Gas – Pop
An absolute dream of a record, one I’ve found myself so lost in. I can barely listen to a few seconds without my mind starting to melt.
Ali Farka Toure – The River
He gets so much expression out of his guitar, such a delight to hear. Several times I’ve listened through to this record, got to the end, and had to put it on again.
Shuggie Otis – Inspiration Information
Perfect to drift away to a peaceful place, start to finish and beautiful record. Shuggie nailed it here.
Darkside – Psychic
The unbelievable production is just the tip of the iceberg. Takes me away to an amazing place every time. Still remember hearing it for the first time, what a joy!!
David Lynch – The Big Dream
I’ve hammered this record, and it just never seems to get old. Beautiful, melancholic and massive sounding all at the same time. One to turn up loud on big speakers. Light one up and drift.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrCqtb5S8Ow
Air – La Femme D’Argent
As soon as the sound of rain fades in I know I’m in for a massive treat as Moon Safari plays out, a real staple as I was growing up and still play it loads to this day.
Sebastian Tellier – La Ritournelle
A real beauty of a builder with a great string arrangement. Love how it’s 4 minutes before it fully kicks in with the vocal.
Zero 7 – Likufanele
A great vocal, apparently the Zulu translates as, “The name that they call you by suits you”. It’s a beautiful arrangement and those french horns are so warm and juicy.
Enya – Orinoco Flow
One of those tunes that elicits delight and groans in equal measure. I think I must have been exposed to this in large doses as a child as it’s completely ingrained.
Fat Freddy’s Drop – Hope
I love the optimism in this, it can deliver a little boost right where you need it. A good choice for the final track when you’re finally fading after a long night out.
Very much at the heart of the modern Southern Fried operation, Fluida make a welcome return with a second stunning EP of the year. Once again they show real progression in their style and manage to be both dance floor friendly as well as deeply emotive and musical.
Still little is known about Fluida, but their music is really making waves: the Gold Spiral EP they put out in March was another triumph that won fans from across the dance spectrum, from BBC 6 Music to Sasha and Joris Voorn, such is the breadth of their appeal. Once again here they marry real instrumentation with clever synths and drums into music that packs more than just a physical punch.
Two of the tracks here have full and complete vocals that show real advancement in their skills. ‘Breathing Space’ opens things in resplendent fashion with layers of dreamy bass guitar licks brushing up against soft drums and loose percussion. It is a warm and comforting cut with wistful vocals contributing real melancholia to the grooves. Next up, ‘Instinct’ showcases a sparkling array of interwoven instruments, including tuned bamboo percussion hand built by Fluida. It is littered with trilling spring time melodies and beachy guitar strums. ‘Instinct’ is as blissful as it is beautiful.
The succulent ‘Source’ marries gently tumbling drums and sub bass with cleverly treated vocals that sound dehumanised yet hugely emotive. It is a piece of perfect dance pop with real heart. A dub version places extra focus on the punchy beats and introduces gently lilting chords to soothe the soul.