Countdown To Leo Zero

UK DJ/blogger/tune-editor Leo Zero has been quietly posting edits and remixes online for some time now. He seems willing to tackle any genre or any artist - from Freddie Mercury and Bryan Ferry to Massive Attack and Nas (even Empire Of The Sun). As a promoter he's drawn in the likes of Andrew Weatherall, Bow Wow Wow's David Barborosi and Rusty Egan to play his parties - honouring his wonky dance roots while placing them in a modern context, not just going for a retro bandwagon jump. Zero's own past has involved Chicane (who also spun off A Mountain Of One) and being championed by Idjut Boys and Harvey. In 2004 he caused a buzz with his rework of Lou Reed's 'Satellite Of Love' and last year remixed Zarrylade ('Eyes Above Your Head' was one of last year's slow growers). Now he is dazzling with a northern soul inspired remix of 'No Tears To Cry', lifted from one of the albums of the year, Wake Up The Nation by the man with the best hair in music Paul Weller. He's also putting his artful touch to newer indie music like 'Skin Orders' by LA rockers Historics. He's creating post-Balearic bagginess.

Historics 'Skin Orders' ( Leo Zero Remix) by Leo Zero

Paul Weller - 'No Tears To Cry (Leo Zero Remix)'

Death Of A Disco Dancer – Malcolm McLaren R.I.P.

Malcolm McLaren died 8 April at age 64. The Guardian's obituary put it best, describing him as "a musical provocateur". The infamous Brit encouraged and made music that didn't just provoke a response, it demanded a response. Although best know for his punk shenanigans (the street fashion store he had with Vivienne Westwood, taking on the monarchy with Sex Pistols, briefly managing New York Dolls), McLaren always had an interest in dance music. The first sign was 'Black Arabs', the ironic disco medley of Sex Pistols songs on The Great Rock 'N' Roll Swindle soundtrack - it was 'Pistols On 45'. Always an early adapter, at the start of the '80s he stole Adam Ant's band to bring the Burundi drum rhythm to the new wave sound of Bow Wow Wow, a pirate-meets-cassette explosion of post-punk club music. Then in '83 came McLaren's first real solo musical project Duck Rock, a mesh of African music and hip hop (working with pop producer Trevor Horn and electropop pioneer Thomas Dolby), which featured global hit 'Buffalo Gals'. In '84, he followed with the electronica opera album Fans, which featured another global hit in 'Madame Butterfly'. In '89 McLaren mixed classical music with house for Waltz Darling - collaborating with Bootsy Collins and early UK house advocates Mark Moore and William Orbit - including another global hit 'Deep In Vogue'. He continued to make music but never again reached the apogee of this late '80s dance triptych.

'Black Arabs' - Black Arabs:

'C30 C60 C90 Go (Live)' - Bow Wow Wow:



'Something's Jumpin' In Your Shirt' - Malcolm McLaren & The Bootzilla Orchestra: