cinematic // psychill Ancient & modern, acoustic & electronic, sacred & sensual, ethereal & worldly… Joshua Penman’s Akara project collapses dualities and guides the listener into a state of aural samadhi with a sonic ceremony called Extradimensional Ethnography. Composing a team of classical musicians, and sweetened by Femke Weidema’s heavenly chanting, this transcendent album is an absolute must-have for fans of globally-flavored grooves with a psychedelic touch. (review by Travis Nobles) Mystical dancefloor symphonies. Akara – The Far Shore Akara – Gelfling + Purchase/Visit

Cleaning barn stalls on the farm is often accompanied by my Uncle’s radio playing AM stations, and this fresh sound from generations passed inspired me to make a mix where current electronic trends resemble classic gems. 2002 ErrorFM

donthink – Classick #57 (58min):

Nancy Sinatra – These Boots Are Made for Walkin’ [1966] Cujo – Popsicle [2002] Defcon 5 ft Bluu – Goodbye [2002] Louis Prima – Jump Jive an’ Wail (Tranquility Bass Remix) [1956 / 1999] DJ Git Hyper – Just Face It [1997] Henry Mancini – Lujon [1959] Anjali – Lazy Lagoon [2000] Fingathing – Come on Girls [2000] Mo’Horizons – Do the Boogaloo [2001] Shirley Ellis – The Clapping Song [1965] DJ Shadow – The Newborn Hippopotamus Jazz Rock Machine [2000] Louise Vertigo – Où est la Femme? [1998] Jazzanova – L.O.V.E. and You & I ft David Friedman & Paul Kleber [2002] Michael Jackson – Ain’t No Sunshine (SSY Remix) [1972 / 2001] Avia – Exil Exit [1998]

Electronic // Thrill // Chill Anchorsong aka Masaaka Yoshida has a way with the MPC, as you can see in the above video. This Tokyo export product shipped to London in 2007 and has ever since been building a live reputation, being famed for an energetic show. His recorded music is as dynamic and energetic as the live performances, with sounds found in lounge music combined with organic soulful layers from various genres and vibrant pulsating rhythms. After having released three EP’s in Japan and one international EP on his own label, the Anchorsong debut album Chapters is out now, from which you can check out the moody sway of ‘Plum Rain’ and the bold rhythm of ‘At the Hyatt’ below. Japanese quirky & thrilling approach to electronic music. Anchorsong – Plum Rain Anchorsong – At the Hyatt (stream only) + Purchase/Visit

instrumental hip-hop // idm The music of LA native Sahy Uhns a.k.a. Carl Madison Burgin is a unique blend of West Coast hip-hop, IDM and ambient influenced soundscapes, all topped off with some glitchy beats, organic rhythms and obscure psychedelic beauty. The opening track, a personal favorite, of his recently released album An Intolerant Disdain of Underlings (2011), “Montebello Postpartum”, delivers a dreamy ambient vibe and a gentle midtempo beat. “Anticipation Of The Night, which is named after a 1958 film by Stan Brakhage, showcases Sahy Uhns’ outstanding sound design skills. Mesmerizing sound collage. Sahy Uhns – Montebello Postpartum Sahy Uhns – Anticipation of the Night + Purchase/Visit

southern rock // soul Sothern rock bursting with soul! Alabama Shakes amplify my love for music. Their powerful groove and vigorous energy makes me a little less sad about great 60′s acts I was born too late to see live. Janis Joplin meets Nina Simone rocking out with The Black Keys, shedding gleams of hope to shake loose dusty spirits.

Turn it up. Alabama Shakes – Hold On (stream only) Alabama Shakes – You Ain’t Alone (stream only) + Purchase/Visit

soul // soft r&b The transatlantic success of British retro-soul singers is nothing new. From Amy Winehouse to Adele, British female artists have been strongly dominating the musical landscape for nearly a decade. LeaLea Jones delivers that kind of British retro-charm with an über-cool beat that brings to mind such Aurgasm favourites as Anjulie and Corinne Bailey Rae. She first captured my attention back in 2010 with her catchy single “Cake” and is currently working on her debut album. “Dry”, taken from the upcoming album, might be some of the finest urban grooves I’ve been listening to lately, offering some solid yet not overly produced beats and sweet soul vocals.

Sultry doze of neo-soul, jazz and R&B.

LeaLea Jones – Dry

• Purchase/Visit

alternative rock Of all the songs I love with endless feeling or thought attachable, Kinnie Starr‘s “Friendship and Creativity” goes beyond; joining core values of who I am. Her confrontational statements unsettle then affirm as she slides between tranquil and stern, with music swelling among concerns, confusion, and vehement frustration. It’s her direct, lively and personal manner that resonates viscerally in me, and this hasn’t been matched since discovery in 2000. She speaks to and of humanity, tying into her honest desires and one simple, nakedly exposing wish. (thx, Nelly) My favorite song. Kinnie Starr – Friendship and Creativity + Purchase/Visit

electronic // future garage An idiophone is any musical instrument which creates sound primarily by way of the instrument’s vibrating, without the use of strings or membranes. Steel drums, or more appropriately known as steel pans, are mallet-struck toned ideophones and seemingly fit extremely well in the post-dubstep world of “future garage”, “wonky” or essentially 2011′s evolution of 2-step. Balanced very well against the gravity percussion, unintelligible vocals and a sweet and salacious bassline provide a warm bed. My recommendation: listen but turn it up and drop in in at 3:45. Sublime. Bendy, bouncy, but based in reality. Jamie xx – Far Nearer + Purchase/Visit

pop // folk Armed with her distinct multilingual vocals and an array of instruments, including toy piano, accordion, violin and percussion, French-American chanteuse Maïa Vidal crafts sweet and quirky pop-folk songs. Maïa’s debut album God is My Bike (2011) falls somewhere in between the sweet melancholy of Alondra Bentley, charming cabaret pop of Lonely Drifter Karen and Jessica Fichot’s tender waltzes. “Follow Me”, featured here, gives a good taste of Maïa’s quirky, yet accessible and playful songwriting.

Whimsical folksy melodies. Maïa Vidal – Follow me + Purchase/Visit

electronic // minimal 2-step Between toned white noise, spherical raindrops whet the aural palette. A “precisely manipulated diva wails soon balancing the harsher static sounds. The drop is wonderful, with the static sounds omitted and replaced by a driving 4×4 rhythm that is equal in prominence to the the pad arrangement, whilst vocal clips fill atmospheric gaps“. Sensual, simple, and satisfying. Tones and tastes. Koreless – MTI + Purchase/Visit

dance // acoustic techno Brandt Brauer Frick, a Berlin trio of classically trained musicians, redefines 21st century dancefloor music by playing deep house, minimal electro and techno beat with pianos, drums, strings, glockenspiels and even a rainstick. While their incredibly dynamic debut LP You Make Me Real (2010) ranges from infectious house loops to raw and jazzy textures, the trio pushes the envelop further. Recently Brandt Brauer Frick expanded to a ten-piece ensemble so they can play completely live. Mr. Machine (out on October 25) offers some new pieces along purely acoustic re-interpretations of their previous work such as standout “Bop” as well as cover versions, including one of Aurgasm featured Agnes Obel and Emika‘s “Pretend” (featured below).

Hypnotic grooves for the dancefloor and the headphones. Brandt Brauer Frick – Pretend (from Mr. Machine) Brandt Brauer Frick – R. W. John (from You Make Me Real) + Purchase/Visit

Sub // Soul // Chill One could consider Submotion Orchestra a loungy exponent of the dubstep genre. This, however, would do them no justice. The tracks are crafted with more skill and consideration than the average ‘lounge’ sounds, while the subtle approach has nothing to do with the blunt destruction radiated from the average dubstep track. The debut album ‘Finest Hour’ consists of a collection of soulful tracks, pulsating with sub bass fueled emotions & intricate downtempo rhythms, while able to hold their own when stripped down to an acoustic rendition (like the one included below). You can taste ‘Finest Hour’ in full on Soundcloud. Subtle soul floating on a sub-bass driven undercurrent. All Yours (Acoustic Version) [get 320 kbps mp3 here] + Purchase/Visit

Funk // Beats // Soul Lack Of Afro aka Adam Gibbons has released his third album already, and for lovers of funk, beats and soulful production he should not be a stranger. Often compared to the sound of an early DJ Shadow and besides producing his own LP’s also a producer of acts like The Diplomats of Solid Sound and Frootful, this funky dude is also a frequently asked remixer. Like Mark Ronson, but sans the cheeky funk covers, Lack Of Afro rolls with original samples mixed with original instruments. He manages to make any song he touches sound vibrant with organic soul & deep bass, whether producing a retro soul groover like “A Time For” or the throw back funk sampling “Roderigo”. To celebrate his love of music, you can listen to this special mix on Mixcloud. For more musical tasters also check out the LOA soundcloud page. Lovingly produced soulful grooves. A Time For (feat. Wayne Giddens) (from This Time) Roderigo (from Press On) [full quality MP3 of 'A time For' via the FSR mailing list] + Purchase/Visit

Quirky // Retro Synth // Funk Beta Hector makes retro funky space jams. Sprung from the mind of Simon Hill, the former bass player for retro funk outfit Baby Charles, this project sees a healthy contribution by the raw soul vocals of Dionne Charles. Her voice fits the bolder tracks on Sunbeam Insulin, while for the more subtle tracks Sarah Gardner provides trippy, haunting vocals. The sounds are best described as retro synth soul, with some tracks applying a more funky drum sound, while others are more orchestral. All tracks have two things in common: A deep soul in both the organic and synthesized elements, enhanced by the emotions of of the collaborating vocalists. Tru Thoughts were so kind as to provide an album track and a bonus acoustic version to test your palate. The album is out now in UK/Europe via Etchshop & October 18th in the US. Robots jamming out to funky beats and haunting vocals In My Skin (feat. Dionne Charles) Sleepwalking (feat. Sarah Gardner) (Acoustic Version) + Purchase/Visit

italian acoustic // singer-songwriter Despite Italy’s long and diverse popular music tradition, some seem to equate Italian music exclusively with Canzone Napoletana, grandiose film scores and heart breaking ballads of such artists as Eros Ramazzotti or Laura Pausini. Italy’s vibrant contemporary pop scene is a little known secret. Erica Musci, better known as Erica Mou, is one of the most promising talents coming from Italy’s singer-songwriter scene in the recent years. Erica’s album È (2011) is a collection of raw, warm and intimate songs, evoking true Italian spirit with a global, modern touch. Erica will be playing in New York, Los Angeles and Miami as a part of the Hit Week, Italian music festival, highlighting the catchiest contemporary music Italy has to offer.

Gracious melodies with quirky rhythms. ­ Erica Mou – Giungla ­Erica Mou – È + Purchase/Visit

indie folk // rock

tropical pop // indie folk The sunny calypso pop of Jonquil is somewhat of surprise considering the band hails from the decidedly untropical Oxford, England. Geographical location aside, the four-piece’s effervescent indie pop is vibrant, uplifting, and completely infectious. If the horns, keyboards, tropical percussion and uptempo guitars weren’t enough, Hugo Manuel’s falsetto soars through each song with an anthemic flair. “Fighting Smiles” and “Get Up” from their One Hundred Suns EP are a must-have for your summer playlist. Tropical pop with an English twist. Jonquil – “Fighting Smiles” Jonquil – “Get Up”

chamber folk // singer-songwriter Danish-born and Berlin-based songstress Agnes Obel possesses a natural sense of tone and melody as well as a truly faultless voice. The beautifully crafted somber folk melodies of her debut album Philharmonics (2010) linger in the air and stir the heart. While Agnes vocal delivery brings to mind the long-time Aurgasm favourite Ane Brun, the album ranges from romantic quirkiness of Joanna Newsom to echoes of Debussy. European readers might recognize the bright melody of “Just So”, as the song was used by German telecommunications company and played all over Northern Europe ever since. Soft piano and haunting vocals. Agnes Obel – Just So Agnes Obel – Riverside + Purchase/Visit

icelandic composer // contemporary classical The cinematic nature of Icelandic composer Jóhann Jóhannsson’s work has led him to work on countless soundtracks for documentaries, shorts and feature films. And In The Endless Pause There Came The Sound Of Bees (2010), composed as a soundtrack for Marc Craste’s award winning animated film Varmints, embodies ghostly choirs, gentle strings, lyrical piano, all wrapped in the barely perceptible electronic processing that Jóhannsson is known for. Largely orchestral and choral, it is recommended for those of you, who enjoy the electronic synthesis of Fennesz, Icelandic melancholia of Sigur Rós and ethereal minimalism of Arvo Pärt. Painfully beautiful. Jóhann Jóhannsson – City Building (Alternate Version) Jóhann Jóhannsson – Rainwater(stream only) + Purchase/Visit

cinematic // vocal orchestral Woodkid (Yoann Lemoine) is probably best known for his work directing films for artists like Katy Perry and Taylor Swift, but those successes haven’t kept him from expanding his talent into new realms. With booming drums, powerful brass, and fluttering woodwinds, the uncomplicated title track to his premier EP “Iron” (accompanied by an eery and equally beautiful video) makes you feel like you’ve entered an epic battle from which there is no turning back. Powerful simplicity flush with presence. Woodkid – Iron (Words and music provided by snover) + Purchase/Visit