SIGNING OFF '08
Not been much activity here in the last few weeks, we've all been too focused on making music! - there's a new mixtape on the way from Quaid, a more dancefloor friendly follow up to 'Hands Raised By Robots' plus some heavy new productions, new music too from Unified Theory, Reflections On Creation & Bass are mastering tracks right now ready for their bangin' debut release sometime in Spring & the unstoppable Ulysses 82 seem to be getting props from all corners, gonna be big in '09! Thanks to all the Firemusic family & all our readers for your contributions & support this year, signing off '08 with an absolute killer from back in the day - this ones for Kinky over in Saudi & all the original 3rd floor heds. Peace.

CARL CRAIG LIVE IN PARIS

HISTORY OF THE 808

JUJU & JORDASH LIVE
(Check the first & last tracks, deep!)

HIP HOP DX
Ster put me on to this one, in-depth Hip Hop site with a particularly extensive Mixtape section, check it.

FOUR TRACK DOPENESS

SYNTHETIK LOVE (DEMO)
Unified Theory have been through various musical incarnations but have finally found their true calling with the kind of synth led fusion that first inspired them. Even at demo stage 'Synthetik Love' sounds so heavy, can't wait to hear their forthcoming Weather Report inspired banger 'Pacific 70'. In the meantime feel this.

MALAMONDO! EXCLUSIVE MIXTAPE
A real pleasure to post this mixtape from such a serious collector & all round hed. J.I.P. tastes range right across the spectrum, with this mix he's taken us deep into the soundtrack, library, cosmic side to his sound - though he covers off plenty more besides. But who cares about labels when the music's this good, just listen & enjoy. Availabe to download in Mixtapes now.

RAS G MIXTAPE

A BEAUTIUL DAY
It would be too easy to start getting either over zealous or cynical on the dawn of such a momentous occasion. Though Obama may find it hard to live up to the unrealistic expectations that many hope he represents, at the very least the vile Neo-con administration is finally out of office, and his victory is an immensely powerful and inspiring image in our taut and turbulent age.

THE AUDACITY OF HOPE
KInd of feel a little helpless being on this side of the Atlantic at such a pivotal time in our lives. We just have to hope & pray that America is finally ready to step into the light.

VOTE FOR CHANGE

MOVE
New one from Q-Tip can't wait for the whole LP! Check it.

LUCKY ME
Musician/DJ/Art collective out of Glasgow (including beat hed Mike Slott), they've got an original & inspiring site which is well worth checking including an extensive mixtape selection.

PASSION PLAY 5
New mix from the mighty Skymark & the Soul Sociedad posse, this time it's all about the soulful boogie - the soundtrack to the summer we never had. Check it.

HIT IT AND QUIT IT
Keep up to date with the ramblings of Recloose via this blog, including downloads of his heavyweight Hit It & Quit It Radio show.

GALACTIC CLASSICS
Whilst we wait for Reflections on Creation & Bass's anticipated long player, they've dropped a hot little mixtape to keep us going in the meantime. Mixing Prog-Funk with Hip Hop bangers & moody instrumentals, it's a tantalising indication of the shape of beats to come (check Sters freestyle halfway in, it's killer!!!) Officially a 'MySpace exclusive' but naturally Firemusic heds get a piece too. Check it.

SUMMER MADNESS
Free download of new 'Summer EP' from Houston's Rez, check it.

THE MIX MACHINE
Classic mid 80s party music from Dr Dre digitised from the original cassettes, courtesy of WFMU. Check it.

TUNE OF THE WEEK
(NEW BORN SPECIAL)
A deep & dirty Quaid hed-nodder from a couple of years back, 'Metamorphosis' is dedicated to little Arty & an ecstatic but knackered Mum & Dad - big love y'all! Check it.

BITCHES BREW

INTO INFINITY
This kind of project is right up our street. An A/V collaboration 'built on audio loops and circular canvases that are available online to the public for sharing, remixing, and resubmission' check it.

KAMAAL: THE ABSTRACT
Found this link to Q-Tip's unreleased LP from '02, it's a totally different experience to Amplified, and not always on the money, but showed huge potential for a new direction by a man whose always been well ahead of the pack - shame we never saw it 'officially'.

TUNE OF THE WEEK (EXCLUSIVE)
Taken from Quaid's seminal 'Hand Raised by Robots' mixtape it's the 'cylon dub' mix of 'Sanctuary' featuring rising star Dziko. Check it.

EVEN BETTER ONE

ANOTHER (DAMN GOOD) REASON TO BUY AN IPHONE

ISAAC HAYES - A HIP HOP INSPIRATION
Dedication mixtape from 'This Is Hip Hop', check it.

MAN FROM ATLANTIS -
THE FINAL ODYSSEY
Man From Atlantis drops the last part of his epic 'Odyssey' mixtape series - fusing all the best elements of the previous two installments in one final cosmic journey. Let's hope he'll return to us again one day... Available in Mixtapes now.

DISCO JESUS - HOIS CLOS
No introduction necessary, another killer selection from this very serious collector & DJ. Check it

RIP ISAAC HAYES

THIS IS THE LIFE
Promo for a film about a vibrant LA Hip Hop community circa '92 - looks dope.

PEOPLE AT THE END OF TIME
It's been a longtime coming, but finally the first mixdown of the Ster / Quaid collaboration 'Songs For The Space Children' has arrived. Check 'Got To Go' on their MySpace for some intergalactic illness.

4AM IN DETROIT
Seriously heavy mixtape from Mr Innersounds. Check it.

URB MAGAZINE PODCASTS

PUBLIC ENEMY REMIX CONTEST

MOSES DUB
2 very different mixtapes for Monday: first up over to Jez at the excellent Innersounds for a dub influenced set from long time hed & ex-Atlas Records', Keiron B. Then right across the spectrum to El Reza for a spiritual jazz odyssey with spoken word from Charlton Heston reciting the book of Moses - heavy!

HEADPHONE MASTERPIECE
Serious new mixtape from Quaid in full Sci-Fi Soul mode - hitting right at the deep end of the Detroit influenced sound, electronic, jazzy & soulful with some exclusive productions & moody FX - so deep, so heavy. In Mixtapes now.

DOLLAR LIVE

OUR KIND OF PACEMAKER

TUNE OF THE WEEK
Been a quiet week this week, got some heaviness coming in the next few days though, in the meantime here's an old skool banger from Attica Blues which has been on repeat ever since it was re-discovered. Check it.

GORILLA VS PANTS
Keep seeing James Pants' name a lot at the moment, heard a couple of bits by him which are OK but yet to be convinced. This mix he's put together for the blog Gorilla Vs Bear shows some definite potential, be cool if his quirky record collection tranlated back into his productions.

MUSIC MELTDOWN
Been to a couple of heavy nights this week as part of Massive Attack's Meltdown series; Grace Jones on Thursday was freaky but seriously on it & last night George Clinton & the Parliament / Funkadelic posse played a 3 hour funk/rock jam. Can't say it was all good - damn those 20 minute guitar solo's - but when it did hit, it was solid. Just watched this documentary about the whole P-Funk scene, really puts last night into context, but makes you wish you'd seen them in their prime ...particuarly on that giant spaceship.

WE ARE...ECLECTIC
Posse out of the UK who put together some seriously elcectic selections. Check their MySpace here download their mixes here.

LOST IN THE SYSTEM
Props as always to investigative journalist George Monbiot for keeping on digging and exposing the uncomfortable truths behind current global issues & ensuring they don't get lost in the system. He also offers up some ways to fight back, check his site for details & more essential reading.

ANTIDOTE TO THE BANGKOK BLUES
Back to the grind after some serious downtime in Thailand, but my blues is being lifted by a killer mix from the mighty Oscar Wilson - a serious hed & collector whose been on the scene for many years, it's a real pleasure to post this one - he's also a very talented designer, check his site here check the mix here.

ONE FOR THE WEDDING POSSE

JOURNEYMAN
After an intense few weeks it's finally time for some r&r (with my beautiful new wife!). Gonna leave you with a couple of exclusives before I go though: first up check Quaid's MySpace for the first of many collaborations with producer & songwriter Dziko. 'Sanctuary' takes Quaid's futuristic sound to a whole new level with the help of a killer falsetto - needs a couple of listens but once you get in there your hooked! Also check Dziko's own page for an ultra heavy new mix 'Choking Revamped' - so, so serious. Also in a few weeks some new music with MC Ster & a new concept mixtape from Quaid in Sci-Fi Detroit mode - heavy!

A PRAYER FOR THE PEOPLE
Our thoughts & prayers go out to the affected peoples of Burma & China, probably best expressed through the music of Mr John Coltrane.

AUDIOTOOL
Online music application from 'Hobnox' (never heard of them) at the demo stage for now but could have potential, particuarly if your bored at work. Check it.

DANNY BLUE MIXTAPE
Little connection from Groove Provider, check it.

THEO INTERVIEW
Props to Resident Advisor for this in-depth interview with Detroit's finest. Check it.

BEATDOWN MIX
Normally we like our mixtapes to cut things up a bit, but this new set from Paul Pre just stays locked on that Detroit Hip Hop aesthetic and is all the better for it - heavy. Check the mix here. Check Paul's MySpace here.

ON POINT
Posse out of Belgium (I think) who do their own interviews of heds like Flying Lotus, Trus'me & Soil and Pimp sessions. Something really vibey about their whole DIY aesthetic, well worth checking.

QUESTLOVE PRODUCING AL GREEN
Could work nicely or could be really middle of the road. Due out end of May, check this little doc in the meantime.

OMAR S
Out with Mr Innersounds the other night, and he's put us onto this new (for us anyway) heavyweight out of Detroit, Omar S. Check this site for previews & downloads. Feel it.

TUNE OF THE WEEK
It's Friday, the sun's shining, it's got Supermax written all over it. Check it.

iPHONE MIDI CONTROLLER
Sick.

BEATS IN PROGRESS
Couple of MySpace hits. First up from Midlands based producer Mr Keyes who's just dropped this mixtape of original beats - he ain't no Dilla (yet!) but definitely got a vibe, one for MCs & proper heds. And second welcoming to the Firemusic family South London based vocalist & producer Dziko, check his MySpace(s) for some offbeat soul heaviness & for some forthcoming collaborations with Quaid.

RETURN OF THE TOKYO DRIFTER
New mix from Jez over at Innersounds, put together from a couple of weeks digging Nippon style. Check it.

DEDICATION MIX
Full props to Mr J D Law for this uptempo party set, the perfect soundtrack to last weekend's Brussels session. Dedicated to the 12 brave souls who we're on that trip and to the 3 Norwegian's dudes who saved my ass...this ones for you.

CARLOS NINO MIX
Always been a big fan of this LA producer, particularly the Build An Ark/Hu Vibrational/Life Force Trio side to his sound. This is a mix of his taken from the excellent Red Bull Academy radio archive. Check it.

THE DEEP RANGE VOL. 03
Quaid's back with the next volume in his Deep Range mixtape series. A more refined, focussed set, this is potentially the heaviest so far; taking us on another spiritual journey through electronic music, Afro & Jazz with exclusive cuts & edits. Available to download in MixTapes now.

3 HITS FOR FRIDAY
Firstly this link to the 'Dillagence' mixtape from last year, featuring the mighty Dilla alongside heds like Busta & Q-Tip - been highly recommended from MC Ster! Check it. Second some breathtaking visuals from Hubble for all those who travel the spaceways. And lastly rediscovered this bomb from Pépé Bradock, pure old skool breaks French style. Check it.

MIXTAPE HEAVEN
We've always been about quality not quantity when it comes to Mixtapes, but stumbled across this Blentwell site over the weekend and after a few random listens seems to have the best of both. Covering just about every genre imaginable and with 993 mixes in the House section alone, there's bound to be more than a few winners. Check it.

DIARY OF AN AFRO WARRIOR
Pleased to say it was seriously heavy last night. Electro-Afro pressure with the spirit of the Shrine embodied in the charismatic percussion & vocals of Chief Udoh Essiet, underpinned by the relaxed banter of Charlie Dark and fine low-end synth work from Mark de Clive-Lowe. Not sure if they've put out anything yet but would be well worth checking. More of those Afro flavors coming in Quaid's imminent Deep Range Vol.3, here's a little edit to put you in the mood from Vol.2.

BACK ONLINE
Been having some serious server issues, but now, finally, we can get back to the program! Off to see Charlie Dark's African Beats tonight, let's hope it's as heavy as this session.

BOYCOTT BEIJING
Just one of the many shameful reasons to justify a complete media blackout of this years Olympics.

QUAID VS KUBRICK
More Sci-Fi Soul from J.Quaid - this time putting his electro-jazz anthem 'Love from the Sun' against the timeless cosmic visuals from Kubrick's 2001 in a sick little AV piece. Big props to Jimmy Y for the edit (just don't call it a mash-up!) Enjoy.

I THOUGHT IT WAS YOU
As performed by the main man himself. Check it.

CHECK THE TECHNIQUE
The Rub's History of HipHop continues into the 90's! Check it.

MAN FROM ATLANTIS - ODYSSEY II
Journey through uncharted cosmic depths with the second installment from the Man From Atlantis. Available to download in MixTapes now.

JUJU & JORDASH MIX
Props to Doozer & the Broken Loop posse for another heavy selection, this time from Firemusic favs Juju & Jordash, who keep it deep, jazzy & electronic - just the way we like it. Check it.

TUNE OF THE WEEK
After the previous post we've got to drop some classic Ra. Admittedly this one comes from the tiny cluster of Sun Ra tunes that are accessible to non-believers, so not typical of his sound by any means, but still could only be made by the man from Saturn himself. Check it.

BROTHER FROM ANOTHER PLANET
If you haven't checked this documentary about the mighty Sun Ra before, it's well worth a watch.

BEFORE THE MUSIC DIES
Film and site all about the state of the music industry. Check it.

DIRTY DRUMMER - AFRO FEVER MIX
Tight Afro set from the North Carolina based producer. Check it.

DISCO JESUS - PAPILLON
New year, new mix! Disco Jesus touches down with another trip through the outer edges of progressive, underground disco - this time with a strong gallic flavour! Building on the eclecticism of his previous mixes, "Papillon" explores influences from psych, minimal, left-pop, stoner and straight-up disco. Music for open-minded fellow travellers! Available now for download in MixTapes, Enjoy the ride!

TRISTRAM CARY DOCUMENTARY
Visionary electronic music pioneer, most famous for the Dr Who theme, who created one of the first electronic music studios. (follow the links for parts 2 & 3)

ARTHUR RUSSELL FILM
Little teaser for the up coming film about the avant garde disco producer. Check it.

FIREMUSIC DIGITAL DOWNLOADS
Check the MySpace for links to 3 classic Quaid tracks now available to download (for a small price!). Appreciate your support.

80'S FUNK REVIVAL
Seems that 80's synth funk flavor is hitting the spot at the moment. Check Basilika for some serious edits on that tip from the Ulysses '82 crew, and check this boogie funk mixtape from nu skool act Dâm-Funk, courtesy of Stones Throw.

HISTORY OF HIP HOP
Quite a few of these 'Hip Hop anthology' mixtapes out there, some try & cram all those classics into one mix, the boys over at The Rub are giving the music the respect it deserves by taking it year by year. Check it.

MUSICAL PHONOLOGY
Some sick Italian analogue shit. (follow the links for parts 2 & 3)

LIFE CYCLES: KEEPING THE FAITH
So we begin another orbit around the Sun and the cycle of life continues. Whilst we grow & prosper with change it's good to know some things remain constant; like a love of good music - here's to the next 12, keeping it heavy & keeping the faith. One for the fusion heds, Cortex - 'Huit Octobre 1971'. Check it.

NEW YEARS REVOLUTIONS
Things are stepping up a gear in '08 with loads of new music in the pipeline including: the first official Firemusic release in early Spring from Ster & Quaid, sick new mixtapes from some very special guests, October Revolution Live later in the year and plenty of exclusives and edits posted here and on the various MySpace's, like the new cosmic funk stomper from Unified Theory & Man From Atlantis 'Sirius Rising'. Check it here & Happy New Year!

DEAD LINK
Link on Highlights of the year part 02 is now back up.

OFF WORLD
Props to Boub from the Right On FM posse for dropping Quaid's Deep Range Vol. 02 as part of his Off World radio show - well worth checking their site for some solid weekly selections.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR PART 03
Finally, signing off with a homegrown flavor from J.Quaid. 'Feel' was a big, big tune in '07 that got a lot of props despite never getting an official release, featuring on Gillesy P's playlist amongst others. Expect lots more from the man next year. Feel it.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR PART 02
Through various mixtapes, digital and conventional digging we've heard lots of music from some of the cosmic/electronica pioneers from the 70's/early 80's (check Man From Atlantis's 'Odyssey' in Mixtapes). People like Bernard Fevre, Ralph Lundsten & David Vorhaus still sound completely fresh and cutting edge today. As does this cosmic-fusion killer from the same period by Harald Grosskopf. Check it.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR PART 01
This week were gonna be reflecting upon the artists, tunes & vibes that we we're feeling in 07. Today it's all about the Afro/Detroit sound of Kevin Reynolds who's been name checked plenty on this site over the past 12. He dropped his 'Anonymous Room' / 'Afrik' 12" earlier in the year and there's more material to check on his MySpace. Has the sort of Detroit sound that you always imagine but actually seldom hear - look forward to hearing where he takes it in '08. (Also check Quaid's Deep Range Vol 02 in Mixtapes to hear how heavy 'Anonymous Room' sounds in the mix)

TUNE OF THE WEEK
First heard this one at a session in the Great Eastern Hotel, the version played that night was an edit that extended all the right places - so worth seeking out. This is the original cut but still really heavy, Dionne Warwick's take on the seminal Can't Hide Love. Check it.

RIP STOCKHAUSEN
"On December 5, he ascended with joy through heaven's door in order continue to compose in paradise with cosmic pulses in eternal harmony." Nice little piece about him here.

TUNE OF THE WEEK
More from the TONTO boys, this time a bonus cut from their re-issue CD called Bittersweet - which kind of sums up this week. Check it.

TONTO & STEVIE
Footage from the excellent 'Soul Deep' series highlighting the period when the mighty Mr Wonder encoutered the raw processing power of The Original New Timbral Orchestra. Check it.

FEELMUSIC
Finding a lot of good stuff recently on the Podomatic site, including this selection from Feelmusic. Check it.

TUNE OF THE WEEK
Been feeling this one from top reed man Hubert Laws. A classic jazz funk tune taken from his 'Romeo & Juliet' LP with the mighty Bob James on arrangement honours; beat heds check the break!

TOUCH OF SOUL
French site with a solid selection of mixtapes. Check it.

AFRO DISCO
Continuing our recent Afro themed posts, check this tight mix of African disco & Jazz funk flavours from the Mood Mosiac blogspot.

TUNE OF THE WEEK
This week it's a Man From Atlantis exclusive. A tune which has been through many incarnations to get to it's current state, 'Messages' is essentially a cosmic disco track that keeps it nice & deep as well as having a spacey/jazz edge; pretty much defining the Man From Atlantis musical ethos in one tune! It's heavy, check it. (Heads up: Odyssey II coming shortly!)

PARLIAMENT PROMOS
Crazy 70's cartoon promos for Parliament records. Check them.

DJ PREMIER TOP 10
Continuing the Primo theme, the boys over at Step Up have stuck their necks out with a definitive Premier top 10. For me there's some obvious omissions, judge for yourself here.

BIG LOVE & BLESSINGS
To my bro & new sister-in-law getting married this weekend. This ones for you.

TUNE OF THE WEEK
Actually brother Jak put me on to this one a couple of weeks back, and it's been on heavy rotation ever since. Primo doing it like it was '94, check it.

BASILIKA MIXTAPE
Get a taste of Saturday night in the expert hands of the mighty Basilika sound system. Check it.

RIGHTEOUS PRESSURE
New Firemusic MySpace full of exclusives, including Unified Theory's future jazz dance classic 'Lightyears' a typically deep test from Quaid and a couple of edits from the vaults. Keep checking for new updates. Get connecting.

PASSION PLAY
Nice Norman Jay-esque mix from the boys over at the mighty Soul Sociedad, helping those with the Monday blues. Check it.

AFRO FUNK MIXES
Two tight Afro mixes from music dug & bought in the Motherland. Courtesy of the excellent Voodoo Funk.

ROLAND TR-909 SIMULATOR
Sick.

DISCO JESUS - LA NUIT BLANCHE
He's back after a long silence! Disco Jesus takes to the airwaves with his latest nocturnal soundtrack for life in the left lane. Returning to the eclecticism of earlier mixes, 'La Nuit Blanche' explores rich and diverse territory from classic kraut-rock through to prog-disco and early basement house. Discordant sounds that somehow fit! Available now for download in Mixtapes. Feel the vibe and pass it on!

ALL THINGS DEEP
Old school site that deals with black music in all it's forms. Got some nice selections on there, though mostly not 'mixed' in the tradional sense: check the 80s boogie/funk mix and this Latin/African funk flavor.

