Professor Eddy

Unsplash To paraphrase Chromeo, the subtitle of this cloudcast could have been: Don’t sleep… yet… According to  Urban Dictionary  after hours... “...sometimes means after party, but it usually means a more mellow gathering of friends rather than a rowdy party. Basically, it's whatever you're doing after the bars close.” Enjoy these songs meant for the early hours, like the ones on New Year’s Eve, after a night of heavy clubbing… Tracklist: Incognito – That's The Way Of The World [Ski Oakenfull Vs Incognito Remix] (2007) Cléa Vincent – Samba (2017) Bah Samba Feat. Isabel Fructuoso ‎– Calma [Louie Vega Remix] (2005) River Ocean – Love And Happiness [Sao Benitez Sun Rise Mix] (2001) Nick Holder ‎– Da Sambafrique (1998) George Duke – Brazilian Love Affair (1979) Michael Jackson – Thriller [Soulpersona Extended Version] (1982/2018) Reel People – I Need Your Lovin’ (2018) Man Sueto – Man Sueto Theme [LTJ Xperience Rework] (2018) Lee McDonald – We'

Peace & Love @ GAP 's Christmas Collection Let’s float away on Christmas day with a winter’s breeze in the sails and love in our hearts… This set’s opening track is by Casbah 73, which is one of the best releases of 2018, I believe. And somewhere in the middle you will hear a song by The Staves, which is one of the best Christmas tracks I’ve heard so far this year. The wonderful single Black Man Ray by China Crisis spent 13 weeks on the UK Singles Chart and peaked at number 14 in April 1985. It was also the band's biggest hit single in Australia, reaching number 30. It was released to promote their album Flaunt the Imperfection , which was produced by Steely Dan co-founder Walter Becker. He was even credited as an official member of China Crisis on the record sleeve, although he never appeared on stage with the band. Becker apparently requested to meet with China Crisis after hearing their 1983 song Papua . When he was approached by Virgin to work on the album, he was

The Three Degrees Enjoy this mixtape with classic & rare soul from the 1970s, selected by The Smooth Operators . Tracklist: Al Green  – Let’s Stay Together (1972) The O’Jays  – Darlin’ Darlin’ Baby (Sweet, Tender, Love) (1976) Gwen McCrae  – Rockin’ Chair (1974) Johnnie Taylor  – Somebody’s Gettin’ It (1976) The Spinners  – I’ll Be Around (1972) Marlena Shaw  – Feel Like Making Love (1975) The Isley Brothers  – Footsteps In The Dark (1977) Muscles  – Love Is All I’ve Got (1977) Rufus & Chaka Khan  – Sweet Thing (1973) Ben E. King  – Supernatural Thing (Part 1) (1975) Bunny Sigler  – Can’t Believe That You Love Me (1977) Earth, Wind & Fire  – Can’t Hide Love (1975) Isaac Hayes – Joy (1973) Major Harris – Loving Is Mellow (1976) Lou Rawls – You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine (1977) The Trammps – Hold Back The Night (1976) People’s Choice – I Likes To Do It (1972) The Fatback Band – Feed Me With Your Love (1975) The Three Degrees – Trade

C-Heads Magazine Enjoy a soulful hour on vintage FM Radio, although two of the tracks are brand new (Jacques Renault and Redwood Club) and one was previously unreleased. The latter is from C.J. & Co., who were a so-called proto disco group from Detroit. The act was created by producer Mike Theodore and Motown guitarist Dennis Coffey, who played on many classics like Cloud Nine and War . Coffey also worked with Del Shannon and wrote the soundtrack to Black Belt Jones . Devil's Gun by C.J. & Co. (co-written by Barry Green a.k.a. British singer Barry Blue) was the first record played at Studio 54 when it opened in 1977. In August of that year it reached #22 on the Dutch Top 40. Rainmaker is from Ain't It Amazing: The Unreleased Westbound Masters , out on Ace Records. American Gypsy, who were based in the Netherlands, are best known for their song Inside Out , which has been sampled by DJ Shadow and Groove Armada. Unfortunately, this funk band never had any worldwid

