Time

"I don't have the time, and I don't have the patience" I can directly relate to that. This song has a big monster facade, and is equally as big on the vocals.  I love the opening lyrics accompanied by the piano chords. Then a tidal wave hits, and the song is put into high gear. The energy from songs like this motivate, inspire, and drive me when I need a nitro boost. Enjoy!

Time Feat. Delilah - Chase & Status (right click to save as)
Chase & Status | Delilah

The Stillness Is The Move

This remix is a great revisit to a modern classic. Hidden cat adds a more dramatic environment to this track. I enjoy the creation of a slow build while maintaining the integrity and feel of the original song. My favorite part of the track is the beginning, hearing that recognizable melody creeping in gives me goose bumps. Enjoy!

The Stillness Is The Move (Hidden Cat Remix) - Dirty Projectors (right click to save as)
Dirty Projectors | Hidden Cat

De Nacht

I'm partial to flutes, and this track pulls on those heartstrings. Speaking of strings, I also love the addition of the acoustic guitar. This track soothes my mind as the flute notes flutter about in the air above all the other instruments.  I love the melody, the sunshine, and the touch of electric guitar riffs that peppered throughout the song. Enjoy!

De Nacht - De Hofnar (right click to save as)
De Hofnar

Moon

This smokey track has a low down groove with colorful imaging and playful sounds. I love the "do it again" sample that is threaded in and out of the mix. The song is a great late night song, as it's easy on the ups and downs, for when you just need to keep it on cruise control. Enjoy!

Moon -  Abstraxion (right click to save as)
Abstraxion

Needle

I find myself swaying left to right with the chorus of this song, it's got tons of sway power. The beginning lyrics dig deep hooks into my ear, I wait with heavy anticipation for the explosion. And when the explosion isn't nearly as big as anticipated, I'm almost relieved. The track takes its time building, layering, and introducing all of the elements. Enjoy!

Needle - Born Ruffians (right click to save as)
Born Ruffians

Magic

I always prepare myself when I see a remix by Viceroy, who owns the slogan "Summertime All The Time". It's funny to me since he's from San Francisco, a city that should have the slogan "Foggytime All The Time", I should know I live in SF too.  This track has some steel drums, a great chorus that you can belt out with, and an overall fantastic summer vibe. Sometimes you need some summertime in December. Enjoy!

Magic (Viceroy Remix) - The Knocks (right click to save as)
The Knocks | Viceroy

Talk in Technicolour

Though the song isn't "in your face", when I hear it I want to dance like it was "in your face". I'm not even sure what that means, but I'm sure of what it feels. The vocals pushed back behind the instruments makes the music feel more powerful, and the sound is upbeat but not overly happy or cheesy like most dance hard songs these days. The kick drum and bass working with the piano make me want to slam my feet on the floor to the down beats. Enjoy!

Talk in Technicolour (Dino Soccio Remix) - Convaire (right click to save as)
Convaire | Dino Soccio

You & I

This track is soft and gentle to start with, tender sounds with a prominent kick drum foreshadow what lies ahead. I like to lay in bed and play this song just a tad louder than my neighbors prefer on Sunday afternoons. Mid track the percussion makes its presence known, with a very up front placement making the song nearly unrecognizable from the early seconds. I love the progression and transformation this track goes through, it's like life. Enjoy!

You & I (Molo Remix) - Crystal Fighters (right click to save as)
Crystal Fighters | Molo

Skip To The Good Bit

Usually when Yuksek puts his name on something, I dig it. So I had some expectations going into this track, and sure enough he sprinkled some magic on the Rizzle Kicks track. The title speaks to our way of life today, everyone wants to fast forward through the commercials and find out what happens at the end. The journey isn't as rewarding as the payout, the paradigm now is to just keep jumping from payout to payout. Or maybe they're just talking about making out in this song, either way I love how this track sounds. Enjoy!

Skip To The Good Bit (Yuksek Remix) - Rizzle Kicks (right click to save as)
Rizzle Kicks | Yuksek

Try To Be

The simplicity and beauty of this song is gripping. I really enjoy the vocals filling in for the roles of instruments. Although my first impression of this song was "it's too artsy fartsy for me" and "I need more from this stripped down song".  After a few listens my mind was changed and I found myself playing this song over in my head. Enjoy!

