Nicolas Jaar - I Got A

There's something about this slow, soulful groove that's got me hooked. The dark, nocturnal elements, horns, and sedated hip-hop beat remind me of Portishead circa 1995, and that is a good thing. The meandering piano and french monologue seem as if they've accidentally been intercepted as interference signals from afar.

If you are feeling this track, be sure to check out the 2011 album, "Space is Only Noise." This 21-year-old put together a really haunting disc.

Brassroots - Good Life

Long ago, I picked up a vinyl copy of Inner City's "Big Fun" record at Gramaphone for $4.99. This 1989 dance classic blended the best of Chicago and Detroit house of its time and has become one of my favorite house albums of the era.

Fast forward to 2010, and their most popular jam "Good Life" was covered by London's "Brassroots," an eight-piece horn and percussion ensemble comprised of Israelis, the English, French, Grecians, and Americans. Their Good Life EP is a cover compilation with songs by Radiohead, The White Stripes, and of Course, Inner City.

Caribou - Hannibal

Caribou's album "Swim" was one of my favorite records of 2010. I hadn't listened to it for a while, so I decided to put it on last night. I left the room for a bit and as I re-entered the room, I was welcomed by the horn blasts on this spaced-out track, and wondered to myself why I never paid this specific tune better attention before.