VIbes4YourSoul guest mixtape for Beam Me Up Disco

Here is a mixtape I just made for Montreal-based Beam Me Up Disco collective. Groove, beats, nudisco & more...enjoy!

Gilberto Gil & Jorge Ben - Filhos De Gandhi (V4YS Afoxé Edit)

Released in 1975 as part of Jorge Ben & Gilberto Gil duo album Jorge & Gil, this song evokes the legendary Carnaval bloco from Salvador de Bahia, the Filhos De Gandhy, whose history is a great snapshot of Brazil social and cultural roots.

In 1951, following authoritarian Brazilian authorities challenge of some important social welfare benefiting Bahia's port workers, a group of the city's dockers led the opposition, chosing Mahatma Gandhi's famous non-violent approach.
Unfolding during carnival time, their demonstrations were met with a large popular success, so much that they decided to cement their group through a cultural and spiritual association: a carnival bloco. The Filhos De Gandhy (with an "y", I don't know why), were born.

 Today it's one of the oldest and largest blocos in the country with more than 10 000 members. Their white outfit and turban is easily recognizable, and the legend says it gives men wearing it a certain sex-appeal with women :)

Bahia's strong African legacy is also very much present in the Filhos's songs and chants, often written in Nigerian Yoruba language, while also influenced by African animist religion Candoblé (also known in Brasil as Afoxé). Born in Salvador and occasionally partying with the group, Gilberto Gil wrote this 13 minutes-long song, probably as a direct tribute to the Filhos.

Here is my drummed-up and shortened Dj-friendly edit of it.

P.S.: the photo artwork dates back from 1946/48. It was taken in Bahia by late French photographer and enthnologist Pierre Verger, who dedicated his life studying the links between West Africa and Brasil, notably the Candomblé religion. His work as a photographer is simply stunning, I urge you to google it if you enjoy photo as an art, and Brasil & its people in particular.

The Supreme Jubilees - It'll All Be Over (V4YS Rework)

A relatively unknown Californian Soul & Gospel band, The Supreme Jubilees released only one LP, in 1979, which was recently re-issued and is a highly recommended gem.

Keyboardist Leonard Sanders wrote the wonderful song, It'll All Be Over, and I was not surprised when I read he was a big fan of Donny Hathaway, as this soulful groove clearly evokes Donny's sound.

 Here is my slo-mo take of it.

Bryan Ferry - Slave To Love (V4YS Can't Escape Edit)

No need to describe this classic 1985 mellow song from Bryan Ferry. There are a few cool edits of it out there, but I wanted something a bit more slo-mo/balearic-like, so here is my take of it.

94 East Feat. Prince - If You See Me (V4YS Rework)

A Minneapolis-based band formed in 1975 by Pepé Willie, 94 East band lasted only 4 years, until 1979. Enough to welcome in the meantime a 16-year-old local kid for funky electric guitar duties.

Here is my revisit of "If You See Me", a groove pearl where (very young) Prince's guitar style sounds already so funky.

The Rolling Stones - Can't You Hear Me Knocking (V4YS Rework)

A classic song from the legendary 1971 album Sticky Fingers, Cant You Hear Me Knocking embeds a classic Stones rock cut and a phenomenal Santana-like groovy instrumental jam.

Mick Taylor later explained that this second part was not planned at all. Thinking the recording session was over, he started improvising and the band followed on. The sax and congas bringing this latin/groove feel to the jam.

Here is my slo-mo rework of it.

Vibes4YourSoul Mixes#37 - A Latin Tale

Here is a sunny Latam-flavored mixtape, with a strong Brazilian accent and a few Latin Jazz moments.

Lots of classics, lots of edits, lots of joy.

Jorge Ben - Rio Babilônia (V4YS Flamengo Edit)

Released in 1983 as part of the Dádiva album, Rio Babilônia is not as famous as the Taj Mahal / Filho Maravilha / Pais Tropical song, which was the highlight of this LP. It is nevertheless a joyful love message written by Jorge Ben to his incredible hometown. 

Here is my drummed up edit of it. 

Patrick Coutin - Fais-moi Jouir (V4YS Riddim Edit)

An artist issued from the vivid 80's French alternative Rock scene, Patrick Coutin is first and foremost known to the French audience for his 1981 hit J'aime Regarder Les Filles.

Released in 1990, as a bonus track of a re-issue of his first album, Fais-moi Jouir is definitely hotter in term of lyrics, but as much fun. Its cool laid-back rythm inspired me this reggae-flavored DJ-friendly edit.




Download for free on The Artist Union: theartistunion.com/tracks/ad48b7

Leroy Hutson - Don't It Make You Feel Good (V4YS It Sure Does Edit)

A Soul, Funk & R&B singer, multi-instrumentalist, producer and arranger, Leroy Hutson is probably slighltly less well known than the Marvin, Donny or Curtis of this world. He's nonetheless a cornerstone of this legendary 70's music scene.

Here's my refreshed DJ-friendly take of one of my favorite track by him, Don't It Make You Feel Good, released in 1976 as part of the Hutson II album.

Download for free on The Artist Union: theartistunion.com/tracks/839d0f

V4YS Mixes#36 - Cali Groove Tape

A groove tape to welcome the spring, lots of classics, lots of edits/reworks, a few newbies...and a laid-back atmosphere reflecting my feeling after coming back from a few days in San Francisco.

 California dreamin' !

Vibes4YourSoul 2016 Favorites

Welcome to Vibes4YourSoul 2016 Favorites, an incomplete revisit of the records that inspired me most this year. In this selection, you'll find a healthy dose of eclectic vibes from all over the world, edging from nu-jazz, to indie, pop, folk,  hip-hop, lo-fi & electro.

It comes with a special chill podcast focusing on the "non-dancefloor" releases mentioned, plus a few extras (tracklisting below, dwlnd link here).

I hope you'll enjoy the journey,


Jm / Vibes4YourSoul




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 ALBUMS / LPs
  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thomas Cohen - Bloom Forever

(Indie, Folk / Stolen Recordings) 

Written in the wake of a personal tragedy (the brutal passing away of his wife), Thomas Cohen debut solo album echoes the best hours of 70's melancholic rock. A flawless orchestration built around slow rhythms and spacy guitars acts as a warm frame for his deep and touching voice (which reminds me of Suede's Brett Anderson in some way). The type of fluid record that almost immediately sounds like a long-time companion.
listen



Melanie De Biasio - Blackened Cities
(NuJazz / PIAS Records) 

A fascinating one-track, 25mn-long record, built as a deep techno set, Blackened Cities is also the fusion of one of the most gifted & creative Jazz singer of her generation, into the notes of a handful of trusted talented musicians. If the words "musical journey" means something, this must be it.
listen

Frank Ocean - Blond(e)
(R&B,NuSoul / Boys Don't Cry Records) 

4 years after the beautiful Channel Orange, another home-run from the young R&B UFO Frank Ocean. A nostalgic moment tainted with lo-fi shades of folk & soul, supported by a remarkable singing achievement. 
listen

Bon Iver - 22, A Million 
(Indie, Folk / Domino Records) 

A musical rebirth following a deep depressive period for band leader Justin Vernon, 22, A Million blends the band's sublime melodic signature, to an addictive mysterious atmosphere distilled by an innovative homemade vocoder.
listen

Blood Orange - Freetown Sound
(Electro-Pop, Indie, R&B / Domino Records) 

An unclassifiable artist, London-based Dev Hynes offers another fascinating musical experiment with his third LP as Blood Orange. Melancholic pad synths & Dev's majestic voice act as a common denominator for 17 ethereal tracks smelling something like futuristic soul with an indie-flavored pop accent. As chaotic as his compositions may sometimes sound, you'll easily get carried away by the warmth of the ensemble.
listen

A Tribe Called Quest - We Got It From Here...Thank You For Your Service 
(Hip-Hop / Epic Records) 
When a record has been rumored and hoped for so long, when the band in question is nothing short of legendary, there's this lingering "will they spoil the myth?" type of fear. Well...they didn't, and the 90's Golden age of Hip-Hop got a fast forward ticket to the 21st century.
listen



Lee Fields & The Expressions - Special Night
(Soul / Big Crown Records)

Still brilliantly supported by his band The Expressions, Lee Field's voice seems immune to the passage of time. Classic soul ballads, funkier moments, he still does it all in 2016, as back in the day. A delightful old-school soul/funk journey.
listen




Whitney - Light Upon The Lake
(Folk, Indie / Secretly Canadian Records)

Unpretending soulful folk melodies, a sweet falsetto voice singing love stories, a laid-back melancholic atmosphere...US indie duo Whitney do not reinvent anything there, but their debut LP flows naturally...and it simply feels good.
listen

BadBadNotGood - IV
(Nujazz, Hip-Hop / Innovative Leisure Records) 

Pursuing their exciting journey in the worlds of NuJazz, Hip-Hop & Soul, the Canadian trio, now quartet, delivers its best record so far, retaining the fresh live-like sound from their debuts, while adding some wonderful vocal featurings & high standards studio quality to the mix.
listen

DIIV - Is The Is Are

(Indie Rock / Captured Tracks Records) 

17 tracks, 17 great shoegaze infused indie anthems. If hazy effects still surround Zacharie Cole vocals, their presence is less pronounced than on the band acclaimed debut release Oshin, a successful evolution for the Brooklyn band which confirms its talent.
listen



Ablebody - Adults Contemporary
(Indie, Pop / Lollipop Records) 

Bright, shimmering and nostalgic at the same time, Ablebody debut album is a perfect example of a "dream pop" wave that keeps getting bigger year after year. The twin brothers from LA master the art of designing crystal clear synths & guitars-led melodies, dressed-up with delicate ethereal vocals.
listen

Flamingods - Majesty
(World, Jazz, Pop / Soundway Records) 

A multicultural collective blending Arabic and UK roots, Flamingods' sound transcends genres to create an exotic melting-pot hard to describe. Entering the jungle of Majesty is plunging into a luxurious atmosphere where disorientation is the new normal.
listen




Nicolas Jaar - Sirens
(Electro, Downtempo / Other People Records)

One step further in the experimental & disorientation kind, the new LP from Nicolas Jaar is also a true concept LP. More than a collection of amazing sound textures, Sirens is an ambitious electronic symphony, where new doors open after each new listening experience.
listen

Carlos Niño & Friends- It's All Happening

(NuJazz, Downtempo / Leaving Records) 
Also very much "experimental", It's All Happening is a Yogi-style cosmic Jazz experience and a condensed version of Carlos Niño intense creativity. Think Alice Coltrane, The Doors most cuckoo-land moments. Track-by-track zapping not recommended: if you really wanna open this gate to sweet transcendental meditation, you need to immerse yourself in the whole record, it's all happening here!
listen

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 EPs / Beat Tapes (more electro-centric)

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Photay - Sadie EP
(Downtempo / Astro Nautico Records) 

A feelgood EP filled with lush sounds textures, dreamy keyboards and joyful grooves confirming the talent of this young American producer.
listen

Mocky - The Moxtape Vol. III
(Downtempo, Pop / Domino Records)

The splendid third batch of Mocky's "Moxtape" series, gathering more of his signature dreamy moments, made of sweet piano and bells-led melodies.
listen

Moscoman & Red Axes - Dikembe Manutu & Rage In The Cage EP
(House, Techno, Nudisco / ESP Records)
Israeli duo Red Axes have been resonating more and more loudly with me these last few months. Their techno sound is also delicately groovy, and fits well in my nudisco-oriented DJ sets. Among the many great releases from them this year, I picked this excellent deep slo-mo EP done with Berlin minimal producer Moscoman.
listen


Yuksek - Sweet Addiction EP
(Nudisco, Pop / Partyfine Records)

The hit single's groove is infectious, spiced up by a remarkable vocal featuring from Her. But that's not all, a slo-mo dub pearl and a downtempo version of Make It Happen,feat. Juveniles make this EP a perfect teaser for a soon-to-be released new album.
listen

Alex Gopher - Back To Basics EP
(House, Go 4 Music Records)
When I started DJing for fun, almost 20 years ago, Alex Gopher was one of my most trusted purveyors of fat French house sound. His come back hasn't made me feel any younger...but certainly almost as euphoric as back in the day, courtesy of an explosive EP that has been on heavy rotation in my sets all year-long.
listen



