Top 100 Tracks Of 2020: 100-76

Starting today through New Year's Eve (Thursday), I'll be revealing my list of the "Top 100 Tracks Of 2020." 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 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 to run through these year-end lists, while DnB and breaks appear more than ever before. Another trend continues as we see a further diminishing amount of club-type tracks included, primarily as circumstances changed consumption and led to the vast majority of my musical enjoyment coming on my many escapist bike rides. That said, the power of some of these tracks is unavoidable as they will assuredly kill when clubs come back.

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: Weiss & Harry Romero - Where Do We Go?

An early summer earworm. Makes masterful use of the sample from Alan Parsons Project "Games People Play." Not overly inventive or banging, but rather slick, smooth and altogether enjoyable. The first of many house tracks in this list that captured my heart this year, even if only for a moment.

#99: HAIM - I Know Alone

While it's been half a decade since I spent day after day with HAIM and Days Are Gone, the sisters and their work with Ariel Rechtshaid and Rostam Batmanglij remain close to my heart. A toss-up as both this and "Now I'm In It" are perfect for 2020, I landed on this garage joint thanks to its catchy, crisp and crackling production and overall atmosphere.

#98: MERCER - Lemonade

Fabulous French filter disco house. Almost too slick. Undeniably good and groovy. The kind of track that has you tapping your toes uncontrollably and later leaves you humming its magnificent melody.

#97: Nikki Nair - 3XL

An acid-induced fever dream. Propelled by Nair's potent percussion and scintillating synths. Like so many of the tracks in this year's list, "3XL" is all about the journey. There's no skipping ahead to a dope drop or sick section, rather one has to ride out this rolling wave of resplendence.

#96: SBK. - One Man

Perhaps the most ominous and irksome track in this list. Spine-tingling strings, all kinds of ingenious percussive hits and of course the equally screwface and shiver-inducing sub-bass. Truly diabolic dubstep.

#95: Soda State - Midnight

Among the year's most fun and funky productions. I know nothing about Soda State, nor had I ever heard them before this, however their inclusion in Magic Tape 98 made for an incredible introduction. An awesome mix of pop sensibilities alongside retro dance resplendence.

#94: SOSA - The Sax

A track so infectious that I can turn a blind eye to its misleading moniker. The trumpet (not sax) top-line is awesome, as are its babbling vocal bits, but it is the way those two elements play with the rollicking percussion that makes this track one of the year's best house offerings. Like many on this list, I expect this would have ranked much higher were clubbing possible in 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."

Stream all of this new music in the playlist below and find individual releases linked at the bottom. 

ATTLAS - Out Here With You

Deeparture - Stator Vane

Moullinex & Ekstra Bonus - Ven

Overmono - Everything U Need

Elderbrook - Back To My Bed (Tiga Remix)

Mercer - Lemonade (The Magician Italo '85 Remix)

Kylie Minogue - DISCO

Norman Doray & Darren Crook - Sweet Freedom (The Reflex Revision)

KUU - We'll Always Have This Dance

HERO - CLUB NOWHERE

KAS:ST - VTOPIA

Frustra & Maddmon - Eternal Wake

Enlightened Listening for August 7 (Spotify Edition)

As mentioned in my previous post, the August 7th Bandcamp edition of Enlightened Listening, I've made two versions of the weekly release playlist with this one coming from Spotify. Here I've organized the 16 releases with the hopes of the 38 tracks playing out cohesively. There's numerous incredible remixes, several strong originals and an absolutely fabulous album from House Gospel Choir. Enjoy the playlist below, find each individual release linked at the bottom and have a great weekend!

Austra - I Am Not Waiting (Claptone Remix)

Jessie Ware - What's Your Pleasure? (Georgia Remix)

Myd - Together We Stand (Remixes)

House Gospel Choir - My Zulu

Amtrac - Between The Lines (Zimmer Remixes)

Sub Focus & Wilkinson - Air I Breathe

René LaVice & Jess Young - Bad Luck

Goldroom & Moontown - Guess I'm Jaded (The Remixes)

Jonas Blue & MAX - Naked (Armand Van Helden Remix)

Loud Luxury - Cold Feet (Cat Dealers Remix)

CamelPhat ft. Yannis - Hypercolour (Patrice Bäumel Remix)

Eelke Kleijn - Woodstock (Hernan Cattaneo & Soundexile Remix)

Mercer - Lemonade

Volac - Muchacho

BROHUG - Stealth

Lowdown - Ghetto Poetry

Enlightened Listening for February 28

I'm not certain but this is likely the largest edition of Enlightened Listening ever. Stretching across nearly 80 tracks and over six hours, it features five albums and has its fair share of groovers and bangers.

