DANG! What a week 😅

You know I was listening to that music though!

I fell back on a few comfort picks that have been in my library for a while, and on heavy rotation, but there’s some new-ish stuff here as well. Check out the vibe. In the close-out, I’ll give y’all some insight into my selection process, here.
A couple of honorable mentions as well this week.

1) Langsette – Leatherette: https://letherettemusic.bandcamp.com/track/langsette
“Langsette” by Leatherette has been one of my longtime favorites. They have a few other tracks I appreciate but this one is a gem. You don’t come across on like this every day. They struck gold, here.
This song takes us on a captivating, SMOOTH AF journey with its infectious blend of beats, melodies, and surprising voice samples. The track’s groovy bassline and vibrant percussion create an irresistible rhythm that hooks you from the very beginning. Leatherette’s expert production skills shine through, delivering a dynamic and soulful experience that’s perfect for laid-back listening sessions and your evening wind-down lists.

2) Back to the Roots – Makebo, Amonita: https://anjunadeep.bandcamp.com/track/back-to-the-roots-mixed-2
“Back to the Roots” by Makebo and Amonita is a mesmerizing collaboration that immerses listeners in an atmospheric and introspective world. It eases into a very recognizable cover of a very famous song, but I won’t spoil it. As a matter of fact, I came across another piece from an old school artist “Chicane” from the last ’90s/early 2000 era that covers/samples this same song (and might be in the top 4 next week).
The track blends light and breezy progressive house elements with ethereal textures, with some tribal drum elements, creating a captivating sonic landscape. The crescendoing melody and subtle progressions into the sample evoke a sense of nostalgia, and joy, while the infectious groove keeps the energy flowing. It’s a track that invites you to close your eyes, lose yourself in the music, and reconnect with your deepest emotions, or dance happily in feeling “back to the roots.”

3) Reviver (Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs Remix) – Lane 8, Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs: https://lane8.bandcamp.com/album/reviver-totally-enormous-extinct-dinosaurs-remix
Lane 8’s “Reviver” received a stunning remix treatment from Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs, resulting in a fresh and exhilarating Drum and Bass take on the original. The remix introduces vibrant and uplifting, infectious energy, combining pulsating synths, uplifting melodies, and driving beats. The track seamlessly transitions between moments of euphoria and introspection, creating a balance that keeps you hooked from start to finish. It’s an exposition of what a remix can be, and if you’re familiar with the original (if not check it out and see how different the two are), it really speaks to TEEDs skills as an artist. It’s uplifting, good energy that fills the air with an electrifying vibe and can get you moving, or dialed in for deep work.

4) Radiance – Miru: https://soundcloud.com/anjunadeep/miru-radiance
“Radiance” by Miru is one of my favorite tracks of all time. I swear this song heals my soul, mind, and body whenever I hear it. This is such a captivating piece that embodies the essence of melodic house and trance that the Anjunadeep label is all about. The track’s ethereal atmosphere, hypnotic arpeggios, and intricate soundscape create a transcendental experience. Miru’s meticulous attention to detail and intricate layering of rich, warm elements add depth and complexity to the composition that can’t be expressed in words. “Radiance” is a journey that takes you through an expansive soundscape and evokes a sense of wonder, and ease, and is just one of those songs that makes you feel like everything is alright, you know? Like seeing a beautiful sunset, summoning a mountain, or slipping into a warm bubble bath. One of my favorite writers, Kurt Vonnegut, says “And I urge you to please notice when you are happy, and exclaim or murmur or think at some point, ‘If this isn’t nice, I don’t know what is.’” This song will get you there.
If this isn’t nice, I don’t know what is.

Honorable mention // Patterns of Eternity – Adriatique: https://siameserecords.bandcamp.com/album/patterns-of-eternity
“Patterns of Eternity” by Adriatique is an honorable mention that deserves some recognition as I’ve been using it to study and focus this week a bit, and I just didn’t feel it could overtake these others that beat it out for listens. The track is a deep, dark, cerebral piece, blending deep melodic elements with a pulsating, driving rhythm. Adriatique is known for these very intricately layered dark prog house tracks with these otherworldly sweeps and transitions, creating an immersive atmosphere that really gets you zoned in (or out). “Patterns of Eternity” takes us on a captivating journey, showcasing the duo’s talent for crafting intricate and emotive electronic music.
There’s one last track I wanted to mention that I was only reminded of because I came across the original and this remix it’s not on Spotify. I had to go to YouTube to find it. I probably have it buried in a thumb drive on MP3 somewhere.

Honorable Mention 2 // Ruhe (Humate Mix) – Schiller: https://www.last.fm/music/Schiller/_/Ruhe+(Humate+Remix)
Schiller’s “Ruhe” is a timeless classic in the electronic music realm, and the Humate remix is a classic remix of the classic original – selected by Sasha & John Digweed in their glory days for the “Communicate” mix, the Humate mix takes it to new heights. It beautifully captures the essence of the original track while infusing it with darker and deeper energy.
The remix masterfully balances moments of tranquility with moments of intensity, building tension and release throughout the track. If y’all kids wanna see how we lived back in the day, give it a listen 👂

This week’s Top 4 playlist is filled with a couple longtime FAVORITE tracks, both of which are very chill and soothing, one high and good energy (non-4×4 track), and one with a nostalgic voice sample. They all captivate the senses and ignite the soul. Each song brings its own unique flavor to the mix, delivering groovy beats, ethereal melodies, and immersive atmospheres. With a mix of funky, soulful, and introspective vibes, this week’s selection is guaranteed to keep you hooked and grooving.

And just to let y’all know a little about this process I’m doing. I have a current selections playlist on my Spotify that I scrub every week. Nothing is allowed to stay on there longer than a month, at which point (or before) I either let it go, or move it to other appropriate playlists and remove it from the current selects. I use last.fm (click for my profile) scrobbler to monitor my listens from various sources, and pick the top 4 out of my top listens for that week.

Stay tuned for more musical adventures in the weeks to come!