Enlightened Listening for August 27

I've had a terrible time keeping track of the days this week, missing my usual Bump In The Hump rollout entirely, but I've managed to pull myself together today for another shot of new music in Enlightened Listening. Leading the way into this week's playlist is pure bliss from Caribou. He's followed by a trend towards epics with grand designs from Helsloot and AVIRA, each of whom author awesome rides. Again epic, but undeniably in a league of its own, "Rainy April" finally gets its release nearly three years after its first play at ABGT300.

Turning towards the piano, TSHA's new single "I Know" completes her extremely cool & captivating OnlyL EP. Again all over the piano, as Paul Woolford always is, "Be A Rebel" gets an extended second take with New Order rejigging Woolford's remix. The second in a run of four remixes in a row, the playlist continues with Marshall Jefferson's masterful remix of the already exquisite "Music Saved My Life."

Headfirst into flames, the gyrofield remix of Hudson Lee's "Reanimate" sets off a run of energizing and oft-fierce DnB. While striking wildly different chords, the next two tracks, Flume's remix of "On A Mountain" and Heymac's "Katina," each tug at the heartstrings. Where "On A Mountain" scorches with sparking synths, "Katina" cools with pristine piano. Finally, the playlist closes with two uncapitalized Canadian talents, flowanastasia and thook. The former is fabulous on "River Flows," the second single from her forthcoming debut LP; the latter sends us off into DAWN, a tremendous seven-track immersion in all kinds of off-kilter, organic goodness, which once again reaffirms thook's status as a sonic artisan.

Stream the entire Enlightened Listening below and find each individual release linked at the bottom.

Caribou - You Can Do It

Helsloot - Whatever Realm

Analog Sol - Trinidad Dreams (AVIRA Remix)

Spencer Brown & Qrion - Rainy April

TSHA - I Know

New Order - Be A Rebel (Paul Woolford Remix New Order Edit)

Dimitri From Paris & Fiorious - Music Saved My Life (Marshall Jefferson Extended Remix)

Hudson Lee - Reanimate (gyrofield Remix)

Danny L Harle & DJ Danny - On A Mountain (Flume Remix)

Heymac - Katina

flowanastasia & Nymfo - River Flows

thook - DAWN

Enlightened Listening for May 14

After perhaps the final Bandcamp Friday, we're back to Spotify with this week's Enlightened Listening. While the vast majority of the names in this week's list appear here often, there is but one rarity in Skrillex, who actually released two tracks this week, of which "Butterflies" with Starrah and Four Tet is my preferred release. And I guess since we're down near the bottom of the playlist, why not finish those final four releases right now. Ahead of "Butterflies" are a couple of dope, deep and groovy remixes from Majestic and Tiga. The final release in the list comes from Overmono, who tease their forthcoming venture with fabric, the titular "If U Ever." The fabric mix is set to drop July 16th.

Staying with mixes, we move to the first group of four releases as Jayda G's 21 track DJ-Kicks compilation was unveiled today. Joining it in the upper third is Gaspard Augé's excellent second single, Myd's jovial remix of Hot Chip, and two new takes on MD X-Spress from trusted talents Eats Everything and The Vision. Finally, the middle third of the playlist features three of my favourite long-running, organic/progressive/house artists in ASHE, ATTLAS and Qrion. Somehow each of these three tracks manages to be more serene and inspiriting than the next. Standing on its own in this middle foursome and standing out in its own EP, "True Romance" from My Friend is the latest exemplification of Anjunadeep's recent run of brilliance (see "Clouds" and "I See You In My Dreams").

Dig into the weekly new music playlist below and each individual release linked at the bottom. Enjoy!

Gaspard Augé - Hey!

Hot Chip ft. Jarvis Cocker - Straight To The Morning (Myd Remix)

MD X-Spress - God Made Me Phunky (Remixes)

Various Artists - DJ-Kicks: Jayda G

ASHE & Oliver Wickham - Like Home

Joachim Pastor ft. EKE - Be Someone (ATTLAS Remix)

Milk Talk - Sunshower (Qrion Remix)

My Friend - True Romance

Todd Edwards - The Chant (Majestic Remix)

Sons Of Raphael - Revolution (Tiga's LoveChaos Remix)

Skrillex, Starrah & Four Tet - Butterflies

Overmono - If U Ever

Bump In The Hump Sneak Peek: Apashe - Renaissance Remixes

Already riding a four-episode streak of Apashe remixes, Bump In The Hump will continue to climb the mountain of Renaissance Remixes tonight. One of the 2020's greatest projects, the original LP is not only a modern-day masterpiece but indeed an inspiration for these 28 new takes and countless others. Throwing caution to the wind when combining all manner of bass with a full orchestra, Apashe has shown that experimentation and risk-taking can certainly captivate. That same spirit of inventiveness appears in each of these remixes ranging from KOAN Sound and BIJOU to Vanic and Qrion. Stream each of the Renaissance Remixes below, get them from your preferred source here, and catch one of them on Bump In The Hump tonight, live from 7-9 EST on Radio Humber, or after the fact on Mixcloud.

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Top 100 Tracks Of 2020: 75-51

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

#75: Aluna - Body Pump (Sammy Virji Remix)

The more I think about this, the more I realize this is likely my favourite use of Aluna vocals. Her incredible versatility and dynamism work wonders on this ridiculously groovy bed. The track rolls on wonderfully throughout, but the real win comes in the final minute and a half as Aluna and Sammy really let loose. The former feeding her inner diva and the latter letting the brass bustle.

#74: Polaris - Distant

Much like "Kessel Run" in last year's list, Polaris stays stellar with rapturous piano and scintillating percussion. A blinding rush through star systems, this is as dreamy and divine as any of the tracks in this list - the first of many DnB tracks to crack the Top 100.

#73: Lifelike & Kris Menace - Discopolis 2.0 (Youngr Funkapolis Bootleg)

The way Youngr brings out the best of the classics he flips is simply stunning. Laying down a sick new drum bed is just the start as the guitars eventually guide the Lifelike & Kris Menace creation to funky new heights. It hits on all cylinders, never compromising the quality of the original while adding an awesome new spin and lush life.

#72: Caribou - Never Come Back (Four Tet Remix)

The quality of the original is forefront in this mix and maybe in a year in which clubs aren't closed, it supersedes the original. However, any chance at properly enjoying this in an all too crowded and sweaty club was foiled. That said, Four Tet has not disappointed with this dynamic and driving delivery. Its energy is utterly infectious and its breakdowns truly breathtaking. It's as if the original were bitten by a werewolf and this remix is its transformation.

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 July 17

It's the weekend and that means mountains of new music for your ears. Coming into this week there were a few releases I'd had bookmarked, but little did I know just how much amazing content was on the way. Running 20 releases deep, this week's Enlightened Listening features an insanely long list of my favourite artists.

ATTLAS leads things off with a sublime single, which we first heard a demo of in September of 2018. Jim-E Stack follows that with the kind of soul-snatching quality we've come to expect. Building the energy back up, a Dombresky remix of TOKiMONSTA and a Lane 8 collab follow, each with captivating dance vibes. In a stunning turn, I just learned that Alex Metric, Riton and Shungudzo have combined under the KUU moniker and today they delivered their sensational debut single "How Could I Ever?," which follows a fabulous remix of Madonna (here). Turning towards disco we get an awesome run of my favourites in Late Nite Tuff Guy, Purple Disco Machine, Yuksek and Aeroplane remixing PNAU, Gaga & Grande, Dimitri From Paris & Aeroplane and Horse Meat Disco, respectively.

The remixes continue as Amtrac scores four equally alluring offerings from Grum, David Jackson, Francesca Lombardo and Panteros666. Qrion bookends this run of remixes with yet another slice of stunning craftsmanship. As things turn epic, Above & Beyond lead the way with a powerful, emotional trance cut ahead of a trio of EPs from GIGEE, 8Kays and Brassica. The former is exceptional tech house, the middle the kind of mystifying deep house that makes it a perfect fit on Booka Shade's Blaufield, and the latter an awe-inspiring odyssey through synths - a perfect fit for Feel My Bicep. And while we're on perfect fits, how does Soulwax and LA Priest sound? Amazing. That's how.

Tiga remains in top form as he follows his HudMo collab with another familiar face in Audion. This Is A Dream is classic Tiga, lively and life-giving techno. Next up is a nine-track compilation from Boysnoize Records featuring all kinds of awesomeness; a club killing comp that is sure to remind us all of the good old days in a sweaty club. And speaking of club killing stuff, thook drops off a triple-shot of sickness that one friend described as an "assassinating a pharaoh type beat." Finally, we walk off with an explosion at our backs as QUIX and Vincent join forces for TIGER DROOL, a massive new project full of promise. For those hoping Vincent would return to his XVII origins, this is your Superbowl.

Dig into the playlist below and find each individual release linked at the bottom. Have a great weekend!

ATTLAS - The Night Air Was Cool

Jim-E Stack - Note To Self (ft. Empress Of)

TOKiMONSTA ft. VanJess - Come And Go (Dombresky Remix)

Lane 8 & Kasablanca - Run

KUU - How Could I Ever? (ft. Shungudzo)

PNAU ft. Vlossom - Luck (Late Nite Tuff Guy Remix)

Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande - Rain On Me (Purple Disco Machine Remix)

Dimitri From Paris & Aeroplane ft. Leela - Can't Get Enough

Horse Meat Disco ft. Kathy Sledge - Jump Into The Light

Amtrac ft. Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs - Radical (Remixes)

Trivecta ft. Rico & Miella - Everyday (Qrion Remix)

Above & Beyond - Jam

GIGEE - Minotaur

8Kays - Rolling

Brassica - Crystal Sea

LA Priest - What Moves (Soulwax Remix)

Tiga & Audion - This Is A Dream

Various Artists - Wet Floor, Vol. 1

thook - THE MIRROR FILES

TIGER DROOL - Tiger

Enlightened Listening for June 26

While I said I was going to take the week off Bump In The Hump and blogging, I figured today was as good as any to break said 'promise.' However I will keep pretty close to it by simply listing this week's Enlightened Listening below, with no additional commentary. As usual it runs from generally lighter to heavier tracks, from rock/pop/disco to ever more banging house and DnB. Have a great weekend!

HAIM - Women In Music Pt. III

Jessie Ware - What's Your Pleasure?

Breakbot - Be Mine Tonight

The Shapeshifters - Finally Ready (ft. Billy Porter)

DSK - What Would We Do (The Reflex Revision)

Midas Hutch - Freeze

Motez & Qrion - Slow Down

Amtrac - Stratego (Mindchatter Remix)

PRAANA - Samasta / Quiver

Howling - Lover

Hot Since 82 - Eye Of The Storm (ft. Liz Cass)

Djumba Soundsystem & NenaHalena - Sagas Of Iziki / Chapter I

Various Artists - Odd Ones, Vol. 1

The Juan Maclean - Here In The Twilight

T.Raumschmiere / Voigt & Voigt - Speicher 111

Jaded - Bounce (VNSSA Remix)

Dr. Fresch - It Don't Stop

Flume & Toro y Moi - The Difference (High Contrast Remix)

Izo Fitzroy - Red Line (Dr Meaker Remix)

Metrik - Ex Machina

Enlightened Listening for April 17

Days and weeks are blurring together, so here's some new music to get lost in. This week's Enlightened Listening includes an incredible album from Hodge, the triumphant return of Jamie xx, a bunch of DnB, a ton of tech and some fun grooves in the finale. Listen through it all via Spotify below and find each release linked after the jump alongside a brief description. Enjoy and stay safe and sane!

Hodge - Shadows In Blue
A brilliant, cohesive and somehow diverse album. Incredible soundscapes that feel warm and welcoming. Not sure who I'd compare it to although Jamie xx comes to mind, but that's likely just recency bias.

Jamie xx - Idontknow
Masterful moving genius. There's so much to like here. Right back on that In Colour/"Gosh" quality.

Joji - Gimme Love
Can't say I know much, if really anything, about Joji, but I can say that this is awesome. I'm far more drawn to the upbeat first half, but the touching back half is beautiful nonetheless.

Bensley ft. Sarah Carmonsino - Secrets
The namesake original came out with the album, so this is really about Flite's fire remix. Builds brilliantly upon the aura of the original while working it into a much heavier, punchier production.

Urbandawn - Together Again (I Pray)
Divine DnB that's got both a banging get-down and propulsive, uplifting energy, especially through its vocals.

BCee - Griffins
Having Gramma Funk on the first track is an excellent indication just how groovy this EP is. No need to do any work, just crank this and you body will do the rest. Ridiculously infectious and fun.

YehMe2 - Keys To The Jeep (ft. Rome Fortune)
An inescapable house banger. The flow and beat match perfectly. Special props to the car alarm/horn samples.

Various Artists - In Flames / Radiate / Whisperings
Three equally epic techno tracks. "In Flames" flutters into the warped resplendence of "Radiate" while "Whisperings" doubles down on both, delivering a brooding obsidian conscience.

Mòo & Jo - Jupiter
Bibliothèque Records are quickly becoming one of my favourite labels as of late. Each of these tracks are excellent examples of the subtle, progressive strength I've come to love from their releases. Like Unknown Motive's "Chemistry," I'm sure one, if not both, of these will stay with me deep into the year.

Issac - Clavel
As epic as the last two releases are, neither quite compares to the 9.5 minute average length of the tracks here. Issac really lets each track breathe and grow. I'm drawn most to "Rimel," but I quite enjoy the guitar in both versions of "It's An Extreme Life."

Disciples - Only The Gods / Better On My Own
Was just thinking about Anabel Englund yesterday so this is a welcome treat. Two dope, deep house cuts.

Yung Bae ft. bbno$ - Bad Boy (Low Steppa Remix)
I definitely did not see this one coming, but I'm absolutely here for it. Low Steppa delivers his usual quality which only increases the already catchy nature of the original.

DiRTY RADiO & Jafunk - The Baddest
Any track that starts like this is a winner in my books. Fun, easy-grooving funk.

Fakear & Alex Metric - Carrie
What language is this? Doesn't matter. The music is more than enough for me. Delicate and divine, it's a bed I'd love to lay in until the end of lockdown.

The Nights - Without You (Qrion Remix)
Can't remember the last time Qrion released a track I wasn't a fan of. Here she sends the deep original soaring off into the sunset.

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.

Enlightened Listening for November 29

This week's Enlightened Listening features several of my favourite artists and labels. Pete Tong leads things off with his incredible new Chilled Classics album. Qrion follows as things turn more electronic with an Anjunadeep EP sure to please the senses. Terr then returns to Phantasy Sound with two ingenious versions of "Energy Sync." Turning full techno, the power of Innellea is once again on full display with wicked The World Returns EP. Breaking to remixes, TSHA and Denham Audio take on Prospa's killer single "Control The Party" before The Avalanches and Mousse T. bring love and beauty to The Chemical Brothers and Starley respectively. Finally we're graced with the return of Metroplane and a track that has both Annie Mac and Pete Tong salivating, Skream's "Ectogazm." Enjoy!


Pete Tong & HER-O - Chilled Classics

Qrion - Sine Wave Party

Terr - Energy Sync

Innellea - The World Returns

Prospa - Control The Party (Remixes)

The Chemical Brothers - Out Of Control (The Avalanches Surrender To Love Mix)

Starley - Lovers + Strangers (Mousse T. Remix)

Metroplane - Be Where I Am (ft. Daniel Wilson)

Skream - Ectogazm

Enlightened Listening for October 25

Compiling this week's Enlightened Listening was an epic task. Seemingly every new release I dug through had at least one standout track, and that's if the whole thing wasn't worthy in itself. This led to perhaps the largest edition of this weekly playlist, showcasing 25 releases, 75 tracks and reaching over five and a half hours. As usual I've tried to make it flow as smoothly as possible running through some brilliant cohesive longer form releases, through disco and house to DnB, trap and bass before a rock finale. Yes there's rock in this week's edition as Pink Floyd recieve a remix, Mura Masa leans that way and Wolfmother makes a triumphant return. Listen below and find a quick hit of highlights next.

