Storm Thorgerson. RIP.

Following his passing, the whole world of graphic design is paying its respect for Storm Thorgerson, the designer who crafted most of the covers of Pink Floyd albums, among others (Peter Gabriel, Led Zeppelin, Alan Parsons, Scorpions, Muse, Megadeth, The Cranberries, and so on). 

When speaking about rock in the 1970's, one cannot forget to mention the huge artistic contribution of the late Storm Thorgerson. 

Here are some of the press who remembered and appreciated the work these past few days. 

- The Telegraph.

- Rolling Stone.

- Creative Review.

- BBC News.

- The New York Times.
- Pitchfork.

- The Guardian. 

The Guardian also made a slideshow of 17 of Thorgerson's album covers, but you cuold easily had more to it, as it does not feature the finest of his art. 

My personal pick : Led Zeppelin's "House Of The Holy", as displayed below. RIP. 

more D&G (and that's not Dolce&Gabana).

The more I read Dust&Grooves, the more I like my vinyls, and being a "collector" (humble "", as my "collection" is nothing compared to the collections displayed on this site). There's something vicious and contagious about reading other people's love for their records. Yes, it's an addiction. In the latest interview, Zach Cowie delivers a pretty simple, defintive, yet sensefull answer : 

Q: Why vinyl?

A: I like to be able to hold the things I spend money on.

What else ? I wish I had that much to say about my collection, different stories than the usual flea market hustle. But I don't. Oh yeah, I travelled a bit and shopped around, but so far it lacks inspiration. So, thanks D&G for filling this gap. Thanks for the pictures also, it gives idea for furnishing and interior design. 

And check the archives for more entertaining reading.

Giorgio Moroder.

So many people know his music, but ignore his name. The name is Giorgio Moroder. He crafted music for Donna Summer and Blondie, as well as the "Scarface", the "Midnight Express" and the "Top Gun" soundtracks. He inspired the current electronic scene (especially the French one), from Daft Punk to Bob Sinclar, Sébastien Tellier, Kavinsky, Martin Solveig, and many many more.

His way of making music was almost scientific. But he gave everybody the need to dance. 

So, I guess that in recognition to Moroder's huge influence, it is just right that the Red Bull Music Academy had him answering a few questions, as well as the Daft Punk doing the same thing in anticipation to the release of their new album, on which Moroder is featured. A must-seen, a must-read.

Marley Marl redoin' his thing.

Marley Marl dived into the beatmaking videos trend, only redoing his old stuff, 21st-century style. And by the way, he does a little advertising for the Ableton software. 

Don't call it a come-back. 

mixes galore.

Sometimes you have time issues, or money issues, or whatever issue, who keep you away from digging by yourself. This is when the mixes come in handy. Especially when the selectas are thorough enough to lead you into unexplored areas. 

Among the good mixes I've come upon these days, here are a few : 

- Quantic - Luanda sono : a compilation of Angolan 45's.

- Drixxxé - Sextape : erotic sounds, for your next Valentine's day.

- Drixxxé - Drixxxé is not a DJ ! Part 3 : move your feet.
- Brodinski - Rap Party Mix : the name says it all. Bromance rap.
- Andy Votel - Indo-magnetic Mix : Indian sickness with Finders Keepers' founder.

More to come. 

Jeff's studio.

Here's to you, a quick view of Dj Jazzy Jeff's home studio, which is of course more like a real studio, only installed in his basement. Enough to call it a home studio.

Courtesy of Scion. 

And by the way, check the man's "Vinyl Destination" series, following him on tour. 

a rather expensive Sgt. Pepper.

This record is a regular retail vinyl from 1967. It's "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" of course, by The Beatles. Yes, but it was auctioned last Saturday (French article) at $ 290,500. You read right, almost 300 grands. That is because it is signed by the Fab Four. Go look into your attic, you may find something valuable. Or not. 

Radio Vinyle.

I have not realized that Radio Vinyle released a lot of new episodes within the last 3 months. The latest guests were Salik Keita (African legend), Camille (French vocalist), Busy P aka Pedro Winter (founder of Ed Banger and electro producer), Bertrand Tavernier (French movie director) and Raphaël (French singer/songwriter). 

Good thing is now the episodes are subtitled in English when needed. Browsing through the unlimited collection of Radio France is always a pleasure. 

Yatha Butha Jazz Combo.

Onra keeps evolving. Coming from the beatmaking scene, he switched to modern disco/funk and flirted with electronic music. That's where he kinda lost me. 

But he's back, with some interesting vibes, with his long-time stage partner Buddy Sativa. 

First, the artwork looks amazing, reminding us of the psychedelic aesthetic. Then, the video teaser smells like perfect artistic bond. On top of that, the name of project is just bananas : Yatha Butha Jazz Combo. It expresses the overall direction of the project : free jazz mixed with global grooves.

Of course, considering Onra's previous projects and this one, it's impossible not to think of the path paved by the one and only Madlib, with his countless jazz side projects. Let's just hope Onra and Buddy Sativa will step out of the Oxnardian shadow with their own distinctive sound. Listening to the promotional mix, the two Parisians are doing ok. 

The 12-track project is scheduled to drop on All City Records on April 9th. LP is a must.

Edit : CD and LP out on April 25th.

alternative albums.

You want to start digging in the alternative direction. You don't know where to start. Here is a little help from Spin Magazine, with their "Top 100 Alternative Albums of the 1960s", going from Marshall McLuhan to Olatunji, by way of Eric Dolphy, Serge Gainsbourg and a lot more... Strictly '60s.