Enlightened Listening for July 23

We've got another massive haul of new music in this week's Enlightened Listening. Leading the way is a monumental ten-artist collaboration led by Mix Master Mike. It's followed by two tremendous multi-track releases from Daktyl and Murlo, both of which are undeniable highlights of this playlist. Turning our attention back to singles, the next five releases move from the always impeccable vibes of Keys N Krates, through ISOxo's electrifying Sable Valley offering "Aarena," and into fabulously fat and fierce ELLM remix of "One Life." Quality Canadian content follows with Bensley, Sultan + Shepard and CRi, who you'll be sure to hear more of on Bump In The Hump. Restraint and beauty take center stage with the next three releases, each of which shines sublime. Taking a different turn, deadmau5 and Lights' "When The Summer Dies" gets a groovy, alternative mix. Powering into the final five releases, Theo Kottis kicks things off with a delightful double dose of sonic sunshine ahead of a ridiculously resplendent dub mix of "Cruel Summer." Turning darker, Claude VonStroke and Walker & Royce combine for a pair of brilliant Dirtybird drops. Finally, Sébastien Léger's epic and immersive remix of "Alien" leads us into the fifth edition of Afterlife's unparalleled Realm Of Consciousness compilation series. Find this week's new music playlist below and each individual release linked at the bottom. 

Mix Master Mike - Megaton 10 (ft. DJ Qbert, A-Trak, D-Styles, DJ Jazzy Jeff, DJ Premier, Craze, DJ Babu, Melo-D & Shortkut)

Daktyl - HALCYON (Tape 1)

Murlo - Unearth

Keys N Krates - Brazilian Love Song

€URO TRA$H & Ibranovski - Alone Tonight

ISOxo - Aarena

F.O.O.L - MENTAL STATE

Benny Page & Sublow Hz ft. Samo T - One Life (ELLM Remix)

Bensley - Cascade

Sultan + Shepard - Something, Everything Remixed

CRi - No Mission

DJ Seinfeld - These Things Will Come To Be

Above & Beyond ft. Zoë Johnston - Love Is Not Enough (Newman Remix)

Low Island - In Your Arms (Alex Metric Remix)

deadmau5 & Lights - When The Summer Dies (Alternative Mix)

Theo Kottis - Sun

Etienne Ozborne & Jerome Robins - Cruel Summer (Dub Mix)

Claude VonStroke x Walker & Royce - Enthusiasm

Cypherpunx ft. Sian Evans - Alien (Sébastien Léger Remix)

Various Artists - Afterlife Presents: Realm Of Consciousness, Pt. V

Top 100 Tracks Of 2020: 50-26

Continuation of the list started Monday from 100-76, which includes my disclaimer/preamble. The second quarter of the list can be found here: from 75-51. Find Soundcloud playlist here and Spotify here.

#50: Apashe - Dead (ft. Yizzy)/Rain (ft. Kroy)
In a bit of a cop-out, I've combined two Apashe tracks to save me from picking just one. I feel justified in this act because Apashe did the same himself as part of his live performance of Renaissance (see here). Fitting together perfectly, "Dead" and "Rain" showcase the kind of killer orchestral and cinematic quality that makes Renaissance such a stunning success. Teeming with drama, these are both momentous tracks that make masterful use of their unique vocal features. And while awesome on their own, as is each track in Renaissance, they are better together.

#49: Tensnake ft. Fiora - Automatic (Extended Mix)

I swear, if The Pointers Sisters were to release "Automatic" today, it'd assuredly be part of all year-end lists. The quality with which Tensnake is working is obvious, but he and Fiora have done a brilliant job with this faithful, funky house cover. While it doesn't have quite the same life as the original, this succeeds through its moody, rolling groove and reliable dancefloor delivery.

#48: Mathame - For Every Forever

One of my favourite Afterlife tracks. Tender, touching techno that warms the cockles of your heart. In fact, it clearly has a heart and soul, something rare in techno. While the eyes and ears are drawn to the bright sparkling top notes, the importance of the subtle strength of the strings and the deep foundation of the drums cannot be understated. Majestic and monumental.

#47: John Rolodex - Interdimensional Espionage

There aren't many more cool creations in this list. DnB is both inherently cool and undeniably in vogue, but the use of a standing bass and an organ is just so stylish. Befitting of its name, the shadowy underworld imagery is rife. It sounds as though it were the theme for a show called Galactic Gumshoe. But beyond the impeccable aura, Rolodex reminds us of his legendary status with a clinic on DnB delivery.

