Enlightened Listening for August 27

I've had a terrible time keeping track of the days this week, missing my usual Bump In The Hump rollout entirely, but I've managed to pull myself together today for another shot of new music in Enlightened Listening. Leading the way into this week's playlist is pure bliss from Caribou. He's followed by a trend towards epics with grand designs from Helsloot and AVIRA, each of whom author awesome rides. Again epic, but undeniably in a league of its own, "Rainy April" finally gets its release nearly three years after its first play at ABGT300.

Turning towards the piano, TSHA's new single "I Know" completes her extremely cool & captivating OnlyL EP. Again all over the piano, as Paul Woolford always is, "Be A Rebel" gets an extended second take with New Order rejigging Woolford's remix. The second in a run of four remixes in a row, the playlist continues with Marshall Jefferson's masterful remix of the already exquisite "Music Saved My Life."

Headfirst into flames, the gyrofield remix of Hudson Lee's "Reanimate" sets off a run of energizing and oft-fierce DnB. While striking wildly different chords, the next two tracks, Flume's remix of "On A Mountain" and Heymac's "Katina," each tug at the heartstrings. Where "On A Mountain" scorches with sparking synths, "Katina" cools with pristine piano. Finally, the playlist closes with two uncapitalized Canadian talents, flowanastasia and thook. The former is fabulous on "River Flows," the second single from her forthcoming debut LP; the latter sends us off into DAWN, a tremendous seven-track immersion in all kinds of off-kilter, organic goodness, which once again reaffirms thook's status as a sonic artisan.

Stream the entire Enlightened Listening below and find each individual release linked at the bottom.

Caribou - You Can Do It

Helsloot - Whatever Realm

Analog Sol - Trinidad Dreams (AVIRA Remix)

Spencer Brown & Qrion - Rainy April

TSHA - I Know

New Order - Be A Rebel (Paul Woolford Remix New Order Edit)

Dimitri From Paris & Fiorious - Music Saved My Life (Marshall Jefferson Extended Remix)

Hudson Lee - Reanimate (gyrofield Remix)

Danny L Harle & DJ Danny - On A Mountain (Flume Remix)

Heymac - Katina

flowanastasia & Nymfo - River Flows

thook - DAWN

Enlightened Listening for March 26

Another week down means another edition of Enlightened Listening. While I've taken a bit of a writing hiatus, that doesn't mean I've stopped listening to music, thankfully so, as this week's haul features more than 100 tracks and eight hours of music.

There's a ton of DnB, starting with perhaps my most anticipated release of the year (one I've been waiting nearly a year for), Plantium Breaks' brilliant and energizing affair Everything. They're followed by another exceptional single from Low:r, who is in turn followed by albums from Hospital, with their stacked H25PITAL compilation, and Tyr Kohout, who delivers a dynamic debut.

Mixing things up a bit, Night Bass brings some bright new talent to their roster with Hans Glader's groovy Lumen EP. Even more groovy and electrifying, Proc Fiskal's Lothian Buses will have you bristling with bass, the same way Overmono's latest "Pieces Of 8" will have you in awe. And from awe-inspiring to yawn-inducing (in a good way), we get two downtempo/chill albums from Eli Escobar and Zeds Dead.

Starting anew, the middle fifth of this week's playlist moves through progressive and melodic house, including Grigoré on This Never Happened and two EPs from FiveP, of which Quantum most captured my attention. Another highlight arises shortly thereafter as five more tremendous talents remix BRONSON. And here I have to wonder about the TSHA remix, which shares an obscene amount of the same DNA as her Gabrielle Aplin-led original "Change." I love that track, but it's a bit strange seeing it used here as a remix, no? Anyway, we're in for a whole bunch of love and life in the final seven releases...

A trio of touching originals opens this final section as Franky Wah, Dombresky and Moullinex each work with exceptional vocalists (LOWES, Camden Cox and Selma Uamusse, respectively), delivering diverse yet, equally awesome productions. Following immediately after is our final remix of the playlist, pitting legendary MGMT against legendary Metronomy. And yes, the result is as cool as you'd expect. Now, before we weep to Kele (Okereke of Bloc Party fame) and "Smalltown Boy," we're treated to a couple life-giving originals from The Magician x Wuh Oh and Dimitri From Paris x Fiorious. While the former is more of your typical 'EDM' fare, the latter is as lush and 'organic' as it gets.

Stream the weekly new music playlist below and find each individual release linked at the bottom.

Platinum Breaks ft. Eden - Everything

Low:r - Oooga

Various Artists - H25PITAL

LSB & DRS - High As She (Break Remix)

Tyr Kohout - Accelerate

Hans Glader - Lumen

Proc Fiskal - Lothian Buses

Overmono - Pieces Of 8

Eli Escobar - Lullabies For A Sleeping City

Zeds Dead - Catching Z's

Grigoré - At The Edge Of The World

Drumstone - Lost River

FiveP - Quantum

FiveP - Lockdown

Feyln & Tristan Klampert - Halcyon

Avoure - Pangea

Henry Saiz - The Untold

BRONSON - BRONSON Remixes Nº.3

Franky Wah - Not In Love (ft. LOWES)

Dombresky - Do You Remember (ft. Camden Cox)

Moullinex - Ngoma Nwana (ft. Selma Uamusse)

Metronomy - The Look (MGMT Remix)

The Magician & Wuh Oh - LIFE

Dimitri From Paris & Fiorious - Music Saved My Life

Kele - Smalltown Boy

Enlightened Listening for January 29

While weighing in a hair lighter than last week's hefty harvest, this week's Enlightened Listening is no featherweight. Spanning 20 releases, this 82 track six-hour odyssey is built around a ridiculous number of remixes and a couple killer compilation/mixtapes. Of the latter two, The Magician brings together an all-star lineup for his milestone Magic Tape, #100, while James Grant & Jody Wisternoff curate a killer second CD for Anjunadeep 12. Both deserve full plays, and that's easy with both, as they're each released in seamless, mixed form as well. Now, as far as remixes are concerned, there are plenty to highlight. I love the 'Foals' remix of Everything Everything, especially as, with the Gentle Dom remix two weeks ago, it paves a unique path. BRONSON again score some sick remixes with Hayden James, obli and Patrick Topping delivering a diverse trio. Similarly stacked, the Aluna Renaissance (Remixes) boasts brilliance from the likes of UNIIQU3, TSHA and The Martinez Brothers. Capping the remix conversation, Olof Dreijer, Dimitri From Paris, and ASHE, work wonders with "Monument," "Finally Ready," and "Grey Skies," respectively. Finally, I'd be foolish not to further direct your attention to TroyBoi's warm, resplendent and ingenious EP, V!BEZ, Vol. 4. Have a great weekend and enjoy!

Everything Everything - Big Climb (Jack Foals Grouse Party Remix)

The New Division - Broken (Christopher Sky Remix)

BRONSON - BRONSON Remixes N°2

Colombo - Pleased

Aluna - Renaissance (Remixes)

SOPHIE - UNISIL

Shadow Child - 4U

TroyBoi - V!BEZ, Vol. 4

Röyksopp & Robyn - Monument (Olof Dreijer Remix)

Nile Rodgers - Do What You Wanna Do (The Reflex Clubbed Up Revision 2021)

A-Trak & WEISS - Funk U

Hot Chip ft. Jarvis Cocker - Straight To The Morning (Mighty Mouse Remix)

The Shapeshifters ft. Billy Porter - Finally Ready (The Shapeshifters & Dimitri From Paris Remixes) 

Felipe Gordon & Cody Currie - Atlantic Exchanges, Vol. 1

Various Artists - Magic Tape 100

NTEIBENT - Colours (Theo Kottis Remix)

Hammer - Patella

Crimsen & Feyln ft. Oliver Wickham - Grey Skies (ASHE Remix)

Various Artists - Anjunadeep 12 (CD 2)

TÂCHES - For You (My Love) / I See You In My Dreams

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 June 9

This week's Enlightened Listening features a foursome of dance ready EPs, two dope disco singles and a trio of turnt up bass house numbers. We start with the wandering spirit of Sébastien Léger in his Skadi EP which features two equally epic magic and meandering singles along with a remix from Tim Green that fits the mood perfectly. Next up KiNK works with wife Rachel Row for the sensational "To Love You," which truly illustrates Piano Power, whereas the following two tracks are slightly more power than piano, but remain equally alluring. After that come four takes on the incredible "In My Arms," mostly of the more downtempo, chill variety save for Qubiko's club friendly force.

