Top 100 Tracks Of 2019: 50-26

Continuation of the list started Monday: 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 Spotify here.

#50: Haywyre - Let Me Hear That
The most funky track on this list and I'll say there's a few more really good ones on the way. Haywyre had a hell of a year and there could've been a couple other cuts in this place, but I think I fell for this one most hard because of its immediacy and its beyond beautiful back half. Oh and seeing Haywyre play it live is a trip (watch it here). It really doesn't get much cooler than this one.

#49: Murlo - Fauna
The middle Murlo child in this list. Like "End Of The Road" earlier, I'm a bit at a loss with this one. It's got a lot of the same energy and cinematic quality to its drum delivery. However this one seems to tickle me more. I don't think you can listen to it without smiling, it's just so effusive in its energy. The way Murlo plays around in its movement is truly magical, like a jungle's plant life all joining together in a dance.

#48: Tennyson - Melonpan
A truly gorgeous, cinematic cut that screams Tennyson. It's unique and magical in its delivery, like an epic cartoon opening sequence. Its opening half is enough to captivate, but its second half will have you in tears, especially the utterly euphoric and triumphant finale. Every time I hear this I'm reminded of the time I saw them live and the fact that I need to do so again.

#47: Sigma - Dilemma
This one really shows how out of touch I am when it comes to turn of the millennium hip hop and R&B, as I just found out this is Kelly Rowland. I was absolutely familiar with the sample but didn't know whose it was. But hey, good music is good music and this is certainly that. Building upon one of the best selling singles of all time, Sigma have really done a great job with this one. I just checked the various remixes of this and none can hold a candle to it. Its energy is intoxicating and it's just so much fun.

#46: The Chemical Brothers - Got To Keep On
It's truly amazing that The Chemical Brothers can continue to make such incredible records. No Geography is great and while I thought about including other cuts this, like "Go Crazy" earlier, is just the perfect exemplar of the album. It's got wicked, raw sounds and pristine beautiful ones too. It's anthemic and full of energy, but nothing beats the sweet release shortly after the 3:40 mark. It's just so satisfying.

#45: Boston Bun - Don't Wanna Dance
Another one of those ones I came across in a Magic Tape, and again it's got some serious sorcery to it. The groove is genius and boy has Boston Bun done a brilliant job building it out. The piano backing lays it all down, but it's nothing without the vociferous vocals or fantastically fat drop with its perfectly placed puntuations. Clean and super strong, I see a lot of staying power in it. Finally, I'd be remiss if I didn't give props to Mighty Mouse's masterful remix.

Enlightened Listening for November 22

This week's edition of Enlightened Listening hits the epic standard once again. It's full of legendary names and extended cuts. With that in mind I'll aim to keep the descriptions short so you can just get right into the music which ranges from deep and progressive house to out and out bangers, especially heavy on the DnB. Skip ahead if to the playlist if you like or catch highlights in the following paragraph.

Ben Böhmer leads it off with a brilliant album, which is then followed by perhaps my favourite All Day I Dream EP, which is made up of four fantastic fable-like tracks from Volen Sentir. Friendly Fires bring in a couple brilliant remixes as well as a couple album extras in Offline, while Goom Gum take on a Depeche Mode classic. Joy Orbison and Overmono unleash brilliant b-side "Still Moving," which leads us into a bunch of banging bass tracks starting with a sensational Sable Valley pairing. Mat Zo and Doctor P deliver a couple genius cuts, reminding us of their revered status throughout the scene. However it is the future in Kryojen and WE ARE FURY, who cap the playlist with sensational soundscapes and a dark dystopian future. Enjoy all that and more below, and have a great weekend!


Ben Böhmer - Breathing

Volen Sentir - Cloud Atlas Map

Durante - Restless (ft. Tuff Ghost)

Friendly Fires - Offline

Goom Gum - It's A Lot

Gorgon City - Roped In

A-Trak & Loods - What Can I Do

Dombresky - Trust The Process

Destructo - Twisted

Wax Motif & Matroda - Lose Control

Joy Orbison & Overmono - Still Moving

RL Grime & Juelz - Formula

Squarepusher - Vortrack (Fracture Remix)

John B - Pressure 2019

NCT - Astrophyiscal (ft. Skyelle)

Mat Zo - Games

Doctor P - Voices

Feed Me - Nothing Hurts Like You (ft. Sam Calver)

Kryojen - Divided

WE ARE FURY - Echoes (ft. Micah Martin)

Enlightened Listening for July 26

It's that time of the week, however the moment passed me on a busy day and I was unable to get this edition of Enlightened Listening posted on its proper day. Adding further insult to injury, I've got a massively bruised thumb so typing has been difficult. That said, the music goes on and you can find an epic playlist of new tunes below. Highlights include: Above & Beyond with Seven Lions; an 8-track album from Hot Since 82; remixes of Elephant Heart's "Lenguas" from Justin Jay and Kotek; the final two parts of Kotek's Sonoglyph Pt. 1 EP; a four-pack of fantastic singles from Bakermat, Friendly Fires, The Knocks & DJ Shadow; and DnB from Sub Focus and Bensley via his Muskoka LP. Enjoy!

Jungle - Lucky I Got What I Want (Avoure Remix)

Ukrainian producer Avoure got his week started right by taking us back to 2014 with his remix of London-based musical collective Jungle and their funky soul track "Lucky I Got What I Want." Like his jump-started arrival on the scene, a collab with Lane 8 entitled "Let Me," this remix also gets whipped up in a hurry. Delivering an upbeat, indie pop, deep house mixture, Avoure has imbued this track with a delightful dance energy. The drums drive the track forward while both the strings and synths dazzle. However, those awesome elements aside, I feel like the catchiness of the cool vocals and Avoure's intelligently crafted, almost crackling, atmosphere are what make "Lucky I Got What I Want" such a stunning success. It strikes me as a mix between Tiga's remix of Friendly Fires "Blue Cassette" (not just because of the accompanying artwork) and some of Alex Metric's more recent work with Anjunadeep (albeit with more frenzied movement). As a cherry on top, Avoure has offered up the extended remix for free via Google Drive. Get it here and follow the Ukrainian upstart's social media accounts below.FOLLOW AVOURE: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Enlightened Listening for December 7

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enlightened Listening for May 25

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

* denotes free download

Throwback Thursday: Friendly Fires - Paris (Aeroplane Remix)

For this week's installment in my Throwback Thursday series, it gives me great pleasure to reintroduce the world to one of the catchiest and most beautiful melodies, situated around some of the most infectious vocals and bumping basslines, Aeroplane's remix of Friendly Fires' "Paris." Simple soaring beauty propels Aeroplane's remix right from the start, with its subtle disco percussion and sprightly synth plucks. Add the depth of the bassline, and the track really starts to take off. The lightness and ethereal quality of Au Revoir Simone's vocals shoot "Paris" into the stratosphere, imbuing the track with a heavenly essence. The sheer magic of Aeroplane's mix seems to be utterly endless, whether it's the progressive playfulness of the melody and percussion, the sweeping atmospheric movement, the manipulated madness (starting at about 4:17), or the slow but steady release of tension with the final, exalted flourish (at about 6:34); everything Aeroplane puts into his remix exudes lush and rapturous elegance. If you are at all familiar with Aeroplane's catalog, this will come as no surprise to you, his productions are quite simply aesthetic beauty in their most concise and profound form.

I first came across his remix of "Paris" when he was the 500th DJ to do an Essential Mix back in 2010. In that mix (which lives up to his incredible standards of beauty), it was mixed with Flight Facilities' "Crave You" to create one of my favourite mashups ever. Find both (available for free download, courtesy the man himself), the full Essential Mix, and the recreated mashup, below. If I may further add two more suggestions of Aeroplane tracks that you simply must hear, I highly recommend his remixes of Gypsy & The Cat's "The Piper's Song," and The Human League's "Never Let Me Go." Get on board the Aeroplane of awesomeness and travel to a simpler, more beautiful time. SUPPORT AEROPLANE: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Tracklist EFYE Debut

This is the debut show in which Oggie James is able to use his own material, this will be the case from now on. Tune in TODAY from 6-7 to hear some great electronic tracks from the likes of Tiga, Azari & III, Autoerotique, Tommy Trash, Skream, The Prototypes and a special gem from the new duo of Foamo and RackNRuin; Gorgon City featuring excellent vocals by Janai. Also don't miss the amount of weight behind canadian talents Rynecologist and Felix Cartal's collaboration with the Belgian Keatch on their EP Animals. Finally I have to make note of the absolutely massive nature of, Raf Rundell and Joe Goddard (Hot Chip) as, The 2 Bears' debut album Be Strong.


Tracklist for show original air date: March 30/2012 from 18:00 to 19:00.

• Autoerotique - Bubonic (Dim Mak)
• Bubonic cc
• NT89 - Voices (Fool's Gold)
• Decoder
• Tommy Trash - Cascade (PinkStar)
• Cascade
• Gorgon City - The Crypt (Black Butter)
• The Truth (featuring Janai)
• The 2 Bears - Be Strong (DFA)
• Take A Look Around
• Skream - Anticipate (OWSLA)
• Anticipate (Netsky Remix)
• Azari & III - Azari & III (Turbo)
• Reckless (With Your Love) cc
• Friendly Fires - Blue Cassette (XL)
• Blue Cassette (Tiga Remix) cc
• Modestep - Feel Good (AEI)
• Feel Good (The Prototypes Remix)
• Crowdpleaser - Crowdpleaser (Turbo)
• Jewel Self Dribbling Basketball (Rynecologist Remix) cc
• Keatch, Felix Cartal - Animals (Dim Mak)
• Lazy Bird cc
• Fake Blood - Mars Remixes (Cheap Thrills)
• Mars (Boy 8-Bit Remix)

cc : canadian content

Next show air date: April 6/2012