Enlightened Listening for April 3

Another week, another month, another new edition of Enlightened Listening. While we're around the average size of 15 releases, it's a massive edition thanks to albums from Amtrac, JOYRYDE and AC Slater. Oh yeah, and a massive 31 track compilation from Afterlife with benefits going to the fight against COVID-19 in Lombardy, Italy. Otherwise we're looking a bunch of singles and a couple EPs. Find them all in the embed below with brief descriptions after the fact. Enjoy, stay safe and stay sane.

Amtrac - Oddyssey
Uplifting and beautiful album. Leans heavily on organic instrumentation with an appropriate sprinkling of electronic. Keeps you on your toes with its varied flow and energy.

Massane - Visage 1 (No Return)
I can't remember the last This Never Happened release I didn't like. In fact listening to the lead track again now, I'm struck by its subtle strength and brilliance. Warm and beautiful. I could live here.

Various Artists - Unity
Massive stuff. Not just in the number of tracks, but in their sheer sonic size. Standouts from Ae:ther, Fideles, Stephan Bodzin, Stephan Jolk, and of course, Tale Of Us.

Qrion - B4 Montreal (TSHA Remix)
Two of my favourite artists at the moment; seemingly neither can do any wrong. TSHA's percussion prowess is once again on full display.

Netsky - I See The Future In Your Eyes
It's been a while since I've really been into a Netsky track but this one, a welcome return to Hospital, reminds me why he was the one that really got me hooked on DnB. Sensational stuff.

The Prototypes - Oxygen ft. Kudu Blue
Right there with Netsky as my favourite DnB acts, The Prototypes pull me right back into ecstasy with this soaring number.

Thommy Davis & Randy Roberts - Try Jah Love (John Morales M+M Radio Edit)
The original is one of my all-time favourite tracks and this is a welcome rendition. Morales does a great job keeping the original integrity while adding a more club/DJ friendly twist. Gotta love the way the guitar and drums are showcased.

Tombz - Three 6
The last two World Famous Headquarters releases have been two of my favourite house tracks of the year. Botnek have done an incredible job curating the label and Tombz has delivered a dope groover.

DLMT & Lökii - Freak
Big bad wolf vibes and I don't mean the Duck Sauce classic, but rather the ominous archetype. Wicked roller.

SLATIN - I Don't Think So
Wild and wonky, I'm just surprised this isn't on World Famous Headquarters. Get ready for your jaw to drop.

Mr. Oizo ft. Roméo Elvis - Pharmacist
SLATIN set us up nicely for these freak outs. Oizo stays in a league of his own.

Moralez - Reach For The Dead
The build and movement in this is incredible. Feels like an 80's soundtrack piece dropped in a vat of acid.

JOYRYDE - BRAVE
The most anticipated electronic album ever? Even with expectations at a seemingly impossible level it does not disappoint. It bangs at an unbelievable rate and features plenty of different takes.

AC Slater - Hi8 Remixed
Lots of different flavours of bangers. Real club hours type ish. Rage ready.

DJ Cruz ft. STVSH & Jay Critch - Get A Bag (ANGELZ Remix)
If this is really the last of ANGELZ's tech house output (the tweet indicating this transition has since be deleted, so perhaps it's troll), it's a fantastic finale. An exceptional roller with oodles of movement providing a ton of fun.

Mr. Oizo - Rythme Plat (Masayoshi Iimori Remix)

As Japanese genius and rave wizard Masayoshi Iimori was on his come up in the mid 2010s, he released a bootleg remix of Mr. Oizo's "Positif" from groundbreaking Lambs Anger LP. Already as avant-garde and jaw dropping as anything around, Iimori somehow managed to further push "Positif" into the future, bringing in even more head-spinning, stomach-churning sounds and mind-melting motion. And it wasn't as if it was unhinged wildness for the sake of showing off, but rather a powerful, progressive take on an already advanced production, so much so that Mr. Oizo often played it in his sets. Perhaps it was this remix that lead Oizo to tap Iimori for an official mix of his latest, "Rythme Plat."
Released as a free download via Mr. Oizo's uber cool website, Masayoshi Iimori's take on "Rythme Plat" is that of a crazed killer from a future full of destruction and devoid of emotion. Cold and cut-throat, it is as dark and dirty as they come, sending shivers down your spine as sirens alert you of the oncoming aerial assault of a drop. Bomb after bomb lands sending countless shock-waves and nuclear fallout in every direction, permeating the entire production. The future is here, and you might as well stop worrying and love the bomb. Also be sure to follow the sonic soothsayers below.

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Enlightened Listening for March 23

A day later than usual, but with the futuristic leanings of so many of the releases in this edition of Enlightened Listening, you could say it's actually early. Of course everyone is talking about Flume's fantastic return, but equally brilliant and epic is Shlohmo's The End. Taking a different approach to the future, Henry Saiz plays with his synths in mystifying fashion for Digital Mirages Vol. 1. After that comes a trio of techno releases including the utterly intoxicating "Puppets" from Patrice Bäumel, Denis Horvat's Miracle Of The Rose EP from which "Noise" made waves in Tale Of Us' Afterlife Voyage 013 mix, and a stunning collab between Kölsch and Sasha. House then follows with Jack Back dropping a dope Defected release and Matroda's mean The RED Tape - Side A EP. Finally, the enigmatic and always adventurous Mr. Oizo offers up 4 more pieces of mind-fuckery, concluding in the auspicious "Nuque." Find the full playlist below and each individual release linked at the bottom. Enjoy!

Flume - Hi This Is Flume

Shlohmo - The End

Henry Saiz - Digital Mirages Vol. 1

Patrice Bäumel - Puppets

Denis Horvat - Miracle Of The Rose

Kölsch & Sasha - The Lights

Jack Back - Survivor / Put Your Phone Down (Low)

Matroda - The RED Tape - Side A

Mr. Oizo - Rythme Plat

Enlightened Listening for October 26

What's the allowance on special Fridays for releases? Seems like we've hit our quota, but boy is this one wicked. It marks the returns of Robyn, Handbraekes and Mat Zo to Anjunabeats. On top of that there's incredible albums from Savant, Adriatique and G Jones, and superb singles from Erol Alkan, SG Lewis, Krafty Kuts/Dynamite MC and Plump DJs. Finally a remix from Yung Bae rounds out this week's Enlightened Listening. Enjoy it all via playlist below and individual released linked at the bottom!

Robyn - Honey

Savant - Slasher

Mat Zo - No Words

Adriatique - Nude

Booka Shade - Sacred / Cyril's Garden

Erol Alkan - Silver Echoes (Shorter)

Handbraekes - #3

The Knocks ft. Method Man - Goodbyes (Yung Bae Remix)

G Jones - The Ineffable Truth

SG Lewis - A.A.T (ft. Drew Love)

Krafty Kuts & Dynamite MC - Light It Up

Plump DJs - Big Apple

Enlightened Listening for February 16

The last few Fridays I've been compiling playlists of new music for the weekend, so today I've decided to give it a name and make it a routine. I present the first proper edition of Enlightened Listening. The name is a simple tie to the blog itself, which features all dance and electronic genres under the sun, as does this list and the others ahead of its naming today. I should also state that while I use the term enlightened, I'm not suggesting that each of these are the pinnacle of production but rather some creative cultivations on the endless road to musical enlightenment. So once again here we go, find the tracks in no particular order, note the free downloads marked by asterisk and reviews at the bottom.

ATLiens - Interstellar (ft. Sara Skinner)
Fantastic mix of fearsome fire in the incredibly twisted trap drops countering Skinner's savory vocals.

Madeaux - The Wave (ft. BRUX)
Another captivating creation from Madeaux that fits its title to a tee. I can't quite put my finger on what this reminds me of most, but certainly the likes of Jack Beats, Mr. Oizo, Boys Noize and others.

NuKid - Hustlin'*
The more I hear from NuKid the more convinced I am that he sits atop the crowded crossroads of deep, g-, and bass house. The combination of grit, drive, and bounce of this track is mindblowing.

