It’s been a minute since I’ve enlisted friends, fellow DJ’s and record collectors over to Nostalgia King to do a Five On The Black Hand Side segment but with the state of the record world and with so much of what we’re seeing or hearing DJ edits of songs that didn’t need to be edited, I’ve started to question if people love the music or the fact that it’s an edit more. Record collections are always supposed to be person selections and although we as collectors have overlapping crates of choice classics and essentials, a big part of what makes us are the records that you won’t find in ever other collectors crate. Now this isn’t about things being rare vs common, it’s about being good first and foremost and some of the best records ever made are the most common crate staples that have withstood the test of time over the years. I felt like it was time to get back to basics, so when I reached out to the West Coast homie, D.Stro to give me a choice 5 selection of solid listening that’s in his crates, he totally got the assignment. I wasn’t looking for the mega rare (which he definitely has one of the finest collections around), but for great listening and things that would get your Monday started out on a good note.
With that said, D.Stro’s Five On The Black Hand Side!
Kool and the Gang-Summer Madness (8Min Live Version)
Everyone knows this song, it’s been sampled many times and is one of Kool and the Gang’s biggest Hits. However, the live version that came out on the Love & Understanding Lp in 76’ takes the original version and just amplifies it. I can just imagine going to see them live expecting to hear the original version. Then being unprepared and feeling that excitement hearing this version for the first time. It’s one of those things you wish you could experience in person. One of my favorite songs ever.
There was a time where I only collected LPs and 12s. Didn’t really look too much into 45s. Not because I didn’t want to, but because I was already spending too much money on LPs. I knew if I got into 45s it would be another rabbit hole I’d never return from. This 45 started me in that rabbit hole haha. Still remember my homie Ren (Sweaterfunk) playing this for me and me being like WTF, I need this bad. Spent more on that than any other LP I bought at the time. I’ve never been back since!!
Cal Tjader & Eddie Palmieri-Guajira En Azul
I love latin music, especially latin jazz and salsa music. Just reminds me what my dad played for me when I was younger. This song has that flavor to it. Made by two of my favorite and legendary artists in the Latin Jazz/Salsa realm.
Every time I hear this track, I just picture the late 70s disco era. People dressed in elegant attire ready to hit the hottest disco club to dance all night. Almost feels like a dreamy sequence in a movie. How could you not love a track like that. Something that gives you that good feeling when you hear it. It’s also a track I love playing out from time to time.
The Regime-Deuzy Vibe
I chose this song to highlight that there are still newer artists coming out making great music. What I love about this track is the breakdowns and buildups. It’s just a fun record to listen to, but it’s definitely one that will get you out of your seat and dance like the lyrics say. Don’t sleep on newer records because even the older records were new at one point!