The Playlist Special: Gaurav Malaker
The one-half of Delhi-based electronica duo BLOT has an exciting playlist – there’s MJ, Max Cooper and Ryuichi Sakamoto
Gaurav Malaker of BLOT. Photo: Zacharie Rabehi
Delhi-based DJ/producer Gaurav Malaker  is not one to favor genres. In his playlist, the musician, who is one-half of BLOT, lists everything from good old pop by MJ to the bass-brass goodness courtesy Maceo Plex and the tinkling melodies by Ryuichi Sakamoto.
“Jam” Michael Jackson, 1992
I’m yet to hear a groove that as great as this one! It is such an amazing track and just so well produced. I thought I blew up my little 2-in-1 music system the first time the snare came in. The video had Michael Jordan AND Michael Jackson, it didn’t get much better back then I suppose.
[youtube width=”640″ height=”480″]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbHI1yI1Ndk[/youtube]
“He Is Watching You” Solomun, 2011
Simple, beautiful track. You know when a sound or a smell has the ability to transport you to a certain time and space in the past, this one does it every time I hear it.
[youtube width=”640″ height=”480″]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gMw8a249yM[/youtube]
“Origins (David August Remix)” Max Cooper, 2014
If you asked me in 2016 to be a track from 2014 this would probably be it. It sits pretty on the intersection of absolutely impeccable production, great synth work and just great (electronic) songwriting I strongly recommend a listen.
[youtube width=”640″ height=”480″]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttPoAGs2OA0[/youtube]
“Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence Theme” Ryuichi Sakamoto, 1983
Delightful bells, whistles and piano. I love this composition, it’s one of those pieces that sound so comfortingly familiar even when you hear it the first time.
[youtube width=”640″ height=”480″]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqPO9DvI9uw[/youtube]
“Need to Feel Loved (Original Mix)” Reflekt ft. Deeline Bass 2004
Great bassline and vocal-ey bits. Back when I heard this, all I wanted was to make a tune like this. Unfortunately (and obviously) it never materialised. Maybe I’ll make a bootleg or something now.
[youtube width=”640″ height=”480″]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9st74te74E[/youtube]
“Fault Lines (Dauwd Remix)” Beacon 2015
Great remix of a rather lovely track. I’ve been very inspired by the melodic atmosphere that this track creates. I’ve played it out to death this year admittedly. Fun fact: that voice in the track is actually a guy.
[youtube width=”640″ height=”480″]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sjMZ0aRdJI[/youtube]
“Sycamore Feeling” Trentemoeller, 2010
This one changed my entire music writing process, style and sensibility. It’s a wonderful track that for me sort of celebrates the joy in sorrow, however twisted that sounds!
[youtube width=”640″ height=”480″]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvDMDMxDAlc[/youtube]
“Solar Detroit” Maceo Plex, 2015
[The track is a] deadly combination of bass and brass just drenched in an amazing dark beat structure. Very popular, very inspiring, very effective.
[youtube width=”640″ height=”480″]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXBIZOiSaxA[/youtube]
“Endless Games (Patrice Bäumel Mix)” Blond:ish, 2015
It really is so hard to write such great minimalistic music, music that allows the listener to keep coming back to soak in the only five primary instruments.
[youtube width=”640″ height=”480″]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZ4S7axXhZM[/youtube]