The first two albums, Daktyl's UNREALITY and Caribou's Suddenly, have had me waiting with bated breath and show off both artists' incredible and thoughtful craftsmanship. The same can be said for the third album in the playlist, Tycho's Simulcast, although I can't say I was aware of its immanence. As to be expected with Tycho, it is utterly gorgeous and warm, preparing us for the long summer days that lie ahead. Turning more electronic and jacking up the funky groove meter, Wajatta's (the combination of Reggie Watts & John Tejada) sophomore album is sensational and sure to inspire more than a smile or two. Equally uplifting and groovy, Yuksek's feature-laden NOSSO RITMO will be undeniable at beach parties everywhere.

Speaking of outdoor events, I hope Sébastien Léger is one of the artists TBA at the All Day I Dream event in Toronto July 18th (here). His third EP for them is another amazing one, as mystical and moving as ever. Picking up with a more driving beat, Colyn comes through Rose Avenue Records with two powerful cinematic numbers. Even more driving, HUNTER reconnects with Roshin for fat joint "Floating." The enigmatic genius of Prins Thomas follows that up with a gritty growler in "Graut" which also receives a wicked and warped remix from Fango. Bridging the gap from the techno to the DnB that's still to come are two unreal originals from HomeSick in "Ampgain" and "Closer."

Immediately capturing my attention, J Majik lives up to his name with a godly remix of Joris Voorn's "Messiah." Flames erupt as Brookes Brothers and Kove follow that with the irresistible Kathy Brown led "Burn." Things really get lit with the return of 13 who is followed by a record I cannot say enough about, SBK.'s "One Man." I know we're still just in the second month of the year but I'm positive it will be in my best of the year list. Another man who is sure to find himself in year end lists is Apashe who delivers another ridiculous single ahead of Renaissance. Turning towards house, BROHUG brings us to the final true banger of this playlist, unhinged heater "Party Out."

Making the transition from house to disco both in the playlist itself and in a single track, CastNowski's "Deep Down" is fabulously funky fun. Next up in that same vein is Mercer who drops a dope bass-line on Bob Sinclar's "I Feel For You." Moving more organic, Duck Sauce's "Get To Steppin" leads us right into our finale, The Shapeshifters' follow up to "Life Is A Dancefloor," the sublime "Second Chance."


Daktyl - UNREALITY

Caribou - Suddenly

Tycho - Simulcast

Wajatta - Don't Let You Get Down

Yuksek - NOSSO RITMO

Sébastien Léger - Secrets

Colyn - Concepts Of Love

HUNTER - Floating (ft. Roshin)

Prins Thomas - Graut

HomeSick - Closer

Joris Voorn ft. HÆLOS - Messiah (J Majik Remix)

Brookes Brothers & Kove - Burn (ft. Kathy Brown)

13 - Atomic

SBK. - One Man

Apashe - Work (ft. Young Buck)

BROHUG - Party Out

CastNowski - Deep Down

Bob Sinclar - I Feel For You (Mercer Remix)

Duck Sauce - Get To Steppin

The Shapeshifters - Second Chance (ft. Kimberly Davis)

Enlightened Listening for June 9

This week's Enlightened Listening features a foursome of dance ready EPs, two dope disco singles and a trio of turnt up bass house numbers. We start with the wandering spirit of Sébastien Léger in his Skadi EP which features two equally epic magic and meandering singles along with a remix from Tim Green that fits the mood perfectly. Next up KiNK works with wife Rachel Row for the sensational "To Love You," which truly illustrates Piano Power, whereas the following two tracks are slightly more power than piano, but remain equally alluring. After that come four takes on the incredible "In My Arms," mostly of the more downtempo, chill variety save for Qubiko's club friendly force.

Turning to singles now, Dimitri From Paris and Cotonete reunite to remix the Dimitri produced Izo FitzRoy track "I Want Magic." Electric and magical, it features the fun and playfulness that this pairing always offers. Staying with heavenly horns and divine disco, Daphni has put his touch on Paradise's 1981 track "Sizzling Hot" which leads an EP due out July 19th. Moving laterally, we get a trio of remixes of The Magician's "Ready To Love," including a glitzy disco take from Mercer.

