The original was most recently sampled to death by sulky hip hop whinge bag Kanye ‘he’s not the messiah, he’s just a very naughty boy’ West.

Sammy sang this live on his geniusly named 1966 show ‘The Sammy Davis Jnr Show’. Apparently, the finale of the show had Sammy and guests ‘going wild with the frug, monkey, mash potato and jerk to “I’ve Got a Woman”.

Frug sounds rude.

Anyway, enjoy this 7″ version…

The collaborative working for good event saw staff from Ecclesiastical Insurance working alongside the team from Good for Nothing and a select bunch of skilled creatives to make stuff that matters for three Gloucestershire charities.

Ready, steady, do!

Working to a 48 hour deadline each team worked flat out to create useful, practical materials that the charities could actually use. From sponsorship pitching presentations and videos to complete websites, Tumblr blogs, forums and brand refreshes – an astounding amount of work was completed.

There was plenty of good food and music to keep the troops energised in the fantastic surroundings of the racecourse. This included an hour long covers set from me. The mix can now be downloaded here:  Ecclesiastical GFN covers mix

Partly chilled, partly ridiculous

I played over lunch on the final day. With just three hours to go ’til deadline chilled tunes to calm the tension were the order of the day.

A handful of laidback reggae covers for starters (including Prince Fatty’s cover of ‘Insane in the Brain’); followed by a meaty main of uplifting soul, European versions of Motown classics and some bootleg remixes (check out A Skillz remix of ‘California Soul’) …and a bit of  drum and bass for good measure.

I ended with some indigestion building crazy covers including the Wurzels take on ‘Golden Brown’ (surprisingly good!) and a Finnish cover of ‘Hit the Road Jack’ (which I’d previously thought was Swedish, thanks Katri!).

If you were at the event thank you for helping to make it such a great success.

If you weren’t, be sure to check out the good work of the three charities we supported: Young Gloucestershire, Gloucestershire Young Carers and Cotswold Care.

Grab yourself a strong cuppa (you’ll need it for the Rawhide cover) and have a listen to the mix here:

Download link: Ecclesiastical GFN covers mix

Or stream via Mixcloud:

Full tracklisting:

1 – You Make me so very Happy – Alton Ellis

2 – Make me Yours – Phylis Dillon

3 – The way nature planned it – Ken Boothe

4 – Delilah – Horace Andy

5 – Karma Police – Easy Star Allstars

6 – Insane in the brain – Prince Fatty

7 – Brown paper bag – Me & You

8 – (Your love) Higher and higher – Otis Redding

9 – Good Life – Brass Roots

10 – Got to get you into my life – Carmen Mcrae

11 – My Cherie Amor – Stevie Wonder

12 – Wie Schon Das ist (How sweet it is) – Marvin Gaye

13 – Hard to Handle – Tom Jones

14 – Papa’s got a brand new bag – Georgie Fame

15 – California Soul (A Skillz mix) – Marlena Shaw

16 – Peg Leg – Livingstone

17 – Sunny (Featurecast mix) – James Brown

18 – Gold Digger (High Contrast mix) – Kanye West

19 – I believe in Miracles – Mark Capanni

20 – Rawhide – Capital Children’s Choir

21 – Jeg er bar so ga lo (U can’t touch this) – Trussetyn

22 – Golden Brown – Wurzels

23 – Monkey Man – Amy Winehouse

24 – Take me home country roads – Toots & Maytals

25 – Painu Pais Jack (Hit the road jack) – Four Cats

Enjoy! Ecclesiastical GFN covers mix

Ten years ago this weekend I went to the first Big Chill at Eastnor Castle. It’s been an annual summer highlight for me ever since.

Over the past couple of years much has changed: for me personally, the booze has given way to buggies (I’ll be attending with two under-3s!); for the festival Pete Lawrence and Katrina Larkin have moved on and Festival Republic are now at the fore. But, for me, the spirit of the festival remains.

As excited as a kid at Christmas for the last few days, I spent this evening getting my Big Chill shit together. And then I had a thought….

I want to play at this year’s Big Chill festival. 

Sure, the event’s a couple of days away. Yes, Kanye et al were booked up months ago. But, surely, there’s a half an hour DJ set there for me somewhere?!

I’m not after a Mr Scruff style 10-hour marathon set. And I’m not suggesting for a second that the Chemical Brothers get bumped to make way for me.

All I want, which I appreciate is a stupendously ridiculously massive request, is 30 minutes at some hard to fill slot in the deepest corner of the furthest away field. Next to the dirtiest toilets on-site will be fine.

Why should the Big Chill give me a chance?

I could spend 1500 words begging, I could personally agree to be Melvin Benn’s man slave for the next few year’s (although Saturday’s could be an issue Melvin). But, I hope the next 5 short reasons persuade you and the Big Chill organisers (including you, Lord King Melvin McFantastic of Big Chill land, your honour) that giving me a short slot this weekend is the right thing to do.

1 – I’m free. Gratis. No charge.

Now, I don’t want to spout idle gossip but I heard that Mr Kanye West has demanded over £500 to headline on Saturday night. Honestly, I kid you not – he’s on a monkey. 20 ponies. For a couple of hours messing about.

I, on the other hand, already have a ticket. And I wouldn’t dare of asking for anything more than a little bit of electricity on my rider – to power some technical things I’d need to play a couple (probably 8-10) nice songs from pre-recorded media on. You may already have such equipment on site?  So I may as well put it to use?

2 – I’ll play some pretty acceptable music

I love the Big Chill. There, I’ve said it. Over the past 10 years the festival has influenced my musical taste and helped me discover lots of new music.

I mostly play soulful, funky cover versions of classic and new tracks that get people’s heads nodding and toes tapping – perfect for a sunny Eastnor Saturday/Sunday afternoon.

And let’s be fair, if (somehow) I pull this off and get to DJ this weekend – put me on somewhere remote when Norman Jay MBE is playing.

In all probability the maximum number I can then piss off, and only very mildly, is approximately: 14 humans, 3 stray deers, a badger, 17 squirrels and around 4 million of those bloody bugs that bite you if you go too near the trees.

3 – I’ve gone and done a Spotify playlist for you

To illustrate my knowledge and understanding of all things Big Chill I’ve put together a brief 10-track Spotify playlist titled: Big Chill Covers – Celebrating 10 years at Eastnor.

You can listen to it by clicking on that bit of text above where I said what it was called. But to make it easier for you I’ve linked all of this text to it too. So you can just click here. Or here. You don’t even have to move your mouse.

Rather than being a random collection of tracks, I’ve put a lot of thought in to this playlist. Honest. It starts in 2002 with a cover of headliners Royksopp’s Eple and works through to 2011 with a track from big names from each subsequent year – covers and great remixes. Playlist below:

2002 – Eple -3io

2003 – Golden Brown – The Wurzels (stick with me people, they were there in 2003, honestly)

2004 – Get a move on – Quantic Soul Orchestra

2005 – Pastime Paradise – Youngblood Brass Band

2006 – Miracles – Arrested Development

2007 – Theme from Shaft – The Chosen Few (the late Isaac Hayes Sunday headlined)

2008 – Witness (Slugabed remix) – Roots Manuva

2009 – Good Luck – Basement Jaxx vs Metropole Orchestra

2010 – Unfinished Sympathy – Maxence Cyrin

2011 – Gold Digger (Sugar Down mix) – Curtis Jones

4 – There’s always a chance I’ll actually soil myself…

If you, Big Chill Supremos, do give me the nod, there is always the distinct possibility you will have a legendary anecdote to tell friends, family and colleagues:

‘Do you remember when we gave that guy a DJ slot at 3 days notice and he actually shat himself during his first mix?’.

Regardless of which slot and stage you give me, I can guarantee a little bit of wee.

5 – I’ll donate a minimum of £100 to charity

You know those ‘experiences’ you can buy online?

Stuff like: a  ’Summer Spa Sensation’. Which turns out to be 15 minutes sat in a shopping arcade opposite a slightly racist lady called Vera while some confused looking goldfish nibble at your bunions.

Well what I’m asking for here is the real deal, a proper experience. One money can’t buy. But, as a token, and I appreciate it is just a token, I’d donate £100 to charity (East African appeal) for the privilege – and more if I can raise it.

I also promise to jump up and down for the whole 30 minutes in a Craig Charles-esque fashion.

So, will you help me?

If you’re somehow involved in the Big Chill and are able to help grant my wish (feel like I’m writing to Noel Edmonds now) please contact me via Twitter http:/www.twitter.com/coveritupsounds

If you’re reading this and aren’t involved in the Big Chill I’d be grateful if you could retweet a link to this page. Preferably before Friday!

And I hope you enjoy the playlist. Thanks for reading!

As the last couple of funky covers mixes have been pretty laid back affairs I’ve kicked this week’s off with a an absolute banger.

If you’ve never heard of Brassroots you’re in for a treat. A brass band in the mould of Hypnotic Brass Ensemble they’ve knocked out great versions of cover version staples including Karma Police and Seven Nation Army. Their version of Good Life starts off as a toe tapper but soon builds up pace.

From brass we go reggae with a couple of classics including Eek-a-Mouse’s ‘Wa Do Dem’ a great cover of The Beatles’ ‘Let it Be’ and one of the strangest reggae covers in my collection – Tom Jones’ ‘Delilah’ covered by friend of Massive Attack Horace Andy!

Horace is playing this year’s Big Chill – I hope to see him there as he was due to play a few year’s back but didn’t. Crack may or may not have been involved!

We’ve then got a reggae/dub version of Roots Manuva’s ‘Witness’, a handful of funky mash-ups including a funky Adele remix. And even some House of Pain, Kriss Kross and Public Enemy samples for good measure.

To end, a couple of chilled out tracks from the new Good Times album from Notting Hill Carnival Stalwart Norman Jay MBE. Norman has announced this week that his famed bus won’t be parking itself in Notting Hill this August bank holiday weekend for the first time in 30 years. Help support him in funding next year by buying the album here. 

So many great tracks on the album but I’ve opted for one that reminds me of my childhood. ‘Ghetto Disco’ brings back memories of my teenage years, growing up in the deepest darkest hood in a small leafy rural village called Sandhurst  in Gloucestershire. That school disco was rough.

Full tracklisting can be found at Mixcloud. Listen to the show here.

Next mix will be out in a fortnight with a distinctly summery feel.

This week’s show kicks off with some laid back reggae covers, passionate northern soul and Duran Duran covered by an African Funk band – what’s not to like!

We’ve dropped the voiceover from this episode and will continue to do so in future shows – so you can listen to the mix uninterrupted by our west country tones.

Full tracklist below:

1 - Alton Ellis - You've Made Me So Very Happy
2 - The Creations - A Dream
3 - Jimmy Hughes - Lock Me Up
4 - Toots & The Maytals - Take Me Home Country RoadBuy
5 - Kokolo - Girls On Film
6 - Mayer Hawthorne - Just Ain’t Gonna Work Out
7 - Letta Mbulu - What’S Wrong With Groovin’
8 - Frankie Paul -I Know The Score
9 - Easy Star All Stars - Karma Police
10 - Unknown - Mary Jane
11 - New Birth - Honeybee
12 - Gang Starr - Check The Technique
13 - Boy Meets World - Hey Young World
14 - No1 De No1 - Guajiri Van
15 - James Brown - Sunny [Regrooved By Featurecast]

Harold Melvin and the other unsuccessful Shaft auditionees

We’re pleased to announce we’ve re-launched the Cover it up! Soundsystem radio show!

The first episode includes Mark Capanni’s original of ‘I believe in miracles’, some classic soul from the Dells and Harold Melvin (pictured), reggae, African funk, hip hop and more. Full track listing of the hour long mix can be found at Mixcloud.

