Two Armadillos' Inspirations

The Two Armadillos are sometime partners, Giles Smith (secretsundaze/Secret Agency) and Martin Dawson (King Roc).  With a hugely impressive back catalogue as solo artists, the pair have recently rejoined in the studio to release their latest joint work, Golden Age of Thinking, in three parts on their own Two Armadillos imprint.  Pulse caught up with the duo to go through a few of their old favourites- tracks that have provided the inspiration and background to where they find themselves today- so grab yourself a cuppa and have a listen to this bunch of beauties.

Giles Smith:

1. Larry Heard - The Saga of the Evil Queen (Distant)



This for me is one of the Larry Heard's best records but not played by so many. I used it as the closing track for secretsundaze Volume 1 mix CD in 2007. It totally sums up what i like about dance music. euphoric, energetic yet having such emotion, deepness and warmth. I never tire of it. It also showcases Larry's musical genius with the amazing chords and solo's but still remains hypnotic.

2. Martine Girault - The Revival (FFRR)

I could have chosen numerous tracks by the likes of Erika Badu, Angie stone, Jill Scott but this track by Martine Girault is a modern soul classic that just oozes CLASS! Unbelievable. I also bought this when I was very young listening to indie at the time and this just came out of nowhere and blew my mind.
 
3. Maurizio - M4 (M Series / Self titled)

Just the ultimate deep techno bomb, super tracky and nothing has come close to matching its sound design and timelessness. This has never left my record bag.

4. My Bloody Valentine - (Creation)

This without realising it at the time was an unconscious or subconscious introduction to dance music for me though indie. MBV were absolutely untouchable and unique with their combination of sheer white noise, incomprehensible vocals but otherworldly beauty. This track fuses dance beats with rock which for me pre-dates the Happy Mondays and Stone Roses crossover stuff.

5. James Mason - I Want Your Love (Mighty Fine Records)



Just a sick jam! Amazing percussion, drums, bass, vocals. James Mason is a multi instrumentalist and his LP "Rhythm of Life" is worthy of your attention. Was really impressed that MCDE used "Sweet Power" from that LP on his DJ Kicks mix too.

Martin Dawson:

1. Miles Davis- Walkin'

I have always preferred live jazz rather than listening to recordings but I heard a lot of Miles when I was younger mainly through my Dad whole enjoy quite a lot of alternative and world music as well. I didn't understand it at first but now I love it.

2. Julien Jabre- Deliverance

When I first heard deep house music it was in London mainly in some really small sweaty underground clubs that would squeeze in about 75 people. Julien Jabre was one of those artist I really looked up to because every cut of his just fit the mood I was looking for.

3. Depeche Mode- Enjoy The Silence

Quite an obvious one I know but the guitar hook from this is one of my favourite melancholic melodies of all time. They wrote some amazing hooks and some very cheesy ones but no one is perfect!

4. New Order- True Faith

You I was sent the parts of this to do a King Roc remix a few years back I couldn't believe it. For me, again what I love about New Order, is their ability to write a hook that just sticks in your head but doesn't ever get annoying.

5. Max Richter- The Nature Of Daylight

Undoubtably one of the most moving pieces of orchestral music from modern times. I am a total sucker for all things melancholic because for me it doesn't make me feel sad but just very thoughtful and introspective. I really love this.

Two Armadillos- Golden Age of Thinking Part 1 of 3 is out now

Listen to Giles Smith on Pulse Radio
Listen to Martin Dawson on Pulse Radio