Try To Be - Blue Hawaii (right click to save as)
Blue Hawaii

Curl

I love the piano break after the beginning of the track, it's got a fun shimmy that carries through the rest of the song. Methodically building blocks are placed around the centerpiece piano part. The sample is quick and short, it just exists to perk your ears up a bit to the rest of what's happening throughout the song. This song is real DJ friendly and begs to be part of a great mix. Enjoy!

Curl - Chymera (right click to save as)
Chymera

Through The City

This dark and scary track is how I'm feeling today.  There's a cold steam pouring out of the manhole, and I can't make out if a figure on the other side is looking at me. I find myself paying attention to the baseline progression more than any other individual instrument or sound, it's the story teller. The shakers add to the intensity and anxiety that builds tension through the middle of the track up to the end.  Enjoy!

Through The City Feat Hazel Tratt (Alien Alien Remix) - Earl Grey (right click to save as)
Earl Grey | Hazel Tratt | Alien Alien

Waves

I'm time warped back to feathered hair, white Reebok sneakers, and acid washed jeans with this track. The chorus hook is so dang catchy, and the synths are bold yet soft and carry a youth rebellion with them.  This song seems to simplify the complexities that come with being young and in love.  With words like 'summer', 'sun', 'ocean' and 'light', I can't help but picture good looking young adults driving around the beach in a red convertible. Enjoy!

Waves - Magic Man (right click to save as)
Magic Man

Select Sundays: On the Line

We've already covered Dev Hynes and his various projects plenty before. Now he's released another Blood Orange album and even before listening to it in full I think I'm gonna love it. I mean, Dev Hynes hasn't missed for me yet so this album was highly anticipated. This track is a casual and easy listen, and the ideal moodsetter for an active but rainy day. Get on it! Also, don't miss this "An Annotated Media Guide To Blood Orange’s Dev Hynes."

On the Line - Blood Orange (right click to save as)
Blood Orange

Blush

The opening is dramatic with simple guitar strings and her voice. I find myself immediately in love with her sound. There's some magic in the lyrics "Punch drunk, dumb struck, pot luck, happy happy". The track is a sad one about trying to be happy, but I love listening to it as it makes me feel happy. There's a great payoff as the song builds from those simple two elements at the beginning to an epic landslide of rock. Enjoy!

Blush - Wolf Alice (right click to save as)
Wolf Alice

Pyrakantha

This tune soothes me. I love a track that can tell a story, paint a picture, or convey an acute feeling without relying on words. This is one of those tracks. I feel like mid song the clouds open up and the sun shines through with enough intensity to warm the air within minutes. The beauty is that everyone has a different story, picture and feeling associated with songs like this. Enjoy!

Pyrakantha - Balmorhea (right click to save as)
Balmorhea

Bleed

Take me back to the late 90's when you'd find me in a forest, abandoned warehouse, or patch of desert 4hrs away with this track. The style from that era was hard and fun with that combination kick drum bass note holding the dance floor steady. The trumpet on this song sings high over all the other instruments, making it extremely recognizable. I can imagine the whistles and the hooting and hollering that would accompany a track like this at 4:30am deep into a great party. Enjoy!

Bleed - Timmy Trumpet & SCNDL (right click to save as)
Timmy Trumpet & SCNDL

Whorehouse

From the name, I had no idea what to expect from the title of this song. There's that pretty awesome sample about Pandora's box opening up the song. I am grabbed the the amazing melody of the chorus, and how fun this track sounds with all the hooting and hollering at the beginning. I'm not sure what the young voices are saying, something about "shell shock"? I guess that's what it feels like to be lost inside a whorehouse. Regardless I love it all. Enjoy!

Whorehouse - CEO (right click to save as)
CEO

Real Slow

If I heard someone play this song out, I would definitely not move 'real slow'. Bad pun. But my drift is direct, this track moves me. I love the lyrics and bassline. I can't get enough of those beginning "ba ba ba baaa" either.  But most of all I love the chorus. It's simple but perfectly executed, and I deeply appreciate that. When I'm dancing to this beat maybe you'll say to yourself "that guy sure thinks this song was perfectly executed", or maybe not. Enjoy!

Real Slow (Plastic Plates Remix) - Miami Horror (right click to save as)
Miami Horror | Plastic Plates

In Front Of Our Friends

This is a fun one! The lyrics are tragic, relatable, and kinda funny when you listen to them. The track is groovy and embraces the daytime nudisco vibe that I'm so in love with these days. I appreciate the horns and the amazing bass line. Enjoy!

In Front Of Our Friends Feat. Monarchy (Disco Mix) - Mighty Mouse (right click to save as)
Mighty Mouse | Monarchy

Running To The Sea

This is a track I could build a 2 hour set around. The track pushes twelve plus minutes, and builds so beautifully that after the twelve minutes is up, I hit play again. The original track is amazing, which makes for a touch job for the Pechanga Boys to remix. I think they grabbed the parts of the song that speak to me, just a dab of her immaculate vocal brings the track up an entire level. I'm also a sucker for the huge bass notes they used. Enjoy!

Running To The Sea Feat Susanne Sundfor (Pechanga Boys Remix) - Royksopp (right click to save as)
Royksopp | Susanne Sundfor | Pachanga Boys

Warm Water

This dance-y, rhythm and blues-y, sexy track caught my ear on first listen. There's a great sideways swing happening in this song, it was made for two people to groove in unison to. Hands on hips, no gazing around the room happening, cause this song turns your partner into a magnet of your attention. Enjoy!

Warm Water (Snakeships Remix) - BANKS (right click to save as)
BANKS | Snakeships

Vos-Sako-Rv

Isn't this fun!? Right away I'm hit with a rainbow of colors, sounds, shapes, and animals. The undeniably positive and upbeat sound of this track is amazing. The track has whimsical sounds, but a very clear projectile. If the feeling to dance on bubbles comes over you during this track, don't fight it. Enjoy!

Vos-Sako-Rv - Lindstrom (right click to save as)
Lindstrom

Porchlight

Jimpster is a deep house behemoth, and with this track he lives up to that. The shakers and lazer lights are in full swing for this song, especially towards the end. When the bass drops I feel tingles down my spine, I love how the smooth synth sound is introduced at the same time. Enjoy!

Porchlight - Jimpster (right click to save as)
Jimpster

Select Sundays: Clair De Lune

Hailing from Australia, Hugo Gruzman and Jimmy Lyell have made that most elusive of songs: a song that stretches over seven minutes yet manages to be worth the time. "Clair De Lune" is the type of track that makes me want to make a short film featuring it. Heck, it's practically a short film just by itself. Settle in and enjoy the progression.

Clair De Lune - Flight Facilities (right click to save as)
Flight Facilities

I'm Coming Home

This is a solid classic. I stopped dead in my tracks, closed my eyes, and danced in place when I heard this line repeating "When I put my record on I know I'm home". Life isn't easy or enjoyable at times, but there are times when we forget about those downers and get lost in the moment. This song gets me lost in the moment. Home is where you put your record on and forget about everything else. Enjoy!

I'm Coming Home - Dino Lenny (right click to save as)
Dino Lenny

Not Giving In

When in need of motivational inspiration this track gets me in the mood. I love how this track runs the gamut on so many things. Drum and bass, awesome background vocals, tons of soul, and a horn section weave quite an interesting sound. I love when the first slam hits, and the drums explode out of the gate like a rocket launched from the sea. The build up let's it be known that something is coming but when it hits there's still a surprise. Enjoy!

Not Giving In Feat. John Newman and Alex Clare (right click to save as)
Rudimental

Farewell At The Gates Of Dawn

The track paints the most beautiful landscape in my mind. The tidal wave of bass backed by the rolling breeze of harp strings is mesmerizing.  Just when I've completely let the song take my to the place in my head, and I'm in a zone, -silence. It's pretty ballsy to put a big moment of complete silence in the middle of a track, but it works great on this one. Enjoy!

Farewell At The Gates Of Dawn - Gab Rhome, Daniel Maher (right click to save as)
Daniel Maher | Gab Rhome

Heat Division

Slow down your day and make time for a song that takes some time. I love how pretty the song starts out, and the vocals are silky and thoughtful so they mesh real well with the first few minutes of the song. About 4 minutes in things start to transform, and the song you once knew begins to morph before your ears into something bigger. And something bigger hits with big bass.

Heat Division (Tim Goldsworthy Remix) - Dauwd (right click to save as)
Dauwd | Tim Goldsworthy

Cave

This song caresses my ears every time I hear it played. Magically I'm transported to Spain, surrounded lovely people, food, and weather. The simple strumming and raw emotion in his voice are just enchanting. There's so much innocence in the percussion, and there's rich history with the accordion. Enjoy!

Cave - Vadoinmessico (right click to save as)
Vadoinmessico

Million Dollar Bills

If you don't know who Lorde is, then you have been on another planet for the last 6 months. She's young, hot, and unique it's no wonder everyone can't get enough of her. I love how this song starts out, with the chopped up oh's, and then those first lyrics carry her attitude right into your brain. The track is banging pop at pop's finest moment. Enjoy!

Million Dollar Bills - Lorde (right click to save as)
Lorde

Mercury Retrograde

The percussion on this track puts me into a serene trance. The track isn't too laid back that I fall asleep, but it does promote my mind to venture into places where it normally doesn't. The heavy echoes give the track a large empty room feel. That roomy essence is stark in contrast to the snare drum which is tight, in your face, and unconventionally though beautifully double hit at key times. Enjoy!

Mercury Retrograde - GRVT!$ (right click to save as)
GRVT!$

Lights Are Getting Closer

This upbeat dance track is the epitome of all the inspiring quotes I've seen on tumblr. Live life to the fullest, enjoy what's around you, even the bad is really good, and so on. I love the positivity and cheery vibe this track puts me in. My favorite lyric is:

"dance like you're free, use both your feet
dance like you're never gonna walk away
live like you care, dance on the air
dance party up in this escalator"

Enjoy!

Lights Are Getting Closer - DJsiah (right click to save as)
DJsiah

Hedd Banger

This banger is unstoppable. There's plenty of saw and wobble, but there's even more earth shaking bass. I love the Missy Elliot sample, it fits perfectly and allows you to sing the sampled song a tad, then get back to the earth shaking riot soundtrack you were enjoying before. I feel super duper fly when I jam this track at high volume. Enjoy!

Hedd Banger - Skream (right click to save as)
Skream

Crosses

Jose Gonzalez has such a soft and inviting voice. I love the contrast of his vocals and electronic instruments, which makes me very partial to remixes of his songs. This one is carefully crafted, keeping the integrity of the awesome analog sounds of Jose's voice and guitar, and adding some energy and excitement. Enjoy!

Crosses (Dinner Date Remix) - Jose Gonzalez (right click to save as)
Jose Gonzalez | Dinner Date

Mogadisco

This song reminds me of summertime, and makes me sometimes miss summertime. The sounds are summery, the vibe is upbeat and bright, and the inclination is to dance preferably outside in the sun. The track really comes together at the end with tons of positive energy and electricity. Enjoy!

Mogadisco - Jbag (right click to save as)
Jbag

Now That You're Leaving

I love how her cute voice flows behind the drums and strums in this track. There's a strong emotion conveyed by having the vocals sit in the background, as if the singer is literally shying away from the crowd. Enjoy!

Now That You're Leaving (Fold Remix) - Stina Nordenstam (right click to save as)
Stina Nordenstam | Fold

Metal Swing

This song infected my brain for a solid week. It was stuck in my head, but I had no idea what the sample was talking about. The mix of sounds, music, and sample sticks out to me, it's interesting to listen to. The sample sounds like it was recorded in a tin shed, and the person speaking sounds like they're ready for battle, the music helps on that front. Enjoy!

Metal Swing - The Range (right click to save as)
The Range

Coconut Groove

This laid back track is groovy, funky, sexy, and smart. I am a huge sucker for awesome saxophone parts, (which we've blogged before) this song delivers on that. The track's slick bassline and shimmery synths are nothing to sneeze at either. Enjoy!

Coconut Groove - L'Equipe Du Son (right click to save as)
L'Equipe Du Son

Sinking Stone

"Could you ever love me again?
I need to know.
Our love's not a sinking stone."

Those lines just sum it all up, clearly this relationship is over and this is the last ditch attempt before all hope is completely wiped out and the process of sulking before moving on starts. The track is slower, with heavy swings, and those three lines repeated, showing just how desperate things are. Enjoy!

Sinking Stone - Gems (right click to save as)
Gems

California Feeling

A few years ago we we blogged A B and the Sea. And again, I really dig their California vibe. This track is catchy and poppy with a classy delivery. Life in CA is so nice that we could imagine living here forever, though we're so happy with things up till now that if we died right now it'd still be okay. Let the cares be free and find your place next to the sea. Enjoy!

