Enlightened Listening for January 17

It's only our third Friday of the year and already we're getting some big releases both building towards and culminating in awesome albums. This week's Enlightened Listening includes the release of two albums we've been looking forward to for a while, Mura Masa's sophomore full-length and Holy Fuck's first in four years. Following the 20 tracks from the aforementioned LPs, the closing third features a handful of hard hitting stuff as well as a brilliant slice from No Mana on mau5trap.

A turn from his divine self-titled debut, Mura Masa's R.Y.C prominently features the guitar and a tighter, angst-driven theme. It's not exactly for everyone, at least as far as his previous productions go, but it's not without musical merit or catchy cuts (see tracks with Clairo, slowthai, Georgia and Ellie Rowsell). Turning more electronic, Holy Fuck's Deleter can boast the same cohesiveness as Mura Masa, and almost as much guitar. It's full of groovy, cool cuts and is an incredible mixture of electronic and organic elements.

A sublime single from No Mana follows the albums and leads us into an electronic escape. Botnek follow up their epic and incredibly powerful "On Planet Z" with an equally dark and deep, rattling cut. Next up are a pair of killer remixes of the legendary DJ Zinc, where Neon Steve delivers a dope get-down and Le Duke a brilliant bass-line. Speaking of brilliant bass-lines that what we get next with the first taste of forthcoming Mad Zoo compilation This Is MAD TOO. Also high in energy, we get a taste of acid from Text Chunk and Hood Joplin as they gear up for their LP Bank Account which is set to drop on the 31st. Oft known for his acid, Djedotronic returns to Boysnoize Records with a scary three-track EP. Finally, we get another unreal single from Apashe ahead of his forthcoming album. Enjoy!

Mura Masa - R.Y.C

Holy Fuck - Deleter

No Mana - Strangers (ft. Jantine)

Botnek - Wassup

DJ Zinc - Super Sharp Shooter (Neon Steve Remix) / Let's Get Together (Le Duke Remix)

Mat Zo - Blessed Be Thy Name

Text Chunk & Hood Joplin - Concrete

Djedjotronic - Boish

Apashe - Uebok (Gotta Run) [ft. Instsamka]

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.

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 September 14

Another Friday, another top notch day for releases. This week's Enlightened Listening includes EPs and album we already enjoyed singles from (Bob Moses, Dizzee Rascal, Aphex Twin, and Djedjotronic), remixes of tracks we love (Djemba Djemba, Gerd Janson, Babert, Sultan + Shepard, and Friction) and some of our favourites artists in (Harrison, BIJOU, Masayoshi Iimori and Sub Focus with Dimension). Once again I've attempted to curate the 46 tracks and 3+ hours of content into a flowing movement while obviously albums break that up. Individuals releases below along with short descriptions.

Bob Moses - Battle Lines
Fantastic follow up album. Not a collection of singles but a brilliant story led by Tom Howie's lyrics. Worthy multiple listens, done easily through the wonderfully woven, chill connective tissue.

Harrison - Your Girl (ft. Ralph)
Beautiful, chill funk with just enough snap to keep you coming back for more. Harrison's album is really starting to take shape.

Kiesza - Phantom Of The Dancefloor (Djemba Djemba Remix)
The Stuart Price (Jacques Lu Cont) produced single enjoys an update from previous Kiesza collaborator Djemba Djemba. Sparkling, spritely, futuristic fun this one warms my heart.

SG Lewis ft. AlunaGeorge - Hurting (Gerd Janson Remix)
Would not have guessed that "Hurting" would be this good as 118 club tweeker but here we are thanks to Gerd Janson who continues to stay hot. ICYMI check out his "Neutron Dance" mix from last month.

Purple Disco Machine - Dished (Male Stripper) [Babert Italo Disco Remix]
My favourite of the new remix package. Stay closest and is in my eyes the most well suited to the original. A wonderfully, warm bouncy ride that you never want to end.

Aevion - Wild Safari
The most feels from whatever is making that oh so safari sound, and I don't mean the elephant-esque horns, the bird cries, or the tribal chanting. Wreaks of wide open spaces and wild energy.

Fatboy Slim - Gangster Trippin (Sultan + Shepard Remix)
The duo keeps updating the past and keeps doing it well. The energy and allure of the original stays strong while this new version pops off with an extra ounce of oomph.

BIJOU - Super Phat
One of bass/G-house's finest artists on arguably bass/G-house's best label. Four equally intimidating and mean banging bass tracks with just the right amount of swing to leave the crowd in the lurches.

K+Lab - I Can't Wait (ft. Phonik Ops & Jakeda)
Westwood comes through again with stanky sax and gritty glitch hop grooves. Fire funk.

Dizzee Rascal - Don't Gas Me
Big productions in the title track and "Money Right," which is immediately one of my favourite tracks of the year, two legends atop a sick beat. Skepta has one hell of a production ear.

Masayoshi Iimori - Flow
Masayoshi is like a mad scientist, when his monstrous creations come to life they can bring worldwide destruction and this one does some serious damage.

Aphex Twin - Collapse
There is no one quite like Aphex Twin and we're reminded of that fact again. Where working with seemingly ethereal synths or their darker dirtier counterparts he always crafts something of uncommon value. Tweak out to these five tracks and feel your brain collapse in on itself.

Sub Focus & Dimension - Desire (Only on Youtube in Canada)
Every time these two legends meet up magic is made. Screams of the good old days especially when you have to watch on UKF's youtube.

Tom Grennan - Found What I've Been Looking For (Friction 'Back To 92' Mix)
Another nostalgia laced DnB track. Friction has absolutely nailed the raw energetic ethos of those days.

Djedjotronic - R.U.R
I've never encountered a techno album quite like this one. Djedjotronic is an absolute wizard, authoring some of the most enticing and electrifying releases of the year. There are no holes, only puzzles pieces of a greater whole that is all kinds of awesome.

Enlightened Listening for August 24

Some weeks you just get lucky and stuff literally seems to fall in your lap. That's the case with one of today's tracks from SSOS, an artist I didn't know I was following on Soundcloud or Twitter. Whoever that is they are not the only one to make their first appearance on my radar. That said this week's edition of Enlightened Listening is full of my favourites doing their best work. Bass is most definitely in, and in a variety of formats here. Check them out below and read brief descriptions at the bottom.

Bearcubs - Haunts
Bigger more expansive groove than usual Bearcubs, but that doesn't take away from its influence. Bold and beautiful, "Haunts" swings a strong sword to your heart.

Autolaser - less
Stunning. Could just say that. Bright beautiful effervescent soundscape, with lovely lavish grooves and subtle playful diversions. It's tracks like this that, in my opinion, prove we're in a golden age.

knapsack - Matrix*
Did someone say golden age? That's the quality of this knapsack production. As I said above, these are some of my favourites doing their best work, and this is so that. From the real strings, to the genuine feel, knapsack has made one hell of a track. It just feels so damn good to listen to.

The Night - Set Me Free
I'm on a role with segues because I haven't smiled this much listening to a song in a long time. I'm a sucker for Alana Watson (her delivery makes my heart quiver), but boy did Dan Stephens surprise me with the production. The crisp balanced delivery of Nero is there ,but it in a more funky, upbeat fashion. And to be honest I'm not sure there's anything I like more (take their '88 and '92 VIP mixes).

Woofax - Momentum
Killer electro funk from from who else but Westwood Recordings. My favourite from the EP of massive, anthemic glitch hop. Guitar riff guide this ridiculously destructive, speaker rattling vibe.

Gramatik & Kotek - Vitalik Buterin
Kotek just doesn't stop. Is this his 4th track in 2 weeks? Not quite but damn. A masterful mix of Gramatik's groove genius and Kotek's killer crack, rattle and roll. A brilliant banger.

Big Sean - Bounce Back (Vanic Remix) [SSOS Flip]*
This one's shrouded in mystery. Me and over 7000 people are following SSOS, presumably many others unknowingly like me. Seemingly Vancouver based, this first release comes a day before their Vancouver debut with Y2K at Redroom (here). Identity aside, this is one hell of a mix... of a mix.

Rohaan - Spine*
A few seconds in I was reminded of thook, and Rohaan certainly delivered the same unique quality. The craziest combination of sounds and samples combine over massive bass and killer percussion. Genius.

rOhmz - Vagarious
Dazzling DnB from a Canadian I'd never come across before. Deft design and big wobbling bass.

Voliik x I Am Sid - Croatoan*
Midtempo is hot right now and so are these two. Dark and destructive, punches are definitely thrown. Would be wild to see this one rock a crowd.

