THE BEST MUSIC: NEW & OLD
A very Happy New Year to you all. Thanks again for checking out the blog, and sending feedback, ideas, and love.
Before we get to 2023, here’s one final post on 2022.
Here are my most played tracks of the year courtesy of Spotify. Some gems in there. Heavily featured artists include Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs, Bonobo and Hand Habits.
And finally, here is a link to my top 50 on Soundcloud. Knock yourself out.
Long time no see listeners. I’m back with a triple-helping of Dusky goodness.
First up, one of my fave tracks from 2012, their remix of Cloud 9’s Don’t You Want Me Baby. This’ll be sure to get a smile on yer face.
But look, this is Dusky we are talking about, and it all really began (just over) a decade ago with Stick By This. Earlier this year they released a deluxe 10 year anniversary edition with some tasty little edits. Here. You. Go.
And finally, they released a new album just last week. Maybe you were at EartH this weekend for the launch party. Anyway, Pressure is a tribute to the sound of their youth, which is… garage. I have to be honest, most garage isn’t really for me – but for these guys I’ll make a small exception. Check it out here.
If I say Bicep meets Dusky, then you’ll get an idea for what this track is all about. You’ll find it somewhere in the space between cerebral and ravey. Maybe you’ll like that space.
Logic1000 is the project of Aussie producer Samantha Poulter. This track is another from RA’s Best Tracks of 2021 feature.
I have to admit, this new snorter from Justin Martin really caught me off guard.
The build up is a relentless industrial hum which didn’t fill me with confidence. But wait until 2 minutes in (by which point you’ll feel fucking on edge) and there is a massive hi-hat-led drum fill which fires into colossal synths and plucked melodies that just shine. Real ‘shivers down your spine’ territory this one. Turn it loud.
My only criticism, and this is a serious one, is that the track is so short. At 3 mins 33 secs it only has time for 1 minute of the good stuff, and then it exits as quickly as it came. I’ll be keeping my eyes out for an extended edit.
Bonus tracks: Justin doesn’t play about does he? I’ve posted another solid gold Justin Martin number for your delectation below. Or you can also read my thoughts on his remix of Marshall Jefferson’s Mushrooms here.
First up, I can’t describe this new 3-track release by Dusky without loving on the name of the first track; Boris Borisson’s Trip To Morissons. I mean, what are they thinking? And why? I love it.
Anyway, to the music – it is another consistent (read, massive) release from the lads from London. It delivers just what you’d expect – some ethereal cords, some tasty nostalgic vocal samples, and some even more tasty breaks. Sharp.
A line paraphrased from the review on RA: Dusky deliver the “general feeling of roofs being raised”. And if you want to do just that, you’re in luck – join in for their 5th in a series of 8 hour sets at Mick’s Garage this Saturday. I can’t recommend them highly enough.
More Dusky loving by me here.
So Dusky have announced they are coming back for the 5th instalment of their ‘Take a Trip‘ Series. What does this mean? It means another chance to go on an 8 hour journey through the day and night with these colossi of the house music scene. Not one to miss.
It also means I have the perfect excuse to post some bangers. This is one deep discography for a duo that have only been around since 2011. Enjoy the Bank Holiday weekend listeners.
Lucky reader, I have 3 of the highest quality house tracks going for you today – all courtesy of KiNK. Strahil Velchev is the face of the Bulgarian electronic music scene. In my mind he is almost uniquely talented in taking massive, experimental steps in his production and yet still making music that is super listenable. No, I want to go further than that – he makes unfamiliar music that reaches out and grabs you, lifts you onto its shoulders and takes you on a wild beautiful ride. That’s what I hear anyway – let me know what you think.
First up Pocket Piano.
And now Dusky’s remix of Perth, followed by a KiNK remix of Jimpster.
HARRY'S MUSICAL EMPORIUM 