Tuesday, 29 November 2011

CHRISTMAS CASUAL CLASSICS 20th December, The Cellar, Oxford.

The next Casual Classics is a Christmas Special, and to get into the festive spirit, we are going to start earlier with live Music from POLEDO, LEWIS ARMSTRONG, BETA BLOCKER AND THE BODY CLOCK, and a Headline set from Oscar Molinier's band KILL MURRAY. 

This will be then followed by Casual Classics resident DJs MC MUUTSI, UNPUNISHED MONSTERS, MACCAWELL and DJ FERG (GUERRILLA), playing their musical journey from the 80s 'til now, with a few xmas classics thrown into the mix. 20th December 7.30- 3am, The Cellar, Oxford.

Be there. Keep it Casual.

Monday, 28 November 2011

Adele Royal Albert Hall DVD



Adele's show from the Royal Albert Hall was released today on dvd. Here is a a 25 minute clip of the performance.

Sunday, 27 November 2011

6 Months since Gill Scott-Heron passed away



Big tune here from Gil Scott-Heron. 6 months ago the great man died. RIP.

RIP Gary Speed






RIP Gary Speed. 677 professional Caps, and 85 international appearances. A great servant for Leeds United, Everton, Newcastle United, Bolton Wanderers and Sheffield United Football Clubs, along with Wales. A sad day for the world of Football.

Wednesday, 23 November 2011

 Anyone looking for a smart scarf for the winter, check out these cashmere football scarfs made by Saville Rogue. They do a scarf for every team in the football league, so who ever you follow, whether it be Manchester United, Nottingham Forest or Gillingham, they have a scarf that will suit you.

Tuesday, 22 November 2011

Amon Tobin - Amazing light show, Brooklyn, New York



Probably the best light show I have ever seen here, from Amon Tobin, on his latest tour.

UNPUNISHED MONSTERS

 UNPUNISHED MONSTERS by Unpunished Monsters
KEEP IT CASUAL favourites (and Casual Classics DJs) Unpunished Monsters recently uploaded these tracks, and well they are just great. Listen.

CASUAL CLASSICS AWAY DAY @ RAM 'N' SHACKLE, MANCHESTER

Pictures from the last Casual   Classics, at the Ram & Shackle, Manchester 18th November,        courtesy of Muutsi.




Friday, 18 November 2011

New Radiohead Remixes From Jamie xx, Anstam and Nathan Fake



Radiohead posted this morning three more King of Limbs Remixes, from Nathan Fake (Good Morning Mr Magpie), Anstam (Separator) and Jamie xx (Bloom Part 3). Personal favorite is Jamie xx's Bloom part 3 remix.

Thursday, 17 November 2011

CASUAL CLASSICS AWAY DAY @ RAM 'N' SHACKLE, MANCHESTER




Tomorrow sees Casual Classics first away trip to Manchester, and we are taking our musical journey from the 80s 'til now, to the Ram 'n' Shackle in Fallowfield. Anyone in Manchester tomorrow make there way down, for great music - brought to you by MC MUUTSI, MICKEY STOCKWELL, MACCAWELL and DJ FERG - cheap drinks and FREE ENTRY. See you there, KEEP IT CASUAL.

Wednesday, 16 November 2011

New Order - World in Motion



And talking of John Barnes, here is another highlight from his England career.

England reach 2000 International Goals



England reached their 2000th international goal yesterday in there 1-0 victory over Sweden. It was an own goal, so here is a better one from the past, which sees John Barnes mesmerise Brazil in 1984 at the Maracna in Rio.

Monday, 14 November 2011

New Azealia Banks track 'Grand Scam (Lyrical Exercise)'









GRAND SCAM (LYRICAL EXERCISE) PROD. BY MACHINEDRUM by Azealia Banks


Here she is again, Azealia Banks with a new track which appeared on her tumblr, called 'Grand Scam (Lyrical exercise), produced by Machinedrum.

