Basement Jaxx Scars

Some bands enjoy years of success, with all the canonical peaks and troughs; yet over time become disorientated with the original plot the rudimentary goal which drove them to their craft to begin with. Felix Buxton and Simon Ratcliffe have been on a decade long journey which has awarded them ticks in all the desired boxes. But not until now have they felt the full effects from the long slog."There's a good reason why the new record is called Scars," said Felix in our recent interview. "Making it has been a grueling process. When we completed recording, it felt like we'd come out of a boxing ring". It translates. Scars is a meticulously well thought out record that reflects patience and a genuine scholastic approach to the genre; although not the record that they initially intended to write. "It's a very different record to the one we originally set out to make, it's changed a lot in the last six months." The original catalyst was a chance meet and great with Yoko Ono, which over the the weeks, evolved into a musical collaboration. That track 'Day of Sunflowers' sees a powerful stanza delivered by the shrieker of peace over a robust bass line - a stand out track on the album.The collaborations flow in a creative stream throughout the whole record. Eli Paper Boy Reed contributes driving '50s style vocals over the top of an addictive foot tapper. 'She's No Good'; a personal reflection piece for Buxton, touching on the subject of a relationship abroad and the lamentable ending to which it came. 'Saga' is topically similar with a beat that plays to guest Santigold's strengths. Yo Majesty, Paloma Faith and Sam Sparro make cameos elsewhere, the latter on most recent single 'Feeling's Gone'.

Initially concerned about the album taking a dark direction, Buxton and Ratcliffe strategically placed the no brainer 'Raindrops' into proceedings. "The idea was to do something that felt similar and make a track for clubs," said Simon. For anyone who was magnetised to the Basement Jaxx sound via previous floor filler 'Where's Your Head', 'Raindrops' follows suit. As dance music continues to evolve at a rapid rate, the mainstays are few and far between. Basement Jaxx continue to sample from the fountain of youth and remain at the forefront of popular music as a result.

Basement Jaxx and Hockey to Music Weekly

The dance duo talk about working with Yoko Ono, plus there's music from Portland noise poppers Hockey

This week, we kick off with chat from Felix Buxton and Simon Ratcliffe, better known as dance duo Basement Jaxx. The boys return later this month with their fifth album, Scars, and Alex Needham spoke to them about get togethering with Yoko Ono, why Brixton is losing its edge and how they have managed to sustain a working relationship for 15 years.
Fast forward to Singles Club and Paul MacInnes is joined by Rosie Swash and Michael Hann to discuss the excellent in new music. There's dippy funk pop from the Phenomenal Handclap Band's 15 to 20, another slab of noise pop from LA duo No Age's single Losing Feeling, and Battles singer Tyondai Braxton offers a bonkers 10 minute solo constitution.
There's more chat with Portland's Hockey, the band behind summer smash* Too Fake. They're just about to release their first appearance album, Mind Chaos, and Rosie finds out their favourite live experiences, which include a flesh hanging party. Really.
Paul Lester signs off with Feature With No Name, in which he recalls the Swedish dream pop radical the Radio Dept.
So that's your lot. Tell us what you think of this week's show, guests and music, while we play you out with an exclusive version of Hockey's Song Away, performed live just for you.
*By "smash" we really mean, "You'll likely hear this and go 'Oh, I've heard this song before, didn't know it was by Hockey'".

THE BIG CHILL FESTIVAL 2009

We went down to Eastnor castle to catch Basement Jaxx and more...

The sun was shining over Eastnor castle this weekend for another great year at The Big Chill festival.
The position had grown for 2009 with The Funky Bison bar, Sailor Jims Rum bar and Mr Scruff’s very own tent adding to the list of places churning out non stop good music.

The ‘derelict drive in’ and film 4 canvas showing back to back movies, comedy sets from the likes of Noel Fielding and the Rankin live canvas all proved popular by the festival goers. While the beautiful weather added to a relaxed atmosphere in the days and performers and DJ’s upped the ante to create a great party atmosphere in the evening.

The main stage appeared bigger and better this year with Basement Jaxx, Orbital, David Bryne, Norman Jay and Hexstatic all treading it’s boards.

Basement Jaxx gave an energetic performance on Friday night kicking off the festival in true style with hits including Romeo, Where’s Your Head At? and new single Raindrops. David Bryne went down well, though his backing dancers nearly stole the show with their unique 80’s moves!

As usual Norman Jay’s annual Sunday set drew in the crowds and nicely bridged the gap between lazy afternoon chill out and a party warm up to set you up for the last evening’s proceedings.

One of the festivals highlights came on Sunday evening from king of audio visual sets Hexstatic who provided their usual ingenious mash up of sounds and sights! The London duo took their set to another level with live breakdancers, capeiro performers and a steel bridle on stage to accompany their classic Salvador mix.

Beat boxer Schlomo also made an electrifying performance battling the DJ’s with renditions of Dizzee Rascal’s Bonkers and Michael Jackson hits. And as if that wasn’t enough they also had a clip of Bert and Ernie singing M.O.P’s Ante up what more could you ask for!

The 2009 Big Chill was a huge success having provided great music, good food, beautiful surroundings and blazing sunshine….you can’t get much better than that!