Casper Cole - Shelter EP

Blaufield Music, the home label of legends Booka Shade, just dropped a new EP today in the epic Shelter from the UK's Casper Cole. The four-part journey through progressive techno delivers all of the elements that make Booka Shade and Blaufield a staple in the scene. Despite being inextricably tied to techno, there's just something so warm, human, and indeed full-of-life that Shelter feels more like a cruise through the recesses of our consciousness rather than a collection of club-churning floor-fillers. That said, the movement in each of these tracks is undeniably infectious, speaking directly to our souls through its spellbinding synths. While each of the four tracks satisfies with its sonic sojourn, I'm particularly fond of "Remedy" and "Undertones," both of which engender awesome grooves that not only reach irresistible levels but also seem to hold some hidden meaning, an edifying, inspiriting essence. The power of "Remedy" strengthens its listeners, helping them stand taller and more confident. Aptly-titled, "Undertones" will have you leaning in, hanging on each note, stuck on each swell, growing with each glimmer.

Stream the Shelter EP below, get it exclusively via Beatport here, and follow Casper Cole at the bottom.

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Enlightened Listening for July 16

It's Friday and that means it's time for this week's Enlightened Listening. I've got a busy day, so I've got to keep the writeup tight here, but that doesn't mean there isn't a mountain of new music for you to check out. In fact, our 20-release, 54-track playlist runs over three hours and includes a little of everything, so you're sure to find something you like. There are a couple less typical-of-this-playlist, yet cool cuts from BADBADNOTGOOD and Pat Metheny to start, epic stuff from VER:WEST, Booka Shade, Tonja Holma and The Chemical Brothers immediately after that and then it's banger hour with standouts from Dog N Hoss, Dr. Fresch x Glass Petals, Rusko and ShockOne. After that, we get Overmono's massive fabric compilation/mix alongside an incredible KUĈKA cover. Finally, we close with breathtaking tracks from Logic1000, gardenstate, OCULA and Tagavaka. Stream it all below and find each individual release linked at the bottom. Have a great weekend, and enjoy!

BADBADNOTGOOD - Signal From The Noise

Pat Metheny - It Starts When We Disappear

VER:WEST - Elements Of A New Life

Booka Shade - Infused Reality

Tonja Holma - All Night

The Chemical Brothers - Work Energy Principle

Dog N Hoss - That Feeling

Dr. Fresch & Glass Petals - The Answer

2Point - Don't Stop

Rusko - Mac 19

Georgia Pheonix - Express Yourself / All I Have

ShockOne - Hardwired (ft. Reija Lee)

Various Artists - fabric presents Overmono

KUĈKA - Beautiful

Duke & Jones - Reflection

Planningtorock - Gay Dreams Do Come True (Kiddy Smile Remix)

Logic1000 - Safe In My Arms / YourLove

gardenstate & Bein - The Best Part

OCULA - No Logic / Years On End

Tagavaka - Extrapolate

Enlightened Listening for June 18

It's the weekend and that means it's time for another edition of Enlightened Listening. Headlining this week's new music playlist, and accounting for more than half of its tracks, is the simply massive Defected Presents House Masters compilation made up of a ton of Todd Edwards' legendary catalogue. He's not not the only time-tested and trusted talent here however, as Chromeo, Booka Shade and Blawan each deliver incredible new records. Young guns like TSHA, Simon Doty, Broken Future and STUND don't disappoint either. That said, I feel like I'd be doing a disservice if I didn't give Skream and DJ Deeon's releases specific shine, as they are both brilliant and mind-blowing, each and every track, particularly in regards to the percussion. Top quality stuff from top to bottom, stream the playlist, curated for optimal flow, below and find each individual release linked at the bottom. Have a great weekend!

TSHA - OnlyL (ft. NIMMO)

Myd - Loverini (ft. L'Impératrice)

Chromeo - Count Me Out / Jealous (I Ain't With It) [Live In New York City]

SG Lewis ft. Lucky Daye - Feed The Fire (Kapote Remix)

Various Artists - Defected Presents House Masters: Todd Edwards

HolloH - Arp De Triomphe

Simon Doty - Solaris

Booka Shade - Heart Of Stone

Mr. Sosa - Paradox

Skream - Trees

Overmono - BMW Track / So U Kno

DJ Deeon - Destiny

Blawan - Soft Waahls

Oppidan - Motorola

Broken Future & STUND - Benz Friends

Enlightened Listening for June 4

After a week off, we return to our new music playlist in a big way. This week's edition of Enlightened Listening features fifteen releases, largely in the funky sphere, but gets further driving and dark the deeper it goes. If there is one theme, it is the guitar (bass and otherwise). The oft underused instrument plays a varied role in several of this week's standout tracks, including particularly enjoyable iterations from ARTY, Myd and Lamorn. The latter mau5trap release, along with singles from Gaspard Augé and Rampa, and minds&machines' "Resurrected" make up my favourite four tracks of the week. The final third of the playlist, which holds all of the longer releases, features the second sensational EP from Hyunji-A in as many weeks, the deadly good debut EP from Afterlife & Tale Of Us founder Anyma, and another epic delivery from Drumstone, who continue to amaze at every turn. Finally, there's a massive compilation in Interzone that features killer new content from Cardopusher, Gesaffelstein, Djedjotronic and more! Stream everything now below and find each release linked individually at the bottom. 

CHVRCHES - How Not To Drown (ft. Robert Smith)

ARTY - One Night Away

Elohim - Strut (Myd Remix)

Lamorn - Physical Layer

Jessie Ware - Hot N Heavy

David Penn - Lift Your Hands Up (ft. Ramona Renea)

Gaspard Augé - Vox

Xinobi - Birds & Smoke

Rampa - The Church

Booka Shade - Essential Chrome

Hyunji-A - Chapter One

minds&machines - Resurrected

Anyma - Sentient

Drumstone - Freedom Call

Various Artists - Interzone

Enlightened Listening for April 9

Another Friday means another edition of Enlightened Listening. This week's new music playlist opens with CFCF's incredible ride, memoryland, whose lead single, "Life Is Perfecto," has been one of my favourite tracks of the year so far. Immediately following that are a couple of captivating singles from Tor and Overmono, the former being gentle, gorgeous and organic, while the latter launches our playlist into space. Staying in the stars, Booka Shade and Bontan come together for galactic cruiser, St. Kilda Nights. Bringing in some tension, Solomun shows off his deft touch with "The Center Will Not Hold." 

Breaking the levy, we get a couple exhilarating offerings from Nikki Nair and Dropwizz, both of whom delivers a unique, inspired rush. Taking us into our final section of house/disco/pop, I've selected the closing cut from OCULA's Closer To The Edge EP, "Nevermore," a beautiful, groovy and uplifting affair. Working with grooves for the first time in a while, ANGELZ samples some CeeLo for fabulous "Inspheration." While it's not a cover of the same-named song from the Jungle Book as I'd hoped, Hammer's I Wanna Be Like You does indeed deliver a couple instances of dance-ready nostalgia. Finally, closing out the playlist is another pair of singles, in our first taste of Jayda G's forthcoming DJ-Kicks LP, ahead of the fabulous and funky finale from Petticoat.

Stream the new music playlist below and find each of the releases linked individually at the bottom. 

CFCF - memoryland

Tor - Eleuthera

Overmono - Echo Rush

Booka Shade & Bontan - St. Kilda Nights

Solomun - The Center Will Not Hold (Club Edit)

Kamus - Wallace (Nikki Nair Remix)

Dropwizz - Escape

OCULA - Nevermore

ANGELZ - Inspheration

Hammer - I Wanna Be Like You

Jayda G - All I Need

Petticoat - Bones

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

Enlightened Listening for May 8

After last week's Bandcamp based edition of Enlightened Listening we're back to Spotify for 50 new tracks across 16 new releases ranging from trance and techno, to DnB and disco. There's albums from Somna and Booka Shade, a trio of tremendous EPs, and two sublime singles from my all-time favourites Jessie Ware and Joe Goddard. Find it all below with brief descriptions. Enjoy and stay safe!

Somna - Beside You
I lost my mind when I heard the album minimix on Soundcloud, a great indication of the breadth of the 14 track epic. I recently re-listened to Cosmic Gate's Essential Mix (one of my all-time favourites) and this shares a lot of similarities. My kind of trance.

Oliver Heldens & MOGUAI - Cucumba (Ilan Bluestone Remix)
Another one that reminds me of the Cosmic Gate Essential Mix. Bluestone's brilliance is all over this. The percussion is killer and it works wonders with the synths and anticipatory atmosphere.