Finally we get to the fire finale of this playlist with Noizu and Eli Brown kicking things off with thumping groove number in "Inside My Head." Shift K3Y follows that up with another fantastically fiery flow which merges Night Bass and UKF in "Nightline." Closing out this collection is another unreal collaboration featuring DJ Zinc and Chris Lorenzo. The two combine for a jaw-dropping joint whose power is sure to send any dance-floor into fits. Enjoy all the exceptional new music now below.

Sébastien Léger - Skadi

KiNK - Piano Power

Ferreck Dawn & Robosonic ft. Nikki Ambers - In My Arms (Remixes)

Izo FitzRoy - I Want Magic (Dimitri From Paris vs. Cotonete 12" Version)

Daphni - Sizzling (ft. Paradise)

The Magician - Ready To Love (The Remixes)

Noizu & Eli Brown - Inside My Head

Shift K3Y - Nightline

DJ Zinc x Chris Lorenzo - Conditioning

Enlightened Listening for February 1

Another week down and another great list of releases waiting for you. This edition of Enlightened Listening features plenty of tracks to keep you warm wherever you are, whether they're 'literally fire' or moving enough to get you doing the same. Leading things off is an incredible album from Luttrell.

Into Clouds is beautiful and powerful throughout, but if you want a selling point before diving right in, check out any of the middle 4 tracks, you don't be disappointed. Following that are six singles mostly on the dancier, groovier side, or at least starting moreso that way, and ending more tech-driven.

warner case dropped a track on Kitsuné and its got the same sublime salaciousness and funky aloof feel I've loved from the start. Mercer takes us poolside with another neo-disco delivery in "Your Love." Staying with steady quality, Purple Disco Machine offers up a sensational, expansive take on the already awesome Years & Years/Jax Jones joint "Play." It just keeps getting better however as Alex Metric too has offered up an epic remix, filling all rooms and ears with his fat, funky take on Parcels "Lightenup." More you say? How about The Chemical Brothers?

Tom Rowlands and Ed Simons have a new album on the way with No Geography due out April 12, and we got a taste of it today in "Got To Keep On." It's stupid good, and I don't think there's anything else to say about it. Classic Chemical Brothers, beyond brilliant. As if there we're enough epic remixes already, let's add one more to the pile in Eagles & Butterflies nearly 10 remix of "Enough To Believe." Just like the other Bob Moses remixes, there's an undeniable allure, but ascendingly electronic delivery makes this mix an absolute marvel.

Finally, we close things out with some fire in LICK's fearsome four track DIMENSION EP and Rusko's remix of "Rebel Love." It feels like hardly any time has passed since I first heard LICK in his remix of Malaa, and now here he is going off with electrifying originals on Deadbeats. Shutting things down Rusko once again shows off his status as Don of the Dub. His design is like no other and it shines, or rather, burns bright throughout this mix. Find all the tracks linked below playlist.

Luttrell - Into Clouds

warner case - idunno

Mercer - Your Love

Jax Jones ft. Years & Years - Play (Purple Disco Machine Remix)

Parcels - Lightenup (Alex Metric Remix)

The Chemical Brothers - Got To Keep On

Bob Moses - Enough To Believe (Eagles & Butterflies Remix)

LICK - DIMENSION

PLS&TY - Rebel Love (Rusko Remix)

Enlightened Listening for June 22

It's the end of the week and that means tons of new music is dropping. The digging has been done and I've got another edition of Enlightened Listening for you. As always the list runs through seemingly every genre, with new music from big names, new names and everything in between. This week I've done my best organize them in a cohesive flow from more chill future bass vibes, through funk and disco, where then things get a bit messy, moving from Wuki's take on "The Hustle" into Tiga & Kölsch's collab "HAL," then into heavy house and hard hitting bass. Stream below and grab the free D/Ls.

Clairo ft. Danny L Harle - B.O.M.D. (dream boi remix)*

Charli XCX - Lucky (Ö Remix)*

Birocratic - Holy Smokes

Maestro - Harmony (Yuksek Remix)

The Blackbyrds - Mysterious Vibes (LeBaron James Edit)*

Wuki - The Hustle*

Kölsch & Tiga - HAL

DJ Snake & Mercer - Let's Get Ill

KTRL & Cloverdale - Sphere*

Ape Drums - Shellz (Denzel Curry & Frizzo)

LITLBIRD - NEON ERROR*

Tracks marked with an asterisk denotes free download.

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

Point Point Live at AccorHotels Arena

I've gushed about Parisian supergroup and Record Record founders Point Point a number of times, both here and on FUXWITHIT, but I'm not sure I've been as in love with them as I am today with the release of their sublime live set from this past weekend. Recorded at AccorHotels Arena in the French capital; Aazar, LH4L, Devoted To God, and Nömak have illustrated exactly what it is I love about them. I knew that their unique brand of 'future bass' spoke to me, whether it be as individuals, as Point Point or in their releases on Record Record, but I see now why it does with this mix. It hits on so many classics and staples of the club, trap, jersey club, hip hop, and even funk scenes. The hour long set really has some of everything: it goes hard, it gets emotional, it features a number of their own tunes and so many of the tracks and artists that they draw inspiration from. Let me now do a quick run-through, below.

The epic arc opens up with sweet strings, easing our ears in slowly before the bright, bleepy vibes burst over the skyline like the first beams of morning light. The energizing opening is the first of dozens of flawless transitions, this one in particular plays into San Holo's "We Rise." Then as if writing this piece for me, the cinematic arc becomes blatantly clear as we get the now classic "Cinema Slasherr" edit from Benzi & Elephante. Following that we get the first of multiple Kanye cuts, this one coming as their own remix of "Power." The flurry of nostalgia stays steady with Sam Smith's vocals from "Latch" leading into the lap of power that is Freekill's remix of Aazar's "Gyal." Minutes later we're treated to the classic Run DMC/Bob James sample, which then transitions into an ungodly edit of KC & The Sunshine Band's "That's The Way (I Like It)," before slipping into Chicago's "Street Player" and then MERCER's "Satisfy." Just writing this has me hyperventilating. Someone get me a paper bag! This is too good.

The first third of the mix concludes some classic grooves from Armand Van Helden before giving way to the gritty genius that is Pyramid's remix of "Utopia." And then here comes your answer as to whether the mix could get better, and astonishingly the answer is yes, as in comes The King with "Beat It." I wish I could line this article with GIFs and emojis to better illustrate just what Point Point is making my face do. This is just crazy and quite simply one of the best mixes I've ever heard. It is incredibly enjoyable and while it leaves me wanting more, it keeps feeding me like Homer Simpson being fed donuts on a continuous loop. And if you thought I was done with the insane play-by-play, how about this transition from the Spice Girls aided "Oooops" of Drippy Dolphin into SOPHIE's "MSMSMSM" and then Carmada's remix of "Right Here, Right Now."

As we round into the second half of the mix we get more of Point Point's own productions including "All This" and "Korean BBQ," before a flurry of San Holo, Galantis and Jack Ü. These classics are then followed by a bit of a new music jam session, that neither I nor Shazam are able to identify. We're then beckoned towards the finale with a foursome of Point Point tracks "Life In Grey," "Serious Mood," "Part Of The Game," and "Hands." The grand finale comes in the form of a whistle aided live version of M83's "Midnight City." You're likely left both a shadow of your former self and a more fulfilled, actualized version. I for one know I'll be coming back to this mix many times in the coming days and months, and am grateful to be able to download it absolutely free. Do so here, and follow Point Point below.FOLLOW POINT POINT: 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

FKA twigs - Two Weeks (Tombz Remix)

Last weekend, Milwaukee duo Tombz took on FKA twigs' "Two Weeks," transforming it into a dance-floor dominator. How I missed it I'm not sure, but I've finally found it, and boy am I ready to rock the house with its booming bass. There's no denying the hit that the original is, in large part due to FKA's vocal delivery, but the production quality is on point too. That incredible quality has only been bolstered Tombz, who have truly taken "Two Weeks" to the next level. The new house delivery is like raving in a cave; the sound design is utterly epic. It's cavernous, shaking the walls and your soul alike, as the drop seems to come out of nowhere. It hits with the hardest house tracks of the moment, and could easily be mistaken as a Malaa or Mercer production. When that drop hits there's nothing you can do but dance, and while that may be your favourite bit there's so much more to love. Tombz have reworked the vocals ingeniously, at times used as punctuation, others a full callback to the original. They've tuned twigs to perfection, recasting the original in a way that I truly cannot get enough of. Be sure to pick up the awesomeness for free via ToneDen here, and start your weekend with a thud. FOLLOW TOMBZ: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
FOLLOW FKA TWIGS: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER