By Lindzrox
The very first DJ-Kicks record I heard was from Bristol-boy Daddy G of Massive Attack fame. I was record shopping with my friend Jess when we started tapping our feet and bopping our heads to the rarity beats and soulful treats we were hearing in the store. It was a mix like we had never heard before, and on this particular track “Rock Steady” (Danny Krivit edit) where we heard the Queen of Soul herself Aretha Franklin. We had practically turned the store aisle into a dance floor and immediately hunted down a sales person and frantically inquired “What the F**K is this? After that, I was hooked on DJ-Kicks.
Where do these magical mixes come from you ask? Well, !K7 Records, an independent record label based out of Berlin best known for producing electronic music artists started pumping out these innovative compilations back in 1995, almost 15 years ago where complete DJ mixes to play on your home stereo were practically unheard of at the time. Crazy!
Soon afterwards, the concept expanded even further and included not only DJs, but producers (like Terranova), remixers (like Kruder & Dorfmeister), bands (like Hot Chip) and musicians (like Nicolette).
The latest Dj-Kicks is from Chromeo, our beloved disco dudes from Montreal and from what I’ve heard so far, will not disappoint. A DJ-Kicks record with a twist of electro-infused funk, disco and R&B that will leave you swoonin’ and groovin.’
Staying true to the DJ-Kicks standard, the lovable pair with “hipster cred” have selected an array of hard-to-find edits and original remixes including a majestic version of The Eagles hit “I can’t tell you why.”
Here are my top five DJ-Kicks compilations (not in any order, that would be like asking if you have a favourite child)
1. Daddy G
2. Hot Chip
3. Nightmares on Wax
4. Tiga
5. Kruder & Dorfmeister
Chromeo might make the list, but it is still too new and fresh. One thing is for sure, DJ-Kicks are the best compilations out there. Whether you are cleaning your house, road tripping, house partying or just hanging, for me, they will always be the mix to throw on.
For more info on DJ-KICKS go here:
To check out the new DJ-KICKS from Chromeo go to the microsite: