Enlightened Listening for July 12

This is, without a doubt, the largest ever edition of Enlightened Listening, and as a result I simply cannot address each of the 25 releases individually nor will I list them below. That said I do believe this is perhaps the best playlist in terms of fluid listening, so dive into the 42 track, two hour and 42 minute new music extravaganza below. It opens with some bright summery tunes that should certainly get your toes tapping. The fourth track in changes the mood a bit, especially as it comes from Cassius. Directly after that, Chris Lorenzo utilizes the classic Masters At Work sample, once again proving its timeless quality in his dope deep delivery. A few tracks later we see Cloverdale drop off an exceptional EP on Dr. Fresch's young imprint. Staying with newly founded labels, the legendary Tommy Trash graces Botnek's World Famous Headquarters with the ridiculous "Ripper."

The mood of the playlist shifts after that, turning towards extended engrossing numbers from Clarian and Tinlicker, the former giving us a fantastic cinematic EP. Then, the surprise of this Enlightened Listening, Devo (yes, the "Whip It" group) deliver a supremely cool cut that doesn't seem at all out of place in this playlist. Staying cinematic, Canblaster comes through with a literal soundtrack piece made for a video here. Keys N Krates follow that with an 11 track beat tape ahead the second single from Wave Racer's forthcoming album. Things then turn DnB with a triple shot from our UK friends. The energy is obviously up following that as SYN continues to kill it, delivering a diabolic banger in "New Rave." Two more Canadian kids then follow that in Kraysh and ZABO, the former completing his Void EP. In a fire finale of sorts, the power pairing of Eprom and G Jones send us spiraling into infinity.

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.

Sinjin Hawke - First Opus Remixes

One year ago today Sinjin Hawke dropped what would end up as my album of the year (see here). In celebration of First Opus' anniversary, he's offered up seven superb remixes, with one hell of a lineup, including the likes of MikeQ, Murlo and Fractal Fantasy favourites Canblaster and Zora Jones.Exactly what made the album itself so good, is what makes this effort so immaculate. Each track delivers a unique alchemy, that fits into Sinjin's club oeuvre exquisitely. The opening remix, a genius jersey club flip from Gutta gouges into the shimmering scent of "In Loving Memory" sending the floor into uncontrollable pulverizing gyrations. It is at once gleaming yet grimy.

Continuing the grime feel, Swing Ting brings Trigga into the equation who doubles the damage of the bass and strings. "They Can't Love You" keeps command of the floor, impregnating it with an incredible groove. The life brewed there arises in the whipped up artificial intelligence of "By Any Means" whose synths dance divine. MikeQ then plays god with "Don't Lose Yourself To This" controlling the skies, bringing thunder and lightning bursting to life in the club.

That club storm brings turns to Murlo to who transports us to the jungle with the "Prophecy Of Bootyspoon." The elemental energy of this mix is obvious, but whether it's from this earth is not. Zora Jones ups everything in her return, with an incredibly unbound take on "Snow Blind." It's power leaves you losing your bearings as though you've all broken all connection to your senses.

As the capstone atop of this monument, the EP ends with cinematic cunning. Canblaster brings even more movement to "Monolith," warping it to his wild want. It's got genius groove sections and pungent percussion that, like First Opus, will leave your jaw on the floor as you scramble to hit the play button again. Stream/purchase the EP here.

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Sister City - Blood Mind

Ahead of it's release this coming Friday (Jan 22), Bromance Records have released another single from their upcoming Homieland Vol.2 compilation album. Sister City's "Blood Mind."

The Brodinski fronted label, is known for it's eclectic techno, club-centric and bass heavy releases from the likes of LOUISAHHH!!!, Sam Tiba and Panteros666, but this marks the first release under the Bromance label for Sister City. "Blood Mind" isn't your typical techno delivery, rather it's quite the subtle, slow burner. Each technological sound and sample is so delicately added and subtracted so as to not take away from the overall project. The additional vocal flourishes are the only organic sounds, whereas the rest of the track is an entirely mechanical production; an assembly line of awesomeness. Perhaps my favourite part of the track is the interplay between the various elements with rapid transitions, negating the need for a banger-esque drop; it's artificial intelligence has surpassed such a mortal requirement. Pre-order the album now, and tracks from GENER8ION, Myd, Canblaster, Tommy Kruise and more (24 tracks in total) in your iTunes as the calendar flips to the 22nd.

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Lido Live at The Hoxton (Review)

I've finally had enough time to decompress and reflect on an absolutely amazing night, Friday at the Hoxton for Lido's live performance. It was everything you'd expect and more, particularly because of the surprise appearance of Santell, Lido's most recent collaborator on The Passion Project. Upon arriving at the Hoxton just before midnight and the crowd was already feeling it. It was the first time I'd ever seen dance circle in the Hoxton, and this one was prolonged and featured a wide range of skills from people eating it and a couple deadly battles of carpet cutters. The length of the circle was aided by the opening DJs' long tracks. The one track that stood out to me was a remix of classic Timmy Thomas track "Why Can't We Live Together," which has now been famously sampled by Drake for "Hotline Bling." It's a great remix that culminates in a heavily string aided drop but doesn't stray too far from the original. I'm hopeful someone can identify the remixer because I'd love to add it to my collection; listen below...

I'm not sure who the openers ended up being, as I'm fairly certain the above video isn't either of hrmxny or GrandBuda. Someone said that they had merged this show with another so perhaps these guys were headliners from another event I didn't know about. Regardless, I was there for Lido, who hit the stage shortly after 12:30. And this is how it happened...