Enlightened Listening for July 23

We've got another massive haul of new music in this week's Enlightened Listening. Leading the way is a monumental ten-artist collaboration led by Mix Master Mike. It's followed by two tremendous multi-track releases from Daktyl and Murlo, both of which are undeniable highlights of this playlist. Turning our attention back to singles, the next five releases move from the always impeccable vibes of Keys N Krates, through ISOxo's electrifying Sable Valley offering "Aarena," and into fabulously fat and fierce ELLM remix of "One Life." Quality Canadian content follows with Bensley, Sultan + Shepard and CRi, who you'll be sure to hear more of on Bump In The Hump. Restraint and beauty take center stage with the next three releases, each of which shines sublime. Taking a different turn, deadmau5 and Lights' "When The Summer Dies" gets a groovy, alternative mix. Powering into the final five releases, Theo Kottis kicks things off with a delightful double dose of sonic sunshine ahead of a ridiculously resplendent dub mix of "Cruel Summer." Turning darker, Claude VonStroke and Walker & Royce combine for a pair of brilliant Dirtybird drops. Finally, Sébastien Léger's epic and immersive remix of "Alien" leads us into the fifth edition of Afterlife's unparalleled Realm Of Consciousness compilation series. Find this week's new music playlist below and each individual release linked at the bottom. 

Mix Master Mike - Megaton 10 (ft. DJ Qbert, A-Trak, D-Styles, DJ Jazzy Jeff, DJ Premier, Craze, DJ Babu, Melo-D & Shortkut)

Daktyl - HALCYON (Tape 1)

Murlo - Unearth

Keys N Krates - Brazilian Love Song

€URO TRA$H & Ibranovski - Alone Tonight

ISOxo - Aarena

F.O.O.L - MENTAL STATE

Benny Page & Sublow Hz ft. Samo T - One Life (ELLM Remix)

Bensley - Cascade

Sultan + Shepard - Something, Everything Remixed

CRi - No Mission

DJ Seinfeld - These Things Will Come To Be

Above & Beyond ft. Zoë Johnston - Love Is Not Enough (Newman Remix)

Low Island - In Your Arms (Alex Metric Remix)

deadmau5 & Lights - When The Summer Dies (Alternative Mix)

Theo Kottis - Sun

Etienne Ozborne & Jerome Robins - Cruel Summer (Dub Mix)

Claude VonStroke x Walker & Royce - Enthusiasm

Cypherpunx ft. Sian Evans - Alien (Sébastien Léger Remix)

Various Artists - Afterlife Presents: Realm Of Consciousness, Pt. V

Murlo - Primal

An artist across mediums, Murlo continues to craft an unbelievably vivid world of his own. Last year's divine Dolos LP was one of the most captivating projects 2019 had to offer, with three of its tracks appearing in my year end countdown (here). Yesterday the Manchester-based master craftsman gave us our first taste of its followup, "Primal" from forthcoming four-part EP Primed For Primal. Due out August 14th, this new chapter comes complete with art prints (one per track), each digitally painted by Murlo himself.

Immediately reminiscent of Dolos' atmosphere, "Primal" feels as though it could be a prelude or prequel as it exudes evolution with all manner of life bursting into action. The percussion piques our interest right out of the gate as the following vocal, synth and string swells draw us inescapably into Murlo's grasp. Much like the opening of The Lion King, there's a growing anticipation and electricity to "Primal," particularly evident as powerful chord foundations combine with the vocals as the first rays of sunlight burst over the horizon or as Rafiki holds Simba aloft. The reverence and hope at the heart of the track is truly breathtaking, especially in the final minute as Murlo strips the track down to its bare bones before one final flourish, ultimately leaving "Primal" with a bit of a cliffhanger as we wait for its successor, "Rattle."

Wake up to promise of "Primal" below and get it instantly with the pre-order of Primed For Primal.

Murlo · Primal

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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.

Top 100 Tracks Of 2019: 75-51

Continuation of the list started yesterday: from 100-76, which also includes my disclaimer/preamble. Soundcloud playlist here and Spotify here.

#75: Flume ft. Vera Blue - Rushing Back (MJ Cole Remix)
While Flume had a huge year as countless clamored for his mixtape, you won't find any of those tracks here. Instead he appears in this list twice having released a few sick singles that made way for fantastic remixes. Here MJ Cole kills the catchy "Rushing Back" with a brilliant bleepy flip that makes masterful use of Vera Blue's vocals. A spine-tingling sensation.

#74: Jai Paul - He
The enigmatic master returned in 2019 and he seemingly hasn't missed a step with two sublime singles. And of course I gravitated towards the b-side, as "He" seemingly delivers more of that genius "Jasmine" vibe. It's soulful and ridiculously satisfying. And of course it showers its listeners in ethereal ecstasy.

#73: Barney Lister - Matchu
Not the only track in this list I first came across in a Magic Tape mix. Of course it's got the awesome alchemy one would expect for an inclusion in said series. It's beautiful, buoyant and oh so easy to dance to. That said, the slippery, squelching groove that emerges as the track progresses is some kind of sick, satisfying perversion.

#72: Angelov - Chero
An alien awakening, this is some serious top notch techno and one hell of a debut record. The whole EP is sick and I really thought about adding "Retrida" to the list but the vocal feel of this one took the cake. Like the others on this EP, Angelov's abilities shine the strongest when all elements come together in supremely satisfying syncopated fashion.

#71: Stanton Warriors ft. Sian Evans - Up2U (René LaVice Rooftop Remix)
Like so much of my favourite DnB this year, this one absolutely explodes out of the gate. It's got so much to like. The piano. Sian Evans' vocals. The way the two play together: <chef's kiss>. Then of course there's the drops that play like a defibrillator forcing you onto the dance-floor. A roaring success.

#70: Kölsch & Sasha - The Lights
The kind of epic, clean quality you would expect from a legendary pairing like this. Once you've heard that unreal lead line you'll never hear the track the same again, as you wait breathlessly for it to kick in. I know I'm doing that right now as I listen to it yet again. And as good as that lead line is, it's nothing without the duo's deliciously effective backing.

Enlightened Listening for November 8

Keeping the write-up short and sweet for this week's Enlightened Listening. That said the playlist is just short of 40 tracks and three hours. It's bookended by epic albums from SebastiAn and Grum, and you'll find a couple EPs from the house sphere on either side of them, where Shaun Frank hits the bass, while Le Youth puts forth some progressive beauty. A couple of my favourites offer exceptional remixes, where Sinjin Hawke and Zora Jones take on Murlo's magic and ABSOLUTE. stuns with Big Wild. There's two more power duos, in 2¢'s brilliant banger "REBEL" and the latest taste of TNGHT II. While Mura Masa and slowthai are not an established duo I'm sure hoping we get more of their mix, as "Deal Wiv It" is awesome. Finally, a trio of solo singles from Skream, Eli Escobar and Jessie Ware. Enjoy!

SebastiAn - Thirst

Shaun Frank - Activ8

TNGHT - First Body

Murlo - End Of The Road (Sinjin Hawke & Zora Jones' Flashback)

2¢ - REBEL

Mura Masa - Deal Wiv It (ft. slowthai)

Skream - Pussy Pop

Eli Escobar - (All Night) Rhythm

Jessie Ware - Mirage (Don't Stop)

Big Wild ft. Rationale - 6's To 9's (ABSOLUTE. Remix)

Le Youth - Aquiver

Grum - Deep State

Enlightened Listening for November 30

We're gonna need a bigger blog. This week's edition of Enlightened Listening is maybe the most ambitious yet, highlighting 16 releases in and around this date. There's a number of releases we've been waiting patiently for (Haywyre, Krafty Kuts and Apashe) and some incredible surprises (Attlas, Robert Robert and Vessels). As always I've organized this wide ranging collection for maximum flow from more chill groove to heavy hitters in the playlist below. I'm going to get back to the short descriptions following that, but be sure to give each release a chance, they're all of the highest quality.

Tom Morello - A Higher Frequency (ft. Serj Tankian and Attlas)
Still not sure this is real life. Attlas has had one of hell of a year, but this leaves all his previous productions in the dust. Tempered, yet as resplendent as ever and that magical ability is only amplified with Tankian's truly awesome vocals. Oh yeah, and Tom Morello, he's no slouch either. One of the tracks of the year.

George Fitzgerald ft. Lil Silva - Roll Back (TOKiMONSTA Remix)
My favourite George Fitzgerald track and TOKiMONSTA has done it justice. Beautiful chill stuff.

KAYTRANADA - IT WAS MEANT 2 B
I could take or leave the other two tracks on this EP, but man this is the kind of cool Kaytranda production that just leaves me mystified. Groovy and warm, just the way I like it.

Haywyre - Panorama: Discover
This is exactly what I expected when Haywyre's return became immanent. Didn't miss a step despite two years off. Right back to fantastic form. Incredible artistry and musical abilities. Welcome back!

Krafty Kuts - Fresh Ingredients
Everything we've heard from this EP has been fire and the new additions maintain that quality. Surprising retro feels with some of the synths that make even the more chill tracks uncontrollably groovy.

Keys N Krates - Live In Toronto
Rarely is a live album better than a studio one, but this is very much so the case with Keys N Krates who first made the mark as a live band and continue to thrive through their play. They are now masters of their craft and it shows in this release. If you haven't seen them live I cannot recommend it enough.

Robert Robert - Okay Alright Okay
Last year Robert Robert blew me away with "Coolest Place In The Universe" and he's done it again with this brilliant bouncy beat. Fun and funky, and just indie enough not to feel too processed.

Ryan Davis - Obsidian (Vessels Remix)
Big epic build up. Maybe it because I've been listening to the Ed Banger Orchestral album too much, but it certainly feels like this is built the same way. An absolutely killer craftwork.

Cowboy Rhythmbox - Terminal Madness
Wickedly weird techno EP from trusted providers in Phantasy Sound. Think Mr. Oizo, Djedjotronic and Erol Alkan all wrapped in one. "Vodonik" is my favourite of the bunch.

The Reason Y - Almathea (Kevin de Vries Remix)
Another awesome, illusory production from Kevin de Vries. Try not to float off into the afterlife.

Murlo - Evaporate
A little jolt of energy as Murlo once again showcases his sensational club craftsmanship. WILD!

Various Artists - 7Wallace Sampler
As if Idris Elba didn't already have enough on his plate, his label can now boast tracks from GAWP, Golf Clap, Avesie & Cadence and more. Five equally strong tracks all in the house sphere, leaving me hard pressed to pick a favourite, although the middle three seem to be a notch above.

Anti Up (Chris Lake & Chris Lorenzo) - Hey Pablo
Could I get away with just posting the "I've fallen down and can't get up" meme? An undeniable dream-team and they did not disappoint. Not only is each track awesome but they fit together perfectly too. Not sure what we did to deserve this treat, but boy am I glad we got it.

Smalltown DJs & Dances With White Girls - Bad Behaviour (ft. SkiiTour)
It's most definitely a party. Slick, smooth bounce. The kind that will get you jumping on the floor and flying with whatever dance you feel.

Various Artists - WE ARE DEADBEATS VOL. 3
Since Deadbeats first started, they've been on the leading edge and they've done it once again. um.., Ducky, Holly, Cozway and Rome In Silver all on one release? Weird, wicked stuff all around.

Apashe - Requiem Remixes
Not only did Apashe craft some of the best bass of the year with the original release, but tapping the likes of CloZee, TenGraphs and Chuurch makes for one hell of a remix EP. Plays like a black and white horror film.

Sinjin Hawke - First Opus Remixes

One year ago today Sinjin Hawke dropped what would end up as my album of the year (see here). In celebration of First Opus' anniversary, he's offered up seven superb remixes, with one hell of a lineup, including the likes of MikeQ, Murlo and Fractal Fantasy favourites Canblaster and Zora Jones.Exactly what made the album itself so good, is what makes this effort so immaculate. Each track delivers a unique alchemy, that fits into Sinjin's club oeuvre exquisitely. The opening remix, a genius jersey club flip from Gutta gouges into the shimmering scent of "In Loving Memory" sending the floor into uncontrollable pulverizing gyrations. It is at once gleaming yet grimy.

Continuing the grime feel, Swing Ting brings Trigga into the equation who doubles the damage of the bass and strings. "They Can't Love You" keeps command of the floor, impregnating it with an incredible groove. The life brewed there arises in the whipped up artificial intelligence of "By Any Means" whose synths dance divine. MikeQ then plays god with "Don't Lose Yourself To This" controlling the skies, bringing thunder and lightning bursting to life in the club.

That club storm brings turns to Murlo to who transports us to the jungle with the "Prophecy Of Bootyspoon." The elemental energy of this mix is obvious, but whether it's from this earth is not. Zora Jones ups everything in her return, with an incredibly unbound take on "Snow Blind." It's power leaves you losing your bearings as though you've all broken all connection to your senses.

As the capstone atop of this monument, the EP ends with cinematic cunning. Canblaster brings even more movement to "Monolith," warping it to his wild want. It's got genius groove sections and pungent percussion that, like First Opus, will leave your jaw on the floor as you scramble to hit the play button again. Stream/purchase the EP here.

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Rihanna - Needed Me (Murlo Remix)

In honour of his remix of Rihanna's "Work" surpassing the million play milestone on soundcloud, British DJ and producer, Murlo just dropped another Rihanna rework, this time taking on "Needed Me." Fluttering and flighty, the tropical steel pans add a refreshing island vibe reminiscent of Rihanna's homeland. Subtle and sneaky, this remix washes over your ears like waves lapping on an island paradise. Murlo's treatment of her vocals is both delicate and incredibly alluring, making it easy to get lost in this potent production. The beauty of this version is the seemingly contradictory fact of its definite distinct nature, setting it apart from the original, yet somehow familiar feel, not bastardizing the beauty of the original. I fully expect Murlo's version of "Needed Me" to get the same amount of recognition his "Work" remix received.

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The Best Musical Moment of 2015

Being the last day of 2015, it gives me great pleasure to share my favourite musical moment of the year, one that has followed me through the busiest and craziest years I've experienced. The clip below is from Ryan Hemsworth's valentine day mix for Diplo & Friends. In 7 and half minutes Hemsworth plays at least 10 different tracks, mixed so perfectly it sends the feels up my spine every time I hear them.

Cut right out of his hour long mix, this snippet encapsulates the mix as a whole and does a superb job of establishing the ethos of one of Canada's most treasured commodities, the genius, Ryan Hemsworth. The serene, rising beauty of noclip's "Samantha" sets the mood for the breathtaking ride that Hemsworth has in store. His eclectic style is first established with the incoming Rae Sremmurd "Unlock The Swag" vocals combined with the more powerful and driving Cosmo's Midnight "Trapperkeeper." The back and forth/coming and going nature of his mixing creates a brilliant and dynamic fluidity that you cannot help but be overcome by.

Even his fades (with filtering) is done to perfection as he eases us into each new element; upon each dropping in, each element feels familiar as though it is where it were meant to be. The anthemic yet personal and conversational tone and nature of GFOTY's "Believe" perfectly illustrates the hilariously successful contrast of kawaii music with gangster rapping through the mix. My favourite section come from the end of "Believe" into Henrik The Artist's "Naked" combined with Cash Out's "Hold Up." It has been my default ringtone since early spring, and I can't imagine changing it anytime soon. It was my first exposure to Henrik who has quickly become one of my favourite artists.

Hemsworth's superior mixing rolls right through into INODI's "I Want U," at which point more Sauce Twinz "2 Legited 2 Quited," is seamlessly added to Murlo's "Beatless Selene." The atmospheric feels abound as Hemsworth works his musical magic over us, before ending his sample heavy mix transitioning into Dream Beach's "Missing Peace." When writing these blog posts I sometimes grow tired of listening to the same piece over and over again but I it's nearly as amazing this time nearly a year after original hearing it, and listening to it dozens of times throughout 2015.

The whole hour long mix is my favourite of the year and most certainly my go to option when I need something to get lost in for an hour; it is my musical safe-space. I hope it speaks to you in the same way it did for me, especially as a child of the late 80s/early 90s with its video game inspired sounds and throwback feels. Perhaps you'd be interested in hearing his "Just Rap Mix" that he dropped prior to his tour with Tommy Kruise. Otherwise just keep your ears open for more from Hemsworth, who just seems to have his hand in everything, including his Secret Songs 'label' where you can pick up each release for free, including Henrik The Artist's "Naked." Go forth and share the magic that is Ryan Hemsworth music.
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