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

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

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

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

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

Songwriter // Jazz // Soul Stac (Stacey Dowdeswell) is signed to London based label Wah Wah 45s and her debut album Turn That Light Out was released June 21st 2010. This album is produced by label mate Scrimshire & engineered by previously featured Benedic “Nostalgia 77″ Lambdin. The album’s ten tracks have since been remixed into a pair of remix albums (vol.1 & vol.2) featuring versions by Bonobo, Kidkanevil, Hint, Ashley Beedle, Natural Self & TM Juke. Stac’s biggest influences are Lewis Taylor, Jamie Lidell, Erykah Badu and red wine, resulting in songs filled with emotion, subtle layers and an attitude that makes her an artist to keep an eye on. See for yourself with original album track “Tip”, a mature, intelligent track and its remixed counterpart “Tip (Hint remix)”, taking all that maturity into the club and shakin’ it like there ain’t no tomorrow. All three Stac’s albums are available for download on the Wah Wah 45s shop, including two free tracks from the remix competition.

Blue eyed soulstress from LDN Tip Tip (Hint Remix) + Purchase/Visit

Retro // Electronic-chill Lance Ferguson is one of the most prolific Funk & Soul producers in the retro scene, being the guitarist and producer for The Bamboos, Kylie Auldist & Cookin’ On 3 Burners, as well as having produced for a slew of acts on the Tru Thoughts, Freestyle Records & Record Kicks labels. On Her 12 Faces he teams up with Australian artist Megan Washington as the main singer among a few instrumental tracks. This second album as Lanu displays the full breadth of Lance’s versatility as a producer and shows he can do more than retro-soul or raw funk. Schizophrenic? Not quite, but many faced for sure. All songs tell a story, be it vocalized or written in melody. “Beautiful Trash” is an uptempo, sunny affair that has Washington bouncing along a retro vibe. “The Roosevelt Blues” is equally playful (both in vibe and execution) and envelops you in a lo-fi sumer breeze. Australian multi-faceted sunshine sounds. The Roosevelt Blues (feat. Megan Washington) + Purchase/Visit

two-step // mallet percussion The history of this song is pretty storied, but I’m already plenty distracted by the production of this take on “You’ve Got The Love” by The XX. We open with arpeggiated harp lines. A basic two-step beat trots out, chased by the two-step signature sub-bass, descending in hertz. The XX give us tag-team male & female vocals, matching in harmony just when… a float of mallets tickling vibraphones come flirting past your ears. The bass and vocals meet up with the percussion, stimulating an aural foreplay. I’ll let you take it from here. Vibraphones, harps, ‘n deep bass on the dance floor. Florence and The Machine -You’ve Got the Love (The XX Remix)

Beats // Latin // Soul Jonathan Radford a.k.a. Diesler creates vibes that make you want to move. The sounds are warm and full of rhythm, hence the title of his previous album The Rhythm Station (on Freestyle Records). The warmness of Diesler’s sound is reflected by a clear influence of latin music, with some beats and twists added for good measure, all keeping a positive and fresh style, to which another album title is testament: Keepie Uppies (on Tru Throughts). Diesler gets much praise from his colleague musicians and has been featured on many compilations. He is a prolific remixer and has worked with a range of vocalists, from rappers to soul sisters. He is also one of the masterminds behind retro-funk outfit Laura Vane & the Vipertones. There is certainly a lot of music out there by this producer, but let us first point our attention to this summer’s Tie Breakers, released on Social Beats / Unique Records. Check it out for yourself with album track “Deepest Cuba” and the reggae remix dub of “Samba Magic”, reworked by Grant Phabao. In addition to the tracks included in this post, you can listen to the full album preview in the embedded soundcloud player below. Diesler - “Tie Breakers” LP (2010) by diesler Positive vibes for your mind. Diesler - Deepest Cuba Diesler vs Grant Phabao - Reggae Magic (dub) + Purchase/Visit

A luscious and vibrant sound was my aim for this mix, titled ‘Safe Bet’ because I wanted to create an introduction to downtempo / electronic music in a way that may captivate and grow interest. To subtly build an unfamiliar atmosphere and give hints of more to explore.

Classical tendencies, strings especially, sweet beats, glitchy, cinematic effects, and jazzy grooves fill the air. Mixed in 2003 while DJ’ing at ErrorFM as I hoped to inspire people with new music from around the world.

donthink - Safe Bet (63min):

Xploding Plastix - Dieci Mujaji - Siempre (Jon Kennedy Remix) Bonobo - Change Down Jon Kennedy - Brown Acid Bathysphere - Where’s Vicky (Quantic Mix) Caural - Sipping Snake Blood Wine (Savath & Savalas Remix) The Cinematic Orchestra - All Things To All Men ft Roots Manuva Broadway Project - Beauty Yenara - When Mountain Meets The Sea A Guy Called Gerald - Humanity ft Louise Rhodes (Funkstörung Remiks) Daedelus - Minor Detour King Seven - Hidden Opiate - Pk 50 Hint - Count Your Blessings (Bonobo Mix) Florian Ross - Piano Interlude

latin // downtempo// dub You are most likely not familiar with name, but you might recognize Natalia Clavier’s vocals from the Aurgasm featured Federico Aubele’s album Panamericana (2007). Argentinian songstress, Natalia is the first and only female artist of Washington DC based legendary Thievery Corporation’s label Eighteenth Street Lounge Music. For those of you who enjoy the repertoire of ESL Music, Natalia’s album Nectar (2008) is a real treat. Nectar offers a journey from Buenos Aires tango-tingled melodies to the sublime Barcelona late night vibes, all wrapped in top quality production.

Smooth downtempo with a distinct Latin flavour. Natalia Clavier - Ay De Mi Natalia Clavier - La Mitad + Purchase/Visit

funky breaks // dance // freestyle Sicilian Fab Samperi a.k.a. The Captain has played his eclectic sets all over the world. In summer 2010, Fab is releasing his first album Power Bossa with Agogo records, the label of such talents as Una Mas Trio, The Juju Orchestra and Mo`Horizons. While waiting for the full length album to be released, we’re excited about his first single. “In The River” will definitely appeal to the dancefloor music lovers as it carries incredibly addictive bluesy riff, uptempo beats and solid grooves. Bellissimo! Probably Italy’s most stylish freestyle groove. Fab Samperi - In The River + Purchase/Visit

strings // electro // soul It seems easy to assume that two prized string players, recognized as some of the finest young French musicians would be influenced by the Parisian electro scene, like Ed Banger and Institubes. They would, naturally, then set out to create electro infused with the graceful cello and viola lines. At first listen, this is what you might hear. But SomethingALaMode (or SALM) has pushed that further; the result is less novelty, more solid songwriting. A few samples from their varied and impressive debut: “Little Bit of Feel Good” delivers some mighty soul vocals; “GString” is a bit more familiar electro-fare, but with a very distinctive feel. Music mastery; on the strings and the synths. SomethingALaMode - Little Bit of Feel Good (feat. Adam Joseph) SomethingALaMode - GString + Purchase/Visit

video art // electro funk More and more, I’ve noticed I’m absorbing great music via video; the Carl Sagan ‘A Glorious Dawn’ video is an addictive example. VJ’s are demanded for parties, Processing and OpenFrameworks are making it easier to create, and now video appears to be the preferred medium for delivering audio online. Above, Ethan deftly blends oscilloscope visuals with light paint and timelapse, while underneath burbles some glitchy and fuzzy funk. Thanks to my friends at Echonest for the tip. A funk and Rhodes lover’s wet dream. + Visit

cinematic electronic // heady ambient Not since Trentemøller has an electronic artist approached his music with such delicacy. But while the Dane kept your brain busy measure to measure, the sole member of Bersarin Quartett, Thomas, makes no bones about holding you rapt in a piece of steady, twirling music for up to sixteen minutes. Natural strings, arpeggiated synth and raspy drums combine to construct a cinemascape of melancholy and thought. Sublimity missing a screen. Bersarin Quartett - Oktober Bersarin Quartett - St. Petersburg + Purchase/Visit

vocal electronica // experimental pop Katrine Ottosen’s album Fall Down (2008) is a debut that should not be left unnoticed despite the flood of DYI Indie artists. The Copenhagen-based musician who records under the name CALLmeKAT takes the listener with a distinctly Scandinavian sound: melancholic, floating and intense. Fall Down shifts between the experimental and the somewhat urban dream-pop, recalling the fragility of Stina Nordenstam and the edgy mysterious soundscapes of such artists as Klima and Sol Seppy. From sharp to dreamy electronic arrangements. CALLmeKAT - Do Your Trick CALLmeKAT - Flower In The Night + Purchase/Visit