Friday, December 29, 2017

Top 100 Tracks Of 2017: 25-1

Continuation of the list started Tuesday: from 100-76, which also includes my disclaimer/preamble. The middle sections can be found here: from 75-51 & 50-26. Soundcloud playlist here and at the bottom.

#25: M-City J.R. - Addicted To My Ex (Taylor Thomas x KGTO Remix)
Of all the remixes in this list, there is no original that I'd be less likely to listen to (save for "All Star," although I certainly did when it came out in 1999). That being said this is one of the top 10 remixes of the year. It combines the loco lyrics that made the original so strange yet alluring, with a brand new ballsy delivery. Whether you have an ex like this or not, you'll certainly be flexing those trap arms when the dope drops screech in. It is absolute madness, especially in the fantastic "aahh" samples.

#24: Caveman - Life Or Just Living (Lil Hank Remix)
(As featured on EFYE) No track in this list invokes as warm a feeling and sure smile as this one. It was my introduction to Lil Hank and while I love "Pupperino" and "A Young Puppo Is Born," it remains my favourite of the bunch. It features Hank's delightful drum delivery and playful warmth that can only come from such a good boy. You can always count on him pick you up at your worst moments, and that's exactly what this track does. It is so supremely buoying that it feels as though you're bounding weightlessly across the Sea of Tranquility. Yet it's not alien at all, it feels just like home.

#23: Sinjin Hawke - Monolith (Overture)
Album openings are tricky. I'm not a fan of innocuous intros that do or say nothing. And dropping the best track right from the get go isn't really appropriate either. Sinjin is able to avoid that issue, while seemingly confronting both flaws, head on. The orchestral warm-up sets up the explosive fire of the album, while giving way to the "Wolves" vocal sample. And while there's still another track from First Opus to come, this was certainly in the conversation for best track on the album. It features all the elements that make First Opus my album of the year. It is big and bold, yet sprightly and spirited. The way the drums and vocals work and play together is utterly intoxicating.

#22: Oliver - Go With It (ft. Chromeo)
Chromeo always stir up something deep inside, but maybe I just better leave the lyrics to them. I too "feel some type of way" when they play next to me, "and I'm not tryna hide it/.../and I'm not gonna fight it." Yes, I absolutely love this, but I suppose we're here for why. It is of course uber funky and fun, combining the electro grooves of Oliver and vivacious vocal play of Chromeo. Each iteration of the synths are strong and self-assured. No matter what kind of day you're having, you'll be strutting when this comes on, any annoyances or aggravations will roll right off your shoulder.

#21: Everything Everything - Night Of The Long Knives
Last summer I had the pleasure of taking in Everything Everything live and was immediately blown away. Jonathan Higgs' potent voice spun circles around my head both in spite of and because of the mystifying lyrics (see "No Reptiles"). This led to their album Get To Heaven becoming one of my all-time favs, I just couldn't get enough. When the follow-up, A Fever Dream, was released I spent the whole day listening to it on repeat, particularly this lead track. It has everything I'd come to love about Everything Everything, and more. Higgs' voice is even more powerful, the drums/guitar/bass even more magnificent, and the lyrics even more mystifying. Just try to play this a couple times without being swept up, joining in the with the singing. This Thanksgiving I was still riding so high on this track that I literally walked around the house all night singing "shame about your neighborhood."

Thursday, December 28, 2017

Top 100 Tracks Of 2017: 50-26

Continuation of the list started Tuesday: from 100-76, which also includes my disclaimer/preamble. The second quarter of the list can be found here: from 75-51. Soundcloud playlist here and at the bottom.

#50: Biscits - M Night (Boy 8-Bit Remix)
(As featured on EFYE) The already exceptional original gets a great update from the brilliant Boy 8-Bit. As always, he's able to inject a great raw groove that combines jungle atmosphere with a techno twist. It is playful as it is powerful, crunching and crackling alongside its sublime synths. It feels like Boy 8-Bit at his best, working with a lighthearted sample and ingenious progression.

#49: Joe Goddard - Lose Your Love (Full Length Version)
While the radio edit (which you'll find in the Soundcloud playlist) was released last year, the full length version only came to light with the album. And this expanded edit is exactly what I love about Joe Goddard. It's expansive disco house vibes are beyond beautiful, with wells of warm organic instrumentation. The additional guitar becomes a love guru, gently caressing this uber cool creation. There is no act I want to see more than Joe, and I expect his live set up to be one of the best around.

