Some quarantine listening for you. Here are the April recommendations for life under lockdown from our 1BTN DJs. Spotify playlist at the bottom of the page.
Murge
Can’t Hurt Me Now (feat. Sierra Lundy)
(Loci Records)
Canadian producer Murge creates a slice of downtempo goodness with warm analog synths, ice oll atmospheric sound design and haunting vocals form Sierra Lundy. On repeat!’
(Asta Hiroki’s Natural Beats)
Nyx Nott
Au Pieds De La Nuit LP
(Melodic)
An album made during the night and dedicated to the darker part of the day. Aiden Moffat (Arab Strap) continues his fine work as Lucky Pierre and moves it onwards to an even more unworldly place. The perfect soundtrack to your dreams…
Murray Scott (UBIK)
HF Frequency
I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do)
(Claremont 56)
A brilliant Japanese reggae-infused modern version of the timeless 80’s Hall and Oates classic. Released as part of a compilation for Paul Mudd’s ever-brilliant label.
BIG RED AL (LATE NIGHT BIGNESS )
Ibrahim Maalouf
Toucher les etoiles
(Mi’ster Productions)
Lebanese trumpeter Ibrahim Maalouf showcases exactly what he does best – epic brass compositions – on this new album released alongside the French film Une belle equipe, for which it is the soundtrack. Tugging and pulling the emotions in all directions, the album also includes a cheeky cover of Who’s that Girl by Eve, circa 2001.
Jo Dressler
Alabaster DePlume
To Cy & Lee: Instrumentals Vol 1
(International Anthem)
This album is bringing me a lot of happiness, calm and reassurance at a very strange time on planet earth. A modern classic, I can’t recommend it enough.
Jim Lister (VERSION)
Coriky
Clean Kill
(Dischord)
This may come as a shock to those who follow Rockit Soul, but as Fugazi are my favourite band of all time, I am so stoked on the new band compiled of Ian MacKay (guitar) and Joe Lally (Bass) formerly of Fugazi. Joining them is Amy Farina on drums. Any fans of Fugazi will hear it immediately, Clean Kill is like a lost track off one of their later albums. Excited doesn’t even touch the sides.
Matt (Rockit Soul)
Moniquea
Los Robles & Washington (from the new LP of the same name)
(MOFUNK)
Produced by one of Modern Funk’s finest, Los Robles & Washington hits hard with huge synth bass, deep melodic chords, synth whines and G-funk vocal styling that take you straight to the mean streets of Los Angeles
Kirollus Elyas
Ivan Conti
Katmandu (Jazzanova Remix)
(Far Out Recordings)
A track recorded at the same time as Ivan Conti’s 2019 solo album, Katmandu was somehow left off the album. Neither the drummer of Azymuth or I have any idea why as it’s such a good groove. From the EP of the original and 3 remixes, it’s the Jazzanova mix that shows why they are so well respected for their remix work. Infectious and soulful in abundance.
Matt (Rockit Soul)
Warmduscher
Midnight Dipper (Soulwax Remix)
(The Leaf Label)
London low lives meet the Belgian high command and the results are so filthy you’re going to have to wash more than your hands after you’ve listened to it. The video is aces too.
Senor Mick (Garden Of Earthly Delights)
Mildlife
Zwango Zop (Artwork Edit)
Mildlife MLD002
Absolutely massive dance floor disco banger guaranteed to get your kitchen party started. If you liked Paul Epworth’s Voyager from last year you’ll love this.
Rich D (Local Zeros Show)
Kaleta & The Super Yamba Band
Jibiti (Bosq Remix)
(Ubiquity)
Bringing his disco funk sound, DJ and producer Bosq pushes Brooklyn afro-funksters Kaleta & Super Yamba Band’s Jibiti towards the dancefloor. Extra percussion and a touch of his signature farfisa sounds makes for a track that can’t help but get you moving.
Martha (Underlying Oddities)
Tony Allen and Hugh Masekela
Rejoice
(World Circuit)
This is a no brainer. Posthumous Hugh Masekela release in collaboration with Tony Allen. The source material for this album is a 2010 London meeting of these two giants of African music. The session tapes were unearthed by Allen and producer Nick Gold and new contributions from Joe Armon-Jones and others have been stirred into the mix. This track has Masekela playing flugelhorn as well as chanting the refrain “Lagos never gonna be the same without Fela”.
Ian Lawton (Trainspotters)
Cleo Sol
Rose In The Dark
(Forever Living Originals)
My entry this month is an album – one I’ve been waiting for for a VERY long time since I first heard Why Don’t You, one of my tracks of the year way back in 2017. Cleo is singer, songwriter and co-founder of her own label Forever Living Originals. She’s spent the past five years writing and recording her own material alongside respected producer Inflo (who produces this album). The songs are neo-soul tinged and the lyrics often reflect on her personal experiences and journey of growing up as a young woman in London. She’s been one of my favourite artists for years and I can’t wait to hear what she’s got planned next.
