My favourite geneticist and computational biologist is back with what can only be described as one of the more fully realized debut albums I’ve heard in 2016. “Trust” is a beautiful single that clearly shows just how precise and detail-oriented Max Cooper really is. (Also, got to love those vocals provided by Kathrin deBoer.) If you’re a fan of electronic music, I highly recommend you give Max Cooper a listen. He is by far one of the best in the business.
HOLD ON – THE XX
New xx material is always cause for celebration, but I seem overly excited for the release of I See You on January 13, 2017. (Most likely because it’s been FIVE LONG YEARS since they put out Coexist.) If it’s anything like their single “Hold On,” I’m in for a treat. It feels so good to know there’s a whole album worth of new Romy, Oliver and Jamie material coming my way.
A MINUTE TO BREATHE – TRENT REZNOR & ATTICUS ROSS
Always love me some Reznor/Ross action.
SOMERSAULT (DANGER MOUSE REMIX FT. MF DOOM) – ZERO 7
Zero 7 posted a link to this song on their Facebook page today and I lost it. Though it’s a few years old, I frothed at the mouth to think of a Zero 7 and MF DOOM combo. This remix by Danger Mouth delivers! If you’re a fan of soulful beats and smooth rhymes, give this track a listen. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
BENEATH WITH ME (FT. SKYLAR GREY) – KASKADE X DEADMAU5
Whenever Kaskade and Deadmau5 get together, you know things are going to be good. (“I Remember” remains one of my all-time favourite songs.) Both these reputed producers always come up with some of the best progressive beats, and I can’t say enough about Skylar Grey. “Beneath With Me” stays true to her signature aerial vocals that only ever seem to touch down just as they take off once more. On the whole, this track makes me incredibly nostalgic for those late summer nights when I was just discovering both Kaskade and Deadmau5. “Beneath With Me” feels a little like a old reunion of sorts, and the magic of these two guys is clearly alive and well.
TASTE – BRAIDS
Every now and then I’m able to catch CBC’s radio show The Signal at 10 p.m. when I’m driving listlessly around town. Host Laurie Brown (who arguably has her own cult following here in the True North) always has the BEST music to showcase, including a number of well-known and lesser-known Canadian artists. Braids are a band from the Prairies and I couldn’t help but be swept away by their single “Taste” off their third studio album. It’s such a haunting song, only enhanced by the fact that I was hearing it for the first time driving down the darkened 417. (FYI – you can stream Laurie’s curated music picks on CBC Music.)
BONES OF MAN – EQUADOR
These two can do no wrong. Can’t wait for the debut album this fall!
SHANE KOYCZAN
I knew it was Shane as soon as I heard the voice. The Canadian spoken word poet lends his verse to Sport Chek’s Rio 2016 Olympic Manisfesto commercials. I’ve always been a big fan of Shane and definitely got pretty emotional watching these commercials. The cadence and lyricism of his voice is incredible. Lots of pride for Canada!
THE SPOILS (FT. HOPE SANDOVAL) – MASSIVE ATTACK
Massive Attack + Hope Sandoval + Cate Blanchett. I’m done. Reuniting for the first time since 2010’s “Paradise Circus,” Massive Attack and Hope Sandoval deliver one sensual track with “The Spoils.” It’s everything I ever want or expect from my favourite Bristol boys. ❤
HOLDING BACK (FEAT. GALLANT) – SG LEWIS
This SG Lewis and Gallant collab is the definition of smooth. Summer is back, baby!
SINGLE(S) FOR A DAY 