French House Arrest Episode VI: Ice Cube?

No, not Ice Cube, but rather I:Cube, the awesome Frenchman whose work contributed to the evolution of the French sound. Also featured is a random track which I can't recall where I got it from but it was released in '97 and is awesome so I'm including it. Also, a little insight into what was happening in House music outside of France.

Also want to give a big shout out to our one reader from Budapest, Hungary. Major props.

-M

Picnic Attack - I:Cube

This album is a lot more like the 'Motorbass' sound with big inspiration from the disco sounds coming from everyone around him. Also, Daft Punk remixed on of the tracks on it, and it's definitely one of their best (Grab it HERE).

Faithfull - Fantom

Awesome track, great example of the genre. EP includes an Etienne De Crecy remix, although the original mix definitely wins.

Insomnia - Faithless

Famous track from the UK in 1997, one of those that everyone recognizes when it gets to "that part." Ishkur calls it Anthem House, makes sense. Shit's epic as hell, but corny as shit. Doesn't matter though, its pretty awesome.

For those interested in a blog that posts rare albums, I highly recommend Boards of Electronica. Great source for all sorts of music. The best way to use this blog is to check the labels and find what you like.

Arias: En Francais

This post marks the end of our little Mau5trap feature, hope you enjoyed it. Julien Arias, commonly known as just Arias, is a French Progressive/Electro House DJ/producer here to remind us that France still makes great House music. This Parisian makes really massive tracks, all of which are beautiful in some way. I could see him getting played by those Swedish bastards we all love, and he's collaborated with Arno Cost as well as remixed David Guetta, Tristan Garner, and Noir. Favorites up top with collection at bottom:

-M

Atlantic (Original Mix) - Arias
If you have somehow forgotten the meaning of the word Drop, this first one in this track will surely remind you. Progressive BOMB, will destroy crowd.

Saira (Original Mix) - Arias
Another bomb, this one way more Electro. I can't really explain this one, all I can say is awesome. It's like Crystal Castles meets Big Room Electro House, since the hook is this incredible chip sound.

Tomorrow Can Wait (Arias Seat Ibiza Remix) - David Guetta And Chris Willis Vs Tocadisco
So much better than the original. Hits really hard.

Sweet Melody (Original Mix) - Arias
So beautiful, I'd love to hear this track live.

Tutu (Original Mix) - Arias
This one is very recent if I'm not mistaken. Disclaimer: contains really catchy/dancey riff, will get stuck in head.

In addition, he has a fantastic remix of Insomnia, one of the most epic House tracks of all time, but there only seems to be one version out there and it has this tiny little glitch, making it not so DJ friendly, but here it is.
Insomnia (Arias Remix) - Faithless

And now collection time. If you like the above tracks, you really should dig through these, worth your time:
Arias Collection