AOTA - D Sides*
Five classics (or soon to be classics) twisted to fit AOTA's particular brand of deep house. Likely your eyes are drawn to "Satisfaction" or "Bodak Yellow" and while they all deliver a good groove get your feet going, I'm most struck by the Borgore remix, which like the original goes ridiculously hard.

BETON - Directions (ft. Wevie Stonder)
My most anticipated track of the year. I've gushed about it following Tiga's New Names Mix and again when the B-Side was released (here). Crank it to up 11 and shake the whole house. MASSIVE!

Robotaki - Limbo (ft. SHOR)
Seems like every new production from Robotaki raises the bar further and further. It's the perfect mix of T.E.E.D., SBKTRKT, Chet Faker and future bass when it was fresh coming out of Australia. Beyond beautiful, fantastically funky, smooth and sublime. Oh my days, might just have a little cry.

Max Olsen - Sub Zero (ft. JC)*
Expect to be moved by this one. Deep bass bonks and sweeping grooves. And how about those lyrics?

SAKIMA - Death Is In The Air
Maybe it's just the album art but I can't get The Cure out of my head. There may be nothing I enjoy more than dark lyrics with bright uplifting grooves. This is gives new meaning to scary good.

Minnesota - Hilow (Charlesthefirst Remix)*
Serious get down with these drops. This is atmospheric bass brilliance with all kinds of crazy elements.

Dr. Fresch - The Prescription 30: Bloghaus with Wongo

Yesterday Dr. Fresch dropped the 30th edition of his popular mix series, The Prescription. In honour of this milestone, he upped the dosage to two full hours and invited Wongo to help him spin some salacious bloghaus. As you might expect, it is all kinds of sick, wicked and nasty beats and bangers. Both hours feature some of the most respected names of this egregious electro era, and truly some of the most raucous remixes, fire flips and audacious originals.

Right from the get go we're greeted with one of my favourites, Jack Beats and their "Get Down." The next dozen or so tracks turn to more of the mainstays of the scene with SebastiAn, Mr. Oizo, Crookers, and the genius that is Fake Blood. Those names reappear in Wongo's mix while Hervé and Switch make multiple entries as well. With "Marina Gasolina," "Mars," "Erotic Discourse" and "Hustler" all appearing, there's no questioning the quality of choices for a true bloghaus set. Find the full tracklist here and download the mix for yourself free via Hive here.FOLLOW DR. FRESCH: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
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Harrison, Allie and Clairmont The Second at Velvet Underground

From Indoor Recess twitter

Last night locals, Harrison, Allie and Clairmont The Second all took the stage at Queen Street's Velvet Underground. The party follows the release of Harrison's debut album, Checkpoint Titanium which features both Allie and Clairmont The Second as guest vocalists. Both openers took advantage of The Velvet Underground's small space, injecting the audience with incredible energy. Much like the last time I saw Clairmont The Second (with Tennyson at The Great Hall basement), the energetic performer took to the crowd, literally bringing his vivacity to them first hand. This was one of the themes of the night, the local, community and family feel that was ever present.

It was a special night for Clairmont who was celebrating his 19th birthday, with his crew/family there documenting the whole night, which was also the last of his tour (which saw him play 5 cities in as many nights). Many of the attendees were well versed in Clairmont's songs, singing along while riding along his dynamic delivery and flow. By the time Harrison took the stage, the crowd's energy hit a boiling point as the headliner was joined by a guitarist for a dreamy, illusory intro, at once grabbing the audience's attention and energy. He then proceeded to bring up both Allie and Clairmont for their respective tracks, "Vertigo" and "It's Okay I Promise."

By this time the crowd's energy (and perhaps inebriation) was absolutely overflowing. Dance battles were breaking out with Harrison's tracks making people faint into their friends arms. There was one particular patron whose signature move was miming a trust fall not just into his friends but into random, unsuspecting guests. This boisterous bumping was perhaps commanded by Harrison who at one point took to the mic to tell us "If you're looking at me, you're doing it wrong. Dance! Dance with yourself." This was really taken to heart by the crowd who were absolutely eating up everything Harrison brought to the table.

The who's who of Toronto electronic artists were there in support of these three fast rising talents. Sighted in the crowd were Pusher, Chet Porter, Grandtheft and Ryan Hemsworth, who also took the stage alongside Harrison, first to play their collaborative effort "Vanilla." After that success, the two played what seemed to be an impromptu B2B set which lasted a good 15 minutes until Harrison took the decks back for himself, playing popular tracks such as his remix of Nelly Furtado's "Turn Off The Light," "Right Hook" and album title track "Checkpoint Titanium." Just before the clock struck 2AM, Harrison once again invited Hemsworth to join him on stage where they declared their desire to play until security kicked them off. Despite the now dwindling numbers, the two continued to command the crowds attention dropping the likes of Shiba San's "Okay," Riton's "Rinse & Repeat," and new Mr. Oizo and Siriusmo, "All Wet."

From Ryan Hemsworth's twitter

Overall the night had the distinct feel that these young artists are the future of the Toronto scene. Harrison's combination of sound and style, new and old, and live performance are clearly forward thinking and provide a truly enjoyable experience. Even twitter account @HungoverFromFun addressed this fact, calling the three performers "the future of Toronto." Expect your friends to become familiar with the names Harrison, Allie and Clairmont The Second as the three continue to strengthen their stranglehold on the Toronto scene and expand into the mainstream consciousness.

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Throwback Thursday: Obie Trice - Got Some Teeth (Switch Vocal Mix)

This week's installment in my Throwback Thursday series looks back at one of the most captivating, hilarious and, truly well crafted remixes I've ever come across. Switch's Vocal Mix of Obie Trice "Got Some Teeth," which I first came across in DJ Touche's (aka Fake Blood) 2004 Essential Mix. 

Still to this day, I've never heard a remix that fits the original vocals quite so well. Right off the bat, its hollow, filtered sample strikes me as a perfect bed for Obie's lyrics, and reacts perfectly when Obie says come on, filling out that foundation. Throughout the track, Switch caters his production to suit Obie's inimitable lyrics and delivery. In a fashion reminiscent of Daft Punk, among other revolutionary producers, each added looped and layered sample compliments all those that came before it. I'm thinking specifically of the 'on-hold tone' beep that gives the track the feel that Obie is leaving himself a message reminding himself of what happened the night before. The constant utilization of effects, filtering, adding and removing samples add much needed depth to what could be an incredibly repetitive track. It remains one of my go-to tracks, when I want to impress my friends by reciting all the lyrics, as well as its constant and unmovable status in my 'dance-all-night' playlists. As I like to do with my Throwback Thursday posts, I often refer back to the place/time I first heard the track in question. As I mentioned before, I first came across Switch's "Got Some Teeth" in DJ Touche's Essential Mix. And as is the theme, it remains one of my favourite and go-to mixes, in part because it showcases an era of electronic/dance music that I was never really a part of, but also because of Touche's incredible mixing of so many incredible tracks, such as Fatboy Slim's remix of Scissor Sisters' "Comfortably Numb," Mr. Oizo's "Flat Beat," the first ever Boy 8-Bit track "The Colonel," a mind blowing mashup of "Forgot About Dre" (starting just before 1:06:00), and maybe the only thing that could top that, Touche's scratch edit of ZZ Top's "Sharp Dressed Man" (starting just after 1:33:00). The way "Got Some Teeth" is sandwiched between two fabulously funky tracks in Pleasure's "Disco Doctor" and Dino's "Call Me," furthers the awesome arc of DJ Touche's set, touching on so many styles and genres. Highly recommended listening, especially with the extra time we've got this May 24th weekend, get the full stream from mixcloud here, and follow along with the tracklist, here.

What I Hope To Hear Tonight from Justin Jay and RYME

After arriving to late to see RYME at the last No Neon, I swore I wouldn't miss their next set, and today's the day I make good on that sentiment. They'll be alongside headliner Justin Jay as part of his Fantastic Voyage tour, along with support from fellow Toronto DJ Simon Jain. Apart from my well known love of RYME, I really started to get excited for tonight's show after Justin Jay dropped his incredibly awesome and joyful Late Nite Dub mix of his already engrossing track "Karma." I've found myself lost in his magnificent mix multiple times since he dropped this past Tuesday. Although it may not be the typical headlining track, I sure hope to hear it on The Hoxton's strong speaker set up. Lately I've been lamenting the lack of older, more classic tracks in sets I've heard recently. I understand why, people will always hunger for the next hot new ID, but there's no questioning the rush of endorphins that comes with a nostalgic track. That's why I hope to hear the first track I properly knew from Justin Jay, the ingeniously produced, club-thumper "Static."
It's crazy to think that it's been almost exactly 13 months to the day since Alison Wonderland released her debut album Run. I still listen to it quiet often but have found myself going to the remixes more often as of late. My favourite original, "Take It To Reality," just so happens to be remixed by tonight's Captain, Justin Jay. It's easy to feel lost at sea, with his tidal ebb and flowing mix, but I'll be the first to say I'd be comfortable with the Admiral at the helm.
Fresh off their BADLQQK Remixed EP, label runners RYME have bolstered their already overflowing crate of tracks with powerful productions like Slowbody's banging remix of KMRT "Flash Flash."
I'd really like to hear some Tiga tonight, and RYME always seem to feed into my insatiable hunger for the Montreal based Techno God. Perhaps it'll be their own remix of the ear-worm "Bugatti."
My passion for RYME's remix of Sia & The Weeknd's "Elastic Heart" is well known, and sadly it's no longer available (except in Electronic Impressions, here), which certainly adds to it's allure. But it's their remix of tastemaker Anna Lunoe's "Satisfaction," that I'm feeling more at the moment. Grab that free d/l.
Meech has gone so far as to insist that I arrive in time for their intro, so if it's anything like the opening of their set when I saw them last at the Night Bass party with AC Slater and fellow BADLQQKer Cosella, they ought to blow it out of the water. If I get one of the following, Fake Blood, Mr Oizo, Justice, or Boys Noize I'll be more than happy.

I'd be happy if RYME played a mix similar to their recent delivery for Euphoradio, or if Justin Jay were to play one similar to "Fantastic Voyage House Party Mix." Tonight is going to be 'lit' <- LOL
Tickets are still available here, and you can RSVP via the facebook event, here.

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Monday Mashed Up Mix #4

Each Monday I post a little mix of less than 30 minutes for your listening pleasure. It contains a variety of electronic music mixed and mashed up to varying degrees. The music is always first and foremost while DJing and mixing skills are meant to take a back seat. It includes some brand new stuff but also some forgotten gems and whatever it was that had entered my consciousness. I'll be hosting them on my Dropbox page for your listening and downloading pleasure, MONDAY MASHED UP MIX VOL 4. You can find the tracklisting and links for each track after the break...

AC Slater, RYME & Cosella, Night Bass At The Hoxton

Last night, The Hoxton played host to a crazy party combining the forces of two bass heavy labels, BADLQQK and Night Bass. Cosella, part of the BADLQQK collective, took over the decks just as I arrived shortly after 11. Being the crafty local talent that he is, he started his set off with a cheeky remix of Drake's "Hotline Bling" with a female singer rather than the six god. But that wasn't the only remix of a local pop star. He also dropped his own edit of Chris Lake's bootleg mix of The Weeknd, "Can't Feel My Face." I'm with RYME on this one, really hope he uploads it, unfortunately Chris Lake hasn't even uploaded his version so it's doubtful, but we can still hope.

@S91McInnis @RYMEonRYME unfortunately probably not gonna come out ! It was my edit of it

— C Ø S E L L A (@cosellamusic) November 29, 2015

@cosellamusic @S91McInnis upload your edit brooo

— R Y M E (@RYMEonRYME) November 29, 2015

Cosella did an incredible job filling up the dance-floor and getting the crowd active. He played just the right mixture of old and new tracks, constantly working them over with filters and other knobs. I specifically remember him playing the Tom Staar remix of Dansson & Marlon Hoffstadt "Shake That," and his release on BADLQQK, "Elevator," which got people so hyped a fight broke out. However, the standout track for me, was a forthcoming one from Eyes Everywhere, that I'll be watching out for.