MI-5 Countdown - Friday 31 July 2015

20 - SAFIA - Embracing Me
19 -  The Rubens - Hoops
18 - Hermitude - The Buzz {Feat. Mataya & Young Tapz}
17 - David Zowie - House Every Weekend
16 - Bring Me the Horizon - Throne
15 - The Weeknd - The Hills
14 - Mark Ronson - Uptown Funk {Feat. Bruno Mars}
13 - Pharrell Williams - Freedom
12 - Major Lazer - Lean On {Feat. MO & DJ Snake}
11 - Rufus - You Were Right
10 - Peking Duk - Say My Name {Feat. Benjamin Joseph}
9 - Ed Sheeran - Photograph
8 - Avicii - Waiting for Love
7 - Years & Years - Shine
6 - Disclosure - Omen {Feat. Sam Smith}
5 - DJ Snake & AlunaGeorge - You Know You Like It
4 - Major Lazer - Powerful {Feat. Ellie Goulding & Tarrus Riley}
3 - Vance Joy - Fire & the Flood
2 - Calvin Harris & Disciples - How Deep is Your Love
1 - The Weeknd - I Can't Feel My Face

Thursday Feature Album

Splendour Moved to Sydney w/ Mark Ronson on Tuesday Night

Splendour in the Grass 2015 is over, it came, it conquered, it was one of the rare music festivals that sold out and brought some great international acts to our shore and threw some local acts live o stage to a massive audience.

So it was my pleasure on Tuesday night to catch Mark Ronson and his supports to Sydne
First up I took in the majority of young and lively Tkay Maidza, what a STAR. She had so much energy, she played all her hits, M.O.B, Switch Lanes and Brontosaurus. I was so in love with you Tkay, such a big and bright big smile!

Then was some Yolanda Be Cool on the DJ set with some choice cuts thrown in and then old mates Pond got up and had a stoner jam fest.

Then it was time for the major event, yes one of the biggest recording artists of 2014/2015, Mr Mark Ronson. His latest album Uptown Special (his 4th) is one of this very BLOG's album of the year nominated records. It is damn hot and features one of the biggest hits of the last 9 or so months Uptown Funk.

So after all the hype a packed out Hordern was pumped up for Mr Ronson and a whole stack of guests. Kevin Parker, Andrew Wyatt (Miike Snow), Daniel Merriweather, Theophilus London & more all joined Mark on stage for one killer set.

Some of my highlights (and there were a couple of lowlights unfortunately) were Daniel Merriweather tearing up Stop Me, The beautiful tribute to Amy Winehouse and the Zutons cover Valerie. Hearing all the Hordern Pav singing along to that killer track with Mark's band and Amy's vocals just beautiful.

Then there was Theophilus London doing his amazing solo track Tribe and old tracks like Ohh Wee and Bang Bang Bang were ace. Unfortunately the Bike Song wasn't super and the constant changing of guests made it feel like a Kylie concert with constant and annoying costume changes.

It's hard seeing a producer live, however I feel like when I saw Mark Ronson live last time it was smoother and felt less over the top. I guess that is what happens when you have a monster record on your hands.

The crowd loved bopping out to Uptown Funk and I did enjoy myself however I was sad one of the ultimate songs from the album In Case of Fire was left off the set list. I did enjoy I Can't Lose more live than on the record. Also Keyone Starr was a star. She also added the vocals to a random remix of the recent Duke Dumont hit The Giver.

All and all, great concert and so happy Splendour brought out some many amazing acts this year, thanks Splendour and thanks to all the great artists and finally, Azealia I hear you, Australian crowds can be fucked. No this is not unpatriotic this is a statement of truth, sometimes the truth hurts but we need to be able to attend social events and not get pissed as mutes right....

Album of the Week - THE RUBENS {Hoops}

Pre Mark Ronson Countdown - Monday 27 July 2015

20 - Hermitude - The Buzz {Feat. Mataya & Young Tapz}
19 -  Birds of Tokyo - Anchor
18 - SAFIA - Embracing Me
17 - David Zowie - House Every Weekend
16 - The Weeknd - The Hills
15 - Major Lazer - Lean On {Feat. MO & DJ Snake}
14 - Bring Me the Horizon - Throne
13 - Rufus - You Were Right
12 - Peking Duk - Say My Name {Feat. Benjamin Joseph}
11 - Mark Ronson - Uptown Funk {Feat. Bruno Mars}
10 - Pharrell Williams - Freedom
9 - Ed Sheeran - Photograph
8 - Years & Years - Shine
7 - Jarryd James - Do You Remember
6 - Avicii - Waiting for Love
5 - Vance Joy - Fire & the Flood
4 - DJ Snake & AlunaGeorge - You Know You Like It
3 - Major Lazer - Powerful {Feat. Ellie Goulding & Tarrus Riley}
2 - Calvin Harris & Disciples - How Deep is Your Love
1 - The Weeknd - I Can't Feel My Face