C-Heads Magazine The Smooth Operators remember those wonderful days of summer, so listen to our sunny and melancholic songs... Tracklist: Gilberto Gil – Toda Menina Baiana (1979) Jerry Corbetta – Caribbean Lady (1978) Nohelani Cypriano – Island Boy (1979) Con Funk Shun ‎– Indian Summer Love (1977) Johnny Nash – Reggae On Broadway (1975) George Franklin Smallwood & Marshmellow ‎– Mr. Sunshine (1980s) Tim Maia – O Caminho Do Bem (1975) Steve Maii And Teresa Bright ‎– Catching A Wave (1983) Jorge Santana – We Were There (1978) Willie "Beaver" Hale – Groove On (1980) Yasuko Agawa – L.A. Night (1984) Richard Tee ‎– First Love (1979) Leon Ware – That's Why I Came to California (1982) Renee Geyer – Be There In The Morning (1977) Necktr – Choose To Say (2018) Idris Muhammad – Could Heaven Ever Be Like This (1977) Holger Czukay – Cool In The Pool (1979) The Latinos – Santo (1981)

Théo Gosselin Just sit down and relax after a day of hard work… ;-) The term chill out originated from an area called The White Room at the Heaven nightclub in London in the late 1980s, according to Wikipedia. DJs Jimmy Cauty (The KLF) and Alex Patterson (The Orb) created ambient mixes from sources such as Brian Eno, Pink Floyd, the Eagles, Mike Oldfield, 10cc, and War. The room's purpose was to allow dancers a chance to "chill out" from the more emphatic and fast-tempo music played on the main dance floor. The popularity of chill out subsequently expanded to dedicated satellite radio channels, outdoor festivals, and thousands of compilation albums. Chill out eventually became a sort of modern dance variant of easy listening, which was especially popular in the 1970s. So here we go in 2018! :-) Tracklist: The Knocks (Feat. Sofi Tukker) – Brazilian Soul [Acoustic Bossa Version] (2018) Democustico – Rejoycing (2006) Bah Samba (Feat. Alice Russell) – So Tire

Alan Brazier This is my AOR morning show, co-hosted by one of the best dj's on Mixcloud, R U M P E L from Germany. Waking up never felt so good! :-) Marty Balin, who recently passed away, remains best known for his contributions to the pioneering San Francisco psychedelic band Jefferson Airplane, but he also enjoyed a successful solo career, scoring a Top Ten hit in 1981 with Hearts . Born Martyn Jerel Buchwald in Cincinnati, Ohio, on January 30, 1942, he was raised in the Bay Area and later attended San Francisco State University. Though he initially pursued a career as a painter, Balin turned to music after appearing in a production of West Side Story, and issued the solo singles Nobody But You and I Specialize in Love on Challenge in 1962. Two years later, he joined the folk combo the Town Criers, followed by a brief stint with the Gateway Singers. In 1965, Balin met singer/guitarist Paul Kantner at the local club the Drinking Gourd, and together they formed the band Je

C-Heads Magazine This cloudcast was made after I had heard an excellent mixtape from Paris based electro/disco producer Breakbot (Thibaut Berland). He initially made a name for himself with a remix of Justice's Let There Be Light in 2006. In the following years he reworked tracks from Digitalism, Sebastien Tellier, Röyksopp, among many others. After Breakbot had signed with Ed Banger Records, he made his label debut with Baby I'm Yours 8 years ago, followed by numerous other great tracks, like Break of Dawn , One Out of Two and Another You . He recently remixed Lightenup from talented band Parcels. Enjoy this 7th part of Steamy Soul Funk And Disco ! Tracklist: Elaine & Ellen – Fill Me Up (1980) Krystol – After The Dance Is Through (1984) Alexander O’Neal – Fake (1987) Keith Sweat – My Mind Is Made Up (1985) Young & Company ‎– I Like (What You're Doing To Me) (1980) Tom Browne ‎– Thighs High (Grip Your Hips And Move) (1981) Norman Connors ‎–

The cover of a Dutch 1970s compilation album that I found on a flea market inspired me to create this mix! “In the early '70s, Rufus was one of the most popular and interesting bands in R&B and rock. Of course, the reason was Chaka Khan, who possessed an amazing voice that was well versed in rock and jazz every bit as much as R&B. Their debut went nowhere, Rags to Rufus offered two instant classics, and Rufusized displayed their skill as album artists.” (Allmusic.com) Enjoy this new episode of Best Of 70s Soul ! Tracklist: Peaches & Herb – Easy As Pie (1979) Stargard ‎– Theme Song From "Which Way Is Up" (1977) Ike & Tina Turner – Nutbush City Limits (1973) The Reflections – Three Steps From True Love (1975) Tavares – Don’t Take Away The Music (1976) Linda Lewis ‎– Baby I'm Yours (1976) Tony Sherman – Sing With Me (1975) The Miracle Workers – Something (1975) Natalie Cole – This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) (1975) Rufus Feat. C

Jeff Kepler on Unsplash At the beginning of the 1960s, AM radio was by far the dominant format. It was the more tightly programmed, singles-oriented band on the dial, and it played the sort of commercial pop music that has since become synonymous with the era (1961-1975). Pop music sounded best on portable mono radios and in Europe it was mainly played by pirate stations near the Dutch and British coast. Around the mid-70s FM radio on stereo hifi equipment replaced the transistor radio and pirate stations disappeared one by one, due to government decisions. The more sophisticated and technically better FM radio stations were willing to play album tracks and longer songs from bands like Earth, Wind & Fire. Those bands used the improved studio techniques and possibilities to a full extent. Eventually FM radio became the new standard, especially for the high standards of the AOR sound. Speaking of radio sound, the new album Predictions by New York based 79.5 is “that fantasy r

Joan Smalls Instagram This is my Oktoberfest : a smooth sailing trip on a calm sea and gentle waves only. Enjoy! :-) At a time when Rosie Vela worked as a model, she built a home recording studio for herself and signed a recording contract with A&M Records. Steely Dan’s main members Donald Fagen and Walter Becker played on her 1986 debut album Zazu , which was produced by Gary Katz, who had previously worked with them. Though the album was critically acclaimed, it went largely unnoticed in the U.S. Following Zazu , Vela did not release any further material, but has since become a backing vocalist for other musicians, including Electric Light Orchestra on their 2001 album Zoom . Vela also went on tour with the band, and was for 7 years in a relationship with ELO's frontman Jeff Lynne. Only a fool from 'Calypso King' The Mighty Sparrow is about a guy who cannot let go. It is a heart breaking love story, sung by a seemingly vulnerable man. The funny thing is, how

C-Heads Magazine Yes, I reached my 500th upload on Mixcloud today! :-) I uploaded my first cloudcast on the 3rd of September 2009 as one of the first users of Mixcloud and today, 9 years later, I added my 500th one! Thanks to everyone for making this possible. I am so glad that my “funky chill” dj-style or “relaxed Sunday morning music" or "music you can almost dance to" or "soulful pop" made it to the ears of so many listeners. To celebrate my 500th cloudcast on Mixcloud I chose to call the genre that I play "slow dancing moods". Enjoy this hour of celebration! German journalist Thomas Splett wrote about the album Addrisi Brothers (1977): You hear the strong influence of the Bee Gees. Their own version of "Never My Love" - ​​a hit for The Association, written by the brothers in 1967 - is wonderful. There is also a nice cover of Michael Frank's "Monkey See, Monkey Do". A contemporary document. The artwork is priceless!&

Is it folk, is it soul or is it just pop? Singer/songwriter Bill Withers is hard to categorize, but he surely wrote some memorable songs. He was a late starter musically and cut his first demos while working as a mechanic for the Lockheed Aircraft Corporation. His debut album Just As I Am came out in 1971, when he was 33. After being in the business for more than 10 years, Withers became fed up with the music industry. His last charting LP was Watching You, Watching Me , released in spring 1985. The songs and recordings of Bill Withers have been used as both the source of numerous covers and sampled by a multitude of hip-hop/rap groups. Because of his 80th birthday, two tribute albums came out last month, Hello Like Before by Anthony David and Lean On Me by Jose James on the legendary Blue Note label. Tracklist: Luther Vandross Feat. Busta Rhymes – Lovely Day (2003) Anthony David – Hello Like Before (2018) Cris Delanno – Just The Two Of Us (2006) Nancy Wilson ‎– Ain'

In the 1970s all kinds of genres melted together: pop, jazz, rock and soul. The Smooth Operators put a handful of those mixed gems together to create a Seventies Breeze! Before Alan O'Day became a successful recording artist, he was writing hits for other singers. First there was "The Drum" in 1971 for teen idol Bobby Sherman, which was featured on his Portrait of Bobby album. "Angie Baby" for mellow Australian crooner Helen Reddy followed in 1974 on her Free and Easy album, and the single hit the top of the charts late that year. Three years later, O'Day stepped in front of the microphone and took "Undercover Angel," another song he penned, into the winner's circle. The single sold a couple of million copies in 1977 for Pacific Records. O'Day went on to score another winner as a singer, this time in Australia. His "Skinny Girls" rose to number one in 1980. The following year he and Tatsuro Yamashita collaborated on "You

