Enlightened Listening for August 6

It's that time again, time for another edition of our weekly new-music playlist, Enlightened Listening. The theme of this week would appear to be triumphant returns/blasts from the past. The first of those three thematic leaders is Fake Blood, who delivers 10 new tracks in the latest release centred around Ian Urbina's The Outlaw Ocean. Immediately after that in the playlist is TWRK classic "BaDinga," as refreshed and reloaded by DJ Sliink. Finally, Point Point make a triumphant return with their first new release in over 3 years. Staying with the retro trend, that's what The Weeknd delivers in his new single "Take My Breath," a spiritual successor to "Blinding Lights."

Of course, that Weeknd track is a standout, but there's plenty of others worth paying attention to. Both of the LPs from Monkey Safari and Lakou Mizik/Joseph Ray are incredible rides, just as the singles from Ben Böhmer, Franc Moody and Louis La Roche are utterly intoxicating. Finally, I just have to give it up to tails for an impressive EP on bitbird, as photos of the sun is brilliantly inspired. Stream the playlist, organized for maximum flow, below and find each individual release linked at the bottom. Enjoy!

Monkey Safari - Love Will Set U Free

Sébastien Léger - Feel

Passenger 10 - Mandela

Ben Böhmer - Escalate (ft. JONAH)

ZHU - Z-Train

Pat Lok & Party Pupils - So Fine (Franc Moody Remix)

Louis La Roche - Crazy

The Weeknd - Take My Breath

Lakou Mizik & Joseph Ray - Leave The Bones

Fake Blood - A Dark Ocean (Inspired by 'The Outlaw Ocean' a book by Ian Urbina)

TWRK & DJ Sliink - BaDinga (Reloaded)

Tails - Photos Of The Sun

Dom Dias - 4 U

KAYTRANADA ft. BADBADNOTGOOD - Weight Off (hap Remix)

Point Point - Seeyaanotherday

Enlightened Listening for November 27

Time for another edition of our weekly new music playlist Enlightened Listening. It's the last Friday of November and, believe it or not, I was still able to partake in what's become my only physical pastime in the last few months: biking. That said, I've killed any time I might spend on giving each of these releases any kind of breakdown, so once again, this new music playlist is simply that. Arranged for optimum flow, listen below and find each of the releases linked individually at the bottom. Enjoy!

Tragic Sasha - Shh (Louis La Roche Remix)

SG Lewis ft. Lucky Daye - Feed The Fire (A-Trak & The Brothers Macklovitch Remix)

High Contrast ft. LOWES - Rhythm Is Changing (Tom Everett Remix)

Redlight - Dreamquest

London Grammar - Californian Soil (Maya Jane Coles Remix)

Krust - Negative Returns (Four Tet Remix)

Stonebank - Scared

DJ Zinc - Friends And Fam

Flowidus & Lee Mvtthews - Reason

Proper Villains - Sound System (Craze Remix)

Richie Hawtin - Time Warps

Iglooghost - Eœ (Disk•Initiate)

Rylan Taggart - Trust You

Hot Since 82 - Recovery

Agents Of Time - Midnight Drive In Santiago

Cloverdale - Open Up

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.

Enlightened Listening for March 27

We're returning to as close to a normal edition of Enlightened Listening as we can during this COVID-19 pandemic. This week's playlist opens with a trio of exceptional albums, dives deep into dance before turning to techno and hard hitting house. There's a bunch of big names and a whole host of truly top notch releases. Stream below and find brief descriptions after the Spotify embed. Stay safe & enjoy!

Nicolas Jaar - Cenizas
Delicate and moving pieces, largely made up of organic instrumentation. A divine dive, perfect for piquing your palate ahead of a bunch of other brilliant releases.

Robotaki - The Grand Mirage
Each early taste has been sublime and Robotaki has instilled that unique quality throughout.

Louis La Roche - Saturday Night Griever
A feature heavy album, that doesn't feel like the slightest bit disjointed as though it were a bunch of singles slapped together. That said, it often does slap. Really enjoyable and dance friendly.

falcxne - Studio 54
Even more slaps here. Fantastic funky stuff. Worthy of its iconic title.

