Tim Taylor - Check It

Warrington's Tim Taylor first made waves three years ago with his wildly popular edit of "Billie Jean." More than a million plays later, with further fierce takes on "Ghostbusters" and "Bodak Yellow," the young talent has clearly captured the imagination of Jamie Jones as Taylor made his debut on Hot Creations last month.

Do You Like... features four tracks that Taylor imagined the label founder playing out, focusing on Jones' penchant for darker, funkier beats. My favourite of the four, decidedly due to said dark and funky delivery, "Check It" commands one hell of a hefty, throbbing bassline. Paired with a plethora of propulsive percussion, the killer tech power of "Check It" is of can't miss quality. Like a rollercoaster, the first few moments see you get strapped in before beginning your climb, then all of a sudden, the floor drops out from beneath you as your head snaps back, powerless but to ride out the onslaught of twists, turns, and loop-the-loops. You might want to check your pulse after this exhilarating expedition, but don't be surprised when your heart rate matches this brilliant banger's BPM.

Buckle in and enjoy "Check It" below, and get it as part of the driving Do You Like... EP here.

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Enlightened Listening for February 12

It's the weekend, which means it's time to warp the week's releases in a bow with another edition of Enlightened Listening. Headlining this three and a half hour playlist is the milestone tenth edition of mau5trap's We Are Friends compilation series. It features label stalwarts ATTLAS, EDDIE and No Mana, alongside even more veteran talent in Mord Fustang, Pig&Dan, Tommy Trash and Wolfgang Gartner. And yes, deadmau5 does indeed lead the otherwise alphabetized affair. Staying with the longer form releases, MPH leaves his mark on Night Bass with a brilliant debut there, while ten artists enter into ill.Gates' Producer Dojo for a couple fists full of fire remixes. Aside from those three releases, we're left with thirteen individual tracks. Of the standout singles, I'm particularly fond of the piano in the expansive beauty of "WITHIN ME" and the chromatic resplendence of "Beyond Belief" & "Pacific." It probably doesn't need to be said, but don't miss the Jamie Jones or TSHA remixes, nor the Sleepnet or OAKK singles, if you're into stylish & immersive tracks. Dig into the new music playlist below and find each individual release linked at the bottom. Apparently, it's a long weekend, so enjoy that too!

PROFF - Dark Magic

Dardust - WITHIN ME (ft. Benny Benassi)

OCULA - Beyond Belief

Jaytech - Pacific

Various Artists - mau5trap Presents: We Are Friends, Vol. 10

SNBRN, BIJOU & CeCe Rogers - Poison

Nez ft. ScHoolboy Q - Wild Youngster (Jamie Jones' Wobble Remix)

Silk City ft. Ellie Goulding - New Love (TSHA Remix)

London Grammar - Lose Your Head (Dave Glass Animals Remix)

Black Caviar & Rion S - Money Money

Madeaux - Break Your Heart

MPH - Nova

High Contrast ft. Uk Apache & Ady Suleiman - Met Her At A Dance In Leicester (DJ Marky Remix)

Sleepnet - Angel Blade

Kermode - Chameleon Remixes

OAKK - Tunnel Vision

Jamie Jones & Alan Fitzpatrick - Sundancing

A couple legends have teamed up for two incredibly inspired collaborations. Fairytale Frequency, out now on Hot Creations, sees Jamie Jones and Alan Fitzpatrick match wits in truly timeless fashion. To little surprise, I'm more drawn to the beatific b-side "Sundancing." Simply sublime, it sails upon rhapsodic waves of warmth, ebbing and flowing fabulously through its buoyant, Balearic bassline. The subtle swells and sparkles make "Sundancing" a soothing and stunning cap to an overnight set; an aubade to beckon our star above the horizon. Get it now here and enjoy Jones' new Essential Mix.FOLLOW JAMIE JONES: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
FOLLOW ALAN FITZPATRICK: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Top 100 Tracks Of 2019: 25-1

Conclusion of the list started Monday: 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 Spotify here.

#25: London Elektricity - Final View From The Rooftops (ft. Cydnei B.)
I still remember the first time I ever heard London Elektricity. A friend showed me "All Hell Is Breaking Loose" and I lost my mind. While it took a touch longer for this track to send me into such a tizzy, I was indeed left in awe. Of course it's incredibly crafted, showing off Tony Colman's exceptional aptitude, but more than that it's immersive, building an uber cool and ridiculously detailed world around you. Its magic is like the scene in Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince when Dumbledore rebuilds Slughorn's house.

#24: Peggy Gou - Han Pan
Another year, another incredible couple of tracks from Peggy Gou. While it seems most prefer "Starry Night," once again I'm drawn to the b-side. Really either could make the cut but there's just something about "Han Pan" that tickles my fancy a touch more. The driving quality of its groove, the propulsiveness of its percussion and the gorgeous, almost regal, quality of its overall mixture is truly magical. It's got Gou's genius written all over it, and I for one can't wait for next year's batch of brilliance.

#23: Polaris - Kessel Run
My favourite DnB track of the year, this one is utterly wondrous. Its atmosphere is euphoric, dazzling through its diverse and long list of instruments. It roars and purrs, sprints and spins, floats and flails. It has and does it all. Sax solo? It's got that. Disco strings? That too. Its brilliance is simply unavoidable, uplifting and energizing each listener five minutes at a time.

#22: Dua Lipa - Don't Start Now
Easily my favourite pop track of the year. You know it's good when it gets remixes from the likes of Purple Disco Machine, Dom Dolla and others, yet none come remotely close to the captivating and seamless quality of the original. I had a fight with a friend on NYE when he said there must be a ghost producer (he mentioned Calvin Harris), but whether it's Ian Kirkpatrick alone or not it's one of the best productions of the year. There's endless details and it flows ridiculously well, oh and how about that bass line? My god.

#21: Daphni - Sizzling (ft. Paradise)
Dan Snaith is back in a big way. We've got a couple new Caribou tracks already and there's an album right around the corner. However his Daphni output has been the winner. Growing out of a DJ tool, this one is an instant sensation. Its energy is ridiculous, just like its catchiness. Pressing play is like setting the dance-floor on fire causing each dancer to stomp out the flames in glorious unison. A wicked original from Paradise, Snaith has added the perfect electronic touch and wound up with an unstoppable weapon.

#20: Citizen Kain - Indigo
Speaking of weapons, here's the first of two from Tale Of Us' Afterlife Voyage Mix to make this closing section. An obvious and epic banger, everything about this track screams power. The drums and bass absolutely hammer away, while even the brighter, top end percussive bits deliver a crisp metallic crack. The synths are ridiculously sick, made even better by the banging bottom end. The build is beyond big and with it the drop must be even bigger, and Citizen Kain has certainly delivered. It'll leave your head spinning, jaw agape, while you pick up your teeth with a broken arm. Techno doesn't get much better than this.

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.

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

Bump In The Hump Sneak Peek: Paradise In The Park

While we seem to have turned to corner into club season, the weather seems to be saying there's still time for one more outdoor extravaganza. Enter Paradise In The Park. Woodbine Park plays host to Jamie Jones, Four Tet, Art Department, Ali Black and Jonathan Rosa, who all hit the decks for one final Sunday Funday. In case you missed it, I've got a pair of tickets to give away, but you'll have to tune into Bump In The Hump and follow me on Twitter @OggieJames to win. I will however give you one hint, and it's in the playlist of tracks from artists playing the park, below. It's built around three tracks you'll hear in tonight's episode, along with a trio of my favourites from each artist. Tune in and enjoy!
Also on tonight's episode of Bump In The Hump, we look ahead to shows from No Mana, Said The Sky, and Downlink. Then of course there's the usual hearty helping of house, a disco diversion, a deluge of dubstep, the trap takeover and more. Finally we close the episode with a clip of my conversation with Kryojen, this week's guest on My Mixtape. Catch it all live from 7-9 PM EDT on Radio Humber, or after the fact, cataloged on Mixcloud, here.

Enlightened Listening for April 6

IT'S THE WEEKEND! As if that weren't enough to get you excited, how about an onslaught of amazing new music to fill it? Back with another edition of Enlightened Listening comes EPs from Peggy Gou and AC Slater; singles from Attlas and Chromeo; albums from Booka Shade and Daniel Avery; and remixes from MK and Akira Akira & Hikeii. As is seemingly always the case, house is represented in all shapes and sizes, with a fair amount of funk, plus a killer club cut to round it out. Stream all the new music via Spotify below, and read brief descriptions after the jump. As always, enjoy!

Peggy Gou - Hundres Times
Finally the EP is complete. As free and fun and its partners, this one pulsates with a classic club sound.

Damian Lazarus & The Ancient Moons ft. Chela - Five Moons (Jamie Jones Igazu Remix)
The strength of subtly is on full display. Brilliant bass and prodigious percussion weave wonderfully around Chela's vaporous vocals. Check Jamie's Liquid Dub for an even darker delivery.

Tom Misch - Disco Yes (ft. Poppy Ajudha)
My favourite from his groovy album Geography. It could succeed as an instrumental, but the interplay between vocals and strings is simply sublime. Check "South Of The River" for more magic.

Chromeo - Must've Been (ft. DRAM & Jesse Johnson)
More fantastically funky fun from Chromeo. Another salacious singalong that has me melting at the thought of hundreds joining in when they bring their tour to The Danforth Music Hall, July 3rd and 4th.

Daniel Avery - Song For Alpha
The kind of quality that we've come to expect from Phantasy Sound and Daniel Avery. Almost orchestral in its arc, running from techno and house to chill and ambient. Adding to the all around epic brilliance, it has its own full length visuals, which you can lose yourself to here.

Attlas - Treehouse
I'm always astounded by the colour and quality of Attlas' productions, particularly the more techno tilted tracks like this. This one tickles, teases and downright pleases. It's hard not to lose yourself.

Armand Van Helden vs. Butter Rush - I Need A Painkiller (MK Extended Mix)
Another big time floor filler from the master. Downright gorgeous groove that I could listen to for days.

AC Slater - I Wanna Show You
The title track will win you over by bringing the piano back to bass house. "Amen Tribe" may lead to the floor spontaneously combusting as shufflers set it alight. The little extra effects and punctuations only further the fantastic groove of "Can't Come Down." This Young Lyxx track may be the best of the bunch.

Booka Shade - Cut The Strings
The thought of a new Booka Shade album is appetizing in itself, and having already covered "Night Surfing" here, saying I was excited for its release would be an understatement. I absolutely love "EMS Love" and "Confessions," and the deeper we get in the album the more impressed I get. The run from "And You?" through "Tyrell" makes this one of the early front runners for album of the year.

Ross From Friends - Aphelion
Beautiful and chill chords of all kinds mixed around masterful drum work. I hadn't been big on Ross From Friends, but the live stuff from Maida Vale last week had be hooked. Find it here.

SG Lewis - Dusk
Downright delightful depiction of the most beautiful time of day. So fantastically full of groove that despite the sun going down you'll be energized to dance all night long. My personal favourite: "Aura."

Cashmere Cat & Major Lazer ft. Tory Lanez - Miss You (Akira Akira & Hikeii Remix)
The club recasting this track desperately needed. Delicious drumline and brilliant bounce.

The Wonderland That Was WayHome 2017 (Recap)

Credit: Karis Malszecki (Instagram)

When the lineup for the WayHome Music and Arts festival was first announced, there were two artists at the top of my list: Justice and Mura Masa. By the time the festival actually rolled around I had added a significant number of names to my list of must see acts (see here and here), but still there were two tracks from those first two artists that I essentially hung all my anticipation on: my #1 track of 2016 "Randy" (read here) and "Helpline" (read here). Unfortunately neither track was played, but that didn't stop this past weekend from being perhaps THE BEST WEEKEND EVER.

This being both my first WayHome, and my first overnight camping festival, I went in with very few expectations or even ideas about what I was getting myself into. I was also flying solo for the most part (bouncing between groups of friends, as I'm apt to do), which allowed for full freedom and discovery. I had a strong schedule of who I wanted to see, but that was more of guideline rather than a strict itinerary. And this is part of what I love about being a blogger/reviewer as opposed to a photographer/videographer/etc, it allows me to experience the festival as a whole, while still focusing on the music. From the camping, food, staff, fellow WayHomies and everything in between, WayHome was pure perfection. If you're reading for the music only, jump ahead to the break below.

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Weather
Mother nature set the mood for the weekend right off the bat, clearing out the clouds, turning up the temperature and letting the sun shine full blast from Friday morning through Sunday evening. Even the grass was green, which I'm told was not the case in previous years. Check out the Friday night sunset.

Camping
The seemingly endless rows of camping played host to hundreds of little parties. It was absolutely mind-blowing walking from one corner to another, passing thousands of people all here for the same thing. Saturday morning I met up with 404, and we literally went back and forth between a half dozen different groups of people getting ready another full day of fun. This was tiring walking so far, but inspiring in that it brought so many people together. However the highlight of my camping came when I met Kyle (left) and his group from Barrie. Just take a look at this character (RIP those sunglasses, which fell into a porta-potty minutes after this picture).

Food
No matter your dietary restrictions or desires there was something for you. Poutines aplenty placated, staples like Pizza Pizza and Beaver Tails satisfied, while dozens of other delicacies tickled your taste buds. I had a wicked good (but ultimately bad choice due to time spent in the porta-potties afterwards) spicy chorizo burrito. However the most talked about foodstuff was The Colossal Onion, but beware it's not for the faint of heart, I barely made a dent in mine even though it was sinfully scrumptious.

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