Pick Your Tunes #14

 

 

Todd Shima aka Boogalicious comes from California’s State Capital, Sacramento, and is one half of the deejaying duo along with DJ Ben Johnson (Love Cryme, Delta Breeze Records). Ben and Todd have an all-vinyl, monthly spot called Lazer Funk, established by Ben, that has been running for over 6 years. Todd has been amassing records all his life and has been an active “crate digger” for over 20 years. Having grown up during the 80s’, his early musical influences include Lakeside, Ozone, Dynasty, and The Reddings. You can listen to some of Todd’s mixes, as he has guested on Brooklyn Radio, Star Creature Radio, and the Voyage Funktastique Show, to name a few. Feel free to check out his Mixcloud and Soundcloud pages.

 

1. What’s your favorite tune to cruise at night?

 Anne G  – “Love At Dawn” (1989)

 

If you were going ask me my favorite tune to cruise in the day, it would probably be more on the uptempo tip. That said, I always equate cruising at night to something slower in tempo. Circa 1989, I would always go cruising with the homies and this was a popular one regularly in the cassette rotation because it hit so hard.

 

2.  What’s your favorite tune to chill?

 Howard Johnson – “Keepin’ Love New” (1982)

 

More that anything, this one comes from emotion- pure feel good music. It doesn’t get as much consideration as “So Fine” and “Say You Wanna” yet garners every bit of attention it surely deserves. Plus, I mean. It’s HoJo and Kashif. Enough said.

 

3.What’s your favorite tune for a romantic evening?

Wynd Chymes – “Love Has Come Again‘” (1982)

 

Man, when you say, “romantic evening,” I like to take it way down. Who needs Netflix when you have the Wynd Chymes. Add this one to your slow jam mix and trust you’ll make it past first base. Definitely a sax offender.

 

 

4. What’s your favorite tune to shake your body down to the ground?

Gwen McCrae – “Keep The Fire Burning” (1982)

 

The second that bassline kicks in, you know I’m headed straight to the dance floor! Every time I deejay this 12”, the reaction is instant. Hands in the air and grins from ear to ear is a prerequisite. And the catchy chorus keeps your head nodding all night long. This one is too worthy to ever take out of your crate.

 

5. What’s the tune that gives you instant nostalgia?

Rick James – “Dance Wit’ Me” (1982)

 

The “Throwin’ Down” album was the first Rick James record I bought back in 1982 at the now defunct Tower Records (RIP Russ Solomon). Really, this whole record is heavy top to bottom. This track reminds me of my cousin, whose boyfriend had a ’77 Monte Carlo and one time, took me on the classic Franklin Boulevard Cruise in Sacramento and I just remember the 6×9’s and the hissing of the highs. Funk never sounded so sweet.