5 Tricky Picks: 4th Jan '08

Ahead of our best before: bash with Chris Duckenfield this weekend, I thought I'd offer up 5 Tricky Picks for the week ahead…

1. Zero dB: Te Queiro [Peter Kruder Remix] (Ninja Tune CD-R)
Forthcoming on the 'Heavyweight Gringos' remix album, this sees the ever-reliable Peter Kruder rework Zero dB's Latin stomper. Instead of taking the obvious route, PK has turned in an epic, stripped-down house rework that revolves around a big squidgy synth bassline, 'What Time Is Love' style bleeps and even the odd bit of acid tweakery. An excellent DJ tool.

2. Goldfrapp: A&E [Hercules & Love Affair Remix] (Mute CD-R)
Yes, the Hercules & Love Affair, erm, love affair continues. Here they manage to turn a particularly ropey Goldfrapp song into a midtempo house banger full of chiming bells, retro bass pulses and afro-chanting. On paper it shouldn't work, but it's ace.

3. 40 Thieves: Freak With Me (In The Mix) (Rong Music, 12")
One of two edits from 40 Thieves on the latest "promo only" (i.e semi hush hush) 'Rong Allstars' 12, 'Freak With Me' is classic late night house with a decidedly hypnotic twist. One to throw in the mix at 4am.

4. Mock & Toof: Big Hands For A Lady/Woof (M&T Inc, white label 12")
Perennial blog faves Mock & Toof launch their new label with a pair of epic, dancefloor-centric groovers. Choose from the dub disco vibes of 'Big Hands For A Lady' and the deep house Dj tool 'Woof', which has ace bongos and even better keys. Not their best IMHO, but still worth heavy rotations.

5. Atjazz feat Mr J: Together (Mantis Recordings, CD-R)
Martin Iveson's new album 'Full Circle' is great - one of those rare dance albums you can listen to time and time again. As you'd expect, there's deep and soulful liquid house fare aplenty, most of which has heaps of dancefloor potential. 'Together', featuring Phuturistix man Mr J, is one of the highlights; an end of night soul anthem that comes with a wonderful singalong chorus. Get those hands in the air!

Enjoy the weekend… we'll see you on the other side!