All Over Albany

My Exit: Rick O'Disko

This week's My Exit has a techno vibe.

It's Monday, which means WEXT is running another My Exit show -- where the listeners get to pick their own playlists.

Here's this week's person...

How would you describe your taste in Music?
You've heard of Tech Valley? I'm much more interested in making this region Techno Valley. I've been a rabid electronic music fan since the days of disco. In fact, in 2nd grade, I used to get to school early so my classmates and I could dance to our favorite disco 45s. My tastes range from Kraftwerk and Cocteau Twins to anything with a strong 4/4 kick and a deep bassline. On the poppier end, I'm completely in love with the Swedish singer Robyn, and I've followed the UK band Saint Etienne since 1990. My musical hero and idol is the German singer/songwriter Billie Ray Martin. She had a massive hit in the mid-90s with "Your Loving Arms," and has since released music on her own label, Disco Activisto. She has the most astounding voice on the planet.

Five Songs from Rick's My Exit show:

Teddybears Feat. Robyn - "Cardiac Arrest"
Teddybears are a rock/hip-hop/punk/reggae/electronica band from Stockholm. Their song "Cobrastyle" was covered by Robyn on her 2005 eponymous album. This track is a little slice of electro-pop perfection.

Dada Life - "Fight Club Is Closed" (Dada Goes Disko Mix)
Dada Life is a Swedish electro-house duo, much in demand for their remix prowess and their ability to create massive beats and sonic wonders. The Dada boys get the Disko treatment with a remix by yours truly.

The Opiates - "I'm Not Simone Choule" (EP Version)
German electronic soul legend Billie Ray Martin met Norwegian minimal techno artist Robert Solheim on MySpace, and they started collaborating on an ambient EP... which soon grew to a full album of tracks exploring the dark side of Hollywood, plastic surgery, and identity. This track is based on the Roman Polanski film "The Tenant," and feature's Billie's most haunting vocal to date.

Saint Etienne - "Tonight" (Radio Edit)
When the history books are written, Saint Etienne will be known as the band who invented Britpop. Oasis was one of Saint Etienne's opening acts in the early 90s; 20 years later, Saint Etienne is still around, no drama, no break-ups. Their first album in 7 years is out in May 2012 -- all about the power of pop music and how music can change your perspective.

Rick O'Disko - "Labyrinths & Mazes" (Outsmartre Sartre Remix)
Here's a remix of a track from my forthcoming EP - due out this spring. The original is a bass-driven, Dada Life-like track; this remix has more of a trance feel to it. You can check out more of my tracks at www.rickodisko.com.

You can hear Rick's My Exit show tonight at 8 on 97.7 or at exit977.org.

Here's how to schedule your own My Exit show on WEXT.