May 2024
Stretch Armstrong’s Set is an instant classic
PS. Go Listen
Intro
Stretch Armstrong's DJ'ing and mixing history is extensive, but in my opinion, it all comes down to this one set, which I find nearly flawless. It was performed at 214 Mulberry Street, right in the heart of Soho, New York City as a part of Aime Leon Dore's Sound Series.
The blend of music perfectly captures the essence of being in New York City. Many of the songs reference the city and seamlessly fit the 'vibe,' making you feel like you truly belong there.
The blend of music perfectly captures the essence of being in New York City. Many of the songs reference the city and seamlessly fit the 'vibe,' making you feel like you truly belong there.
Setting the Scene
I'll touch briefly on the set design of the location where Armstrong is performing, as it truly ties the entire set together. It's as if the music itself influenced the design. The soulful and R&B tunes that Armstrong mixes seem to set the scene, creating a warm atmosphere reflected in the wooden décor and soft, inviting lighting, drawing viewers into an immersive experience focused solely on the music.
Tracklist
You might want to write down some of these songs, as Armstrong's selection offers iconic glimpses into the soul genre. Each track perfectly transitions to the next, featuring artists like Nina Simone, Marvin Gaye, Gil Scott-Heron, and much more.
A relatable comment I found under the video described the crackle from the records as feeling like the warm sun on your face. I often imagine myself in the same room as him while the set plays, and pretend like every concern in the world melts away.
The tracks listed below only scratch the surface of the hour and ten-minute set, but they are my personal favorites.
A relatable comment I found under the video described the crackle from the records as feeling like the warm sun on your face. I often imagine myself in the same room as him while the set plays, and pretend like every concern in the world melts away.
The tracks listed below only scratch the surface of the hour and ten-minute set, but they are my personal favorites.
1. Ain’t Got the Love (Of One Girl on My Mind) - The Ambassadors
Wow, what a perfect song to start off the entire Sound series. It feels like this track ignited the entire series, now about 10 months in the making. I've watched the other sets (there are five more at the moment), but there's just something about those first few seconds when the needle hits the record in this set that I can't seem to find elsewhere.
2. Mel & Tim - Groovy Situation
This song is pure fun and has a way of getting stuck in your head. I just had to include it because it sets up the transition into the next Nina Simone track perfectly.
"Whoa, it's a groovy situation
A spendid combination
That we should meet at a time like this
Whoa, it's a groovy situation
A spendid combination
You're something that I just can't miss"
3. Nina Simone - To Love Somebody
At five minutes and forty-five seconds into the set, we hit what, in my opinion, is one of the most unforgettable tracks. Simone's voice seamlessly blends into the mix from Mel & Tim, stealing the spotlight instantly. "To Love Somebody" originated as a Bee Gees song in 1967, but Nina Simone's rendition stands out as one of my personal favorites.
Simone's voice, perfectly timed within the set, paired with the warm sound of vinyl and the crackling from the 45, creates an incredibly rich and textured listening experience. I'd be lying if I said I don't replay this section of the set two or three times whenever I listen to it.
It's not often that you would see a DJ set that contains a song from Nina Simone, but in this instance, it fits seamlessly and emerges as the standout track for me.
4. Gil Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson - New York City
Following Nina Simone, Armstrong transitions into New York City from Gil Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson, another perfectly curated song that perfectly depicts the overall feeling of being in New York City.
"New York City
I don’t know why I love you
Could be you remind me of myself"
Many of the lyrics keep referencing New York City, personifying it as if the city is a living thing. And in many ways, it is. Everything that happens here feels special and purposeful, with nothing wasted. The song choices and lyrics can be interpreted in countless ways, but I like to think of them in comparison to oneself, reflecting the unique feeling of the city.
Reaction
I remember the excitement I felt when Aime Leon Dore first announced their Sound Series. With the brand's direction over recent years, I knew this collection of music would be nothing short of exceptional.
I wish I could relive the experience of listening to this set for the first time again. But, time travel isn't possible, so I have to satisfy myself with focusing on the present moment—listening to it on repeat, imagining it's the first time, or sharing it with others to relive the feelings through their reactions.
I wish I could relive the experience of listening to this set for the first time again. But, time travel isn't possible, so I have to satisfy myself with focusing on the present moment—listening to it on repeat, imagining it's the first time, or sharing it with others to relive the feelings through their reactions.
Series
I highly recommend listening to any of these sets. Whether it's Stretch Armstrong's or any of the other DJs who've shown up on the series over the past 10 months, there's an abundance of incredible tracks waiting to be discovered and enjoyed.
https://www.aimeleondore.com/pages/sound
https://www.youtube.com/@aimeleondore/videos
https://www.aimeleondore.com/pages/sound
https://www.youtube.com/@aimeleondore/videos