C-Heads Magazine Isn’t that what everybody wants? A mellow weekend? I deliver the soundtrack, so you can keep mellow all weekend long… Enjoy this fresh part of AOR Radio ! One of the tracks is from talented singer/songwriter ROOSEVELT who describes Shadows from his album Young Romance as follows:: "Shadows is a song about a long lost companion - someone that you were close to in the past, that still haunts you and you can't get out of your head. With the production I tried to mix 70s disco with more recent synth pop." Arianne by pop/soul singer Johnny Mathis appeared on his Killing Me Softly With Her Song album that was released in 1973. Rod McKuen, who recorded the track two years later, wrote on his official site that the lyrics are a translated French poem. Although it is a beautiful song, it almost sounds a bit creepy: "Arianne is April morning That comes rippling through my window She's the smell of coffee brewing On a quiet, rainy Sunday She&

Labelle The finest of Labelle's original albums, Nightbirds was recorded in New Orleans with funkmeister Allen Toussaint behind the production desk and members of the Meters (later known as the Neville Brothers) playing the instruments. Lady Marmalade ( Voulez-vous coucher avec moi, ce soir ) was their well-deserved number one from the album. Deniece Williams spent the first half of the 1970s establishing herself as a background vocalist for an impressive line of artists, including Stevie Wonder, Minnie Riperton, Roberta Flack, and Esther Phillips. Though she'd continue to do session work throughout her career, she also became accomplished as a solo artist. Unfortunately, a lot of people think she came out of nowhere for 1984's Let's Hear It for the Boy on the Footloose soundtrack, a number one pop hit, but she was making excellent albums as early as 1976. The songs that would eventually make up her debut, This Is Niecy , were sent to Earth, Wind & Fire. W

Kandace Springs Enjoy the funky Blue Note (and affiliated) Grooves From The Crates ! The legendary jazz label was founded by German immigrants Alfred Lion and Francis Wolff in 1939. It derives its name from the blue notes of jazz and the blues. On one of the tracks José James joins voices with Lalah Hathaway, Donny's daughter. Their fresh new duet is a version of Bill Withers’ classic Lovely Day . James’ forthcoming album is a tribute to the man who celebrated his 80th birthday on the Fourth of July.  Lean On Me  is out next week. In 1972 Larry and Fonce Mizell started their production company ‘Sky high’ and began to work for artists like Donald Byrd, Bobbi Humphrey and Johnny Hammond. The Mizell Brothers created a unique multi-layered sound that shimmers somewhere between funk, jazz, soul and disco. After having huge commercial success with A Taste of Honey, they stopped producing and playing on records. Larry only shortly appeared on Play With The Changes from 4Hero in 2006

Théo Gosselin The summer of 2018 is slowly closing its curtains, so it’s time to drive into the sunset one more time with some slow disco coming out of the speakers… I want to thank German music journalist Thomas Splett for the inspiration. This is what Charlee Remitz tells about her new single: “To Tell You the Truth is “What if?” in musical form. A brilliant shade of curiosity. A mystical world you frequent when someone enchants you. A love/hate moment you must cherish before, all too quickly, that enchanting “What if?” becomes “What now?” Tracklist: Camino 84 – Yacht Rock Breaks Side B (2018) Aaron Tesser & The New Jazz Affair – Ride Like The Wind (2010) Michael Franks – Down In Brazil (1977) Wayne Henderson – Hot Stuff (1978) Barrabas – On The Road Again (1981) Greg Kihn Band – Jeopardy [Soft Rocks Edit] (1983/2006) Freeway – Get The Feelin’ (1980) The Dells – No Way Back (1976) Eddie Kendricks – I Won't Take No (1976) The Four Seasons – Who Love

Joan Smalls Instagram Liner notes: Johnny Bristol – Love Takes Tears (1975) This Johnny Bristol track was covered by British jazz-funk band The Real Thing in 1982. Johnny Bristol wrote songs for the Motown factory for many years before he went solo in 1974. Norman Connors – Captain Connors (1978) Jazz drummer Norman Connors crossed over to the R&B market with his superb album T his is your life. The track Captain Connors can be found on it. Demis Roussos – I Dig You (1977) Originally called Who and done by Odyssey, a ‘one single only’ disco project from synthesizer player and movie composer Vangelis Papathanassiou ( Chariots of fire ). Greek singer Demis Roussos did a cover version a couple of years later and called it I dig you . He did it with more self-confidence which gave the song something extra. Stanley Turrentine – Evil Ways (1976) Saxophonist Stanley Turrentine played with many legendary jazz musicians, like Ray Charles and John Coltrane. He die

Enjoy these soulful, chilled and jazzy lounge takes on classics from the 1980s! One of the tracks is Don't You (Forget About Me) from the movie The Breakfast Club. Producer Keith Forsey, who used to be Giorgio Moroder’s right hand, asked subsequently Cy Curnin from The Fixx, Bryan Ferry and Billy Idol to record the song, but all three turned it down. Bryan would regret his decision later on in his career, because it would have been a good opportunity to crack the US market. Forsey then asked Simple Minds who, after refusing as well, agreed after some pushing from their label, A&M. According to frontman Jim Kerr, the band was reluctant to record the song as they felt they should only record their own material, relenting after persuasion from Kerr's wife at the time, Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders, and a phone call from Forsey in which he expressed his admiration for the band. The band rearranged and recorded Don't You (Forget About Me) in three hours in a north Lon

This week I host a slow disco pool party with a small, final tribute to the Queen of Soul. As I told you last week, Aretha Franklin started to struggle with her career in the 1970s, when she did not seem to have a clear direction anymore. Her voice even seemed to sound a little timid on some records. Her self-confidence came back in the 1980s when some good producers knew how to use her voice best. I particularly like her 1982 album ‘Jump to it’, a collaboration with legendary singer Luther Vandross and multi-talented bass player Marcus Miller, who would later work with jazz icon Miles Davis. The opening track is the best hommage to Aretha I could think of. Enjoy this 60 minutes of pleasure from my pool party cassette! Thanks to Walter Sobcek for the inspiration. Tracklist: Aretha Franklin – It’s Just Your Love (1982) Michael Jackson – Can’t Help It (1979) Michael McDonald – I Keep Forgettin’ [Late Nite Tuff Guy “Not In Love Anymore” Edit] (2013) The Isley Brothers – Priz

C-Heads Magazine Let’s close the curtains, shut down the sun and tune in to AOR late summer night radio!  When her career seemed to go downhill in the 1970s, it did not necessarily mean that Aretha Franklin did not make any good records anymore. I specifically like the album You from 1976, which contains It Only Happens (When I Look At You) . She then was and she will always be the one and only Queen of Soul. I also selected a track from the new album Down To The Strip by Ash Reynolds: “Put on your gladdest of drags and hit the main thoroughfare; for his debut album Reynolds is taking us to town and he's doing it with serious sonic style. Down To The Strip is a hazy, dusky balmy LA Miami night circa 1985.” ( Juno ) Tracklist: Aretha Franklin – It Only Happens (When I Look At You) (1975) Rupert Holmes – Him (1979) Jimmy Messina – Love Is Here (1979) Gino Vannelli – Feel Like Flying (1978) Lee Ritenour Feat. Eric Tagg – Sunset Drivers (1984) Work Drugs – On The

Joan Smalls (Patrick Demarchelier/Vogue) Enjoy your Tropicana Flight and your visit at Club Tropicana! The first hour symbolizes a smooth flight (“lounge pop”) and the second part is inspired by the 1984 Wham! video (“club pop”). To be honest, I have a little fear of flying myself, just like former Dutch soccer player Dennis Bergkamp and singer Gary Brooker (Procul Harum). But to overcome the fear, I have selected quite a few happy and joyful songs about taking planes and making trips to paradise resorts, like Club Tropicana: “Pack your bags, And leave tonight. Don't take your time, Gotta move your feet, don't you miss the flight! Cool, cool, cool, cool” About 7 years ago L.A. based duo Poolside made waves with their daytime disco version of Neil Young's Harvest Moon as well as original tunes. In 2012 they released their sunshine drenched debut album Pacific Standard Time on their own Day & Night label, followed by Heat last year. I chose to play Take Me Home

C-Heads Magazine This disco beach party is an alternate version of a mix I recently did for Boogie Bunker Radio .  One of the main tracks is If I Can’t Have You from Yvonne Elliman. She played Maria Magdalene in the film version of Jesus Christ Superstar , for which she won a Golden Globe award. She also appeared in the American production of the musical on Broadway, where she met her later husband Bill Oakes, the president of RSO Records. He introduced her to Eric Clapton, who asked her to sing backup vocals on I Shot the Sheriff . Label companions Barry and Robin Gibb wrote Love Me for her, which became a worldwide hit and paved the way for her greatest chart success, If I Can’t Have You from the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack. By the end of the 1970s, however, she became unhappy with her image as a disco diva and quite suddenly she went off the radar. While mixing First Choice's Dr Love, Tom Moulton suffered from a heart attack, but he waited more than four hours to go t

Harpers Bazaar May 2017 Joan-Smalls and Elsa Benitez by Mariano Vivanco Let me take you on a Latin Soul sailing trip this time! Enjoy the Sea Grooves & Latin Moods! By the way, this part of Smooth Sailing is based on a cloudcast called Sea Groove that I did exactly 8 years ago. The closing track is from the album We Want A Piece Of The Pie by Septimus, only recently officially released by Cultures of Soul : "The final product was an album featuring eight tracks of sumptuous, jazzy R&B and funk, showcasing the crisp musicianship Septimus had honed night after night playing for nightclub crowds in Oklahoma. It also felt slightly out of time, hearkening back to the deeply earth and spiritual feeling of early 70s soul more so than fitting in with the gleefully cosmetic and glossy tone of early 1980s boogie funk.” (Uchenna Ikonne) Tracklist: Alaida Costa – Catavento (1976) Mo’ Horizons – Kiss (2011) Patti Drew – Fever (1969) The JuJu Orchestra – Funky Nassau

Rutger Geleijnse Here I am again! The warm weather inspired me to create this soundtrack to sunny days. It surely is going to be a long hot summer over here in the Netherlands! Make a car ride along the coast with me, while you tune into AOR Radio ! One of the tracks is Lovin’ And Losin’ You by Dwayne Ford. The song is #31 on Hello Loser’s Yacht Rock Top 100 :  Dwayne Ford is the classic tale of “what could have been.” Enjoy the ride!  Tracklist: Isle&fever – We’re Not Broken [Camino 84 Remix] (2018) Richard Stepp – Caught Up In A Whirlwind (1979) Bobby Caldwell – Down For The Third Time (1979) Shadow – I Can’t Keep Holding Back (My Love) (1980) Leon Ware Feat. Flora Purim – Somewhere (1982) Kalapana – Love ‘Em (1976) Lee Ritenour Feat. Eric Tagg – Is It You (1981) Rob Mehl – Taste And See (1980) Husky – Song Of Praise (1975) Wild Nothing – Partners In Motion (2018) Akasha – Madam Operator (1980) Darden Smith – Loving Arms (1993) Galaxy-Lin – Long Hot Sum

Joan Smalls Instagram Enjoy yet another trip on my lounge boat! One of the tracks on this new Smooth Sailing episode is Les Fleurs by Minnie Riperton: “ Les Fleurs found Riperton imagining herself a flower budding into bloom, a hippy-dippy metaphor for every soul realising its true potential.” ( The Guardian ) Sool combine the best of music from France and California. L.A. native Art Bleek and French singer Mercy Collazo mix up pop, soul and electronics. Their EP Quite Obvious is the result of this highly unique collaboration. It’s out on Tokyo Dawn Records now. Tracklist: Kendra Morris – Summertime (2018) Sarah Jane Morris ‎– Me And Mrs Jones [Bossa Version] (2006) Xavier Boyer – Stockholm Syndrome [Napkey Remix] (2017) The Carpenters – Rainy Days And Mondays (1971) Gene Page – Gene’s Theme (1974) Sven Van Hees – Flute Salad (2001) Gerd – Far Away Places (2001) Kinobe – Slip Into Something Comfortable (2000) Mo Horizons – Dance Naked Under Palmtrees (2

Photo by Hanny Naibaho on Unsplash Enjoy these fresh ice-like summer synth- and sophisti pop songs by The Smooth Operators ! One of them is from The Dream Academy. The self-titled debut release for the art-school trio led by lead singer/guitarist Nick Laird-Clowes was produced by him and David Gilmour (Pink Floyd). The band used lush string arrangements and choir-like background vocals to create a sumptuous backdrop for their paisley-tinged pop. It worked to best effect on their smash Life in a Northern Town with its nostalgic lyrics and references to Frank Sinatra, The Beatles and The Walker Brothers ( Make It Easy On Yourself ). The song was written as an elegy to British folk singer Nick Drake, who died of an anti-depression overdose in 1974. The single's record sleeve included a dedication to him. Life in a Northern Town reached number 7 on the American Billboard Hot 100 in February 1986. Its memorable chant-like hook was later used in Sunchyme by Dario G. Tracklist: