Enlightened Listening for January 15

If this week's edition of Enlightened Listening is any indication, 2021 is sure to be an incredible year for music. Here we have 20 new releases running 3 hr 33 min (repeating of course). But seriously, this playlist is overflowing with quality through its sensational singles and resplendent remixes. While I'm recommending each of these releases, there are a few special ones I need to note.

First, there's the magical compilation from All Day I Dream, then TSHA's tear continues with her remix of KUU. Another rockin' remix follows shortly thereafter as Marsh brings some mayhem to "Eternal Summer." And I guess remixes are the theme of the week as the trio of Metronomy, Autechre and Zach Witness take on Myd, SOPHIE and Armand Van Helden, respectively. Each incredible in their own right, these are three of the most unique and inspired remixes I've come across in months. Enjoy the weekly new music playlist below and find each individual release linked at the bottom. Cheers!

Various Artists - A Winter Sampler III

Dezza & Lauren L'aimont - Settle (Remixes)

Japanese Television - Beecage (Gabe Gurnsey Remix)

KUU - We'll Always Have This Dance (TSHA Remix)

Ross From Friends - Burner

Bicep - Sundial

Moullinex ft. GPU Panic - Inner Child (Patrice Bäumel Remix)

Logic1000 - Medium

Booka Shade - Forest Of Etta

Dosem - Eternal Summer (Marsh Remix)

The Knocks ft. Foster The People - All About You (Gentle Dom Remix)

Pezzner - Body Language, Vol. 22 (Remixes)

The Magician - One Vibration (ft. CLYPSO)

Myd & Mac DeMarco - Moving Men (Metronomy Remix)

SOPHIE - Bipp (Autechre Mx)

Armand Van Helden & Riva Starr ft. Sharlene Hector - Step It Up (Zach Witness Remix)

Curtiba - High On You

Riton x Nightcrawlers ft. Mufasa & Hypeman - Friday (Dopamine Re-Edit)

Rohaan - Limewire

DJ Danny - On A Mountain

Paraleven - Retrograde Mixtape IV

A little serendipity here as yesterday's post about SWIM (here) led me to this mix from Paraleven: a powerful three-hour affair with healing and harmonizing at its heart. The fourth edition of the Atlanta-based producer's Retrograde Mixtape series comes just like the others did, in line with Mercury being in retrograde. As with each previous edition, Paraleven has been tuned the mix to 432 Hz; a small shift from the standard 440, but one said to be mathematically consistent with the universe and warmer feeling due to its longer wavelength. But beyond the x's and o's nitty-gritty, this mix struck a chord with me thanks to its incredible curation and seamless mixing.

As the first half-hour of the "Retrograde Mixtape IV" washes over me, I'm struck by the fact that I've barely noticed any transitions, just as no track has truly stood out. This is not to say that the mix has been faceless or mere background noise, but rather that it's been immensely easy to enjoy. Of course, there are little moments that speak to me more than others, but they are more of an ethereal feeling, a sonic time and place. For example, Double Touch's "Greatest Day" is full of the feeling of flying, as though it transforms you into a gull soaring over a tropical island paradise, floating on the warm vocals of Reigan. The next track, Dosem's "Eternal Summer" builds on that breathtaking beauty while shifting the soundscape to a busier locale. It is at this point that I cannot help but think of this mix as perfect for slow panning aerial shots of vacation destinations and naturescapes worldwide. It reeks of natural beauty and organic power.

Without going any further into the mix, as we're not here for the finer details but rather the larger harmony, "Retrograde Mixtape IV" is indeed a resplendent respite. For fans of All Day I Dream, Afterlife, Anjuna, Colorize, This Never Happened and melodic house & techno more largely, this mix is a cannot miss. Stream now below, find the tracklist here, and be sure to follow Paraleven's socials at the bottom.

Paraleven · Retrograde Mixtape IV

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Enlightened Listening for June 19

It's only been two weeks since the last Bandcamp day but they've gone bimonthly in June, donating their share of profits on this Juneteenth to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. Of course that means this edition of Enlightened Listening is once again hosted on Bandcamp. This week you'll find Baauer's sensational sophomore album PLANET'S MAD, a trio of EPs, a couple free downloads and a 10 artist charitable collaboration. Find each release below with brief accompanying description. Enjoy!

Lost Desert - Lost Desert & Friends
As the temperatures continue to rise, I can't think of a better catalog to enjoy in the shade with a cold drink. A touch heavier than most of the previous ADID releases, but the slow burning brilliance of it remains. Personal favourite: "That Moment And You."

Moon Boots - Pure Moons Vol. 1
More easy flowing deep house/disco/dance cuts. Electronic escapism. Personal favourite: "Sundae."

Gregory Porter - 1960 What? (Ahmed Sirour Remix)
Incredible tribute mix made with a number of classic samples as well as a chant from this year's BLM march in Seattle. The passion is palpable and the energy infectious. My favourite release of the day.

DAVIE - Testify
Another impassioned and soulful affair. Instantly catchy. Sure to have you tapping your toes and clapping/snapping along. Expect big things from DAVIE and Defected.

Ticklish - The Way I Love You
Beautifully crafted, especially as the vocals and strings sew it all together. Top notch Ticklish.

Juelz - Renegade
How seven producers managed to make a singular track so seamless is a stunning feat. It's a wicked ride that feels like a megamix of all things Sable Valley. Watch out for the reprise in the last minute.

Baauer - PLANET'S MAD
An album/project like no other. Short of literally making a new planet, Baauer has done it all. It comes with its own full length video (here) and even more immersive content on Spotify (see here). Further proof that Baauer is in a league of his own. Personal favourites: "PIZZAWALA," "AETHER" & "HOME."

Masayoshi Iimori - Wonky Rave
The title says it all. Iimori offers up a trio of truly turnt tracks, each more brain-battering than the last. Explosive energy and gut-wrenching grit amidst some supremely satisfying rave sounds. Personal favourite: "Wonky Rave."

Jesse Zimmerman - Gamma
Fitting final track as we enter into the void. Dark synthwave affair clearly inspired by the cyberpunk movies Zimmerman was watching when this was written.