STREAM: Sasha feat. Kicki Halmos - Shoot You Down
Don't be put off by the artist or length of this if you're not usually a fan of Sasha or 10 minute tracks, as you just might be pleasantly surprised thanks to the vocal that comes in just after the 3 minute mark.
You might remember Touch Sensitive from "Real Talk", his collaboration with Anna Lunoe that was a club hit last year, or perhaps from "Body Stop", his piece of nu-disco perfection from a couple of years ago. You might also know him as the man on guitar and synth in Van She. However you do or don't know him, check out "Show Me", a nu-disco slow jam sprinkled with R&B vibes.
Iain Harper (aka Wilroy) is a Canadian producer with an affinity for hip-hop, a formal education in composition, and a connection with music spanning back to his father's extensive jazz collection on cassette (Yes, if you grew up with Daddy's record collection you are officially getting old). These characteristics blend especially well in 'Everybody Copes With', which builds by the book but stills manages to create a rhythmic swagger that reminds me of more established contemporaries like Mount Kimbie or Ifan Dafydd
Iain Harper - Everybody Copes With (download)
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STREAM: Uusi Fantasia - Barefoot Not Naked (Velferd Remix)
Does it ever bother you? I mean, the inevitable truth that, at any moment, there exists a fantastic song out there that would make your day or your week, but which you just might never come across? For us, it's a daily frustration and eternal motivation. Which is why we love being exposed to tracks like this one, from two years ago.
Norwegian DJ Velferd serves up a chilled, disco-dipped take on Helsinki-based Uusi Fantasia's collaboration with Kings of Convenience's other half--you know, the one that isn't Erlend Øye, but rather Eirik Bøe. With typically low-key-cool vocals and perfectly placed instrumentals, it's definitely a song worthy of a Scandinavian springtime, and we're thrilled to add it to our playlists, even a couple years later.
Incidentally, we owe a big thanks to Anoraak for bringing it to our attention in his excellent April Mixtape, which is also worth listening to:
Photo: Nico Krijno
STREAM: Mickey feat. Jeremy Glenn 'Heartstrings' (Extended Dub)
Mickey and Jeremy Glenn pull on my House Heartstrings with this extended dub; complete with those classic syncopated synthy triads that make me daydream of standing behind the decks; clapping my hands and wigglin my hips. Stream it here, and buy the EP on beatport if you want to re-live the moment on a dance floor.
Benedict gives us a eurhythmic procession of soul and bass that I can almost guarantee will lift your spirits on this shivery spring day.
Benedict Jackson - If Only (Download)
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Photo: Alexandra Valenti
Though a few of our friends disagree on how to say Poliça's name, none of them deny her immense talent. This moody Tropics remix of Wandering Star feels more supernatural, the musical equivalent of a witches' brew. In any case, it's a haunt I've been inclined to indulge in for a few months and counting.
Polica - Wandering Star (Tropics Remix)
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MP3: Brandy - Departed (Jesper Samuelson Remix)
We have no clue where Jesper Samuelson keeps finding his summer inspiration in Sweden, but whatever he's doing is working. Keep dreaming of the beach, Jesper, and we'll keep listening to your tunes!
Photo: Franck Allais
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Soundcloud Stream!
Hey Blog Friends - In case you haven't had a chance to check it out yet, the Pants Dance Spring volume is now up in The Dance section. All 18 tracks are available for streaming and free download, and you can download a full zip here!
1. Light Asylum - A Certain Person (Stereogamous Bath House Version)
2. Chordashian - Cold Night
3. BB Brunes - Stereo (Jupiter Remix)
4. Bixel Boys - Love Like This
5. Zoelah - Wine Up On Me (Murlo Remix)
6. Hot Toddy - Down to Love (Henry Krinkles Lush Haus Mix)
7. Phoenix - Anybody (Crayon Rework)
8. Ben Macklin and Yota - Controller (Cassette Club Night Remix)
9. Ginger and the Ghost - One Time of Dark (Ta-ku Remix)
10. Jonas Rathsman - Bringing You Down
11. DEVolution - Friends (Radio Edit)
12. Bit Funk - The Long Road Ahead
13. Laura Mvula - Green Garden (s o h n remix)
14. Jessie Ware - If You Love Me (OfficialBenzel & Xaphoon Jones & Grave Goods Remix)
15. Unkown Mortal Orchestra - Swim and Sleep (Like A Shark) (Little Dragon Remix)
16. The White Lamp - Make It Good (Hannes Fischer Remix)
17. David Bowie - Golden Years (Tim Fuchs Edit)
18. Tracy Chapman - Give Me One Reason (The Tailors Remix)
Sorry we've been quiet guys! Was on vacation skiing in Aspen last week, then down to a friend's wedding in Florida, followed by a somewhat deserved cold after dancing a bit too hard with the bride and groom. As I unpacked to the itunes stream of JT's new album, I entered into a debate with a few friends on his choice of song length. I'm with the camp that thinks 7-8 minutes is too long for his music; even if he is trying to drift towards dance it is still radio-pop to me.
The conversation reminded me of this Lulu Rouge remix I've kept on solid rotation in my life-soundtrack for more than a year now. Bound together by a brassy bass, it earns its eight-minute mark through a variety of movements, with a heart-beat that swells through the sixth minute and ebbs just as hard as it flows.
Gus Gus - Within You (Lulu Rouge Remix) (download)
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Photo: Peter Crawley




