Detroit House 10 Items

He's as consistent as he is prolific so it's no surprise that Omar-S is back yet again with yet another EP well worth copping. This latest 12" direct from the Motor City features two different versions of the same tune and what a tune it is: first up is 'Can't Get' (vocal mix) which is signature stuff from Smith - dusty beats from an old analogue machine, slowly evolving synth leads that convey plenty of emotion and raw hi-hats. The mood is late night and sultry with a hint of menace and a gorgeous vocal hook is the icing on the cake. Flip it over and you'll get the Sub Mix with more stark synths and melodic edginess.

Detroit legend Omar S returns this week on his always different but always unmissable Fxhe label with the bouncy and neon-lit groove of 'Hard Times', which sees him collaborate once again with Megan Louise of Canadian outfit Desire (Italians Do It Better) on vocals. The original comes backed with a handy instrumental mix and a dreamy, plus an evocative rework by Idib chief Johnny Jewel over on the flip.

With How We Groove, Lello Di Franco (L.D.F.) and Brian Garrett (Javonntte) pair up for a prototypical Yore release, a high-quality affair that’s natural clubby yet also artful. Di Franco’s an Italian DJ and producer who’s based in Naples and whose career began in the early ’90s; Garrett, on the other hand, hails from Detroit and has been creating material for almost as long. Their respective output locates itself solidly in house and techno but extends into soul, funk, and jazz areas too. Said gravitations aren’t mere flirtations either; Garrett’s interest in jazz began in high school, and when he was fifteen or so the aspiring musician even had a month’s worth of lessons in the mid-’80s with-wait for it-Miles Davis (Garrett’s mom apparently had connections). Associations with Aretha Franklin, Blake Baxter, and others surface in his history-but that’s for another time. All three tracks qualify as dance productions but satisfy equally well on pure listening grounds. While a strong ’80s vibe initially oozes from “Believe” in the electronic drum fills that get it moving, the cut quickly settles into a light-speed groove that percolates with single-minded determination. The richly detailed arrangement shape-shifts rapidly: at one moment, syncopated piano chords give the track a classic house feel; at another synthesizer flourishes and bass pulses lend it a sleek, sci-fi quality as the material thrusts breathlessly forward. The less frenetic “From Day to Night” is earthier and funkier though no less artful. As a punchy bottom end establishes an infectious house vibe (with a bit of jazz swing also in the mix), see-sawing vocal elements and bubbly synthesizer touches elevate the track to a headier ‘listening’ realm.

Wowww. heavy compilation, puttogether by Delano Smith (Mixmode) and Rick Wilhite (Vibes New & Rare Music) featuring a fine selection on who's who in Detroit music - spread out over 3 vinyl discs !

4 tracks - no compromises! Omar S, Detroit - nuff said!

A classic double EP from one of Detroit´s finest, Omar S! Theo Parrish contributes on one track.

New one from Omar-S, featuring vocals from L'Renee. Three different mixes of a great tune- one naughty house track, one 80s influenced synth mix, and one mix that sounds like a sexy transmission from outer space! Tip!!

Repress of Norm Talley's 2011 Mixmode heater