The affable Catskills turn eleven and a half. This first double CD celebrates the landmark for the omni-present Brighton based label, which remain at the forefront of the UK’s independent music scene.
Over the twenty-nine tracks we are entertained to a mix of fresh biscuits alongside classic highlights from their abundantly fruitful past. Hanging together like the sonic equivalent of a mini break in the sun.
Many will recognize gems from Husky Rescue, and Pepe Deluxe. Alongside the exclusives you’ll also be surprised just how many tunes have been in your summer soundtracks and favourite mix tapes.
Catskills Records was formed 1997 by a London / Brighton collective to release underground talent from their home turf. The label represents the best that both scenes has to offer, and has since spread it’s wings to other parts of the UK with Bushy, Zero Theory, Sonorous Star, Nylon Rhythm Machine, Black Grass, Vibra and now to Europe and the rest of the world with the signings of Pepe Deluxé and Husky Rescue from Finland and back again with burst of UK Punk attitude from The Ripps!
Unlike other record labels there is no formula to their ethos. No particular style and no particular genre of music that represents Catskills. Their original mission statement remains the same as it was from day one – it’s all about the Head Nod Factor ™, if it’s got it then they’ll spin it ’til it breaks their necks.
Artists on the album reflect this ethos: with the sonic studio wizardry of Pepe Deluxé rubbing shoulders with the ruff and ready punk of The Ripps; The dancefloor killers of Bushy and the downbeat dreamscapes of Husky Rescue, Catskills is nothing if not diverse. And these tracks are corkers.
Having worked their music to picture for some of the biggest brands in the world from Levi and itunes, to TV shows like The Sopranos and Sex In The City. Over the two CDs it’s clear why creative types director have supported the label so avidly over the last decade. They are quintessentially independent and represent what you can do free from constraints and with artistic freedom at the core. Roll on the 2nd XI…
CD 1:
Black Grass – Hold Fire
Pepe Deluxe – Lying Peacefully (Kidda Remix)
Hardkandy – Going Home
Bushy – Mysterious / Beautiful
Aldo Vanucci – I Am A King
Nylon Rhythm Machine – Sawdust
Zero Theory – Side By Side
The Ripps – Off License
Nylon Rhythm Machine – Only Robots Have Digital Brains (Bushy Remix)
Hardkandy – The Good With The Bad
Pepe Deluxe – Pussy Cat Rock (Live)
Husky Rescue vs Pepe Deluxe – Jeans Off
CD2:
Sonorous Star – Indian Motorcycles
The Mexican – Spunky Love Fun
Bushy & Professor – Drop
Pepe Deluxe – Before You Leave
Capsule – Le Salon (2003)
Pepe Deluxe – Salami Fever
Feature Cast – Channel Hopping
Black Grass – Nice Up
Aldo Vanucci – When I See You Smile
Husky Rescue – New Light Of Tomorrow
Kidda – Hey Y’All
Husky Rescue – Summertime Cowboy
Hardkandy – Advice (Radio Edit)
Black Grass – Oh Jah
The Ripps – Holiday
Husky Rescue – Nightless Night
Pepe Deluxe – Mischief Of Cloud Six