#48: CID - Believer (ft. CeeLo Green)
(As featured on EFYE) When I first heard this I was so sure that it'd blow up and become one of the biggest songs of the summer, if not the year. I'm not sure that's happened (35k plays on Soundcloud, 1.3 million on Spotify), but in my eyes and ears it is still one of the best to come out this year. CeeLo's voice is just as alluring six months later, and the production still shines with a wild glory. The piano, and additional island feels that arise in the second half are just so beautiful. Part of the reason some of these tracks make this list is that I've never had the opportunity to hear them on a big system, and I hope that it may help that happen; I can still only imagine the impact this one would have.

#47: Bryan West x R.O - Nightfall
Another technically 2016 release, but because it came after I released last year's countdown here we are. I can still vividly remember my first real encounter with this track. I was riding the subway and had to pick my jaw off the floor, when its superb story stunned me. I had to listen again and again, cranking the volume up with each repetition. There's just so much to like about this track: literally every sound, each subsequent section and the fantastic flow into each. It's big, beautiful and just oh so intoxicating.

#46: Krafty Kuts x Dynamite MC - Rev It Up (ft. Riya)
There has never been a time this track has come on and I've not been instantly lifted. It rivals any track on this list, or perhaps ever, in terms of fun energy. Krafty Kuts has built a brilliant bed for Dynamite and Riya to work their magic on. So many lines from Dynamite hit me hard, even if they're a bit silly. My personal favourite "After the party, I'll eat your pizza." And there's no ignoring the "pick it up, pick it up, pick it up, like engine number 9 we're revved up," call back. It may be the only cut from All 4 Corners on this list, but if you like this I can highly recommend checking out the rest of the album.

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Bump In The Hump: December 27 (Best Of 2017)

Tracklist
  • Demuir - After The Rain
  • Pat Lok ft. Claire Ridgely - Crystal Ball (VIP)
  • OAKS - Vibrations
  • Maddmon - Miami
  • Cosella & Vanilla Ace - Funk To The Brain
  • MSTRKRFT - Runaway (RYME Remix)
  • Jessie Ware - Alone (Toddla T Remix)
  • Jacques Greene - To Say
  • CRi - Keep It Real (ft. Jesse Mac Cormack)
  • Daphni - Tin
  • Attlas - Frost
  • ASHE - Everything Was Beautiful
  • London Grammar - Oh Woman Oh Man (Tiga Remix)
  • Scissors & CastNowski - Free Your Mind
  • CastNowski - Down Under (CYMN Remix)
  • Sam Lamar x CYMN - Easy (ft. Mikey Ceaser)
  • Tiga - Woke
  • Lunice - Drop Down (ft. SOPHIE & Le1f)
  • Lambo - Arleen
  • A-Trak - Believe (ft. Quavo & Lil Yachty)
  • So Loki - My Girl
  • Lazy Rich & Jaxx Da Fishworks - Guilty Pleasure
  • Exclusion - Daily Routine
  • Smash Mouth - All Star (AGNO3 Remix)
  • Grandtheft & Delaney Jane - Easy Go (Pham Remix)
  • Flume - Wall Fuck (Gramatik & Ramzoid Remix)
  • Robert Robert - Coolest Place In The Universe
  • Oliver - Go With It (ft. Chromeo)
  • Carly Rae Jepsen - Cut To The Feeling (Kid Froopy Remix)
  • Phantogram - You Don't Get Me High Anymore (A-Trak Remix ft. Joey Purp)
  • Robotaki ft. Claire Ridgely & C. Young - Ghostboy (Deluxe)
  • Muneshine - Full Throttle (ft. Darcys)
  • Lorde - Green Light (Chromeo Remix)

Top 100 Tracks of 2017: 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: WRLD - Everything (ft. Ashdown)
One of only two DnB tracks on this list. It is delightful and spectacular sci-fi fun. The groove and its subsequent glitches are genius. It reminds me of Fred V & Grafix, which is saying something, and boy oh boy could I get into a set of this kind of liquid lusciousness.

