Go forth with words of courage to dispel his fear.
If, to the North, an argument or fight ensues:
Go forth and beg them stop such a waste of effort and of spirit.
In times of drought, shed tears of sympathy.
In summers cold, walk in concern and empathy.
Stand aloof of the unknowing masses:
Better dismissed as useless than flattered as a “Great Man”.
This is my goal, the person I strive to become.
[Dr Rob]
Mix: Paul Jenks (Cutloose) – Waterlog
February 9, 2011
We love a good warm up DJ at Test Pressing. The ability to hold it down and make sure it’s set up for the DJ coming to play. No ego, just the right sound. It’s also the bit of the night where we hear the records we really like on a sound system. Paul Jenks has been lucky enough to warm up for some of the best DJs currently out there at his monthly shindig Cutloose in Manchester – Theo Parrish, Rahaan and Moodyman to name a few. This month, on the 18th of February, he’ll be making sure the party is right for Phil South and Anton Esteban of Golf Channel. That’ll be good.
[Apiento]
Mix: Andy Blake – Strange Days
January 31, 2011
Have to hold my hands up here and say I really didn’t know how to describe this mix as I hadn’t heard a single thing on here (this seems to be happening a lot as people dig deeper and deeper) so I asked Andy what it was all about and he replied, “it’s a bunch of early and mid 70s psych 7″s, almost entirely from France and Turkey with a some reinforcements from California and Libya about half way through. The original idea was to put together some relatively mellow but interesting things and then, pretty much as always, my mind wandered and i couldn’t resist spiking the drinks a little bit.” Hope that helps. Drink up now…
[Apiento]
Mix: Lexx – Pressure
January 22, 2011
Always a pleasure to have a mix from Lexx and this is as good as ever. Also check his mix live from the Folk party at Boutique Hostal Salinas in Ibiza here.
[Apiento]
Mix: Anton Esteban – Resurrection
January 20, 2011
Anton Esteban could become a new underground hero of ours. He seems pretty busy, what with DJing and making records as Ghost Note on Golf Channel as well as being a filmmaker. This is one of those mixes where I haven’t got a clue what any of the records are but it’s all the better for it. We asked Anton what it was all about and here’s his reply…
“This music was what originally inspired me to make Ghost Note II. I went to the Philippines last year and took a trip around my country with an old friend and it deeply affected me. The original title of the mix, which eventually became the title of the A side of Ghost Note II, is ‘Kapwa’. Translated from Tagalog, it means seeing yourself in the other.
I thought it would be interesting to make a mix and then a song about the dual nature of man. The mix and the song both have a dark and bright side. The word caught my attention when an artist named Kidlat Tahimik (translated Quiet Thunder) explained the significance of the word to me. ‘Kapwa’ is the original fundamental value of pre-Hispanic Filipinos. A sense of community spirit through a kind of communal bond through empathy and love.
I reflected a lot on that word for the last year and realized that in order to see yourself in the other you have to understand man’s dual nature. It is only when you accept the destructive and constructive tendencies within us can you move forward with any kind of communion with yourself, your maker, nature, and your fellow human being. Hence the Resurrection title.
The record and mix mean a lot to me in terms of trying to communicate that idea through music. I’m not sure if I quite succeeded but I sure had fun making it!”
It’s nice to see a bit of thought and get an understanding why people are doing what they do. I once read an interview with Brian Eno where he said the longest part of making a record for him was the thinking before he actually turned the machines on. Anyway, here’s the mix. Anton digging deep.
[Apiento]
Mix/Interview: Gala Drop
December 29, 2010
One of our favourite records of the year was the Gala Drop 12″ on Golf Channel so we got in touch with Nelson Gomes (below) of Gala Drop to ask for a mix and also a few quick questions on the band and what it’s all about. The mix shows their eclectic tastes are and the interview hopefully explains more on the band and where they are going in 2011.
Picture by Marta Pina
Who is Gala Drop?
Me, Afonso, Guilherme and Tiago.
Where are you based?
Lisbon.
How did you guys meet?
We all met in different periods in time (between 2003-2005) at a place called ZDB where i used to be the music programmer.
What do you each bring to the party?
Electronics, guitar, percussion and drums.
How did the hook up with Golf Channel come about?
Tiago met Phil a few years ago in New York and gave him a copy of our first record at the time. Phil loved the record and suggest that would be great do something with us in the future.
Have you been to one of their parties in NYC yet? It’s on our list of things to do…
We played at the party in September. was pretty amazing. I was pretty impressed with the fact that the crowd instead of being facing the band, they were raving like crazy as they do in dance clubs.
What’s the long term goal for Gala Drop?
Do good music, record music, play a lot of shows and have fun.
We heard you play live? What does the show consist of?
Yes, we do. Imagine a rock band playing dance music.
What’s the scene like where you are?
Amazing. It’s happening a lot of great music in such a different scales of genres.
Your mix for us is pretty eclectic – how do your different tastes filter in to the music?
I wouldn’t say they got filtered, but that they help you clarifying you more in a way of what you wanna do and/or don’t. I think the music you love became to be part of what you are. The music we do is a reaction to who we are.
What was the scene you grew up on?
I grew in a small factory town called Barreiro in the other side of Lisbon. Was pretty raw there, but i can’t complain. At the time, was happening there a lot of different things: good dance music in the clubs, a few rock shows, good African clubs, good music in the bars, a lot of loud African music in the streets of my neighborhood….good times.
Finally, tell us what you are up to so people can get involved…
We are focused right now in doing new songs for the next record, the idea is be in the studio in February 2011 and we are working in a North European tour that will take place in April.
Cheers Nelson.
Welcome.
[Apiento]
Mix: Moonboots – On A Clear Day
March 7, 2010
We’ve had a run of stunning mixes over the past year and here’s another one. Moonboots is one of our favourite DJs, someone who along with a few others has always stayed true to the alternative balearic spirit. As a resident of Aficionado alongside Jason Boardman he has long given Manchester a mellow balearic focal point. Recently they came to London and showed the Lowlife crew how they do. Apparently they rocked it. Get in touch here if you want to get hold of him/them and we’ll hook you up. Anyway, enjoy ‘On A Clear Day’.
[Apiento]
Mix: Phil Mison – On The Dancefloor
December 4, 2009
Another one from the Phil Mison vaults. This one is from years back and came via Balearic Mike (thanks!).
Phil Mison: On The Dancefloor… (Part One)
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Phil Mison: On The Dancefloor… (Part Two)
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[Apiento]
Mix: Dan Keeling – Behind The Wheel
December 4, 2009
Nice acid mix from Dan Keeling. Look out for his Hidden & Unfamiliar releases soon.
[Apiento]
Mix: Jolyon Green – Return Of The Secret Garden
July 29, 2009
Back before Test Pressing got all serious on itself Jolyon Green did one of the first mixes for the site. It’s here if you missed it. We are happy to welcome him back with a new mix for us which starts with the Durutti Column (as Jolyon says ‘never has a Manc accent sounded so balearic’) and goes from there.
Jolyon Green – The Return Of The Secret Garden
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[Apiento]
Mix: Moonboots – Live At Afternoon Sessions (Cafe 1001)
June 26, 2009
Moonboots will hate me for saying this but as well as being a top bloke he’s a bit of a Manchester legend and along with Phil Mison, Baleric Mike and Jason Boardman has been flying the balearic flag for many a year. From supplying the Dust Brothers with the records that created their sound from behind the counter at Eastern Bloc for Naked Under Leather with Phil South (now Golf Channel in NYC) through to his lovely “Originals” with Mike on Mudd’s Claremont 56 imprint he’s always had an ear for the alternative, good and well very, very balearic.
This is the first in a series of mixes we will be posting from London’s aforementioned Afternoon Sessions. Afternoon Sessions started as Phil Mison and Steve Terry wanted to put on a party as DJ Hugh Herrera was visiting. From there, well, they just carried on really. For an afternoon of mellow music with lovely people it’s a great place to visit. This mix is from a few years back and hasn’t dated a jot. Hopefully Moon will be coming through with a new mix at some point but until then here’s something to keep us going.
