Again, I have fallen slave to the warm 83 degree waters of the Caribbean. Jeni and I are headed to the Dutch Antilles, particularly the ABC Islands. They are a trio of islands just north of Venezuela, thankfully below the hurricane belt. They stand for Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao, but we’re skipping out on Aruba. Bonaire is known for world-class diving and you can dive right off the shore on any part of the island. Curacao is the most populated of the ABC Islands and is known more for the beautiful Dutch architecture. After that, because it was so close, we decided to take a quick flight over to Bogotá, Colombia. I know there is a small stretch of Colombian restaurants on Melrose Avenue but I love that I’m going in blind with no expectations. And I have a feeling I’m going to be flattered by Bogotá. I’d love recommendations for various types of Colombian food if you have any, thanks.
I’m really excited about this mix as a lot of my fave artists have come out with either new singles or albums. A great Stereolab remix of the wonderfully talented Avalanches of Melbourne. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. comes out with another great song with a wailing guitar riff. These guys perform in race car driver outfits and helmets. I’m loving the chillwave sounds of Echo Shade – reminds me of Dam Funk and Washed Out mixed in one big bowl. Freddie Joachim is a master of super chill, hip hop beats and this time he does it with the help of a string arrangement. Holy Ghost! has an incredible ability to make you shake bones and they’re doing it this time with the help of old-school legend Michael MacDonald – don’t judge just yet! I love Javelin! Junior Boys are out again with another album with their tight, dreamy beats. M83 has re-surfaced after a few years and Anthony Gonzalaz is bringing the sax back. I recently started getting into Nicolas Jaar. He reminds me of a modern Matthew Herbert with his intricate, crispy sounds – think Mount Kimbie. The Radio Dept. is probably my all-time favorite band and their cover of the Go-Between’s song is amazing. The musical genius of Toro y Moi and his rendition of Alexander O’Neal & Cherelle’s classic jam. I just saw Washed Out a few weeks back at the Echoplex – wow. Their sophomore album does not disappoint. Enjoy!
The Avalanches – Since I Left You (Stereolab Remix)
Cherokee – Take Care Of You Cherokee
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. – We Almost Lost Detroit
Echo Shade – Fluorescent Nights
Freddie Joachim – All I Need
Holy Ghost! – Some Children
Javelin – Lindsay Brohan
Junior Boys – You’ll Improve Me
Little Dragon – Crystalfilm
M83 – Midnight City
Mayer Hawthorne – Work To Do
Memory Tapes – Offers
Monster Rally – Chaska Beach
Nicolas Jaar – Keep Me There
Other Lives – Dark Horse
The Radio Dept. – Bachelor Kisses
Real Estate – It’s Real
Thievery Corporation – Where It All Starts
Toro Y Moi – Saturday Love
Vetiver – Can’t You Tell
Washed Out – Soft