I <3 U SO – Cassius

A little late to this one, but a couple of months after the death of Keith Flint, the world of dance music mourns another loss – Philippe Zdar of Cassius. In what appears to be a tragic accident, Philippe fell from a window to his death at the age of 52.

Here is the release that means the most to me. I ❤ U SO. It includes a hefty dubstep-and-breaks inspired remix from Skream – you’ll know it.

Bonus track: I can’t find for sure if there is any link between this track and the man, but it’s a banger from Digitalism that I hope might be a tribute to the impact Philippe has on the French electronic music scene over the course of the last couple of decades.

Pain – De La Soul

I don’t want to brag but I saw De La Soul in New York last week. For me the standout track from their latest album is (by a mile) Drawn – but I made a new discovery. Pain. It’s a modern-sounding throwback rap track featuring a cheeky verse from Snoop Dogg. What’s not to love?

Photo credit: foto_di_matti

By Your Side – Will Saul

Something a whole lot deeper coming at you today. It’s a dark rumbling beast of a track from Will Saul. This UK scene stalwart has music in his blood – he was born in Glastonbury and is the founder of Simple Records and Aus Music (who released this beauty).

Turn it up 90 seconds in and feel it come at you wave after wave.

Do You Love Her Now / He – Jai Paul

Jai Paul! He’s back! He’s released a couple of characteristically airy, cool electronic numbers on XL Recordings. And to accompany them, a weird interactive website that he’s designed himself: www.jai-paul.com I’d say he’s a better music producer than wesbite designer, but that’s just me.

Bonus tracks: because, obviously.

Signs – James Shinra

Ever wondered what it would sound like if Roger Federer played against Novak Djokovic in the 2019 Wimbledon tennis final, except instead of Wimbledon it was outer space and instead of tennis it was synths? Then look no further. Masters of the interstellar game.

As always, shout out to Ben Gomori for the tip.

Johannesburg – Africa Express

Right so one of my mates is moving to Johannesburg. Which got me to thinking, what’s my favourite song called Johannesburg? Well it’s this one. What’s yours? It’s actually the only song I know called Johannesburg.

Masekela – Tom Demac

Two of my favourite things combining on this one. Tom Demac and Hugh Masekela. In Tom’s own words, it is a “sun burner gurner” and who am I to argue? It lifts the vocals from Don’t Go Lose It Baby and shunts them alongside one of those foot-stomping basslines. Top marks.

Stand On the Word (Larry Levan Mix) – The Joubert Singers

This track has a confusing history; “Originally recorded in 1982 for a gospel album by the Celestial Choir, this was later remixed in 1985 by Tony Humphries, re-credited to The Joubert Singers. However, its more recent cult status was the result of a supposed Larry Levan remix, subsequently discredited, that appeared on a bootleg 12” in 2003.”

What is not confusing, is that it is a top quality hooky banger.

Credit for the the info goes to Dummy Mag and Greg Wilson. Link here. Or another pick of mine from that article, here.

Sizzling – Daphni

What was the song of last Summer? Maybe DJ Koze? Maybe Whole Again by Atomic Kitten, experiencing a Gareth Southgate-related resurgence?

Either way, I think Dan Snaith (Daphni/Caribou) is taking the title for 2019. Sizzling is an upbeat disco house banger and you will hear it a lot. I say bring it on.

No Turning Back – Gui Boratto

Hi HMErs. Sorry it has been such a long time. But trust me, this one from the vaults is worth the wait.

It’s the man from Brazil. It’s Gui Boratto. No Turning Back steps between techno and dreamy summery house like you wouldn’t believe. Tune.