Mister Mellow

Newest record from the vibe master/chillwave pioneer Ernest Greene. Released on LA’s Stones Throw Records, it’s got some more hip-hop influences. It’s also a visual album a la Lemonade as there are visuals that complement the record and enhance the aimlessly enjoyable mood (including clips of guys smoking weed, clocks, and burgers). At just shy of 30 minutes, it seems choked by the surplus of interludes, but the full-length tracks are pretty great. Not his best, but still great dreamy music for deadbeat summers.

Related: Toro y Moi, Youth Lagoon, Neon Indian
Favorites: 2, 4, 6, 10, 12

1. (0:30) Title Card—Glowing ambient. Dramatic strings + the sounds of someone coughing/retching.
2. (3:44) * Burn Out Blues—Intense bassy groove, dreamy vox, chimes. Tropical
3. (1:01) Time Off—Chiming ringing keys, a guy raps.
4. (3:42) *** Floating By—Deep spoken word intro leads into chill psychedelic soul. One of Washed Out’s best.
5. (2:10) I’ve Been Daydreaming My Entire Life—Calm funky drums and vox, sort of Balearic.
6. (4:13) ** Hard to Say Goodbye—Tight disco vibe with nice cheery synths & strings.
7. (1:08) Down and Out—Aimless interlude, mostly spoken word.
8. (2:10) Instant Calm—Drawn out, ponderous synths and skittering noises. Funky.
9. (1:10) Zonked—Another nice dancefloor feel to this one.
10. (4:05) ** Get Lost—Dreamy soaring, keyboard-driven. Really cool sax action in the last minute.
11. (0:53) Easy Does It—Whistling floral sounds, voices. Play with the next track.
12. (4:47) * Million Miles Away—Hazy murky soundscapes, gets a little drowned out by all the sounds but in a pleasant way.