THE BEST MUSIC: NEW & OLD
Harvey Sutherland makes music like a man who lives in perma-Summer. It must be the Aussie in him. Anyway, a couple of months ago he foretold our weather by releasing a typically upbeat funky single, Superego. It’ll tick a lot of boxes.
Bonus track: Superego is nice, but nothing on his classics. Know this one?
Bonus playlist: if you like your tracks house-y and and your instruments piano-y then I have the perfect playlist for you. Bloody hell I want to go out.
I think we could all do with a bit of playful house in our lives right now couldn’t we. It’s Voyage Records first compilation from 2015 and I would describe it as spot-hitting.
My pick is Kackwursthouse by CTEPEO ’57 aka Max Graef and Muff Deep. But then again, I also love Gravy, so what you gonna do?
An oldie but by God it’s a goodie. It’s the sound of clubs in 2011. It’s the sound of house parties. I know we are all in quarantine but there’s no reason we can’t all get down. #BangerForTheNHS. It’s the one and only Battle for Middle You.
The Slow Rush is without a doubt my album of the quarantine session so far. It’s Tame Impala’s 4th and it’s a cracker.
Kevin Parker recorded this between native Australia and LA – and that provides a really nice window through which to understand the sound. It’s this awesome struggle between a lazy, beachy indie sound, and the more intense, highly produced electronic LA vibe. I hope you enjoy it as much as I am.
Bonus track: Ben Gomori’s remix of Breathe Deeper gently lifts it up one notch. Lovely.
Photo credit: Neil Krug
Right, so obviously one half of what makes Boiler Room videos great is the randos losing their nut next to the DJ. I get that. But obviously that setup ain’t the most socially responsible right now. So we have to make do with the other half – stonking sets delivered to your screen.
Boiler Room have lined up some of their favourite producers for quarantine sets. My favourite so far is from Mall Grab. Worth it just for that track 8 minutes in. If anyone can ID it I’ll be eternally grateful.
More Mall Grab picks here.
One going out to anyone who has been having a tough time. It’s a good-vibes-only classic from HNNY, and it’s got your name on it. Stay safe out there kids.
*NEW SOUNDS FOR YOUR BORED QUARANTINED EARS*
Jadu Heart’s first full length album is excellent. The masked duo are growing with every release – tightening their grip on their screwed-up electro-pop style, and casting a spell over the listener. The interplay between their voices (his rough and raw, hers sweet and tender) is perfectly measured; and the switches between moody and playful are perfectly executed. Even the album’s more straightforward rougher edges serve to increase its charm.
You can probably tell I like it. And it I like it more each time I put it on. Oh and boy you should see them live.
Most of the tracks have already been released so it might feel quite familiar. My star picks are Wanderlife and Harry Brompton’s Ice Tea, but in truth I could list half of the tracks on there.
More of my thoughts on Jadu Heart here.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; you’ve got to hand it to Disclosure. They seem to be able to ride each musical wave as it comes, while maintaining something that makes them distinctive. Much easier said than done.
Their latest offering is out now on Island Records. They seem completely oblivious to the fact that it isn’t mid-Summer, but I won’t hold that against them. It is sun-soaked house banger after banger. Props.
My top pick is Tondo, a high energy afro-infused number. Enjoy.
More of my thoughts on the lads’ previous release here.
We’re in full-blown banger territory here lads. Todd and Kieran doing God’s house-work.
Bonus playlist: if you are feeling this (especially the stabs of piano), you might enjoy this playlist I’ve put together for your listening pleasure.
Remember when Digitalism were just so on it? The year was 2007, and the album was Idealism. Pogo, proper stuff. Anyway now it’s 2020 and they’ve lost a bit of their lustre, but it still ain’t bad. Their 4th album is called JPEG and it came out a few months ago.
In particular, check out Panavision for some uplifting electronic fun.
Bonus album: yeah I’m not going to leave you hanging like that.
HARRY'S MUSICAL EMPORIUM 