It’s available now at Mixcloud: http://www.mixcloud.com/Coveritupsounds/cover-it-up-soundsystem-radio-show-3-june-2011/ 

Me & You - Brown Paper Bag

A track from a great covers album, Tru Thoughts covers, released a couple of years ago. I don’t know too much about Me & You but they don’t seem to have released too much else since.

This is a jazzy take on Roni Size’s drum and bass classic from his & Reprezent’s Mercury Prize winning New Forms album. Enjoy…

And the original…

The late James Brown sporting a fetching bobble hat and neck brace combo

Two sleeps to go! I’ve put together this 60-minute mix of some funk, soul and reggae Christmas cover versions to get you in the mood. If you’ve never heard a reggae version of Last Christmas you’re in for a treat!

I’m yet to find a cover of Slade’s Christmas masterpiece that’s worth listening to though. If you know of one (or any other classic Christmas covers I might have missed) let me know by making a comment below.

Tracklisting

1 – Funky, Funky Christmas – New Kids on the Block (sample)

2 – Let’s Make Christmas Mean Something – James Brown

3 – My Favorite Things – The Supremes

4 – What Christmas Means to Me – Stevie Wonder

5 – Santa Claus is Coming to Town – Ella Fitzgerald

6 – Back Door Santa – Clarence Carter

7  - Most Wonderful Time of the Year – Elmo, Sesame Street

8 – Christmas in Hollis – Run DMC

9 – Soulful Christrmas – Faith Evans

10 – Last Christmas – John Holt

11 – White Christmas – Jackie Edwards

12 – Here Comes Santa Claus – The Chipmunks

13 – Rudolph, red-nosed reindeer – Ella Fitzgerald

14 – Deck the Halls – Joe Gibbs

15 – Santa Baby – Macy Gray

16 – Stoned Soul Christmas – Binky Griptite & the Deekays

17 – Mambo Santa Mambo – The Enchanters

18 – I’m Gonna Lasso Santa Claus – Brenda Lee

19 – Christmas Scat – The Muppets

20 – I’m Your Christmas Friend – James Brown

21 – Christmas Won’t  be the Same – Jackson 5

22 – Frosty the Snowman – Patti Page (remix)

23 – ‘Zat you Santa Claus – Louis Armstrong (remix)

24 – Rock N’ Roll Polly Santa Claus – Lillian Briggs

25 – This Christmas – Donny Hathaway

26 – Do you Hear What I Hear? – Destiny’s Child

27 – White Christmas – Otis Redding

28 – Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – Diana Krall

29 – Jingle Bells – Joe Williams (Bombay Dub Orchestra remix)

Listen/download the mix here, enjoy…

And yes, I did consider Eazy E’s festive number but wanted to keep this mix office safe!

That'll be £12 please

It’s Notting Hill Carnival this weekend. 30 years of Norman Jay’s Good Times at carnival as well, so I’m gutted I can’t make it.

To console myself, I’ve been pulling out some tracks for a special  carnival mix to be posted here over the next couple of days.

I’ll then be playing it all day Sunday and Monday while putting £4 in a bin every time I open a can of Red Stripe and asking an aggressive stranger to charge me £3 every time I need a piss. Just like being there. But with less 15-year-olds  on coke sporting ridiculous caps. I hope.

So far, I’m thinking old skool hip hop, including EPMD and Young MC; some big dancehall tunes (shabba); classic jungle (Shy FX etc); a few party cover versions; maybe even some dubstep for the ladies…

Let me know your suggestions for carnival classics to be included via comments below.

le reggae français - ce que la baise?

I don’t know too much about this one but it seems to be a real hybrid multi-cultural affair of a reggae cover version.

Bost & Bim, two French dancehall producers, worked with a French singer – Brisa Roche – and the original studio 1 DJ Lone Ranger (Jamaican) to cover Estelle (British) & Kanye West’s ‘American Boy’.

Apparently it was played in Berlin when Usain Bolt won the 100m at the Athletics World Championship’s last year. It sounds authentically late 70′s Jamaican in style. So much so that when I first heard it I thought it must be the original and Kanye had ripped it off!

Enjoy…