California Feeling - A B and the Sea (right click to save as)
A B and the Sea

Oh Sailor

I appreciate how this song starts heavy into the electronic sound, and continues down the path. It isn't until 2/3 of the way through the digital feeling slowly strips away for a break of pure analog children's choir and piano. The original is equally as interesting and enjoyable to listen to, but this remix is more my style and speed. Enjoy!

Oh Sailor (Strange Talk Remix) - Mr Little Jeans (right click to save as)
Mr Little Jeans | Strange Talk

Hyperactive

Bubble gum, rainbows, and puppy dogs. This track is pop at it's best. I feel like not giving a care, and doing fun and frivolous things with good looking people and shiny colors. I love the breakdown that sounds like it features a ukelele. The choir backing up the main vocals add that 'friend' aspect to the song, and before your sugar rush is over, so is the track. Enjoy!

Hyperactive - The Dollyrots (right click to save as)
The Dollyrots

Dancing Anymore

This track starts out so damn strong. It's simple, but it hooks the listener deep. The track opens with her voice say "No I won't", over a bassline and a kickdrum. What won't she do, what's coming in next, cause I know the track can't go on with just a bassline and kickdrum. A bit of electric guitar and then a spray of bullets from the snare drum. The track goes on to some male vocals saying "you won't take me dancing anymore" which is backwards from the standard narrative of the woman in a relationship having a complaint of not being taken out dancing anymore. I appreciate that this goes against the predictable, and sounds so good while doing so. Enjoy!

Dancing Anymore - Is Tropical (right click to save as)
Is Tropical

The End Starts Today Mixtape #8

It feels so good to complete a mixtape, even if the previous mixtape was posted in January. It was late March or early April this year that I compiled the list of songs for this mixtape, I ran through a practice or two, then let life slow the process to a halt. Here I am in the end of October and finally the songs have been recorded together! I don't feel that this mix is perfect, I could have gone back and fixed a few things -but sometimes it's better to set down and move on. That's what I feel this mixtape is for me, moving on and hopefully getting back into the mode of making more mixtapes for this site. Enjoy!

Tracklist:

1. Fuck & Run - K.Flay
2. Me & U - Laymedown
3. Your Girl - Tourist
4. Step - Vampire Weekend
5. Falling In Love - Vario
6. Pizza Guy - Touch Sensitive
7. Open (Jeff Samuel Faded Mix) - Rhye
8. Bankrupt - Phoenix

The End Starts Today Mixtape #8 - Ameer Says (right click to save as)
Ameer Says

Seen It All

Jake is all things british rock and roll to me. He's got great lyrics, backed by a simple arrangement with classic band elements. What makes this song interesting to me is that he sounds like a young guy singing in an old guy's style. Furthermore he talks about seeing it all, which is usually reserved for people with age, as age brings experience (most of the time). So to me, it's interesting that a young guy has seen it all, or thinks he has, and he's telling us about it. Enjoy!

Seen It All - Jake Bugg (right click to save as)
Jake Bugg

Where Are You

This track is reminiscent of late 90's early 2000's techno music. The beat, the imagery, the voice, the message, and the over all feel of this song transport me to my days of rave. I greatly enjoy the style and vein of the song, it's colorful and loving. The song celebrates the belief of love, beauty, and dreams. Enjoy!

Where Are You Feat. Sun Angels - Merely (right click to save as)
Merely | Sun Angels

Lies and Alabis

This track can relate on so many levels. As the sample "Lies and Alabis" echoes over and over my thoughts ponder from relationship issues between a feuding couple, to nations going to war and the political meltdown associated with the terrors of war. He said, she said, they said,  we said. The flute stands alone on this track, representing the individual among chaos. The track is woven together tightly and eases through each second until -it's over. Enjoy!

Lies and Alabis - Lovage (right click to save as)
Lovage

La Funky

Sometimes you need a hard hitting track that's high energy, full of intensity, and not annoyingly boring and repetitive. This track does that for me. The builds and breaks aren't overly cheesy, the boomy bass drop makes me wanna get grooving or take over the world. Either works really, when this song is playing. Enjoy!

La Funky Feat. Oliver - Destructo (right click to save as)
Destructo | Oliver

Start Stop

This song has some pretty great starts and stops. It sounds like an electric instrument jam session with a very cohesive bunch of players. The stutters are forceful and aggressive, but then there are offsetting playful sounds sprinkled in between the anticipated starts and stops. Enjoy!

Start Stop - JLYMN (right click to save as)
JLYMN