- Erlend Oye's debut on the DJ KICKS series incorporates unreleased songs of his own and covers of some well known tracks, making for another classy addition.
The Norwegian born singer, songwriter and underground music poster boy breaths life into reworks, remixes and cover songs alike with this modern collection of cross over electronic pop music. Erlends best known for his vocal recordings with Royksopp and also being the other half of Kings Of Convenience.Taking up the challenge of compiling and mixing tracks for release under the DJ KICKS title only give praise to his production skills and vocal talent.
DJ KICKS was launched in "95" releasing mixes and DJ sets from industry standouts, providing a platform for a variety of styles and genres. Incorporating the likes of Carl Craig, Kruder & Dorfmeister, Nightmares On Wax and Stereo MC's, whom all appreciated the level of freedom being able to release their music under such an independent label as K7.
DJs often mix in a few bars of the next track, Erlend does the same thing by singing a verse of the next track, utilising his talents as a singing DJ. First such transition is from Cornelius - Drop to Phoenix - If I Ever Feel Better catchy as it is subtle with its plucky guitar, up beat rhythmic feel that delivers a classic track. Jolly Music - Radio Jolly breaks a plump dancefloor beat, cut up laser effects and a bass lick that kick the album off in a wonderfully distorted direction.
Taking to the microphone Erlend Oye covers of classics like venus - Bananarama and the Pet Shop Boys - Always on my Mind sung A Capella over instrumental versions of the tracks recognisable by the lyrics rather than the tune. His status as a versatile and individual vocal artist are reinforced with his latest release of his own tracks Intergalactic Autobahn, The Black Keys Work and A Place In My Heart that has seen him hard at it in the studio using dub beats, quirky keyboard stabs and other distorted effects. Silicone Soul's instrumental mix of Royksopp's hit - Poor Leno features Erlend's unmistakable voice, smooth and soft but in no way understated making for a great remix of a popular track.
With artist like The Rapture, Cornelius and Royksopp featuring Erlends vocal skill, its hard to go wrong with such an eclectic mix of talent, a worthy instalment to the formidable DJ KICKS series.
Tracklist01. Jurgen Paape - So Weit Wie Noch Nie
02a. Erlend Oye - Sheltered Life
02b. Erlend Oye - Fine Day (A Cappella)
03. Cornelius - Drop (Kings Of Convenience Remix)
04. Phoenix - If I Ever Feel Better
05a. Jollymusic - Radio Jolly
05b. Erlend Oye - Prego Amore (A Cappella)
06. Alan Braxe & Fred Falke - Rubicon
07. Avenue D - 2D2F
08. The Rapture - I Need Your Love
09a. Uusi Fantasia - Lattialla Taas
09b. Erlend Oye - Venus (A Cappella)
10a. Justus Kohncke - 2 After 909
10b. Erlend Oye - Intergalactic Autobahn (A Cappella)
11. Erlend Oye - The Black Keys Work (DJ-Kicks)
12. Jackmate - Airraid
13a. Royksopp - Poor Leno (Silicone Soul's Hypno House Dub)
13b. Erlend Oye - There Is A Light That Never Goes Out (A Cappella)
14a. Skatebard - Metal Chix
14b. Erlend Oye - Always On My Mind (A Cappella)
15. Villalobos - Dexter
16. Minizza - Winning A Battle, Losing The War
17a. Morgan Geist - Lullaby
17b. Erlend Oye - A Place In My Heart (A Cappella)