Design Will Save the World

"Architecture in general is frozen music"
-Friedrich von Schelling

A combination of design theory, IDM and sampled piano lead to one crisp, emotive playlist.
I recommend browsing some of the amazing shots at archdaily , ISO50 or Wanken while this plays out.

1. Swod - Hellerau
   I have been waiting for a track like this for a long time.  Someone who samples a grand piano and rearranges it into something of a hybrid.  I imagine this is what architects listen to when they draw up blueprints.
2. 3iO - Eple (Royksopp cover)
   3iO is a jazz trio that covers popular electronic tracks. It doesn't always work but the minimal style really plays well on Eple.
3. Gold Panda - Back Home
   Gold Panda has been a favorite of mine for awhile, but I have been waiting for the right mix to share his style.  Back Home has that driving energy that fits right in on train rides.
4. The Field - Silent
   I had the opportunity to see the Swede play recently and it was a real treat.  To me, it sounds like he creates drawn out soundtracks to those fleeting moments in life that make you feel like you're truly alive.  They all require patience, but once they sink in you are in love with the guy.
5. The Foreign Exchange - Happiness
   The Foreign Exchange have a Postal Service-esque story where a producer sends beats online to an MC and occassionally sparks fly.  I'm just happy someone is carrying the torch from Nujabes.
6. Bibio - Kaini Industries (Boards of Canada cover)

image: ArchDaily

Days of Wine & Roses

Feeling quite Parisian lately.  Here's a little mix for a leisurely sunny afternoon.

Inspired by white wine, gruyere and Portland's many public parks. 

1. Django Reinhardt - I'll See You in My Dreams (The Best of Django Reinhardt, 1996) 
2. Monarch Jazz Allstars feat. ‘The King’ – Lover Come Back to Me (Monarch 10”)
   "Just infuse it with love." 
   
3. Lydia Mendoza – Mal Hombre (Crazy Heart, 2010) 
   
4. Billie Holiday - Did I Remember (The Quintessential Billie Holiday Vol. II, 1936)
5. Devendra Banhart – Quedate Luna (Cripple Crow, 2005) 
6. Wes Montgomery – Days of Wine and Roses (Boss Guitar, 1991)
7. Irma Thomas – Take a Look (Take a Look, 1968) 
8. Paul Desmond – Samba Cantina (Boss Antigua, 1964)
   Excellent guitar solo here.
   
9. Robert Duvall – Live Forever (Crazy Heart, 2010)
10. Emilio de Benito - Granada (Vicky Cristina Barcelona, 2004)
11. Dire Straits – Romeo and Juliet (Making Moves, 2000)
    On a big Dire Straits kick recently. 
    Although I wish they had looped the lick at 4:53 and went into a sprawling jam.
    

images: De Vetpan & Kristine May