Big Tunes: January '16
The tunes you need to check this month
Elderbrook & Andhim
'How Many Times' (Kant mix) (Black Butter)
Originally released in 2014, 'How Many Times' returns with a deft remix from Copenhagen producer Kant. Also an Essential New Tune for Pete Tong, this vocal anthem has been a worldwide smash from Warung to Watergate.
It goes "You can't decide/how to divide..."
Best mix Kant.
Out Now.
2 Luciano feat JAW
'7direction(s)' (Dennis Ferrer mix) (Cadenza)
Arguably the biggest remix package this month, with Dennis Ferrer and Matthew Herbert delivering on-point rerubs of the Luciano original: with steel-plated NY house drums, wonky synth pads and an extended breakdown, Ferrer's just takes it.
It goes "Living the fight, we'll send you flowers from the dark."
Best mix Dennis Ferrer.
Out December.
3 Disclosure feat Lorde
'Magnets' (A-Trak remix) PMR
Arguably the smartest look on Disclosure's second album, 'Magnets' is back with a main-room remix from A-Trak: laden with lithe production hooks (and house pianos), it's his biggest remix since Yeah Yeah Yeahs' 'Maps'.
It goes "Lets embrace the point of no return/turn/turn."
Best mix A-Trak's; check Jon Hopkins' too.
Out Now.
4 Dusky
'Lydia' 17 Steps
Dusky need no introduction – but what's this brilliant acid instrumental all about, please? "All the melodic content is based around the Lydian scale… the inspiration came from a bizarre dream Alfie had," we're told. So now you know.
It goes Beep boop/beep boop bopp.
Best mix There's only one
Out Now, as part of the 'Lydia' EP – and check 'Bitter Lake' too.
5 I-Robots feat Donna McGhee
'Dirty Talk' (Radio Slave Magnetic Feel remix) (Opilec)
An excellent four-track EP with a typically strung out and spooky 12-minute remix by none other than Radio Slave. Already being hammered by Dixon, once you hear the thundering bassline and NY diva vocal, you'll understand why.
It goes "I thought of you as ecstasy..."
Best mix Radio Slave's, of course.
Out End of December.
6 Clarian
'Space Noir' Kompakt
Kompakt have had a great 2015 with albums from The Orb, Kölsch and Lora. Now they close things down with an EP from Guy Gerber favourite Clarian. We're digging the staccato Cocoon-shaped synths and production of lead track 'Space Noir' most of all.
It goes Dom dom dom dum dum der dum.
Best mix There's only one.
Out Now as part of the EP.
7 Alex Smoke
'Fair Is Foul' (R&S)
We're long-time fans of this legendary imprint, and of Glasgow techno producer Alex (as our current cover mix and last month's Big Tunes will attest) – and this spooky, clanking vocal track is up there with 'Don't See The Point'.
It goes "There's nothing left for us to do, for us to see."
Best mix There's only one.
Out January on album 'Love Over Will'.
The Chemical Brothers
'Wide Open' (Kölsch remix) (EMI)
Just when we thought we'd seen and heard all the Chemicals for the year, the final one (double) drops – and it's from none other than Kolsch, who turns it into an epic end of night banger with Beck Hansen. Beck with a bang!
It goes 'I'm wide open, you slipped away from me…"
Best mix Kölsch's of course.
Out Now.
9 Huxley
'Widow' (Aus)
After his debut album 'Blurred', now comes the latest three-track EP from the ever-reliable Huxley. It's all about the scorching, acidic, six-minute lead track 'Widow' for us here at Mixmag HQ – but the bonkers production on 'Tail Wind' isn't bad, either.
It goes Doo do do do dooo.
Best mix There's only one.
Out February.
10 Felix Dickinson feat Robert Owens
'A Day's Reality' (Futureboogie)
It's a welcome return to Big Tunes for Futureboogie, with their biggest track in some time. Featuring the voice of 'Tears', Robert Owens, this is house for Farley & Heller and Annie Mac alike.
It goes "It's just a page that keeps on turning and turning."
Best mix Justin van der Volgen's.
Out Mid-December.