Splendour Sunday Spotlight: MS MR

Joining the amazing Azealia Banks out of NYC and from this years Splendour line up it's time to check in with the amazing MS MR who on Friday released their second album How Does it Feel on Friday.

Let's take a listen (and look) at some of the stand out tracks from MS MR...

Splendour Saturday - Azealia Banks @ the Metro Theatre

Sydney you have a gem of a venue in the Metro Theatre. It is FUCKING rad, I have seen the likes of Spiderbait, Roisin Murphy, Veruca Salt (Louise Post era), The Superjesus and now the almighty Azealia Banks at this awesome venue.

Now a lot has been said about Ms Banks in the past and really see is FAB. I was so happy one of my favourite acts of the past few years lived up to (and exceeded) my expectations.

She whizzed though all my favourites from 1991 EP and the brilliantly titled Broke with Expensive Taste record. Desperdo, Liquorice, 1991, Ice Princess, Luxury, Yung Rapunxel, Miss Amor & of course the set closer 212.

No encore just a MASSIVE finish with 212 going nuts. I would have loved to have seen Chasing Time live but whatever. Oh well the whole set including two amazing back up dancers was FIERCE!

Azealia Banks (Finally) Countdown - Friday 24 July 2015

20 - Birds of Tokyo - Anchor
19 -  Hermitude - The Buzz {Feat. Mataya & Young Tapz}
18 - CHVRCHES - Leave a Trace
17 - Bring Me the Horizon - Happy Song
16 - Eminem - Kings Never Die {Feat. Gwen Stefani}
15 - Major Lazer - Lean On {Feat. MO & DJ Snake}
14 - The Weeknd - The Hills
13 - Rufus - You Were Right
12 - Mark Ronson - Uptown Funk {Feat. Bruno Mars}
11 - Pharrell Williams - Freedom
10 - Bring Me the Horizon - Throne
9 - Vance Joy - Fire & the Flood
8 - Peking Duk - Say My Name {Feat. Benjamin Joseph}
7 - Ed Sheeran - Photograph
6 - Years & Years - Shine
5 - Avicii - Waiting for Love
4 - DJ Snake & AlunaGeorge - You Know You Like It
3 - Major Lazer - Powerful {Feat. Ellie Goulding & Tarrus Riley}
2 - Calvin Harris & Disciples - How Deep is Your Love
1 - The Weeknd - I Can't Feel My Face

Thursday Feature Album

Mid Week Feature Album

Album of the Week - THE CHEMICAL BROTHERS {Born in the Echoes}

Mid Way Winter Countdown - Monday 20 July 2015

20 - SAFIA - Embracing Me
19 - Bring Me the Horizon - Happy Song
18 - Hermitude - The Buzz {Feat. Mataya & Young Tapz}
17 - Birds of Tokyo - Anchor
16 - Eminem - Kings Never Die {Feat. Gwen Stefani}
15 - CHVRCHES - Leave a Trace
14 - Jarryd James - Do You Remember 
13 - The Weeknd - The Hills
12 - Rufus - You Were Right
11 - Peking Duk - Say My Name {Feat. Benjamin Joseph}
10 - Mark Ronson - Uptown Funk {Feat. Bruno Mars}
9 - Pharrell Williams - Freedom
8 - Major Lazer - Lean On {Feat. MO & DJ Snake}
7 - Years & Years - Shine
6 - Ed Sheeran - Photograph
5 - Avicii - Waiting for Love
4 - DJ Snake & AlunaGeorge - You Know You Like It
3 - Major Lazer - Powerful {Feat. Ellie Goulding & Tarrus Riley}
2 - Calvin Harris & Disciples - How Deep is Your Love
1 - The Weeknd - I Can't Feel My Face

Sunday Spotlight: Josh Pyke

Local Singer Songwriter Mr Josh Pyke is about to release his 5th album and to celebrate this Sunday it's time to shine the spotlight on Josh Pyke. Let's take a look at the last few years and the indie gem that is Josh Pyke...

Birthdays Can be Cruel Countdown - Friday 17 July 2015

20 - A$AP Rocky - Everyday {Feat. Rod Stewart, Miguel & Mark Ronson}
19 - Rudimental - Rumour Mill {Feat. Will Heard & Anne-Marie}
18 - SAFIA - Embracing Me
17 - Eminem - Kings Never Die {Feat. Gwen Stefani}
16 - Birds of Tokyo - Anchor15 - Hermitude - The Buzz {Feat. Mataya & Young Tapz}
14 - Years & Years - Shine
13 - Jarryd James - Do You Remember 
12 - Mark Ronson - Uptown Funk {Feat. Bruno Mars}
11 - Pharrell Williams - Freedom
10 - Bring Me the Horizon - Happy Song
9 - Major Lazer - Lean On {Feat. MO & DJ Snake}
8 - Rufus - You Were Right
7 - Peking Duk - Say My Name {Feat. Benjamin Joseph}
6 - Ed Sheeran - Photograph
5 - Calvin Harris & Disciples - How Deep is Your Love
4 - Avicii - Waiting for Love
3 - DJ Snake & AlunaGeorge - You Know You Like It
2 - Major Lazer - Powerful {Feat. Ellie Goulding & Tarrus Riley}
1 - The Weeknd - I Can't Feel My Face

Thursday Feature Album

Mid Week Feature Album

Album of the Week - TAME IMPALA {Currents}

Arctic Vortex Countdown - Monday 13 July 2015

20 - SAFIA - Embracing Me

19 - Florence & The Machine - Ship to Wreck

18 - Tkay Maidza - M.O.B

17 - Jarryd James - Do You Remember 

16 - Years & Years - King

15 – Rudimental – Rumour Mill {Feat. Anne-Marie & Will Heard}

14 - Pharrell Williams - Freedom

13 - Hermitude - The Buzz {Feat. Mataya & Young Tapz}

12 - Years & Years - Shine

11 - Birds of Tokyo - Anchor

10 - The Weeknd - The Hills

9 – Mark Ronson - Uptown Funk {Feat. Bruno Mars}

8 -  Rufus - You Were Right

7 - Major Lazer - Lean On {Feat. MO & DJ Snake}

6 – Peking Duk - Say My Name {Feat. Benjamin Joseph}

5 -  Avicii - Waiting for Love

4 – Ed Sheeran - Photograph

3 -  DJ Snake & AlunaGeorge - You Know You Like It

2 – Major Lazer - Powerful {Feat. Ellie Goulding & Tarrus Riley}

1 - The Weeknd - I Can't Feel My Face

Sunday Spotlight: Veruca Salt

It's 90's time, Veruca Salt are bringing it today and they also have a new album on the way, I'm excited, are you??? Ghost Notes is their first record since 1996 with Louise and Nina together again, how excitement. I saw this band live a few years back at the Metro Theatre in Sydney (less Nina) and these girls know how to rock.

I will always have a soft spot for Veruca Salt whenever Seether or Volcano Girls hits the J's I crank it to 11, so it's your turn now.

HELLO! New Dance Entries Countdown - Friday 10 July 2015

20 - Flume - Some Minds {Feat. Andrew Wyatt}
19 - Years & Years - King
18 - Tkay Maidza - M.O.B
17 - Jarryd James - Do You Remember 
16 - Yogi & Skrillex - Burial {Feat. Pusha T, Moody Good & TrollPhace}
15 - SAFIA - Embracing Me
14 - Pharrell Williams - Freedom
13 - Hermitude - The Buzz {Feat. Mataya & Young Tapz}
12 - The Weeknd - The Hills
11 - Years & Years - Shine
10 - Mark Ronson - Uptown Funk {Feat. Bruno Mars}
9 - Birds of Tokyo - Anchor
8 - Peking Duk - Say My Name {Feat. Benjamin Joseph}
7 - Major Lazer - Lean On {Feat. MO & DJ Snake}
6 - Rufus - You Were Right
5 - Ed Sheeran - Photograph
4 - Avicii - Waiting for Love
3 - Major Lazer - Powerful {Feat. Ellie Goulding & Tarrus Riley}
2 - DJ Snake & AlunaGeorge - You Know You Like It
1 - The Weeknd - I Can't Feel My Face

