Pool Party

It's one thing to realize that you're no longer in college, but then you realize one of the worst parts-- no spring break. I can't tell you how many tropical Instagrams I've seen this week that take away just about all the bliss from the fat falling snowflakes outside of my window. Nevertheless, here we've got a little gem that just might transport you (why isn't disapparation a thing yet, J.K. Rowling?) away to the crystal-clear watered destination of your choice. It's not summer, or even spring, but "Pool Party" just makes you want to dive right in. It's smoothly produced; the soft instrumentals (harp, anyone?) and whispery vocals feel like I'm falling asleep in a lounge chair in the sun. Show Clothes tagged this one as #feels and it's no wonder. Ready when you are, sunshine and summer.

Show Clothes - Pool Part ft. Gavriella

Paradise Awaits Part II Feat. Goldlink

Um, wow. Okay just when you think our fave DJ, monsieur ZHU, has fallen off the scene after the release of his album, think again. Paradise Awaits Part II was released totally unexpectedly, which is another reason to love how ZHU operates--without any expectations. This might be overreaching, but I think his anonymity and spontaneity in exploring a new style of 'dj' per say is pretty revolutionary. Who doesn't love a man of mystery (or is that just me)? Also he throws down a lil cover of Thong Song at the end of this track... my reaction was along the lines of: wait what... but yes please keep going. Can we just visualize Sisqo for a second? If you need help, see below. Good memories. My only problem is that the track is too short, but I mean maybe there will be a part III? After all, paradise still awaits...

ZHU - Paradise Awaits, Part II Feat. Goldlink

So Good

Let the title of this track speak for itself. Not only is this "So Good," it's actually fantastic. These are the sultriest vocals I've heard in awhile and the slowed down beat goes perfect with the weaving synth throughout. I especially love the little guitar bit. Just listen to it already and you'll get it!

Nao vs. A.K. Paul - So Good

Ain't No Sunshine Remixed

The original of this track is, to say the very least, iconic and renowned for it's expression of loneliness and immediately makes me think of some gruff man drinking alone at a bar. Lido somehow works his magic over this song and succeeds in not detracting from it while adding elements of sound that you would least expect to hear (cue the water drip drops and clock ticks). The heavy drops don't hurt it either. Take a listen and enjoy this sexy spin of a classic:

Bill Withers - Ain't No Sunshine (Lido Remix)

Let Go

Oh yes. I am loving hearing all of these singles from Little Dragon's upcoming album Nabuma Rubberband. The slow beat of "Let Go" perfectly capitalizes the sexy and soulful vocals. I love how the whole track seems to unravel upon itself. Listening to this would be the perfect way to unwind and let go (hehe) after a long day like today.

Little Dragon - Let Go

Patterns

Whoa, alright. Tourist does not disappoint with his latest release "Patterns." He kills it as the electronic backbeats steadily build throughout the song without overshadowing the awesome and soulful vocals by Lianne La Havas. This sexy futuristic track stuns as it flows and goes beyond its time with unexpected combinations of sounds.

Tourist - Patterns (feat. Lianne La Havas)

Paradise Awaits

As far as I'm concerned, ZHU can do no wrong. I'm not sure where he gets these always dripping wet vocals but he has clearly mastered finding the perfect electronic beat to pair them with... every time.. without fail. "Paradise Awaits" certainly meets (if not exceeds) my expectations for him and of course, I will be awaiting his next release (will it be paradise??? yes).

ZHU - Paradise Awaits

All I Really Need + Remix

Honestly I couldn't decide which I liked better of this song--the remix or the original--so here's both. The original is much slower and more unwinding, while the remix picks up the pace and transforms the vocals with additional boss-sauce bass. Either way, the lyrics are brilliant and I always love that whispery tone in a song with such a blend of electronic backbeat and bass. I found both to be equally enjoyable and hope you do too!

Vindata - All I Really Need (Feat. Kenzie May)

Vindata - All I Really Need (Regulated Edition)

Slowments

Exactly as the title suggests, "Slowments" is a layered compilation of slowed down magic. The touches of 80s synth sounds are perfect for contributing to the overall dreamlike sound of this track and at even at seven minutes long, I can't stop listening to it! Perfect way to start off a soothing Sunday.

Touch Sensitive - Slowments

Holiest

As a follow-up to their track "Gooey," Glass Animals has released "Holiest," which continues to perfectly portray their slowed-down sexy style. The whispery, high-pitch vocals add a level of mystery to the broken xylophone background and leave me wanting to hear more from them.

Glass Animals - Holiest feat. Tei-Shi

Atalante Remixed

20syl is back again and continuously keeps me on my toes in anticipation for what song he'll remix next and how he'll spin it. He seems to be on fire as of late. Moreover, this track "Atalante" by The Drops brings some completely new vibes to his repertoire of remixes. This sensationally jazzy tune (complete with the sexy saxophone) is brilliantly twisted by 20syl in bass-focused and fast forwarded style.

The Drops - Atalante (20syl Remix)

Habits Of My Heart

Jayme's young beautifully samples Sufjan Steven's "Concerning the UFO Sighting Near Highland, Illinois" in his latest track "Habits of My Heart." The sampling is wonderfully executed: the piano elevates the song to a higher level of dreaminess and keeps it grounded as a sort of proclamation to having no resistance to love. However, the added backbeat and electric guitar give this song more R & B vibes to defer the acoustics without actually crossing over genres, formulating an awesome blend of contrasts.

Jaymes Young - Habits Of My Heart (Sufjan Stevens Remake)

P.S. If you're curious about the sample like I was, here it is by the always dream-tastic Sujan Stevens.

Sufjan Stevens - Concerning the UFO Sighting Near Highland, Illinois

Crave You Remixed

I absolutely adore the original of this song, and I will admit I was never a fan of the heavy dubsteppy remix that Adventure Club released of it. On the other hand, Royal takes a more minimalistic approach in remixing this sexy yet deeply desperate track as it gets broken down by adding more bass and raising the pitch of the vocals closer to chipmunk status (but not in an annoying manner).

Flight Facilities - Crave You (Royal Refix)

Victor

New York natives Prinze George beautifully meshes languid and close to desperate vocals with a soft, pulsing electronic backbeat to create something close to perfection in their song "Victor." I only have one complaint: I wish it was longer!

Prinze George -Victor

Paint Me Like A French Girl Remixed

I'm not sure what the phrase "paint me like a French girl" really entails... BUT these soft lyrics make for one sexy remix. The slowed down guitar and the repetition of the words are pretty hypnotic and the bits of electronica make the song a wonderful ensemble of a myriad of elements.

Breakdlaw feat. the Glitchfox - Paint Me Like A French Girl (Max Manie & Scheinizzl Remix)

Faded

The previously anonymous DJ phenom who brought us Superfriends is back-- this time with a name. The newly unveiled ZHU released another track yesterday, once again using super slowed down and repetitive vocals with the catchiest backbeat. Faded rhythmically chugs down the track of the slow train and the mesmerization factor is thoroughly consistent with his (or her?) other songs. Moreover, as the title suggests this song fades brilliantly in and out of dark and light vibes. I'm excited to hear what else ZHU has coming!

ZHU - Faded

P.S. - I never posted this, but here is ZHU's first track--a clever medley of some of Outkast's most renowned lyrics.. you won't want to miss it.

ZHU - Moves Like Ms Jackson

Gooey

Exactly as it's named, this tune is a sticky icky and ooey gooey blend of silky smooth perfection. Honestly, I haven't heard something this sexy AF in awhile. For some reason the paisley album artwork reminds me of some robe that Hugh Hefner would wear... ANYWAYS. Perfect for winding down, it's funky and fabulous in all the right ways without making a mess of itself and you should listen to it right now.

Glass Animals - Gooey

The One

The only thing you can do on a Monday morning is try to start your week off with some positive vibes. The One, featuring Sneaky Sound System, by The Knocks has the perfect amount of funk to add a little extra pep in your step. Obviously the title of the song and lyrics ("Let's take things fast, what's there to lose?") are perfect for Valentine's Day this week (always a joke to me, but still a holiday nonetheless). Set the bar high for this week and try and carry out some positivity until Friday!

The Knocks - The One Ft. Sneaky Sound System