Turning to singles now, Dimitri From Paris and Cotonete reunite to remix the Dimitri produced Izo FitzRoy track "I Want Magic." Electric and magical, it features the fun and playfulness that this pairing always offers. Staying with heavenly horns and divine disco, Daphni has put his touch on Paradise's 1981 track "Sizzling Hot" which leads an EP due out July 19th. Moving laterally, we get a trio of remixes of The Magician's "Ready To Love," including a glitzy disco take from Mercer.

Finally we get to the fire finale of this playlist with Noizu and Eli Brown kicking things off with thumping groove number in "Inside My Head." Shift K3Y follows that up with another fantastically fiery flow which merges Night Bass and UKF in "Nightline." Closing out this collection is another unreal collaboration featuring DJ Zinc and Chris Lorenzo. The two combine for a jaw-dropping joint whose power is sure to send any dance-floor into fits. Enjoy all the exceptional new music now below.

Sébastien Léger - Skadi

KiNK - Piano Power

Ferreck Dawn & Robosonic ft. Nikki Ambers - In My Arms (Remixes)

Izo FitzRoy - I Want Magic (Dimitri From Paris vs. Cotonete 12" Version)

Daphni - Sizzling (ft. Paradise)

The Magician - Ready To Love (The Remixes)

Noizu & Eli Brown - Inside My Head

Shift K3Y - Nightline

DJ Zinc x Chris Lorenzo - Conditioning

Babert & Pink Flamingo Rhythm Revue - Good Lyfe (Severino Remix)

Friday night I finally got the chance to see Horse Meat Disco in person (at least half of the quartet as it were). Love and freedom ruled CODA as Severino Panzetta and Luke Howard hit the decks for an extended set full of fabulous edits and originals alike. all oozing with funk, biting brass, sensational strings and piquant piano. True to the talk around Horse Meat Disco and their long running party at The Eagle, the atmosphere was incredible and the dance floor was packed the whole night.

While I'm still relatively green when it comes to the greater disco catalog (certainly in comparison to Severino and/or Luke), there were numerous tracks that I knew right off the bat and was able to enjoy in utter ecstasy (see Dimitri From Paris's edit of "Salsoul Rainbow" or Joey Negro's dub of "Found A Cure"). On the other side of things, Horse Meat Disco don't have many of their own productions, however Severino did just release a solo remix effort, taking on Babert & Pink Flamingo Rhythm Revue.

Out now on Midnight Riot Records, this "Good Lyfe" remix is a brilliant blend of the bottomless bounce and groove of deep house with the distinct flair of disco. The chords craft a cool, luxurious italo-disco dance floor primed for your feet to follow the playful percussion all as the vocals spin around your head. It is a hearty and powerful production, that while featuring extended dance sequences never seems to drag, but rather further welcome you to the floor for more fun. Get Severino's "Good Lyfe" here.
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Enlightened Listening for April 26

Our last April edition of Enlightened Listening includes two notch albums from Nick Murphy & Satin Jackets, the potent pairing of Cotonete & Dimitri From Paris, a killer remixes of "Killer Whale" & "REDLIGHT," as well as awesome originals from EDX, Mohican Sun & BIJOU. Enjoy below!

Nick Murphy - Run Fast Sleep Naked

Satin Jackets - Solar Nights

Cotonete & Di Melo - A.E.I.O.U. (Dimitri From Paris Remix)

EDX & Amba Shepherd - Off The Grid

Mixhell & Joe Goddard - Killer Whale (Remixes)

CamelPhat & Cristoph ft. Jem Cooke - Breathe (Eric Prydz Remix)

Mohican Sun - Darkest Hour

BIJOU - Your Love

NGHTMRE & A$AP Ferg - REDLIGHT (Flosstradamus Remix)

Top 100 Tracks Of 2018: 50-26

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

#50: ATLiens - Interstellar (ft. Sara Skinner)
One of the heaviest and most beautiful productions of the year. As many twists and turns as the Christopher Nolan film of the same name. Deft design leads the two unique drops with plenty of room for the organic instruments to play in the other sections. And while the drops will leave your jaw on the floor, their power would be nothing without the bristling bass guitar and hollow drums, especially noticeable in the final 30 seconds.

#49: David Guetta & Sia - Flames (Aazar Remix)
Easily one of the most upbeat and dance-friendly tracks of the year, it also brought about some of my biggest smiles of the year. Picture your favourite 80s film, now throw this in its soundtrack. Perfect fit, right? It could replace "Take On Me" or maybe better yet, Flashdance. Aazar let it all hangout with this one. The drums slap, the groove kicks ass and the solo at the end takes no prisoners. Fabulous fire!

#48: Iglooghost - New Vectors
Some geniuses can be a little much for some ears and sometimes that brilliance can simply miss our simple minds. That is not the case here with the seemingly alien intelligence of Iglooghost and "New Vectors," which has the ability to speak to us a whole new plane of existence. The wild, rapid fire, never ending list of ingredients combine and coalesce in one of the most inspired tracks of the year. It dazzles and uplifts especially through the angelic vocal samples and resplendent bells. True brilliance.

#47: MIST - Wish Me Well (ft. Jessie Ware)
Right in the midst of my latest love affair with Jessie Ware, as I awaited the chance to see her live (definitely in my top 5 shows of the year) this dropped and there was nothing that could pull me away from its crazy catchy, super smooth bounce. I can't get enough of the contrasting timbres of the two voices or the way they play atop this heater of a beat. Easily one of my favourite pop tracks of the year.

#46: Marcus Worgull - Love Song
Again my true colours are on full display as I just cannot find my way out of the 80s. The Cure's original, and its accompanying album, one of my favourites, Disintegration came out nearly a month after my birth so maybe that's why it holds such a special place in my heart. Or maybe it's because Robert Smith saved us from Mecha-Streisand... But seriously, this new version is simply sensational. The brilliant bass-line remains intact and is alluring as ever, while the expanded electronic soundscape sweeps you off your feet, like you're home/whole/young/fun/free/clean again.

#45: Sébastien Léger - Lost Miracle
(As featured on EFYE) An epic expansive, exquisite production that thrives off subtlety. A warm wanderlust, it feels more organic than it does electronic, and that is the brilliance of Seb Léger, an uncanny ability to breathe beautiful life into his synths. Do yourself a favour and check out his Youtube/Instagram for videos of him doing this live. And don't bother with the 4 minute version, the 10 is more than twice as a good, and really gives you time to grow with the genius grooves he lays down.

#44: Mixhell & Joe Goddard - Strong & Wrong (ft. Mutado Pintado)
Sound the alarm, it's the end of the world! Just like the #5 track I cannot help but hear Mutado Pintado's voice as a part of the 'Shut Up And Dance' episode of Black Mirror. And of course the Mixhell, Joe Goddard backing plays perfectly to that dire, helpless feeling. Brilliant brooding apocalyptic production from Mixhell with the right amount of bounce and funk from Goddard to make it easily consumable. Gotta give a nod to the Craig Williams remix which really digs into the funkiness. Awesome.

Top 100 Tracks Of 2018: 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: Cloverdale & OSOTYT - Funky Junky
Where disco was the biggest riser in my listening habits in 2017, that title goes to funk in 2018. That said, house is still my bread and butter, so the combination of the two here is an obvious fit. The drops are solid to say the least (with some special stank on the second), but for me it's the sections around the drops that propel this track into the countdown. The funky scratching in the conclusion nails my tastes so much so that I had to include it in my new intro for the 8th season of Bump In The Hump.

#74: Moullinex ft. Georgia Anne Muldrow - Say It Slow (Wild & Free Remix)
A bright and beautifully bouncy number right from the get-go, but once those shimmering synths join the action, I'm hooked. Add in some slick little solos and flourishes and you've got a truly divine disco number. It is fabulously full of life and brilliantly buoyant, and while it's supposedly slow, it hits on all cylinders pumping out one of the more pleasurable pieces you'll hear all year.

#73: Hoodboi - True Colors
Hoodboi showed us a new side of his artistic abilities with Breathing Room, and that title track could very well have been in this spot. However, "True Colors" makes the cut as a result of its restrained, uber smooth roll out. It is like waking up to the world with new eyes, seeing shapes and colours with a renewed, childlike wonder. Full of heart and feeling it may not dazzle with banging bass or an overwrought melody, but rather it kind of floats down into your consciousness like a feather in the wind.

#72: RealMind - Actif (ft. Billboard)
Some tracks leave you speechless, and I knew this one was going to do this to me, but I could not let it go uncovered. So here's my go at it. The levels or acts as "Actif" progresses are incredible, and the fact that these two have tied them together so seamlessly is even more so. The opening build is beautiful, but boy is the punchy push into the second section some kind of special. And really that's the key for me. The way it kind of clicks and stomps and wobbles is stunning, especially as it kicks back in following the obsidian third section. And yes, if you're getting deadmau5 vibes you're not alone.

#71: Chromeo - One Track Mind
With Head Over Heels firmly in the running for album of the year, I think back to the first time hearing it in full and the laughter and joy it brought me as I drove to that night's baseball game. I'll say that this isn't the only album cut on this list, and for a bit this was the one. Actually I still go back and forth, but here we are at forth. Smooth grooves, cool call and response, and one hell of a build towards the triumphant final frame that is sure to send shivers down your spine. I can't help myself, I'm obsessed.

#70: Benny Bridges - Are You Okay?
As a part of Justin Jay's Fantastic Voyage Facebook group I got an early copy of Benny Bridges' EP and this came on in my car without proper attribution. I had to know who it was because it bumped so good. The drums and bass combine brilliantly, but it wouldn't be half as good without the extra little effects further punctuating the already punchy affair. Simple yet strong, there's no denying this delivers.

#69: TroyBoi - Frustrated (ft. Destiny)
No one does it quite like TroyBoi. Sick with strings, wicked with wobbles, vicious with vocals and top notch with twists, he really does it all. And it's all here in perhaps his best work to date. The intro teases perfectly and you know you're in for something special, but like "Do One," his other single released on that very same day, there's no way of predicting the warped genius in store. Scary good stuff.

Thanksgiving Throwbacks

After an uneventful scroll through my Soundcloud feed this morning, I changed gears to focus on tracks not released this year, but indeed played an immense role in my year. So here's a quick taste of some throwback tracks that I'm awfully thankful for. Enjoy via playlist and read brief descriptions below.

Shina Williams - Agb'oju L'ogun
First heard in an Erol Alkan mix. Minimal yet massive, majestic groove-fest.

Poolside - Harvest Moon
First heard in a Greg Wilson mix. As if Neil Young recorded the original on a moon. Weightless wonder.

Turbotito and Phillipi & Rodrigo - Canção Para Laia (JKriv Remix)
First heard in a Kölsch playlist. Brilliant blend of techno, acid, and funky electronic grooves.

The Salsoul Orchestra - Salsoul Rainbow (Dimitri From Paris DJ Friendly Classic Re-Edit)
First heard in Horse Meat Disco's Essential Mix. Sublime strings, godly grooves in a pure disco delight.

Ignition - Sunday Secret Lover (Greg Wilson Edit)
Can't exactly remember where I came across this, but I feel like someone asked about it on Twitter, inciting me to look it up myself. My favourite Greg Wilson edit, in large part due to the section at 2:42.

Michael McDonald - Sweet Freedom (Live)
First heard this version on PBS' Soundstage, but it was the 12" version that got me hooked. I've always enjoyed MM's voice but it's the horn riffs that kept me coming back. My favourite track to throw on as I'm walking home, whistling and singing all the way.

Average White Band - Pick Up The Pieces
Another one first heard in a Greg Wilson mix, although it feels so familiar. Can't help but get lost in this funky groove. Very few tracks induce such a confident strut the way this does.

Todd Terje & The Olsens - Baby Do You Wanna Bump
Right up there with my favourites song of the year, so it's weird I can't remember where I first heard it, although I feel it was another Erol Alkan nod. Cannot get enough this groove or the horns. Top Terje.

Paul McCartney - What's That You're Doing (ft. Stevie Wonder)
Another one first heard in Horse Meat Disco's Essential Mix. Jumped out at me immediately, like "damn, I need this" only to have jaw drop to find out it was McCartney. One of the funkiest riffs ever.

Aretha Franklin - Get It Right (SanFranDisko Mix)

As you likely know by now the world is in mourning as we lost the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin to pancreatic cancer. Over the decades of her legendary career, her voluminous voice and preeminent productions have been used by countless artists ranging from Dimitri From Paris to Zeds Dead.

Today amidst the outpouring of love comes an edit of her chart topping 1983 soulful boogie song "Get It Right" from respected remixer Paul Goodyear, aka SanFranDisko. The original life Luther Vandross and Marcus Miller instilled in the six minute single still stands strong, like Franklin's legacy. Goodyear has put Miller's bass to good use, driving this extended edit throughout, while also letting the other instrumentation shine through especially in the second half. And there is no shortage of potent play in "Get It Right," as the plethora of percussion and more, come together in a dynamic delivery.

But of course this is nothing without the Queen. She is the leader. Her delivery is everything. It shimmers. It growls. It screams. It inspires. It cannot be understated. Just writing these words puts a frog in my throat. So I'll leave it there. Enjoy the free download here. Rest In Power, Aretha.FOLLOW SANFRANDISKO: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Enlightened Listening for July 6

There's really nothing like waking up on a Friday and filling your coffers with new music. This week has some particularly strong releases with Four Tet, Kraak & Smaak, Dimitri From Paris and Mat Zo dropping off some wicked remixes. The trio of CastNowski, Bjorn Torske and Folamour join the party with awesome EPs, and more than a handful of fantastic singles from SG Lewis, Damian Lazarus, Hunter Siegel & Wax Motif, and Justice. Stream below, read descriptions following and happy Friday!

Wavedash & Quest - Adagio (Mat Zo Remix)
The kind of mastery you can only get from Mat Zo. Subtle and beautiful beginnings eventually get twisted with wicked movement and spectacular sound design.

Folamour - Club Degli Esploratori
Quickly becoming one of my favourite, most trusted providers of disco grooves, Folamour's four track EP is top notch. As usual he offers up smooth flowing fun. Watch out for "Girl With Attitude."

Xinobi - Skateboarding (Kraak & Smaak Remix)
Light and bright take from Kraak & Smaak with some sensational soaring synths and bleepy grooves.

SG Lewis x Clairo - Better
Always tugging on the heartstrings with tremendous sound design, SG Lewis lays down a wonderfully warm groove against which Clairo's cute crooning comes as a beautiful breeze.

CastNowski - The Factory
CastNowski stays hot with his second EP in as many months. It too hits hard with deep, dirty and grinding house numbers that will leave even the most sure footed dancer feeling weak in the knees.

Ron Hall & The Mothafunkaz - The Way You Love Me (ft. Marc Evans)
Two absolute epic remixes from Dimitri From Paris and Tom Moulton. All I can say: "I'm Lovin' It."

Daniel Avery - Quick Eternity (Four Tet Remix)
Another absolute stunner. Ringing resplendence and undeniable excellence. But how about that turn in the second half? There really is nothing like a Four Tet remix. Sheer and utter brilliance.

Damian Lazarus & The Ancient Moons - Fly Away
Clean, cool and deep, Damian Lazarus does it all with ease. The vocals suck you in and the instrumental does the rest. Musical majesty especially with those sublime strings.

Wax Motif & Hunter Siegel - Wassup
I'm just mad it took so long for these two to work together again after "All Night Man." Already a certifiable club killer after hearing it at the recent No Neons, expect this to go off all summer long.

Proxy - Shake It
Proxy with the hot hot heat. Fantastic rapid fire wobs and potent progression make for one hell of a win.

Bjorn Torske - Byen
A wondrous, expansive, electronic soundscape that is absolutely perfect for summer - whether cruising, laying by the beach, or having a backyard bash. It is inventive, playful and beautifully put together.

Justice - Randy (WWW)
My favourite Justice track (which I've never seen performed live), gets a remix for their forthcoming 'live' studio album, Woman Worldwide. Pure electro prevails before the intoxicating vocals arrive in the second half and things get twisted like the old days of Cross and Audio, Video, Disco.

Just Keep Dancing

It's Sunday but it's also a long weekend in most places, which means you may be tired, but you may also be headed out again tonight. With that in mind I've put together a list of extended dance type tracks, old and new; just some of my favourites these days.

Again I've turned to Spotify as most of these tracks are not on Soundcloud, but unlike my new music playlists I've put these in a 'cohesive' listening order. It starts with more throwback disco/dance grooves, with legends like The Cure, Barry White and a repacked version of The Stooges. Then we get two of the hottest dance tracks of the moment with Peggy Gou and Offaiah, before hitting the finale of Snarky Puppy. That track, "Lingus" is by far and away my most played track in the last few months and I still can't get enough of it. It is the oddball in this list but I just needed to share it, and this felt like the right time to sneak it in. Hope this makes your Sunday and weekend more enjoyable. Cheers!

Top 100 Tracks Of 2017: 25-1

Continuation of the list started Tuesday: 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: M-City J.R. - Addicted To My Ex (Taylor Thomas x KGTO Remix)
Of all the remixes in this list, there is no original that I'd be less likely to listen to (save for "All Star," although I certainly did when it came out in 1999). That being said this is one of the top 10 remixes of the year. It combines the loco lyrics that made the original so strange yet alluring, with a brand new ballsy delivery. Whether you have an ex like this or not, you'll certainly be flexing those trap arms when the dope drops screech in. It is absolute madness, especially in the fantastic "aahh" samples.

#24: Caveman - Life Or Just Living (Lil Hank Remix)
(As featured on EFYE) No track in this list invokes as warm a feeling and sure smile as this one. It was my introduction to Lil Hank and while I love "Pupperino" and "A Young Puppo Is Born," it remains my favourite of the bunch. It features Hank's delightful drum delivery and playful warmth that can only come from such a good boy. You can always count on him pick you up at your worst moments, and that's exactly what this track does. It is so supremely buoying that it feels as though you're bounding weightlessly across the Sea of Tranquility. Yet it's not alien at all, it feels just like home.

#23: Sinjin Hawke - Monolith (Overture)
Album openings are tricky. I'm not a fan of innocuous intros that do or say nothing. And dropping the best track right from the get go isn't really appropriate either. Sinjin is able to avoid that issue, while seemingly confronting both flaws, head on. The orchestral warm-up sets up the explosive fire of the album, while giving way to the "Wolves" vocal sample. And while there's still another track from First Opus to come, this was certainly in the conversation for best track on the album. It features all the elements that make First Opus my album of the year. It is big and bold, yet sprightly and spirited. The way the drums and vocals work and play together is utterly intoxicating.

#22: Oliver - Go With It (ft. Chromeo)
Chromeo always stir up something deep inside, but maybe I just better leave the lyrics to them. I too "feel some type of way" when they play next to me, "and I'm not tryna hide it/.../and I'm not gonna fight it." Yes, I absolutely love this, but I suppose we're here for why. It is of course uber funky and fun, combining the electro grooves of Oliver and vivacious vocal play of Chromeo. Each iteration of the synths are strong and self-assured. No matter what kind of day you're having, you'll be strutting when this comes on, any annoyances or aggravations will roll right off your shoulder.

#21: Everything Everything - Night Of The Long Knives
Last summer I had the pleasure of taking in Everything Everything live and was immediately blown away. Jonathan Higgs' potent voice spun circles around my head both in spite of and because of the mystifying lyrics (see "No Reptiles"). This led to their album Get To Heaven becoming one of my all-time favs, I just couldn't get enough. When the follow-up, A Fever Dream, was released I spent the whole day listening to it on repeat, particularly this lead track. It has everything I'd come to love about Everything Everything, and more. Higgs' voice is even more powerful, the drums/guitar/bass even more magnificent, and the lyrics even more mystifying. Just try to play this a couple times without being swept up, joining in the with the singing. This Thanksgiving I was still riding so high on this track that I literally walked around the house all night singing "shame about your neighborhood."

Top 100 Tracks Of 2017: 50-26

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

#50: Biscits - M Night (Boy 8-Bit Remix)
(As featured on EFYE) The already exceptional original gets a great update from the brilliant Boy 8-Bit. As always, he's able to inject a great raw groove that combines jungle atmosphere with a techno twist. It is playful as it is powerful, crunching and crackling alongside its sublime synths. It feels like Boy 8-Bit at his best, working with a lighthearted sample and ingenious progression.

#49: Joe Goddard - Lose Your Love (Full Length Version)
While the radio edit (which you'll find in the Soundcloud playlist) was released last year, the full length version only came to light with the album. And this expanded edit is exactly what I love about Joe Goddard. It's expansive disco house vibes are beyond beautiful, with wells of warm organic instrumentation. The additional guitar becomes a love guru, gently caressing this uber cool creation. There is no act I want to see more than Joe, and I expect his live set up to be one of the best around.

#48: CID - Believer (ft. CeeLo Green)
(As featured on EFYE) When I first heard this I was so sure that it'd blow up and become one of the biggest songs of the summer, if not the year. I'm not sure that's happened (35k plays on Soundcloud, 1.3 million on Spotify), but in my eyes and ears it is still one of the best to come out this year. CeeLo's voice is just as alluring six months later, and the production still shines with a wild glory. The piano, and additional island feels that arise in the second half are just so beautiful. Part of the reason some of these tracks make this list is that I've never had the opportunity to hear them on a big system, and I hope that it may help that happen; I can still only imagine the impact this one would have.

#47: Bryan West x R.O - Nightfall
Another technically 2016 release, but because it came after I released last year's countdown here we are. I can still vividly remember my first real encounter with this track. I was riding the subway and had to pick my jaw off the floor, when its superb story stunned me. I had to listen again and again, cranking the volume up with each repetition. There's just so much to like about this track: literally every sound, each subsequent section and the fantastic flow into each. It's big, beautiful and just oh so intoxicating.

#46: Krafty Kuts x Dynamite MC - Rev It Up (ft. Riya)
There has never been a time this track has come on and I've not been instantly lifted. It rivals any track on this list, or perhaps ever, in terms of fun energy. Krafty Kuts has built a brilliant bed for Dynamite and Riya to work their magic on. So many lines from Dynamite hit me hard, even if they're a bit silly. My personal favourite "After the party, I'll eat your pizza." And there's no ignoring the "pick it up, pick it up, pick it up, like engine number 9 we're revved up," call back. It may be the only cut from All 4 Corners on this list, but if you like this I can highly recommend checking out the rest of the album.

Cotonete & Dimitri From Paris - Parribean Disco/The Hustle Parisian

Holy heavenly disco delights batman! Cotonete and Dimitri From Paris just teamed up for one of the funkiest and unabashedly awesome 17 minutes of music this year. The two track EP Parribean Disco/The Hustle Parisian, while reliant on electronics is more mortal magic than tech trickery. The horns, drums, and guitar/bass are all played with the grooviest glamour and funkiest of feels. Both tracks are sheer sublime sorcery. You have no hope but to help yourself to a piece of the dance-floor and devote yourself to disco. These are the ultimate jam sessions that just scream for second and third listens, while you try to wrap your head around their wild wickedness. Stream/Download the EP here.
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Sunday Disco Delights

Yada yada yada, I love disco. Disco, disco, disco. There's nothing that I go to more frequently or enjoy so unabashedly as much as disco. Whether it's the strings and things, funky bass, gooey grooves, loving lyrics or just the anything goes ethos, I just cannot get enough of disco old and new. It's just the perfect mixture of live elements with repetitive electronic grooves. Today I've decided that I ought to showcase a small sampling of some of my favourites of the moment, from some of my most trusted sources. There's the ever awesome and expanding library of Funkingham (specifically Pimpin Willie) remixing the sublime Sade, the preeminent Dimitri From Paris, and supreme being SanFranDisko. The other two tracks are just as juicy and jam worthy; Cordycep I found through Greg Wilson and the "Everybody Dance" edit comes courtesy Dimitri From Paris, who referred to it as his all-time favourite. I leave you now to enjoy these disco delights and hope they give you strength this Sunday.Note that every other track is available for free download. Don't sleep!

Abbesses - Two Of Us

I've become so enamored with funky disco grooves lately that I almost have no time for anything else. This makes scrolling through Soundcloud hard, especially as I look for something new to write about. However, the French always seem to come to my rescue. Today I came across French "humanoid" Abbesses, and their edit of classic RnB cut (Just The) "Two Of Us." No doubt you're familiar with the standard vocals and melody, but I doubt you've heard a version like this. True to my tastes at the moment, it's incredibly musical, especially in contrast to tech house (which I point out after reading this interview with Dimitri From Paris). I've previously professed my love for the inclusion of real instruments organic sounds in purely electronic productions, and this track has just that. There's sax, guitar, bongos, and an oh so sublime synth. It's full and warm, and just down right delightful. The vocals only add to "the beauty of it all" and "make those rainbows in my mind." Stream below.
If this is something that get your motor going, Abbesses has several songs like this, most of which for free download. Share this magic with your significant other and download "Two Of Us" here.

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