Look Who's Popped Up Again...

It's that time of the year again. Get excited about this, because it'll DEFINITELY be coming out. Probably. Maybe. Ok, it won't be out anytime soon. Or ever. Get excited though...

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"I told you... I live this shit"

Something I stumbled across on Kode 9's Soundcloud page earlier. The classic "Burial Mix" from Mary Anne Hobbs' show on Radio 1 in 2007. This mix was put together to promote his forthcoming album, Untrue, which is now unbelievably almost six years old.

Whilst it was one of the first times people would hear classics such as Archangel, Etched Headplate and In McDonalds, it was also an only, heartbreaking exposure to pined for dubs such as Feral Witchchild and the immense Speedball2.

If you like this sort of music, and if you're reading this, I'm guessing you do, you need to listen to this. If you haven't ever heard it, then now's the perfect time...

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Davwuh vs Burial...

Back in the tail-end of 2011, we spoke to Davwuh about what he had planned for the future. Here's what he said:

"I love doing remixes of tracks just as much as I like making originals and I have an ambitious idea for an album full of remixes that I'm working on next."

Well, it looks like he got round to completing it, because recently he revealed to the world, Davwuh vs Burial, a remix of Burial's self-titled debut album.

Ambitious is a bit of understatement, especially with regards to Burial's status as "untouchable". With one of the most rabid sets of fans, it was always going to be tough to convince people this was a good idea, but my advice is to check it out. While at times you can sense a struggle to refit some of the more awkward tunes (Night Bus, Gutted) and in some cases doesn't stray too far away from the source material, it's admirable that he made this an entire project, not just another soundcloud free download, but something that he's spent over a year on. 

When it comes off, it really comes off, especially on tunes where Davwuh add his own personal touches to the percussion, shifting a kick to an unexpected place perfectly on U Hurt Me or adding shuffle to the hard-hitting Wounder. In my opinion, his greatest feat is on his rework of Southern Comfort, taking away some of the menace and ruff n tuff moodiness of the original and replacing it with a downcast, melancholic soundscape that suits this remix album to a tee, a perfect retrospective on an album that's still making waves today, seven years after its release.

Grab it for free from the Davwuh vs Burial bandcamp page or by clicking here if that's unavailable (Fans maxed out his downloads on Bandcamp!)...

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Burial - One/Two

Needless to say, we're looking forward to this one....

Possibly something from here?


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Sangambient

Maybe I'm just making assumptions, but I'm guessing it was the likes of Burial's Night Bus, Forgive and In McDonalds that kicked off an interest in ambient music for a lot of the producers I follow and write about here, and of course, that is no bad thing, when it allows the likes of Sangam to flourish.

 

Check this new piece with fellow ambient lord, Bruised Skies, entitled Street Lamp Mist. You may remember their previous pieces, Subcontinent and the, frankly, stunning Signs, and this piece follows the bleak, cinematic vibe.

It's up for free download. Grab it if you have any common sense.

To some, ambient is a pointless, impenetrable genre that will hold no interest. To me, it's music that's unencumbered by any pre-conceptions of what's expected, away from the world of rigid drum structures that basically define the track and can remove a lot of the organic feel, and I think that allows a hell of a lot of ideas to flourish that might fade away anywhere else.

Something Sangam can probably be considered somewhat of a pioneer of is applying ambient soundscapes to grime vocals. Check out his latest piece, Agrow (Sangam's Highest Heights Bootleg), probably the most out and out ambient edit he's made so far...

Is anybody else doing this with grime at the moment? Yeah, me, sort of, and you can expect something along these lines from Sangam and myself pretty soon. Taking away some of the attitude and well, agro, from the track can completely change the mood and tone of the vocals.

Burial might've given ambient music to a larger, more dance focused audience, but the likes of Sangam and Bruised Skies have taken it and are running as fast as they can with it.

Burial & Four Tet - Nova

I can only pray that this finds its way to a slab of vinyl with something equally fine on the flip. Next level....

EDIT: Looks like it is coming out. Text delivers again.