Duck Sauce - Captain Duck
My favourite Duck Sauce single and sample yet. Unfortunately the extended mix is not on Spotify. Enjoy it in its full glory here.

DJ Fresh - Drive (Skream Remix)
Skream stays hot with this jacking mix. Yet another notch in his belt; is there anything he can't do?

warner case & Subrinse - impeccable
The off-kilter delivery of warner case is back in brilliant form. An instantly catchy, feel good club cut.

CastNowski - I Can Show You
CastNowski's capacity to craft quality house cuts in all its sub-genres is incredible, but I like him best in this more jacking, funky, disco-adjacent style. Groovy baby!

Tensnake ft. Fiora - Automatic (Remixes)
Holy stacked remix package, Batman! Gerd Janson, Kraak & Smaak and a Tensnake VIP?! I'm weak!

ABSOLUTE. - My Love
This man cannot miss. The original is awesome, but like with "String Theory" I'm drawn to the breakbeat VIP. If you're not on the ABSOLUTE. bandwagon yet, you're missing out big time.

Bicep - Atlas
Must I say anything more than new Bicep? I guess that's the point of this post, but really, they speak for themselves. An instant joy. The kind of track we need in these dark days. A ray of hope and light.

Kölsch - Time / Sleeper Must Awaken
See what I mean about a bunch of big names? The usual stunning, epic quality of Kölsch.

Sian - Electricity
Everything this man's put out on mau5trap has been excellent and the same can be said here. Killer crackling cuts that ought to inspire a bout of shadow boxing or a wicked round of an FPS melee.

BROHUG - Mixtape 1
The sick single "Detox" was in this playlist two weeks ago and the rest of the EP lives up to that lofty standard. Ridiculously banging bass house that thrives through exceptional sound design.

Dr. Fresch & FREAK ON - THICCC
Darker and dirtier than the above, believe it or not. I have not looked at the waveform but I can assure you it lives up to its title. This is some fat ish.

Top 100 Tracks Of 2019: 100-76

Starting today through Friday (with a break on New Years Day), I'll be revealing my list of the "Top 100 Tracks Of 2019." The following is my disclaimer, as I feel it important to preface this kind of list with some insight into its creation and the methodology behind it. While I spent a lot of time seriously pouring through this year of music, this is not a really a serious endeavour. No one was polled. Sales and streams are irrelevant. This is merely my fun way of sharing the tracks and artists that made my year better, in hopes they do the same for you. The rankings are not scientific or even fair, rather they are simply a reflection of how strongly I felt these tracks and how much praise I felt they deserved.

You'll notice the thread of disco/funk continues from last year, as once again it dominated my consumption. But once again you'll notice I touch on a variety of genres, while sticking to the brand of this blog, which is indeed a reflection of my personal preferences and ideals. There's a lot of pop music, but the list is largely electronic and dance dominant.

Finally, I will once again say that this is by no means an exhaustive list; there are without a doubt exceptional tunes that somehow failed to make the cut. However, onward and, in this case, downward, from tracks 100 to 76 we go. Find the Soundcloud playlist here and Spotify here.

#100: Robotaki - Quasar
As so often seems to be the case I'm called most strongly to the b-side of a release. Here "Quasar" captures my attention with a truly dizzying display of musical craftsmanship. Robotaki rifles off a resplendent mix of electronic and organic instruments that reminds me of both the extraordinary quality of early future bass and the indie rock energy of Erol Alkan, specifically his "Forever Dolphin Love" remix.

#99: High Contrast - Going Up
The first in a long line of DnB tracks in this year's countdown. The consistent quality of High Contrast is on full display here with this crisp, crackling cut. It's both exceedingly beautiful and seemingly simplistic, while somehow still feeling fresh and exciting after a plenitude of plays.

#98: DROELOE - Only Be Me (Duskus Remix)
Immediately heavy on the heart, this one is actually brilliantly buoyant. The swinging nature of the drop is sure to leave you swooning while the whole thing oozes poppy positivity. While a few years ago I would've said bitbird is one of my favourite labels, I can no longer say that. However this mix seems to have found the perfect balance between their sappy saccharine ethos and sharp, catchy synths.

#97: Nelly - Air Force Ones (Klutch Remix)
While I don't often get into tracks primarily for a single sound, this remix and its rattling bass is so banging that I cannot help myself. The drops are stupid dope and the rest of the track is built with enough ear catching punctuations that it deserves recognition in a list like this. It would be a banger with the first drop alone, but a progressive second drop and its sensational use of Nelly make it a can't miss.

#96: Sub Focus - Solar System
With a name like "Solar System" you'd expect some serious magnitude and Sub Focus did not disappoint. This one hurdles along at light-speed and if you go along with it, you're apt to burn up like a supernova. A lot of electronic music has an outer-space, futuristic feel and this is most definitely one of this year's best, most banging examples.

Enlightenment Listening for May 3

May blooms bring a beautiful mixture of disco, house, trance and techno. This week's Enlightened Listening includes many of my favourites. Louis La Roche, Yuksek, Dombresky, warner case and Röyksopp get us started with some warm tunes and intoxicating dance numbers. Next up is the second such compilation from TOKiMONSTA's label Young Art Records with the likes of RYAN Playground, Soul Clap, L-Vis 1990, Robotaki and more. After that comes Nathan Micay's incredible Blue Spring album. Finally we close with two top notch techno EPs from mau5trap and Afterlife. Enjoy below.

Louis La Roche & Mylo - Lovers (Mylo Edit)

Yuksek - Cadenza (ft. Polo & Pan)

Dombresky - Simple Hit

warner case & Vin Damato - right with the groove

Röyksopp - Church (Lost Tapes)

Various Artists - Young Art Sound II

Nathan Micay - Blue Spring

i_o - Death By Techno

ROD - Brighten Up Bunny

Bump In The Hump Sneak Peek: NICOLAAS ft. Lucy Mason - No Stranger Thing (Louis La Roche Remix)

New artist, or at least an artist with a newly minted name, NICOLAAS has wasted no time in tapping two of disco's finest to remix his debut single. Born Robert Bakker, but better known to us as Muneshine, NICOLAAS first appeared with Lucy Mason to open the month of March with sensational single "No Stranger Thing." A fabulously funky and fat joint, it's not hard to hear the Muneshine influence nor is it to imagine a whole heap of support for this strong single. However, as mentioned above, two remixes quickly followed with Pages and Louis La Roche delivering more divine disco. As readers of this blog will know I'm a huge LLR fan and absolutely had to use this opportunity to share his killer quality as an introduction to NICOLAAS for Bump In The Hump and Radio Humber alike.This is not the only disco track in tonight's episode, nor is Louis the only artist I first enjoyed over a decade ago, as A-Trak hits on both those counts with "Work It Out." As is always the case, there's a hearty helping of house, a look ahead to the weekend and a couple of artist debuts. The midtempo mania continues with a strong contingent that includes Slooze, KRILLA, Fera and more, plus the return of Thugli in the Fire Finale. Catch Bump In The Hump live from 7-9 PM EDT via Radio Humber or after the fact as cataloged on Mixcloud here.

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Throwback Thursday: Kate Bush - Running Up That Hill (Louis La Roche Remix)

Just yesterday I noticed it's been a while since my last Throwback Thursday post and since serendipity struck as today I came across another remix of "Running Up That Hill," it's only right to share yet another one of the awe-inspiring remixes from the masterful Louis La Roche.

The quality and staying power of Kate Bush's original is obvious as it continues to get plays, open ears and garner edits alike, but let me take you back to 2012 when Brit Brett Ewels took to his French touch persona to give the 1985 classic even more triumphant glistening glory. Letting the brilliant backing loose, La Roche strengthens the synths and makes room for a marching, ascendant beat. The chord progressions still pluck our heartstrings with an angelic efficacy, however the dancier delivery is more rooted in the bass/base. And for this La Roche has added extended instrumental sections for feeling out the room and becoming one with the dance-floor. It may not be the 12" edit we're seeing a lot of lately, but there's certainly a lot of bang for you buck with this one. Stream below, and if you find it up your alley, do not hesitate to look into more of Louis La Roche's productions from this time period.FOLLOW LOUIS LA ROCHE: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Throwback Thursday: Phonat - Set Me Free / Learn To Recycle

Yesterday on my way home from Bump In The Hump I was listening to music on my iPod Touch (which itself is a throwback), but it has been glitching lately, leaving only a fraction of my normal music on it. This might normally be really frustrating, but thankfully there were a few gems left, one of which was Phonat's "Set Me Free," one of my earliest and favourite introductions to electronic music.I owe a lot of my introduction to electronic music to one man in particular, a childhood friend who unfortunately has grown apart from me, but had the prescience to show me the likes of Fake Blood, Louis La Roche, and of course Phonat before seemingly anyone I had met at university, let alone our tiny hometown. We knew about Benny Benassi and deadmau5 but this was different, this was weird, trippy and ever so alluring. The synths sublimely satisfying, the groove glitchy yet gorgeous, and who would've thought a guitar could be used in a track like this. But then there's the mind-bending movement and turnt transitions that hold the key to this five minute track's genius. String sweeps and swells, followed by funky grooves and electro energy, there's no pinning this track, nor Phonat, down. Which leads me to the other track I was introduced to at the same time as "Set Me Free," the lush, lurid and revolutionary "Learn To Recycle," which was also released on his debut, eponymous album.
Even more glitchy and groovy than its picturesque predecessor, "Learn To Recycle" is eminently stylish and slick, again offering up garish guitar work atop a fantastically funky, ever changing electro soundscape. Clearly the work of a capable musician, the chords and playful synth work are stunning as is the genius guitar, but it's Phonat's multi-tier track building that makes this such a sensation. He manages to give it multiple lives and identities over the course of the nearly six minute run time, constantly bursting into flames and arising out of the ashes. Without listening and just reading this description you might think it difficult to dance to, but the hardest part is avoiding your jaw on the floor.

Listening all these years later, it's no wonder Skrillex was quoted as saying "Phonat is easily the most underrated producer [...] I don't know why he isn't the biggest thing out there." These tracks still stand the test of time, sounding as fresh and fire as the day they were released. Maybe we weren't ready for him back then, but I feel that if Phonat were to be a new artist these days, he'd have one of the biggest fan bases around. That said, there's no discounting his role in inspiring many of today's artists, so we certainly have that to be thankful for. However it would be cool to have new Phonat too, as his most recent release came back in 2017. Either way I really enjoyed this trip down memory lane, and hope you did too.

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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

Top 100 Tracks Of 2017: 50-26

Continuation of the list started Tuesday: from 100-76, which also includes my disclaimer/preamble. The second quarter of the list can be found here: from 75-51. Soundcloud playlist here and at the bottom.

#50: Biscits - M Night (Boy 8-Bit Remix)
(As featured on EFYE) The already exceptional original gets a great update from the brilliant Boy 8-Bit. As always, he's able to inject a great raw groove that combines jungle atmosphere with a techno twist. It is playful as it is powerful, crunching and crackling alongside its sublime synths. It feels like Boy 8-Bit at his best, working with a lighthearted sample and ingenious progression.

#49: Joe Goddard - Lose Your Love (Full Length Version)
While the radio edit (which you'll find in the Soundcloud playlist) was released last year, the full length version only came to light with the album. And this expanded edit is exactly what I love about Joe Goddard. It's expansive disco house vibes are beyond beautiful, with wells of warm organic instrumentation. The additional guitar becomes a love guru, gently caressing this uber cool creation. There is no act I want to see more than Joe, and I expect his live set up to be one of the best around.

#48: CID - Believer (ft. CeeLo Green)
(As featured on EFYE) When I first heard this I was so sure that it'd blow up and become one of the biggest songs of the summer, if not the year. I'm not sure that's happened (35k plays on Soundcloud, 1.3 million on Spotify), but in my eyes and ears it is still one of the best to come out this year. CeeLo's voice is just as alluring six months later, and the production still shines with a wild glory. The piano, and additional island feels that arise in the second half are just so beautiful. Part of the reason some of these tracks make this list is that I've never had the opportunity to hear them on a big system, and I hope that it may help that happen; I can still only imagine the impact this one would have.

#47: Bryan West x R.O - Nightfall
Another technically 2016 release, but because it came after I released last year's countdown here we are. I can still vividly remember my first real encounter with this track. I was riding the subway and had to pick my jaw off the floor, when its superb story stunned me. I had to listen again and again, cranking the volume up with each repetition. There's just so much to like about this track: literally every sound, each subsequent section and the fantastic flow into each. It's big, beautiful and just oh so intoxicating.

#46: Krafty Kuts x Dynamite MC - Rev It Up (ft. Riya)
There has never been a time this track has come on and I've not been instantly lifted. It rivals any track on this list, or perhaps ever, in terms of fun energy. Krafty Kuts has built a brilliant bed for Dynamite and Riya to work their magic on. So many lines from Dynamite hit me hard, even if they're a bit silly. My personal favourite "After the party, I'll eat your pizza." And there's no ignoring the "pick it up, pick it up, pick it up, like engine number 9 we're revved up," call back. It may be the only cut from All 4 Corners on this list, but if you like this I can highly recommend checking out the rest of the album.

Ray Parker Jr. - Ghostbusters (Louis La Roche Rework)

In case you're still in need of some music for your Halloween dance party playlist, the one and only Louis La Roche has just the funky fit. Once again he's got his hands on original multitracks, this time reworking the classic title track from Ghostbusters. Of course the 1984 Ray Parker Jr. dance pop track was not short on funky fun vibes, but Louis' doubled down on that by bringing even more bounce and boogie down delight. As always he lets the original melody and arc take the lead while still leaving more than enough from for extended feel good gambols. This rework is as wild, wacky and frivolous as Slimer, and sure to to inspire the most maniacal dance moves - just what Halloween dance parties demand: letting lose and your inhibitions evaporate. Download "Ghostbusters" absolutely free here.FOLLOW LOUIS LA ROCHE: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

George Michael - Faith (Louis La Roche Remix)

After twice remixing the King Of Pop, Louis La Roche has once again got his hands on original 80s multitracks. This time paying homage to the inimitable energy of George Michael, by remixing "Faith."

As I noted with his Michael Jackson mixes, Louis does an exceptional job in maintaining the original's appeal and ethos, while adding further love and care to the already impassioned production. While the Bo Diddley beat and George Michael vocals remain essentially intact, they've been repacked with an additional punch, giving the track a little more giddy up and oomph. It's hard not to be swept up by the swinging groove as George's lyrics grip your heart strings, but "Faith" proves that good things come to those who wait. The first half of Louis' mix is a delightful dance number, before that river becomes an ocean. The bridging bit starting about 2:22 sparkles with an incredible sheen, allowing the guitar to breathe, further lifting our spirits. You cannot help but think of yesterday.

It's at this point that I run out of superlatives and must simply say that Louis La Roche is truly in a class of his own. There is no one I trust more to take on the classics of yesteryear. It's not an easy task, navigating the waters of nostalgia while adding your own spin, but suffice it to say, he's been successful at every turn. Once again he's blessed us with a free download, via bandcamp below.FOLLOW LOUIS LA ROCHE: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Michael Jackson - Human Nature (Mercer Bootleg)

I'll always have time for Michael Jackson. The man's impact is everlasting. In fact I played two new tracks inspired by him on last night's Bump In The Hump, and two of my all-time most viewed posts are remixes of his. Whether his multi-tracks are finding the day of light (as was the case with Louis La Roche's remixes), or people are just feeling nostalgic, there seems to be no shortage of MJ productions at the moment. The latest, a self described "summer jam," comes from the usually hard hitting house head and Parisian powerhouse, Mercer. He's left that big-time bass at home and opted to get groovy and funky with this bootleg flip of "Human Nature." The energy and atmosphere of the original is unavoidable, even if he's essentially wiped out all the vocals. There's still a touch of The King's crooning, but the waves of warm synths leave you without want. The quintessential Quincy Jones chords continue to command your attention, while Mercer's additional playful production caresses. Kick back, relax and let the beauty of this bootleg soothe your soul with an entirely free download here.FOLLOW MERCER: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Kehlani - Undercover (Coucheron Remix)

I'm always intrigued by who pop artists have remix their tracks, it can be very telling (not necessarily of the artist themselves, but of their management). The best is when they find a remixer who not only fits the original artist's sound, but is also on the rise. It shows serious knowledge and allows for artistic progression. That is the case here with Coucheron getting the call to take on Kehlani's "Undercover."

You may remember Coucheron as someone I wrote about in my multipurpose post (TBT/show review) showcasing Louis La Roche's remix of Lemaitre's "Splitting Colors." His, at the time, forthcoming originals "Puzzled" and "Loud" caught my attention right away, as did his "CoCo" remix, largely for his brilliant blend of poppy funk, RnB and feels laden future bass. I had no idea who he was coming into the show, but by the end had found a new and reliable purveyor of quality productions.

It is that synthesis of sounds and styles that I'm so partial to, that makes Coucheron and his "Undercover" remix something I know I'll be coming back to all summer long. Right from the originally Akon lead line, the track oozes with a never-ending nostalgia, that somehow manages to remain fresh. The percussion and almost trampoline-like bass bounces lead the love Kehlani so craves in her lyrics. It's at times delicate striding through simple guitars riffs, while other times it devolves into an all kinds of epic future bass jam session. This is one of the coolest remixes you'll hear all summer, props going to Coucheron for the production, and Kehlani and her team for giving him the opportunity.
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Michael Jackson - Thriller (Louis La Roche Dub Mix)

Three months after disco deity Louis La Roche put his touch on Michael Jackson's "Human Nature" (as posted here), he's taken on the king once again. This time he's hit us with a hair-raising remix of "Thriller." Once again he's got his hands on the original multi-tracks, putting them to good use, again amplifying the original while being careful not to negate any of its epic nature. The godly groove remains intact, but features a deeper and grittier growl that plays perfectly with the trepidatious, horror theme, especially present in the iconic video. Dancing to this dub comes easily, maybe even forcefully, infecting your feet with the funk of 40,000 years. Even though he's said "No more MJ remixes" I sincerely hope he changes his mind, as no mere mortal can resist the pairing of Louis La Roche and Michael Jackson. Be sure to pick up the remix of "Thriller" absolutely free, here. FOLLOW LOUIS LA ROCHE: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Michael Jackson - Human Nature (Louis La Roche Remix)

The combination of Louis La Roche and Michael Jackson has already been established as pure poise and breathtaking beauty. The Norwich based, nu disco producer has previously taken on three of The King's tracks to great avail: "Remember The Time," "Thriller" and "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'." Now with the help of the original stems, he's repackaged "Human Nature" around sublime synth work, giving Michael's voice a weightless vitality. As you'd expect the new backing track is produced with polished aplomb, fitting the original aesthetic perfectly. There's no doubt Louis was brought up with MJ in his ear, even though this track came out 8 years before he was born. This is not just a remix, it's an homage to The King and even better, humanity as whole. The revision oozes with love and passion, proving that La Roche can channel the qualities of Quincy Jones. The tenderness we are treated to in this remix is few and far between, yet something we need more and more these days. Cherish and share the beauty of "Human Nature" with your friends and family by grabbing the free download via Toneden, here. FOLLOW LOUIS LA ROCHE: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Throwback Thursday: Lemaitre - Splitting Colors (Louis La Roche Remix)

Tuesday night was unbelievably busy on twitter, obviously as a result of the election, but I was tweeting almost exclusively about an incredible show at Velvet Underground, with Coucheron, Chet Porter and Lemaitre. The latter, I only came to know though one of my favourite remixes, from one of my favourite artists, Louis La Roche. His "Splitting Colors" remix features the classic touch that takes the Brit, Brett Ewels, and transforms him into the nu-disco/funk/French house producer that we know and love. It's bright, bleepy, poppy and powerful, and as a cherry on top it features steel pans. Those little riffs add another level of catchiness to the already earworming production; there's no denying its awesomeness. Of course seeing Lemaitre live is the impetus behind this post, and while I essentially went to this show because I never turn down a chance to see Chet Porter, I was beyond impressed with both Coucheron and Lemaitre. In fact it was Coucheron, who came out of the back corner, grabbing a guitar and absolutely shredding a solo on "Splitting Colors" in the video below.

