Along with his longtime friends The Blessed, renowned DJ and nightlife legend Dave Beer, the driving force behind the immortal Back To Basics night in Leeds, has released his first album, “What Goes Around.” This deeply personal and inspirational compilation of songs chronicles Beers’ path through suffering and recovery, turning almost deadly catastrophe into proof of the capacity of music and the human spirit.
“What Goes Around” honors a life completely lived. For more than 30 years from the center of the dance floor and behind the decks, Dave has led a series of spectacular Leeds evenings out as well as on tour through Back To Basics. He has always respected others, selflessly placing others before himself and developing his gifted colleagues, wearing his enormous heart on his sleeve. Thus his Basics night gave UK premieres to U.S. DJs like Danny Tenaglia, Derrick Carter and Francois K; early opportunities to Daft Punk, Basement Jaxx and Groove Armada; and helped cultivate local DJs like Ralph Lawson, Denney, Paul Woolford, Tristan da Cunha, James Holroyd, Huggy and Burnski. Now he must shine.
Last year, Dave experienced a health scare almost dying of cancer. Having converted to Buddhism—a state of mind that has enabled him to reflect back on his illustrious career with a new eye—he is now in remission. With a lively optimism, this fresh insight has made it possible for him to finish the album’s tracks. According Dave, this album honors life; its about confronting your demons, discovering your calm, and recalling the happiness that unites us all. I am really pleased to travel this path with everyone.
The first single from the album that came with some amazing Todd Terry remixes, “Opener For The Beloved” finds Dave and friends collaborating with outstanding house vocalist Robert Owens. Captured during a stay in Leeds, Owens’ sincere and warm vocal delivery complements the songs of thanks and love perfectly.
“Come Together” and “Love Is Everywhere” are tracks with a positive vibe; “Deep Heat” is more of a bassy, glitchy monster. While “Erectile” is given breaths of life and a naughty joie de vivre, the sample on Basic Vibes clearly focuses itself on his infamous club night.
While Herbie is a dusky squelch-athon for smoky late night floors at distorted o’clock, “You Don’t See Me” is sparse and groovy. Constructed on a breakbeat foundation, closing track “Community” is all about uniting as a community; one of the singles was accompanied by a high-octane Utah Saints remix. As the forces of darkness attempt to divide humanity, its message of hope and connection seems more modern now than ever.
One of the most important players in molding electronic music culture into what it is today is Dave. This bigger-than-life Yorkshireman is now giving back once more through this great choice of dance music on “What Goes Around.”
Spiritually, its what it claims on the tin, says Dave of the CD. Time itself as well as the world, the universe, cycles; the impact you have on others; the vibration you emit is what you get back, cause and effect. The message is meant in a totally good light, a natural cycle of birth and rebirth. My new Buddhist convictions revolve around the love you offer out and rebirth. a reflection of existence. Records go round; the world goes round; the seasons and life go round. What Circles around.
The wheel of life spins on. Dave’s unconquerable spirit shows through in this album; evidence that you can rise again, stronger, and more appreciative for the journey than ever even when life hits you down.
Dave Beer & The Blessed “What Goes Around” is now available.
Stream it here.
