Free Music Friday!!!

I signed on this week. I am officially on the dole. For the first time ever. Not the best experience really. When the 14-year-old behind the desk asked how to spell "BA" I had to wonder exactly how come she has a job while I don't.

How to cheer myself up? With some free music of course!!!!

This week we're starting on a drum n bass tip, ending up somewhere entirely more mellow.

New netlabel Criminal Waves Recordings has launched with it's first release - two tracks of filthy techy DnB from Lyon-based producer Aknot.

Both have relentless drums, nasty-ass basslines and enough build and drop action to keep any wide-eyed raver happy until the early hours. Definitely one to watch, looking forward to hearing their future releases.

To download in WAV or MP3 format, visit the Criminal Waves Recordings Myspace.

Next up, with more frenzied beats and tearing bass bizzniss, it's long-running DnB netlabel Tilt Recordings.

Offering more than 60 MP3 EPs and albums alongside it's vinyl and dubplate releases, this label from Mannheim, Germany, is well busy.

With so much music to choose from, it's hard to pick one stand-out release, but I can tell you that T-FREE-LP001: Sourcream Remixes is particularly wicked, with Raytem's version probably edging in as my fave.

Finally for this FMF, a lower-tempo, more blissed-out selection. Echodub is a label exploring IDM, dubstep and other electronic lushness.

Their new free compilation 'Echodub Loves Vol. 1' is a glossy, floaty and wonderfully high-quality piece of work - avoiding all the cliches of dubstep and garage while losing none of the vibe. If there is such a scene as "intelligent dubstep" then these guys are at the forefront.

This is all lovely stuff, but if I had to take just two tracks to a desert idland, they'd be 'Once More' by Autopilot and the vaguely old-skool sounding 'Warm & Easy' by Psychonaught.

Anyway, nab yourself a slice of the action here.

Maximo respect and have a lovely weekend.