Enlightened Listening for October 19

Gotta love the life Fridays bring through all the new music that comes with it. This week's Enlightened Listening sees some new names (C.O.Z, Parametric and more) alongside some old favourites including a handful of fantastic remixes. There's the likes of Tennyson, Hudson Mohawke, Justin Martin, GTA, TroyBoi, Dombresky and more. Stream below, find brief descriptions after the playlist and enjoy!

Tennyson - Face The Night*
Always inspired, Tennyson craft some of the coolest and most unique pop productions. Such a vibe.

Kito - Pamplemousse (ft. Hudson Mohawke)
The night Tennyson were getting us ready for. More potent percussion. Beautiful and mysterious.

Nick Monaco - River (Mija Remix)
Magical breakbeat mystery. Sublime, stunning soundscape. The voices, bass guitar and sax, just wow.

Strafe - Set It Off (Justin Martin Remix)
Cannot stop listening to this genius. The long version is the best of the 3 mixes, and it may be one of the best tracks of the year. Not sure why but I'm reminded of Erol Alkan's "Forever Dolphin Love." Its just got such a unique, undeniable allure.

EDDIE - Spiritual Contraband
The first of two mau5trap EPs in this list. The more typical of the two, in that its progressive, beautifully crafted techno. The whole EP is definitely dance-worthy, but man is the title track ever good.

Antic - Turncoat
An awesome offering from Anjunadeep. Wandering wonderment with a glitchy groove.

C.O.Z - Back & Forth
Expansive, line blurring blend of bass house/techno. Turn up the sub and let it do the dancing for you.

DJ Zinc & Chris Lorenzo - Gammy Elbow (Dnb Mixes)
I've never seen a remix package like this. Both artists offer their own DnB mixes of their collaboration. Really cool to hear Chris' version compared to Zinc's, his bass house background works wonders while Zinc's consistent quality continues to shine strong.

GTA & Tisoki - Botellas (ft. Godwonder)
Need to bring back TWRK's mix series just for this. Unreal energy, cannot help but wile out to this.

Tails & Inverness - Skeleton (ft. Nevve)
TWRK, Girl Trapz or Get Right Radio, this one has that Benzi stamp of approval as the first release on his new label Parametric. One hell of a get down with vocals that lift you back up every time.

ODESZA - Falls Remixes
TroyBoi, TOKiMONSTA, and Photay all in one remix package? Oh and that's without mentioning Kaskade and The Glitch Mob. STACKED. Jaw dropping work from TroyBoi as per usual. TOKiMONSTA applies a pop polish perfectly, and Photay freaks it out in fantastic fashion. Something for everyone.

Dombresky - Futurmastic
There is no version of Dombresky I enjoy more than the melodic, chill, groovy version. This bright bounce number just feels like the perfect finale to any set or playlist. Exceptionally easy listening.

60th Grammy Awards (Write-ins & Predictions)

I'll never grow tired of this picture, or really any of Prince, but I submit this otherwise without comment.

When the Grammys released their list of nominees back in November, I did an off the cuff breakdown of the relevant categories here, and promised I'd return with my predictions and write-in nominations. Earlier this week in the typical uncontrollable brainstorm that happens just before falling asleep, I realized I better do that soon. Then, despite avoiding so much of the hype surrounding the record industry's self-congratulatory award show, I eventually became aware that "Music's biggest night" was in fact this weekend. So here I am jumping on that bandwagon, delivering some silly predictions and attempting to shine a light on some artists I feel deserve more praise than they are currently receiving. As usual I preface this whole endeavor by reminding you that this is done (like the awards themselves) simply for fun and to get people talking and sharing more music from their favourite artists.

60th Grammy Awards (Nominees)

The Grammys will celebrate their 60th anniversary this coming January in New York, and today they've released their list of nominees (full list here). Once again I debated whether a post was warranted, and since you're reading this I decided it in fact was (see my debate from last year). However this year I've decided to hold off on the predictions for now, and really just dig into the nominations themselves. Of course I'm not going to tackle all of the categories, just those I see pertinent to this blog.

Best Dance Recording

• Bambro Koyo Ganda - Bonobo ft. Innov Gnawa
• Cola - Camelphat & Elderbrook
• Andromeda - Gorillaz ft. DRAM
• Tonite - LCD Soundsystem
• Line Of Sight - Odesza ft. WYNNE & Mansionair

Firstly, I find it interesting that both Gorillaz and LCD Soundsytem's albums were nominated in the Alternative category, yet their tracks are classified as Dance. Let us however note that their is no Alternative Recording category. Also it might be pertinent that in 2003 this category fell under the Pop field before the creation of this Dance field. I feel this only further complicates Alternative productions being in a previously Pop field, but perhaps the Grammys feel that Dance is Alternative.

Regardless, both artists had big years, particularly in that they made massively anticipated returns, and therefore ought to warrant some kind of acknowledgement. I would however argue that neither of these are their best efforts. For my ears, "Submission" and "Other Voices" are the standout tracks from Humanz and American Dream, respectively.

Another artist who had a big year was Bonobo. His album Migration (also nominated below) garnered widespread support, and while I am more than fine with him receiving a nod here, I'd again suggest that this wasn't even the best track on the album. I'd submit "No Reason" as the zenith, but picking just one cut from Migration serves as a tough task, and I cannot be too critical here.

I'm glad the Grammys have nominated a house track, and I quite enjoy "Cola." I am however curious where more widespread and progressive (not in sub-genre, but in scope) house tunes are, see Tchami, Kolsch or Bicep. Regardless, Camelphat and Elderbrook have built an incredible track worthy of this honour.

Speaking of progressive, there aren't many as cutting edge as Odesza. While most would point to Flume and Rustie as originators of future bass, you'd be remiss not to include Odesza in that conversation. I would however argue that this particular brand of future bass, is quickly becoming stale and purely pop music. But this is the Grammys and it would be silly to expect them to be ahead of the curve.

Finally I wonder whether Dance is a cumbersome category name, isn't all music meant to make you move, and isn't moving to music dancing?

Best Dance/Electronic Album

• Migration - Bonobo
• 3-D The Catalogue - Kraftwerk
• Mura Masa - Mura Masa
• A Moment Apart - Odesza
• What Now - Sylvan Esso

You'll notice that both Bonobo and Odesza are holdovers from the Recording category, and as above both received widespread critical acclaim. While I was tough on "Line Of Sight" I feel the rest of Odesza's album makes up for the mainstream, pop feels of that particular track. Both Migration and A Moment Apart are strong albums, with incredible arcs, inciting waves of feels and emotions. Worthy nominees in my mind, especially in A Moment Apart, as I get some distinct Pink Floyd vibes.

While there's no questioning Kraftwerk's greatness, or legendary status, I find their album somewhat troublesome to include here. One it's live, two it's almost entirely made of their previous productions. This seems unfair, but it is what it is. Certainly not the first time the Grammys have thrown a wrench into this category. Regardless, it's an incredible piece of production, especially in the way it's mixed.

My love for Mura Masa and his album will not be new to readers of this blog, so it's no surprise I agree with its inclusion. It's the perfect mixture of forward thinking club music and pop production abilities. The vocal features are fantastic and the whole thing just grooves through and through. On the opposite end of the scale is Sylvan Esso, who I've not heard of until today. Not surprising though, cause as I say, this seems to happen every year in this category. I will say that after listening to What Now I can kind of understand why it would be nominated: it's an eclectic mix of all kinds of electronic. It is well done, and will certainly have me keeping my eyes/ears on them in the future.

Best Remixed Recording

• Loleatta Holloway - Can't Let You Go (Louie Vega Roots Mix)
• Bobby Rush - Funk O' De Funk (SMLE Remix)
• Kehlani - Undercover (Adventure Club Remix)
• The xx - A Violent Noise (Four Tet Remix)
• Depeche Mode - You Move (Latroit Remix)

The first time in three years that both RAC and Kaskade are not in this category, so it's good to see some fresh faces. It's also a great mix, there's old school electronic dance via Louie Vega and SMLE, a big time banger from Adventure Club, an epic piece of electronica courtesy Four Tet, and some dirty house from Latroit. I really like this category, although I do wonder about SMLE's inclusion, as I cannot find any instance (spotify, soundcloud, youtube etc) that shows it as having garnered much attention. I know it's not a popularity contest (and this has happened before, see Paul McCartney in last year's nominees), but you'd think with the number of worthy remixes out there, they'd be able to find one with both a wide reach and strong musical depth. While categories cannot be perfect, and I don't claim this one to be, I feel this is the best we could expect, and perhaps the best since 2013.

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That's it for me for now, I'll be back with a predictions post, with my usual write in nominees later.

Bestival Lineup Annoucement

Screen-grab from www.bestival.ca approx. 2PM March 14

Bestival's Canadian cousin returns for a second Toronto edition with it's new Woodbine Park location, June 11th-12th. Friday they announced The Cure and Tame Impala as headliners, while the additional 33+ were named today. Once again Bestival can boast one of the most forward thinking, cohesive combination of progressive, boundary pushing artists, spanning a number of genres, while managing to cultivate an exquisite overall aesthetic. Last years engrossing aura tied everything together in it's omnipresence and is the only thing I think may suffer from this mainland edition. Crossing to the island last year was a rite of passage, inevitably invoking an unconscious suspension of disbelief as one stepped off their boat onto the island. The lineup however remains a draw for many different musical subcultures, yet again rivaling any other festival in Canada.

The combination of artists fills every box you could possibly check off. Massive, time-tested, legendary headliner (The Cure), incredibly hot, uber hip, legend makers (Tame Impala), progressive live acts (Odesza, Grimes, Porter Robinson, Madeon), genre leading DJ/producers (Tchami, Dubfire, Thomas Jack, Joris Voorn, Lee Foss, Giraffage, etc), trusted taste-makers (Anna Lunoe, Rob Da Bank) and swath of the best local talents (Art Department, Shaun Frank, Thugli, Pusher, HRMXNY, etc.).

After TRC made their predictions Thursday, I was determined to buy tickets if The Cure were announced. Despite being woefully unaware of The Cure, apart from what local radio and Hollywood had pushed, (Friday, I'm In Love and of course Robert Smith's Not In Love with Crystal Castles) I found I couldn't get enough of "Halo" after hearing it in a car one fateful afternoon. "Halo" seemed to strike a chord with me and quickly became one of my favourite songs, but for some reason I didn't venture any further into The Cure's massive library, at least until South Park suggested it. 

Taking Stan's word I listened to Disintegration one night on the bus ride from St Catharines to Toronto, and despite being between waking and sleeping it instantly became familiar and spoke to me through its incredible arc. It's become my go-to, after-the-club, come-down music, as I ride the red vomit comet home. So obviously I'm dead excited to see The Cure live in person; fingers crossed they play some amount of Disintegration.

Despite not going to Digital Dreams, one of my favourite sets from last year was Porter Robinson at the Monstercat showcase at Tattoo. I was moments away from going to bed and shutting down my computer when the my final twitter check discovered a live stream from inside of Tattoo. I ended up raving to the light of my computer screen for the next hour and a half, assaulting my keyboard, punching in the endless tracklist of awesomeness Porter dropped deep into the night. And although Bestival says he's doing a live set this time (see here), you can relive last year's rainy-day respite below.

Another act that I'm excited to see for the first time is Giraffage, I've only heard great things about his sets and love what I've heard specifically "All We Need" and "Lionhearted" from fellow Bestivalers Odesza and Porter Robinson, as well as "All Hands On Deck" "Impression Of You" and "So Cute!"


Then of course are those that I've already seen but know play amazing sets, Madeon, Tchami, Anna Lunoe, Shaun Frank, Thugli, Pusher and HRMXNY. Much like last year I'm sure I'll have to make tough choices as to who I see when, and bounce between stages. If the comparison to last year holds true, I can only hope the weather is more like the second day, not the first. That being said, as long it's not cancelled in some way, it will have beat both Veld and Digital Dreams. I sense there will be more names added to the list and since the price of tickets never go down, the earlier you act, the less of a financial commitment you'll have to make. I'd be surprised if word hasn't got out about how good last year was, and if the biggest headache (the ferrying) is out of the way, tickets will likely be moving quickly.

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Best Free Xmas MP3s

By now I'm sure everyone's done opening their gifts and have taken advantage of some great deals, and since there's nothing better than free, I return after a two day hiatus, bearing the gift of free music.

Arriving today on soundcloud was this wonderful rework of Disclosure and Lorde's "Magnets" from rising star, Dom Dias. It's a really nice peeled back version that glides out of your speakers; it's a little less bass heavy than the previous tracks we've heard from Dom, but the production value is most certainly on par. The ebb and flow of the synths are greatly complimented by a bouncy and fluttering bass drop; the atmospheric sounds of the loons and gusts of wind evoke a live performance at your cottage. The real magic and brilliance lies in the superb drum 'pattern,' which is in scare-quotes because after listening multiple times, I'm still not sure I can pick up on it but damn it's sounds good.

I'm not sure where MDK was when he wrote "Snowdown," but since this has undoubtedly been the Christmas without snow, it's either a cheeky joke or some kind of dark magic that conjures the white stuff when played; some kind of so called snow-dance. MDK brings his unmistakable style to the holiday spirit, great bright, bleepy and bouncy electro drum and bass, that is taken to the next level with his expert ear for sound effects. The sleigh bells, "Santa's getting funky," and laughter samples always make MDK a force to be reckoned with but "Snowdown" reaches a higher level, grab this crowd-pleaser and make sure it finds its way into your New Years Eve playlist. Daktyl delivered on Christmas day putting his mark on Odesza's "Light." Even with the ridiculously massive year he's had this track could be his best of the year. Everything that we've come to expect from Daktyl has been packaged super nicely in this mix; his production value and effect sampling is unparalleled, most notably with the rattling sound that evokes a spray-paint can. His unbelievably ear for atmosphere supports the beyond beautiful vocals from Little Dragon. The spinning and whirling of effects on the drops is what sets Daktyl apart and he seemingly delivered his most dynamic production to date. Shlohmo brought a whole sack of freebies, with Chet Faker, Jim-E-Stack, Baauer and Jacques Greene dropping remixes of Shlohmo's Dark Red EP. Whereas the above three tracks were bright and warm, the four remixes below are far more dark and brooding. All of the mixes have contrasting feels and bring different things to the table. Of course the Chet Faker mix of "Remains" stands out in large part due to his intoxicating vocals, but it's the overall technological vibe and feel from the heart monitoring beeps and incessant typing that sends countless shivers down your spine. Jim-E-Stack's clicky and otherwise delicate mix is truly a "Slow Descent" into the mind of his genius, it sounds as though it could have been plucked right out of Jamie xx's In Colour. Both Baauer and Jacques Greene take on "Ten Days Of Falling," and although their style of productions are so different they both found a way to get the best out of Shlohmo's original. Of course Baauer's mix is more bass heavy and trap inspired, it is the massive atmosphere that shines through, there's no room large enough to hold all that is Baauer and his brilliance. Greene however seems to always find the perfect balance; his productions always evoke an epic journey though his finely tuned and crafted sounds. I nearly forgot about this gem from Ryme, because I've had it in my super secret exclusive folder since the summer, but if you've been fortunate enough to catch one of their amazing sets you very well could have heard their masterful remix of Anna Lunoe's "Satisfaction." Their use of 'simple' effects pan, reverb, delay, echo and flange make this an absolute club killer. The beat and rhythm is never lost and always succeeds in surrounding and propping up it's listeners. Get your shuffle and drop this one into your New Years Eve playlist, where you'll undoubtedly take your BADLQQK to a whole new level. We end with my favourite look for Skrillex, abandoning his quest for creating the heaviest, grimiest tracks, is when we get the most creatively beautiful tracks from his undoubted genius. This haunting and bewitching collaboration with Tennyson and White Sea, is perhaps better suited for Halloween as the synth work reminds me of Wendy Carlos' theme from the Shining. However it is the light yet powerful piano chords that, when combined with the vocals, makes this track inescapable. Just try listening to it once, I have a hard time believing you'll be the same; it'll change you for the better.

2016 Grammy Nominations Revealed, Does Anyone Care?

The Grammys are fighting to retain some kind of relevance and I'm not sure they're succeeding. How long ago was it that Homer Simpson gave away his Grammy? Do people even care? What's the point?

The joke, that is the Grammys, continues to flounder and beg the question what are the criteria for these awards? Apparently, the rules call for voting based on quality alone, and not be influenced by sales, chart performance, personal friendships, regional preferences or company loyalty. Quality alone. Hmm, that's not very clear, what kind of quality? Whatever quality they are talking about, they have spoken with their latest list of nominees. There are the usual suspects and there are the usual seemingly random unknown nominees (see Al Walser's 2013 nomination). Below you'll find my take on the four categories relevant to this blog; Best Dance Recording, Best Dance/Electronic Album, Best Remixed Recording (Non-Classical), and Best Producer (Non-Classical).