“Dancing” instantaneously has gotten me geared up for London Carnival. This song will be played on every corner by every sound system, and everybody will be forced to whine their waists up. It’s that tune! Omar has been doing quite a few collaborations, and we’re all waiting in anticipation for a new album from the brother — his last solo release was in 2006! It’s time! Omar and Zed Bias (a.k.a Maddslinky) are a great combination together. Last summer they brought us “Special” and with “Dancing” they go deeper in the afro-Caribbean beats, bringing in elements of danceable grime. “Dancing” will be available on Tru Thoughts Records as part of a limited run on vinyl on May 9th, and then digitally from June 27th, 2011 – the summer kick off tune! Additionally, Tru Thoughts Records will be releasing Omar‘s classic album Sing (If You Want It), which features the legendary Stevie Wonder, Angie Stone, Common, and Estelle, with “Dancing” as the bonus track. So if you don’t own it, you’ve got a special treat!

Hands down, Maddslinky goes by the most pseudonyms! Zed Bias, Phuturistix and Ruffcutt Bias, Henchmen, Daluq, Talissman, Nu Design, 7 Wonders, Dekata Project, Strontium Dog; who knows what the next will be.

Maddslinky hit chart topping status in 2000 with the UK Garage classic “Neighbourhood” and became a Gilles Peterson and Mary Anne Hobbs favourite on BBC’s 1Xtra radio show. Before long he was featured on some of UK’s best underground compilations by DJ’s such as Toddla T, Skeam, Benga, Kode 9, Marytn, featuring his tunes, “Lost on Tenori“ and “Fabric 50.”

The main assertion to be made about Maddslinky, is that he is über talented! “Further Away” which features the soulful yet sexy vocals of Tawiah was released sometime ago on Maddslinky‘s Make a Change album, and was re-released last year on his new label home, Tru Thoughts. Clearly, Maddslinky couldn’t lay the track to rest and I’m glad he didn’t, because now we have an album out of one song; ten different flavours. It’s very impressive!

Check out the original version and the Funky Butcher Remix below. You can purchase “Further Away” on iTunes or Etch Shop for the actual CD.

“Further Away” featuring Tawiah (Radio Edit)

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“Further Away” featuring Tawiah (Funky Butcher Remix)

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New music in 2010 from Omar was on Muphoric Sounds‘s 2009 year end list, and boy do with a have a lovely one. “Special” is the first single from Maddslinky‘s (aka Zed Bias) upcoming album Make a Change, which is set to release on TruThoughts Records October 25, and features a host of UK’s finest independent artists including Tawiah and Skream. The official single hits stores September 13 and will feature remixes from MJ Cole, Toddla T, Chimpo, Atjazz, and Simbad.

“Special” is a sweet, soulful house tune with remnants of UK’s broken beat slaps, and coupled with Omar‘s silky vocals — it’s a winner! Personally, I’m looking forward to what Omar and Mark de Clive-Lowe are cooking up in the lab. But in the interim, enjoy the video below!