Black Coffee – All Saints

I didn’t know that there is another track out there with such strong Pure Shores vibes. And yet, here we are, and here it is.

Melt Away – Jadu Heart

*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.

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.

Love the Night Away (Tiedye Remix) – DJ Kaos

Some feel-good electro-piano-pop made right, by the misleadingly named German producer DJ Kaos. There’s nothing to hate about this one. It’s reminiscent of Breakbot. And that can only be a good thing. Put your feet up and enjoy.

Baby I’m Yours (Feat. Irfane) – Breakbot

There is some good music out there in the world. There really is. Hopefully I’ve helped you find some of it. Some of it is moody, some dramatic, some calming, some mysterious, some angry, some sad, some happy. And then there’s some that is really fucking happy. This track falls into that final category. I defy anyone to listen to this track and not break into a grin.

Elder Island

Look, I’ll just go ahead and say it. I LOVE Elder Island. They just don’t know how to make average music. I’m seeing them live tonight and I couldn’t be more excited. They are touring ahead of the release of their new album, Omnitone. Here are singles number 2, 3 and 4. Don’t say I’m not good to you.

If you liked them then check out Don’t Lose here

Mother Protect (Goldroom Remix) – Niki & The Dove

Last week I posted The Magician Remix of I Follow Rivers. For me, there’s one other track that hits that upbeat electronica vibe so perfectly, and it’s this. Again it is the vocals of a Swedish producer being lifted by feel-good keys. Ah, 2011.

Sing it with me: “Oh my heart is like an eagle, I love to fall from the sky / It’s so beautiful, I see right through the water’s edge / And I love your hands, I let them lead me into the cage / So tender, but your body was warm, so frail / But your eyes like mine / The colour of ice”

I Follow Rivers (The Magician Remix) – Lykke Li

Hello and welcome to a super-special post. The 101st HME post. Yeah it’s traditional to celebrate 100s, but I missed it, so here we are. #101isthenew100

Today we are going back to 2011 and this glowing, endorphin bubbling re-edit by The Magician. Golden piano chords and Lykke’s longing, devoted vocals are a golden combo. Smile.

Live in the Moment (Tycho Remixes) – Portugal. The Man

I’m growing a moustache to raise money for the Movember Foundation. So this month I will be honouring some of the best moustaches in music. You can donate to my mo here: https://mobro.co/harry-mo

Here are a couple of nice re-imaginings of Portugal. The Man’s Live in the Moment by Tycho. Portugal. The Man has an annoying way of writing his artist name which is going to make this post unintelligible if I refer to him too often. Anyway, he sounds a bit like Alt-J, if Alt-J wasn’t so sad. Tycho on the other hand, make blissful dream-scapey electronica which is pretty soothing and sweet. The two come together pretty nicely here.

Please keep your suggestions on artists with moustaches coming in. This post was suggested by the band Rule of Young.

Sylvan Esso – Sylvan Esso

I’m growing a moustache to raise money for the Movember Foundation. So this month I will be honouring some of the best moustaches in music. You can donate to my mo here: https://mobro.co/harry-mo

Followers of the blog will know I’m a big fan of Sylvan Esso. This is the album that kicked everything off for the lovable North Carolina duo. The smoothness of their production has come on since they released this one, but in terms of raw freedom of sound, I think this release is hard to match.

Dress and Coffee are my highlights, but there aren’t really any weak tracks. Fun fact, the repeated final refrain from Uncatena (“All I want from you’s a letter and to be your distant lover. That is all that I can offer at this time”) is ripped directly from a break-up letter that singer Amelia Meath received in her teen years. Apparently the experience of having a massive crowd sing it along with her at gigs is incredibly cathartic.