A-Trak - Sunday Afternoon Mix for The Do-Over

Coachella is still on the mind of many, with good reason, and we're still reaping the benefits of opening weekend. A-Trak was everywhere: he crashed his brother's interview on the live stream pre-Chromeo set, DJ'ed for Brockhampton, was behind the scenes for Beyoncé (read his commentary here), then played a set at The Ace Hotel & Swim Club Sunday. The latter as part of The Do-Over's Desert Sundays party (also happening next weekend), and in a rare act he recorded the set, see below.First off, it's A-Trak so obviously it's awesome, not just in selection but mixing. Second, it's tagged disco, and it indeed delivers. Third, it's got Chromeo, Steely Dan, Talking Heads, and that's just in the first half hour. Not enough for you? Perhaps Folamour's "The Power And The Blessing Of Unity," Sophie Lloyd's "Calling Out," or Aretha Franklin's "Jump To It" will get you into the groove.

Of the strings that ties the mix together perhaps Purple Disco Machine is the most prominent. It was his mix of "Juice" in the opening, his original production "Move Or Not" (which samples "Rappers Delight") shortly after, and then his collab with Aeroplane, "Sambal" about a third of the way in.

But my favourite part? That's a tough question. The triple shot from Justice's "Pleasure" to Oliver and Thee Mike B's remix of Blondie's "Heart Of Glass" and Parliament's "Flash Light" is bloody brilliant. The fact that it's followed by an unidentified track which may be new Chromeo, is just a little too much to take. Then again I'm a sucker for The Pointer Sister's "Automatic," and the move to Anderson .Paak's "Am I Wrong" is wild. Oh and how about the section from Marcus Marr, Tiger & Woods, Talking Heads, Luke & Jimmy to Steely Dan? You quite simply cannot go wrong with this mix. Find the tracklist here.

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China Crisis - Working With Fire And Steel

A week ago today, the internet mourned the loss of Walter Becker. Having played a part in both Steely Dan and China Crisis, his impact was immeasurable. Like many others, I found myself digging through the back catalog of both brilliant bands, and was reminded of the new wave wonderment that is the lead, and title track, "Working With Fire And Steel." Released in 1983, it is quite possibly my favourite China Crisis cut, and that's saying something, since their synthpop laden library is full of fun numbers.

"Working With Fire And Steel" is a wicked wall of sound, with punchy, fun drum fills and a fabulously funky bass line. Leaving room for a sax solo and live, yet almost industrial instrumentation, it is exactly what I love about the 80s. Synths were just coming into their own and still felt new and exciting, and they were often mixed with a more typical rock band set up. Ever since I rediscovered this track, and so much of China Crisis' catalog, I've had trouble enjoying anything else. See if the same happens for you when you press play below, and be sure to check out more of their catalog, through Spotify here.