chris read - "The diary volume 1.5 (20 years of the remix)" (remixtape) (2009)
One iconic hip hop track from each of the last 20 years, remixed paying tribute to the prouction style and sampling trends popular at the time of the original release. From the James Brown influenced style of the late 80s, to the jazz sampling trends of the mid '90s, to the iconic and distinct sounds of DJ Premier and Jay Dee, all the cornerstones of the genre's development are touched upon.
"This CD just shows how much Chris Read knows about historic Hip Hop production techniques - It's just a shame he wasn't producing this stuff during the eras that he's covering as we would probably rate the man as being up there with Paul C, Pete Rock, Premier and all! - I can't think of another Hip Hop CD I've played so much in years!" (Andy Smith - Portishead)
"Chris continues the rap anthology concept of his super-dope 'The Diary' megamix in the shape of a remix project, re-lacing acapellas from 89-2009 with historically accurate beats. 'The Diary 1.5' serves as a great platform for Chris to showcase his ample beat-making skills whilst referencing those who've inspired him."
(DJ Woody – Former World ITF Champion)
"Crazy! This is Rap History in the making. Chris proves his production skills on this one to the fullest. A wonderful and refreshing journey through all eras of hip hop. Double thumbs up!"
(Marc Hype – MPM Records / Former ITF Champion)
Download options;
To download all tracks (mp3), tracklist (PDF) and artwork (jpeg) in a ZIP FOLDER click here (right click, save as)
To download ZIP FOLDER with higher quality mp3s via RAPIDSHARE click here (left click, follow instructions)
Related links;
The Diary (World's Greatest Rap Megamix) on Myspace
Artwork by Welikeourjob
CHRIS READ AND DANNY DELTA - ADIDAS ORIGNALS "GAME ON" MIXTAPE (2009)
Putting together mixtapes for the love of music is one thing, but being asked to put one together for one of your preferred sneaker brands is kind of a treat. So when Danny Delta and I were asked to put together this CD for Adidas Originals' summer 2009 season launch, we happily obliged. The only theme requirements were the title, "Game On", and the fact that the CD will promote the summer range so what we came up with was a vaguely summer themed selection tied together with a selection of 'game' related tracks and adidas references. There's a smattering of hip hop leading into some jazzier beats type stuff including some interesting edits of classic tunes from the likes of Donald Byrd, Franki Valli and Jean Knight amongst others. Put together and out the door in the mere three days we were given, it's perfect summer barbecue soundtrack business!
Download options;
To download MIX (mp3 format) via RAPIDSHARE click here (left click, follow instructions)
Related links;
Adidas Originals Website
CHRIS READ - "THE DIaRY VOLUME 1.5 (20 YEARS OF THE REMIX) (iNSTRUMENTAL VERSION) (2009)
I figured that the response to the Diary Volume 1.5 Remixtape had been good enough that I would post the instrumentals for any DJs using Serato etc who wanted instrumental versions as well as the vocals to play around with. What you have here is exactly the same as the original red cover version above but without the vocals.
"Fresh as hell man ... Keep up the good work!"
(Cosmo Baker - The Rub)
“Wicked! The perfect companion to The Diary Mixtape. Shows an impressive knowledge of sounds from all eras.” (Mr Thing – Former World DMC Team Champion)
If you're looking for the original Diary Rap Megamix, look below!
Download options;
To download ZIP FOLDER containing mp3s and artwork via RAPIDSHARE click here (left click, follow instuctions)
Related links;
The Diary (World's Greatest Rap Megamix) on Myspace
Artwork by Welikeourjob
chris read - "the diary (world's greatest rap megamix)" (2007)
“Great! I couldn't take it out of the CD player. I just needed to hear what was coming next!"
(Andy Smith - Portishead)
“So deep … Incredible stuff”
(DJ Yoda – Genuine Records)
“A tour de force through the history of hip hop. A unique view of hip hop’s golden moments”
(DJ Food - Ninja Tune / Solid Steel)
“Bloody great! One of the best hip hop mixes I’ve heard in years.”
(DJ Format – Genuine Records)
" A mixtape king no question."
(DJ Ollie Teeba - The Herbaliser)
“Megamixing at its finest… Original and essential!”
(DJ Plus One – The Scratch Perverts)
“An amazing piece of work!”
(Mr Thing – Former World DMC Team Champion)
A chronological mix of the genre's landmark recordings by order of release from 1979-2007. 801 records in the blend!
To download MIX (mp3 format) click here (right click, save as)
To download MIX via Rapid Share (mp3 format) click here (left click, follow instructions)
To download TRACKLIST BOOKLET (PDF format) click here (right click, save as)
To download the handy HATER'S FAQ! (PDF format) click here (right click, save as)
Related links;
The Diary (World's Greatest Rap Megamix) on Myspace
Artwork by Welikeourjob
CHRIS READ - "COFFEE TABLE MUSIC VOLUME 1" (MIXTAPE) (2006)
I'll be brutally honest and say that if your musical tastes don't wander too far from hip hop or funk then this might not be for you. If, on the other hand, you like stuff that's jazzy, a little more uptempo and are not averse to music that's a touch more electronic sounding this might be your bag.
This is a mix of predominantly jazz influenced uptempo beats type stuff from the late 90s onwards. Not really current enough to accurately be described as 'broken'. 'Nu jazz' perhaps if you like to stick a label on it. Anyway, you get an idea of the general neighbourhood.
Handed around a few friends but never shared on a wider scale, it's here now if you're inclined to check it.
Download options;
To download MIX via Rapid Share (mp3 format) click here (left click, follow instructions)
Related links;
Artwork by Welikeourjob
"whack it some more!" (mash up ep #2) (2006)
Another collection of Mash Ups / Remixes, although a little more creative than Volume 1 (see below). This time round we have a couple of 'proper' remixes, that it to say there was time spent in the studio rather than the simple sandwiching of two records that was going on a few years prior. I give Pharell the jazz treatment and good friend Danny Delta throws KRS a curve ball with an unlikely sample source that had Radio jocks getting all excited and dancefloors doing the same. That said, there's also one straight forward Mash Up of the less creative sandwich variety which I couldn't resist including.
Another 4 track EP of familiar cuts with a twist!
Download options;
To download EP via Rapid Share click here (left click, follow instructions)
Chris read - "tribute to the adidas shelltoe" (UNRELEASED TRACK) (2005)
If you've visited my myspace page then you'll know that I've got something approaching an unhealthy affliction for collecting Adidas sneakers, in particular white shelltoes. Noticing the frequency that my sneaker of choice gets mentioned on records, I set about collecting those references and made this short track out of the snippets. I had a crack at selling it to Adidas for a web campaign but there was a general air of cold feet on the issue of sample clearance. I have since been over to France to play at the launch of last season's Adidas Originals collection though so all's well that ends well.
Shame to let the track got to waste, so here it is.
Download options;
To download track (mp3 format) click here (right click, save as)
Related links;
Adidas Originals Website
Chris Read on Myspace
"whack it!" (mash up ep) (2005)
These were "put together" with the jobbing DJ in mind. Maximum familiarity and minimum creativity is the name of the game here -Tried and tested dancefloor business is the result. Some will turn their nose up at these no doubt but in the earlier part of this decade, the sandwiching of the obvious vocal with the less obvious beat or vice versa was an act that everybody (including me) was getting in on. I played these a lot at the time but never really thought to share them until now so here they are.
4 track EP of familiar cuts with a twist. Dancing shoes at the ready...
Download options;
To download EP via Rapid Share (ZIP folder containing MP3s) click here (left click, follow instructions)
chris read - "Not necessarily anything else ” (mixtape) (2004)
Between 2002 and 2004 I was one of the mix DJs on the BBC’s station for “new black music”, 1 Xtra, and throughout 2004 I was a regular feature on the Saturday night mix show. For this mix, I’ve sewn together a handful of the highlights from my appearances on that show. The resulting mix, the second in the “Not necessarily …” series, was broadcast on DJ Food’s ‘Solid Steel’ Radio Show in 2005. As with the first, it’s predominantly hip hop accapellas over pretty heavily layered beats from a range of genres and tempos although a little more hip hop orientated than the first.