Lemaitre themselves were an absolute joy to watch, as the duo of Ketil Jansen and Ulrik Denizou Lund went back and forth between multiple instruments seemlessly, showcasing incredible versatility. Their energy was immediately infectious, as they had the crowd jumping in unison, mere minutes into being on stage. They were tremendously positive despite the dark pretense of the American election results pouring in throughout the night, looming as a dark cloud in many minds. It didn't help that throughout his set, Chet came on the mic asking if Hillary had won yet, to which the crowd continually groaned, "No." That aside, it was an awesome night of music, from Coucheron's excellent opening set to the overwhelming love to and from local, Chet Porter, through to Lemaitre's powerful live performance. While there's no proper way to illustrate either Chet or Lemaitre's live sets, I've compiled a short list of tracks Coucheron played, with of course a few missing due to their unreleased nature.

Girl Friend - Tragic On The Dancefloor (Louis La Roche Remix)

Less than a month after British DJ and producer, Brett Ewels, aka Louis La Roche dropped his funky, disco-inspired EP 1996, he's lent his delicate, heartfelt, and warm, strident-chords to Girl Friend's single, "Tragic On The Dancefloor." Much like 1996, this remix imbibes with intoxicating, old-school vibes leaving listeners swilling in the inebriating awesomeness. As though pulled straight from a John Hughes 80s film, sound-tracking the end-credits, in a cathartic conclusion, "Tragic On The Dancefloor," is a slice of a musical era that has seemingly passed. By now, you probably are well aware of my penchant for being incredibly nostalgic of the 80s. I think I'm so sentimental towards that decade (of which I saw 8 months) in a twofold manner. One, because it was truly the first time synthesizers hit the mainstream, with the new-wave, and two, I feel it was a time more focused on discovery, playfulness, and creativity rather than what is cool or marketable. So big ups to artists like Louis La Roche, who do what they want and don't succumb to the pressures of being the next big thing.

Shimmering synths and disco guitar, reminiscent of Nile Rodgers with Daft Punk, glide beautifully around Girl Friend's vocals. Further depth of production prowess comes in the form of ever so delicately modulated vocals, and slightly warped synths. "Tragic On The Dancefloor" transports listeners to a blissfully beautiful, platform in the heavens. Light and breezy, the music overtakes our corporeal body and sets revelers on an unavoidable crash course of ecstasy. I can't help but be reminded of the moment in Disney's Beauty and the Beast, when the beast is lifted up by Belle's love, and transformed back into the prince. Something about the Beauty and the Beast, has found its way into my consciousness; the whole soundtrack is incredible but it's Alan Menken's "Prologue" that I've found myself using, both as an alarm and palate cleanser (check this beautiful piano cover).

There's still no release date announced yet for "Tragic On The Dancefloor," but staying tuned to both Girl Friend and Louis La Roche's socials (below), as well as this blog and my Twitter, will certainly keep you apprised of its release.

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5 Most Recent Five Star Finds

1🌟: kill me

2🌟🌟: eww, why?
3🌟🌟🌟: meh
4🌟🌟🌟🌟: damn, I wanna hear that again
5🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟: I want this played at my funeral
— Oggie James (@OggieJames) April 13, 2016

A couple weeks ago I tweeted a little insight into my iTunes star-rating system, and while making soundcloud playlists all weekend I thought it would be fun to make another playlist of the best tracks, not featured on Enlightenment For Your Ears, or Bump In The Hump for that matter. I thought I would start with my five most recent, as a little sample platter of a larger serving to come. Other playlists: Featured Tracks (1/1-5/16, '16), Featured Mixes