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

My Mixtape featuring KVIII

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Tracklist

1. Zeds Dead x Illenium - Where The Wild Things Are (Chuurch Remix)
2. Point Point - Hands (ft. Denai Moore)
3. Tennyson - Cry Bird
4. Point Point - A Piece Of Sun
5. Rezz x K?D - Fourth Impact
6. Eminence - 0202
7. Felix Cartal - Get What You Give
8. KVIII - The Escape
9. Felix Cartal - Hold Tight
10. KVIII - Lane (Instrumental Demo)
11. KVIII - ID
12. KVIII - Silence
13. TNAN & KVIII - One Dance
14. Jack Ü ft. Kai - Mind (Malaa Remix)
15. Tinlicker - As We Wake
16. Ephixa - Skyforth
17. Deadmau5 - Saved

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

Top 100 Tracks of 2017: 100-76

Starting today, through Friday, I'll be revealing my list of the "Top 100 Tracks of 2017." The following is my disclaimer, as I feel it important to preface this kind of list with some insight into its creation and the reasoning behind it. While I spent a lot of time seriously pouring through this year of music, this is not really a serious endeavour. It is merely my fun way of further sharing the tracks and artists that made my year better. The rankings may not be scientific or even fair, rather they are simply a reflection on how strongly I felt these tracks and how much praise I felt they deserved.

As with last years list (starting here), you'll see that I included multiple tracks from my favourite artists. You'll also notice that the thread of disco/funk runs strongly throughout, as it is without question where I found myself going most this year. I did however try to touch on a variety of genres, while of course sticking to what I really like and felt warranted inclusion in such a list. Again mirroring last year, you'll find a relatively low amount of 'club' music, certainly in comparison to the amount of time I spent within them. But that's just me, I tend to listen to and enjoy so called 'headphone' music as much as big, banging, sub-woofer throbbing, beats. That being said plenty of this list would pulverize a club and I'd love to hear any of these tracks on a big system.

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. See the soundcloud playlist here and at the bottom of the page.

LigOne - Mindfuck

French DJ and producer, LigOne has appeared on this blog a number of times, so it should come as no surprise that his latest "Mindfuck" found its way into my heart. Out now on Point Point's Record Record label, this fire future bass number furthers his sensational work in producing anything but ordinary tracks. Being the genre of the moment there's a lot of mediocre stuff out there which, as many have noted, emulates Flume among others. And while I just wrote about "Wall Fuck," the commonality in titles is about as much overlap as you'll find between LigOne and Flume. What I love about future bass is the human, almost live-play nature of the productions. They're not as mechanical and repetitive as tech house for example. However playfulness alone doesn't make a track good, there's got to be strong sound design too.

There's no questioning the quality throughout "Mindfuck." LigOne leads the track out with some scintillating piano amidst growing atmosphere. The synths are then added, like a drip brewed coffee, it gets stronger by the second. Continuing the coffee metaphor, LigOne stirs in cream and sugar, as vocals and bounding bass round out the full bodied production. The commingling of elements is done with utter expertise, making the whole greater than the sum of its parts. While I love the majestic musicality of the piano-led intro/outro, the middle section between drops is a wonderful reprieve, keeping the energy up while allowing both the listener and the track a chance to breathe.Hopefully reading this has prepared you for the "Mindfuck" which you can find on Spotify and iTunes.

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Filet Mignon Volume 4

The time for massive compilation from French label Record Record's Filet Mignon series has finally arrived, with it's fourth installment, including tracks from Madeaux, DZZ, Dombresky, Masayoshi Iimori and Birdy Nam Nam, among others. I've been waiting for this ever since I first heard, what I called at the time, the track of the summer, Point Point's "True Summer." The aim of this series is to shine a spotlight on "tomorrow's new talents" with the backing of more experienced artists, through a coherent and clear artistic direction. There's no question Record Record has achieved this feat, as they've lead me to discover talents like LigOne, Araatan, Aazar and Valy Mo. They were able to get my attention by giving San Holo's "BWU" a place in their third installment, and it was because of it's inclusion that I found two of my favourite tracks, the aforementioned LigOne's "Uprising," and the Little Freaky Things, L'homme aux 4 Lettres' "in2." Once again they've compiled a great combination of tracks, working together to create a consistent and thematically succinct 15 track album. I can truthfully say there are no holes in this massive compilation. Each track works both on its own but truly together in the album. When you can start with a Madeaux, DZZ collaboration and only build upon that foundation with each following track, you know you've got greatness on your hands. Devoted To God's "Burning Bridges" is worthy of worship not only for its pious production quality but Goldilox's voluminous vocals.

The following track from rising star Dombresky is yet another awesome track from him, and perhaps my favourite of the collection, with its swinging strings, soaring in loving beauty. Nomak's "What About Us" showcases a naughty and nasty touch that feels as though the couple in question is bickering in some infernal give and take. Pyramid follows that up with a rave worthy get down track, that just begs unsuspecting listeners to cry out, "Damn son, where'd you find this?" Asan & Halpe's "Amber" is an incredible piece of production prowess that's cinematically cool and sure to sweep you off your feet.

The enigmatic Masayoshi Iimori once again delivers a track that seems miles ahead of anything even the most future forward producers are making. You can be sure DJs the world around will be adding "Down" into their sets for surefire screwfaces and cries of "What in the world is this?" The following track from Birdy Nam Nam is perhaps the best example of the importance of track placement, there is an inevitable let down following Masayoshi's mastery and "Sad Boys Club" emotes that so brilliantly with the downtrodden, depths of his sorrowful synth work.

The aptly named "Don't Let Them Stop You," leads the compilation out of despair, before BeazyTymes "Get Hit" beams it back into oblivion, and in my opinion ought to be named "Get Lit." Once you are indeed 'lit', the best thing for you is a refreshing, cool breeze, and there's no track that better elicits that feeling more than Point Point's "True Summer." The following track from Brunelle, "Chemistry," rivals Dombresky for my favourite of the collection. As though crafted by a scientist in a lab, it truly lives up to its name, as a perfect mixture of so many of the elements we've heard in this massive compilation; groovy, beautiful and as dance-able as anything in Filet Mignon.

The penultimate track from Araatan, "Zereglee," utilizes a guitar and piano better than any electronic track I've heard and runs so brilliantly into the final boss track of Ateph Elidja's "TRRN." Things turn violent as it seems even the artists don't want the compilation to end. Once again utilizing cinematic sweeps, "TRRN" seems to be a triumphant and beautiful finale that caps off an amazing collection of tracks with an echoing slamming of a door, until the next installment.

I'm truly in awe of Record Record and this incredible album, not just because of the sheer number of great tracks, or their unbelievable cohesiveness, but the way they've been so thoughtfully compiled and showcase so many talented artists in a way that other labels can only dream of. You can stream or download Filet Mignon 4 on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Apple Music, Deezer and Amazon.

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Point Point - True Summer

Parisian duo Point Point fearlessly led us into the weekend with their new single "True Summer." Despite yesterday being only the first day of Spring, Point Point establish a futuristic sound, inciting palpable anticipation for the longer, brighter and warmer days to come. Pick up the track, here.
Incredibly light and airy, the minimal approach from Point Point is simply sublime. From its fluttering, almost alarm-clock pulsating, beginning, to the added swooning synths and creatively crafted clicking percussion, the track slowly ascends like a sunrise. It would fit perfectly as either, an after the club wind down track, or a morning wake up call. Nothing about "True Summer" hits you over the head, but its unavoidable beauty seems to swell out of this subtle, refined approach. Aided by waves of atmosphere, from the synths or the vocals, the movement and progression of the track is incredibly organic. I expect "True Summer" to get tons of play throughout the festival season, both as the original, and likely through supercharged remixes utilizing many of Point Point's perfectly produced sounds.

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