Bela Lugosi’s Dead – Bauhaus (Original Mix)

I guess quite a few people might question this dark alternative throwback from the Eighties in the Mirrorball slot, but just try and remember that this came out at a time before HOUSE exploded into our lives.  And I fully remember them old alternative dancefloors being filled for the full nine and half minutes of this original mix.  Honest!

MC Sparky

Kittin is High – Miss Kittin (9/11 Remix by Black Labelle)

This fab remix may be too new to be called a classic but it sure gets my blood racing!  A potent remix of a truly great track from French Disco DJ Diva, Miss Kittin’s FULLY COOL electro album, “Calling from the Stars”.  Sensationally sexy synthesising sounds!  I don’t know much about Black Labelle but they describe themselves as “a couple of shy guys from Norway doing shady remixes you will like.”  Well, I LIKE!  So, let’s hear more!!

MC Sparky

Good Times – Chic (Original 1979 Extended Mix)

Another standard bearer in the evolution of change.  The disco claps, funky bass, succinct piano and seminal vocals of this song followed on from the success of earlier single “le Freak” and paved the way for mainstream acceptance of Hip-Hop and House.

MC Sparky

Bangarang – Skrillex ft Sirah

The clean pedalpoint funk guitar at the beginning of the track tricks the unsuspecting customer into some kind of imagined funky experience from yesteryear (think “Shaft”).  The addition of the vocal sample gets the head nodding and foot tapping like an early Eighties hip hop track, and then that DIRTY synth/sample SKREEMS into your ears and just pulls you back into the 21^st Century.  There are no SEVENTIES here!  Just BEAUTIFUL rhythmic noise!

MC Sparky

Maybe I just like the cat with the bass and drum.  Maybe it’s because the cat is so “cool and groovy” or maybe it’s just because my heart goes “Bom Bom Bom!”  Whatever the reason, and no matter whatever happens to this musical collective, there will always be part of the summer of 2012 that is theirs.

MC Sparky

Jump Around – House of Pain  (1992)

I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who didn’t like this song.  Come to think of it, I never asked.  There seems no need to ask such perfunctory questions when one witnesses the manic head-bobbing on display at any dance floor where this classic early nineties Irish American hip hop anthem hits the decks!

MC Sparky

Magnetic Man ft Ms Dynamite – Fire (live at Maida Vale)

A bit of Dubstep never did anyone any harm.  I like this because it is a rarity, recorded at BBC 1 Maida Vale.  Good crunchy sounds, real blippy electronica and the intoxicating voice of Ms Dynamite all contribute to its Zeitgeist.

MC Sparky

The sound of Spain bursts into the summer of 2011 with this quirky little number with a catchy hook that everyone loves to utter!  I was mesmerised by the relaxed vocal in this track when I first heard it.  The whole tune screams “summer holiday abroad” and the “What the fuck!” chorus encourages gay abandon on the dancefloor.

MC Sparky

Donna Summer – I Feel Love Original Extended Dance Mix)

Who can deny this song its rightful place in the legendary halls of classic dance hits?  There have been so many remixes and versions of this song that there should be a version to suit everybody with two feet, or at least a pumping heart.  I have chosen the original Extended Dance version, as I feel there is no real need to try and outdo the hypnotic bassy rhythms of Mr Moroder and his triumphant diva at their prime.

RIP Donna Summer

MC Sparky

Gorillaz – Dare (DFA Remix)

Electronica meets Britpop meets Manchester mixed by producers of LCD Soundsystem, using original vocals of Albarn and Rhyder.  What’s NOT to like?

This pared back and extended version of the classic song may sound a bit dirty but its production is clean as a toe tapper could wish for and the funky bass line will keep smiling heads nodding in any gathering.

MC Sparky