Here are a few of my all-time favorite home records.
David Bowie & Philip Glass – Heroes (Aphex Twin Remix)
I don’t think there will ever be another artist quite like David Bowie. My first exposure to him must have been his Goblin King role in Jim Henson’s film Labyrinth, when I was just a super young kid. Wasn’t until my teenage years that I properly discovered his music and delved through the full catalog. Kind of impossible to pick just one Bowie tune as a favorite. I probably spend more time listening to Blackstar as of late, but have always thought that Hunky Dory stands up as a real showcase of his raw songwriting talent. In any case, here is a truly bizarre mix of Heroes combined with Philip Glass’s symphony of the same name, done by the one and only Aphex Twin. All three have been huge influences on me.
D’Angelo – Really Love
This is actually a pretty new track, but I just think D’Angelo is a musical genius. The subtlety of the groove and instrumentation is incredible. That walking bass line will stay in my head for days. I probably drove my girlfriend a bit crazy putting this one on repeat when I first discovered it.
John Cale & Brian Eno – Spinning Away
Here is a pretty obscure one from the early 90s. I am slightly embarrassed to admit that I discovered this song via a cover version on the soundtrack for The Beach, which I think was by Sugar Ray. But thankfully it led me to the original, and Brian Eno is one of my all-time music productions idols. I love the clever lyrics on this tune (“with my pencil turning moments into line…”) and the reggae influences.
Steve Reich – Music for 18 Musicians
Steve Reich was such an innovator in minimal classical music. When I listen to his stuff, I hear the roots of a lot of modern electronic textures. This record to me is all about timbral exploration, seeing what palettes the instruments can create. It’s acoustic, but synthesis at the same time. Incredible record to put on and just space out to, let it wash over you.
Björk – All Is Full Of Love
Both my favorite Björk song, as well as one of my favorite music videos, from director Chris Cunningham. A super sensual combination of electronics with deeply human organic elements. It’s bittersweet, there’s something evocative and heart-wrenching in there, even though it’s ultimately very beautiful and positive.
Underworld – Dirty Epic
Where to even begin talking about Underworld. So influential. Again, a very difficult act to pick just one track from. But Dirty Epic in particular has always had a huge impact on me. Has all those Underworld elements – it’s a little mechanical, but super sultry and raw at the same time. Hearing this also takes me back to memories of Underworld’s incredible live performances. Karl has such a stage presence when he sings this one.
Orbital – Sad But New
Orbital were probably the group that really pulled me hardest into exploring dance music. When I first heard them, I was instantly hooked. This one is an obscure B-side off the bonus disc of the In Sides album. It is probably still my favorite tune of theirs, such a nice soft bubbly bed of synths.
Coldcut – Autumn Leaves (Irresistable Force Remix)
This one always tugs at the heartstrings, just a super pretty piece of music, and such a unqiue take on a jazz standard. Incredibly cinematic, I don’t know if this was ever actually used in a major film, but it should have been. For me, hearing this evokes the sense of being in the midst of a movie. And though this remix is a different sound, I have a huge respect for Coldcut and all the stuff they were putting out in the 90s, really pushing sampling before it became so easy to do it all on computers.
Danny Tenaglia & Celeda – Be Yourself
I probably don’t actually listen to this one at home too often, but this is the gospel for me. Has to be on the list. Such respect for Tenaglia. This right here is the message.
Mark Slee – Nocturne Belle EP (Manjumasi)
San Francisco’s Mark Slee & Atish are the bosses of the Manjumasi Music label and it is the former who is behind the on point debut release on the imprint. As well as two fine originals from the man himself, Cocoon star Tim Green and German producer Patlac get in on the action with some fine remixes. Slee is part of an underground music collective House-Heads and also has a show on Proton Radio. He has a deep, well developed house style that has found him play from Cape Town to Robot Heart and release on labels like Cityfox, Proton Music and more. With a sound that tickles both mind and soul, this new one is another fresh proposition. Seductive opener ‘Nocturne Belle’ literally translates from French as “Beautiful Night.” It is a deep tune with a calm but mysterious air, one which evokes a sense of exploration through inner space. The name is simultaneously a play on the bell sounds that weave an enchanting line of melody through the track. Between verses, synthesised orchestral crescendos steadily build and release tension. Remixing is Cocoon man Tim Green, who churns out big hitting techno tracks as well as running his own Disc Over Music. The UK Stalwart’s mix takes the track in a more epic, sweeping direction, equally well-built for both the late-night dance floors and the desert expanse. A strong and driving groove is punctuated by thunderous bass stabs alongside some of Tim’s signature arpeggiated synth-lines and a melodic buildup that is as fierce as itis cinematic. Balancing the package is German DJ and producer Patlac, who works with labels like liebe*detail and Pets Recording. He offers an interpretation that takes things in a deliciously dubby direction, with a sturdy bass-driven groove laying the foundation for more mystical sonic explorations. An acid-infused synth line relentlessly meanders on its way as bits and pieces of the original waft in and out of the ether. Rounding things out is a second superb original, ‘Nacht Zwei,’ or “Night Two.” A clever counterpoint to Nocturne Belle, this one takes the sonic palette in a darker, clubbier direction. Loopy, warped bells create a hypnotic undercurrent as a driving synth riser steadily builds to peak intensity. This is a richly rewarding package that makes a big impact in clever and carefully crafted ways.
Mark Slee – Nocturne Belle EP (Manjumasi) Release: May 20th 2016 Cat. No.: MAMA001
