Summer Feeling...

As we're halfway through the year, it's time to pause and enjoy the music that's been assailing my senses in the first 26 weeks of '26.

So, 26 songs split into two volumes, today and Sunday. And, unsurprisingly, a fair few mention summer, sunshine and sunsets. Ironically, it's pretty overcast as I create this post in the Cotswolds.

But what would we feel like, without summer? To answer that question, Maggie De Monde is back with a fab album as Scarlet Fantastic, ably assisted by Hifi Sean. The answer? Like being without someone you love, obviously.

Song Of Siraba by A Space Age Freak Out has already appeared on an earlier Dubhed selection of 2026 highlights, but both the original and the ten (count 'em, ten!) accompanying remixes are so good, I make no apology for this. Last time, it was Cosmikuro's take, this time I've gone for Viper Patrol.

Fluke's unexpected and very welcome return in 2024 has been gathering momentum, leading to the release of The Second Bite, a glorious double album reworking classics from their catalogue. Not only that, but Daniel Avery has delivered the first of two remixes of Atom Bomb. This is a dreamy delight, not least for showcasing Leah Cleaver's updated vocals.

Justin Robertson remixed Fluke back in the day and he's still turning it on, most recently as Five Green Moons on a wonderful overhaul of Freedom by Das Druid. They bang on about national treasures on the TV all the time. Justin's a national treasure, as far as I'm concerned, even if he hasn't received an award from Carol Vorderman to prove it.

Speaking of which, Mr. Richard Norris. His latest album is a soundtrack to a clutch of 8mm films that he has acquired, both described as "reflective, atmospheric, lo-fi, a bit wobbly". I've picked Dreamtime, the most blissful two minutes you're likely to experience today. 

In amongst these are a mix of sounds from King Ayisoba, produced by Adrian Sherwood (thanks, Ernie!), Erin Farley and Stephen Clarke 1980, Wrongtom, Kolegos, SAULT, 6161 and The Rotations, Nothing particularly in common, but all finding their own place and space on this selection. It perhaps shouldn't work, but it does.

The sun sets, appropriately enough, with Sunset by Doublespeak, an electronic supergroup comprising Neil Arthur, Vince Clarke and Ben Edwards aka Benge. Happy 66th birthday for yesterday (3rd), Vince!

Hopefully, this has whet your appetite for tomorrow's 13-song selection, including a couple of today's artists, back for more. But who?

1) Without Summer: Scarlet Fantastic (From Montreal To Rotherham)

2) Song Of Siraba (Viper Patrol Remix By John McIver): A Space Age Freak Out (Song Of Siraba EP)

3) False Tongue: Erin Farley & Stephen Clarke 1980 (PSC#001: The Beautiful Flowers Wait For Peace)

4) Love, Refrain (Reprise): The Rotations (Gung-Ho)

5) Bemba (Album Version By Adrian Sherwood): King Ayisoba (Pure Confusion)

6) Atom Bomb (Daniel Avery Nuclear Summer Remix): Fluke ft. Leah Cleaver (Atom Bomb EP)

7) Freedom (Justin Robertson's Five Green Moons Remix): Das Druid (Das EP)

8) One Man Army (First Dub Part II): Wrongtom Meets The Rockers (One Man Army EP)

9) Dreamtime: Richard Norris (8mm)

10) Arbeit: Kolegos (ALG EP)

11) Fulfil Your Spirit: SAULT (Chapter 1)

12) Up (Ben Nascosto Remix): 6161 (6161 (Remixes) EP)

13) Sunset: Doublespeak (Sunset / Strange Weather EP)

Summer Feeling, No Sweeter Genius Vol. 1 (58:47) (GD) (M)