COMMUNITY UPDATE
Welcoming some more heavyweight sites to the community including Monotape, home to some quaility sets straight out of Istanbul. PS Disco Jesus mixes back online soon!

MARK E MIX
Feeling this new one from the excellent Beats in Space, Mark E keeps it nice and deep in the mix, check it.

RADIO PELLENERA
Great site that archives internet radio and podcasts from across the spectrum. Check it.

WEATHER REPORT LIVE '76
As a fitting tribute to the late, great, Joe Zawinul, the excellent MixDelux currently have a post of vinatge Weather Report from the Montreaux Jazz Festival 1976 - as ever with those guys not sure how long this one will stay up.

MAN FROM ATLANTIS MIX
We're very excited to post this heavy new mixtape from the mysterious Man From Atlantis; a sun-kissed set of 70's electronica, cosmic soul, off-world fusion and exclusive edits. The strange but beautiful world of Man From Atlantis, available to download from Mixtapes now.

GROUND LIFT MAGAZINE UPDATE
If your not subscribed to the excellent online magazine, Ground Lift, then you might not have checked their recent quality updates including this interview with Firemusic fav Jneiro Jarel. Also check the MySpace of Jarel's latest side project Shape of Broad Minds.

BRUBEKK MIXTAPE
New one from the prolific Mr Proctor. Check it.

SERVER PROBLEMS
Disco Jesus mixtapes are currently unavailable due to some server problems, we'll get them back up as soon as possible - apologies to anyone whose tried & failed to download.

DOWNTIME
Gonna be a little slow round here for a while, but check back in a couple of weeks for a special Man From Atlantis mixtape and part 2 of Quaid's Sci-Fi Soul series. Laters.

BONAFIDE HIP HOP
Slick new Hip Hop culture mag out of Leeds. Check the MySpace as well.

RED REPUBLIC
Promo video from Firemusic cohort MC Ster for his heavyweight tune 'Red Republic'. Ster & J.Quaid are in the studio mixing down new material for their strictly limited edition mixtape: 'Songs for the Space Children'. Check their MySpace for a little taster.

TRAIN WRECK MIX
New mix by Theo via the excellent Red Bull Music Academy.

IN MEMORY OF JON LUCIEN & MAX ROACH REST IN PEACE BROTHERS
(Check Gilesy P's tribute mix)

CHASER SUMMER MIX
Sad news that Straight No Chaser will no longer be a printed publication, but looking forward to seeing how their unique offering will work in a purely digital format. Lets hope this solid summer mix is a taste of things to come.

THE TRUTH HURTS
George Monbiot is an author and investigative journalist whose work always seems to hit you right in the gut with it's sincerity and authority. More often than not it's uncomfortable reading, particularly when it comes to environment issues. But you always feel like your getting closer to the real picture after reading him - and with topics like the environment, might just be better equiped to act accordingly. Essential viewing. Check it.

TOTALLY FUZZY
Cool site which allows music bloggers from across the spectrum to display their latest posts. Check it.

BEAT KONDUCTA IN INDIA
Cheeky little promo for the next installment of Madlib's breaks & beats series.

JAZZ HALL OF FAME
Forgotten what a great resource this is, full props to Kirk Degiorgio.

MYSPACE CONNECTIONS
Mags like Straight No Chaser have been giving Kevin Reynolds props for a little while now, but if you haven't checked him you'll find his sound has a heavy Afro/Detroit edge. He's taken the tune 'Anonymous Room' off his MySpace now but you can hear it on Quaid's Deep Range Vol 02 in Mixtapes or buy it here. Also we've been feeling these guys, Juju & Jordash, particularly the tunes 'Blue Plates' and 'African Flower'.

BACK TO THE PROGRAM
It's been offline for a few months now but the revamped Basilika is back in business. One to check for exclusives and edits.

SHAOLIN WORM ATTACK AND THE
TRUTH ABOUT TRANSFORMERS
First up it's classic Wu-Tang Clan mixed with Mr Oizo's 'Analog Worm Attack' - doesn't always deliver but worth checking - think there's only a few days left before this one expires. Also check Horse Latitudes for a definitive review of the disappointing Transformers movie.

GALACTIC FRACTURES
Great name and even better blog, full of mixtapes from right across the spectrum.

INNER SOUNDS
New blog from Firemusic cohort Jez Proctor aka Brubekk. Expect an epic stream of quality music & exclusive edits. Check it.

THE BOTTLE + BRASILINTIME TRAILER
Great footage of Firemusic favourite Gil Scott Heron performing 'The Bottle' & nice little trailer for the forthcoming Brasilintime project.

PURPLE MUSIC
Interesting Prince mix featuring unreleased tracks and demos. Worth checking just for 'Purple Music' and 'The Line' though it gets a little much after a while - and why no 'Bob George'?

SUMMER DAWNS -
DISCO JESUS VOLUME 6
Following a massive response to his previous mix, Disco Jesus returns with his own unique take on the sounds of summer and the roots of modern dance - 80s electro-disco, nu-wave funk and early basement house. Mood music with a distinctly nocturnal flavour! Available for download in Mix Tapes - enjoy and share the feeling!

QUALITY CONTROL
Haven't come across much worth posting in recent weeks, but that's set to change over the next few days with the imminent return of Disco Jesus, more from Quaid's Sci-Fi soul series and this new set from Firemusic collaborator Jez Proctor, put together for Californian blog Talking in Stereo.

