TIME TO SAY GOODBYE

This is probably going to be a rambling post so bear with me.

Today is Funky Frolic's 2nd anniversary. It has been an incredible journey filled with many ups and downs but the time has come for me to say farewell and move on. It's not a decision I've made lightly but many of the things that have happened this year have sucked the fun out blogging. The file sharing issues and subsequent flood of re-requests took away the time and desire I had to create new content and I just couldn't muster the dedication that this place requires.

There are so many people I'd like to thank - from my fellow bloggers to all the wonderful people who left comments that would bring a smile to my face, friends and strangers alike. I've been lucky to have a group of supporters who helped make Funky Frolic what it is and it's been a joy to be part of a community of like-minded music lovers. Thank you all so much.

I feel like I've achieved everything I wanted here. The aim was always to celebrate the music I enjoy and bring it to the widest audience possible. I think that over the course of the last two years I've played my part in fostering the appreciation of certain genres amongst people. Around 7 or 8 terabytes of music have been downloaded through Funky Frolic and it's a thrill to know people have listened to albums I've recommended or mixes that I've created. I couldn't have imagined something I created would receive a million pageviews on the internet, let alone almost two million. It's been a wild ride and one I'll never forget.

I will leave the site up in case I have a change of heart and can't stay away or if I have a new project you might be interested in. I'll lock the comments function in a couple of weeks. You can contact me through my Blogger profile if you wish but please refrain from making music requests. I apologise to those who have outstanding re-up requests, I hope you are able to find what you're looking for somewhere else.

Well, I guess that's it. I've had a lot of fun and I hope you have too. As always, stay funky.

Mr.Craig.

EVEN MORE LIBRARY MUSIC MIXES

I've come across a few more library music inspired mixes since my last post on the subject. First up we have LavLab from the Hostile Sloth Records blog who have produced three themed mixes in a series titled "Shhhh!....It's Library Music". There is the "Funk Edition", the "Lounge Edition" and the "Rockin' Edition". Of course I was immediately drawn towards the Funk Edition and am listening to it as I type this. It's a quality selection which dips into a number of different libraries but the bulk of the tracks appear to be sourced from KPM's and DeWolfe's. I would describe the general mood as being a bit more "groovy" rather than "funky" with lots of uptempo jazzy numbers featured but there's also a raft of fantastic drum beats and breaks scattered throughout ( including the ubiquitous "Hard Hitter" by Keith Papworth" ).

I haven't downloaded the other two mixes yet but I presume they would be of a similar high quality. There's no track listing included and as some of you might already know I'm hopeless at ID'ing tracks, so it might be worth leaving LavLab a message if you're keen to know all the titles.

The next mix comes from DJ Hudson, it's a live set recorded last year and is described as being "midtempo, beaty, relaxed". Almost all the tracks featured have appeared on albums posted at Funky Frolic at one time or another but here they are given more of a hip hop style treatment. It's a bit rough around the edges, sometimes the tracks lurch into one another rather than flowing naturally but the selection is top notch and I'm sure with a bit of refinement it would have been a home run. All the same it's still well worth a listen, you can download the mix here and the track listing can be found below. Enjoy.

Giant’s Causeway – Johnny Pearson
Accadde A Bali – Ararwak
Hula Rock – Lew Howard & The All-Sters
Name Of The Game – Brian Bennett
Lightly Salted – Barry Ungar
Safari Park [Edit] – Stringtronics
Long Wait (from Hawaii 5-0) – Morton Stevens & His Orchestra
Discovery – Brian Bennett
Girl At The Top B – Alan Hawkshaw & Alan Parker
High Diver – Alan Hawkshaw
Bio Rhythm No.3 – Thomas Clausen
Ne Parlons Pas De Rien – Godchild
Mile High Swinger – Alan Hawkshaw
At Risk – David Lindup
The Heavies – James Clarke
That’s What Friends Are For (instrumental) – Alan Parker
Mixed Drums – Andy Loore
Scrabble – Rene Costy

