Here is a list of stuff I was listening to in the last half of 2k19 that brought me joy. Check the buymusic list down below to pick up the ones available on Bandcamp. and directly support the artists. Then, go peep some choice cuts from the first half of the year, too :]
Existential by AceMo [Self-released] - Dude has not been playing around, insane output this year (along w/ serial collaborator MoMA Ready). Raw, spiritual Hi-Tech Jazz.
Delusions by Akiko Haruna [Where To Now?] - Deranged made vibey, somehow. The perfect dancefloor confuser.
Hooch! by An-i, Anklepants, Epsilove & Ohlandy, Alexander Arpeggio & Marlene Stark, Umlaut!, Franz Scala [Sameheads] - A proper mish mash of oddball jams from the Berlin crew. Umlaut!’s Soap is a percy, after-hours karaoke feels.
Fanfara! by DJ Marcelle/Another Nice Mess [Laura Lies In] - Marcelle goes deep and lovely, don’t know how I missed her stuff until now but so so happy I found it (+ her ace site.
Cartas Na Manga by DJ Nigga Fox [Príncipe] - All the percussive gymnastics we’ve come to love, with plenty of surprises and new ideas from a Lisbon legend.
Back to the Beginning by DJ Phil [Night Slugs] - Ecstatic, 160 glitter-bomb of a 12”. RIP DJ Rashad 4eva.
MAGDALENE by FKA Twigs [Young Turks] - A break-up record with Nico Jaar on the buttons? So nice to have Twigs back.
4 Letter Word by Flørist [The Trilogy Tapes] - All the way dubbed out, immersive heaters!
Music X Road by Headie One [Relentless Records] - Up there with Drillers X Trappers for me. Another big look for Mr. One.
XYZ by Iglooghost, Kai Whiston & BABii [Gloo] - Wonky bubblegum flavours from the future to make you smile (and feel dizzy).
Jay Mita and Sisso meet the Modern Institute at the Villa by Jay Mitta, Modern Institute, Sisso, Errorsmith [Nyege Nyege Tapes]
GRIME MC by Jme [Boy Better Know] - A victory lap for a national treasure, you’ll have to work a bit harder than normal to find this one…
5GTOUR by John T. Gast [Self-released] - Made on a tablet on a plane, appaz.
Slipping by Joy O [Hinge Finger] - Probably Pete’s most expansive and stylistically diverse work yet. Feels immediately personal and intimate, without sacrificing dancefloor sensibilities.
Lifetime by Klein [Ijn Inc.] - Singular incarnations of black expressive styles, not for the faint-hearted.
and departt from mono games by LOFT [Self-released] - Fascinating jungle-ish, techno-ish club excursions from a well exciting new artist.
For You And I by Loraine James [Hyperdub] - Can’t remember a debut record that stopped me in my tracks like this one. Essential listening front-to-back.
Dropped Out Sunshine by Madteo [DDS] - It’s your boy Madteo flippin’ Drake and paying homage to ODB, some switch-up from the last full-length Noi No (on Sakho, a good six years back now!).
Analog Fluids Of Sonic Black Holes by Moor Mother [Don Giovanni] Devastating, explosive protest behemoths from Philly musician and poet Camae Ayewa.
Rogue Intruder, Soul Enhancer by Oli XL [Bloom] - Super sharp and promising debut album with lots of warmth and humour.
Movimiento Para Cambio by Pelada [PAN] - Meaningful and important club anthems out of Montreal, made to “inspire critical self- reflexivity through engagement, building power, demanding space and action”.
Eve by Rapsody [Roc Nation] - Another powerful and moving account of the world according to Rapsody, paying all respects due to amazing black women. Even manages to outshine J Cole on one joint…
OIL OF EVERY PEARL’S UN-INSIDES Remix Album by SOPHIE [Transgressive Records] - Exhilarating, mesmerising, intoxicating slalom through endlessly inventive twists on last year’s LP.
Parada by Serpente [ECSTATIC] - More Lisbon drums, this time a nod to Prince’s Parade LP. Utterly hypnotic.
Ibiza Redux by Special Occasion [Jolly Discs] - Cute and unassuming earworms, I could have picked anything out of Jolly Discs this year tbh.
VORTEX by Special Request [Houndstooth] - Woolford was not playing around with this one, to be played LOUD with friends.
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