Sunday, 13 November 2011

England beat Spain





England surprising everyone last night, beating World Champions Spain, has made me rather excited now for Euro 2012. With christmas coming up it could be a good time to get a retro shirt, and this one worn at Italia 90 is a personal favourite. Get one now, and in the mean time grow this amazing Chris Waddle mullet, to really look the business come June.

Saturday, 12 November 2011

Lady Gaga Bloody Mary (The Horrors Remix)



The Horros make it onto the blog for the second time this week, with this great remix of 'Bloody Mary' by Lady Gaga.

HIGH ON HOPE TRAILER



This trailer was posted to me earlier (shout out here to Michael Stockwell), and fully deserves a mention and a watch, as it tells the story which has been a key influence on this blog, and more importantly musical history in general - the movement of Acid House. Made by filmmaker Peter Sanderson, it tells the story of warehouse parties that occurred during the acid house years, outside Blackburn, a time when large gatherings of people would congregate to escape the harsh reality that had been manifested under Thatcher's Britain. By tracking down the original organisers of the raves, and finding footage filmed by a man know as 'Preston Bob' (who used a camera that was normally rented out for weddings and Christenings), Sanderson was able to create a documentary that really shows the joyous and communal spirit that was achieved through the Acid House raves. Unfortunately, due to problems in licensing the music, the film still does not have enough money to get a full release. Therefore, if you like what you see, click on this link- http://www.highonhope.com - and donate some cash, so it can be broadcast and get the recognition it deserves.

Nike Air Max Tweed





Check out these Nike Air Max trainers in tweed. A perfect combination for those wanting to mix a classic material with a street style.

Friday, 11 November 2011

On Track... with SEAT: The Horrors Suffragette City



Loving this version of 'Suffragette City' by The Horrors, which was recorded in one take onto a vinyl.

Introduction to 80s Casual Classics with Neil Primett



Our friends at 80s Casual Classics released this video earlier, explaining how the best website for Casual gear came around. Check it out.

Thursday, 10 November 2011

KEEP IT CASUAL INTERVIEW WITH ROWETTA

Keep It Casual has been lucky enough to get an interview with the singer and Manchester legend Rowetta, and find out some intriguing facts about her fascinating career, which has seen her be a part of one of the most inspirational bands and musical movements, perform a vocal that is still sampled on hits today, collaborate with various amazing artists, be an X-Factor contestant and host her own radio show. Here is what she had to say:

Hello Rowetta, how are you?

Busier and happier than ever thank you.

What are you up to at the moment?

I have been writing and collaborating with a lot of people this year, so I have a lot of projects, gigs and releases happening, which is great.
I have recorded an EP with Peter Hook (Joy Division/New Order bassist) and his band The Light. This happened after playing many gigs with him and the band and the response was so good, so the EP was recorded and released. I sing lead vocals on 3 of the 4 tracks, with Hooky singing lead on an unreleased Joy Division track. We have done some amazing gigs and are about to do some more. 
I've also written tracks with Mirror People - 'Feel The Need' feat Rowetta out on D.I.S.C.O. Texas on 11/11/11; Placidic Dream - 'Money' feat Rowetta out on Axis Tracks late November; The Kino Club - 'So Sweet' feat Rowetta out on King Prawn Records in January 2012 and Shimi Sonic - 'I'll Take You' - date tbc
I am also featuring on the new single by The Rainband - 'The Prodigal' feat Rowetta out on 12/12/11 on Affinity Records. I have played many gigs with The Rainband and they're great lads. We have a big Xmas gig, where I will be doing my own set too. The Rainband & Rowetta at hmv The Ritz on December 18th 2011
As well as this I have a diary full of gigs here in the UK and Europe and have played many and really enjoyed all the Pride festivals and charity events this year. I also have my own radio show every Saturday at 4pm on Gaydio 88.4FM. I have been with Gaydio for 6 years, but the station only got a full time license 18 months ago, making it the first Gay station to have an FM license. I love my show and I am lucky that I get great celebrity guests and musicians coming on.

You famously are the voice on the classic tune 'Reach Out' and were part of the Happy Mondays, could you tell us your favourite song that you have been a part of?