Download options;
To download MIX (mp3 format) click here (right click, save as)
To download CD COVER (jpeg format) click here (right click, save as)
Related links;
Photography and layout Johann Chan
Solid Steel Radio Show
BBC Radio 1Xtra Website
CHORDS & PROMOE – SUPERMARKET SWEEP (Chris Read Remix) (jazz fudge recordings) (2004)
For the uninitiated, Chords & Promoe are affiliates of Loop Troop, a massively popular outfit in their home land of Sweden. This remix was being considered as a B Side for a UK release of one of their EPs on Jazz Fudge shortly before the label closed its doors for the last time. I got clearance from Chords' rep at Warner Brothers Europe to release this as a UK only 7inch, but on balance the hassle of handling the distribution myself made me decide against the idea.
Download options;
To download track (mp3 format) click here (right click, save as)
Related links;
Jazz Fudge discography at Discogs
ty & aphletik - 'keep on' / 'can't live like this' (above the clouds recordings) (2003)
I've never really thought of myself a producer so much as a DJ who dabbles in making beats from time to time so I was pretty pleased when Above the Clouds gave me the opportunity to remix these tracks for them. The original version of 'Keep On', which was produced by the Bone Idols, was something of a summer classic so it was a tough job to do it justice. However, I was pleased how these turned out and the label pencilled one of my versions of 'Keep On' as a B side for a track that Bone Idols were doing with J Live. Bone Idols ultimately went cold on the remix idea and the J Live track never came out as far as I'm aware so that was the end of that.
Download options;
To download 'Keep On' (Chris Read Remix Version 1) click here (right click, save as)
To download 'Keep On' (Chris Read Remix Version 2) click here (right click, save as)
To download 'Can't Live Like This!' (Chris Read Remix) click here (right click, save as)
Related links;
Above the Clouds Recordings Website
Keep On (Original Version) video on Youtube
TY on Myspace
Aphletik on Myspace
SOFTLY RECORDINGS - UNRELEASED REMIXES (2002)
Throughout 2002 and for some time afterwards, I had a residency, albeit somewhat sporadic at Club Softly in Barcelona. Thanks to the relationships developed via the club nights, I was enlisted to produce a handful of remixes for the label. Pencilled for forthcoming releases that for a variety of reasons never saw the light of day (although mainly the label making the move from independent releases to distribution), I've gathered the tracks here for download. These range from downbeat female vocal numbers and jazzy soul to quite moody dub. None are mastered but all are complete. Listening again with the benefit of time, there's a couple of tracks here I can still say I'm pleased with.
Download options;
To download EP via Rapid Share (ZIP folder containing MP3s) click here (left click, follow instructions)
Related links;
Softly Records Online Mp3 Store
chirs read - “NOT NECESSARILY ANYTHING IN PARTICULAR" (mixtape) (2002)
I’ve always thought putting together a Mix CD was the perfect excuse to present a load of music that you can’t get away with playing / wouldn’t want to play in a club. With that in mind, I put together this mix, which sounds very little like anything I would usually play to a crowd. If I’m being honest, this is probably the least well received of all my mixtapes, perhaps because it isn't what people who checked it were expecting - arguably in a similar veign to stuff like Coldcut's Journeys By DJ but a few years too late! That said, I've always liked it and so did Kev & DK from DJ Food. It was broadcast on their Solid Steel Radio show in 2002.
