Bugnologists Unite!

One day, oh it must have been about two years ago, I innocently pushed the play button on my CD player. The first notes of Patrick Chardronnet's "Ledge" came out of the speakers and echoed through the dark. As the room filled with the otherworldly sounds of future house I was compelled to lie down. Don't get me wrong: I felt like dancing, but something else was going on. The music was that good, perfectly mixed, and it was unthinkable to try to do anything but listen and soak in every beat, every melody.


On that day, as the sounds resounded through my listening room, Steve Bug's Bugnology became my absolute favorite mix CD.

Of course, Steve Bug is far from being a novice behind the decks, but this was something different. Bugnology was conceived with computers and, unlike Hawtin's series of mixes, Bug's assemblage retained the intension behind the original tracks. This was no producer's experiment, just a perfectly executed DJ mix made with fresh tools. Yes, the tracks were cut-up, but in such a way that they didn't lose anything: they made the whole greater than its already wonderful parts.


Bugnology was twisted fun, and at the same time deeply involving, featuring the best from Mr. Bug's label, Poker Flat Recordings, and way, way more. There is no other mix CD that has ever twisted me up in such a way. Pure angst, set on a backdrop of dance floor funkiness. Simply massive.


Bug returned this year with another equally impressive edition of Bugnology, again featuring a cutting edge selection of deep, sometimes funky tech-house: Guido Schneider, Matthias Tanzman, John Tejada, Gui Borato, Jay Hunsberger and, of course, Steve Bug himself.

To me, Bugnology is the end of DJ mix albums. There is simply nothing better.

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Unfamiliar with Steve Bug's sound (heretic!), check out his classic "November Girl" below:



Or this one, featuring Miss Kittin:

Neon and Piknic join forces to bring back Steve Bug to Montréal. It's happening this Monday at the usual Piknic spot or, in case of rain, at La SAT. This is the one people will be talking about for years. Don't be there, and you will be missing out on something great.