#74: Falcons - Want Your Body
I can't count how many times I've heard this track, yet I still feel like it eludes my ability to properly characterize its quality. It's kind of sneaky, yet once it kicks in there's no avoiding its allure. The drum work is absolutely ingenious, propelling the production into a stratosphere unrivaled by any other tracks released this year. It is original and excellent, truly in a class of its own, but that's standard for Falcons.

#73: Ayo - Name Game
(As featured on EFYE) When a track doesn't need quality speakers to sound massive you know you've got something special. The bass Ayo's dropped here is quite simply the biggest thing in this whole list. In fact I'm fairly certain that if you play this on a big system, a hole in the time-space continuum is ripped open. Heed his advice and "play that shit again" and again and again.

#72: OAKS - Vibrations
Another almost old-school style track that takes me back to my early days exploring electronic music. It's got a great club churning groove that plays so perfectly with the synths and overall atmosphere. It's both wild yet some how still tempered in its tech house delivery. I swear I hadn't realized it until I played it live on Bump In The Hump, but I stand by my comparison to Boy 8-Bit, my favourite electronic artist.

#71: Jaxx Da Fishworks - Round Em Up
The typically house heavy BADLQQK crew had a huge year, and while there were several standouts, (particularly their RQQKIES) it was actually this breaks track that most caught my attention. Of course drums are the most important aspect of breaks, and boy do they ever do damage here. It's wobbly, warped and wicked good fun. And it's not just BADLQQK who had a big year, expect to see another track from Jaxx work its way into this list.

#70: Bicep - Aura
(As featured on EFYE) The unreleased Bicep track finally got its release after more than a year of magical teasing, and while it'll be remembered by most as a delirium-inducing demo, there's little better than having a full official release to play when and where we want. While I'll always be a sucker for their remix of "Tears I Can Afford," this may be Bicep at their best, navigating the line between a knock you off your feet, wall of sound and a feather-like tickling of your senses. Simply sublime.

Tuesday, December 26, 2017

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.

Friday, December 22, 2017

Top 3 Albums Of 2017

Two weeks ago I released the 'shortlist' of my favourite 17 albums of 2017 (here), promising to return with a cut down list, complete with review and reasoning. That time has come, and while the original list included non-electronic albums, I did not include them in this final threesome. This can be chalked up to two points: 1) this is an electronic music blog, and 2) despite still enjoying a fair amount of non-electronic music, the vast, and I mean vast majority of what I listen to is electronic music.

That being said, London Grammar's Truth Is A Beautiful Thing is beyond incredible. Not enough can be said about Hannah Reid's voice, nor even her lyrics, and the poise and craftsmanship of Dan and Dot's guitar/drum/etc is truly awesome. If you haven't given it a listen, absolutely do so. Now on to list.

Thursday, December 21, 2017

Throwback Thursday: The Whitest Boy Alive - Golden Cage (Fred Falke Remix)

While I'm busy thinking about 2017 and the new music it brought (especially as I work on my picks for Album Of The Year and Top 100 Tracks), I felt it apropos to shine a light on an older track that played a massive role in my year: Fred Falke's remix of The Whitest Boy Alive's "Golden Cage."
Now this story actually starts in 2016 when FACT Mag published a list of the "30 best blog house tracks." As is often the case I opened the article in a new tab but I never got around to reading it, until one day early 2017, when I spent the afternoon thoroughly digging through the countdown. I always knew I liked Fred Falke, but boy did this one blow me away. And it took no time at all. The opening is absolutely intoxicating with the most incredibly uplifting synths and funky drum delivery. Further along it only get more groovy and grandiose, setting a sublime, strutting soundtrack suitable for your morning coffee, afternoon pick me up or after club crooning session.

It, like so much of the best bloghaus, pairs the indie punk rock aesthetic with rave revelry and the power of PLUR. For my tastes, it is dance music at its best. The crowning jewel being Falke's ability to mix the emotional lyrics with the oh so fun and frivolous funky feels. Just a short stint of the video below exemplifies just how much fun (maybe frustratingly so) the crowd is having as Fred plays live.
Anyway, that's all I've got for this. It was one of my most played tracks year and deserved a share. I can only hope that you enjoy it a fraction as much as I do, and that it inspires some digging of your own.

FOLLOW FRED FALKE: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Bump In The Hump: December 20 (Season 7, Episode 12)

Tracklist

Bump In The Hump Sneak Peek: Chromeo - Juice Bonus Remixes

After sharing remixes from Chris Lake, Felix Snow and Purple Disco Machine last week, Chromeo have just doubled down on their "Juice" remix package. Yesterday they dropped an additional four, free remixes from the likes of Yuksek, Damaged Goods, Televisor and Party Pupils. With four of the best names in disco and funk, you'd be silly to think I wouldn't jump at the opportunity to bring more "Juice" to Bump In The Hump. So I leave you with the playlist below, while you try to figure out which I'll play.This will be the last live episode of Bump In The Hump this year, while next week will play host to my favourite cuts from 2017's enormous list of 50 episodes. There are indeed a few teasers of what you can expect next week, including the aforementioned Funklordz. You can also expect to hear some Carly Rae Jepsen, both tonight and next week. And while this week may bring more disco and funk, we've never had this dubstep jammed into two hours. Radio Humber is about to become banger city, so beware. Listen live from 6-8 PM EST here, or stream after the fact via Mixcloud.

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

NewAgeMuzik - DM's (Kastle & bk beats Remix)

The year end compilations just keep coming, and as I mentioned with mau5trap's We Are Friends Vol. 7, I quite enjoy when there's new content added. That's the case with Mixpak's Holiday Bundle, which features "originals, remixes and bootlegs." The one that caught my attention this morning is the collaborative affair from LA's Kastle and bk beats. They've taken on the already dreamy "DM's" from London's NewAgeMuzik, and upped the internet intensity through even more effects and samples. Where the original feels more lucid through stripped down instrumentation, this new take leans more on the bouyant bass atmosphere creating a cloud to encompass the entire track. And that's really where all the action happens, in the cloud: URL. This is also the key to what makes Kastle and bk beats' remix so smart. It is an incontrovertible internet age track, not just in theory, but in practice. And I'll say, as an early internet child, I absolutely love it. Get the whole Mixpak Holiday Bundle for free here.FOLLOW KASTLE: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
FOLLOW BK BEATS: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
FOLLOW NEWAGEMUZIK: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Monday, December 18, 2017

Neo Fresco - Enmity

Every once in a while I come across a track that takes me back. That's the case with "Enmity" from Neo Fresco. While it's only a couple days old, it feels like it could've come from the heyday of electro, reaching back about a decade. It just hits that sweet spot, getting my nostalgic juices flowing. Neo's really nailed the delivery, dropping classic electro rave vibes in a wave pool of wickedly warped synths. "Enmity" is dark and twisted, scurrying along in the shadows as though stalking its prey. Just one listen will have to reaching for that repeat button, needing more of that noxious club sound. At the time of writing, "Enmity" is only on Soundcloud and Youtube. I'll update if a download becomes available.FOLLOW NEO FRESCO: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Saturday, December 16, 2017

Migos - Slippery (KAKU x Stevie G Remix)

Maybe I've missed it, but I'm not sure I've ever come across a Jersey Club flip of Migos. That is until today, with KAKU and Stevie G dropping their dopeness on "Slippery." We all know about Migos' massive impact in the last year plus, so it seems odd that I haven't heard any bed squeaking takes, especially since it seems their flow lends itself to this kind of club construction. In fact this may be my new favourite Jersey Club flip of the year. KAKU and Stevie G really put in some strong work, hitting on all cylinders. As always I look for progressive and playful drum work, which comes through in droves here. Also the syncopated synth and vocal chops, which here is more intoxicating than a shot of absinthe. Then there's the samples that simply satisfy, while demanding "watch me." And we haven't even talked about the drop yet. While it's nothing extraordinary, it's not really meant to be; it's just a lose your self to this while the whole club jumping kind of vibe. Can you tell I'm drooling over this one? Alright, enough of that. Pick up your download of "Slippery" for free via The Artist Union, here.FOLLOW MIGOS: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
FOLLOW KAKU: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
FOLLOW STEVIE G: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Friday, December 15, 2017

Destructo - Loaded (ft. Yo Gotti)

There's a comment under this track saying "finally g-house is back." EH? Where did it go? It feels like Dr. Fresch has been delivering the goods for a least a couple years now (as recently as yesterday), and I've covered many other upstarts on this blog. There's also no denying that Destructo has been on the leading edge of this G-House 'revival,' if that is even a thing. That being said, this track, "Loaded," is sure to bring more unenlightened listeners into the G-House fold. Not many artists bring as much weight as Destructo. And I don't just mean figuratively as in clout, but also weight, as in a sizable bass. The ominous gritty boom starts low, but builds up to an unavoidable impact, transforming Yo Gotti's vocal character into a vicious goliath. The themes of braggadocio and intimidation run rampant through both the blistering bass and vainglorious vocals. "Loaded" is the latest example of the truly top notch production ability of Destructo, and ought to be included in any bass house DJ's repertoire.
Stream and download "Loaded" from your preferred source here.

FOLLOW DESTRUCTO: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
FOLLOW YO GOTTI: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Thursday, December 14, 2017

Dr. Fresch & NuKid - 151

Dr. Fresch has been busy. Just two weeks ago he dropped another godly G-House bootleg, in the form of A$AP Ferg's "Plain Jane," and earlier this week I wrote about his Bloghaus episode of The Prescription. Now he's teamed up with NuKid for a potent original production, "151." Like most of what we've come to expect from the good doctor, this track is overly ominous, dropping an unavoidable weight on unsuspecting listeners. Claustrophobes be warned, this one closes in on you quickly, because in spite of its unsightly heft, it's actually quite nimble. The drum work deftly delivers this diabolical dance groove that flows as freely as a noxious gas. Just like the titular concoction, this track is best consumed under adult supervision, and can lead to regrets the next day. Download free here.FOLLOW DR. FRESCH: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
FOLLOW NUKID: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Bump In The Hump: December 13 (Season 7, Episode 11)

Tracklist
  • Andy Moor, Somna & Diana Leah - There Is Light
  • MDK - Super Funky Robot
  • Ramzoid - BCW
  • M83 - Road Blaster (Pat Lok's Rejected Remix)
  • 6ig angu5 - Touch The Sky
  • Vérité - Saint (Future Magic Remix)
  • Monstergetdown & Rhett - Sanctuary
  • Attlas - Cold Mountain Air
  • Tiga - Woke (Martin Solveig Remix)
  • J Paul Getto & Hatiras - James Brown Is Getting Down
  • Nitin - Sunday Grey (Art Department Remix)
  • Caribou - Can't Do Without You (Manila Killa & Kidswaste Cover)
  • Krayysh - Talk To Me (Mat Zo Remix)
  • Chromak - Show You (ft. Lilianna Wilde)
  • Adam Pearce & Miles Away - Echoes (Jonas Loeb Remix)
  • Shash'U - New Power (ft. Karma)
  • Deekline ft. La Roux - Cars For The Kill (Donald Bump Re-Boot)
  • Nonsens vs MIMS - This Is Why I'm Hot (DJ Beatzilla Trap Edit)
  • Dr. Ozi - Dirty Gravy (ft. Jeff Kush)
  • Ephixa & Bossfight - Subside
  • X&G x Nate Lowpass - Hate Machine (BLANSH Remix)
  • Stephen Walking x Road Lizard - On Slice
  • Mayke x Casso - Walls
  • Rezz x Isqa - Psycho
  • Slushii - Level Up (Moon Rush Remix)
  • Zeds Dead & DISKORD ft. Reija Lee - Blood Brother (Manic Focus Remix)
  • Rene LaVice - Twilight (ft. Faye)
  • Korn ft. Skrillex & Kill The Noise - Narcissistic Cannibal (CRaymak Remix)

Bump In The Hump Sneak Peek: We Are Friends Vol. 7

It's compilation season everyone! It's the time of year slews of singles get packaged together. That might not mean much for best-of releases, but when they're as big and full of new tunes as We Are Friends Vol. 7, you've certainly got something to talk about. This monumental mix of mau5trap runs 23 tracks deep, bringing a list of new favourites from Attlas, Moguai & Tinlicker, Notaker, Rhett among many others. Of course you can trust that I'll be bringing a couple cuts to Bump In The Hump!
While the concerned mau5trap fan might be wondering "why no Rezz?" Take solace in knowing she'll still appear on Bump In The Hump tonight. Adding to the milestone above, AVA just hit 200 releases with Andy Moor, Somna and Diana Leah, and somehow we've got new BLANSH for the 5th week in a row. And as always we have the weekend warmup, which looks a little outside the city this time with Krayysh and Sevla in Waterloo Friday (here). We also hear from Kidswaste who opens for Hotel Garuda at Velvet Underground Friday (here), and Nitin who opens for Kerri Chandler at CODA Saturday (here). Catch Bump In The Hump live from 6-8 PM EST on Radio Humber (here) or stream after the fact via Mixcloud.

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Dr. Fresch - The Prescription 30: Bloghaus with Wongo

Yesterday Dr. Fresch dropped the 30th edition of his popular mix series, The Prescription. In honour of this milestone, he upped the dosage to two full hours and invited Wongo to help him spin some salacious bloghaus. As you might expect, it is all kinds of sick, wicked and nasty beats and bangers. Both hours feature some of the most respected names of this egregious electro era, and truly some of the most raucous remixes, fire flips and audacious originals.

Right from the get go we're greeted with one of my favourites, Jack Beats and their "Get Down." The next dozen or so tracks turn to more of the mainstays of the scene with SebastiAn, Mr. Oizo, Crookers, and the genius that is Fake Blood. Those names reappear in Wongo's mix while Hervé and Switch make multiple entries as well. With "Marina Gasolina," "Mars," "Erotic Discourse" and "Hustler" all appearing, there's no questioning the quality of choices for a true bloghaus set. Find the full tracklist here and download the mix for yourself free via Hive here.FOLLOW DR. FRESCH: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
FOLLOW WONGO: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Monday, December 11, 2017

Stuck On Repeat

December is difficult. Everyone knows that. Add to the already maniacal month a glitch here or there and your whole world can be turned upside down. I dealt with a little of that this past weekend, hence my silence yesterday and most of today. That being said I can always depend on music to make me feel normal by providing a familiar foundation, especially when used as I often do, on repeat. Having my head in every which direction this weekend I relied on these five new releases for comfort and clarity. Since not are all available on Soundcloud I've again opted for a Spotify playlist. Enjoy below.Amtrac - Companions
Amtrac proves adept at partnering the pulse of the piano with the heavy heartbeat of house's deeper darker grooves. Part progressive house, part acid techno takeover. A stunning epic.

HAIM - Walking Away (Mura Masa Remix)
Holy heavenly intro! If that doesn't take your breath away then just wait for Danielle to dance along Mura Masa's new bouncy bed. The onslaught effects and their effectiveness around the vocals is incredible. The infinite potential of electronic music is on full display with this one.

Henry Saiz - The Golden Cage (Sébastien Léger Remix)
I'll admit I was skeptical any track titled "The Golden Cage" could ever compare to Fred Falke's remix of The Whitest Boy Alive, but here we are. Léger has outdone himself with this one. It rocks and most certainly rolls, but it's really the way he mixes the drum work and the atmospheric synths that gives this track freedom. The culmination at 6:18 is quite simply sublime.

London Grammar, Sir Spyro, Ghetts, Jaykae - Hell To The Liars
Another one of my favourites getting an unfamiliar rework. Hannah's vocals and Dan & Dot's music are as strong as ever: never breaking, only bending under the heavyweight grime of this additional trio.

Stephan Bodzin - Strand
Having both Bodzin and Léger in a playlist reminds me of classic Boy 8-Bit mixes. Epic techno with wonderfully warped wobbles, tactical percussion and an utterly explosive atmosphere.

Saturday, December 09, 2017

Virtual Self - Key (Celadon City Edit)

With any new direction or side project comes a flux in support, and certainly that can be said about Porter Robinson's latest venture, Virtual Self. Some people love it, some not so much. Whatever you think, the new turn as Virtual Self isn't without its merits; it brings new music. And new music is pure possibility. Moreover, Celadon City's edit of "Key" further showcases Porter's musical brilliance.While I've heard the original referred to as DDR music, there's still a strong musicality to those kinds of tracks and "Key" certainly doesn't shy from that aspect. But whereas the original is utterly exuberant and explosive, Celadon City pulls back, refining it to a more cinematic, 80s montage. He harnesses the power of Virtual Self in such an elegant fashion while still invoking the initial roaring spirit.

Not attacking the arc as viciously as a remix, Celadon City's edit is more of a recast in time and space. This reformed version only gives Virtual Self a more scintillating sparkle than it already had. I just have to say that after dozen listens (seriously),  I'm totally swept away by this one. Maybe I meant Spirited Away. Whatever. Download "Key" for your Virtual Self absolutely free here.

FOLLOW CELADON CITY: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
FOLLOW VIRTUAL SELF: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Friday, December 08, 2017

Cotonete & Dimitri From Paris - Parribean Disco/The Hustle Parisian

Holy heavenly disco delights batman! Cotonete and Dimitri From Paris just teamed up for one of the funkiest and unabashedly awesome 17 minutes of music this year. The two track EP Parribean Disco/The Hustle Parisian, while reliant on electronics is more mortal magic than tech trickery. The horns, drums, and guitar/bass are all played with the grooviest glamour and funkiest of feels. Both tracks are sheer sublime sorcery. You have no hope but to help yourself to a piece of the dance-floor and devote yourself to disco. These are the ultimate jam sessions that just scream for second and third listens, while you try to wrap your head around their wild wickedness. Stream/Download the EP here.
FOLLOW COTONETE: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
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Tiga - Woke (Martin Solveig Remix)

Just when you thought there couldn't possibly be any more remixes of "Woke," here comes Martin Solveig to prove you wrong. The House Hedonist takes Tiga's techno track of the year candidate to a place none of the other 8 mixes have. "Woke" now spins under a graceful groove guise, with additional awe-inspiring vocal volleys. Like the image of the phone, the technological tact of "Woke" still shines through the track, but its backing is firmly furnished in the familiar four-on-the-floor house heaves. Solveig smartly maintains much of the magic effects and ear candy that made the original so strong, while giving it a more human and organic feel. And this is really the crux of what makes this perhaps the perfect remix. Tiga talks about being "Woke" by tossing his telephone into the sea, thus living the more authentic, and human life, and while it may be ironic as a techno track, the heart added in this house touch makes for a powerful, poignant production. Get out of bed and stream/purchase here.FOLLOW TIGA: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
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Thursday, December 07, 2017

Shortlist For Album Of The Year

It's that time of year. Time to look back at some of our favourite moments. While I'm working on crafting my top 100 tracks countdown, I've decided to come through with a 'shortlist' of my favourite albums of the year. I've gone with 17 to tie in with the year itself and will cut down to a select few to tackle on a more in depth basis. For now I'll just share the list in alphabetical order, while saving the review and my reasoning for those that make the cut in the coming weeks. Of course this is by no means a scientific undertaking, just the simple act of sharing the music I most enjoyed this year (electronic or not). Enjoy!


Wednesday, December 06, 2017

Bump In The Hump: December 6 (Season 7, Episode 10)

Tracklist
  • Sheridan Grout & Luke Anders - Aspire
  • Tomac - Cyclone
  • Seven Lions ft. Skyler Stonestreet - Freesol (Dabin Remix)
  • Inukshuk - Moving On (ft. RAABERS)
  • Fairlane - Wake Up Alone
  • VÉRITÉ - Saint (tofû Remix)
  • MDK - Cyber Fight (ft. Ronald Jenkees)
  • Grandtheft - Square One (ft. MAX)
  • koi - Never Hold Me
  • Dream Many Times - Los Dios Fin
  • Weston - Worlds
  • Just John - Noise (prod. by Fevra)
  • Hudson Alexander - We're Gonna Have A Party
  • deadmau5 - Strobe (Com Truise Remix)
  • SNBRN ft. Andrew Wyatt - Beat The Sunrise (Kayliox Remix)
  • Zeds Dead x Diplo ft. Elliphant - Blame (Dirtyphonics Remix)
  • Nicky Romero - Novell (Dropwizz x Savagez Remix)
  • Murda Beatz ft. Swae Lee & 2 Chainz - Yacht Master (Leemz & Bosstone Bootleg)
  • Eytan Tobin - Video Games
  • AkaHendy - Veronica
    • Forthcoming
  • Chromeo - Juice (Chris Lake Remix)
  • Paris & Simo ft. Karen Harding - Come As You Are (Bobby Love Remix)
  • ANT LaROCK - The Business
  • Bonetti - So Glad
  • Hanz Ford - As Is
  • TNAN & KVIII - One Dance
  • BLANSH - Another One
    • Forthcoming

Bump In The Hump Sneak Peek: Whopping Weekend Warmup

Each week I try to focus on a single track or release to tease the upcoming episode of Bump In The Hump, however this week I've decided to go a slightly different direction. There will be no direct track teasing, instead it's artists, at several different events throughout the city this weekend. We're in for a whopping weekend warmup with 9 different artists represented, playing 7 different shows. You'll find links to each of the shows, in chronological order, with those artists played noted by an asterisk, below.

