WinterHits

Chromophobia

bobmauretts — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 18:57:53 +0000

The fear of colour, the fear of music, the fear of anything different. This is a very special WinterHits mxitape, that has a few parallel narratives. I don’t want to spoil it, but one can read it through the eyes of what’s happening now in the UK political scene, with some people indulging racism and intolerance. Or one could read it with musical glasses, and see how some musicians, like Bill Evans, Max Roach and Dusty, express many different colour tones with their respective instruments. Or even try to hear new shades and hues from certain songs we all heard a million times, but are presented here differently. Just don’t be afraid.

Last but bloody certainly not least we are immensely proud of the artwork, composed and crafted by the talented Marina Mikulic. She’s an artist, designer and entrepreneur based in Toronto, and hopefully her beautiful colours will appear on this project again. Thank you Marina. Now let’s press download it…

Downtime Minimal

bobmauretts — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 15:05:23 +0000

“Humans may hibernate. But if man is the machine, when does he overheat? Certainly not in winter, when his gears him forward, even if at a slower pace, propelling him onward into the next stage.” — Golden Threat

This is the soundtrack for the end of the days, for the end of an era. A drone of sounds made for tape-decks, for smartphones, and for the cloud. For the ones we lost, and for the newborns. A mixtape for all of us. Enjoy!

Soundtrack for Imaginary Crimes of Passion

bobmauretts — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 19:33:19 +0000

Once upon a time there was a pretty fly… Vini Reilly + Pink Floyd + Morrissey + an echobox. Some love songs, some sad songs, some cries and some whispers. Some songs about money too. Some contemporary influences like the shady greys and some eternal ones, like a Basquiat produced proto-rap. Another neo-classic WinterHits mixtape, with the past, the present and an alternative future, that would never happen. That could not ever happen. Download in a hurry, and listen calmly.

The Precociousness of the Manchester Spring

bobmauretts — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 08:08:59 +0000

This is a follow up to last year’s ‘The Persistence of the Manchester Summer’. Likewise, it was also inspired by the unusual weather changes Manchester has been experiencing lately, and how it seems to affect everybody’s lives — including mine. This spring brought me my very first niece, the most incredible kid in the world, to whom I dedicate this mixtape. This spring has also taken things away from me, including the fourth incarnation of Max und Moritz, my technical companions when I make these mixed pieces. This is the very last one made with them — version CDJ-400. Musically, it’s uplifting, dance-y and a bit ironic — in a non-hipster way. And maybe it’s also a bit melancholic, if you’re sensitive enough to notice. Download it for free now and try for yourself…

The Persistence of the Manchester Summer

bobmauretts — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 11:01:00 +0000

The Persistence of the Manchester Summer was recorded September 2011 to promote Fritz von Runte‘s the then new night in Manchester called Electronic Gin ‘n Tonic. It was a nice time, when the weather was trying to stay positive, overstaying its welcome — well it was welcome… maybe we can say it was working overtime. It’s a mood mix, it gets you up and it takes you to another place. Give it a try and download for free now!

This is Radio Omneo

bobmauretts — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 07:02:13 +0000

This one-hour long mixtape goes to a dear friend who also lives in the night. Mr. Omneo and I share many similar points of view in life — which I won’t list here as this is a place for sounds.

This mixtape tells a story. The various stages of rolling in bed, trying hard to rest before the alarm rings. One trying to sleep and remembering facts of the day, of the week, of past. One trying to recreate dialogues in his mind, or write new ones that never existed. The sudden rush of energy after moments of calm. The way one thought translates into another without much perception.

Hope you enjoy it, download for free pressing the button.

Fag Breaks

bobmauretts — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 08:03:29 +0000

Fag Breaks was an ephemeral project that took more time that it needed. It was a challenge really. To reference George Michael and make him sound dark and cool again. To make Wham! sound less overplayed, maybe fresh. To use tracks from birthday gift CDs. And to plan it – or better put – to scheme it all during 5 minutes cigarette breaks. Ladies and Gentlemen… I present you FAG BREAKS!

All Is Lung

bobmauretts — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 08:01:39 +0000

ALL IS LUNG was made to celebrate Superfly Julie‘s birthday and this website’s relaunch. It’s inspired in Stop Smoking Through Hypnosis vintage LPs. Spoken Word records are one of Fritz von Runte’s many obsessions. Chilled downtempo mixtapes are another.

ALL IS LUNG is going to please you. For the Old Skool Ravers, It’s got the sacred trinity KLF, 808 State and RSW. For the ones that like a female voice, it’s got Peggy Lee, Tina Turner and The Blow. For those into the new electronic scene, it’s got Julio Bashmore, Ulrich Schnauss and Tropics. For the anglophiles Pink Floyd, Depeche Mode and Saint Etienne. And there’s Broken Social Scene too, so waste no time and download now!

Transcendental Rumination

bobmauretts — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 08:00:14 +0000

Inspired by Transcendental Meditation, Fritz von Runte produced this mixtape using mainly samples from the Buddah Machine and tracks inspired by it. It doesn’t have any popular songs. There are no beats, no chorus, no falsettos. It’s got tracks by Justin Carter, John Mingay, Salakapakka Sound System and of course, FM3. It’s a very conceptual and monotonic piece, with some trance-inducing chords, and processed vocals layers. Transcendental Rumination is the perfect soundtrack for a solo long cross-country train ride, or even a simple afternoon in the park, whilst thinking about what went right, what went wrong and the ever-lasting doubts.

The Elephant Tape AKA WinterHits 2011

bobmauretts — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 09:32:22 +0000

The Elephant Tape was originally commissioned as a personal mixtape for one of the sponsors of the ExistingProposed project. And the result would be such a good fit to be a WinterHits tape that we’ve licensed it to be here. It’s one of the tackiest and therefore most glorious tapes, with sound bites by The Scorpions, Dire Straits and The Pet Shop Boys doing a lousy Coldplay cover. At the same time, some pearls like Kate Bush, The Orb and Genevieve Waite compose the ambiance.

The Elephant Tape is a perfect soundtrack for the weekend afternoons of winter, with a couple of cool family members round the fireplace, having some strong bitter and smoking a mild cigar. Maybe playing cards. Check it out by pressing the download links.

Superfly Lullabies

bobmauretts — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 14:19:56 +0000

Superfly Lullabies is a company that makes super-swank blanket for babies, owned by my dear friend Julie. She and I share the love for good food, good music and good design. And, modesty aside, we’re also both very talented at naming our projects. Supposedly this is a pick’n mix mixtape but it has a few things we enjoy — like Morrissey, here in a rare dub version of a well-known track. It’s got a few surprises and even if you think you’ve heard it, in a previous incarnation of this website — think again. This is the version 2.0, with a very different ending, something never done before in the history of this website. Download now! And if you like it, make sure you visit Superfly Lullabies and check out the inspiration for this mixtape.

I’m In Europe 2010

bobmauretts — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 14:12:03 +0000

One of the best mixtapes available to download, I’m In Europe 2010 was made to be the soundtrack of the annual trip Fritz and Gillian make around continental Europe.

It features samples from radio stations from the French and Italian Riviera. Its unique mix has got a laid back summer feel, with Grace Jones, Etienne Daho, Mugwump, Massive Attack and Kanye West. At the same time, it still has some surprises, some twists – like Kraftwerk, Creedence Clearwater Revival and Yellow Magic Orchestra. But don’t read about it, please, listen to it instead. Just press the download button and chill!

IdeaFixa Soundtrack AKA WinterHits 2009

bobmauretts — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 13:01:33 +0000

In 2009 the Pan-American Design Magazine IdeaFixa released a book compiling its best illustrations. They commissioned a WinterHits mixtape to be played as a soundtrack of the launch tour, with events in 5 cities and 3 countries. It was a great opportunity to showcase the WinterHits unique style and Fritz von Runte has really excited about it. He’s produced a fine WinterHits volume, with random interviews, hip-hop, rock, jazz and an unreleased Lycantropii. Problem was… it was never played. Apparently they didn’t have any device to play MP3 files — but we’re sure you do. Hit download now and feel this amazing mix!

Nebraskapism

bobmauretts — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 15:32:07 +0000

In 2009, Nebraskapism was commissioned by the website LAtoNY, to be played in a road trip. The original description says “A relaxing yet slightly disturbing chill out mix made to honour the state of Nebraska and its notable citzens, like Malcolm X, Marlon Brando and Nick Nolte. The radio scanning present throughout the mix was recorded in the same day the latter were arrested in California, back in 2002, by reporters trying to grab some information about the Nebraskan. Mixed by Fritz von Runte.”

Kraftwerk, Leftfield, Sun Electric, DJ Shadow, Wayne Newton, Future Sound of London and the Chemical Brothers CLASH with Madonna, Britney Spears and New Kids on The Block. It’s a downtempo masterpiece, made for road, train or plane trips. Load you ipod now!

The House Always Wins

bobmauretts — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 08:35:27 +0000

December 2008. This mixtape was made for Gillian, Fritz von Runte’s girlfriend, as a Christmas gift. Her love for house music was one of the things that brought these two together. The House Always Wins is a love letter to house music. The mix itself is a masterpiece — with the seminal Aqua Regia, the multicultural Deee-Lite and the classic Bomb the Bass. Underworld disguised as Lemon Interrupt, Saint Etienne as Cola Boy. Spiller, Vicious Pink, Future Sound of London… MJ Cole, Björk, New Order, Fatboy Slim, The Chemical Brothers and of course 808 State. The best of the best for the best girlfriend ever.

Fritz Turns 32

bobmauretts — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 10:33:25 +0000

Also known as Likes Quiet Pubs Country Walks Honest People Who Dont Mess You About Birds Animals Drives Into The Unknown or simply Macdonalds One Drink Two Straws Closeness To Read Your Eyes, Fritz Turns 32 is one of the most fantastic WinterHits mixtape. It obviously marks the 32nd birthday of Fritz von Runte, but there’s more to it. It has most of the acts Fritz has been listening to since he was a child. New Order, Kraftwerk, Morrissey, KLF, 808, Renegade Soundwave and so on. It’s like a self-homage, a gift he’s made for hinself. It’s also one of the longest mixtapes, made to fit in those chrome 100 minute tapes… not on a CD.

There’s a few puns and loads of classic moments, like the tongue-in-cheek london underground samples. Layers and layers of songs and sounds known to most people that know Fritz. Press download now and experience it! And what happens when Fritz turns 32? It becomes a 23.

Pop#1 AKA WinterHits 2008

bobmauretts — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 15:38:22 +0000

Pop#1 marks the comeback of the WinterHits series. It was produced in 2008 and it was the first one to be released exclusively on-line. As the name suggests it’s a mixtape with lots of pop tunes, carefully misconfigured to sound fresh and maybe a bit odd. The Charlatans, Tina Turner, Uffie, Mariah Carey and the Orb perform their best sewed together with Negativeland, Madonna, Living Colour and Take That. It’s a mixtape for all occasions, so don’t even blink and press download now!

WinterHits Three

bobmauretts — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 15:05:38 +0000

Part of the classic trilogy originally commissioned by Bob Mauretts, WinterHits 3 was produced in 2005. And it shows, with tracks by Cane 141 and Black Box Recorder. A certain early 60′s Las Vegas feeling — with Trini Lopez, Louis Prima, Al Caiola, Julie London and Dean Martin — confronts 80′s radio-phonic pop, like Boy George, OMD and Boy Town Gang. And there’s also the then omnipresent Amarillo track — dated, overplayed but a portrait of that year. A classic mixtape for all types of people, this is a crowdpleaser —download it now!

WinterHits Two

bobmauretts — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 15:24:55 +0000

Are you comfortable now? Relaxed… yes. Quickly, how old are you??? This is how the second instalment of the WinterHits mixtapes starts, inviting the listener to a particular sonic trip, to songs of love, passion and pain. It’s another soundtrack for Bob Mauretts’ Winterhaus, at the quiet village of Chans. Dj Shadow, Streetband, Professor X and Brian Adams rock the melancholic feeling we have whilst pouring half a measure of Cognac in a cup of tea, in the midst of a winter afternoon. Like Empire Strikes Back, The Temple of Doom and Dark Knight, this is the second piece of a trilogy — in this case the original WinterHits tapes — and, somehow, the best one. Waste no time and download now, it’s guaranteed to rock your winter nights.

WinterHits One

bobmauretts — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 14:53:57 +0000

This is the original WinterHits, commissioned by Bob Mauretts as a soundtrack for the winter days and nights, for his cosy Winterhaus on the hills. It encapsulates the original concept of the WinterHits series, with laid back tracks from all decades, all rhythms and styles. It’s been played for ten odd years and it still holds up well. And now you can download it here, unabridged.