StayLoose opens with an exceptional album, filled with its fair share of beauty, bangers and transportive power. Qrion and Newman (I Love) follow with deep, lush, entrancing EPs. Pete Tong delivers another insight into his forthcoming album with HER-O. Joey Negro rebuilds a classic. warner case completes his debut EP. Then remixes take over with necessary nods to EDX, Alex Metric and Paul Woolford. London Elektricity unleashes his uber cool album as does Benzi who compiles a killer list of talents for Pressure Points Vol. 1. Kotek and TNGHT give a taste of their upcoming EPs. Solomun stamps his sound on Adriatique after a trio of remixes of Botnek joint "Jiffy." Finally, I don't think I'll ever grow tired of either David Gilmour or Andrew Stockdale as both Pink Floyd and Wolfmother soothe my soul.


StayLoose - Bad Star

Qrion - Waves

Newman (I Love) - I Love Therefore I Am

Pete Tong & HER-O - Symphony Of You (ft. Boy George)

Doug Willis - Dancin' 2020 (Joey Negro Disco Rebuild)

NICOLAAS - Shot In The Dark (ft. Nicholas Allbrook)

warner case - dance music for dancing, vol. 1

Charli XCX - White Mercedes (EDX's Miami Sunset Remix)

Moon Boots ft. Black Gatsby - Whisper In The Wind (Alex Metric Remix)

Jay Pryor & Steve James - Finding Our Way (Friend Withing Remix)

Hayden James - Between Us (The Remixes)

HERO - CRY BABY

London Elektricity - Building Better Worlds

Wilkinson - Machina

Various Artists - Pressure Points Vol. 1

Kotek - Constellation

TNGHT - Dollaz

PhatCap! - Slide

Sean Paul - When It Comes To You (AC Slater Remix)

Average Gypsy - Purgatory

Botnek - Jiffy Remixes

Adriatique - Nude (Solomun Remix)

Pink Floyd - One Slip (Remix 2019)

Mura Masa - No Hope Generation

Wolfmother - Chase The Feeling (ft. Chris Cester)

Qrion - When You Want To Rave

Queen Qrion has once again delivered a cool dance-friendly house number in recent self-release "When You Want To Rave." Following delightful deep cuts alongside Spencer Brown for Anjunadeep and a spine-tingling remix of Dugong Jr (covered here), she's back to solo original efforts with this throwback track. Built upon a slowly charging acid bass-line amidst classic break/rave elements, "When You Want To Rave" does indeed satisfy the urge to dance, turning any listening environment into your own thumping underground sweat-house. The cool chords combat the high paced percussion and heart-palpitating bass power, ushering you into a euphoric club with the perfect mixture of moving bodies and air conditioning. Press play and allow the acid to transport your consciousness to the heart of 90s UK rave culture with "When You Want To Rave" below.FOLLOW QRION: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Enlightened Listening for May 24

This week's Enlightened Listening features several superb EPs, a couple exceptional remixes and a whole heap of fire. We start with Qrion and Spencer Brown linking up for a beautiful EP on Anjunadeep, before upping the energy and groove with Detroit Swindle's sense-tingling Rhythm Girl Swing. Next up is Prins Thomas who puts his space age magic touch on Cooper Saver's "Star System." Following that are three equally awesome EPs, all of the darker, more banging house variety. Hotfire leans towards the G-house side especially with "Criminal," and while Matroda very much follows suit, his 4 tracks bring a bigger, more ominous magnitude, best noted in "Another Day." Rounding out this thunderous trio, Magnificence electrifies with each of the first three tracks doling out diabolic drums and drops, while the final "Encore" offers up an expansive, quieting denouement. Jumping back into explosive energy Buku goes ballistic with absolutely no remorse. Changing gears with the tempo and flipping Lemaitre on their head, Coucheron whips up a wildly twisted trap banger. Finally, Duke & Jones team up with Lucchii for the jaw dropping "Deception," equally likely to make your backbone slide or break your neck. Get all of this new music via playlist below and find individual releases at the bottom.

Spencer Brown & Qrion - Sapporo EP

Detroit Swindle - Rhythm Girl Swing EP

Cooper Saver - Star System (Prins Thomas Remix)

Hotfire - Do Or Die

Matroda - The RED Tape: Side B

Magnificence - II

Buku - To Ya Brain

Lemaitre - Smoke (Coucheron Remix)

Duke & Jones x Lucchii - Deception

Dugong Jr. ft. Austen - Holding On (Qrion Remix)

Queen of captivating, cool electronic craft-work Qrion once again wows with a resplendent remix of Dugong Jr's "Holding On." Out now on Mad Decent, this mix is like a magic blanket; snugly and soft, cozy and calming, once you embrace its touch you become forever transfixed with once again reliving its euphoric feeling. Qrion's designs are as blissful and beautiful as ever, only heightening the heavenly altitude of Austen's vocals. It is dreamy and dancey, while never feeling too ethereal or domineering, capturing the essence of the original while warming its BPM with a more brisk pace. Find the pure sonic pleasure available for stream/download here and be sure to check out more of Qrion below.FOLLOW DUGONG JR: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
FOLLOW AUSTEN: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
FOLLOW QRION: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Top 100 Tracks Of 2018: 75-51

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

#75: Cloverdale & OSOTYT - Funky Junky
Where disco was the biggest riser in my listening habits in 2017, that title goes to funk in 2018. That said, house is still my bread and butter, so the combination of the two here is an obvious fit. The drops are solid to say the least (with some special stank on the second), but for me it's the sections around the drops that propel this track into the countdown. The funky scratching in the conclusion nails my tastes so much so that I had to include it in my new intro for the 8th season of Bump In The Hump.

#74: Moullinex ft. Georgia Anne Muldrow - Say It Slow (Wild & Free Remix)
A bright and beautifully bouncy number right from the get-go, but once those shimmering synths join the action, I'm hooked. Add in some slick little solos and flourishes and you've got a truly divine disco number. It is fabulously full of life and brilliantly buoyant, and while it's supposedly slow, it hits on all cylinders pumping out one of the more pleasurable pieces you'll hear all year.

#73: Hoodboi - True Colors
Hoodboi showed us a new side of his artistic abilities with Breathing Room, and that title track could very well have been in this spot. However, "True Colors" makes the cut as a result of its restrained, uber smooth roll out. It is like waking up to the world with new eyes, seeing shapes and colours with a renewed, childlike wonder. Full of heart and feeling it may not dazzle with banging bass or an overwrought melody, but rather it kind of floats down into your consciousness like a feather in the wind.

#72: RealMind - Actif (ft. Billboard)
Some tracks leave you speechless, and I knew this one was going to do this to me, but I could not let it go uncovered. So here's my go at it. The levels or acts as "Actif" progresses are incredible, and the fact that these two have tied them together so seamlessly is even more so. The opening build is beautiful, but boy is the punchy push into the second section some kind of special. And really that's the key for me. The way it kind of clicks and stomps and wobbles is stunning, especially as it kicks back in following the obsidian third section. And yes, if you're getting deadmau5 vibes you're not alone.

#71: Chromeo - One Track Mind
With Head Over Heels firmly in the running for album of the year, I think back to the first time hearing it in full and the laughter and joy it brought me as I drove to that night's baseball game. I'll say that this isn't the only album cut on this list, and for a bit this was the one. Actually I still go back and forth, but here we are at forth. Smooth grooves, cool call and response, and one hell of a build towards the triumphant final frame that is sure to send shivers down your spine. I can't help myself, I'm obsessed.

#70: Benny Bridges - Are You Okay?
As a part of Justin Jay's Fantastic Voyage Facebook group I got an early copy of Benny Bridges' EP and this came on in my car without proper attribution. I had to know who it was because it bumped so good. The drums and bass combine brilliantly, but it wouldn't be half as good without the extra little effects further punctuating the already punchy affair. Simple yet strong, there's no denying this delivers.

#69: TroyBoi - Frustrated (ft. Destiny)
No one does it quite like TroyBoi. Sick with strings, wicked with wobbles, vicious with vocals and top notch with twists, he really does it all. And it's all here in perhaps his best work to date. The intro teases perfectly and you know you're in for something special, but like "Do One," his other single released on that very same day, there's no way of predicting the warped genius in store. Scary good stuff.