#46: Alfa Romero - Claim Your Love

I still go back and forth on which is my favourite cut from the epic Unity compilation, but most times I end up here. A story I want to be told over and over again, there's just something so beautiful and inviting about Alfa Romero's rollout. It cradles you in its strident synths, swaddling you with its warmth and resplendence. Even though it waivers throughout its sensuous serenade, it strikes me as confident and calm, setting sail for the unknown. Just like Mathame above, and so many other Afterlife tracks, this succeeds in showcasing the soul in a techno record.

#45: 45 Roller - Rain

A bit of a cheeky inclusion here as 45 Roller takes the 45th spot. It just goes to show how arbitrary a list like this is. That said, these are all good tracks, equally worthy of our praise and attention. As I said when I first wrote about this in August, Shy FX keeps the soul of the original sample which gives the whole track an incredible, organic feel. Much like the actual rain and the vinyl crackle, each element in Shy FX's bag of tricks is used to fantastic effect, keeping the track tight and full of feeling.

Enlightened Listening for December 18

In what will likely be the year's last edition of Enlightened Listening, we get one hell of a sendoff. Once again keeping things short and sweet, I simply recommend digging into each of these 16 releases. However, there are a handful of records that require just a little more love.

Atop a divine Danny L Harle take on The Corrs classic, Caroline Polachek indeed leaves me "Breathless." Turning the clock back even further, Derrick Carter, Dimitri From Paris, Seth Troxler, and Cerrone all put their touch on Fine Young Cannibals. Later, Lamorn delivers an absolutely genius remix of "Bridged By A Lightwave." LuckyMe and PC Music feature as the final two standouts with A. G. Cook remixes appearing on both; the former, a deluxe edition of Baauer's PLANET'S MAD, and the latter, an epic reimagining of Planet 1999's "Party."

Stream the playlist, sorted for maximum flow, below, and find each individual release linked at the end.

Michael Cassette - Temporarity (10th Anniversary Deluxe Edition)

Mat Zo - Petrushka (Extended Mix)

Yuksek - Beirut Ma Bet Mout

Alex Metric & Ten Ven - Qubit

Myd & Mac DeMarco - Moving Men (Gaspard Augé & Victor Le Manse Remix)

Django Django - Glowing In The Dark (Hot Chip Remix)

Caroline Polachek - Breathless

Harrison - Around You

Fine Young Cannibals - Fine Young Cannibals Remix EP

Hudson Mohawke - What U Need

New Order - Be A Rebel [Remixes Pt.1]

deadmau5 & Kiesza - Bridged By A Lightwave (Lamorn Remix)

Baauer - PLANET'S MAD (GLOBE'S CRAZY)

Planet 1999 - Party (A. G. Cook & Baseck Remix)

Pegboard Nerds ft. Elizaveta - Hero (Infected Mushroom Remix)

Nitti Gritti & Dr. Fresch - Cold Day In Hell

Enlightened Listening for August 28

Spanning 85 tracks and running more than five hours, this week's Enlightened Listening is absolutely massive. So much so that I dare not tackle a write-up it as I'll be here until tomorrow. Instead I've worked hard to curate the playlist for maximum flow, in the hopes that it can be enjoyed with ease. Don't like something? Skip ahead a bit. There's so much great stuff: banging, groovy and otherwise. As always find each individual release linked at the bottom. Dig in below and have a great weekend!

Innellea & Kevin de Vries - Hoffnungsschimmer

CRi - From Me (ft. Bernache)

Ryan Hemsworth - Pout

Aliias - Of Your Place

Bob Moses - Desire

Mild Minds - DESTINATIONS (Jacques Greene Remix)

Todd Terry - House Is Back

Amtrac - Accountable (Promnite Remix)

KUU ft. Shungudzo - How Could I Ever (KUU's Twisted Melons Remix)

Botnek - Tam-Tams

Yuksek - NOSSO RITMO (Remixes Pt. 3)

Alex Metric & TCTS ft. VÖK - Undone (Chambray Remix)

Fabrikate - Flame (Mighty Mouse Remix)

Dua Lipa - Club Future Nostalgia

Carpainter - Boogie Night Song

Nina Las Vegas & Thai Chi Rosè - Impossible (Roska Remix)

Thys - Unmoved Mover / Unwound

Pigeon Hole - Bugs

Brodinski & Modulaw - ZRS

deadmau5 & The Neptunes - Pomegranate (Jay Robinson Remix)

Hudson Mohawke - Poom Gems

Fahjah - Downtown Streets

Ahee & Defunk - I Feel It

Blanke - Alchemy

Lizdek - Torn Apart

Enlightened Listening for July 31

It's a long weekend so I'm keeping this week's Enlightened Listening extra short. There's nine new releases below, all on the funky, disco, house tip moving more from the former to the latter as the playlist moves on. Find each release linked at the bottom and have yourself a great, safe weekend!

Charlie Puth - Girlfriend (Haywyre Remix)

Myd - Together We Stand (Radio Slave & Thomas Gandey Remix)

Foals - Wash Off (KUU Remix)

Roosevelt - Sign (Alex Metric Remix)

Aston Martinez & Marco Berto - Holdin' On (ft. Bryan Chambers)

Fat Sushi - Fanfare / Angry Driver

Kiwi - Hello Echo

SUZé - Urban Butterfly

Tim Engelhardt - Shine

KUU on Diplo & Friends

A new source of optimism arose in the beginning of this month. With little fanfare, KUU first appeared on the scene July 6th with the release of "Twisted Melons Mix Vol. 1." One week later they followed it with a remix of Madonna's "Ray Of Light." Their first proper introduction came a mere three days later as the new grouping of Riton, Shungudzo and Alex Metric (left to right above) released their debut original "How Could I Ever."

For more than a decade Riton and Metric have been making their mark through both solo and collaborative projects and have become staples of the scene, each garnering a Grammy along the way. Now working together with Shungudzo, KUU has the makings of a supergroup and with an appearance on this weekend's Diplo & Friends, we're getting a taste of what they've got in store. The hour long session has more than a handful of new KUU exclusives (originals and otherwise), classics from Happy Mondays, Rocker's Revenge, and Le Knight Club alongside a couple more recent releases.

An obvious fit for Ibiza, as it's where their name comes (KU Club which has since become Privilege Ibiza), KUU have captured the easy-going, warm and eclectic nature of the island, both in their productions and the mix itself. While that might preclude us from predicting just what KUU could do in the future, we can only imagine that it'll be house driven and, considering the quality of its producers, dutifully done. Highly accessible and utterly intoxicating, "How Could I Ever" is a brilliant start, and the other originals in the mix, "Riding In Your Car" and "Voices," seem equally exciting and inspired. Follow KUU at the bottom, find their Diplo & Friends mix via BBC Sounds here or stream via Mixcloud below.FOLLOW KUU: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Enlightened Listening for July 17

It's the weekend and that means mountains of new music for your ears. Coming into this week there were a few releases I'd had bookmarked, but little did I know just how much amazing content was on the way. Running 20 releases deep, this week's Enlightened Listening features an insanely long list of my favourite artists.

ATTLAS leads things off with a sublime single, which we first heard a demo of in September of 2018. Jim-E Stack follows that with the kind of soul-snatching quality we've come to expect. Building the energy back up, a Dombresky remix of TOKiMONSTA and a Lane 8 collab follow, each with captivating dance vibes. In a stunning turn, I just learned that Alex Metric, Riton and Shungudzo have combined under the KUU moniker and today they delivered their sensational debut single "How Could I Ever?," which follows a fabulous remix of Madonna (here). Turning towards disco we get an awesome run of my favourites in Late Nite Tuff Guy, Purple Disco Machine, Yuksek and Aeroplane remixing PNAU, Gaga & Grande, Dimitri From Paris & Aeroplane and Horse Meat Disco, respectively.

The remixes continue as Amtrac scores four equally alluring offerings from Grum, David Jackson, Francesca Lombardo and Panteros666. Qrion bookends this run of remixes with yet another slice of stunning craftsmanship. As things turn epic, Above & Beyond lead the way with a powerful, emotional trance cut ahead of a trio of EPs from GIGEE, 8Kays and Brassica. The former is exceptional tech house, the middle the kind of mystifying deep house that makes it a perfect fit on Booka Shade's Blaufield, and the latter an awe-inspiring odyssey through synths - a perfect fit for Feel My Bicep. And while we're on perfect fits, how does Soulwax and LA Priest sound? Amazing. That's how.

Tiga remains in top form as he follows his HudMo collab with another familiar face in Audion. This Is A Dream is classic Tiga, lively and life-giving techno. Next up is a nine-track compilation from Boysnoize Records featuring all kinds of awesomeness; a club killing comp that is sure to remind us all of the good old days in a sweaty club. And speaking of club killing stuff, thook drops off a triple-shot of sickness that one friend described as an "assassinating a pharaoh type beat." Finally, we walk off with an explosion at our backs as QUIX and Vincent join forces for TIGER DROOL, a massive new project full of promise. For those hoping Vincent would return to his XVII origins, this is your Superbowl.

Dig into the playlist below and find each individual release linked at the bottom. Have a great weekend!

ATTLAS - The Night Air Was Cool

Jim-E Stack - Note To Self (ft. Empress Of)

TOKiMONSTA ft. VanJess - Come And Go (Dombresky Remix)

Lane 8 & Kasablanca - Run

KUU - How Could I Ever? (ft. Shungudzo)

PNAU ft. Vlossom - Luck (Late Nite Tuff Guy Remix)

Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande - Rain On Me (Purple Disco Machine Remix)

Dimitri From Paris & Aeroplane ft. Leela - Can't Get Enough

Horse Meat Disco ft. Kathy Sledge - Jump Into The Light

Amtrac ft. Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs - Radical (Remixes)

Trivecta ft. Rico & Miella - Everyday (Qrion Remix)

Above & Beyond - Jam

GIGEE - Minotaur

8Kays - Rolling

Brassica - Crystal Sea

LA Priest - What Moves (Soulwax Remix)

Tiga & Audion - This Is A Dream

Various Artists - Wet Floor, Vol. 1

thook - THE MIRROR FILES

TIGER DROOL - Tiger

Enlightened Listening for April 17

Days and weeks are blurring together, so here's some new music to get lost in. This week's Enlightened Listening includes an incredible album from Hodge, the triumphant return of Jamie xx, a bunch of DnB, a ton of tech and some fun grooves in the finale. Listen through it all via Spotify below and find each release linked after the jump alongside a brief description. Enjoy and stay safe and sane!

Hodge - Shadows In Blue
A brilliant, cohesive and somehow diverse album. Incredible soundscapes that feel warm and welcoming. Not sure who I'd compare it to although Jamie xx comes to mind, but that's likely just recency bias.

Jamie xx - Idontknow
Masterful moving genius. There's so much to like here. Right back on that In Colour/"Gosh" quality.

Joji - Gimme Love
Can't say I know much, if really anything, about Joji, but I can say that this is awesome. I'm far more drawn to the upbeat first half, but the touching back half is beautiful nonetheless.

Bensley ft. Sarah Carmonsino - Secrets
The namesake original came out with the album, so this is really about Flite's fire remix. Builds brilliantly upon the aura of the original while working it into a much heavier, punchier production.

Urbandawn - Together Again (I Pray)
Divine DnB that's got both a banging get-down and propulsive, uplifting energy, especially through its vocals.

BCee - Griffins
Having Gramma Funk on the first track is an excellent indication just how groovy this EP is. No need to do any work, just crank this and you body will do the rest. Ridiculously infectious and fun.

YehMe2 - Keys To The Jeep (ft. Rome Fortune)
An inescapable house banger. The flow and beat match perfectly. Special props to the car alarm/horn samples.

Various Artists - In Flames / Radiate / Whisperings
Three equally epic techno tracks. "In Flames" flutters into the warped resplendence of "Radiate" while "Whisperings" doubles down on both, delivering a brooding obsidian conscience.

Mòo & Jo - Jupiter
Bibliothèque Records are quickly becoming one of my favourite labels as of late. Each of these tracks are excellent examples of the subtle, progressive strength I've come to love from their releases. Like Unknown Motive's "Chemistry," I'm sure one, if not both, of these will stay with me deep into the year.

Issac - Clavel
As epic as the last two releases are, neither quite compares to the 9.5 minute average length of the tracks here. Issac really lets each track breathe and grow. I'm drawn most to "Rimel," but I quite enjoy the guitar in both versions of "It's An Extreme Life."

Disciples - Only The Gods / Better On My Own
Was just thinking about Anabel Englund yesterday so this is a welcome treat. Two dope, deep house cuts.

Yung Bae ft. bbno$ - Bad Boy (Low Steppa Remix)
I definitely did not see this one coming, but I'm absolutely here for it. Low Steppa delivers his usual quality which only increases the already catchy nature of the original.

DiRTY RADiO & Jafunk - The Baddest
Any track that starts like this is a winner in my books. Fun, easy-grooving funk.

Fakear & Alex Metric - Carrie
What language is this? Doesn't matter. The music is more than enough for me. Delicate and divine, it's a bed I'd love to lay in until the end of lockdown.

The Nights - Without You (Qrion Remix)
Can't remember the last time Qrion released a track I wasn't a fan of. Here she sends the deep original soaring off into the sunset.

Top 100 Tracks Of 2019: 25-1

Conclusion of the list started Monday: from 100-76, which also includes my disclaimer/preamble. The middle sections can be found here: from 75-51 & 50-26. Soundcloud playlist here and Spotify here.

#25: London Elektricity - Final View From The Rooftops (ft. Cydnei B.)
I still remember the first time I ever heard London Elektricity. A friend showed me "All Hell Is Breaking Loose" and I lost my mind. While it took a touch longer for this track to send me into such a tizzy, I was indeed left in awe. Of course it's incredibly crafted, showing off Tony Colman's exceptional aptitude, but more than that it's immersive, building an uber cool and ridiculously detailed world around you. Its magic is like the scene in Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince when Dumbledore rebuilds Slughorn's house.

#24: Peggy Gou - Han Pan
Another year, another incredible couple of tracks from Peggy Gou. While it seems most prefer "Starry Night," once again I'm drawn to the b-side. Really either could make the cut but there's just something about "Han Pan" that tickles my fancy a touch more. The driving quality of its groove, the propulsiveness of its percussion and the gorgeous, almost regal, quality of its overall mixture is truly magical. It's got Gou's genius written all over it, and I for one can't wait for next year's batch of brilliance.

#23: Polaris - Kessel Run
My favourite DnB track of the year, this one is utterly wondrous. Its atmosphere is euphoric, dazzling through its diverse and long list of instruments. It roars and purrs, sprints and spins, floats and flails. It has and does it all. Sax solo? It's got that. Disco strings? That too. Its brilliance is simply unavoidable, uplifting and energizing each listener five minutes at a time.

#22: Dua Lipa - Don't Start Now
Easily my favourite pop track of the year. You know it's good when it gets remixes from the likes of Purple Disco Machine, Dom Dolla and others, yet none come remotely close to the captivating and seamless quality of the original. I had a fight with a friend on NYE when he said there must be a ghost producer (he mentioned Calvin Harris), but whether it's Ian Kirkpatrick alone or not it's one of the best productions of the year. There's endless details and it flows ridiculously well, oh and how about that bass line? My god.

#21: Daphni - Sizzling (ft. Paradise)
Dan Snaith is back in a big way. We've got a couple new Caribou tracks already and there's an album right around the corner. However his Daphni output has been the winner. Growing out of a DJ tool, this one is an instant sensation. Its energy is ridiculous, just like its catchiness. Pressing play is like setting the dance-floor on fire causing each dancer to stomp out the flames in glorious unison. A wicked original from Paradise, Snaith has added the perfect electronic touch and wound up with an unstoppable weapon.

#20: Citizen Kain - Indigo
Speaking of weapons, here's the first of two from Tale Of Us' Afterlife Voyage Mix to make this closing section. An obvious and epic banger, everything about this track screams power. The drums and bass absolutely hammer away, while even the brighter, top end percussive bits deliver a crisp metallic crack. The synths are ridiculously sick, made even better by the banging bottom end. The build is beyond big and with it the drop must be even bigger, and Citizen Kain has certainly delivered. It'll leave your head spinning, jaw agape, while you pick up your teeth with a broken arm. Techno doesn't get much better than this.

Enlightened Listening for November 29

This week's Enlightened Listening features several of my favourite artists and labels. Pete Tong leads things off with his incredible new Chilled Classics album. Qrion follows as things turn more electronic with an Anjunadeep EP sure to please the senses. Terr then returns to Phantasy Sound with two ingenious versions of "Energy Sync." Turning full techno, the power of Innellea is once again on full display with wicked The World Returns EP. Breaking to remixes, TSHA and Denham Audio take on Prospa's killer single "Control The Party" before The Avalanches and Mousse T. bring love and beauty to The Chemical Brothers and Starley respectively. Finally we're graced with the return of Metroplane and a track that has both Annie Mac and Pete Tong salivating, Skream's "Ectogazm." Enjoy!


Pete Tong & HER-O - Chilled Classics

Qrion - Sine Wave Party

Terr - Energy Sync

Innellea - The World Returns

Prospa - Control The Party (Remixes)

The Chemical Brothers - Out Of Control (The Avalanches Surrender To Love Mix)

Starley - Lovers + Strangers (Mousse T. Remix)

Metroplane - Be Where I Am (ft. Daniel Wilson)

Skream - Ectogazm

Enlightened Listening for October 25

Compiling this week's Enlightened Listening was an epic task. Seemingly every new release I dug through had at least one standout track, and that's if the whole thing wasn't worthy in itself. This led to perhaps the largest edition of this weekly playlist, showcasing 25 releases, 75 tracks and reaching over five and a half hours. As usual I've tried to make it flow as smoothly as possible running through some brilliant cohesive longer form releases, through disco and house to DnB, trap and bass before a rock finale. Yes there's rock in this week's edition as Pink Floyd recieve a remix, Mura Masa leans that way and Wolfmother makes a triumphant return. Listen below and find a quick hit of highlights next.

StayLoose opens with an exceptional album, filled with its fair share of beauty, bangers and transportive power. Qrion and Newman (I Love) follow with deep, lush, entrancing EPs. Pete Tong delivers another insight into his forthcoming album with HER-O. Joey Negro rebuilds a classic. warner case completes his debut EP. Then remixes take over with necessary nods to EDX, Alex Metric and Paul Woolford. London Elektricity unleashes his uber cool album as does Benzi who compiles a killer list of talents for Pressure Points Vol. 1. Kotek and TNGHT give a taste of their upcoming EPs. Solomun stamps his sound on Adriatique after a trio of remixes of Botnek joint "Jiffy." Finally, I don't think I'll ever grow tired of either David Gilmour or Andrew Stockdale as both Pink Floyd and Wolfmother soothe my soul.


StayLoose - Bad Star

Qrion - Waves

Newman (I Love) - I Love Therefore I Am

Pete Tong & HER-O - Symphony Of You (ft. Boy George)

Doug Willis - Dancin' 2020 (Joey Negro Disco Rebuild)

NICOLAAS - Shot In The Dark (ft. Nicholas Allbrook)

warner case - dance music for dancing, vol. 1

Charli XCX - White Mercedes (EDX's Miami Sunset Remix)

Moon Boots ft. Black Gatsby - Whisper In The Wind (Alex Metric Remix)

Jay Pryor & Steve James - Finding Our Way (Friend Withing Remix)

Hayden James - Between Us (The Remixes)

HERO - CRY BABY

London Elektricity - Building Better Worlds

Wilkinson - Machina

Various Artists - Pressure Points Vol. 1

Kotek - Constellation

TNGHT - Dollaz

PhatCap! - Slide

Sean Paul - When It Comes To You (AC Slater Remix)

Average Gypsy - Purgatory

Botnek - Jiffy Remixes

Adriatique - Nude (Solomun Remix)

Pink Floyd - One Slip (Remix 2019)

Mura Masa - No Hope Generation

Wolfmother - Chase The Feeling (ft. Chris Cester)

Enlightened Listening for October 18

My goodness have we got a great edition of Enlightened Listening this week. Opening the playlist below are back to back brilliant and truly masterful examples of electronic albums, a form that I often hear is dead. Floating Points' Crush is a captivating quest that will send you soaring through your consciousness. While Jacques Greene's Dawn Chorus does the same, it feels more at home on the dance-floor, particularly through its entrancing grooves. Staying groovy, the next release features a trio of remixes of Boston Bun's "Don't Wanna Dance" with a sublime standout from Mighty Mouse.

Changing gears a bit, the fourth step in our twelve part release showcase comes in the form of ABSOLUTE.'s second EP on Family Planning. This is not the titanic ABSOLUTE. we're used to but rather a more tempered touch that actually works wonders. I love "Get Off The Floor" and I'm in awe of "This, Too, Will Pass." Speaking of awe, Pete Tong has reunited with Jules Buckley and The Heritage Orchestra (as HER-O), launching the first single of their all original album Chilled Classics. "Go Crazy" is an instant sensation and I urge you to check Pete's twitter for further insight into the project.

