Stratus
are Mat Anthony and Martin Jenkins, a duo of respected producers and remixers who have re-worked the music of Serge Gainsbourg, Kylie, Playgroup and Calexico amongst others, whilst releasing the debut album 'Fear Of Magnetism' in 2005 to critical acclaim. Blending cinematic sensibilities with a fondness for psychedelia and cosmic rock they cast the net far and wide when it comes to inspiration.
Just put it on repeat. The perfect aural stimulant!
Ultimate comedown tune, tinged with melancholy but a little tickle of euphoria too. Wait for the drop.
It's the theme to a children's TV programme from the 80s called Picture Box. Thanks to Danny Psychemagik for reminding me of this one.
Perfect soundtrack for a slightly inebriated pedal down a country lane.
Nobody tickles the ivories like Erroll.
An early Todd Terry production. Really hard to choose but think this is my favourite ever house track.
Can't help but be creative in the kitchen with the live version of this on loud.
A swinging number from the «Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid» soundtrack.
Anything by the late great Mr. Hazlewood will do really. But this is a particular favourite.
A gay rock disco anthem from 1979 - dark and very heavy.
Greek prog rock from 1967 featuring a young Vangelis and Demis Roussos. Don't be fooled by the gentle intro.
Perfect track for a night drive through a city.
It would have to be rockabilly or country blues when I'm in the chair. If you saw my friend and barber Russ you'd know why.
Desolate but amazing.
Who couldn't rise to the occasion with Brel at full blast?
Watch the video. I want to be the spaceman.
As captain of Spitalfield's Pirates table tennis club I've got to take it to my opponents so Betty helps me get in the zone.
One of the many aliases of Steve Pickton. Amazingly beautiful techno from 1994.
Nothing beats this for voodoo magic.
The ultimate morning-after blissful drifter.
An anthem for all those who've ever been stuck on the underground in rush hour.
One of the pioneers of rocksteady. This just gets you going on in the morning.
Such a beautiful record. It makes people smile and it makes them dance. What more do you need?
My friend's older brother made me an electro mix tape and this was the first track. Is it wrong that I still know all the words but can't remember what I did last week?
No doubt about it. It'a tough record.
At Brixton Academy in 1991 - Perry Farrell
This is cheating because although the lyrics are technically depressing people go mad for this when you play it out.
The Irish have a love for language and are bound to get the humour.
So many to choose but this from the late great man would probably pip the others at the post for sheer optimism and love. You are truly free to be what you want to be!
His music is in a realm all of it's own. A bona fide genius.
One from my dad's collection. It had a picture of Bo dressed as an American Football player on the sleeve.
From the soundtrack to «Shoot The Piano Player».
20 odd years ago... moved out of home, living with my best friend, first DJ gigs, about to fall in love for the first time. And probably some mood-enhancing substances in there too.
Guilt to the hilt.
Achingly beautiful and gets me every time.
Italo from 1983. They will dance.
Sampled sounds blew my 11 year old suburban mind - plus I had breakdancing aspirations.
I dread to think how many times I've finished a night with this but I don't care.
Any tracks off this album or «Arthur» or «Something Else». Ray Davies is a genius.
No explanation necessary.