SKEEWIFF - SKEEWIFF VS KPM



Listen/Download here

Track 1 - Wild Waters (Keith Mansfield)
Track 2 - Brass, Beats And Bongos (Syd Dale)
Track 3 - Skydive (Keith Mansfield)
Track 4 - Crazy, Crazy (Keith Mansfield)
Track 5 - Daft As A Brush (George French)
Track 6 - Ballroom Beat Bonanza (David Lindup)
Track 7 - The Rat Race (Hawkshaw/Mansfield)
Track 8 - Effortless Elegance (Keith Mansfield)
Track 9 - ASBO (Keith Mansfield)
Track 10 - Shopping On Acid (Laurie Johnson)
Track 11 - Bossa Del Flamingo (Syd Dale)
Track 12 - Fly Funk (Parker/Bell)
Track 13 - The Hawk Shuffle (Alan Hawkshaw)
Track 14 - Boogie Man Beats (Kenny Graham)
Track 15 - Broken Blues (Keith Nichols)
Track 16 - It's Rhythm...And All That Swing! (Alan Moorhouse)
Track 17 - Jitter Boogie (Goodwin/Walter)
Track 18 - Jazz Hands, White Gloves (Dick Walter)
Track 19 - Trad Rags (Keith Nichols)
Track 20 - The Tap Tastic Toe Twizzler (Sam Fonteyn)

Here is another example of a modern day group attempting to breathe new life into 60's and 70's library music while adding their own particular sound. I know a lot of the purists will turn their noses up at such a concept but I think anything that broadens the public's knowledge of these wonderful but often overlooked composers can't be such a bad thing. For those unfamiliar with Skeewiff's work they fall somewhere between spy jazz and Fat Boy Slim with heavy beats combined with funky elements ( in this instance care of the KPM library ).

These kind of projects are always going to be hit and miss but for the most part they've done a pretty good job and I found myself enjoying it more than anticipated. You can click on the link above to listen to the tracks and download them individually ( click on the downward pointing arrows on the righthand side of the page ) or alternatively you can download the first ten tracks here. As always, enjoy!

KENOSOBI & RANMECCA - FELA BEAT TAPE

Download here

Track 1 - Tune Intro
Track 2 - Lady
Track 3 - Frofight
Track 4 - Dilla
Track 5 - Amen
Track 6 - Beastmode
Track 7 - H2O No Enemy
Track 8 - Mos Def
Track 9 - ITT Thief Flip
Track 10 - Odoo

Do you like Fela Kuti? How about hip hop? If you answered yes to both then this is for you.

THE WHITEFIELD BROTHERS - EARTHOLOGY

 

Download here

Track 1 - Joyful Exaltation

Track 2 - Safari Strut

Track 3 - Reverse

Track 4 - Taisho

Track 5 - Sad Nile

Track 6 - The Gift

Track 7 - Ntu

Track 8 - Pamukkale

Track 9 - Alin

Track 10 - Breakin' Through

Track 11 - Sem Yelesh

Track 12 - Lullaby For Lagos

Track 13 - Chich

I first came into contact with The Whitefield Brothers through a YouTube video for the song "Safari Strut". Clearly this is some kind of lost mystical afro/breakbeat album from the mid 70's I thought to myself. To my amazement however I discovered the record was released just a few short years ago. Once I had listened to the whole set the modern aspects on tracks such as "Reverse" and "The Gift" became apparent but the most striking part of the music is the dedication to authenticity, particularly when it comes to the truly stunning percussion work.

When performers try to mix a number of different genres together the results can sometimes be disconnected and wishy washy but there are no such problems here. The blend of funk, jazz, afro, exotica and Clutchy Hopkins style drumming is sublime and evokes images of taking a roadtrip through the heart of Africa. It's a glorious celebration of sound that I can't recommend highly enough.

The Whitefield Brothers ( aka The Poets Of Rhythm ) have released one other album that I know of, 2002's "In The Raw" which is also outstanding. Thanks to the original uploader. Enjoy!



DJ BOBA FETTUCINI - MY AMAZING SPIDEY BREAKS

Download here

I'm a big fan of hip hop music and beat tapes that use samples of superhero / cartoon dialogue so this production by DJ Boba Fettucini was right up my alley. There's lots of great beats on display along with some surprisingly funky moments and library music. The set is split up into 2 sides which total 37 minutes. Boba Fet has also created mixes that feature Fat Albert and Yo Gabba Gabba! which you can check out here.

JIMMY FLIPSHYT - THE JIMMY FLIPSHYT BEAT TAPE

http://jimmyflipshyt.bandcamp.com/album/the-jimmy-flipshyt-beat-tape

Track 1 - The Foundation

Track 2 - Missus Sippy

Track 3 - The Don

Track 4 - Touchy Duchess

Track 5 - The Dumb & The Green

Track 6 - Lube Tube

Track 7 - Pasta, Eh?

Track 8 - Suckers

Track 9 - Joe

Track 10 - High Five O

Track 11 - Come Correct

Track 12 - Remember The Ones We Miss

I'm a bit bored tonight but this new collection of hip hop tracks by Aussie beatmaker Jimmy Flipshyt has kept me entertained for a while. Every week I seem to find something interesting and download worthy on Bandcamp.

ANITEK - INSTRUMENTALS VOL.8

http://www.mirrorcreator.com/files/1EA6OF7V/Anitek.zip_links

Track 1 - Mr. Monster Man

Track 2 - Turkey Neck Sandwich

Track 3 - Suisse Connection

Track 4 - Grandmaster Turtle

Track 5 - Shower Floor

Track 6 - Raining Rome

Track 7 - Panda

Track 8 - Six Head

Track 9 - The Arrival

Track 10 - Lost Hours

Track 11 - Balcony Photography

Track 12 - Authorization

Track 13 - Flight To Geneva

Track 14 - Asleep Again

Track 15 - Ant Invasion

A fantastic selection of tracks by Anitek that combines together many great funk, soul and rare groove samples with mid tempo hip hop beats to creates a groovy and relaxing ambiance. Most of the time the original material is treated with the respect it deserves so hopefully this wont offend too many of the purists out there. It's a likable mix, the kind of thing you might hear playing at a hip bookstore or coffee shop. Good stuff.

TELEPHUNKEN - LATIN DEMON EP

 

http://www.telephunken.com/telephunken.zip

Track 1 - Latin Demon

Track 2 - He Was Really Sayin' Something

Track 3 - Latin Demon (Ursula 1000 Remix)

Track 4 - Yeah Yeah!

Not really too much of interest here, "He Was Really Sayin' Something" is okay and "Yeah Yeah!" features a sample of "Teenage Chase" by Keith Mansfield. Aside from that, I just thought the cover was cool.

TOMMY GUERRERO - A LITTLE BIT OF SOMETHIN'

http://www.4shared.com/zip/uYVre4Ba/Tommy_Guerrero-_A_Little_Bit_O.html

Track 1 - Blue Masses
Track 2 - Four TRK Samba
Track 3 - Tiny
Track 4 - Numb Milleneum
Track 5 - 100 Years
Track 6 - Pescadito
Track 7 - Azucar
Track 8 - Flux And Meter
Track 9 - It's Raining Again
Track 10 - Today Like Everyday
Track 11 - Soul Miner
Track 12 - As The Sea Holds Creatures Vast And True
Track 13 - So Blue It's Black
Track 14 - Little Chin
Track 15 - Exzebache

Here is a review care of AllMusic -

"Tommy Guerrero's A Little Bit of Something sounds like the former skate punk has been listening to a whole lot of mid-period Beastie Boys albums. It's not the in-your-face rhymes or punk-based aggression that's influenced him, but the group's canny mix of samples and new music that blends influences from all kinds of unexpected, offbeat places. (Tracks like the languid, groovy "Four TRK Samba" also suggest that Guerrero has a full complement of Cornelius albums.) These brief instrumentals -- 15 tracks in 39 minutes! -- ignore the drone and ambient schools of electronica and post-rock in favor of a magpie-like interest in variety and novelty. This makes the songs on the aptly titled A Little Bit of Something wonderfully varied and never tiresome. (The sounds even change within songs, such as the way "So Blue It's Black" starts out as a duet for acoustic guitar and vinyl noise but then eases into mellow, '70s-style fusion.) This is an enchanting, fascinating album."

For more Guerrero go and check out "Lord Newborn And The Magic Skulls".

MISLED CHILDREN - MISLED CHILDREN MEET ODEAN POPE

 

Download here or here

Track 1 - Dadadun
Track 2 - Four Track
Track 3 - Foregone
Track 4 - Grimey
Track 5 - Laugh Track
Track 6 - Misled Kid
Track 7 - Odeon Hopkins
Track 8 - Ruff Seven
Track 9 - Bananas Foster
Track 10 - Uno

The Misled Children are part of the mysterious Clutchy Hopkins, Shawn Lee, MF Doom circle of artists who continue to release excellent funk, hip hop and library music inspired albums. This one sees the Children collaborating with saxophonist Odeon Pope who for a period in the 60's was part of Jimmy McGriff's team. This gives the tracks a lovely jazz funk feel and it's all cemented with Shawn Lee's hard drumming style ( I don't know for sure if it's him on the skins but I presume so ). There is also a bit of an eastern vibe too, particularly in the second half of the record. It's the kind of music you can put on and forget about because each track is as good as the last, slowly lulling you into a funky dream state.

THE STRIDES - RECLAMATION

 

http://www.mediafire.com/?py3fmrxioz7m790

Track 1 - Storm Clouds
Track 2 - Some O'dem
Track 3 - F.K.D
Track 4 - Umbi Gumbi
Track 5 - Fresh Lady
Track 6 - Escape
Track 7 - Reclamation
Track 8 - Well Hung Parliament
Track 9 - Fresh Lady Dub
Track 10 - Storm Clouds Dub

This group is based on the east coast of Australia and their music contains a diverse amalgam of afro beat, reggae, dub and some hip hop. It's very easy on the ear along with being quite funky, especially tracks such as "Well Hung Parliament", "Umbi Gumbi" and the more laid back "Escape". I couldn't find any information on upcoming gigs for them but if they appear in your neck of the woods be sure to check them out! I'm positive they would be awesome live ( as the below video demonstrates ). Be sure to hunt down their self titled debut album as well.

DAVID HOLMES - LET'S GET KILLED

 

http://www.mediafire.com/?mzaambdwmlm

or

http://rapidshare.com/files/91430741/David_Holmes_-_Let_s_Get_Killed.rar

http://rapidshare.com/files/91441897/David_Holmes_-_Let_s_Get_Killed_1.rar

Track 1 - Listen

Track 2 - My Mate Paul

Track 3 - Let's Get Killed

Track 4 - Gritty Shaker

Track 5 - Head Rush On Lafayette

Track 6 - Rodney Yates

Track 7 - Radio 7

Track 8 - The Parcus & Madder Show

Track 9 - Slashers Revenge

Track 10 - Freaknik

Track 11 - Caddell Returns

Track 12 - Don't Die Just Yet

Track 13 - For You

David Holmes is best known for his soundtrack work, in particular Out Of Sight, Oceans Eleven and the subsequent sequels. This record from 1997 sees him developing his trademark sound while incorporating spoken word excerpts from drug dealers, prostitutes and other curious souls inhabiting the New York underground. It's a bizarre mix but one that is ably handled by Holmes and further strengthened by interpretations of the James Bond theme music and "Don't Die Just Yet" by Serge Gainsbourg. A couple of these tracks ended up on the Oceans Eleven score in altered forms, namely "Gritty Shaker" and "Rodney Yates" ( which sadly doesn't appear on the OST ).

This is a super album that should have something to please everyone. The Mediafire link I have posted is at a fairly low bitrate so I've included a Rapidshare link as well but you'll need to download both parts. Either way, go check it out!

G.O.R.K & NICK HOLMES - FUN BEAT TAPE

http://gorknickholmes.bandcamp.com/album/fun-beattape-album-vol-002



This one is purely for the hip hop crowd. Easliy the best beat tape I have ever heard -  featuring massive beats, cool samples and plenty of humour. Produced by a couple of young guys from Cleveland, Ohio who hopefully have big futures ahead of them. Check it out!

ROGER MOLLS - THE MAN WITH DUSTY FINGERS

 

http://www.rogermolls.com/Roger%20Molls%20-%20The%20Man%20with%20Dusty%20Fingers%20%282011%29.rar

Track 1 - The Opening

Track 2 - You

Track 3 - The Man With Dusty Fingers

Track 4 - Break In

Track 5 - Greeky

Track 6 - Hipsters

Track 7 - The Pawnshop

Track 8 - California

Track 9 - Jazz Club

Track 10 - Smok'n Swing

Track 11 - Oh Oui

Track 12 - Ghost Town

Track 13 - Lonesome

Track 14 - Hypnosis

Track 15 - Crystal

Track 16 - Endwise

Track 17 - Eldorado

Track 18 - The Final

I just stumbled on this and had to post it up. As the title suggests, "The Man With Dusty Fingers" is a collection of cinematic music which incorporates heavy doses of library music and rare groove a la the Dusty Fingers compilations, along with some very heavy beats. I won't lie, this record is hit and miss but the hits are good enough to make it more than worthwhile downloading. Tracks like "Break In", "Hypnosis", "Oh Oui" and "The Man With Dusty Fingers" all stand up to scrutiny, with the latter making good use of "Night Moves" by Frank McDonald. Go check it out...

SOMEPLING - PROPERLY PACKED

http://www.mediafire.com/?6l62d8d813qkj6t

Track 1 - Milkpaper Klip
Track 2 - ArganClic
Track 3 - KrystleRubber
Track 4 - Bluegum Fig
Track 5 - DreamCape
Track 6 - WindyNights'Hat
Track 7 - PhonikaReset
Track 8 - MinttGrapess
Track 9 - flavaMemo
Track 10 - 30 Dreams A Day
Track 11 - Hi Fi Fo Fun

I've been downloading a fair bit of instrumental hip hop from Bandcamp of late and I felt like posting today's discovery. This is a compilation of tracks that Somepling had previously posted on his Soundcloud and it features some nice down tempo beats and jazzy samples ( organ and piano in particular ). The collection is a little hit and miss but "MinttGrapess", "30 Dreams A Day" and "ArganClic" all have undeniable charms.

LORD NEWBORN & THE MAGIC SKULLS - SELF TITLED

 

Download here

Track 1 - A Phase Shifter I'm Going Through

Track 2 - Astro Blue

Track 3 - Dime Bag Conspiracy

Track 4 - Escape From Prism

Track 5 - Disco Loco

Track 6 - Rainy Day Dog

Track 7 - That's Right (It's Time To Get Down)

Track 8 - She's My Melody

Track 9 - Ringa Ding Ding Ding

Track 10 - L.I.V.E

Track 11 - Revenge Of The Fillet O'Fish

Track 12 - Ancient Scrolls

Track 13 - Crazy Apartment

Lord Newborn & The Magic Skulls is a meeting of minds between Shawn Lee, musician / skateboard legend Tommy Guerrero and keyboardist Money Mark. Their music is a melting pot of hip hop drumming, psych rock, funk, jazz, eastern influences and a whole lot more. Despite the wide range of sounds the tracks are taut and focused which is no surprise considering the pop sensibilities possessed by Shawn and Mark. Fans of the Beastie Boys instrumental work should be in heaven listening to this but even if you're not there is much to love about the record. Even with a couple of tracks not quite hitting the mark I still consider it to be one of the better collections of modern music released in the past decade, it really is that good. 10 out of 10 Frolics!

CLUTCHY HOPKINS - THE LIFE OF CLUTCHY HOPKINS

http://www.4shared.com/file/i2oqkzYq/clutchy_hopkins_-_the_life_of_.htm?aff=7637829

Track 1 - 3:06

Track 2 - 3:02

Track 3 - 4:08

Track 4 - 3:25

Track 5 - 2:15

Track 6 - 3:11

Track 7 - 2:07

Track 8 - 3:26

Track 9 - 3:34

Track 10 - 3:05

Track 11 - 3:14

Track 12 - 3:24

This is the 2005 debut album by "Clutchy Hopkins" who is widely believed to be an alias for one or more performers, possibly MF Doom, DJ Shadow, Cut Chemist, Money Mark, Madlib or Shawn Lee. More recent Clutchy releases have listed Lee and MF Doom as collaborators. The music is a sweet mix of heavy drumming and jazz with an eastern vibe featuring on a couple of tracks. There's a good variety of down tempo and funkier grooves that should appeal to fans of the aforementioned artists along with those who enjoy jazz, funk and library music. I hope you enjoy this and feel inspired to search out the subsequent releases such as "Fascinating Fingers" and "The Story Teller". Below is a picture of "Clutchy" and a sample from the album...

DJ BC - GLASSBREAKS

http://www.4shared.com/rar/9K3_BVt1/Philip_Glass_-_djbc_-_glassbre.html

Track 1 - Einstein On The Beast

Track 2 - For The Glasty

Track 3 - How Many Whores?

Track 4 - Lil' Tut

Track 5 - Crystal Glass

Track 6 - Gangsta Rubric

Track 7 - Evening High

Track 8 - Stand Up Dance

Track 9 - Leila Dies, Lyrics Born

Track 10 - Glass Prison

DJ BC is best known for his mashup of Beatles and Beastie Boys tracks entitled "Let It Beast". For this album he combines the work of legendary composer Philip Glass with various hip hop acts. The resulting music ranges from inspired ( "Glass Prison", "Gangsta Rubric" ) to the insipid ( "Lil' Tut" ) with much variation in between. It is a concept which has the potential to offend classical and hip hop enthusiasts in equal measure but as a fan of cinematic beats I was fairly satisfied with the results. There is an interesting article about DJ BC and the creation of the album which you can read here.

FF013 FROLIC BEATS VOLUME 4 - VARIOUS ARTISTS

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=IXNH2BLQ

Track 1 - Sitar Mobile / Steve Gray

Track 2 - Flight Of The Bumblebee / Shawn Lee's Ping Pong Orchestra

Track 3 - The Doctor's In / Dialogue

Track 4 - News Travels Fast / Jim Lawless

Track 5 - Heat Of The Night / The Sound Stylistics

Track 6 - Pick It Up / Frank Mantis

Track 7 - Do Me A Favour / 40 Winks

Track 8 - Coda / Czerwone Gitary

Track 9 - Flower Pot / Load Stone

Track 10 - Ghost A Go Go / Richard Rome

Track 11 - Get On The Mic / Mr.Chop

Track 12 - Charlie's Angels / Jack Elliott & Allyn Ferguson

Track 13 - Pretty Colours / Keith Mansfield

Track 14 - Robotory / John Fiddy & Sammy Burdson

Track 15 - It's Slinky / Various

Track 16 - Secret Lovers / Acusmatic Group

It's been a while since I posted a Frolic Beats but the latest one is finally ready! I don't want to blow my own horn but there some real gems in this compilation with a nice mix of library tracks, beats and novelties. For me the standouts are the irresistible pop of "Pretty Colours" and "Sitar Mobile". The Shawn Lee tracks is also a highlight and there are a couple more modern numbers in the form of "Get On The Mic" and the closer "Secret Lovers". Some of these tracks have appeared on albums I have posted already while others are exclusives. As always, I hope you enjoy this and if you do then please let me know by leaving a message. Please note - I accidentally labeled the download as FF012 but rest assured it is actually FF013.