Thursday Feature Album

Hump Day Feature Album

Mid Week Feature Album

Naidoc Week Countdown - Monday 6 July 2015

20 - Golden Features - No One {Feat. Thelma Plum}
19 - Florence & The Machine - Ship to Wreck
18 - Years & Years - King
17 - Flume - Some Minds {Feat. Andrew Wyatt}
16 - Collarbones - Turning {Flume Remix}
15 - The Weeknd - The Hills
14 - Tkay Maidza - M.O.B
13 - Jarryd James - Do You Remember 
12 - Pharrell Williams - Freedom
11 - Hermitude - The Buzz {Feat. Mataya & Young Tapz}
10 - Years & Years - Shine
9 - Birds of Tokyo - Anchor
8 - Mark Ronson - Uptown Funk {Feat. Bruno Mars}
7 - Major Lazer - Lean On {Feat. MO & DJ Snake}
6 - Rufus - You Were Right
5 - Ed Sheeran - Photograph
4 - DJ Snake & AlunaGeorge - You Know You Like It
3 - Avicii - Waiting for Love
2 - Major Lazer - Powerful {Feat. Ellie Goulding & Tarrus Riley}
1 - The Weeknd - I Can't Feel My Face

Album of the Week - TUKA {Life Death Time Eternal}

Feature Album Conclusion, What's On Next Week

It's been one hell of a week dancing I have had a blast, I hope you have and we have enjoyed a whole stack of great dance music from here and abroad. The latest Ministry of Sound compilation features so many quality artists, from Sia being remixed to dance and chart legends like David Guetta and Avicii, newcomers and locals like What So Not, Alison Wonderland, Carmada and champions of dance like Flight Facilities.

This has been one solid feature record and I have loved bringing it to you all this week. Next week we have a very local (for Sydney siders) album to dig our teeth and bend our ears to and we will also celebrate Naidoc Week and the great contribution of indigenous artists.

It's going to be another BIG week and I am sure I will get some help from my film, social commentary and at times aid to this BLOG to get into as much of the week's activities as possible.

Dance week has been great, but it's a new week and we make the 1/3 of Winter mark, meaning Spring is coming soon as is some Spring Music Lists. Stay tuned they are coming soon.

For now the final cut from our Feature Album, Sessions Twelve, out now on iTunes, in stores and everywhere you buy/consume music now in 2015....

Weekend Feature Album x Mini Mix

And to really start your Saturday night, get this mini mix into ya!

2 MORE days to Dance Countdown - Friday 3 July 2015

20 - Hermitude - Searchlight {Feat. Yeo}
19 - Golden Features - No One {Feat. Thelma Plum}
18 - Years & Years - King
17 - Kendrick Lamar - King Kunta
16 - Flume - Some Minds {Feat. Andrew Wyatt}
15 - Collarbones - Turning {Flume Remix}
14 - Jarryd James - Do You Remember 
13 - Years & Years - Shine
12 - Tkay Maidza - M.O.B
11 - Pharrell Williams - Freedom
10 - Mark Ronson - Uptown Funk {Feat. Bruno Mars}
9 - Birds of Tokyo - Anchor
8 - Major Lazer - Lean On {Feat. MO & DJ Snake}
7 - Hermitude - The Buzz {Feat. Mataya & Young Tapz}
6 - Rufus - You Were Right
5 - Ed Sheeran - Photograph
4 - Avicii - Waiting for Love
3 - Major Lazer - Powerful {Feat. Ellie Goulding & Tarrus Riley}
2 - DJ Snake & AlunaGeorge - You Know You Like It
1 - The Weeknd - I Can't Feel My Face

Friday Feature Album

Thursday Feature Album

Don't forget for more DANCE head over here.....

Mid Week Feature Album

Along with this great Yolanda Be Cool/DCUP cut from this week's feature CD yesterday I went retro with Missy Elliot and Monday news broke about Stereosonic, the line up with be on my birthday (shameless plug) Wed 15 Jul and it will revert back to a one day event.

The full line up and some choice cuts will be posted here in coming weeks, with the festival set to play Nov/Dec 2015 and five major capital cities who will be featured? There will be fresh albums from Disclosure, Rudimental and many sudden drop albums by then so I am praying for Disclosure.

Stereosonic joins Listen Out Festival in the list of upcoming Summer Festivals. Unfortunately the list will be a lot smaller than previous years however we do kick off the Festival season early this month with Splendour in the Grass. Stay tuned for some side show reviews live and direct from Sydney.

Back to the dance and keep your eyes peeled across both blogs for regular posts and a week exploring all things dance. I am loving it sick and hope y'all are too.