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Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Thee Christmas Post (a.k.a. Feliz Natal), Pt. 1

Santa Claus is an enemy of the state; make no mistake about it. Carol the message forward.

Any figure congruent with benevolence is too good to be true. The message is tired and cynical message, perhaps even gloomy. Regardless, the author stubbornly trudges forth; not unlike eight reindeers exempt from fair wages and an eight-hour work day.

Pay no heed to the lore! Only a small number of light-skinned people live in the Northpole and probabilities are that not one of them is toymakers. As a matter of fact, most of the people in question speak Danish (or Russian with special expertise in oil exploration). This conspiracy that runs deep.

The man known to Saint Nicholas is a dastardly character. Daring to suppress humanity's potential once a year, Mr. Claus's exploits must not be forgotten. Even at this stage in human society, interacting with other intelligent creatures seems out of the question. The cause? Of all reasons, it is politics despite the tireless effort of space programs worldwide. Contacting extraterrestrials may be unlikely, but an effort should still be made. And all the while Santa is busy putting out anti martian, pro-colonialist propaganda.

Still, the world watches and waits for Black Peter to sign a tell-all book deal.

Until that time, why not spend the holiday as pleasantly as possible. Below are three Feliz Natal selections released today, the 24th of December

DeeJay EstraGaa is been no stranger to these pages, and as such is a candidate for the "Noggle Nice List." This DJs Di Puro Ritmo beatmaker has affinity for melody and "Feliz Natal "2014-2015" is no exception. A track of the afro-house variety, with a kuduro beat, the tempo is fast but mimics the instrumentation: it eludes the sensation of being overbearing. The rhythm is driven by an inornate hi-hat/snare beat, syncopated with a vocal sample on third beat, and is rounded out by four-to-the-floor bass. Most intriguing, though, is the occasional use stop-time; in addition to portions where the producer eliminates percussion altogether. But the risk carries potential for a high reward. Melodically, EstraGaa spares no effort. A single synth is used in a looping four-beat phrase but it is in no way static. Tension is built through effects and a steadily rising pitch; ultimately resembling a the-dual guitar harmony of a 1980s New Wave of British Heavy Metal group.



Although a recent discovery, Puto Tito also qualifies as a candidate for the "Noggle Nice List." Much like EstraGaa, PT Musik is prolific; "Feliz Natal #PT Music ProdD," being just the latest example. Similar to the above track, Tito's beat is sparse. But if the track in question were to be represented by a cup, imagination is fills it to the brim. Only two synths, drums, and bass are used, each in a fascinating manner. Half-bar introduction/interludes separate three four-bar sections, each of which is distinctly different. Once the song begins, the keyboard of impending doom continues to play for four beats. The hit-hat/snare rhythm begins. Bass is heard but only for two beats, furthering the impression of a slowed-down zouk with as a melody as distant from kizomba as possible. Then the track changes. A second synth, emulating strings, elaborates the melody. In much in the same manner, a nuanced hitch in the hi-hat alters the beat. For his final act, Puto Tito teases listeners with afro-house. Four the the four bass enters as the strings exit. If nothing else, a Christmas surprise worth repeated listens.



Producer and letter "A" afficionado RaphaaelVááz makes the "Noggle Nice List," by default. The independent beatmaker from Margem Sul - some eighty miles away from Lisbon proper - is adept at his craft, despite not appearing on these pages at all until now. Typically a creator of slow tracks, the songs released by RV Records vary by intrigue, but each release, without fail, is clean and proper; "Feliz Natal" being no exception. Of similar make up to for the EstraGaa and Puto Tito song, Vááz begins after a short introduction (only one bar) which presents the main source of melody: bell and synth. The track is a mid to slow tempo afro-house with a strong kizomba feel. Each of the three synths are layered, creating a comfortable cushion on which the track can rest; the distant, choir sample providing the proper ambiance for this Christmas eve. A straight, 4/4 hi-hat produces the underlying melody, djembe the flare. If expanded, and finalized with a vocal contribution, the track would suffice the accompaniment for a proper kizomba song. Alas, after only ninety second, the song concludes.

The brevity should at least serve as a reminder to enjoy the brief moment that is peace during the holidays.


- John Noggle

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