Moonboots – Afternoon Sessions (Cafe 1001)
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[Apiento]
Mix: DJ Alex – The Flyer As Art
June 26, 2009
Steve Terry is the DJ and promoter behind London’s ESP with Nathan Gregory Wilkins and the Afternoon Sessions with Phil Mison. As well as being one of our favourite DJs for his deep melodic style Steve has kindly donated a batch of mixes and flyers from the past years featuring amongst others Moonboots, Balearic Mike, Joel Martin, Gerry Rooney and other London heads so look out for those.
In November 2005, Terry organised an exhibition of club art and flyers featuring work from James Joyce, Fred Deakin and Ali Augur amongst others. To go along with the exhibition Steve asked DJ Alex from London’s Voices Collective to donate a mix and here it is. The Voices Collective is made up of Cedric Woo, John Ramar and DJ Alex. They promote all night parties playing an open selection style with a balearic disco twist. Their next party is on the 3rd of July at London’s Plastic People. Cedric, if you’re reading, get in touch and hit us up with a mix. Good people doing it for the right reasons.
The Flyer As Art Mix – DJ Alex
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[Apiento]
Mix: Phil Mison – Cafe Del Mar 1995
June 19, 2009
Not much introduction needed on this one. More classic Mison action, this time from the Cafe in 95.
Side A
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Side B
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[Apiento]
Mix: Gentleman Mixer – BBQ Special
June 17, 2009
Seeing as mid-summer is almost here I thought I’d post this mix I got sent from a good friend of Test Pressing – Adam Khan a.k.a Gentleman Mixer. It’s got that low-down summer vibe all wrapped up. Tidy.
Adam Khan: The Groove That Soothes That Moves Romance
Rick James: Bring The Sunshine On
Eddie Harris: Its Alright Now
Donald Byrd: Dominoes (12”)
Amerie: One Thing (Silk Remix)
Bar-Kays: You Can’t Run Away
Djvan feat Marziazinha: Nereci
LA Boppers: You Did It Good
LV: Throw Your Hands Up
Plantlife: Sun Hits The Sky (4 hero mix)
Mary J Bilge: Be Happy
Sly & Family Stone: Time For Livin’
Sylvia Stripplin: You Can’t Turn Me Away
Crazy Penis: You Started Something
Donnell Jones: U Know What’s Up (instrumental)
The Jacksons: That’s What You Get For Being Polite
[Apiento]
If you missed the Island Records documentary on BBC4 it’s well worth taking a look. From the early recordings of jazz artists, Blackwell’s move to London to import ska for the Jamaican communities and eventually the mods, the birth of the pink label and the folk years and his work with Grace Jones and the B-52’s on to modern Island – it’s all pretty well covered. Interviews include Blackwell, Sly and Robbie, Joe Boyd and many of the early employees of Island. There is also some great footage of London in the 60s. It’s interesting seeing how the label worked giving the artists creative space in their own Island studios combined with Blackwell’s eye for the visual aspect of modern music. Not sure how long it’s live for but if you missed it it’s here. As before with the Rough Trade documentary the BBC have also compiled an hour of Island artists playing over the years – check that here.
As a perfect accompaniment here is a mix by Paul Williams (Balearik Soul) of his favourite Island Records/Nassau moments taking in the Thompson Twins, NYC Peech Boys, Wally Badarou, Grace Jones, Roxy Music and Black Uhuru along the way. It’s world music as it should be.
Tracklisting follows.
Island Records Mix By Paul Williams
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[Apiento]
Mix: A Silent Flute – Cactus Especial
May 14, 2009
A few weeks ago I got an email from Nat Thompson of New York’s A Silent Flute saying hello with some links to mixes that he’d done. I was really enjoying them so asked for a mix for Test Pressing and here it is. Great track listing, a lovely mix, and it’s nice to see that the (new) balearic way isn’t just a European thing.
Nat has been writing about eclectic men’s style and a broad range of music on A Silent Flute for a few years now, as well as writing about Baltimore’s club scene for Wax Poetics. Check his other mixes here and enjoy.