SCI-FI SOUL (PART O1) RE-UP
A few months ago we posted a Quaid track 'Andromeda Love', but it was taken down after a few hours at his request as he still wasn't happy with the final edit (and there was also a glitch in the actual file). So this is a re-up - with a few tweaks - of that post, which is the first in Quaid's Sci-Fi Soul series which will feature some exclusive music and forthcoming visuals. Check it.

MINORITY REPORT
Imagine making music using this sucker!

MORE ADULT SWIM FREEBIES
Another little download from the Adult Swim team, haven't heard of many of the remixers on this project but some of the beats are kinda nice. Check it.

EBONY CUTS
Cool looking, if a little impractical site with a strong selection of guest mixes plus regular podcasts (if you can find them!)

WAXING DEEP
Crew out of Canada doing some nice podcasts which touch all the right places. They also run a little label with an interesting sounding Cuban Funk compilation.

DEEP AV MIX
Little post from Theo's MySpace page, some sweet visuals to a heavy deep soul number a la Parrish.

JAZZTUBE
Kind of defuncts the previous post but this is a selection of the best jazz currently available on YouTube.

ROLAND KIRK LIVE BOLOGNA 1973
Vintage footage of a true jazz maverick. Check the nose flute solo!!!

MADLIB MOTOWN MIX
Nice little Motown tribute mixtape from LA's finest.

3 THE HARD WAY
It's a pretty rubbish name but Sydney's Stealth Activity Funbook site has a host of different mixtapes from various cats most with an antipodean edge - found it whilst looking for DJ Kinetic's Ausie Funk mix, which as the name suggests is a set drawn strictly from homegrown talent from back in the day, not all good but worth checking. Two other mixes that tick all the right boxes but for different reasons are: Jez Proctor's ode to the music of the late 60's & 70's California with his Sounds of the Canyons mix & the Basilika bad bwoys 77 set which see's Messers JakSoul & Teacakes step up back to back after 7 minutes a piece.

LATE NIGHT SPRING -
DISCO JESUS VOLUME 5
Spring is upon us and Disco Jesus emerges from cybernation offering his latest mix with a distinctly electro flavour. Focusing on mid-80s underground club sounds from London, New York, Milan and beyond, this is late-night body music in its essence. Available for download in Mixtapes - not to be missed!

BASILIKA THIS SATURDAY
With a killer line up featuring Disco Jesus, Chris T, Brubekk & JakSoul it's gonna be a serious night of music! Here's the details, see you there!

PRIMO JAMES BROWN TRIBUTE
Link to download of Premier's James Brown 'Foundation of Hip Hop' tribute mix. Check it.

MIX DELUX
Stumbled across this little gem the other day with mixtapes and live recordings from various major players. Looks like the posts aren't up for long so one to watch on a regular basis, currently there's live recordings from Kraftwerk and The Roots plus mixtapes from Cash Money, DJ Vadim & Gillesy P.

THE DEEP RANGE VOLUME 2
Heavier than Volume 01, our man J.Quaid ups the anty on this new mix whilst still retaing the essence of his previous set. Cosmic, Funk, Jazz & Soul sit in the mix underpinned by an Afro/electronic backdrop plus his own edits and exclusives. Available to download in Mixtapes now.

QUAID ON WORLDWIDE
Exciting news that J.Quaid's deep afro hed-nodder 'Feel' made it onto Gilles Peterson's playlist recently. Limited run Firemusic 12" in the pipeline, details soon...

GIANT JUKEBOX
Some great selections on the Giant Step Jukebox including exclusive mixes from the likes of the Kindred Spirits posse and the Unabombers. Also check the 'library' feature within it for music ranging from Doug Carn to Daft Punk.

DOUBLE TRIBUTE
Whilst there have been lots of accolades to lost icons James Brown & Alice Coltrane over the last few months, worth checking the excellent Bending Corners for their typically off-centre tribute mixtapes.

FEELING IT
Straight No Chaser magazine, an always essential purchase, have started to develop the MySpace aspect of their operation including a regularly updated player full of exclusives - alongside new ones from the Cinematic Orchestra and Karizma this month see's J.Quaid's 'Feel' in the mix - big props to a man like Teacakes.

DEFINITIVE DOWNLOAD
After the Chrome Children collaboration with Stones Throw, alternative comedy channel Adult Swim have put together another set of various underground US Hip Hop. It's not all solid but there's definitely a few highlights, and it's free.

LASER QUEST
Sweet little viral from the Graffiti Research Lab.

THEO PARRISH LIVE
Firemusic favourite Theo Parrish was in town on Sunday night playing at Plastic People. Jaksoul was lucky enough to hear such a heavyweight on London's best soundsystem, check his blog and a snippet from the show.

COSMIC 101
Really feeling this set from JAZ posted on Cosmic Disco. As the blog says no real surprises selection wise but just nice to have all these tracks together on one mix.

VALENTINES MIX
Cheeky little mixtape from Peanut Butter Wolf to get you in the mood - only available for the next day or so.

ROCKIN' THE MPC
Hip Hop legend Pete Rock keeps it real on the mpc. Inspiring to see such a don coming across so grounded.

A CLIMATE FOR CHANGE
PDF document of the International Summary on climate change. Looks heavy, but actually quite easy to read. Here's some ways to try and help prevent it.

DESTINATION OUT
Jazz blog that keeps things nice and left. Check it.

GROUND LIFT MAGAZINE
Great online magazine covering all things Jazz, Raregroove & Hip Hop related, well worth checking.