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Rain

When I took this photo, I heard a horn from one of the hench cargo trains passing through the train station about half a mile from my house. Beginning to think I'm living in a Burial album.

 

Burial - Southern Comfort

Night Tracks Of The Year - Top Ten

So here it is, you've read 50-41, 40-31, 30-21 and 20-11, and now we've finally reached the top ten. The ten tracks I feel were the best ten released this year that really fitted the Night Tracks vibe. I'm not trying to be a tastemaker or anything, just merely showing you my favourite tunes, maybe some you didn't know. Drop me a comment below and let us know YOUR favourite Night Track of the year. Anyway, we start off with...

10. Burial, Four Tet & Thom Yorke - Ego (from Ego/Mirror (Text))

This release appeared out of nowhere, announced and sold out all whilst I was on lunch, and it's easy to see why. 3 giants from separate areas, Burial from Garage/Dubstep, Four Tet from a more electronica/IDM scene and Thom Yorke from one of the biggest bands of the last 20 years. This was the stronger side of the two, as I feel it represented all 3 of the artists more completely than the flip. (Buy here unfortunately)

9. Joy O - Jels (from Wade In/Jels (Hotflush Recordings))

Joy O returned to Hotflush, the home of his immense debut, with this 4x4 monster, that showed even the club has room for Night Tracks. Whilst there has been a lot of "Acid House" released this year, this was one of the stand out examples of that sort of sound, but the thing that clinched 9th place for Jels was THAT PIANO that really should've made an appearance well before the last minute of the track. (Buy here)

8. Drake - Marvin's Room (from Take Care (Young Money))

I know, I know, a music blog proclaims Marvin's Room to be one of the best tracks of the year. Hear me out though, check the atmosphere on this track. Noah "40" Shebib has killed it, and in an almost Weeknd-ish way, hearing the lyrics sung by Drake makes the story more believable. Chart music has had a seriously weak year, but if there's more like this from the bigger artists like Drake, then maybe there's a light at the end of the tunnel. (Buy here)

7. Clouds - Rest Of The Cycle (from Lots Of Calls From No One Pt. 2 (Deep Medi))

In a year that has seen the likes of Pinch, Skream, Goth Trad and Vivek release on Deep Medi, who would've thought that it would be the understated and much underrated release by Finland's clouds that would be the label's best in 2011? This eerie number, with the flickery, ghost like drums was to me more powerful than any of the rib-shaking, earth-quaking releases that Deep Medi put out, and that is high praise, as tracks like Swish and The Big Bang are not to be sniffed at. This release is just another marker of Mala's impeccable tastes. (Buy here)

6. Cairo & Svpreme Fiend - Untitled (from Other Heights White Label #2 (Other Heights))

It was another great year for one of my favourite labels, and a label that definitely deserves more credit and exposure overall, Other Heights. This was my favourite release put out by them this year. This stripped back, garage-y roller had perfect piano melodies over the top and ghostly vocals that make it a perfect Night Track, and I'd definitely suggest getting your hands on this release before it's too late, and definitely, definitely keep an eye out for Other Heights next releases! (Buy here)

5. Be-1ne - Cane Cutter (from Cane Cutter/Soar (Area Recordings))

Simply put, the best "pure" dubstep release of the year. Area Recordings always had consistent quality coming out, but this year saw Be-1ne's crowning moment so far. After those ghostly chimes keep you on edge for the first 50 seconds or so, the track gives way to one of the best drops in dubstep history. I'm struggling to find the right words about the drums on that drop, so I won't even bother, just believe me, they're good. Something that really impresses me with Be-1ne's releases, and most primarily with this release, is the way he engineers the bass so that you don't just hear it, but it seems to fill your whole room, seeping into every corner. Buy this, and watch it become one of your most played pieces. (Buy here)

4. Zomby & Reark - Natalia's Song (from Natalia's Song (4AD))

EDIT: Read this. (Buy here)

3. Bonecold - Rekca (from Somnipath (Broken Bubble))

This track first reared its head (as far as I'm aware) on a mix by Ghostek a few years ago, and I instantly tried to find out anything about Bonecold that I could, but there was little out there. You can imagine my joy when I sit down at work one monday morning, and check out some of the new releases. I spy an email from the label, Broken Bubble, announcing an album by, yep, you guessed it, Bonecold, and there, right at the end of the tracklist was Rekca. This tune is ambient without being ambient, with bass warps, and jangly hats and snares in all the right places. Just listen to it, you won't regret it. (Buy here)

2. Burial - Stolen Dog (from Street Halo EP (Hyperdub))

This release marked a massive departure by the ever elusive Burial from the styles that defined his album Untrue and the earlier releases on Hyperdub, and the stand out track was definitely Stolen Dog. Burial had never made anything like this before, dropping the tempo from around 140 to the 110-130 area, and working with synth melodies, which came as a bit of shock, but still retained that Burial vibe, with the mournful vocals, except they worked over shuffling, house-y drums rather than the pounding, garage-y rhythm everyone expected. Whilst most people seemed to prefer, Street Halo or NYC, it was definitely Stolen Dog's uniqueness that pipped it for me. (Buy here)

1. Sully - 2 Hearts (from Carrier (Keysound Recordings))

2011 really did belong to Blackdown's Keysound Recordings, and getting Sully on board for an entire album has got to be one of the best moves they could've made. The criminally underrated producer is responsible for Night Tracks' Track of the Year, 2 Hearts. This track burst straight out of opener (and no. 14 on this list) It's Your Love with all the swing and attitude that his previous release on Keysound and Toffee Apple had hinted at and brought everybody that listened to it back to 2001 briefly. If you read our interview with Sully back in November, you'll know that this was (at least at one point) considered by Burial for his never-to-come-out mix compilation for DJ Kicks, and that is saying something, especially as there was a collaboration between the two planned off the back of it. 2-Step drums, bouncy bassline, neon synths and a female vocal, is there a better combination? Not this year there wasn't. (Buy here)

Review the list in full:
50-41 - 40-31 - 30-21 - 20-11

Burial on Hyperdub Show. Rinse FM tonight.

Just a quick heads up that Scratcha DVA will be playing a new Burial tune on the Hyperdub show on Rinse FM tonight. (11pm-1am)

Big up.

EDIT: What we were waiting for (And it actually IS called Ashtray Wasp).

Night Tracks Of The Year - Numbers 40-31....

Today is the second part of our countdown of the best tracks of the year, so if you missed the first part, I command you to read it here now! Continue reading below for tracks 40-31 and pick up the pieces you like...

40. Answer Code Request - Escape Myself (from Subway Into (Answer Code Request))

Some might call it techno, but to me, this has a raw, garage-y feel to it that sets it apart from many of the standard 4x4 techno tunes this year. Quite a menacing tune that held its own on one of the most impressive releases to land on my radar in 2011. (Buy here)

39. Volor Flex - Gloom (from Tramp (Dark Clover Records))

Ok, so it was a clear mash-up of Burial's 'Pirates' and 'Wounder' but it doesn't stop it being amazingly good. Volor Flex has perfectly replicated that urban sound that Burial did so perfectly on his debut LP, and that's certainly something Night Tracks can get down to. (Buy here)

38. Session View - Orange (from Royal Road (Enypnion))

Session View's release, Royal Road, proved to me that there was more than enough life left in Techno as long as there were stand outs like this. That bassline and those drums could've been crafted by Basic Channel and nobody would've known any better. One of those tracks where everything fits perfectly. (Buy here)

37. Burial, Four Tet & Thom Yorke - Mirror (from Ego/Mirror (Text))

When this dropped when I was at lunch at work and sold out within minutes, I spent the rest of the day searching for a record shop that had it in stock. How could this not be good? Four Tet dropping them on Rinse that night just confirmed what many already thought. (Err... buy here?)

36. Commodo & Lurka - Airtight (from Airtight/Gassin (Black Box))

Another show of Black Box's strength, this release from two of the "newer" producers was one of the high points, standing out amongst the bigger names on the label, although those in the know knew this collaboration couldn't go wrong. (Buy here)

35. Andy Mac - Everytime (from Everytime/Asteroid Belt (Punch Drunk))

Apparently a bit of anthem in the Bristol area for those lucky enough to hear it, but the rest of us had to wait for a full release to be surprised by the sort of track that really would conquer the mainstream if only Radio 1 played it. (Buy here)

34.  Radiohead - Lotus Flower (Jacques Greene Remix) (from The King Of Limbs Remixes (Ticker Tape))

Jacques Greene's remix of Lotus Flower might not have been released when the hype around this series was at its fullest, but it was certainly the strongest. Whilst others focussed on more experimental edges, Greene managed to make something so danceable. Those who held their attention during the epic build up were definitely rewarded. (Buy here)

33. Massive Attack & Burial - Four Walls (from Four Walls/Paradise Circus (Inhale Gold))

Fans had wanted this since they first heard snippets dropped by Kode 9, recorded on mobile phones, years ago. This had been "forthcoming" for some years, and many had given up. Forget the controversy about prices, forget the controversy about possible sound issues. In fact, if you haven't got much patience, forget about the first 9 minutes of this track, because even if it only consisted of those last 2 minutes, it would still be on this list. (If you're very rich, buy here)

32. Compa - Dreams (from Dreams/Them Dogs (Inna Riddim))

Compa is definitely part of a group of "up-and-comers" that are producing their own take on the halfstep variety of dubstep. Posting a youtube link of 'Dreams' doesn't really do the track justice, so I can't recommend that you buy a high quality download and turn on your sub to enjoy it. Then pray that one day Compa gives you his dubplate of his Anti-War Dub refix. (Buy here)

31. Fedbymachines - Last Stop (from First Light EP (Warminal))

Probably the most frantic drums on any release all year, that really keep you on edge, and in this case, that's a good thing. They really are the focal point, but that's only because the grainy pads and ghostly vocals lurk so deep in the ether and that's just where they're meant to be. This is music to be out on the streets to. (Buy here)

Keep your eye's peeled for 30-21, and again, if you missed the first part, 50-41, check it out here.

Please Be True...

If this is true, then this combined with it being my last day at work in 2011, this could be one of the greatest days in existence... 

Another Recommendation: Volor Flex - Tramp

Out to Taavi for putting me onto this one. This is an album that comes out tomorrow (November 30th) on Dark Clover Records and the album is called Tramp by Volor Flex. Now, if you're a fan of Burial, you might think that this is maybe a little bit too much like Burial (points to those who can guess the track that sounds a lot like 'Prayer' and the track that sounds like a mash up of 'Wounder' and 'Pirates'), but also, if you're a fan of Burial, you should love this album.

It really is great stuff, very well produced too. Perfect night time listening, I'm definitely going to be grabbing it. Looks past the fact that it sounds quite like Burial. Perhaps we should start seeing this a style of music, there's certainly enough intricacies in the music for it not to become stale.

Check out the audio below:

Night Tracks Classics - Burial & Four Tet - Moth/Wolf Cub

In celebration of my second copy arriving (I have a copy of the original press, but I bagged a copy of the repress for DJ purposes), I thought I'd take the time to talk a little about one of my all time favourite releases. You may have heard about their second collaboration, in no small part due to the involvement of Radiohead front man Thom Yorke, but their first link up was the mysterious Moth/Wolf Cub, packaged only in a plain black sleeve with no information on.

Burial and Four Tet already had some common ground outside the world of music, both attending the now (sort of) famous Elliott School in London. Probably. As with all things Burial, nobody can be really sure of anything. What else was special about this collab was that they were already two massively respected producers in their own right, with more than their fair share of mainstream coverage.

Anyway, onto the tunes. Check out the A-side, 'Moth'.

Burial & Four Tet - Moth

This was the track that took the underground music world by storm. There was (and still is) a lot of speculation about this tune with regards to the input of its creator. Was this tune just Burial? Was it just Four Tet? Some suggested that 'Moth' was Burial's take on Four Tet, and that 'Wolf Cub' was Four Tet's take on Burial, but to my knowledge, it's never been confirmed. Perhaps in hindsight, now that Burial has shown his versatility with tempo with his 'Street Halo' release, it is obvious that there are elements of both producers in 'Moth'. Although Four Tet is impossible to pin down to a certain style, the synth that runs through this track has got to be his. Check out his tune 'Plastic People' from his album 'There Is Love In You' to see how he can make the same loop repeating over and over both interesting and hypnotising.

Now check out the B-side, 'Wolf Cub'...

Burial & Four Tet - Wolf Cub

For me, this is a lot easier to distinguish who put what in this one together (barring the situation above, where this is Burial's take on Four Tet). That mish-mash of looping, frantic woodblocks rolls as the main attraction over almost archetypal Burial drums, until around the five minute mark when the pads that have been threatening to emerge finally do. It's a shame almost that 'Wolf Cub' came attached to 'Moth', because I think it's massively overlooked, which I suppose is testament to 'Moth's greatness. Anyway, a much underrated track.

So there you have it, a release that I like so much, I had to buy two copies because I was so scared of messing one of them up. If that doesn't convince you to at least try and get your hands on one of the represses (Four Tet has said there will be more) then I don't know what will.

Interview with Sully

Big up to all, I've got a treat for you today, in the form of an interview with Sully, the badman responsible for album-of-the-year-list-botherer Carrier which was released on Blackdown's Keysound Recordings. Read on and find out a little more about the man behind it and check out some of his tunes if you're not a fan yet... (The interview continues after the page break)

NT: Hey man, can you give us an introduction to those who may not know Sully yet?
S: In short, I make tunes, mainly but definitely not strictly in a 2-step fashion.
I've worked with a lot of labels but most closely tied with Frijsfo beats and Keysound Recordings. The latter released my debut LP Carrier in September and currently I'm getting (back) into DJing...

Click here, here, here, or here to buy Carrier

NT: You’ve been releasing for a few years now, what made you decide to put out an album?
S: In all honesty it was down to Blackdown's persistance. I've had a fair few people put the idea to me, but Keysound kept with it and the time came where it seemed the thing to do. I wanted to try out some new things, have the oppurtunity to write some tunes without a dancefloor and DJ in mind, as result I did a lot of experimenting and came up with some tunes I would have never made outside of an LP. So I'm thankful to everyone who pushed the idea to me over the years!

Sully - It's Your Love

NT: Your album came out on Blackdown’s label Keysound Recordings. How did you manage to convince Blackdown to put out a full album on vinyl? That label has so many albums that need a vinyl release! Does it feel more special that Carrier got that treatment?
S: It's true, Keysound have a serious catalog. They've stepped up even more over the last year or two and I'm stoked to be nestled in there at such an interesting time for the label. I can't think of a thing they've done that doesn't deserve wax, would love some of Damu's Unity in particular, but the sad fact with vinyl is that it's economically difficult, the sales are undoubtedly going down as people switch to Serato and so on, so it isn't always possible to put double or triple disc LPs . I even know some labels have such a passion for vinyl they'll make a loss and make it up with digital sales, which I think is worth it, I love vinyl and always seems to go back to playing it over anything else, but there's a limit to how much you can put into it. I was lucky, Carrier is short enough to fit on 2 sides, which is perfect for the flow of the record too, as you mention...

A Recommendation: Massive Attack & Burial - Four Walls/Paradise Circus

Now that I've got my copy ordered, I feel safe enough to tell you all about it.

Massive Attack & Burial - Four Walls (The Vinyl Factory)

The rumours about a remix album of Massive Attack's 'Heligoland' by Burial have been floating around for some time now, but this is the first concrete output. The release contains the above track 'Four Walls', and original piece (I assume by both MA and Burial) and a remix of the original, Paradise Circus, 

Massive Attack - Paradise Circus (Virgin)

These are lengthy tracks, clocking in at about 12 minutes each, and come in a gold glitter, screen-printed sleeve, designed by Massive Attack's own, 3d.

Quite simply, BUAH!

Soundcloud Round Up

Phew! Almost forgot to do this week's Soundcloud Round-Up. Anyway, you can finally feel relieved and listen to the best it has to offer over the last week.

Not Sure If Want...

Blade Runner to get prequel or sequel.

Really not sure how to feel about this. I've discussed before with my girlfriend that a prequel about the replicants would be pretty cool. I guess it's a positive that the original director, Ridley Scott, will be directing, but I'm still not sure. The effects on the original were AMAZING, it still looks newer than a lot of films coming out today, and this came out in 1981. One thing I hope doesn't crop up is an answer to the "Is Deckard a Replicant?" question. I like a bit of ambiguity in films.

Over on Dubstep Forum, the question "Who should make the soundtrack?" was raised. The original by Vangelis is too sick, you've gotta check it out if you've got an interest in ambient music.

Somebody suggested D-Bridge, and that was a top shout. I've gotta go for my man Burial on this one though, each and every time. I do think someone like Kode 9, Dusk & Blackdown or maybe Old Apparatus could pull something out the bag though.

I guess we can only hope this doesn't become some overblown "blockbuster" sequel, but only time will tell. Either way, it's inspired me to consider writing a piece about Blade Runner, so check that in the coming weeks. I'll probably put together a Blade Runner mix for it too.

Peace.

Burial - DJ Kicks

DJ Kicks, for those that don't know, are compilations/mixes of the favourite tracks of Producers/DJs, and usually include a few exclusives by the producer themselves, released on !K7 records. Those that have released so far include Carl Craig, Four Tet, Hot Chip, Daddy G, Apparat and Kode 9, but there is one that is anticipated more than any other, and one that unfortunately probably won't ever come out.

Wouldn't it be nice to have those paper sleeves filled with a vinyl release of tracks hand-picked by the man Burial. This was meant to come out in 2008, so I can't really see it coming any time soon, but who knows? I'm gonna speculate on a few of the tunes that might be on here, based on tracks that Burial has expressed a liking for in previous interviews.

Night Tracks 010 - Night Grooves 001

Thought it had been quite a while since I put together a mix after Ollie Macfarlane's top notch guest mix so I got on making a mix that I thought highlighted more of the danceable night tracks. Check it out.

Night Tracks 010 - Night Grooves 001 by Garethom on Mixcloud

First we start off with Birmingham producer Krytikal and his track I Need. This is a sleek track, has a real Roots Of Dubstep feel to it (if you don't know that CD, it's definitely worth checking out), and as such I can't really pin this as garage or dubstep, but what I am sure of is that it's impressively well produced. This is followed by Majic's refix of Brandy - The Boy Is Mine, where he gives the original a funky shuffling twist. Next up we have the absolute stormer by Hackman, Close. I've already wrote about this track, and no matter how many times I hear it, I'm never quite ready for that drop. Following Close, we have a track from Night Tracks favourite Ollie Macfarlane, with his remix of Jacques Greene's Baby (I Don't Know What You Want) where he takes the thumping house of the original and twists it into a more garagey, snipped-up version that can definitely hold its own compared to the original. Next up was the unexpected release that was Burial, Four Tet & Thom Yorke - Ego. Every artists work is evident in this future classic. Following this is Wax with Untitled from No. 10001, with jarring chords gradually coming in over the techy groove. Next in the mix is Jacques Greene's impressive take on acid house, Sorted which moves straight into Satoshi Fumi & Steve Mill with their collaboration Night Purring (Dub Mix) with some lush pads underlining the thudding kicks. Ollie Macfarlane returns with another remix, this time of Burial's Stolen Dog adding his familiar house/trance influences to form it in his own vision. Finally, we have the classic long-runner Phylyps Trak II/II by the minmal techno gods, Basic Channel.

Hope you enjoy it!

Night Tracks Classics: Burial - South London Boroughs

Burial - South London Boroughs (Hyperdub)

Hit play. Wait. Wait. Wait. Ok, carry on reading. Did you hear that? That first 53 seconds is the pinnacle of all music ever created. I’ve spoke about street sounds before, but that is THE sound of the streets.