March music round-up

I've plenty of things to post about this month, however, since it's been one of those weekends, I will just stick to the usual of posting up my latest and greatest hot tracks of this month. Enjoy! LB x

What happens when three of your favourite artists collaborate together to compose one of the most beautiful tracks that you've heard in a while? This happens:

One of my favourite bits about this tune, is not only does it combine the natural styles of all three artists (Burial, Four Tet and Thom Yorke) but as the song develops it builds and builds whilst still being industrial and progressive - ending in a percussion breakdown. The piano riff sends shivers up my spine, but that is totally up my street so no wonder I'm a little biased! You could say that it's not a song of epic proportions since Burial and Four Tet are extremely similar in their producing styles however, I really enjoy the lush melodies and I reckon this could be a collaboration we will be seeing more of in the future!

For fans of: MUSIC - or James Blake, Zero 7 and Bonobo

Nathan C & Danny Dove: Up and coming house producers come together to form this bad boy - watch out for the 2nd drop, it certainly took me by surprise. For fans of: Laidback Luke, Eric Prydz and Daft Punk

Something has got to be said for British producers, especially when they make crazy songs like this. The riff reminds me strongly of Daft Punk but that can be totally overlooked once the bass kicks in. I literally fell upon these two last year, when they released 'Clubbed to Death' - another club banger! Whilst it may not take your breath away, I was pretty impressed by this.. I can certainly say that I am very jealous I shan't be seeing them at MWC - especially if this is what they're pulling out the bag beforehand!!!

Shift – Nathan C & Danny Dove by dannydove

Nicolas Jaar: Although not terribly new, Nicolas Jaar is certainly a must for any easy chill-out playlist. Out of New York, but quickly relocating to Chile, Jaar has had a diverse range of influences which definitely come through in his music. All his tracks sit firmly in the downtempo genre, yet he manages to avoid the trap that most ambient artists suffer and has made them all very different. I discovered this gem of his which is a lovely interpretation of the original. Jaar's style, whilst not unique, combines rolling deep basslines with mellow tribal treble to keep all his tracks in your top 5 chill out songs.
For fans of: Stimming, Max Cooper and Paul Hazendonk.

Jose James: Alright so I appreciate I am most probably in a chilled mood at the moment since the majority of this round up has been made up of easy-going tunes, but this is another man that has been overlooked by many and shouldn't be forgotten! A helping hand from Joy Orbison quite simply ticks all the boxes for me. I love the broken beats added together with the summery vox on top, its a beaut - but saying this, although I hate to criticise.. it is an awful lot like his previous work. However, if your fan - like me - then this should whet your Joy Orbison appetite!
For fans of: JOY ORBISON basically.

I Heart Hiroshima: Slightly sadistic, but I felt this was an extremely ironic way to end my music picks. Here is 'I Heart Hiroshima' with 'Shakeytown' - need I say more?

On second thoughts: OLD SKOOL...

February's Hot Picks

Its been a while since my last post, but I am feeling confident that I can offer up some tasty new tunes that you may or may not have heard before - just a few of the things I've been enjoying this month. Again, it will be rather an eclectic mix so get ready!

Stimming: soft downtempo beats with a latin vibe to spice it up somewhat, rather minimal tech in style - so not one for those who get bored easily. However, personally.. its a keeper! 

Martin Stimming is an artist which I have most definitely have picked to watch next season, albeit the majority of his other tracks falling short of the one I've picked out below. His collaborations with the likes of Solomun and H.O.S.H are so-so, more experimental than anything else but we shall see what happens next!

Paul Kalkbrenner: more downtempo melodic beats combined with hard-hitting basslines that wholly sum up Kalkbrenner's style and detail his 15 years of experience within the industry. Infamous vocals that I am sure have been sampled again and again. This track is a must for any chill-out playlist!! For fans of: Zero 7, Bonobo and Moby.

A techno legend in his own right, Kalkbrenner still hits the spot after a heavy night out on the razz. Still not having watched 'Berlin Calling' (it's on my things to do for next month), I probably dont get as much out of listening to this song which I believe is heavily used throughout the movie - but a tune to cleanse ones soul nonetheless...

Darwin Deez feat Das Racist: low slung hip-hop with lyrics that will make even your granny blush (hold on for Deez's entrance at 1.30 in)! These beats wouldn't go amiss in a apres ski bar way up in the French mountains. For fans of: Jurassic 5, Dr Dre and Beardyman

The majority of people who have probably heard of Darwin Deez, associate him with his one hit wonder of last year, Radar Detector (well worth a listen too). However, it seems that he is exploring other avenues by collaborating with Das Racist on this tune and I am absolutely loving it! Deez, renowned for his kooky style, unkempt haircuts and simply downright weird videos has stepped away from the sickly sweet candyfloss indie that he was making last year and showcases his real rhyming talent (what a relief!!)

Hell I'll even put it in since it is really catchy and plus, the video is a MUST to watch (simply for Deez's dancing.. it is rather "out there")

Ellie Golding (Alan Braxe remix): feel good vibes of summer throughout and even though it may be just another of "THOSE" Ellie Golding remixes, it certainly makes my day. Be warned, the first section of this tune can get rather annoying but just wait for it, its definitely worth it!

You can hear Braxe throughout this tune; he has really taken this song and made it his own. Majority of his previous work has been with Fred Falke so, this is one of the very few times I've ever really heard him on his own - his style hasn't changed one little bit. However, there is no doubt in the fact that without Golding's serene vocals, this tune would be absolutely nothing. A unique take on the original.

Boy & Bear: Happy go-lucky indie which you simply can't help but dance along to. Honestly, I think it's hard to find a fault with any of their songs. They are all fused with rich melodies and harmonies that are complemented by the warm sound of acoustic guitars and a banjo for good measure. For fans of: Mumford and Sons, Noah and the Whale and Jack Johnson (at times). 

So many great bands have come out of Australia and following in their footsteps are Boy & Bear, who recently supported Mumford and Sons on their Australian tour. Having formed in 2009, its early days for the five aussies but with voices like theirs, I am sure it won't be long until they are over on our shores! I found it very difficult to choose my fave tune to post up however was seriously impressed by this acoustic set - for something a little more upbeat check out 'Rabbit Song' or their cover of 'Fall at Your Feet by Crowded House'.

Adrian Lux: reminds me distinctly of Deadmau5 however, I think that gives you a good idea of what to expect.

Theres no surprise that this chappy is a young swede after listening to his stuff. I rather like this tune, a bit of a guilty pleasure shall we say! I've had a quick look for more songs from him but none of them seem to be quite as good as this track:

Anyway, thats all for this month. I shall keep my eyes and ears open for what's coming up next month. Thanks for reading as always and here are two of my top faves that need absolutely NO introduction, just to finish off: