D5: Flotation Tank (2005 Delsin)
The standout track from the standout Planet Delsin compilation. 2005 has proved to be one of the best years for quality techno in a longtime.
Laurent Garnier: Barbiturik Blues (C2 Remix) (2005 F Comm)
Hot on the heels of his beautiful Just Another Day EP, Carl Craig once again turns in a stunning remix… a highly original arrangement and daring sounds make this a real winner.
Claude Young: Detroit By Night (2005 Cynet:Media)
Everyone in techno seems on fire right now! A haunting downtempo piece from Claude’s amazing new album one.nine.eight.four
The Beauty Room: Don’t You Know (Hefner Remix) (2005 New Religion Vanity Project)
Hefner turns in a deep, hypnotic house remix of the debut single from The Beauty Room. The original finally sees release this month after acclaim from Zero 7, Max Sedgley, Patrick Forge, etc.
John Martyn: Small Hours (Instrumental) (1977 Island)
Universal’s superb Deluxe CD Series turns up this epic 10minute instrumental version of the ultimate chillout track. Remastered and sounding better than ever the One World album is totally essential.
Cream: Politician (BBC Session) (1967 Polydor)
The Deluxe CD Edition of the classic Disraeli Gears includes an uptempo version of this track. The faster tempo gives Ginger Baker the opportunity to let rip with some outrageously funky drumming.
Bob Dylan: All Along the Watchtower (1967 Columbia)
Well thanks to Martin Scorsese’s terrific documentary and the current BBC season, Dylan is in the spotlight once more. Although Hendrix probably did the definitive version the original comes from the important John Wesley Harding album that flew in the face of the psychedelic experimentation at the time of its release.
Lil Louis: Music Takes U Away (1987 Dance Mania)
A jackin’ Chicago house classic from a label still going strong today.
Neil Young: The Old Laughing Lady (1969 Reprise)
His recent album reminded me to go back and check his classic material and this stands out amongst his best songs. Soaked with a deep gospel-soul vibe.
The Chitinous Ensemble: Aldebaranian Song (1970 Decca)
Thanks to the Vocalion label this impossibly rare UK avant-jazz oddity is finally available to all. The personal project of string arranger to the stars (David Bowie, Elton John, Rolling Stones) and mate of Miles Davis, Paul Buckmaster. In A Silent Way meets Ligeti… moody and unsettling.
‘Electric Institute’ compilation out on New Religion on the 7th November