After Pete comes a pair of singles. The first, Grum's return to Anjunabeats is big, bold and beautiful. The second, Uppermost's "Selfless" is sublime, soaring stuff. Exactly what I've come to expect from him. And while it's hard to have expectations with regards to Joe Goddard, as his capabilities seem limitless, this remix of ALASKALASKA shows off a wonderful wandering spirit that beckons you into its beautiful, warm and comforting arms. Just like Joe, Alex Metric always manages to deliver incredible offerings no matter what the mood or who he happens to be working with. Jacking goodness prevails here in this Waze & Odyssey collaboration.

The final three releases feature a couple remixes alongside an absolute killer EP from rising star Rebūke. First, Theo Kottis has crafted a brilliantly bouncy and upbeat remix of Mind Enterprises' "Monogamy." Slick and strong, it is a wonderful affair that I will no doubt be returning to many a time. After that is Valentino Khan's crisp and cool remix of Tchami's Blackbyrds sampling "Rainforest." While the original is quite nice, the drop in this version seems to fit the sample even better than before. Finally, Rebūke's 3 track Drumcode EP shows incredible power and progression, not just from a tracklist perspective but even within the tracks themselves, no better than in the title track "Rattle."


Floating Points - Crush

Jacques Greene - Dawn Chorus

Boston Bun - Don't Wanna Dance (Remixes)

ABSOLUTE. - Make The Call

Pete Tong & HER-O - Go Crazy (ft. Todd Edwards)

Grum - Tomorrow

Uppermost - Selfless

ALASKALASKA - Happyface (Joe Goddard Remix)

Alex Metric x Waze & Odyssey - Jack To The Future (ft. Russoul)

Mind Enterprises - Monogamy (Theo Kottis Remix)

Tchami - Rainforest (Valentino Khan Remix)

Rebūke - Rattle

Big Wild - City Of Sound (Alex Metric Remix)

Big Wild have teased their forthcoming four track Superdream remix package with the legendary Alex Metric's take on "City Of Sound." The always in demand Metric has once again delivered a stunning seven minute slice of dance delirium.

Following in the same steps as his recent Parcels, more classic Foals remixes and throwback Open Your Eyes (Remixes & Productions) album, this latest shows off diligent dynamics, brilliant bass, incredibly catchy craft-work and magnificent movement. In fact, there's at least a couple bits in "City Of Sound" that would suggest that it is a spiritual relative to both his massive original "Open Your Eyes" with Steve Angello and the aforementioned "Mountain At My Gates" remix. The rebuilds (or initial build as it were in "Open Your Eyes") deliver the same kind of sweep you off your feet movement and ease into ecstasy, as well as the same kind of stabbing synths.

That said, it would be unfair to characterize "City Of Sound" as a simple cookie cutter track, but should instead be considered as a part of the awesome evolution of output that makes Alex Metric one of the world's most trusted and well respected producers. As a fan, it delivers every element that I've come to expect from the master and in essence plays out like a fresh mix of some of my favourite tracks from his killer catalog. Stream below and get it now as part of the Superdream remix package here.
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Jungle - Lucky I Got What I Want (Avoure Remix)

Ukrainian producer Avoure got his week started right by taking us back to 2014 with his remix of London-based musical collective Jungle and their funky soul track "Lucky I Got What I Want." Like his jump-started arrival on the scene, a collab with Lane 8 entitled "Let Me," this remix also gets whipped up in a hurry. Delivering an upbeat, indie pop, deep house mixture, Avoure has imbued this track with a delightful dance energy. The drums drive the track forward while both the strings and synths dazzle. However, those awesome elements aside, I feel like the catchiness of the cool vocals and Avoure's intelligently crafted, almost crackling, atmosphere are what make "Lucky I Got What I Want" such a stunning success. It strikes me as a mix between Tiga's remix of Friendly Fires "Blue Cassette" (not just because of the accompanying artwork) and some of Alex Metric's more recent work with Anjunadeep (albeit with more frenzied movement). As a cherry on top, Avoure has offered up the extended remix for free via Google Drive. Get it here and follow the Ukrainian upstart's social media accounts below.FOLLOW AVOURE: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Enlightened Listening for February 1

Another week down and another great list of releases waiting for you. This edition of Enlightened Listening features plenty of tracks to keep you warm wherever you are, whether they're 'literally fire' or moving enough to get you doing the same. Leading things off is an incredible album from Luttrell.