Download options;
To download DJ MIX (mp3 format) click here (right click, save as)
To download CD cover click here (right click, save as)
Related links;
Photography and layout Johann Chan
Solid Steel Radio Show
“Chris Read & Roc 1, in the mix on Radio 1” (live dj set) (2001)
This mix was broadcast live from the Substance club night at the Custard Factory in Birmingham in late 2001. Roc & I performed this mix to a crowd of about 500 in the club and about another 250,000 on the airwaves. It was performed on 4 turntables and done in one take with very little prior planning. It was broadcast around the same time that I was thinking about the first “Not necessarily …” mix and so there’s a chunk of about 15 minutes which is very similar. In most other respects, this mix is fairly typical of type of club sets we were playing at the time.
Download options;
To download DJ MIX (mp3 format) click here (right click, save as)
To download INTERVIEW (mp3 format) click here (right click, save as)
To download CD COVER click here (right click, save as)
Related links;
Photography and layout Johann Chan
BBC Radio 1 One World Show
“Substance Hip Hop Orchestra on Radio 1” (live performance) (2001)
As if the pressure of DJing live to 250,000 people wasn’t enough, the same night as the Radio 1 Live DJ set, we recorded this live session with the band which was broadcast a few months later. The session took place shortly after we released the Lyric Superbrand album and features live versions of some of the tracks from the album and some other bits and pieces we were trying out at the time. For this performance we pulled together a few extra band members raising the head count on stage to 9.
Download options;
To download LIVE SET (mp3 format) click here (right click, save as)
To download INTERVIEW (mp3 format) click here (right click, save as)
To download CD COVER (Jpeg format) click here (right click, save as)
Related links;
Photography and layout Johann Chan
BBC Radio 1 One World Show
mad flow e.p - unreleased tracks (2001)
I had plans that one of the early releases after Lyric Superbrand might have been an EP from Mad Flow.
For reasons best explained below, this release never really got far, but we did do a remix of 'It's The Who?', the original version of which (despite being the first beat I ever made) had received a strong response and found its way onto Mr Thing’s Mix CD for UK publication ‘Breakin Point’, which I’m told was their highest selling issue.
Also included amongst these tracks are an intro and skit which I prepared for the release and an instrumental of a track called 'Corns' which we planned to record but never did. I've also included a recording of us performing 'Corns' live on Radio 1 seeing as that's the only recording we have!
Download options;
To download EP via Rapid Share (ZIP folder containing MP3s) click here (left click, follow instructions)
Related links;
Photography and layout Johann Chan
"lyric superbrand" project - unreleased tracks (2001)
The original idea was for the "Lyric Superbrand" LP to be an introduction to a series of releases from the artists involved. Unfortunately, the album's release coincided with my moving to from Birmingham to London for work commitments meaning I had less time to give to the project. That fact combined with the onset of a recession of sorts in the world of independent music meant that the project never really got off the ground.
Having recently re-discovered some of the unreleeased tracks, I decided it was about time I posted some of the shelved material that we started work on. Some of these were recorded at the same time as Lyric Superbrand and some just after. Unfortunately none of the tracks are mastered and some are rough mixdowns but I think that some are in fact better than the stuff that made the album and they probably give a decent indication of where things were heading.
Download options;
To download EP via Rapid Share (ZIP folder containing MP3s) click here (left click, follow instructions)
Related links;
Artwork by Ninety
substance presents "lyric superbrand" compiled by chris read (Different drummer recordings) (2001)
Although the various members of the Substance collective have released material on a variety of labels, this is the only commercial release we’ve had as a collective. The idea behind this record was to put together something that would showcase the talent of the second city and in particular the artists that were making Substance a talking point at the time. Listening now, I think it sounds a little dated in places and the production values vary, but I like to think it’s representative of the sound of the time. The intention was to use the common theme of jazz to link ‘traditional’ hip hop with spoken word, new soul and some more leftfield instrumental stuff. I leave it to you to make your own mind up!
Given that the album is now out of print and the label on which it was released is sadly no longer in business, I've now posted the full album for anybody who wants to check it out. If any of the contributors would prefer their tracks not to be shared, please get in touch.
Download options;
To download LP via Rapid Share (ZIP folder containing MP3s) click here (left click, follow instructions)
Related links;
Artwork by Ninety
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