Artist Chart: Bjørn Torske

• Words: Fred Miketa

Bjørn Torske may not be a household name like Prins Thomas or Lindstrøm, but this Norwegian producer knows his way around the space-disco spectrum. His first full-length since 2001’s Trøbbel, Feil Knapp (Smalltown Supersound) is more of the trippy madness that’s had the cosmic scene infatuated for nearly a decade. Though often associated with his Röyksopp collaborations, Torske’s solo-expeditions are about as leftfield and obscure as his influences. XLR8R got together with the Norseman to tune into what propelled his newest odyssey.

Ost & Kjex “Milano Model (Mungolian Jetset Remix”) Dialect
A track that defines the words “epic” and “eclectic.” This is surely the possible direction of Norwegian club music.

Tony Allen “Moyege (Mark Ernestus Remix)” Honest Jon’s
“Moyage” is a splendid blend of dub, disco, and Afrobeat. Both mixes on this 12" ensure dancing all over any place, whether in a dancehall or on a lakeside.

Honk Tunnel of Love Granite
Originally dug out by DJ Harvey, this surfer soundtrack generates full-beach and West Coast vibes even in the dreariest of places.

Mental Overdrive “Original Material” Full Pupp
A rework of an old classic that would make fans of both the Norwegian disco scene, as well as harder listeners, wet their pants.

Baron Delay “Untitled” White Label            
A mysterious, dubbed-out promo from somewhere in my hometown of Bergen, Norway. One fat disco smash and a bass-heavy dancehall number to go with it.

Adrian Sherwood ft. Lee Perry “Animal Magic” On-U Sound     
A meeting of masters, indeed. With signature echo-reverbs from Mr. Sherwood along with Scratch coaching the vocals in his usual style. My sing-a-long favorite of the year so far!

Blacksmoke “Gimpo! Gimpo!” Blacksmoke
Although more of a punk outing, this is backed by the two nutters formerly known as the KLF. Recorded as a tribute to their artist friend Gimpo and his annual 25-hour drive through the London M25 Orbital motorway.

Ichisan “Global Pillage” Unreleased CD-R
Future star of Slovenia, Ichisan rocks underground dancefloors with this trippy disco-house track. This one is bound to come out on 12" later on this year. Watch it!

King “Love & Pride (Rune Lindbaek Re-edit)” Unreleased CD-R
Originally an ’80s hit from legendary MTV host Paul King, chopped up by my fellow Norseman Rune Lindbaek, and already a favorite among the worlds top disco pushers like Idjut Boys and Harvey.

Stung “Receptions” Dirge
If funk were re-invented in 2007 this would have to be the blueprint. Strictly dancefloor music, “Receptions”’s percussive grooves and grinding basslines are forward, yet timeless–completely reminiscent of early’70s Funkadelic.

Studio “Life's a Beach (Album Version)” Information
Although the remix 12" featuring Todd Terje’s and Prins Thomas' reworks are top stuff, I favor the original.

Moondog and His Friends S/T Honest Jon’s
It’s not easy to label Moondog’s early studio recordings. This is rootsy folk music resembling both Count Ossie and Sun Ra.