Into Clouds is beautiful and powerful throughout, but if you want a selling point before diving right in, check out any of the middle 4 tracks, you don't be disappointed. Following that are six singles mostly on the dancier, groovier side, or at least starting moreso that way, and ending more tech-driven.

warner case dropped a track on Kitsuné and its got the same sublime salaciousness and funky aloof feel I've loved from the start. Mercer takes us poolside with another neo-disco delivery in "Your Love." Staying with steady quality, Purple Disco Machine offers up a sensational, expansive take on the already awesome Years & Years/Jax Jones joint "Play." It just keeps getting better however as Alex Metric too has offered up an epic remix, filling all rooms and ears with his fat, funky take on Parcels "Lightenup." More you say? How about The Chemical Brothers?

Tom Rowlands and Ed Simons have a new album on the way with No Geography due out April 12, and we got a taste of it today in "Got To Keep On." It's stupid good, and I don't think there's anything else to say about it. Classic Chemical Brothers, beyond brilliant. As if there we're enough epic remixes already, let's add one more to the pile in Eagles & Butterflies nearly 10 remix of "Enough To Believe." Just like the other Bob Moses remixes, there's an undeniable allure, but ascendingly electronic delivery makes this mix an absolute marvel.

Finally, we close things out with some fire in LICK's fearsome four track DIMENSION EP and Rusko's remix of "Rebel Love." It feels like hardly any time has passed since I first heard LICK in his remix of Malaa, and now here he is going off with electrifying originals on Deadbeats. Shutting things down Rusko once again shows off his status as Don of the Dub. His design is like no other and it shines, or rather, burns bright throughout this mix. Find all the tracks linked below playlist.

Luttrell - Into Clouds

warner case - idunno

Mercer - Your Love

Jax Jones ft. Years & Years - Play (Purple Disco Machine Remix)

Parcels - Lightenup (Alex Metric Remix)

The Chemical Brothers - Got To Keep On

Bob Moses - Enough To Believe (Eagles & Butterflies Remix)

LICK - DIMENSION

PLS&TY - Rebel Love (Rusko Remix)

Top 100 Tracks Of 2018: 25-1

Continuation of the list started Friday: from 100-76, which also includes my disclaimer/preamble. The middle sections can be found here: from 75-51 & 50-26. Soundcloud playlist here and at the bottom.

#25: Bicep - Opal (Four Tet Remix)
A match made in heaven and speaking of heaven, this may be its soundtrack. It is epic resounding resplendence, brilliant bleepy beauty, a sweep you off your feet soaring success. Like a journey deeper into your unconscious mind, things get both more murky and more clear at the same time. If there's any track in this list that is best suited for a spiritual awakening it is this. Turn off all your lights, lie on the floor and let Four Tet transport you to his higher plane of existence.

#24: Bunji Garlin & Busta Rhymes - Drop It
(As featured on EFYE) I can't think of any track that can quite compare to the dueling fire flows in this, except for the other time these two locked horns on "Differentology." As I said the first time I wrote about this, it's as though Bunji and Busta both go super saiyan at the same time murdering everything in sight. That said you cannot leave out 1st Klase who's production is pure perfection, doing not just the big things right, but paying attention to the little details in the bed squeak, panning and more.

#23: The Night - Set Me Free
No, this is not Nero, but I don't care, it's genuinely gorgeous, funky fun. I'm not sure I'll ever properly get over Alana Watson's voice, she is an absolute sensation, especially atop this dazzling display. The whole track flows like a fantastic voyage aboard the world's most luxurious yacht with a continuous, never ending party. It is flashing lights and flights of fancy, free of fear and devoid of despair. It doesn't get any more upbeat or outrageously uplifting than this ringing resplendence.

#22: Planningtorock - Beulah Loves Dancing
I cannot help but 1) grin ear to ear and 2) sing along to the lyrics, whenever this one comes on. It is exceedingly catchy, heavenly, heartening and brilliantly built. The way the strings play is gorgeous and groovy and the way the electronic bits slide around them is truly sensational. Add in the story elements, and their roles in Powerhouse, and you've got the best track on one of the best albums of the year.

#21: Kevin de Vries - Aratak
Apart from perhaps #7 in this list, there may be no more powerful track released this year. Seeing Monika Kruse drop it with the Eiffel Tower in the background only adds to this incredible intensity, as does the way she played with it. That Cercle set is when I really fell for it, but there's no discounting the unreal alien design and fantastical flare of the studio version. Afterlife as a whole had a fantastic year, but this big build and even more epic release makes for one of the best tracks of the year.