Taken Away – Moodymann

Moodymann has two modes: lusty and haunting. His new album Taken Away retains some of his signature erotic funk, but ache come to the fore.

At the start of 2019 Moodymann (Kenny Dixon Jr.) was involved in a pretty terrifying incident with the police – a reality that people of colour face in America on a shockingly frequent basis. Famously enigmatic, he does his talking through his sampling, and his message comes across loud and clear, especially in the title track. It’s house music, it’s foot-stomping, but it is filled with pain and anger.

My take on some more upbeat Moodymann here and here, or you can read an excellent review of the album on Pitchfork here. Shout out to Ben Gomori’s Turned On for the tip.

Doin Ya Thing – Oliver Dollar

Doin Ya Thing is something a little bit special. Oliver $ sampling Detroit-house royalty Moodymann from a live set he did in Manchester back in 2010.

Moodymann just sounds like the boss. You can find the full mix here – it’s worth it. And my favourite Moodymann here and here.

Bonus track: if you know me, you know I’m big into this one. It’s just got one of those basslines that you just got to step to. All-time top weekend gold.

Moodymann – Moodymann

I’m growing a moustache to raise money for the Movember Foundation. So this month I will be honouring some of the best moustaches in music. You can donate to my mo here: https://mobro.co/harry-mo?

Moodymann is a bit of a freak, and he wants you to know it. He makes sultry, loose grooves from Detroit, and they’ll get you going nicely. Highlights on this 27-track monster of an album are Lyk 2 Use 2 and Freeki Muthafucka. But really, this album is best listened to as a whole – let yourself drift and float and groove.

The Thief That Stole My Sad Days – Moodymann

Who doesn’t love Moodymann? Kenny Dixon Jr. has been making weird, funky house from Detroit since 1992. 1992! Anyway, here he delivers 8 minutes of blissed-out piano chords and one of those euphoric vocal samples that makes you glad to be alive.

If house dripping in piano is your thing, check out this playlist I made with some of my faves. Perfect for your Saturday between the hours of 7-11pm