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 March 9

The digging has been done, I've collected a number of tracks throughout the week, and some new ones fresh off the press, of course being Friday, so here we are with another edition of Enlightened Listening. While there's numerous EPs and albums out today, I've stuck to singles for this post. There's highly anticipated remixes from Hunter Siegel and Four Tet, a stunner from Madeaux, and some temperature changing trap from names that are new to me. Find all it cataloged in the playlist below, read mini-descriptions following that, and grab your free downloads where available (marked by asterisks).

SOPHIE - Faceshopping (Madeaux Remix)*
The impossible task of wrangling and remixing SOPHIE has finally been achieved. Again Madeaux has treated us to some of the strongest sound design around. His reconstruction of the previously pulverizing track is truly a treat to behold. Special shout outs have to go to Cecile Believe's vocals and Madeaux's treatment of them in the second half of the track.

Big Mak - Mr. Downtown
If this sounds familiar then you've got an excellent ear. Big Mak has taken to the soundtrack of That Thing You Do! and flipped the fictional Freddy Fredrickson track into a fantastic trap lounger.

Yuto - Dear Africa*
The plucks and percussion combined in this trap joint are absolutely fantastic. You'll get bent and twisted to this on the floor, and that's before the drops which will have you writhing rhythmically. Wow!

Ekali & Zhu - Blame (Hunter Siegel Bootleg)*
Premiered at No Neon's 3rd anniversary, shortly after the original's release. That should give you some insight into how much it spoke to the Dark Plur himself. The roughness of that early version still stands strong, but the tweaked and polished final product makes this even more hype.

HXRY - Chicago*
Sneaky deep grooves that seem to bubble up out of nowhere. Just try to name all the samples.

Twinscale - Pandora (ft. Bobby Saint)*
Rapid fire groove that keeps bumping, forcing your feet to the dance-floor. The little cuts and sweeps add a level of excellence that really makes the instrumental special. However, the addition of Bobby Saint's vocals are what put this track over the top.

BICEP - Opal (Four Tet Remix)
These two names alone ought to have you drooling, and boy is this take on "Opal" appetizing. I dare say an instant classic, that just locks you in, making the eight minute cut seem like a mere moment.

First Love - Don't Say Goodnight (FunkyDeps Edit)*
Fantastically fun freak-out of an edit. The horns, bass groove, and keys are top notch, but when you add in those drop dead gorgeous vocals you're talking about an all time great cut. How's your heart feel?

Cyclops & Briden - Perseus*
Ending with a bang, this track absolutely nails the balance between future bass and hard trap. Hits with much of same intensity as RL Grime, that is surrounded by sublime swells of future bass. Brilliant.