Old skool vibes in the area
Xpansions – Move Your Body
I’ll never tire of this. A great time in UK electronic music, classic 90s. The rising synths and stabs. The start of it all for me.
Inner City – Big Fun
Another 80s/90s classic which I still like to play. Can’t hear this and sit still.
Tom & Jerry – Maximum Style
I love how they used this sample and then when it goes into straight Jungle/D’n’B. This is timeless.
24 Hour Experience – Together
A classic UKG track. I always loved the jazzy feel behind this, the double bass and offbeat chords, the vocals. All time favourite.
Modestep – Show Me A Sign (Todd Edwards Remix)
This vocal remix has such a good feeling about it. Classic Todd. One of those I listen to at home wishing I’d hear out.
Super Cat – Oh It’s You
Coming from a Jamaican background I’d hear Reggae/Ragga growing up. This song remains a favourite. The bass, rhythm, shuffling hats, Super Cat over the beat. Original Dancehall.
The Avalanches – Electricity
This always reminds me of a trip to LA where my sister would play this track, has a West Coast feeling to me, the bass and use of samples are my favourite.
Roy Ayers – Life Is Just A Moment Part 2
My Mum introduced me to a lot of 70s soul, she’d always play Roy Ayers in the house and I still do, his music has inspired me a lot. I love the bass on this, funky guitar in the background and the vocals, so much feeling and meaning.
James Brown – There Was A Time
A great James Brown track that I love to play at home, I love the brass, the thrashing chorus, the simmered down verses but all with the same vibe and the last line he sings in the song, he’s a boss!
George Duke – Feel
One of my favourite songs ever. Just beautiful and George Duke’s signature synth solo is my favourite part.
Rukaiya Russell – Return From Miramar EP (RuRu Records)
South London’s Rukaiya Russell returns to her own imprint, RuRu Records, with a new three tracker that is typically fresh and lovable. It is named after a recent trip to Havana, Cuba and is her third on the label. Russell has been doing her do for a while now, and includes Gilles Peterson (who had her guest on his show) as a fan. She has also released on his Brownswood label as well as many others like CDR, has had BBC Radio 6 and Capital Xtra air play and operates on the funkier end of the spectrum. She impresses once again with this latest EP, which offers up dance music with a real sense of personality and charm Opener ‘Return From Miramar’ is a classic summery dance track with lively pianos, funked up drums that make for a loose limbed groove and lots of soul infused vocals. It’s feel good, fulsome and hugely colourful. ‘Moving’ is a smooth, shuffling vocal track with complex drum and percussive patterns cutting up a fantastic rhythm. The vox are dreamy and sensuous, and the overall vibe, complete with humid chords, is one of late night romance. Finally, ’Ever Synth Then’ is inspired by the late 80s and early 90s house that emerged in the UK when Rukaiya first came to love electronic music. It has spiralling, freeform neon chords darting about all over the place, with slapping hits and whirring stabs all making for a gentle kinetic sense of energy that really makes you want to move. This third EP from Rukaiya Russell is her best yet and should win her many more fans around the world, both those in the booth and those on the other side.
Rukaiya Russell – Return From Miramar EP (RuRu Records) Release: August 17th 2015 Cat. No. RU0415RFM
