My latest Beatique mix is now live. To listen to the hour-long episode, either tune in on Mixcloud or via the embed here. Here’s the full track list for you.
Optometry “Television Screen”
L.A.-based duo Optometry is vocalist/guitarist March Adstrum and electronic music producer John Tejada. “Television Screen,” which came out last week is the lead single from their forthcoming EP In-Visible-Distance. Catch Optometry live on July 28, when they open for Plaid at the Lodge Room in Highland Park.
Royksopp “Speed King”
My favorite track from Profound Mysteries III, which Royksopp released late last year, “Speed King” is a slow burn, synthwave epic that clocks in at over nine-and-a-half minutes. I didn’t play the full track in the mix, so if you want to hear that, go to Royksopp’s site.
Alison Goldfrapp “Gatto Gelato”
Last month, Alison Goldfrapp released her first solo album, The Love Invention, and it’s packed with heat. Goldfrapp co-produced the album, much of it in collaboration with Richard X, which might explain the heavy ‘00s vibes, especially here on “Gatto Gelato.”
Roosevelt “Ordinary Love”
Roosevelt was staying in L.A. neighborhood Elysian Heights when he wrote “Ordinary Love” last summer. The single came out last month and it’s also the German synthpop artist’s debut release with Counter Records/Ninja Tune. Catch him this fall, when Roosevelt’s tour lands at The Observatory in Santa Ana on September 21 and The Novo downtown on September 28.
XL Middleton & Moniquea “Fade Away”
When they toured Europe last spring, L.A.-based modern funk artists XL Middleton and Monique released their collab track “Fade Away” as a limited edition flexi disc. Check Bandcamp to see if any are still available. The tune is also available digitally. Be sure to catch Moniquea on the decks when she is the guest DJ at Disco Matinee, my new party collaboration with Jus’ B, at Grand Star Jazz Club in Chinatown on July 2.
lovetempo ‘Turnaround (Nick Catchdubs Remix)’
My big show regret from this year, so far, was missing 79.5 and lovetempo when they played at The Paramount last month, as both have been in my rotation at home and in my disco sets for a minute. lovetempo is the latest project from Mattie Safer (The Rapture, Poolside) and, on this Nick Catchdubs remix of “Turnaround,” the early ‘80s New York sound is strong, think Loose Joints, Arthur Baker and John Robie.
Jake Shears feat. Kylie Minogue “Voices”
I was really tempted to work “Padam Padam” into this mix, but, in the end, I figured it was too obvious for right now. Plus, Kylie’s very Bee-Gees approach to backing vocals on “Voices” is my favorite thing about my favorite cut off of Jake Shears latest album, Last Man Dancing. It takes me back to when I fell head-over-heels for Scissor Sisters.
Decisive Pink “Haffmilch Holiday”
I’m frequently complaining about the absolutely dismal state of music media right now, but one of the few publications that’s still around is Paste and their new music roundups are excellent. That’s where I came across Decisive Pink’s new album, Ticket to Fame. I bought the album immediately after reading about it and was hooked from the start. Get it for yourself too.
Jane Wiedlin “Song of the Factory”
In 1988, Jane Wiedlin released her second solo album, Fur, which is where you’ll find “Song of the Factory.” It sounds nothing like the rest of the album, or really like anything from the end of the ‘80s. It’s dreampop-meets-hiNRG, which, if you ask me, is a winning combination that people don’t try often enough.
Pale Blue “No Words (DJ Tennis Remix)”
Speaking of dreamy dance music, Pale Blue has a new album, Maria, out now on Crosstown Rebels. “No Words” is the second single from the album and this remix from DJ Tennis is my favorite take on the track.
Duran Duran “Give It All Up (feat. Tove Lo) [Erol Alkan’s Extended Rework]”
It amazes me how Duran Duran has been making consistently solid albums for so long. “Give It All Up,” which features guest vocals from Tove Lo on vocals (and Graham Coxon on guitar) is from the band’s 2021 album, Future Past. This extended rework from Erol Alkan, who also co-produced and co-wrote the original track, is just gorgeous.
Moenia “Soy Lo Peor (Extended Remix 2023 Manuel Rios)”
I came across this Moenia remix recently while digging around online and instantly fell for it. So, you’ll probably be hearing it a lot in my sets this summer.
Los Prisioneros “Estar Solo”
Don’t know what to say other than that I’ve been on a Los Prisioneros kick lately. Pateando Piedras, the band’s second album, has getting a lot of play at home, so much play that I had trouble deciding which song I wanted to add to this mix.
Background music: Rheingold “Augenblick”
Not long ago, I went to a screening of the 1982 German horror film, Der Fan and it stuck with me for a good while after the movie finished. The music in the film, from the band Rheingold, is amazing. (Bodo Staiger of Rheingold stars in the film as well.)
Check out Los Angeles-based DJ Liz O. at one of her upcoming gigs.