Kerry Jean Lister
Web Web
Two Faces Lost
(Compost Records)
Another Mystical journey into the Spiritual Jazz realms of Web Web. The latest album crowns a mighty trilogy of releases, weaved at the hands of the German Jazz supergroup.
Chris Lewis (Turn On, Tune in)
Frank Deeper & Rayko
Desestabilidad
(Spa in Disco)
Two of Spain’s finest come together for this spacey, squelchy affair. Clavinet reverberations and deep delay rimshots aplenty keep this rolling over nicely.
Tim Walker (Love is the Message)
Joshua James
Marlene (Deetron Filter Dub)
(Phantasy)
Total building house, electro banger! Loads of energy, loads of pump and pop – a must listen to right now.
Anya Lux
Raze
Break 4 love (Michael Gray rework)
Label: Champion Records
The most recent iteration of one of Champion Records’ greatest releases. This time Break 4 Love has been lovingly reworked by Michael Gray who has managed to stay truthful to the original vibe of this classic tune, whilst also injecting a new breath of life, perfect for the newest generation of ravers. RIP Vaughan Mason.
Sophie Paul (Our House)
Dizraeli
Ketamine Honey (Danalogue remix)
(Bandcamp)
I’ve been on a few line ups with Dizraeli and he never misses a beat, so I was excited to hear that Danalogue of the Comet is Coming fame was on the remix and this doesn’t disappoint. Hip Hop electronica has never sounded to right now…
Chris (6ft Stereo)
Tensnake
Automatic (Kraak & Smaak mix)
Always a risk covering a classic, and to be fair the other mixes aren’t as magic…However Dutch duo K & S know how to play with the Sister’s knobs and prove why their Hollandaise sauce is the best – the result is a sublime melodic balearic banging tech house disco monster to tickle the under carriage of any discerning middle aged DJ going round two….smack crack POP. Boys done good!
Justin Rushmore
Andres y Xavi
Last breath of sunshine
(Hollis Recordings)
1BTN’s very own Balearic brethren doff their cap to the beautiful sunsets looking down towards Shoreham Port with this, the ‘lost’ track from their debut album Vibraciones y Sentimientos’ finally getting a long overdue vinyl release on their new EP El Ocaso.
Steve KIW (The BAOL show)
Reggae Roast (Feat Mr Williamz)
Never B4
(Trojan Reloaded)
New single from London’s forward thinking reggae crew with sound system veteran Mr Williamz on vocals . Boom.
Kris Venum (World A Reggae)
Noden
1976
(LIFTIN Record)
A slice of re-worked brassy loopy looped up funk from the epic Skinner EP that ensures the sauce keeps coming during these strange times. Just how we like it.
Kate Wildblood (The Wildblood and Queenie Show)
Róisín Murphy
Murphy’s Law
(Skint Records)
Forever this queen’s queen, Mrs Murphy delivers at moment of sultry class that forever keeps us connected to what matters right now. Love, life, family, friends and a bloody good tune.
Queen Josephine (The Wildblood and Queenie Show)
Smoove
A Quest Called Tribe
Wack Records
Man like Smoove is back with another belter – and a project that was a year in the making. This time paying homage to one of the greatest crews in Hip Hop history – taking the very finest snippets and samples from all of ATCQ six classic long players and weaving together nearly 10 minutes of musical magic. Strict 7″ vinyl run of 500. Hip Hop – It don’t stop (but will sell out) Don’t sleep ya dig?
Release Date : March 26th
Chewy Beatwell (What’s Wrong With Groovin’)
Boca45 feat Craig G
Turn It Loud
(Donuts2020)
With plans to release a collection of 5 limited edition (300 stamped & numbered) coloured vinyl 45s throughout the year (one every other month) it’s time for the second part of the story. The main event is Turn It Up Loud! featuring legendary NYC MC Craig G. Perhaps most well-known for being one of the members of Marley Marl’s Juice Crew, Craig G has a 30+ year spanning career and now he’s bringing his iconic vocal hooks to Bristol. Overflowing with swagger, infectious rhymes and an old-school groove that doesn’t quit for one second. Turn It Up Loud! is fuelled with percussive stabs, grooving bass and a whole load of funk throughout.
James Vision On
One Blood
Be Thankful
(Emotional Rescue)
A rereleased 1980 Lovers Rock version of William DeVaughn’s soul anthem, Be Thankful. Pure sunshine.
BIG RED AL (LATE NIGHT BIGNESS
Allergies
Rile ‘Em Up (feat. Andy Cooper & Marietta Smith)
(Bandcamp)
It’s a banga!
Dusty Du (Soul Casserole)
Spotify Playlist