I’ve been negligent about keeping up these updates, but I promise to be better this year. Enjoy.
1. “Hide and Seek” — Imogen Heap
My favorite track off the Frou Frou vocalist’s solo album Speak for Yourself. The vocoder seems made for this mournful, delicious set of lyrics.
2. “Number 1” (Alan Braxe and Fred Falke Mix) — Goldfrapp
Take a Blondie-esque disco experiment from the 70’s and twist in a Li’l Louis “French Kiss” slowdown/speed up effect in the middle for a silky, addictive confection.
3. “A Pain That I’m Used To” (Jacques Lu Cont Thin White Duke Mix) — Depeche Mode
Stuart Price is back to his old tricks with his latest remix of the brand new single from the 80’s comeback kids.
4. “He Was a Friend of Mine” — Willie Nelson
The first track off the outstanding Brokeback Mountain soundtrack, Nelson’s plaintive delivery captures the film’s sweeping themes of loneliness in a heartbreaking nutshell.
5. “In My Mind” (Freemasons Vocal Club Mix) — Heather Headley
The British duo Freemasons are firing on all pistons as they take Headley’s track back into the realm of classic high-energy disco.
6. “Conceived” (Michael Brauer Mix) — Beth Orton
Probably won’t stand out among her best, but this lilting new track from Beth Orton will please all the fans.
7. “No Strings” (Josh Harris Electrick Club Mix) — Lola
An anthem to that activity some prefer to take part in with no strings attached.
8. “What Else is There?” (Jacques Lu Cont Mix) — Royksopp
A rather melancholy entry from the remixer of the moment. The original is as compelling.
9. “Doctor Pressure” (Dirty Club Mix) — Mylo
A mash-up gone mainstream, wizard of beats Mylo takes Miami Sound Machine’s “Doctor Beat” and plants it on top of his own “Drop the Pressure”.
10. “Travelin’ Thru” — Dolly Parton
Written specifically for the Transamerica soundtrack, Parton based the track on her own transgender friend.
11. “Don’t Bring Me Down” — Sia
You’ll remember her track “Breathe Me” from the closing moments of Six Feet Under. This one’s another standout from the just released Colour the Small One.
All previously recommended “In Heavy Rotation” tracks can be found here. And if you’re looking for V.18, I erased it by accident. Whoops!