Reach Out is special, as I wrote and sung that vocal in 1989 and it must be one of the most sampled vocals in recent years, which makes me very proud. The fact that one of the biggest bands in the world chose to sample it on one of their biggest hits is amazing - Boom Boom Pow by The Black Eyed Peas, uses a sample of my voice throughout the song. A great compliment.
I have great memories of the Mondays songs and a lot of other songs, but Joy Division's 'Atmosphere' is, in my opinion, one of the greatest songs ever written, and it is an honour to sing it. Lyrically and melodically beautiful and haunting.

I was a small child when the 'Madchester' scene took off, so can only look back in awe, what was your experience of that pivotal time in musical history?

I was only a child myself ;-) It was a great time for me, as it was a very male environment, but I discovered a band and a group of people that I felt comfortable with and that respected me for what I was and my talent and I was able to join the ride, from the inside. That time with the Mondays, the Hacienda and the inspirational Tony Wilson and Factory Records was amazing...so special.

You also played yourself in the film 24 Hour Party People, which told the story of Factory Records, 'Madchester' and the Hacienda etc, could you tell us whether most of that film is portraying the 'myth', or if most of the scenes are based on real events?

I loved being a part of the movie '24 Hour Party People' where the whole scene was recreated by Michael Winterbottom in such a beautiful witty way. A lot of the real people were involved in the movie, including Tony, but it was a comedy and many scenes were very loosely based on reality. It's a great movie about a great time, great music, great people, but it is a movie, not a documentary.

More recently of course you were a contestant on the X-Factor. What do you think if the X-Factor now, and do you think its worse now Simon has left?

I entered because I found Simon mesmerising. I preferred it with Simon, but I have a friend in the final, Marcus Collins, and I love the exposure it's given him. He's amazing.

We are taking our club night to Manchester on the 18th of November to the Ram and Shackle in Fallowfield, can you request a song for us to play?

Kinky Afro still fills the dancefloors, but maybe 'I Am The Resurrection' by the Stone Roses, as they have been finally resurrected, which is beautiful for the fans. Or I can slip you a promo cd of 'So Sweet' - The Kino Club feat Rowetta, as a batch arrived today.

As a Mancunian, you a RED, BLUE or neither?

I'm a red, but I love Manchester, so always proud when Manchester does well, and I think it's great that we now have 2 amazing teams, and great for both sets of fans.

Finally who or what (can be anything) 'Keeps it Casual'?

Peter Hook - 'Keeps It Casual'. Always cool.. I'm more of a glamourpuss!! ;-) x

Wednesday, 9 November 2011

RIP HEAVY D



A Tune from Heavy D here, who sadly past away today aged 44.

Standing at Football

John Barrow, the designer of Wembley, Soccer City, the Emirates and the London Olympic stadium has today backed a belief that the Football Federation of Supporters has been proclaiming for years - a return of standing. Personally this notion, although still unlikely, excites me greatly. Some of my favourite memories of watching football are from when I used to stand at the London Road end at Oxford's Manor Ground (see picture below), and the introduction of a safe form of standing back in grounds would allow cheaper tickets to be available, allowing many fans who simply can't afford premier league tickets a chance to attend games, and to increase an often subdued atmosphere that has been created by all seater stadiums. Interestingly, a point Barrow also raised was the ability if standing to raise attendances, which would solve the problem Everton, Liverpool, Tottenham and Chelsea face at the moment, forcing them to consider moving from the grounds that have been there homes for decades. The introduction of standing would see attendances rise, without having to sacrifice their grounds, which have been at the core of their history. Barrow, and the FSF, both point out the success stories in Germany, where teams including Bayern Munich, and Borrussia Dortmund (see picture above), have introduced standing, which has proved both safe and effective. These stadiums, as Barrow points out have a standing system where only rows of one or two can stand between barriers, making a crush impossible. Therefore, if a massive club like Borrussia Dortmund has the ability to safely house 37,000 standing fans, it surely should be the same for any team in England's top tier of football.
       Obviously doubters will still point to the Hillsborough disaster, where standing was partly to blame, but the success in Germany surely shows with the correct design, and good management, the dream of standing at Football in England should not be forgotten.





                         
                                                                                 

Tuesday, 8 November 2011

RIP "Smokin'" Joe Frazier



Here is a classic clip of 'Smokin' Joe Frazier defeating Muhammed Ali, who today sadly lost his battle with cancer and passed away. Largely remembered for his rivalry with Ali ( after this victory this victory in 1971, they would fight twice more, Ali winning both including the famous 'Thrilla in Manila'), Frazier was a great fighter, with arguably one of the best left hooks in history. Despite his great victories (Olympic Gold, and his victory over Ali in New York), in my opinion his finest hour came in defeat in that famous fight in the Philippines, which saw 14 of the most turbulent rounds in heavyweight history, leaving Frazier fighting virtually blind when his trainer Eddie Futch pulled him out. It is moments like these that cemented Frazier's place in boxing history, and why the sporting world greatly expressed its sadness (including his old nemesis Ali who said 'The world has lost a great champion') when his death was announced.

Monday, 7 November 2011

Radiohead US Tour Dates

» February 27 - Miami, FL @ American Airlines Arena
» February 29 - Tampa, FL @ The St. Pete Times Forum
» March 1 - Atlanta, GA @ Philips Arena
» March 3 - Houston, TX @ Toyota Center
» March 5 - Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center
» March 7 - Austin, TX @ Frank Erwin Center
» March 9 - St. Louis, MO @ Scottrade Center
» March 11 - Kansas City, MO @ Sprint Center
» March 13 - Broomfield, CO @ 1stBank Center
» March 15 - Glendale, AZ @ Jobing.com Arena


For all our american readers (stats show we have had 10 views in the States, so this is for you legends), Radiohead released a set of North American Tour dates starting on February 27th in Miami. Don't miss out on an incredible live experience, and get yourself a ticket when they go on sale this Friday. 

Azealia Banks - Hoxton Square Bar and Kitchen

Keep It Casual was lucky enough to be invited to the Azealia Banks show tonight at Hoxton Square Bar and Restaurant, and took these snaps, and the video of '212'. We have been listening to all of Azealia's tunes for a while, but seeing them live really showed why her lyrical flow, and unique style are being raved about so heavily. Check out the video to get a taster.

Saturday, 5 November 2011

Hackman - Satisfy



Sweet tune from Leeds DJ Hackman, check out his sound cloud for many other great remixes.

Sir Alex Ferguson - 25 Years



Love or Hate Fergie, you cannot deny 25 years managing at the top level, with one of the biggest clubs in the world is an incredible achievement, and rightly deserves being widely praised. Amazingly he has stayed at one club, whilst his rivals have come and gone, and he has learned to change and adapt, building various different teams which have all been successful. The man is a genius.

Friday, 4 November 2011

1000 views




The world leaders might be debating nervously on the Euro Crisis, watching anxiously as Greece goes into meltdown, but there is breaking news to make that look pretty insignificant, Keep It Casual reached its 1000th view.

Thursday, 3 November 2011







Keep It Casual has been lacking any cool artwork for a while, so here is a piece of graffiti seen the other day on the side of a car garage in Shoreditch. Aren't we cool.






Snap from the Beta Blocker and the Body Clock show at Hoxton Restaurant and Bar the other night, where they were supporting Fixers.

Wednesday, 2 November 2011

Sidewalk Safari

Sidewalk Safari by Chairlift Keep It Casual favourites Chairlift, release another new song 'Sidewalk Safari'. Listen.





Anyone in Manchester on November 18th, make sure you get to Casual Classics first away trip in Manchester. With free entry at the Ram and Shackle, cheap drinks and great tunes from Maccawell, DJ Ferg, Muutsi and Unpunished Monsters, there is no excuse worthy for missing it.

Neil Young - Sample and Hold (Live Trans)



Love Neil Young, but this is just hilarious.