This December edition of Better Days looks back at music that accompanied the year, bringing together new discoveries and long-standing favorites. Some tracks are tied to specific moments: Arj Snoek and Ronald Burrell, the producer behind Bäs Noir, both passed away this year and are remembered here through their music.
Other selections reflect time spent revisiting the Kompakt catalogue, prompted by the label’s 500th release and the accompanying compilation and exhibition, with tracks like Destroy 001 and Love Inc marking that phase.
Artists such as Theo Parrish, Marcellus Pittman, Masters At Work and Lou Reed remain constants for Paul aka. The Conservative, shaping both his listening habits and perspective.
A year-end selection without a strict concept, focused on music that mattered.
Jean Luc Ponty – Computer Incantantions For World Peace
Lou Reed – Street Hassle (Waltzing Matilda | Street Hassle | Slipaway)
Joanne Robertson – Why Me?
Nourished by Time – It’s Time
Pejzaż – Róbmy Swoje
E.A.T. – Aravinda Rose
La Rat – New Suns
Roni Size / Reprazant – Watching Windows (Roni Size Meets Nuyorican Soul)
Ian Pooley – De La Trip
Bäs Noir – I’m Glad You Came To Me (Dub Mix)
Bäs Noir – My Love Is Magic (Club Mix)
Derrick L. Carter – If I
Dajae Day – By Day (Dub Mix 2)
Arj Snoek – I Can People Know
Arj Snoek – People Know (Just Us Mix)
Theo Parrish – Pianamonn
Marcellus Pittman – Bumpin Squwow???
Unknown Artist – Destroy 001
Love Inc. – R.E.S.P.E.C.T.
Prefab Sprout – Bonny
