Showing posts with label Hero. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hero. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 19, 2021

Bump In The Hump: May 19 (Season 9, Episode 72)

Tracklist
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Friday, November 06, 2020

Enlightened Listening for November 6

We've made it through another week, and what a week it was, so let's celebrate with some new music.

This week's edition of Enlightened Listening opens with ATTLAS' second album of the year, an even more sublime offering than his usual ethereal excellence. It's not the only awesome album either as the ageless Kylie Minogue offers up an absolute delight in DISCO. Staying with longer releases, This Never Happened continues its unbelievable run of quality as Deeparture delivers an incredible EP, just as Overmono complete their inspired Everything U Need with two more top-notch tracks. Closing the book on EPs, HERO's CLUB NOWHERE is another stunner that, like CRY BABY and Dirty Work, will keep me coming back for weeks, if not months.

Now for the singles: Moullinex delivers sensuous pleasure in "Ven," Tiga turns Elderbrook's "Back To My Bed" into an infectious, uplifting roller, The Magician goes Italo disco on Mercer's uber-catchy "Lemonade," The Reflex brings "Sweet Freedom" closer to Michael McDonald's original, KUU deliver a chill second single, KAS:ST does dark and dismal with "VTOPIA," and we get the first taste of what promises to be a killer collaborative project from Frustra and Maddmon in "Eternal Wake."

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Friday, May 08, 2020

Enlightened Listening for May 8

After last week's Bandcamp based edition of Enlightened Listening we're back to Spotify for 50 new tracks across 16 new releases ranging from trance and techno, to DnB and disco. There's albums from Somna and Booka Shade, a trio of tremendous EPs, and two sublime singles from my all-time favourites Jessie Ware and Joe Goddard. Find it all below with brief descriptions. Enjoy and stay safe!

Somna - Beside You
I lost my mind when I heard the album minimix on Soundcloud, a great indication of the breadth of the 14 track epic. I recently re-listened to Cosmic Gate's Essential Mix (one of my all-time favourites) and this shares a lot of similarities. My kind of trance.

Oliver Heldens & MOGUAI - Cucumba (Ilan Bluestone Remix)
Another one that reminds me of the Cosmic Gate Essential Mix. Bluestone's brilliance is all over this. The percussion is killer and it works wonders with the synths and anticipatory atmosphere.

John Dahlbäck - Chased
Seems I'm really on the house/trance blend because here we go again. Dahlbäck delivers a big one here, but I just wish it were the extended mix. Really getting the urge to rave IN A CLUB thanks to this.

DubVision - Take My Mind
Absolutely love the wobbly/trippy/glitchiness of this. And while the flurries are obviously the leading lady as it were, the way it catches its stride with the kick is what makes "Take My Mind" so intoxicating.

Lili Caseley - C'est La Ve (Le Matin Remix)
While it doesn't say it in its title, this is a Louis La Roche remix. The soft and slow start quickly makes room for a wicked upbeat kick. A little more jacking than we usually get from LLR, but catchy nonetheless.

Dombresky & Boston Bun - Stronger (Tensnake Remix)
Tensnake stays hot here as he brings his polished groove to the already awesome collab. Special mention needs to be made of both the bumping bassline and sensational string sweeps.

Folamour - I Miss Having Someone To Talk To (ft. Liv East)
Folamour never misses. The organic quality of this one is just so gorgeous and easy to enjoy. Both the brass and the drums are divine.

HERO - CRY BABY (Matthew Law Remix)
It really says something when all the remixes of HERO are immaculate. The Lo Stesso remix last week was really chill and this one is gorgeous and groovy. Love the little cellphone notification/beep sfx.

Jessie Ware - Save A Kiss
My favourite of Jessie's latest run of singles. Sublime strings and brilliant electronic build, both the instrumental and Jessie are as awesome as ever.

Joe Goddard & Hayden Thorpe - Unknown Song
I think this may be my favourite Joe Goddard since Electric Lines. There's just something about the way he works with and around Hayden Thorpe's vocals. It's got a brilliant bounce and dope designs throughout.

Booka Shade - Dear Future Self
Each single has been killer and the complete version is no different. Epic and strong, each of the tracks sets a scene like only Booka Shade can. Massive interstellar magnitude.

Ejeca - Everglade
Following "Ekstac" is a tough task, but this EP is up to it. Awesome moving cuts throughout with the same kind of captivating quality as "Ekstac." Watch out for the fantastic use of vocals.

Aera - Prana
Upon first listen to Prana, I flipped between gasps and yelps as each track revealed itself. The toplines are stunning throughout and their subtleties just so heartening. It's going to be interesting to see how this one plays through the year and whether I'll be pumping all four tracks as I suspect I will.

Cozway - Expedition
The lead single is simply stunning, likely Cozway's best work. Its counterparts continue this trend of showcasing the rising star's sound. Think of him as both Canada and trap's Rebūke.

Baauer - AETHER
The build to the trap legend's album Planet's Mad continues and while two rainforest flavoured tunes appeared this week, I'm far more a fan of the DnB base of "AETHER." It has an edge of madness and mayhem, but Baauer's brilliance keeps it all tight and harmonious.

DJ Zinc - Through It All (ft. Maverick Sabre)
Another legend to wrap things up. Beautiful, uplifting and highly musical DnB with heartening vocals to boot.
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Wednesday, November 06, 2019

Bump In The Hump: November 6 (Season 9, Episode 5)

Tracklist
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Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Bump In The Hump: January 16 (Season 8, Episode 17)

Tracklist
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Tuesday, January 15, 2019

The Magician - Magic Tape 86

After authoring some of my favourite mixes last year, The Magician's Magic Tape series returns with the 86th edition today. Always a top notch mix of disco, house, and funk from both the biggest acts and rising stars, the eclectic selection is sure to satisfy as well as set off your salivary glands as we get a taste of some new creations. Of the first seven tracks, five of them are unreleased or forthcoming with the two already released "Stay The Night" from HERO and "Paris Madness" from Samaran both coming in the last month. Certainly one could drool about all of these forthcoming releases but I can't get over 1) how good the Jamie Jones remix of Bob Moses is and 2) how well it goes into Rebūke's "Along Came Polly." With another Rebūke track, from the forthcoming Dirtybird Jump Ship EP, an ID and a vibes for days finale in 700 Bliss' "Ring The Alarm" and IZNiiK "Losing U," this is yet another awesome example of the quality of The Magician and his Magic Tape series. Stream below and get tracklist here.FOLLOW THE MAGICIAN: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
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Saturday, December 29, 2018

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.
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Wednesday, December 19, 2018

Bump In The Hump: December 19 (Season 8, Episode 15)

Tracklist
  • DJ PP - Queen Of The Disco (Jerome Robins & Hazzaro Remix)
  • Demuir's Underground Truth Council - Fate For Faith
  • Chromeo ft. French Montana & Stefflon Don - Don't Sleep (EDX's Miami Sunset Remix)
  • HERO - Stay The Night
  • Cool Company - Bust It Open (Kill Them With Colour Remix)
  • Defunk ft. Megan Hamilton & Wes Writer - Can't Buy Me (CASPER & BAUMANN Remix)
  • Henrik The Artist vs. Ca$h Out - Naked Hold Up
    • Unreleased
  • Prince Paris - All Of You (ft. Beau Collins)
  • Lunice - Partout
  • Jaymie Silk - Space Cowboy
  • RL Grime ft. Freya Ridings - Shrine (Cozway Remix)
  • So Sus - Pantheon
  • Maha Quest - Visions
  • Abstrakt Sonance & Dan Redekop - Breathe You (ft. AMBER)
  • 1five1 - Syrup
  • Dyzphoria - ...it goes on
  • Nathan Micay - Peaks
  • X-Press 2 ft. David Byrne - Lazy (dust-e-1's Lazy-E Mix)
  • Ephwurd - Accelerator
  • Haus Of Panda - Stompin' To My Beat
  • Shaun Frank & Hunter Siegel - Shapes (ft. Roshin)
  • Guyus Grey - Lemon Walker
  • Fera - Digestion
  • Rezz x Blanke - Mixed Signals
  • Dr. Ozi - Monster Down
  • Sam Lamar - Destroy
  • Qoiet - Cut Me Open (TenGraphs Remix)
  • Walter Wilde x SubDocta - Suga
  • Flix - Cold Feet
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Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Bump In The Hump: November 21 (Season 8, Episode 11)

Tracklist
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Friday, November 16, 2018

Enlightened Listening for November 16

I often start these Enlightened Listening posts the same way, talking about Friday this, Friday that. What makes this post different is that November 16th has been marked on my calendar for many reasons. It marks the highly anticipated releases of Humans, Jacques Greene and Tiga & The Martinez Brothers. It also sees the return of both Haywyre and HERO after long absences. Joining those incredible offerings is Alex Metric's marvelous remix of "Electricity," a track he helped produce, Daktyl's dazzling take on What So Not and San Holo, and ANNA's epic twist on Jon Hopkins "Singularity." Rounding out this collection is the masterful Jean-Michel Jarre with Equinoxe Infinity. Enjoy!

Humans - Going Late

Silk City ft. Dua Lipa - Electricity (Alex Metric Remix)

Haywyre - Tell Me

What So Not & San Holo ft. Daniel Johns - If You Only Knew (Daktyl Remix)

HERO - Dirty Work

Jacques Greene - Fever Focus

Jean-Michel Jarre - Equinoxe Infinity

Tiga & The Martinez Brothers - Blessed EP, Pt. 1

Jon Hopkins - Singularity (ANNA Remix)
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Tuesday, February 14, 2017

12 Best Releases of February 14, 2017

Each day I scan through my soundcloud feed looking for a specific kind of track. One that I like, one that has a generally low number of plays, and preferably one that hasn't been covered by other blogs yet. Today however I seemed to find more than normal, actually an even dozen. So instead of writing a longer piece about one track, I've opted to showcase all of them with a brief sentence or two, detailing why I like them so much. Check them out below and grab the free downloads where applicable.
Hero - Dirty Work
Calgary's Hero has been on a role lately, producing a number of breathtaking tracks, including his VHS Pop EP. This one excels with a Daft Punk vibe alongside some truly touching lyrics and a godly groove.

Realmind - Malta (Billboard Remix) [FREE DOWNLOAD]
This is some Montreal on Montreal mixing here. It's got a ton of guts and some wild future bass mentality. The sound design of each element is extraordinary, and the progression is perfect.

Malaa - Bylina (Lick Remix) [FREE DOWNLOAD]
The latest Malaa production is already making waves around the world, and while I appreciate its vocals and much of the design, Lick's remix speaks to me even more. I prefer a fuller drop than what the original offers and this one has just that, there's no boring bits or points in which I desire more.

 Kream - Love You More (Nate Lowpass Remix) [FREE DOWNLOAD]
As he notes in the track description, the vocals have an immediate allure, and Nate Lowpass's mix suits them brilliantly. The bass plays perfectly and drives along with the tuned drum fills.

SL.Y - F.U.N. ft Hesk
Toronto's Bedroomer collective have themselves a new club focused compilation called Mainroomer. Along with tracks from Kare and a collab between Internet Daughter and Eytan Tobin, this one shows sensational synth work and awesome vocal chops. Its furious pace is as exciting as it is enjoyable.

LigOne - Choose The Flow
This one sparkles right off the bat, and only gets brighter and bouncier as it goes along. It shows off LigOne's incredible ability to bring together so many elements and have them work in sync superbly.

Anna Lunoe - Radioactive (Masayoshi Iimori Remix) [FREE DOWNLOAD]
After dropping off six official remixes Friday, Anna's added another five including this from Masayoshi, as well as G-Buck and Vices. This mix once again proves that there's no one that can truly match Masayoshi's production style. His almost schizophrenic treatment makes this a psycho club killer.

Tennyson x Mr. Carmack - Tuesday
Easily the most laid-back track in this list, the seemingly opposing styles of this collab actually work wonderfully. It's got the jazzy feel of Tennyson guiding the movement, while Carmack's club qualities shine through. Stay tuned for Wednesday and Thursday forthcoming via Red Bull Sound Select.

Shawn Wasabi - Spicy Boyfriend
The cuteness of Shawn Wasabi's productions cannot be overstated, nor can the quality of his sound design in this track. Its youthful play makes me overflow with an unbridled feeling of freedom. I highly recommend checking out the video of him performing it live from his bed, here.

The Kount - You Glow
This is some kind of Kaytranada, Anderson .Paak stuff, and boy am I glad to have found it. The groove and feels it exudes are extraordinary. It meshes live performance and electronic production seamlessly.

Coolights & Element - Show U (ft. NKOLO) [FREE DOWNLOAD]
How a track can simultaneously be so banging yet so beautiful and full of feels I'll never know. It reminds me of two of my favourite tracks at the moment, Rytmeklubben's "Like That" and Indiginis' "Get Ur Frk On." I fully expect this to be one of my go to early morning tracks that gives me life.

Terror Jr - Come First (Kid Froopy Remix)
Can you sense a theme here? This too is what I like to refer to as a beautiful banger. It's emotional with its combination of chords and vocals, but what Kid Froopy has done with the drop is sure to have your heart skip a beat. I'm truly speechless. I don't want to do anything but listen to this again and again.
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Tuesday, January 05, 2016

Hero's Long Lost Minimix

Yesterday afternoon, Calgary's own, Hero dropped a self described random "18 minute electro mix [from] a while ago." Turns out that "while" was a few years, but in the same vein as A-Trak's Bloghaus Revival mix, it's filled with tracks that stand the test of time and still sound as fresh as ever.
Hero treats us to an excellently mixed compilation of tracks from the likes of Pilotpriest, Gesaffelstein, Sebastien Leger, Cassius, dcup, Siriusmo, and some Uffie, of course. Despite his claim that the mix is random, it actually flows really well and brilliantly showcases Hero's true artistry, in which he literally does everything: production, writing, mixing, vocals and art. The back and forth mixing between tracks in the early sections is tight, well thought out and adds some serious oomph. I've always liked mixes for the unparalleled amount of creativity they allow an artist to take advantage of and room for story telling, and there's no doubt that Hero puts this to good use. Alternatively, original productions and single tracks leave less room for such drawn out storytelling, making them more compressed and lean more heavily on vocals to tell the story, see for example his latest original, "Crutch," below.
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