Huey Morgan knows his music. Plain and simple. Having grown up in New York and soaked up every sound the city has to offer, he’s as good a candidate as anyone to inject its Block Party vibe into clubs and festivals throughout the UK.
Following a sold out NYC block party here in February, we’re thrilled to have Huey back this week. If you were unsure what to expect when Huey is behind the decks, then wonder no longer! His playlist of block party classics is the perfect primer: 808 patterns, stacked claps, slap bass, breakbeats, squelchy synths, funky guitar and anthem melodies. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!
Among Huey’s selections you’ll find a track deemed to be one of the greatest hip-hop songs of all time by Rolling Stone, a few of Pitchfork’s Best Songs of the 1980’s and a couple of underground classics too. Check out his playlist in the sidebar and a few thoughts on every track, below.
Afrika Bambaattaa & The Soulsonic Force – Planet Rock
‘It reminds me of the 1st time I was at a block party in NYC as a kid!’
The Jackson 5 – ABC
‘I just makes everyone realise that we are all kids at heart and that we are having a great time together.’
Gil Scott Heron & Brian Jackson – Angel Dust
‘A supa PSA joint before we had all this internet stuff; Angel Dust is bad kids!’
Tom Tom Club – Genius Of Love
‘Because it can’t be denied at any time! All time stone cold classic!’
Rick James – Give It To Me Baby
“It preempts any misunderstanding made later by a loving couple with the first line. ‘When I came home last night, you wouldn’t make love to me. You said I’m so crazy, coming home intoxicated.’ Absolute genius.”
Fred Wesley & The JB’s – Blow Your Head
‘This joint needs no introduction because the intro does just that.’
The Lakeside – Fantastic Voyage
‘We all gotta start somewhere and this is it.’
Prince – Hot Thing*
*‘Anything by Prince, because when you are having a block party, Prince is always invited.’
Slick Rick – Mona Lisa
‘When I was coming up, old heads would put this on to test the speakers.’
System – You Are In My System
‘One of my favourite joints and it always sounds brand new.’