Voilaaa - On Te L'Avait Dit Remixes EP
(Nudisco, House / Favorite Recordings)

French producer Patchworks's Voilaaa afro disco project meets Dimitri From Paris remixing magic. Funny French lyrics, unstoppable percs, what a dancing machine!
listen

Lovebirds - The Hamburg Years Pt.2 EP
(Deep House, Nudisco / Teardrop Recordings)

German House producer Lovebids has been a core member of my house moments through his regular drop of groovy soulful mid-tempo house gems. This EP is a great example of his sound, the track National being one of my most-played track in 2016.
listen

Sirens Of Lesbos - I Got New Feelings Ep & Essays Vol#3 Ep
(House, Deep Techno / Armada Music & Exploited Records)

Will your resist the infectious slo-mo grooves from this Spanish collective oscillating between house and deeper tech-inspired beats.
listen

Alaia & GalloFeat. Kevin Hadden - Who Is He Ep
(House / Soul Heaven Records)
The timeless Bill Withers classic getting three quality house revisits courtesy of a powerful vocal performance by Kevin Hadden and producing skills of Alaia & Gallo, but also the inevitable Claptone as well as The Reflex, who definitely ranks high in my purveyors' list of amazing edits.
listen

  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 EDIT of the year

  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Delegation - Oh Honey (Poolside Edit) + Le Pamplemousse - Gimmie What You Got (Poolside Edit)

For the last three years, Californian DJs and producers Poolside have been my number one source of inspiration and quality as a DJ and producer. These two reworks are just another splendid example of their gift for refreshing forgotten grooves.
listen

Podcast Tracklisting:

Carlos Nino-Calimayan (feat. Nate Morgan & Yaakov Levy) / Mala-Sound Of The River (Feat. Sylvia Falcon) / Maylight - How Soon Is Now (The Smiths Cover) / Bon Iver-666? / Photay-Monday / Mocky-Exception To The Rule / Blood Orange-I Know / Frank Ocean-Pink+White (Feat. Beyoncé) / Kendrick Lamar-Untitled06 / Lee Fields & The Expressions-Special Love / Anderson Paak-Celebrate / A Tribe Called Quest-Whateva Will Be / BADBADNOTGOD-Times Moves Slow (feat. Sam Herring) / Whitney-No Woman / The Tibbs-The Story Goes / Thomas Cohen-Bloom Forever / Cass McCombs-Opposite House / Ablebody-Backseat Heart / DIIV-Bent (Roi's Song) / Melanie De Biasio-Blackened Cities / Flamingods-Majestic Fruit

Marvin Gaye - Where Are We Going (V4YS Rework)

Originally recorded in 1973, Where Are We Going was supposed to be part of the legendary Let's Get It On album. For some reason it did not make the cut, and this beautiful song written by Larry Mizell was first heard through a jazz/funk cover by Donald Byrd & his Blackbyrds.

It's only in 2001 that the original Marvin Gaye version was released as part of Let's Get It On LP reissue featuring various b-sides & studio sessions. Ever since I first heard it a few years ago, it has immediately become one of my favorite Marvin's song, because of its irresistible groove, Marvin's singing at his best, but also its thoughtful lyrics.

Here is my DJ-friendly beefed up take of this overlooked track.

BadBadNotGood - IV (Innovative Leisure Records)

Ever since their promising demo LP, back in 2011, I've been keeping an attentive ear to the musical journey of Canadian "Jazz-Hop" quartet BadBadNotGood.

Experiencing new artistic routes, working with various high profile artists, pursuing their exciting journey in the worlds of nu-jazz, hip-hop & soul, the trio, now quartet, has not lost their refreshing live-jam sound in the process. Still, as good have been their subsequent productions, I always kept a marked preference for their debut demo album...until this week and the release of their new record, IV, on Innovative Leisure Records.

In this fourth release their signature funky free-jazz forays reach new heights, notably supported by the powerful, albeit weightless, drumming of Alex Sowinski and remarkable post-production work, retaining their fresh live-like sound, while offering some high standards studio quality to the mix.

What I consider as their best production to date climaxes with the incredible Time Moves Slow, featuring singer Sam Herring. Probably my favorite track so far this year, all styles considered.

Terry Callier - Holdin' On (V4YS Rework)

Here is a rework of my favorite Terry Callier track, Holdin' On (To Your Love), a groove pearl made of soulful horns, touching politically-conscious lyrics and Terry's incredibly warm voice at his best.

It was released in 1978 as part of his classic LP Fire On Ice. I tried to give it a Dj-friendly nudisco touch, I hope you'll enjoy it.

Erik Truffaz Quartet - Doni Doni (Parlophone Records)

Since the late nineties and his first groundbreaking LPs (The Dawn, Bending New Corners...), blowing up the frontiers between nu-jazz, drum & bass, hip-hop & groove, Erik Truffaz Quartet has been a core member of my "desert island" playlist.

With the exception of the unmovable bassist Marcello Giuliani, Erik's quartet line-up has changed over the years, while never losing in cohesion and coherence. 

From the early days, featuring memorable drummer Marc Erbetta and Patrick Muller on piano, to the current formation with Arthur Knatek (drums) and the groove machine Benoit Corboz on keyboards, the quartet has also always retained an open-mind, constantly on the hook for new experiences and influences. The regular invitations of quality vocalists, bringing their own universe to the mix, has also without a doubt played a major role in the band's ability to constantly reinvent itself and surprise us with fascinating new atmospheres.

Their latest LP, Doni Doni is no exception to the game. Rokia Traoré's delicate west-African touch, as well as French rapper Oxmo Puccino flow are a perfect fit to a record travelling between world music and nu-jazz grooves. Another faultless release from Erik's crew, to be fully appreciated live, where their virtuosity is sometimes almost paranormal.

Erykah Badu - But You Cain't Use My Phone (Mixtape)

Sorry for the quiet activity on the blog this month, but I have to say the year started quite slowly for me in terms of musical surprises.
So I'll open 2016 with a couple of late 2015 releases, starting with the one and only nu-soul queen, Eryka Badu.

In my 2015 Favorites selection I mentioned Erykah's cover of Drake's Hotline Bling.
But the lady did not hang up there, she subsequently released an entire concept album/mixtape around the phone addiction allegory. And you'd better make sure to stay on her line, as this record is a pure delight, truthful to her unique sensual sound.

This project was designed and recorded in less than two weeks, with the help of a young Dallas producer (Zach Witness). This sums up Erykah's rare ability to put her artistic forays & feelings first, far away from an often empty R&B/Hip-Hop mainstream road she could have easily embraced considering her notoriety. With several hints at contemporary R&B songs, but also to the late Jay Dilla, But You Cain't Use My Phone is another milestone in her faultless discography. Totally addictive!

2015 Favorites

Welcome to Vibes4YourSoul 2015 Favorites, a non-exhaustive list of the records that made a difference for me this year. May this selection inspire you, as well as its two special podcasts/mixtapes (Part1 dwlnd / Part2 dwlnd - tracklisting below).

Lots of love,

Jm / Vibes4YourSoul



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 ALBUMS / LPs
 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sufjan Stevens - Carrie & Lowell
(Folk / Asthmatic Kitty Records) 

Who needs drums and bass, when an acoustic guitar, a few vintage keyboard lines, and finely crafted lyrics can weigh so much? Pared down to the bone, Carrie & Lowell strikes right to the heart, even bordering on the sublime when turning sadness and melancholia into a deep feeling of humanity. "I wanna save you from your sorrow" Sufjan sings at some point. Well, he's found a way.
listen

Mocky - Key Change
(Pop, Downtempo / Heavy Sheet Productions) 

Mocky's fifth album, Key Change, is an enchanted interlude floating above the obsolete boundaries dividing downtempo, soul, jazz and pop. The LA-based multi-instrumentalist and producer demonstrates his songwriting talent, as well as his knack for crafting cosy and poetic musical atmospheres. A "feel-good-stamped" moment.
listen

Kamasi Washington - The Epic 
(Jazz / Brainfeeder Records) 

From spiritual Jazz moments, to Pharoah Sanders-like furious musical riots, LA-based Kamasi Washington and his powerful saxophone lead a 20+ musicians pack in an almost 3-hour long journey, that takes you away, far away. A true Jazz masterpiece by one of the most promising Jazz musician of his generation.
listen

Chassol - Big Sun 
(Downtempo / Tricatel records) 
A chorus of birds on a tree, a majestic grandma humming a traditional song, a carnival band jamming...slices of Martinique island life, becoming instruments courtesy of Christophe Chassol sampling & composing magic. More than a vibrant love letter to the artist's familial roots, Big Sun spreads something universal. Following his unforgettable Indiamore, Chassol affirms himself as a true poet of his time.
listen

Beach House - Depression Cherry
(Indie / Sub Pop Records) 

Another faultless release from US duo Beach House, offering more of their addictive melancholic indie sound. Try not to let your thoughts wander while getting caught in their "anthemic" musical landscapes, high-flying keyboards, finely crafted electric guitars-led melodies & Victoria Legrand's dreamy vocals.
listen

Patrick Watson - Love Songs For Robots 
(Indie, Folk / Domino Records) 

Regularly composing music for films, Canadian singer & songwriter Patrick Watson is also the unforgettable vocalist on some of Cinematic Orchestra's most beautiful songs. Truthful to this dreamy & poetic background, his 5th solo album alternates between intimate folk moments and grandiloquent orchestrations full of imagery. An out-of-time pathway tagged with serenity.
listen

Shamir - Ratchet
(Indie, Electro / XL Recordings)

Pop, house, indie, modern disco...Shamir's scattered sound is unclassifiable, so is his fascinating voice, which he likes to refer as a "happy medium" rather than androgynous. So many blurred lines make the young Las Vegas artist debut LP one of the most intriguing music phenomena of these last few months.
listen

José González - Vestiges & Claws
(Folk / Imperial Recordings)

Delicate classical guitar-led melodies and intimate singing are Swedish/Argentinian songwriter José González signature...as well as his remarkable ability to convey intense emotions with an extremely light orchestration. Case in point with his third splendid LP, Vestiges & Claws.
listen

Beirut - No No No
(Pop/Folk / 4AD Records) 

Zach Condon & his Beirut band at their best. Stirring melodies turning into addictive grandiloquent horns-fuelled pop anthems, an emotive roller coaster made of irrepressible joy & sweet melancholy. Yes, yes, yes, you'll want more!
listen

Floating Points - Elaenia
(Ambient, ElectroJazz / Eglo Records)

Already well known for his subtle deep house productions & sure taste for digging old-school grooves, Floating Points (aka Sam Shepard) steps up his game once again to deliver this superb concept record. Lost somewhere between ambient atmospheres, nu-jazz flavours and minimal techno influences, Elaenia is redefining deepness.
listen

Matthew Halsall & The Gondwana Orchestra - Into Forever
(Jazz / Gondwana Records)

For his third and most ambitious Lp to date, Manchester-based trumpeter Matthew Halsall added some vocalists to his organic spiritual Jazz cocktail. Another layer of poetry that'll surely help you find some form of serenity.

Herbert - The Shakes
(Deep House, Electro / Accidental Records)

With The Shakes, his first LP in almost 10 years, Matthew Herbert is once again doing the spadework to open new electronic music routes. A cocktail made of an exotic kaleidoscope of samples, moving vocal featurings, colourful world music influences and his unremitting minimal house rhythmic signature.
listen

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 EPs / Beat Tapes

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Tom Misch - Beat Tape 2 
(Downtempo, Electro / self-released) 

Regularly releasing warm groovy instrumental pearls for the last couple of years, London-based guitarist & producer Tom Misch stepped up his game in 2015 by also adding beautiful deep-house tracks to his outfit, some of which featuring great vocal featurings. One of the most promising young producer around.
listen

Petite Noir - The King Of Anxiety EP
(Indie, Electro, Pop / Domino Records)

A penetrating soulful voice wrapping up a refined electro/indie sound is how I would define South-African artist Petite Noir promising debut EP. Some parallels with Bloc Party and more recently Shamir, with a more melancholic twist.
listen

Das Komplex - Nowadays EP
(Electro/Pop, Deep House / Father And Sons Records and Tapes)

An impressive debut EP from Polish producer Das Komplex gathering a splendid melancholic track ringing a Cure bell, a soulful slo-mo house anthem hinting at gospel atmospheres, a deep & dark old-school house cut,
listen

Thundercat - The Beyond / Where The Giants Roam EP
(NuJazz, Lo-Fi, Brainfeeder records)
One single bass note is enough to immediately distinguish Californian bassist Thundercat from others. Add the cosmic influences of his inseparable friend Flying Lotus and keyboards legend Herbey Hancock, and you get another remarkable futuristic lo-fi jazz moment.
listen

Kelela - Hallucinogen EP 
(Downtempo, R&B / Warp Records)

LA-based singer Kelela second EP is an incredibly cohesive futuristic soul experience. Her strong voice seems made to wrap syncopated beats and lush pads, to creat the kind of ethereal feelings radiating from Hallucinogen.
listen

Vanilla - Origin (Downtempo, Beats / self-released)

A delightful journey between groove, jazzy hip-hop and lo-fi atmospheres. from UK beatmaker Vanilla. Gathering original compositions and classic soul tracks reworks, spiced up by a collection of finely picked samples, this mostly instrumental collection definitely carries some relaxing attributes.
listen

Ishivu - Gryning Ep 
(Deep House / Trunkfunk Records)

Some deep & minimal vibes from Swedish producer Ishivu. Perfect pace, warm keyboards, the kind of perfect warm-up or late night record that will have you starting to move, without even noticing.
listen

Claptone - The Music Got Me Ep
 & various remixes  (House / Exploited Records)

German producer & DJ Claptone definitely had a hot hands in 2015, releasing several great house tracks with a recognizable powerful rhythmic backbone. The Music Got Me and his remix of Gregory Porter's Liquid Spirit are already classics.
listen

Joakim - Kindness & Todd Terje remixes
(Nudisco, House / Female Energy & Olsen Records)

French producer Joakim has been one of my favorite nudisco/house artist for a while. He scored big again this year with his slo-mo remix of Kindness's Who Do You Love (especially the dub version) and a dancefloor killer remix of Todd Terje's Strandbar.
listen

Drake - Hotline Bling & Erykah Badu cover
(R&B, Cash Money Record)

I'm usually not too much into large commercial US R&B sounds, but I know to make exceptions! Case in point with this addictive single from Drake & its cover by the one and only nu-soul queen, Erykah Badu.
listen

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 EDIT of the year

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Little Beaver - Groove On (DJ Vas & Soulist Rework)

My favorite edit this year comes from French DJs & producers DJ Vas & Soulist, who gave a "101 groove" masterclass by spicing up this 1980 pearl from US singer & guitarist Willie "Beaver" Hale.
listen

  

The Chill Part (Indie, Folk, Lo-Fi, Jazz...)
Chassol-BirdsPart I / Mocky-HeadsInTheClouds / PatrickWatson-LoveSongForRobots / DasKomplex-LikeAFish / SufjanStevens-ShouldHaveKnownBetter / BeachHouse-Levitation / JoséGonzález-StoriesWeBuild,StoriesWeTell / Beirut-Gibraltar / PetiteNoir-Chess / Shamir-Vegas / Drake*ErykahBadu-HotlineBling / Kelela-AllTheWayDown / Thundercat-HardTimes / KamasiWashington-LeroyAndLanisha / MatthewHalsall&TheGondwanaOrchestra-OnlyAWoman / Vanilla-Footsteps / TomMisch-TheJourney

The Dance Part (Nudisco, House, Electro...)
LittleBeaver-GrooveOn (DJ Vas&Soulist Rework) / BillieBlack&MuraMasa-ThisSimplePleasure / Kindness-WhoDoYouLove(Joakim Dub Mix) / Xinobi-RealFake(CutSlackRemix) / PurpleDiscoMachine-WhereWeBelong / Selvy-GottaHaveIt / Shamir-OnTheRegular / ToddTerje-Starndbar(JoakimFullLengthMix) / GregoryPorter-LiquidSpirit(ClaptoneRemix) / Herbert-Smart&Middle / TomMisch-BeautifulEscape / Ishivu-Gryning(MattKarmilRemix) / FloatingPoitns-ForMarmish