THE STACK with Brad Vachal

Brad Vachal isn't shy about his abilities. "A DJ is an educator as well as entertainer," the DJ muses, sitting at Saucebox. "You could say I'm teaching the advanced class." Of course, Vachal doesn't make such pronouncements without being able to back them up. Since the earliest days of the rave movement, he has been the local spearhead of the futuristic post-disco dance sound known as house music. As a senior music buyer at Platinum Records--the premier DJ record outlet in town--for more than 10 years, he's been singularly influential in establishing Portland's house scene and has the keys to its future. A regular selector at the sultry 1201 club, Brad frequently guest stars at clubs and parties all over the Pacific Northwest. After spinning a mood-drenched set here, he decided to share which records are sticking to his crate. (Corban Lester)

Stranger Bay, Nu 4 U EP, Grayhound Recordings

"This is on an excellent EP from DJ Garth's San Francisco label Grayhound. He's one of the main guys that defined the West Coast house sound. The A-side uses vocal snippets from a Prince interview that three other recent songs I can think of also use. They all use the interview sample differently, but this one is the standout. I've had it in my [record] crate since May." L.A.D.M., "Blu Love," Sublevel Records

"This song was produced by [DJ] Doc Martin, with his wife Lillia Auzou's vocals. It's got the kind of sound that appeals to the traditional house-head; it has roots in New York, Chicago and loft parties in the '80s. It's the closest thing to the bastard offspring of disco. We brought him [Doc Martin] out to the 1201 in September."

Recloose, "Cardiology (Isolee Mix)," Playhouse Records

"A great crossover song. It has a full vocal, and it changes a lot; the first half does something different than the second. A rock-'n'-roll dude could get into it. This kind of song is the key to crossing electronic music over to rock--which is something electroclash did well--make songs that people will want to listen to at home, and not just stuff that appeals to DJs, though more [house] listeners are also DJ these days."

Kill Hannah, "Kennedy (Derrick L. Carter mixes)," Classic Records

"This is another song that makes a meeting of two worlds, and should reach fans of good music. Kill Hannah is a Chicago band that was a big hit at South by Southwest, and for whatever reason, Derrick Carter got his hands on it. Derrick is one of the most recognized house DJs in the world, and is especially popular in Portland. This song pushes your typical Derrick Carter fan a little further than he is used to."

Brad Vachal plays the second Friday of every month at 1201, 1201 SW 12th Ave., 225-1201. 9:30 pm. $5. 21+.

WWeek 2015