Wendy Rene - After Laughter Comes Tears (Nicolas Jaar Remix) [download]

This highly emotive track by Wendy Rene gets the Nicolas Jaar treatment, into areas of darkness and haunting melodies. Pretty sure that this song was just ripped off of one of Nico’s podcasts, seeing as the track is unreleased, but when I saw this tune just hanging in my iTunes I couldn’t help but share. Enjoy this soulful remix.

Tokimonsta - Bright Shadows [download]

Big ups to one of my favorite electronic labels around, Brainfeeder. It’s no surprise that they just won “Label of the Year” at the 2012 Gilles Peterson Worldwide Awards, they have some serious talent on their roster and continue to put out innovative and fresh beats. As a thank you to their fans, they just released a free 12-track sampler, which you can download below. This free sampler features tracks from Thundercat, Martyn, Samiyam, Tokimonsta, Jeremiah Jae, Taylor McFerrin, Teebs, Austin Peralta, Matthewdavid, Mono/Poly, Gaslamp Killer, and Lapalux. Check out these awesome LA Beats Scene artists and enjoy their heady, trip-hopped out electronica.

Brainfeeder Sampler 2012 - [download]

these are the times that try men’s souls
- Thomas Paine 

Bonobo - Dinosaurs [download]

I was browsing through my collection of Bonobo tunes yesterday, and I happened upon the “One Off Remixes and B-Sides” album from 2002. I gotta say, I absolutely love Bonobo and all of Simon Green’s works, and after giving this album a thorough listen, I’m absolutely stunned that many of these tracks never made it to his actual albums, instead set aside for a “remixes and B-sides album.” Don’t be fooled, though. These songs are far from B-grade…In fact, some of his remixes and B-sides impressed me even more than the songs that actually made it onto his albums! If you enjoy this subtle, jazzier edit of “Dinosaurs” as much as I did, be sure to give this a good listen. Also, remind me to always check my record’s b-sides for hidden gems.

Bonobo - One Off Remixes and B-sides (2002) [download]

Nicolas Jaar- Wouh [download]
today’s chilled out morning track brought to you by Nicolas Jaar

The American-Chilean musician, Nicolas Jaar is truly magnificent. His smooth, jazzy blend of piano and electronica sets him apart from your run of the mill electronic act. His debut album, Space is Only Noise is absolutely amazing. I will be posting some tracks off his album later. But for now, enjoy the song “Wouh.” It has a very distinctive beat with a very clean sounding bass, along with the usual Nico Jaar piano riff.

Emancipator - First Snow (Ooah Remix)

I feel like this track is titled perfectly. When I listen to this song and close my eyes, I can picture myself walking through an expansive forest during a first snow… with snow crunching beneath my feet, the cold send shivers down my spine.

One thing about Emancipator that I absolutely love - how natural feeling and sounding the music is. It is as if the music itself grew out of nature. It has such an organic feel, tempo, and vibe to it. It reminds me a lot of being at various Do-Lab events or creations, and it brings Burning Man to mind for some reason…although I have never been, I can totally imagine Emancipator dropping some epic sunrise sets over the playa.

This is definitely music that puts you in a state of trance. Once your brainwaves catch on to the beat and the flow, they will become entranced like the spinning flames of a poi-twirler. Put the album on and let your brain wander.

emancipator remixed [320] album (amazing) [download]

and now for some Animal Magic .

Bonobo’s Animal Magic (2000) is simple, relaxing, and impressive. It is a great album for headphones, and awesome when you are in the mood to just chill out, meditate even fall asleep. A very thoughtful, creative album. The track Sleepy Seven has a beat that your brain can easily latch on to. It is dreamy, mesmerizing and hypnotic, and it will surely calm you down if you are feeling any stress. Animal Magic is imaginative, and I feel like it clearly showcases Bonobo’s superb talent in such an early album of his.

Some of the other standout tracks on the album are The Plug (featured in the previous post), **Terrapin (so soothing and relaxing, it can lull you to bed with its calming rhythm), and **Shadowtricks (the song actually sounds like its title - if you imagine shadow tricks… you can understand the meaning in the layers of the song.)

happy tuesday.

Bonobo - Sleepy Seven (mp3)

Bonobo - Animal Magic (zip) 

my favorite monkeyman - Bonobo (Live Sessions)

some pleasant evening music. very relaxing, heady, and Bonobo is one of my favorite DJ/producers out there. This track, The Plug is originally on Bonobo’s Animal Magic album (perhaps my favorite of his all) from 2000. An early album that shows such amazing talent from this British musician.

This version, however, is a cut off of the Live Sessions album, and it illustrates how beautiful his music sounds when played with a live band rather than being produced in a studio. Granted, the studio version is amazing, but with a live band it is absolutely SUPERB. Give it a listen, and if you enjoyed the track, grab the Live Sessions album here. I think you’ll enjoy it thoroughly.

Bonobo - The Plug (Live) (mp3)

Bonobo - Live Sessions (zip)