With a new album out next week – not to mention being an in demand producer for the likes of Arctic Monkeys and Florence + The Machine – Simian Mobile Disco‘s James Ford has seen the inside of many airport departure lounges. Whether or not the randomness of flight delays or where your baggage ends-up had any influence on the duo’s new record Unpatterns (out 14 May) we may never know. What we do is what Ford will be listening to as SMD tour Europe this month as he made us a Playlist of the “music that is actually on my iPod that makes the process of travelling infinitely more blissful and relaxed”. Please remain at the gate…
Actress – Ascending
“From the brilliant new album R.I.P. One of the most exciting new British electronic artists for sure. Dense and atmospheric.”
William Basinkski – Disintegration Loops
“An almost transcendental series of dreamy tape loops that disintegrate in front of your ears as the oxide wears off the cassette.”
Angus MacLise – Heavenly Blue Pt. 4 & 5
“Once the drummer for Velvet Underground, Angus MacLise pushes out into really wiggy, occult territory. Free and droney and probably involving drugs. From the Invasion Of Thunderbolt Pagoda.”
Roman Flugel – Krautus
“One of our favourite modern techno producers gets his kraut on (does what it says on the tin).”
Julia Holter – Our Sorrows
“From her great new Ekstasis record. A wonderful collection of clustered vocal harmonies and psychedelic songs. This track reminds me of one of my favourite bands, Broadcast.”
Roedelius – Mein Freund Farouk
“Old school Krautrock hero Roedelius in particularly friendly form. Warm and fuzzy.”
Sensations Fix – Cosmic Fuel
“Underrated Italian space rock band taking us on a synthy journey. They would probably have called it an ‘odyssey'”
Bernard Szajner – Shai Hulud
“Another French legend, sometimes called the French Eno. Played with such greats as Magma and Gong. This is a soundtrack to the classic sci-fi book dune.”
Heldon – Back To Heldon
“More mid-70s synth prog, this time from France‘s Robert Fripp-influenced legends Heldon.”
Tomita – Clair De Lune
“Tomita‘s take on the classic Debussy tune must be one of the most blissful pieces of electronic music ever. Also, considering he made each sound on a modular and multitracked them, it must have taken him forever!”
For more on Simian Mobile Disco, including new album Unpatterns and how to stream via the band’s new app, head to Simianmobiledisco.co.uk.