Enlightened Listening for December 7

Here we are with another fantastic Friday of releases. This week's Enlightened Listening includes the likes of a couple killer EPs from Botnek and Volac, bass brilliance from LSDREAM and WHIPPED CREAM, and a long awaited collab from Slumberjack and TroyBoi. Listen/read below and enjoy!

Qrion - Pending Matters
The track she was using as an intro to her GAF tour. Beautiful and expansive. Can't help but feel a Jacques Greene vibe and lord knows that's a good thing.

Friendly Fires - Heaven Let Me In (Melé Remix)
Spoiler alert: The original is in my top 100, but this new version make take its spot and send it even higher in the standings. Melé's absolutely nailed the vibe and given us even more to groove to.

Bob Moses - Heaven Only Knows (FaltyDL Remix)
Love the dirty, dark vibes brought in for this mix, especially as they play again the piano chords.

LSDREAM - Shadow Self
Whatever moniker he uses, Sami Diament always puts his heart and soul into his productions. Clearly the case here, this isn't just a brilliant banger but a slice of modern humanity. I feel like LSDREAM and WHIPPED CREAM are on the same wavelength and the prospect of a collab is something I cannot get out of my head. Hopefully this note is enough for me to speak it into existence.

Slumberjack x TroyBoi - Solid
Speaking of killer collabs, when I first heard this at the TroyBoi/Slumberjack show over a year ago it was clear this was a weapon. Now in full form we're realizing the full force of Slumberjack's dope drum design and TroyBoi's top notch twists and turns.

Botnek - Can't Remember
After nearly calling it quits, Botnek really seem to have found their form with this new deeper house sound. As you would expect the collab with Aylen is all kinds of crazy.

Volac - Funky
Holy huge EP. Both tracks are absolutely massive floor fillers. Tech house quality design with just the right amount of funk and off-kilter groove to keep you entertained.

WHIPPED CREAM - Luv
While she calls this something different, it really feels like we're getting the most genuine WHIPPED CREAM to date. That said, it's almost impossible to pin down this track, but maybe that's what she's getting at.

Yultron - Slave To The Rave
Absolutely jacking stuff. A banger among a list of bangers. If you haven't lost your head yet wait for the second drop.

Enlightened Listening for September 7

Fridays are always fantastic but this one is particularly so, thanks to six EP/albums. This week's edition of Enlightened Listening is firmly focused on those longer form releases moving from Uppermost's uplifting grooves, through Sébastien Léger's sublime soundscapes to the techno from BNR and Cardopusher to the fantastic fire of ANGELZ's third iteration of Saint Thug. I won't get too deep into descriptions as I'm again cramped for time (I'm working on the new seasons of both Bump In The Hump and My Mixtape which premiere next week), but I will hopefully sell you on the quality of each of these releases in a brief 'elevator pitch' if you will. Enjoy each below and have a great weekend!

Uppermost - Given By Nature
Warm analog designs with a human touch and sneaky underlying groove. If there was one word or feeling that I get throughout this, it is undoubtedly soaring. Favourite track: "Dreams."

Sébastien Léger - Underwater Rocket
Seems like Seb has found a fitting home with All Day I Dream, where his progressive deep house mysticism can truly thrive. How tracks can be so free floating yet earthbound through bass is beyond me. Favourite track: "Satellite."

Qrion - GAF 1
Not what I expected when I pressed play, but boy did Qrion deliver with this EP. "GAF" jumps right into the conversation for my favourite house tracks of the year. A bright, bouncy, juicy, spiraling sensation.

Brain Dancing - Far From Finished
Old school bleepy rave, electro, techno blended like only BNR can deliver. Reach for the sky raucousness with some supremely strong soundscapes that will immediately invoke club/warehouse feels. Favourite track: "Opti C Dorian."

Cardopusher - Zone 34: Face The Machine
Hard driving grooves with a strong serving of acid to eat away at your mind while your feet fly all over the floor. Cardopusher is always good but this may be my favourite release of his, and not just because of the clever titles. Favourite track: "All Fall Down."

ANGELZ - Saint Thug: Numero III
Easily one of the hottest producers in the club/bass house scene ANGELZ has done it again. These are bangers of the highest quality, not just turning the bass up to a ten but thriving through sick sound design and dope features. Favourite track: "Yeah Yeah."