A Silent Flute – Cactus Especial
John McLaughlin: New Karma
Thomas Newman & Chaz Jankel: Sondra & Jeff
Special EFX: Fun in the Sun
Major Force, Hiroshi & Gota: It’s a New Day
A Reminiscent Drive: NYC Dharma
Tangerine Dream: Alien Voices
Eberhard Schoener: Epilogue
Teruo Nakamura: Morning Mist
Azymuth: Dear Limmertz
Ryuichi Sakamoto: Venezia
Melon: Somewhere Far Away
Jimpster: Frames With Frames
Stefan Robbers: Foreign Dimensions
Paco de Lucia: Entre Dos Aguas
The Durutti Column: Opera I
West India Company: Alaap Shankara
Daniel Lanois: The Deadly Nightshade
Ash Ra: Monsoon
The Bionaut: The Juicy Reminder
Download here.
[Apiento]
Quick bit of history… The Café del Mar first opened on 20th June 1980 in Ibiza in the town of San Antonio de Portmany. It was designed by the well-known Catalán architect, Lluis Güell, who was in charge of the design, decoration and architecture of the building. People came from far and wide to visit the café and to contemplate the sunset, which in the words of the owners is, ‘undoubtedly one of the most incredible and marvelous sunsets on the planet’.
As we know the sunsets and their soundtrack are what the café is famous for, and Phil Mison was lucky enough to play there in 1993. At the bottom of this post is a recording of the set taken from a tape recorded at the time.
Since then Phil has been DJing worldwide and in recent years hosting daytime balearic sessions in the East London area with Steve Terry (look out for a mix from Steve soon). This weekend sees the fourth birthday of the Afternoon Sessions, and to celebrate Phil and Steve have invited Shoom legend Danny Rampling to come and play some of his favourite records. Get down there if you are in the area and enjoy the mix.
Phil Mison: Live From The Cafe Del Mar (20:03:93)
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[Apiento]
Mix: Joey Negro – Eclectic Mix (Part Two)
April 7, 2009
Part two of Dave Lee a.k.a Joey Negro’s eclectic guest mix for you today. Keeping it strong and ending with Dave’s declaration of love for the world, this is yet again quality stuff.
Joey Negro Eclectic Mix: Part Two
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[Apiento]
Mix: Joey Negro – Eclectic Mix (Part One)
March 24, 2009
Dave Lee a.k.a Joey Negro a.k.a Raven Maize a.k.a Akabu a.k.a The Sunburst Band a.k.a Doug Willis a.k.a Z Factor a.k.a Sessomato is a leg-end. In his own front room at least. Dave started Republic Records, released great compilations and wonderful twelves, closed Republic, started Z Records and did it all over again. He has safely kept the flame alive for true disco for nearly 25 years and is probably one of the only UK disco producers featured on Desert Island Discs on Radio 4 (as picked by that poisoning chef Heston Blumenthal). I asked David for a mix for Test Pressing and he gave me a cast off that he already has on a player on his site (worth a look) but as it’s Dave the quality is top drawer. Second part to follow soon. Respect is due.
Joey Negro Eclectic Mix: Part One
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[Apiento]
Guest Mix: Max Essa – Twilight Horizontal
February 28, 2009
Max Essa: Twilight Horizontal
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Test Pressing is growing into a site for anything good that takes our fancy along the way, but we originally started as a home for purely mellow music and the new balearic mellow sound still stays close. Keeping that thread alive we are happy to give you a new mix from our man in Japan, Max Essa.
Max is a man quietly on a mission, collecting and producing wonderful music. He releases the single ‘Drive Time’ b/w ‘Back To The Beach’ (John Daly remix) in the next few weeks with the album ‘Continental Drift’ following soon afterwards. All will be released on the continuously good Bear Funk imprint.
Max has also been working over the seas on two collaborations with Stevie Kotey. First up is the Soiree project on Bear Funk (including party moment ‘Zim Zim’), with their second, Salon De L’Herbe, following soon after on Electric Minds. Look out for those. We asked Max to do us a mix in a low down balearic mixed up fashion a few months back and here it is. Happy listening.
[Apiento]
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