John Dahlbäck - Chased
Seems I'm really on the house/trance blend because here we go again. Dahlbäck delivers a big one here, but I just wish it were the extended mix. Really getting the urge to rave IN A CLUB thanks to this.

DubVision - Take My Mind
Absolutely love the wobbly/trippy/glitchiness of this. And while the flurries are obviously the leading lady as it were, the way it catches its stride with the kick is what makes "Take My Mind" so intoxicating.

Lili Caseley - C'est La Ve (Le Matin Remix)
While it doesn't say it in its title, this is a Louis La Roche remix. The soft and slow start quickly makes room for a wicked upbeat kick. A little more jacking than we usually get from LLR, but catchy nonetheless.

Dombresky & Boston Bun - Stronger (Tensnake Remix)
Tensnake stays hot here as he brings his polished groove to the already awesome collab. Special mention needs to be made of both the bumping bassline and sensational string sweeps.

Folamour - I Miss Having Someone To Talk To (ft. Liv East)
Folamour never misses. The organic quality of this one is just so gorgeous and easy to enjoy. Both the brass and the drums are divine.

HERO - CRY BABY (Matthew Law Remix)
It really says something when all the remixes of HERO are immaculate. The Lo Stesso remix last week was really chill and this one is gorgeous and groovy. Love the little cellphone notification/beep sfx.

Jessie Ware - Save A Kiss
My favourite of Jessie's latest run of singles. Sublime strings and brilliant electronic build, both the instrumental and Jessie are as awesome as ever.

Joe Goddard & Hayden Thorpe - Unknown Song
I think this may be my favourite Joe Goddard since Electric Lines. There's just something about the way he works with and around Hayden Thorpe's vocals. It's got a brilliant bounce and dope designs throughout.

Booka Shade - Dear Future Self
Each single has been killer and the complete version is no different. Epic and strong, each of the tracks sets a scene like only Booka Shade can. Massive interstellar magnitude.

Ejeca - Everglade
Following "Ekstac" is a tough task, but this EP is up to it. Awesome moving cuts throughout with the same kind of captivating quality as "Ekstac." Watch out for the fantastic use of vocals.

Aera - Prana
Upon first listen to Prana, I flipped between gasps and yelps as each track revealed itself. The toplines are stunning throughout and their subtleties just so heartening. It's going to be interesting to see how this one plays through the year and whether I'll be pumping all four tracks as I suspect I will.

Cozway - Expedition
The lead single is simply stunning, likely Cozway's best work. Its counterparts continue this trend of showcasing the rising star's sound. Think of him as both Canada and trap's Rebūke.

Baauer - AETHER
The build to the trap legend's album Planet's Mad continues and while two rainforest flavoured tunes appeared this week, I'm far more a fan of the DnB base of "AETHER." It has an edge of madness and mayhem, but Baauer's brilliance keeps it all tight and harmonious.

DJ Zinc - Through It All (ft. Maverick Sabre)
Another legend to wrap things up. Beautiful, uplifting and highly musical DnB with heartening vocals to boot.

Enlightened Listening for April 24

And just like that it's Friday again. This week's Enlightened Listening features 25 new releases ranging from emotional James Blake to banging DnB, new Duck Sauce and some top notch tech house. Of course 25 releases are too many to tackle individually so instead I'll do a quicker rundown here, but you can still find each release logged after the Spotify playlist below and I still suggest exploring the full thing before settling in on a section you enjoy. Have a great weekend and stay safe!

Things open easy with a couple cool cuts: 1) the aforementioned James Blake and 2) the classic Clams Casino/Imogen Heap joint "I'm God." We then turn dreamy and expansive with the latest ADID offering which is then followed by a little more buoyant EP in Agony. Matt Fax then dazzles with an incredible album that 1) lives up to its title and 2) does an amazing job transporting listeners through its massive hour long journey. Another epic, yet slightly more minimal sonic voyage, Rodriguez Jr.'s Blisss too lives up to its beatific title. Turning even more techy, Kompakt boss Michael Mayer finally releases on his own imprint and it does not disappoint. Next up is perhaps my favourite release of the day Fort Romeau's Fantasia whose title track captured my attention faster than any other in this playlist.

Approaching the midway point, the legendary Booka Shade's latest single gets a big, brilliant and dramatic remix from Casper Cole. Progression rules the roost with the next two EPs as La Fleur and Port Manteau offer a couple intriguing tracks each. Taking a groovy turn, Tensnake offers up his hot hand with a trio of takes on Kasper Bjørke's cover of The Alessi Brothers. After that it's the highly anticipated Duck Sauce single "I Don't Mind" which sees Dave 1 join the writing team. Two sublime singles from SG Lewis and Jessie Ware follow that, each getting us excited for their larger forthcoming releases. Finally, closing out this section is Jacques Greene whose genius extends to a remix of Nicolas Godin's cool creation "Catch Yourself Falling," led by the always awesome Alexis Taylor.

In this final section there's a ton of DnB and we get it started with an extended mix of Flume and Toro y Moi's "The Difference" (ie the only way it could get better). Next up it's an incredible Sub Focus and Wilkinson collab, only made more amazing by the fact that the breakbeat drums are done live by the latter UK legend. Friction and Raineman (by way of his two remixes) follow that with three fantastic flourish driven DnB joints. Turning a touch darker, Cyantific's tumbling track leads us into another monstrous René LaVice release, this one in support of the NHS. Bookending the DnB is "Oculus" a vivid and colourful cut from Jack Mirror and Champion. The penultimate release in this list comes from the consistently killer Izzy Vadim who drops two inspired and unique bass tracks. Finally, Cozway makes his Deadbeats debut with the absolutely sick sensation "Camouflage" featuring Laura Hahn.

James Blake - You're Too Precious

Clams Casino & Imogen Heap - I'm God

Slow Hearts - Melanda

Michael & Levan x Stiven Rivic - Agony

Matt Fax - Progressions

Rodriguez Jr. - Blisss

Michael Mayer - Higher

Fort Romeau - Fantastia

Booka Shade ft. Kaktus Einarsson - Perfect In A Way (Casper Cole Remix)

La Fleur - Ravenwaves

Port Manteau - Faded/Pyro

Kasper Bjørke - Seabird (Tensnake Remix)

Duck Sauce - I Don't Mind

SG Lewis - Chemicals

Jessie Ware - Ooh La La

Nicolas Godin ft. Alexis Taylor - Catch Yourself Falling (Jacques Greene Remix)

Flume ft. Toro y Moi - The Difference (Extended Mix)

Sub Focus & Wilkinson - Just Hold On

Friction - Yesterday (ft. Liam Bailey)

Rob Made - Perfect Motion (Raineman Remix)

Cyantific - Falling

René LaVice & A Plus - Lockdown

Jack Mirror & Champion - Oculus

Izzy Vadim - Vacation

Cozway - Camouflage (ft. Laura Hahn)

Enlightened Listening for March 6

After last week's epic five album edition of Enlightened Listening we were due for a lower output, but that doesn't mean the quality has been cut. This week I've ditched the conventional build from easy, chill grooves in the opening to fire bangers in the finale and flipped the script. We open with the latest futuristic fire from Slooze who continues to build his incredible apocalyptic catalog of originals. He's followed by the debut release on René LaVice's new label DeVice. Our only album of the week comes next in the explosive followup to Doctor P's landmark Animal Vegetable Mineral, Pt. 1.

That closes out the more conventional bangers as we turn to a top notch track from Todd Terry and Alexander Technique in "Jack The Tek." Staying techy, Mason Maynard shows off his incredible knack for groove and bumping beats in Lookin' At Me. Staying hot and heavy, Cloverdale follow that up with a collaborative EP with Tombz on Country Club Disco. The legendary duo of Booka Shade close out the tech-driven records with two superb singles in their standout style.

Finally we get to the last five records, all of which ought to inspire you to dance. First up, Giraffage offers up some wild power in "Workout." Hoodboi and LEFTI then lean into lush grooves and brilliant bass-lines in the fabulous "4ever." Kiesza continues to reign supreme in 2020 with another spine-tingling slice of pop as we move into "All Of The Feelings." My anticipation for TOPS album I Feel Alive keeps growing as we receive its third single "Colder & Closer," and finally we close with Robotaki's second single of the year, the dynamic and divine "Now That We've Been In Love." Enjoy!


Slooze - Rise

René LaVice - Hollywood (ft. S.P.Y)

Doctor P - Animal Vegetable Mineral, Pt. 2

Todd Terry & Alexander Technique - Jack The Tek

Mason Maynard - Lookin' At Me

Cloverdale & Tombz - Hell Yeah

Booka Shade - Red Medina / Acid Brain

Giraffage - Workout

Hoodboi & LEFTI - 4ever

Kiesza - All Of The Feelings

TOPS - Colder & Closer

Robotaki - Now That We've Been In Love (ft. Pell)

Enlightened Listening for January 24

After last week's Enlightened Listening leaned towards experimental cuts through a couple cool albums, this week we're treated to tons of top notch techno alongside some dope DnB and deep house.

Opening the playlist is the brilliance from Four Tet's forthcoming album Sixteen Oceans (due out in March). He's followed by an epic and gorgeous track from Endrik Schroeder, which receives an equally enamoring remix from Marco Passarani. Staying with remixes, Blende graces the groovy NICOLAAS cut "XXO." Closing out these first five tracks is my favourite of the whole playlist and perhaps my favourite new release of the year, a fantastic take on Pointer Sisters classic "Automatic" from Tensnake. Playing perfectly with the already awesome original, Tensnake's contemporary touch is simply sublime.

While we've had A-Trak and Chromeo cross paths a couple times, we've never been treated to a track like the next one. The Brothers Macklovitch are now a real thing and we get our first taste with a deep take on Raphael Saadiq. Another reworked classic follows that as warner case takes us all the way back to 1987 via a cover of Mr. Fingers' "Can You Feel It." Turning towards house, OCULA offers up an inspired five track EP in Summit. After that brief house hiatus, things turn techno with a couple absolutely killer EPs from Kölsch and Hidden Empire, the latter truly taking you on an Odyssee. They are followed by the massive debut EP from HUNTER (Siegel) and his new jet black techno turn.

Turning towards legends, Booka Shade bring a couple new cool moving cuts with their Dear Future Self EP before Paul Woolford dons his Special Request moniker for two equally intoxicating and inspired remixes of the one and only Erol Alkan and his "Spectrum." But now it's time for bangers, so let's head to Night Bass for the dope title track of Jay Robinson's LSD EP. That's followed by the sensational standout Ibranovski remix of "Better" from Valentino Khan's House Party (Remixes) EP. Finally we close with two DnB EPs. First Jake Robertz mesmerizes us, ultimately turning us to stone with Medusa. Said stone is promptly pulverized by three immensely powerful collaborative cuts from René LaVice and Future Cut. Stream everything below, find individual releases linked at the bottom and enjoy!

Four Tet - Baby

Endrik Schroeder - Everyday Of Your Life

NICOLAAS ft. Chela - XXO (Blende Remix)

Tensnake - Automatic

Raphael Saadiq - So Ready (The Brothers Macklovitch Remix)

warner case - Can You Feel It

OCULA - Summit

Kölsch - Shoulder Of Giants / Glypto

Hidden Empire - Odyssee

HUNTER - I Might Forgive I Don't Forget

Booka Shade - Dear Future Self

Erol Alkan - Spectrum (Special Request Mixes)

Jay Robinson - LSD

Valentino Khan & Wuki ft. Roxanna - Better (Ibranovski Remix)

Jake Robertz - Medusa

René LaVice & Future Cut - Nine Strings / Eyes

Top 100 Tracks Of 2019: 75-51

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

#75: Flume ft. Vera Blue - Rushing Back (MJ Cole Remix)
While Flume had a huge year as countless clamored for his mixtape, you won't find any of those tracks here. Instead he appears in this list twice having released a few sick singles that made way for fantastic remixes. Here MJ Cole kills the catchy "Rushing Back" with a brilliant bleepy flip that makes masterful use of Vera Blue's vocals. A spine-tingling sensation.

#74: Jai Paul - He
The enigmatic master returned in 2019 and he seemingly hasn't missed a step with two sublime singles. And of course I gravitated towards the b-side, as "He" seemingly delivers more of that genius "Jasmine" vibe. It's soulful and ridiculously satisfying. And of course it showers its listeners in ethereal ecstasy.

#73: Barney Lister - Matchu
Not the only track in this list I first came across in a Magic Tape mix. Of course it's got the awesome alchemy one would expect for an inclusion in said series. It's beautiful, buoyant and oh so easy to dance to. That said, the slippery, squelching groove that emerges as the track progresses is some kind of sick, satisfying perversion.

#72: Angelov - Chero
An alien awakening, this is some serious top notch techno and one hell of a debut record. The whole EP is sick and I really thought about adding "Retrida" to the list but the vocal feel of this one took the cake. Like the others on this EP, Angelov's abilities shine the strongest when all elements come together in supremely satisfying syncopated fashion.

#71: Stanton Warriors ft. Sian Evans - Up2U (René LaVice Rooftop Remix)
Like so much of my favourite DnB this year, this one absolutely explodes out of the gate. It's got so much to like. The piano. Sian Evans' vocals. The way the two play together: <chef's kiss>. Then of course there's the drops that play like a defibrillator forcing you onto the dance-floor. A roaring success.

#70: Kölsch & Sasha - The Lights
The kind of epic, clean quality you would expect from a legendary pairing like this. Once you've heard that unreal lead line you'll never hear the track the same again, as you wait breathlessly for it to kick in. I know I'm doing that right now as I listen to it yet again. And as good as that lead line is, it's nothing without the duo's deliciously effective backing.

Enlightened Listening for June 2

Once again I'm late with this week's Enlightened Listening but it turned out for the best as it now includes Jai Paul. THAT'S RIGHT, JAI PAUL IS BACK! He leads the playlist with a double b-side of brilliance. Following that is the fantastically funky and highly anticipated LP from The Kount that had me floored with "Yesterday's Gain." Next up is Myd with another funk number, this time remixing Charlotte Gainsbourg. After that comes three consecutive killer vocal performances from Kaleena Zanders, Melba Moore and Kariya. As if that trio weren't enough to leave you heaving in ecstasy, how about another taste of Hot Chip's A Bath Full Of Ecstasy in the engrossing excellence of "Melody Of Love."

Moving towards techno comes a trio of remixes of RÜFÜS DU SOL's "Underwater," which is followed by EMERCIVE's latest and double shot of Booka Shade. Changing gears, Drainpuppet comes through with an epic 17 track album in Bliss. Turning dark and heavy, Falcons follows that up with a wicked remix of his classic "Aquafina." A couple of bangers follow in The Bloody Beetroots and Dr. Fresch's "Fkn Face," which is what you'll be making when you hear Trentino's remix of "Hustler." As if this list of legends weren't enough, Dog Blood come through with an exceptional EP in Turn Off The Lights, which is followed by an equally wild and twisted release in Wilted Woman's debut on Phantasy Sound.

Enjoy all the new music via playlist below and find individual releases linked at the bottom!

Jai Paul - Do You Lover Her Now / He

The Kount - Virtually Yours,

Charlotte Gainsbourg - Bombs Away (Myd Remix)

AC Slater - Final Fantasy (ft. Kaleena Zanders)

Melba Moore - My Heart Belongs To You (Ferreck Dawn Remix)

Weiss - Let Me Love You

Hot Chip - Melody Of Love

RÜFÜS DU SOL - SOLACE REMIXES VOL. 6

Kiro - Anubis

Booka Shade - The Unseen / Banderas

Drainpuppet - Bliss

Falcons ft. GoldLink & Chaz French -  Aquafina (2K19 Remix)

The Bloody Beetroots & Dr. Fresch - Fkn Face

Destructo & DARKO ft. Ice-T - Hustler (Trentino Revision)

Dog Blood - Turn Off The Lights

Wilted Woman - Lon Lon Night Vision

Best Tracks Of 2018: Honorable Mentions

It's getting to be that time of year. Seems most publications have either already unveiled their year end lists, or are at least in the process of doing so. I'll push back a bit, in that there's still good music coming out and certainly some of it deserves spots in these year end reflections. That said, I still aim to have my Top 100 Tracks of 2018 list out in 2018, along with some kind of album showcase. But since the Top 100 is still in flux (at least in terms of placement), I've found that I've got a nice 18 leftovers which deserve at least the title of Honorable Mentions. So without further ado, here they are, sorted in alphabetical order by original artist, with brief descriptions after the Soundcloud playlist/jump.

Enlightened Listening for November 23

Whether it's with unexpected gems in the return of Grandtheft or anticipated releases like that of Culprate's Others, Fridays never disappoint. Today's Enlightened Listening includes an epic orchestral tribute to the first 15 years of legendary label Ed Banger, the second single from Haywyre in as many weeks, an A-Trak remix on Defected, Boy 8-Bit on RKS, a brilliant Night Bass package, what seems like Booka Shade's dozenth quality release of the year and another ingenious EP from Djedjotronic.

Orchestre Lamoureux & Thomas Roussel - Ed Banger 15

Haywyre - Storyteller

Ferreck Dawn & Robosonic - In Arms (A-Trak Remix)

Boy 8-Bit - Back 2 Back

Sinden & LO'99 ft. Capo Lee - Natural High

Booka Shade - Rosebud

Djedjotronic - Cruising

Culprate - Others

Grandtheft - Jackson Pollock (ft. Cadence Weapon)

Enlightened Listening for October 26

What's the allowance on special Fridays for releases? Seems like we've hit our quota, but boy is this one wicked. It marks the returns of Robyn, Handbraekes and Mat Zo to Anjunabeats. On top of that there's incredible albums from Savant, Adriatique and G Jones, and superb singles from Erol Alkan, SG Lewis, Krafty Kuts/Dynamite MC and Plump DJs. Finally a remix from Yung Bae rounds out this week's Enlightened Listening. Enjoy it all via playlist below and individual released linked at the bottom!

Robyn - Honey

Savant - Slasher

Mat Zo - No Words

Adriatique - Nude

Booka Shade - Sacred / Cyril's Garden

Erol Alkan - Silver Echoes (Shorter)

Handbraekes - #3

The Knocks ft. Method Man - Goodbyes (Yung Bae Remix)

G Jones - The Ineffable Truth

SG Lewis - A.A.T (ft. Drew Love)

Krafty Kuts & Dynamite MC - Light It Up

Plump DJs - Big Apple

Enlightened Listening for June 8

Another Friday, another massive day of releases, and another edition of Enlightened Listening. Booka Shade and Chromeo continue to bring brilliant remixes to light, Sparkee drops his Technically Impossible EP, Fraudulent Records share their second release and Skrillex returns with a classic remix. All this and more in the playlist below with descriptions at the bottom. Note free downloads via asterisk.

Booka Shade - Night Surfing (Booka Shade Rework)
The cool flowing grooves of the original become even more smooth and hypnotizing, as though upgrading from VHS to Blu-ray. Sublime swells that are sure to satisfy dance-floors and ears alike.

DAAV & Relique - In My Head*
While bass, deep and g-house are all on the rise, the vast majority of it is safe, unadventurous and all too close to tech house. This collab brings back the wild, animalistic energy that its been missing.

Sparkee - Play That Music
More free form and playful than his PINEO & LOEB collab, this could easily be confused as a Chromeo production, although keen observers will note Sparkee's inimitable bass work. The whole EP is absolutely fantastic, but because of the solos, this is the track that most caught my attention.

Aeroplane - Body (ft. Yves Paquet)
With more and more disco (and disco-adjacent) records being released these days one could become overwhelmed, however this track's effortlessness and light-flowing luminosity set it apart from the rest.

Pendulum - The Island, Pt. 1 (Dawn) [Skrillex Remix]
The first Skrillex release in what seems like forever. In true form it is immaculately designed, and necessarily so as this is a classic track. It might not be as ground breaking as some of his earlier work, but there's no denying the strength of this warm reconstruction. Expect to hear this a lot this summer.

Chromeo ft. DRAM & Jesse Johnson - Must've Been (Yolanda Be Cool Remix)
Yet another delightfully delicious and dance-worthy remix of this DRAM led track. Somehow this is able to lay claim to both the most banging and groovy of the bunch. THE ALBUM IS OUT NEXT WEEK!

Louis The Child ft. Wafia - Better Not (Attlas Remix)
The stage Attlas sets is an incredible one. It shimmers serene, while leaving room for Wafia to sing on top. And again this is where Attlas' genius comes through. His always resplendent productions bring life to each note, allowing the story to be told through the instrumental elements.

Mija - Falling ApART (Again) [Kill Paris Remix]
There's some kind of sneaky beauty not just in Mija's lyrics but the distressed and deep diving chords. The dynamics, especially the solo'd sounds and empty spaces are brilliantly bewitching. Gulp.

DLMT & Vanrip - The Light (ft. Deverano)
Opposing the title of the track this one is heavy, at least in the bass, which goes deep. Wobbly and warped, this delivery is an absolute delight, especially as Deverano's voice gets a genius call and response/echo effect with the vocal chops. Another undeniable summer sensation.