R BENY - Saudade (Dauw, 2018)
This track was shown to me by my best mate Ben while we were travelling around Central America last year. I listened to it continuously for the rest of the trip, particularly in moments of deep thought like while staring out a bus window or lying under the stars. Despite the strong melancholic tone, I never find myself being dragged into a pool of sadness, though am instead filled with contentment and feelings of appreciation.
BILL CALLAHAN - Highs in the Mid-40's Dub (Drag City, 2013)
Dubby pitter patters layered between folk-esque guitar and Bill Callahan’s voice of wisdom - don’t be surprised if this one makes you feel like things are worse than they really are.
KHOTIN - Water Soaked In Forever (Khotin Industries, 2018)
A lush and organic piece of ambient music to add to Khotin’s beautiful back catalogue of generally housier rhythms. This one transports me high into the sky, soaring over a dense rainforest, floating in and out of thoughts about the past and the present.
LUCKY & EASY - Night Rainbows (Ampoule, 1998)
A shifting mirage of broken beats and fluttering synths. While the first half takes on a more lively energy, the second half drops back into a space of total contemplation, as though the song suddenly realised it needed to chill out a bit.
LEONID - SD2 (Photic Fields, 2013)
I first heard this song a few years ago but have only recently fully appreciated it’s depth and subtlety. While some may think house music is meant for dancing, I often find myself listening to it in moments of reflection and introspection. Note the small shifts in percussion and lush synths that evaporate sporadically as the song glides forward.
MODEL 500 - Starlight (Intrusion Dub)
An eerily still, yet thoroughly moving track from Model 5000. Vast and brooding, this song is the perfect mental retreat for when things get crazy and the buzz of the world around you becomes too much.
BATTEAUX - High Tide
When I was younger and had nightmares, my parents would tell me to think of a nice memory like a beach holiday. I now live by the beach and have this song to listen to, so nightmares are no longer a problem in my life.