Crazy P – Influences

Jim – “I didn’t know much about War before a speculative 2nd hand album purchase in the early 90’s but they soon became a favourite band and a big influence. For me, there’s no better example of a group of talented musicians completely in tune with each other. Big on the groove, organic in their arrangements and fusing rock, funk and disco like no other band.”

Jim – “Eddie Stevens, the musical mastermind behind the jaw-dropping string arrangement here, is the maestro in my opinion. Whether it be his work with Moloko, Roisin Murphy or his own Post Office and Flip-top box projects he never ceases to not only push the envelope but de-construct it and put it back together in a way you’d never expect. He marries classical, jazz and electronic styles seamlessly but brings his own darker and twisted edge. Sometimes challenging but always emotional.”

Jim – “A lot of our early stuff was used with samples as the main feature. We had so little hardware our Akai sampler was the instrument of choice. Samples gave our stuff character and depth and thus a much bigger sound than we could achieve. When Moodymann came along he really showed everyone how sampling should be done. He uses short loops (the groove of ‘I Can’t Kick This Feeling’ is only two beats of Chic’s ‘I Want Your Love’) and creates something completely different to the original. He also has a great ear. Sometimes you can hear an element of one of his tunes and think ‘is that in key?’ He doesn’t adhere to the harmonic standard but that dischordant edge defines his sound.”

Jim – “This and the DJ Harvey one from the same sort of time were staples for us and a big influence on my djing. It’s a testament to his talent that he’s still as popular and relevant today. This mix is a whopping great journey – dubby and downbeat at the top but ending with a pacy, frenetic techno explosion. It’s so hard to spot the joins and, believe me, we tried. I remember we locked the doors, dropped acid and got the mini-strobe out on more than one occasion to this mix!”

Danielle – “An incredible poignant, relentless performance with enough dark and light to take you on a roller coaster ride through life; which in turn he beautifully references at the end of the show. Life is a ride. We have the choice to determine our futures to a degree…I love it!”

Danielle – “I thought I’d discovered the meaning of life, (maybe still do 🙂 ) after watching this. The first Matrix was so encompassing and hypnotic that it made all the sense in the world and it made me realise that this world is pretty much controlled by the powers that be. But every now and again you can escape that world. The 2nd and 3rd Matrix were crap but the first: jaw-dropping!”

Danielle – “I’ve seen all the films time after time but some incredibly inspirational quotes by Gandalf. This one saying it’s up to us to decide what to do with the time that is given us…There are about 43 quotes, at least, that reduced me to tears throughout the trilogy and what an incredible piece of work and indeed relative foresight from Tolkien. I think the film is a wonderful example of an old story that is relevant in today’s world.”

Danielle – “Roisin is indeed one of the most wonderful, proud and intelligent lyricists of our time, coupled with the ability to hold court and demand attention on stage. As a performer she is a true inspiration and, alongside Mark Brydon, has produced some of the most superb music of that genre and indeed beyond. The costumes and interaction between the various members on stage is electric. A great period of time for full stage performances!”

Chris – “Well the whole Debut album really, hard to pick a favourite but I love the melancholy in this tune, especially from the guitar playing from John Squire. This was such an inspiring album for me at the age of 15. After this, all I wanted to do was music and be in a band. I love the blend of 60’s psychedelia (very “Byrds” in places) mixed with a kind of punk attitude.”

Chris – “Probably my favourite track off of one of my favourite albums of all time. It may not be the coolest Prince album to like, it’s Prince in his most new romantic kitsch phase, looking like Charles the I, dipped in Soulglow, on a chopper, but to my mind it’s his best, most complete album. From the age of 13 onwards, Prince has remained an inspiration and an influence. I used to mime air guitar to Lets Go Crazy….halcyon days. His Purpleness has taken down pretty much all of his YouTube content so here’s an alright cover by Patti Smith.”

Chris – “Released sometime around 95-96, this mix really was a game changer. I hadn’t heard anything like this before. It was on constant repeat in my house as a student and truly is a journey, through dub to jungle, techno, house, soul, still one of the most eclectic mixes I’ve every heard, brilliantly programmed and mixed together.”