Thursday Dec. 7
Com Truise* w/ Telefon Tel Aviv and Eytan Tobin* B2B Hudson Alexander* @ CODA

Friday Dec. 8
Escape Together - Chris Schweizer, SHUGZ, Sheridan Grout* & more @ Toronto Event Centre

Factory Fridays featuring Nicky Romero* @ UNIUN

NXT LVL - Dirtyphonics* & Sullivan King w/ ITEK, OUTTATIME & more @ Nest

Saturday Dec. 9
SNBRN* w/ HIGHBRED & THAREN @ Velvet Underground

Just John* & Hudson Alexander* - Double Release Party @ Unit 2

Sunday Dec. 10
Murda Beatz* at It's Not Sunday w/ Scotty Scratch & Drew James @ UNIUN

From house to trance, and bass to trap and rap, your needs will be serviced this weekend. There's tons of cool parties for you to warm up at, so no excuses. Apart from those artists with asterisks, there's a whole lot more new music coming your way tonight, including the Grandtheft joint I covered yesterday and Chris Lake's remix of Chromeo. There's also an exclusive DnB track from AkaHendy and nine new artist debuts. So don't sleep Bump In The Hump set for another strong showing from 6-8 PM EST on Radio Humber. Stream live here, or get listen back on Mixcloud after the fact here.

Tuesday, December 05, 2017

Blvk Sheep & Far & Few - Pop

When trap first cropped up as an 'EDM' genre in the early 2010s, I was still doing my undergraduate degree in Philosophy and just starting out with my radio shows. I believe I called 2012 the year of the trap takeover, but little did I know it would still be one of the most banging and fresh genres all these years later. We can thank the likes of RL Grime, Flosstradamus and others for its uprising and evolution, especially in regards to the former's "Era" which further combined sounds and styles. Today one of my favourite duos in the trap sphere, Far & Few, have followed the trends of hybridization in a brand new track called "Pop," alongside fellow fire thrower Blvk Sheep.

I've written about these three before, so you should already be aware of their abilities, and while my favourite from Far & Few trends more to the melodic/future bass side of trap (Street Signs), this one really shows off their penchant for powerful firestorms. "Pop" leans heavily on a cut up version of the amen break, and cracking vocal chops, but really the key to this killer track lies in the gritty, grimy atmosphere that explodes again and again. The builds are as epic as the blistering bass, reminiscent of both bass house and and dubstep, while still remaining tied to trap through fantastic drum flourishes. The second drop features a more future bass tilt through the spiraling synths, before being flipped a la "Era" into a dope DnB section. There's no doubt in my mind that "Pop" will literally have people popping off on the dance floor, absolutely losing their minds. Cop it for free via The Artist Union, here.FOLLOW BLVK SHEEP: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER
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Grandtheft - Square One (ft. MAX)

Over the years we've seen Grandtheft play through several genres: bass, club, trap, twerk, even "bloghaus" (see Hold On 2.0). Most recently, and successfully I might add, his RnB/Trap/Future Bass collaboration with fellow Torontonian Delaney Jane broke into the top 30 on US radio, while accumulating over 30 million plays between Spotify and Youtube. Almost exactly 13 months after "Easy Go" Grandtheft is primed to do it again, this time teaming up with one half of Party Pupils, MAX.

The co-written track "Square One" seems to build on the sensational sound laid down last year, while winding another alluring tapestry of lyrical content. MAX sings of the unavoidable uprising after hitting rock bottom, or being forced back to "Square One." It's a theme we've heard before with Grandtheft's Quit This City, particularly in "Summer In The Winter." It's a 'the sun shines brightest after the storm' type scenario. Let's hope that we've weathered this storm of silence and more of Grandtheft's productions find the light of day, because Grandtheft's greatness cannot be contained. From his treatment of MAX's heartfelt vocals and cutting chops to the strobing synths and delightful drum work, "Square One" is a track I foresee garnering scores of spins, whether on radio, DJ decks or streaming sources. Grandtheft's debut on the Lowly Palace imprint is out for free download via Hive here.
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