Enlightened Listening for August 14

The weeks continue to fly by and the mountains of new music continue to grow. This week's edition of Enlightened Listening features a pair of triumphant returns, several sensational singles, numerous killer collabs, another inspired slice from Hudson Mohawke and Sable Valley's massive debut compilation.

Kiesza's Crave marks the diva's first album since her traumatic 2017 car accident, and it's clear that she's come back stronger than ever. After going without an original in 2019, Marie Davidson is back to her old tricks with the sensational "Renegade Breakdown." Following the brilliant Brassica Crystal Sea EP last month, Feel My Bicep's followup Field Day delivers the kind of quality we've come to expect from the London label. More trustworthy labels follow as Ben Böhmer delivers another exceptional cut to Anjunadeep, and Lane 8 joins Yotto and his label Odd One Out.

Once again teaming up with Voicians, No Mana's "The Same Way" delivers electro ecstasy. Two dope, deep collabs follow that with "Love You Feel" and "Love Die" as the playlist heads into house. Upping the summer feels, Ibranovski's "Surfboard" and Goddexx's "Ask Me What I Need" are sure to make you move, while remixes from Plastic Plates and Youngr follow up with fabulous funky versions of "So Afraid" and "Discopolis 2.0," respectively.

Despite clamouring for more of Tiga and Hudson Mohawke's hardcore romance, the latter delivers the next best thing in his remix of twst, a track we first heard in their mix for Annie Mac. Another highly awaited release follows that as we get the final three quarters of Murlo's Primed For Primal. We're in full screw-face territory now as QUIX and Juelz link up for calamitous collab "Chicane." Finally it's fire on fire on fire with Sable Valley Summer Vol. 1 which is jam packed with weapons from RL Grime, Cozway, Holly, Jon Casey and more. Enjoy it all via playlist below and find individual releases at the bottom.

Kiesza - Crave

Marie Davidson & L'Œil Nu - Renegade Breakdown

DeFeKT & Extrawelt - Field Day

Ben Böhmer - Zeit & Raum

Yotto & Lane 8 - Buggy

No Mana - The Same Way (ft. Voicians)

Tom Budin & HI MOTIVE - Love You Feel

Good Times Ahead, Dave Nada & Tittsworth - Love Die (ft. KLA)

Ibranovski - Surfboard

Goddexx - Ask Me What I Need

Amtrac ft. Alex Metric - So Afraid (Plastic Plates Remix)

Lifelike & Kris Menace - Discopolis 2.0 (Youngr Funkopolis Bootleg)

twst - Are You Listening (Hudson Mohawke Remix)

Murlo - Primed For Primal

QUIX & Juelz - Chicane

Various Artists - Sable Valley Summer Vol. 1

Enlightened Listening for June 19

It's only been two weeks since the last Bandcamp day but they've gone bimonthly in June, donating their share of profits on this Juneteenth to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. Of course that means this edition of Enlightened Listening is once again hosted on Bandcamp. This week you'll find Baauer's sensational sophomore album PLANET'S MAD, a trio of EPs, a couple free downloads and a 10 artist charitable collaboration. Find each release below with brief accompanying description. Enjoy!

Lost Desert - Lost Desert & Friends
As the temperatures continue to rise, I can't think of a better catalog to enjoy in the shade with a cold drink. A touch heavier than most of the previous ADID releases, but the slow burning brilliance of it remains. Personal favourite: "That Moment And You."

Moon Boots - Pure Moons Vol. 1
More easy flowing deep house/disco/dance cuts. Electronic escapism. Personal favourite: "Sundae."

Gregory Porter - 1960 What? (Ahmed Sirour Remix)
Incredible tribute mix made with a number of classic samples as well as a chant from this year's BLM march in Seattle. The passion is palpable and the energy infectious. My favourite release of the day.

DAVIE - Testify
Another impassioned and soulful affair. Instantly catchy. Sure to have you tapping your toes and clapping/snapping along. Expect big things from DAVIE and Defected.

Ticklish - The Way I Love You
Beautifully crafted, especially as the vocals and strings sew it all together. Top notch Ticklish.

Juelz - Renegade
How seven producers managed to make a singular track so seamless is a stunning feat. It's a wicked ride that feels like a megamix of all things Sable Valley. Watch out for the reprise in the last minute.

Baauer - PLANET'S MAD
An album/project like no other. Short of literally making a new planet, Baauer has done it all. It comes with its own full length video (here) and even more immersive content on Spotify (see here). Further proof that Baauer is in a league of his own. Personal favourites: "PIZZAWALA," "AETHER" & "HOME."

Masayoshi Iimori - Wonky Rave
The title says it all. Iimori offers up a trio of truly turnt tracks, each more brain-battering than the last. Explosive energy and gut-wrenching grit amidst some supremely satisfying rave sounds. Personal favourite: "Wonky Rave."

Jesse Zimmerman - Gamma
Fitting final track as we enter into the void. Dark synthwave affair clearly inspired by the cyberpunk movies Zimmerman was watching when this was written.