LEFTFIELD – ORIGINAL
The album this track featured on was a game changer during my youth. It changed my perception completely. I first heard this on a Snap! essential mix from the 90’s which my eldest brother recorded on tape (which I still have btw). It’s a track you can completely immerse yourself in from beginning to end.
BJORK – VENUS AS A BOY
This is a percy of mine. I can’t be the only one to say Bjork has to be one of the most influential artists of modern music. This oozes creativity and beautiful song writing. Almost perfect listening for those psychologically tough days which a lot of us are experiencing right now. This particular track also featured on my all-time favourite movie ‘Leon’ with Jean Reno.
FUGEES – THE SCORE
Seminal album for me and ahead of it’s time when it came out in 1996. I still have the original CD which never leaves the glove box in my car. There’s so many poignant lyrics throughout this journey. Theres a perfect balance between hard beats and musical samples with soul.
![THE SCORE [FULL ALBUM]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/7UfVr5Xib50/0.jpg)
KHRUANGBIN – MR. WHITE
Definition of swag right here. I love these guys so much, and how dope is Laura Leezy!? Purveyors in modern-day cosmopolitan, psychedelic funk. Just fucking cool and effortless, period.
PAUL HARDCASTLE – 19
Thankfully I inherited a lot of 80’s music during my upbringing. There is so much great music from this era. I chose this particular track as the Anti- war message it sends out is more relevant than ever.
PESHAY – VOCAL TUNE
If this gets thrown on, you know you’re at the right gaff, certified riddim – simples.
EVERYTHING BUT THE GIRL – WRONG
The album this tune featured on plays a big part in my electronic music collection. Courtesy of Ben Watt and Tracey Thorn released in 1996. Feels like such a heartfelt and sophisticated album rich with emotion. Thorne’s vocals sound divine.
PLASTIKMAN – ARTIFACTS
If we are talking techno at an afters… There’s only one clear winner. Not sure what dimension he was in when he wrote all his early stuff but Hawtin ticks all the boxes with this one. Fucking proper!!
CLARO INTELECTO – PEACE OF MIND
Stylish electro stormer here. 808! Strings! Bass! Rhodes!
PRINCE – WHEN DOVES CRY
Intelligent pop music. No need to explain the musicianship of Prince (RIP). The production here is sublime. How many songs do you know can get away without a bassline!!?
Alexander Church & Jody Barr – Configurations 11 (Configurations of Self)
The last couple of decades have seen Church emerge as one of techno’s most interesting sound designers, groove makers and synth wizards. From melodic soundscapes to industrial techno under a range of aliases he can do it all, and often with a deep thinking perspective that adds real depth to the music. Barr, meanwhile, last appeared on the label when remixing back in June. He has also landed on Krankbrother and Nofitstate, runs his own Portable Minds, and is also a close member of Sasha’s Last Night on Earth family. His hardware-centric sound is always rugged and real. Church’s opener ‘Splitting’ is a scintillating and luxurious techno track with an angelic vocal drifting like a cloud amongst silvery harmonies and melodies. A driving bassline powers along the groove and ensures you’re lost in a reverie. Jody Barr then offers ‘Collusion’, a darker track with acid gurgles underpinning the icy hi hats. It’s deep techno for the dead of the night and is hugely atmospheric. ‘Dissociated Process’ is the final Church original and is another exquisite showcase of his ability to pair heavy grooves with delicate and majestic synth craft. The rubbery drums provide the rhythm while the keys and deft melodies drift past up top with a real sense of beauty. Lastly, Barr’s ‘Under the Rain’ rides on an expansive and cosmic broken beat grove with plenty of astral pads and starry synths unfolding in the wide open skies above.