32stitches - Fallout (Far & Few Remix)*
Speaking of hot and crowd rocking, dark bangers, Far & Few upped their game again. The unease ridden opening delivers a desolate soundscape with soul crushing synths breathing down your spine. Your skeleton then exits your body with an unexpected irksome second drop. Scary good stuff.

Djedjotronic - H+
As good as ever, Djedjotronic has delivered one of the best twists of the year here. I don't care how you feel about the first half, the release at 2:22 is pure ecstasy. Funky, fat, acid techno. Fkn right!

* asterisks indicate track available for free download

Enlightened Listening for March 23

Fridays never disappoint and this has got to be the best ever we've ever seen. I've compiled a list of 28 singles, EPs, and albums for this week's edition of Enlightened Listening. There's literally everything from techno and trance, to house, club, disco, DnB, and more. Big names like Diplo, Noisia, Benny Benassi and newcomers that are sure to impress. Unlike previous weeks everything here was released today and today only. The playlist is absolutely massive, running 145 tracks, and over 10 hours. But you've got all weekend to check it out, so take your time or skip through, but as always enjoy!

EFYE - July 27, 2012

Tracklist for show original air date: July 27, 2012 from 18:00 to 19:00.

• Bloc Party - Open Your Eyes: Remixes & Productions (Positiva/Virgin)
• Once More Chance (Alex Metric Remix)
• Autoerotique - EKG (Dim Mak)
• EKG cc
• Malente & Zero Cash - I'll Be There (No Brainer)
• I'll Be There (Light Year Remix)
• Nom De Strip - Nom De Strip EP (Southern Fried)
• Skweekee cc
• Netsky - Give & Take (Hospital)
• Give & Take
• Justice - On'n'on Remixes (Ed Banger)
• Canon (Tiga Remix) cc
• Madeon - Icarus (popcultur)
• Icarus
• Chromeo - Hot Mess Remixes (Turbo)
• Hot Mess (Duck Sauce Remix) cc
• John Roman -  John Roman (Independent)
• Martyr cc
• Franz Novotny - Crunch (Vicious)
• Crunch
• Kick-Oh - Black Celebration (Legacy Kids Club)
• Black Celebration (SonicC Remix)
• Housemeister - Music Is Awesome Remixed (BNR)
• Rapide (Djedjotronic Remix)
• Nero - Must Be The Feeling (More Than Alot)
• Must Be The Feeling (Brooke Brothers Remix)
• Burns - Turbo EP (2112)
• Turbo (Jokers Of The Scene Remix) cc
• TAI - Big Bass Drum (Onelove)
• Big Bass Drum (Etienne De Crecy Remix)

Next show air date: August 3, 2012 6-7 PM

EFYE - July 13, 2012

Tracklist for show original air date: July 13, 2012 from 18:00 to 19:00.

• Tyree Cooper & Denis Naidanow - Wonderland (Sureplayer)
• Wonderland
• Chromeo - Hot Mess Remixes (Turbo)
• Hot Mess (Djedjotronic Remix 2) cc
• Felix Cartal - Black To White + Remixes (Dim Mak)
• Black To White (Clockwork Remix) cc
• Light Year - Moderation (Bang Gang)
• Reversion
• Noob - Crumble EP (Form)
• Wild
• Caribou - Sun (Independent)
• Sun (Bowski Remix) cc
• Feist - Oi Oi Oi (BNR)
• My Moon, My Man (Boys Noize Remix) cc
• Autoerotique - Bring That Beat Back (Musical Freedom)
• Bring That Beat Back (Tiesto Edit) cc
• Sway - Level Up (3Beat)
• Level Up (Fake Blood Remix)
• Duke Dumont - For Club Play Only Pt. 1 (Turbo)
• Street Walker
• Rusko - Hold On (Downtown)
• Hold On featuring Amber Coffman (Sub Focus Remix)
• Clouds - Optic (Turbo)
• Vaults
• Squarepusher - Ufabulum (Warp)
• Energy Wizard
• Kris Menace, Joe & Will Ask? - Dewdrops (Compuphonic)
• Dewdrops
• Nom De Strip & Bones - Shake & Bake / Yo! (Nitrus)
• Yo! cc

Next show air date: July 20, 2012 6-7 PM