WINTER MOVEMENTS -
DISCO JESUS VOLUME 04
Disco Jesus strikes again! This time trawling the mines of early house and mid-80s disco/new wave/electro to serve an exclusive blend of vintage Chicago-inflected jams. Available for download now in Mixtapes. Enjoy!

H-TRACK
Serious selection of mixes on this site from some real dons, going back over the last couple of years. One of our favourites has to be Prins Thomas's sublime Cosmanova II. Check it.

EAST NEW YORK STYLE
Really feeling this Hip Hop mixtape from the crew over at Floodwatch music.

DIY TURNTABLE
For those heds looking for that personal touch.

JUST DON'T CALL IT TRIP HOP
Another killer post from the Basilika bwoys from back when it was just all about the break.

THE WARMING
Interesting, if not alarming essay on the spate of bizarre weather in the US earlier this month.

THESE ARE THE BREAKS
Sweet little game for all those breaks & beats heds, only the Hip Hop faithful need apply.

IN MEMORY OF ALICE
Sad to hear that Alice Coltrane passed away yesterday. Like her late husband she forged a unique musical path through her continued soul searching and has left us with some truly beautiful and inspiring spiritual music. I've no doubt her soul will rest in peace.

INSPIRATION INFORMATION
With guest speakers like Wajeed, Kirk Degiorgio, Steve Spacek & Danny Krivit, often forget what an inspiring resource the Red Bull Music Academy is. Check it.

A HIP HOP ODYSSEY
800 classic tracks in a 40 minute mixtape (shame about all the shouts). Get it here.

IT ALL BEGAN IN AFRICA
Check this blog from Benn Loxo it's a good resource for all things Afro, he's also got some interesting links on there like this one.

BACK IN THE DAYS
Nice site with an archive of live recordings, particularly sweet one from Sly Stone. Also some killer footage of Brother James from back in the glory days.

SIGN OFF
Signing off till after Christmas, check this cheeky bossa style 'Jingle Bells' & seasons greetings from all at Firemusic!

PROPS
Big props to all the DJs, musos & heds for the continued support over the last year, we'll be plugging lots more quality alternative music in 2007!

ESSENTIAL MUSIC
Seeing as it's that time of year to remember old friends, worth taking a little visit to Quincy Essential if you haven't been for a while and checking out there selection of quaility mixtapes.

PLUG RESEARCH BLOG
Worth checking this blog from one of LA's finest electronic music labels. And if you haven't checked the Life Force Trio's extremely deep 'Living Room' LP, get a little taster here.

SPACE IS THE PLACE
Mind blowing NASA footage showing booster rockets falling back to Earth.

BACK IN THE DAYS
2nd in a series of excellent posts from the Basilika boys featuring definitive tunes from the legendary 'Third Floor' years. Check it.

MUSIC IS A WEAPON
Footage of Fela from the days of the Shrine, be sure to check all three parts.

AUDIO RESEARCH
Check this little baby out! Pure techno craziness - we want one!

GIL SCOTT HERON INTERVIEW
Always good to hear from the main man Gil shame about the ignorant interveiwer.

BLOC ROCKING BEATS
Unusual but well worthing checking mix of late 70's Soviet fusion - heavy horns & fierce drumming - by Ivan Tchizhevsky part of the Paris DJs collective.

MR FRISKY
Check this tight alternative hip hop / electronic beats mix from London DJ Frisky FIngers.

FUTURE MUSIC
Great documentary from the early 80's about electronic music. Full of priceless spoken word samples, things start getting interesting towards the end of part 2.

DISCO JESUS 3
Disco Jesus returns with his latest offering, focusing on the period 1978-85 and featuring a deeply personal vision of underground disco with soul, jazz, rock, new wave and electro influences. Available in Mixtapes now, this one is not to be missed!

ILLUMI-NATIONS
Sure we're not alone in hoping the Neocon battering in the American mid-term elections will usher in a new era of positive change. Check this number from Alice Coltrane & Carlos Santana and pray America steps in to the light.

HIP HOP FOREVER
Great link of classic Hip Hop videos found on YouTube; whilst the visuals may look dated the tunes still sound so F-R-E-S-H!

TOKYO PLASTIC
Globe trotter Jez Proctor has posted a new set taken from various beats & pieces acquired whilst in the land of the rising sun. Check the backstory here. Download the mix here.

SLAVE EDIT
Dirty little edit here from J.Quaid in his Man From Atlantis monicker, a pitched down Britney vocal over a dark Marc Moulin loop. It's heavy, check it.

AFROBEAT AUDIO DOC
Full props to BBC Xtra for putting together a short audio documentary about the mighty Fela. Pure inspiration.

BLACKPOCKET
Nice little side project from Firemusic favourite Steve Spacek. Kind of in that Waajeed future Hip Hop vibe.

TEE'S & TUNES
MC Ster & J.Quaid have put up some demo's of their forthcoming collaborative project on a new MySpace page.
Highlights include the cosmic head nodder 'Time Again' and cheeky new number 'All Live'. Also we've finally got round to doing some T-Shirts, as lovingly modelled by JakSoul & Chris T over at Basilika. A limited run will be available shortly...watch this space!

SPIRITUAL ETERNAL
Some serious Spiritual Jazz heaviness in the form of Jez Proctors classic 'Diabaram'
mixtape now available in the Archive - it's deep!!!

IT'S ALL GOOD
First up get connecting with the new Unified Theory MySpace page, couple of
forthcoming exclusives featured on there most notably future fusion killer Suicide
Of The Soul. Be sure to check the newly refurbed Basilika site for more musings
from London towns dirtiest DJ collective. Mc Ster & J.Quaid are in the studio working
on a definitive version of 2004's October Revolution highlight: 'Revolution Song'.
Rumour has it there might be some live shows later in the year to ...details when we get them.

A MIGHTY TRUTH
If you haven't checked the film 'An Inconvenient Truth' or are debating going,
please just go and then tell your firends to go. This is some seriously fundamental
shit and needs to be seen and acted upon now by as many people as possible. Link
to the films site here. Document for ways to reduce your carbon imprint at home and
work here.

DISCO JESUS VOLUME 02
Check Mixtapes for the second part of Disco Jesus' epic musical trilogy, touching
base with reggae, soul, disco, gospel, afro and latin.

DE LA DOCUMENTARY
Little short from back in the day with the De La boys plus guests like Big Daddy
Kane and KRS One.

DJAY
Nice little application for getting in the mix with your mp3's.

THE DEEP RANGE
Check Mixtapes for a set from Firemusic main man J.Quaid: Spiritual jazz, Afro,
Cosmic funk & some deep electronics sit next to some exclusive original material
from the man himself.

GLOBAL COOL - PLEASE READ !!!!!
This link is a PDF from the Carbon Trust with a list of ways to reduce your
carbon emissions on a domestic level - this needs to become public knowledge,
individual action can make a real difference. Download and distribute, post
on your own site or link directly to this. Either way lets spread the word.

DANGER DOOM EP
Free download of Danger Doom's 'Occult Hymn' EP including a cheeky little
Madlib mix. Not sure how long this one's gonna stay up so get in there fast.

STRICTLY VINYL
Ever wondered how vinyl's made? Find out here.

EARTHSHAKING
After weeks of anticipation Brubekks wiked 'Earthshaker' is finally released on
Gamm, buy your copy of this rocking party anthem here.

BIG LOVE TO THE PROCTOR FAMILY FOR THE BIRTH OF BABY KAITO!

FILTER CRANKING
Two more little gems from the You Tube site: first up Herbie getting seriously
into some filter cranking at the end of this live version of Chameleon from '74,
next is Man From Atlantis favourite Vangelis on a one man synth odyssey.

DISCO JESUS
Check Mixtapes for an exclusive set by London/New York resident Disco Jesus,
recorded on an analogue source for absolute authenticity.

NOT IN OUR NAME
For an alternative view on US warmongering check the excellent Guerilla
News Network site.

BASILIKA LIVE
Check Basilika for the first in a series of rocking live mixtapes.

CELESTIAL VIEWS
A must application for all you stargazers.

STONES THROW
Twisted little set featuring music from Madlib's 'Beat Konducta' LP, mixed by
J Rocc & featuring guest spots from MF Doom & Talib Kweli.

GET CONNECTING: FIREMUSIC ON MYSPACE

SUN RA CHICAGO '81
Another classic nugget from the You Tube site, this time footage of the mighty
Ra in action, a little insight for those of us who never got to check him live.

PARISIAN PODCASTS
Nice site with a good selection of mixtapes, well worth checking.

ARCHIVE UPDATE
Two classic mixtapes from heavyweights Jez Proctor & JakSoul are now available
for your listening pleasure in the Archive, enjoy!

DOLLAR DUB EXCLUSIVE
It was always going to be tough to come anywhere close to the offbeat heaviness
of Steve Spacek/J.Dilla's original 'Dollar', but check this deep little edit from
Mr Quaid as a respectable alternative.

AMEN TO THIS
The definitive history of a classic breakbeat.

THE DAWN CLUB
Preempting the imminent Archive post of music from early 90's collective
The Dawn Club (once known as the 'Kruder & Dorfmeister' of South London)
here's a little taster in the form of moody afterhours track 6am.

REST IN PEACE J.DILLA

FREERUNNING
Though it's not exactly our scene, it's hard to ignore Parkour's growing popularity
as an Urban 'sport', and our man J.Quaid has a tight instrumental on the soundtrack
to a new Parkour documentary, see you on the SouthBank!

ROCK IT
Lots of rarities on this site, but we're particularly feeling this one.

DAMN THOSE GLITCHES
PC users please bear with us while we sort out a few glitches, also apologies over
any slow download times experienced our server is now fully functional!

MUSIC IS A SPIRITUAL LANGUAGE
After a few busy months reshaping the site, Firemusic are pleased to be back
to the program of promoting & supporting quality independent music.

BRUBEKK
Props to Brubekk for the airplay of 'Earthshaker' on Xfm! There may also be
a cheeky 12" in the pipeline, we'll keep you posted. Check out more of his
music in the Artists section.

QUAIDvsSTER
As well as pursuing their own projects, Firemusic frontrunners Joseph Quaid
& MC Ster have been working on a new conceptual project (uh oh!), check the
tasty little snippet on Ster's page in the Artists section - more coming soon.

BASILIKA
JakSoul's Basilika nights keep on getting stronger with a growing roster of
DJs & venues around London town, check the site to find them playing at a
venue near you.
www.basilika.co.uk

SOUND SIGNATURE
No not brother Theo's record label, but a cheeky little application that
creates a minute long 'sound signature' of your musical personality, nice.
www.jasonfreeman.net/itsm/