THE BEST MUSIC: NEW & OLD
A stone cold classic from 1991 to bring in the weekend. It still feels crazy fresh.
Shadow Child breathed some new life into it as a part of a 2019 remix package. I’m a big fan of this version too. Sounds for all the world like a Dusky production…
I’m totally obsessed with this 3-EP offering from Germany-based artist Sam Goku – released on the ever-excellent Permanent Vacation label. Across 12 tracks these Explorations span lo-fi house sounds, ambient drifters and low-key techno bangers. Throughout, and I think this is the the real achievement of the series, everything feels imbued with soul and emotion – not an easy feat given the almost complete lack of vocal samples. Put it all together and you have 12 tracks that feel as natural in your headphones in your home, as they do heating up a smoke-filled dancefloor in an opening set.
Presenting Crooked Man’s 3rd album, Crooked Stile.
I like to think of Crooked Man kind of like Crazy P’s troubled, misbehaving twin. The tracks are as excellent and share the same funky groove – but where Crazy P is warmth and light, Crooked Man is dark and grit. And say it quietly, but maybe a bit more fun. You can put Crazy P on in the living room, this is an album best saved for the basement. Introduce Crazy P to your family, keep Crooked Man’s phone number saved under a different name in your phone. You get the idea.
If you only listen to two tracks, make them: Big Love – which has a delightfully grimy, driving hook; and Don’t Leave Me This Way – an update of the 70s version that I cannot wait to play out.
Let me know what you think.
Bringing you an italo-infused chuggy house number from London-based producer and DJ Joseph Ashworth. I mean this in the best way possible – it sounds like the kind of track that would have been used to soundtrack a 90s motorbike racing game. Love it.
Shout out to Ben Gomori’s Turned On podcast for the tip.
I think I’ve identified a trend of dance-music duos releasing soulful, electronic albums this Summer. Well, I can name two. Dam Swindle have added their names to the list alongside Chaos in the CBD, with the release of their third full-length album, Open.
I’m a big fan of almost everything Dam Swindle put out (see here, and here). And that’s no different for their new album, Open. But that’s not to say that it is more of the same from the Dutch duo. This album is wide-ranging and exploratory, with touches of synth-wave, ambient and soul. Chuck it on and play it front-to-back. You won’t regret it, I promise.
Bonus album: here is that Chaos in the CBD record I mentioned
One last look back at the year that was. Soundcloud playback never gets the same recognition as Spotify wrapped, but boy does the algorithm deliver.
You can find HME’s top played of 2024 right here. Expect some familiar names from the worlds of house and disco, and maybe some new ones too. Enjoy.
I’ve been taken by surprise by this one. I find Kidnap a bit hit-and-miss. When he’s on, he creates catchy, accessible, soulful electronica. But when he’s off, his music begins to feel generic and uninteresting. So I was caught off guard by the way I kept reaching back for this album.
The featuring artists are central to its success as a release. They each contribute their own character and energy, while Kidnap maintains the coherence of the album’s feel and flow. The tracks with Gabrielle Alpin are top notch, as is Chelou’s (shout out Adam!).
Photo credit: Candice Joelle
There’s no prizes for figuring out which disco classic has inspired Coburn with this one. The Queen of Disco’s energy comes through clear and strong in this reimagined, club-ready version, released 30 years later in 2006.
Bonus track: if the name Coburn is ringing a bell, it might be because of this number from 2005
Dutch duo Dam Swindle have a very impressive hit rate. Here’s another, this time with a little help from Adryiano on the remix.
Oh, and here are my thoughts on another.
We are now deep into Autumn in the UK, but if any track is going to transport you back to sunnier climes then it will be Dare Myself. In fact, it might just transport you back further – it has a really uncomplicated energy that feels ready-made for MTV Dance circa 2007. Pretty infectious. Enjoy.
This track was released in May on Future Disco. I came across it on the excellent Future Disco Radio. They release weekly mixes with guest artists and label boss Sean Brosnan (no, not Pierce’s son).
HARRY'S MUSICAL EMPORIUM 