Enlightened Listening for January 18

Something, something, new year, new music. Yeah yeah, these intros can be formulaic and really, do you even bother to read them? It's about the music, which you'll find below. This week's Enlightened Listening has a couple killer remixes, the first release from Dr. Fresch's new label, and fire EPs from both Aylen and Masayoshi Iimori. Read brief descriptions below and enjoy your weekend. Cheers!

Tycho - Epoch (Luttrell Remix)
Your new alarm/wake up call. You can see the sun bursting over the horizon and feel its warmth. The already beautiful original gets a top notch touch up from one of techno's melodic masters.

Mark Ronson ft. Miley Cyrus - Nothing Breaks Like A Heart (Martin Solveig Remix)
The remixes just keep coming, only further showing the strength of the original. Solveig pairs his production with Cyrus' voice brilliantly, letting each lead, and the whole thing grow organically.

Bob Sinclar - Electrico Romantico (ft. Robbie Williams)
The longevity of Sinclar is stunning, and so is this. Poppy, uplifting and funky. I think this is my favourite track on this list.

Mishap - Motions
The first in a long run of bangers in this list. A really strong example of the hybrid nature of bass driven tracks we're seeing these days. Dubstep, trap and do I hear some Pink Floyd "On The Run"?

Noizu - Dance
Rolling raucousness, acidic punches and dark dirty vibes. Noizu remains one to watch; whether it be on CONFESSION, OWSLA, or BlackBook like this, he always brings bangers.

Aylen - Routines
Always on top of the sound design game, Aylen seems to have made XXL the home for his weird, and wickedly effective house tracks. Both tracks are weapons, but in this case I'm more for the a-side.

London Elektricity - Funkopolis
I still remember the first time I heard London Elektricity, and while I can't say any of his productions have captured my attention the way "All Hell Is Breaking Loose" did a decade ago, this comes close. These two share that same kind of cool, almost soundtrack style delivery. Funky and full of energy.

Various Artists - The Remedy Volume 1
You cannot go wrong with 1) anything Dr. Fresch touches or 2) a compilation that includes the likes of BIJOU, Tony Romera, Gerry Gonza and JAXX DA FISHWORKS. If g- and bass-house are your things, best keep your eyes and ears locked on The Prescriptions Records.

Masayoshi Iimori - Euphoria
While Aylen and Iimori work in different genres, I cannot help but see similarities in both the quality and wildness of their productions. Both are liable to batter your brains with any given release, and certainly that holds true with this three track tumult. It'll surely leave your head spinning and your body moving. If you're still on the fence, let me say that "FMW" gives me a Boys Noize vibe and what could be wrong with that?

Enlightened Listening for December 7

Here we are with another fantastic Friday of releases. This week's Enlightened Listening includes the likes of a couple killer EPs from Botnek and Volac, bass brilliance from LSDREAM and WHIPPED CREAM, and a long awaited collab from Slumberjack and TroyBoi. Listen/read below and enjoy!

Qrion - Pending Matters
The track she was using as an intro to her GAF tour. Beautiful and expansive. Can't help but feel a Jacques Greene vibe and lord knows that's a good thing.

Friendly Fires - Heaven Let Me In (Melé Remix)
Spoiler alert: The original is in my top 100, but this new version make take its spot and send it even higher in the standings. Melé's absolutely nailed the vibe and given us even more to groove to.

Bob Moses - Heaven Only Knows (FaltyDL Remix)
Love the dirty, dark vibes brought in for this mix, especially as they play again the piano chords.

LSDREAM - Shadow Self
Whatever moniker he uses, Sami Diament always puts his heart and soul into his productions. Clearly the case here, this isn't just a brilliant banger but a slice of modern humanity. I feel like LSDREAM and WHIPPED CREAM are on the same wavelength and the prospect of a collab is something I cannot get out of my head. Hopefully this note is enough for me to speak it into existence.

Slumberjack x TroyBoi - Solid
Speaking of killer collabs, when I first heard this at the TroyBoi/Slumberjack show over a year ago it was clear this was a weapon. Now in full form we're realizing the full force of Slumberjack's dope drum design and TroyBoi's top notch twists and turns.

Botnek - Can't Remember
After nearly calling it quits, Botnek really seem to have found their form with this new deeper house sound. As you would expect the collab with Aylen is all kinds of crazy.

Volac - Funky
Holy huge EP. Both tracks are absolutely massive floor fillers. Tech house quality design with just the right amount of funk and off-kilter groove to keep you entertained.

WHIPPED CREAM - Luv
While she calls this something different, it really feels like we're getting the most genuine WHIPPED CREAM to date. That said, it's almost impossible to pin down this track, but maybe that's what she's getting at.

Yultron - Slave To The Rave
Absolutely jacking stuff. A banger among a list of bangers. If you haven't lost your head yet wait for the second drop.

Enlightened Listening for May 25

It may only be May 25th, but it sure seems summer is in full swing. It's warm, people are busy and music keeps coming fast and furious, at least in its delivery. Sonically however, the music is getting funkier, groovier and more laid-back allowing us to enjoy it more leisurely. That said there are still a handful of more banging, club style tunes, but the majority (even Diplo) falls under the ever growing 'nu-disco' moniker. Enjoy 20 tracks (singles, remixes, EPs and Hoodboi's brilliant Breathing Room), as part of an hour and a half of music in this week's edition of Enlightened Listening. Stream/read below.

David Guetta & Sia - Flames (Aazar Remix)
Holy Flashdance vibes Batman! Sia's voice soars as always and Aazar's groove glows like a polished bar of gold. The final minute makes my heart flutter, if only it ran five times as long. I'm in love.

Louis La Roche & Mylo - Lovers
Definitely nu-disco, but bigger and bolder than most of the others in this list. However that doesn't mean this is without a caring caress. The bright backing that bolsters the bass and the little touches like the loon imbue this paramour with all the power of nature.

Pilo - Relax/Requiem
Twin Turbo continues to conjure up incredible club cuts. "Relax" takes little time to leave you lost in the haze, lurching around like a disembodied spirit. "Requiem" shows off some supremely smart drum work, building the whole track around an onslaught of earth shattering drums, as though emanating directly from the earth's core. Call it a coincidence, but we first heard it around the same time Kilauea started erupting.

Silk City (Diplo & Mark Ronson) - Only Can Get Better (ft. Daniel Merriweather)
Premiered by Annie Mac yesterday, I can think of no more evidence that disco is back than Diplo jumping on the bandwagon. While it's not likely the best you'll hear even in this list, it's a strong pop production, and will likely get a lot of play throughout the summer. It only gets better when you find out that both Alex Metric and Riton helped with additional production. Nice.

Botnek & Aylen - Future Of The Underground
The last time we heard these two (who are perfect for each other) was when Botnek retouched "Quack Attack," one of the wildest tracks you'll ever hear. This one definitely feels underground, especially in that's where all of its sounds seem to stem from; rising from the floor, as you writhe on it.

Charlotte Gainsbourg - Sylvia Says (A-Trak Remix)
I like to imagine this being played at the royal wedding reception. There is just such a strong air of European excellence that plays perfectly with the unfettered fun the groove and bounce brings.

Chromeo ft. DRAM & Jesse Johnson - Must've Been (Mercer Remix)
Chromeo's hottest single so far receives yet another remix, with Mercer working his magic this time. Whereas the original was a jam, this is a jam session, adding more elements and a little more oomph for good measure. A genius recasting that is sure to draw people to the dance-floor in droves.

Element - You (ft. Khamari)*
One of my favourite rising stars yet again shows his range. After the unreal banger "Needles," he's gone for a more chill wavy approach, and this one works wonders especially with Khamari's smooth vocals.

Booka Shade - Easy Drifter (Claude VonStroke Remix)
Doesn't get much bigger than this, both in names and sound. Like the single "Night Surfing" this one grows in ebbs and flows, with wonderful finishing flourishes from Claude. Easy yet supremely strong.

Kramder - Funkastic
I absolutely love that CONFESSION is getting more into the French touch and this EP nails it. It's nicely filtered fun, that while oozing with old-school vibes still brings a contemporary kick. The effects and aforementioned filtering remind me of early Louis La Roche and that might be why I feel so strongly about it. If you want to kick your party up a notch throw on some "Pure Gasoline."

Friendly Fires - Love Like Waves (Riton Remix)
Seems as though Riton and Alex Metric have been running in the same circles lately, as the latter has already released his remix and of course they both backed "Only Can Get Better." Friendly Fires almost always offer up excellent tracks for remixing, and this certainly follows suit. The synths will have you head spinning in one direction, while the drums another. You'll be all twisted up on the dance-floor while onlookers stare in awe.

Hoodboi - Breathing Room
In the past five or so years, Hoodboi has released several of my favourite records. That said we haven't heard from him for a while, but that appears to have paid off as this beautiful seven track sensation is pure poise and polish. Right from the opening number Breathing Room is nothing short of stunning, showcasing incredible amounts of instrumentation that is sewn together with mind-blowing mastery. There's sublime songs like "Tip Of My Tongue" and "Drowning," fresh funk in "Long Distance," genius get down in "Tunnel Vision" and one of the most exquisite pieces of electronic music, "True Colors."

* denotes free download

Enlightened Listening for March 2

It's Friday which first and foremost means new music. So here we are again with a compilation/playlist of new music for your weekend. As usual we range from club cuts, house (bass, disco and otherwise), and funky groove numbers. There's names we've seen on this blog before: Pied Piper, Henrik The Artist, Aylen, Amtrac, and Night Tempo; and new names like Calli Boom, Swill, and Mansa '91. Stream this week's Enlightened Listening and read brief descriptions below. Asterisk indicates free download.

Nathaniel Knows - Hungover (ft. King Tutt)*
Fall in love instantly with that flittery bass groove, then have your heart ripped out by that ratchet drop.

Calli Boom & Swill - Impact*
Tripped up trickles of percussion send your eyebrows upward while the drop leaves you floored.

Samba Soul - Mambo #5 (A Pied Piper Jumpy Club Regroove)
The expansive excellence we've come to know and love from Pied Piper. Don't be surprised if you start dancing involuntarily as if you were in the classic "Cuban Pete" scene from The Mask.

Henrik The Artist - Everytime We Touch (Drippy Dolphin Remix)
Henrik's refresh gets a jumpy jersey club-eqsue recast. Perfect for freaking out a dancefloor.

Wuki & Wax Motif ft. Earlly Mac - Buns (Aylen Remix)*
I always bow to Aylen's bass design and while this one isn't groundbreaking it's undeniably groovy. Certainly capable of commanding a crowd, getting pairs of feet aplenty flying across the floor.

Mansa '91 - Hollah*
While the image and title give it away you might not catch onto the cheeky "Hollaback Girl" changeup until the whole horn lick comes through. Like the Drippy Dolphin above, the jumpy chaos of this track makes for a fun and screw-face filled dancefloor.

Amtrac - Old Times (ft. Anabel Englund)
Talk about a perfect pairing, finally a true collab between these two. Fans of Anabel's work with Lee Foss and MK will certainly love this. Her line "There's magic in the air" takes on extra meaning.

Night Tempo - Just Be Yourself
I first came across Night Tempo exactly a month ago today, so it's only fitting there's more music, and from the still forthcoming Moonrise album. Seriously, is there anything cooler than this combination of genre tags? Vaporwave, synthwave, disco, dance, chill, deep house, and french house. I think not.

Jengi - Good Good (Midas Hutch Remix)
It's named twice because both the vocals and the instrumental are good. Midas is one of the smoothest operators out there. His stuff always slithers into your soul, satisfying with sublime sonics.

Top 100 Tracks of 2017: 75-51

Continuation of the list started yesterday: from 100-76, which also includes my disclaimer/preamble. Soundcloud playlist here and at the bottom.

#75: WRLD - Everything (ft. Ashdown)
One of only two DnB tracks on this list. It is delightful and spectacular sci-fi fun. The groove and its subsequent glitches are genius. It reminds me of Fred V & Grafix, which is saying something, and boy oh boy could I get into a set of this kind of liquid lusciousness.

#74: Falcons - Want Your Body
I can't count how many times I've heard this track, yet I still feel like it eludes my ability to properly characterize its quality. It's kind of sneaky, yet once it kicks in there's no avoiding its allure. The drum work is absolutely ingenious, propelling the production into a stratosphere unrivaled by any other tracks released this year. It is original and excellent, truly in a class of its own, but that's standard for Falcons.

#73: Ayo - Name Game
(As featured on EFYE) When a track doesn't need quality speakers to sound massive you know you've got something special. The bass Ayo's dropped here is quite simply the biggest thing in this whole list. In fact I'm fairly certain that if you play this on a big system, a hole in the time-space continuum is ripped open. Heed his advice and "play that shit again" and again and again.

#72: OAKS - Vibrations
Another almost old-school style track that takes me back to my early days exploring electronic music. It's got a great club churning groove that plays so perfectly with the synths and overall atmosphere. It's both wild yet some how still tempered in its tech house delivery. I swear I hadn't realized it until I played it live on Bump In The Hump, but I stand by my comparison to Boy 8-Bit, my favourite electronic artist.

#71: Jaxx Da Fishworks - Round Em Up
The typically house heavy BADLQQK crew had a huge year, and while there were several standouts, (particularly their RQQKIES) it was actually this breaks track that most caught my attention. Of course drums are the most important aspect of breaks, and boy do they ever do damage here. It's wobbly, warped and wicked good fun. And it's not just BADLQQK who had a big year, expect to see another track from Jaxx work its way into this list.

#70: Bicep - Aura
(As featured on EFYE) The unreleased Bicep track finally got its release after more than a year of magical teasing, and while it'll be remembered by most as a delirium-inducing demo, there's little better than having a full official release to play when and where we want. While I'll always be a sucker for their remix of "Tears I Can Afford," this may be Bicep at their best, navigating the line between a knock you off your feet, wall of sound and a feather-like tickling of your senses. Simply sublime.

Frou Frou - Let Go (Aylen Remix)

Bass master-crafter and all around bad-ass, Aylen just bolstered his bootleg collection with an absolutely banging breakbeat brain-buster. He's taken the already incredible Frou Frou track "Let Go" and flipped it into a monster. Yes, that's Imogen Heap's voice adding even more prestige to the powerful presence of the pristine original instrumental, both of which remain close to form, allowing the breakbeat redirection to work. And of course this is where this bootleg shines; Aylen goes to work at exactly what he does best, brilliant drops. The snare's clapping quality leads the effect-driven breaks, working perfectly for the robot or an other move. And it's not just the snare either, the multitude of sounds in the new construction are crisp, clean and combine beautifully. Aylen has outdone himself again. I cannot wait for more. As with the rest of Aylen Booties, "Let Go" is available free, here.FOLLOW AYLEN: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Post Malone - Congratulations (Goshfather x Aylen Remix)

Hey you! Yeah, you. You ever heard of this guy Post Malone? You know that White Iverson guy? Yeah, him. He's got a new track and it's the hottest shit on the planet. Oh you've heard it? A million times? Oh shit, my bad. Well what about a remix? Oh really? Dozens?! Damn, I'm sorry. But how about this one?First off apologies for being such a sardonic sack of you know what, but I just can't help myself when I've been bombarded with the same song for months and months. I'm sure that like me you've heard just about a bazillion remixes of "Congratulations," some good, some bad, but the one I came across this morning bests them all. Goshfather and Aylen leave just enough of the original intact to keep your attention while getting wicked in their recasting. I've written about Aylen several times here, particularly because of his awesome and evil sound design. Once again that salaciousness runs front and center as he and Goshfather fill the tune with a flurry of fire disco feels. It's dark and dirty, invoking delirium as those only familiar with the original struggle to breathe as stabbing strings suck up all the oxygen. Whether those jabs are actually from Nero's "Must Be The Feeling" or recreated, I'm always happy to have some hard hitting and bad-ass bass to go with a groove that guarantees flying footwork. Even if we've hit peak "Congratulations," I'm happy to have this remix. Get it for yourself free here.

FOLLOW AYLEN: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
FOLLOW GOSHFATHER: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Torro Torro x Smalltown DJs - House Shake

Eight months ago with the release of their Aylen collab "Designed 4 U" (as covered here), Torro Torro spoke with NEST HQ (here), hinting about more upcoming collaborations. Of course the promise of Torro Torro and Grandtheft/Autoerotique was a wicked one, but I was particularly interested in how they might work with Smalltown DJs, who are almost exclusively known for their house beats. The time has finally come for us to get a glimpse of that killer collab.

"House Shake" is set to be released on Brillz's Twonk imprint June 9th, along with remixes from JVST SAY YES, Lil Texas and the bossman himself. Until then enjoy the stream below, just make sure your subwoofer is turned up to get some serious twerk action going. The bass is big enough that your booty will be bouncing even without any physical effort. Get in on the action with the pre-order, here. FOLLOW TORRO TORRO: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
FOLLOW SMALLTOWN DJS: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Torro Torro & Aylen - Designed 4 U

Toronto bass duo Torro Torro have teamed up with Aylen to drop blistering, vocal sample driven, banger, "Designed For You." This is collaborative magic. Despite never having worked directly together before, their sounds combine perfectly. Their production styles seem supportive, blending beautifully, making their sound designs better than ever. There's no stopping the melody progression throughout "Designed For You." Torro Torro and Aylen show off incredible, playful vocal and bass manipulations, from the get go through the two very different drops. Easily one of the best productions of the year. Torro Torro and Aylen, are giving it away for free for a spotify follow via ToneDen.

FOLLOW TORRO TORRO: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
FOLLOW AYLEN: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Super Bowl Sunday: Best Remixes of Coldplay, Beyonce, Bruno Mars & Lady Gaga

In honour of Super Bowl Sunday's numerous pop performers, I've decided to compile a list of remixes that make their music that much more palatable. With Coldplay already utilizing Avicii's production its only a matter of time before the NFL enlists Avicii, Aoki or Kygo to leverage the youth demographic. 

First off, Lady Gaga will be singing the national anthem, and although I don't have any remixes of that, there have been a number of good Gaga remixes over the years. Perhaps my favourite is Jody Den Broeder's "Poker Face" remix (video below). Rainmain (the main producer, previously behind Krewella) delivered a remixes of her massive debut track "Just Dance." And of course, everyone remembers Skrillex's remix of "Alejandro." These should keep you dancing throughout the endless commercial breaks, regardless of whether your team is winning or not.

Apparently one year of Bruno Mars isn't enough for the NFL, enlisting him once again for the halftime show. Luckily his particular brand of pop is easily remixed and improved upon. The first is more of a mashup but an enhancement nonetheless, DJ AJ's "Locked Out Of A Bottle" pitting the classic Police "Message In A Bottle" against Mars' "Locked Out Of Heaven." And of course there are those intoxicating "Uptown Funk" remixes from Riggi & Piros, as well as Charlie Darker (below):

Beyonce will also join Coldplay and Bruno Mars onstage for the halftime show, and it goes without saying that there are a plethora of Bey remixes to choose from. My personal favourite comes from Jack Beats and their remix of "Countdown." Right alongside the Jack Beats mix, comes the Jack U remix of "7/11." My final addition to the Bey remix collection is actually a Destiny's Child remix. Lazerpiff delivered a game changing bootleg of "Lose My Breath" over three years ago, but you can still pick it up free for yourself. Finally we have Coldplay, who have dozens of great remixes, that I've cut it down to an even half dozen. First is the Gabriel & Dresden remix of "Clocks." Mashup legend Party Ben combined Coldplay's "Talk" with Kraftwerk's "Computer Love" to create "Computer Talk." The Cryptonites also took on Coldplay, remixing "Violet Hill" to great success. Of course there is Kygo's remix of "Midnight" and Aylen's remix of "Fix You." There's also two great Canadian remixes from Moiez "A Sky Full Of Stars" and DeBoer "Viva La Vida." Gorge yourself on these tracks and remind yourself the world isn't just pop bullshit, while you get bombarded with endless consumerism and a barrage of pop culture.

Monday Mashed Up Mix

Each Monday I spend hours scouring the internet for all kinds of different electronic music. And each Monday I'll be posting a little mix of less than 30 minutes for your listening pleasure. It will always contain a huge variety of electronic music mixed and mashed up to varying degrees. The music is always first and foremost while DJing and mixing skills are meant to take a back seat. It will also include some brand new stuff but also some forgotten gems and whatever it was that had entered my consciousness. I'll be hosting them on my Dropbox, for your downloading pleasure, MONDAY MASHED UP MIX VOL 1. You can find the tracklisting and links for each track after the break...