Devin the Dude - To Tha X-Treme (2004)

I don't think anybody raps about weed more than Devin. His beats are always mad chill and smell of skunky bass and funky loops. This is quintessential smokers music. Light up one for 2010.

Happy New Year!

bandcamp

Ta'Raach & The Lovelution - The Fevers (2006)

This is a disjointed collection of dirty hip-hop with undeniable moments of clarity. When they pinpoint a situation, you feel like you're in the same room. It's raw, dank, and sexy. Start a lovelution.

DJ Cam - Lost & Found (2008)

So much of DJ Cam's work is exemplary but this is some of his best. Indelible keys, acute snares, and punchy bass dipped in hip-hop flavour. Look no more, it's cool music for a hot night.

Eligh - Gandalf's Beat Machine Level 3 (2009)

Eligh has been the driving musical force behind hip-hop super-group Living Legends for many years and has released multiple collaborations with The Grouch. This is underground hip-hop with a sense of infinite depth, possibility, and a highly developed urbanity that can only come from such a seasoned veteran. No question this machine has soul.

Lemongrass - Skydiver (2003)

When you need to break away from the everyday or be set free from the city, it's as easy as letting go. On Skydiver, Lemongrass provides the push into openness and allows you to fall into the moment. Laid back rhythms and floating melodies have a sedative quality that welcome a clear mind or a deep slumber. Dive into it.

Freddie Joachim - Nights Alone (2009)

Freddie Joachim is one of those producers that when you first hear him it's like finding a lost friend. His ear for superb samples and snappy beats make him a real up-and-comer in jazzy hip-hop. I sometimes fall into one of his grooves and never want it to stop. Spend your nights with this cat and you won't feel alone.

bandcamp

My Morning Jacket - Z (2005)

Festival season is here again and in anticipation of the mighty Sasquatch here is a spectacular piece of work from Saturday's headliners. A fearless and venturing set of songs that somehow remain cohesive prove that this is no ordinary rock band. Massive stage presence and subtly brilliant musicianship make their live show one not to be missed. Soak in the sound.

Elaquent - In Colour Vol. 3 (2009)

All this sunshine means that it's time for a dose of cool summer vibes. Elaquent's third volume of the In Colour series provides a plethora. Heavy video game influence is apparent off the bat and he throws it all down by the time you hit "Pixelated Mess". The mix has big bottom and you'll be pleased to play this through the car subwoofers. Great use of 8-bit soundtracks and soulful samples make this one easy to spin again and again.

bandcamp

AFTA-1 - The Time In Between (2009)

Two incredible tracks to keep us hungry for the next full length. Released in Germany on 7" vinyl. Eat it up.

Side A - The Time In Between
Side B - Nightlight

Bibio - Ambivalence Avenue (2009)

Pure sonic art that gracefully extends from one character of sound to the next. It lets you settle in but it doesn't let you get too comfortable by evoking emotion with it's unpredictability. Just go where it takes you.

warp

Electric Wire Hustle - Electric Wire Hustle (2009)

Another Friday is here and I think it calls for something with a little groove. The first full length from this crew out of New Zealand will not disappoint. Glowing vocal hooks and plump bass lines set the mood right. Put some love in you.

electricwirehustle

Nujabes / Fat Jon - Departure (2004)

Today, news has surfaced that Jun Seba aka Nujabes, died on February 26, 2010. The outpouring of emotion and admiration from his fans is coming from around the globe. I was enthralled with his vibe the first time I heard him and he soon became essential late night listening. I'm posting this album in his memory. May his music live on.

Peace Orchestra - Peace Orchestra (1999)

The first solo outing by Peter Kruder, half of Kruder & Dorfmeister. He maintains the laid-back percussion but adds a spacey ambiance that creates more of a soundtrack experience. Listen with ears open and eyes closed.

Kruder & Dorfmeister - Original Bedroom Rockers

This isn't an official release but it is an encompassing look into what makes these two men the kings of chillout. Genre defining tracks from their first EP are included and so is the extended remix of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony's "1st Of Tha Month". Get G-Stoned.

Third P - Space Traveler (2009)

Traveling through Space on the same orbit as Ras G and Samiyam, Third P crosses saw waves and sine waves to create short passages of 8-bit noise without lacking undertones. It's not entirely original, but it is entirely delectable.

AFTA-1 x GAS'D - Love Is Real Vol. 3 (2009)

In the words of AFTA-1: Selections of Audible Love is a sound scape of tracks old and new, featuring a collection of good friends, contemporaries, and other artists influential in my own musical journey. “Sit still”, twist one up, light the incense and enjoy."

afta1.com 

gas-d.com

Flying Lotus - Reset EP

There isn't much else to say about this man other than that he's pushing hip-hop boundaries and has created quite a following doing so. I always keep this EP close when I need my FlyLo fix.

brainfeeder

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year 2010 everyone. I've been on holidays but new music is coming soon!

Cheers,

jpsnuze