(artwork by Mr. Scribbles)

Myself and the other writers of this blog had the idea to start up a new project in early April.  What has come of our effort has been unbelievably rewarding. I’d like to thank all of the artists who keep sending us music, all of our readers, and the writers personally. Keep doing you.

Below are the lists of our favorite aspects of music for the year of 2009. This year was an incredibly good year for all genres, especially the ones we regularly feature on this page. Electronic music is exploding in all directions right in front of us, and we are lucky to be in such an exciting time for it. Next year we will try to feature a wider array of artists, everything from folk to rock to hip-hop along with the usual styles we post. Be sure to bookmark this page, you will not be disappointed :).

Again, I cannot thank our readers enough for coming back to this page. Please add your own two cents to this whole “favorites” thing in the comments section, we would love to hear everyone’s opinion. Without further ado…

Please do your best to buy all of this music. There will be a beatport link next to each selection, unless it is a free download with the artist’s consent. Happy listening!

MacGregor

10 Favorite Originals

1. Joy Orbison – Hyph Mngo (youtube)(beatport)

This is my favorite track I heard all year. That may seem like a redundant statement considering its position on the chart, but it’s the feeling you get when the warm synth arrives that makes it such a hard song to describe. Then again, that’s what makes it so beautiful. Just listen. It will remind you of your happiest times, being with people you love, experiencing something new.

2. Ellie Goulding – Starry Eyed

Pop perfection. The excellent production work of Starsmith coupled with the fresh talent that is Ellie Goulding made this a breakthrough for her. She is now being called one of the artists to look out for next year by countless sources, and a track like this only has helped her in that feat.

3. Siriusmo – High Together (youtube) (beatport)

Siriusmo sets the bar almost too high with this one. The tones in this track just sparkle. A quality piece of music by any standard, be sure to pick it up.

4. Burial & Four Tet – Moth (youtube) (boomkat)

Two of our decade’s most progressive artists come together for a mysterious collaboration, and what do you get, something entirely mysterious. And entirely brilliant. This is a track you just groove to, appreciating it just as much as you enjoy it mindlessly.

5. Darkstar – Aidy’s Girl is a Computer (youtube) (beatport)

A strange strain of dubstep, this one rocks slowly along at 135 bpm. A constant crescendo of emotion, Darkstar really nailed the “color” of the synths and paired it with a wonderful composition.

6. Untold – Anaconda (youtube) (beatport)

Untold is the man behind a movement, and this track was one of the first to really spearhead it this year. While some people would have a hard time calling “Anaconda” music, I find it an incredibly exciting experiment in the way we experience rhythm.

7. Floating Points – Love Me Like This (youtube) (beatport)

This was one of my top picks for my last radio show at school, Sample Me Timbers. The sample is one from a 70’s group called Reel to Real, produced by the talented Leon Sylvers. Floating Points created the grooviest bassline of the year for this song, an eight-minute masterpiece. This track is relentless. It will get into your system and won’t leave your iTunes. Buy immediately.

8. Stimming – Song for Isabelle (youtube) (beatport)

An interesting year for techno, Stimming sure made the most of it. A tone similar to “Moth” with a different tempo, this one is just stunning.

9. Animal Collective – Brothersport

“Brothersport” just oozes freshness. The intricacies that Animal Collective employ in MPP are amazing. The most poppy of their albums, it’s evident they really focused on production. At one point a totally structured song, this becomes a jam before you know it (not without a sing-a-long to play em’ off, keyboard cat).

10. Big Boi – Shine Blockas (feat. Gucci Mane) (youtube)

Big Boi and Gucci have a certain confidence on this track that is only enhanced by the amazing production. It was a tough debate between this and “Lemonade”, just want to make that clear.

10 Favorite Remixes

1. La Roux – In for the Kill (Skream Remix)

This was actually sent to me as a free promo around early May. Look what it has done. The B-side of the single containing this remix has sold over 500,000 copies. Good lord that’s impressive for dubstep, whether you like it or not. The subs Skream employed this year can only be matched possibly by the old schools tunes of Loefah or Coki, and this remix of La Roux basically rides on the simple concept that people like bass. Loefah once quoted Kode9 saying that, “when you get that big bass, no gnarl to it, it makes you feel cool, feel nice, because it reminds you of the womb and your mum’s heartbeat”. Let’s get ravey.

2. Untold – Stop What You’re Doing (James Blake Remix) (youtube)(beatport)

Not only is this amazing when compared to the original, but standing alone Ben UFO has called it “the most utterly next level piece of music [he’s] heard in years.” Although this track will most likely not be played out live, I could just see James up there wailing his heart out on the keys with this one.

3. Gucci Vump – Sha, Shtil! (L-Vis 1990 Remix) (beatport)

This song warps up and down as if it’s got something to say to you. A year of “neon synths” as Bok Bok puts it, L-Vis utilizes the ‘tone’ knob on his to dangerous accuracy.

4. Florence and the Machine – Drumming Song (Boy 8-Bit Remix)//You’ve Got the Love (the XX Rework) (direct via discodust)

Both of these do something as remixes that all producers should take note of, which is, using the vocals of the original effectively and properly. Remember, a remix is not your own production, but rather how you would produce the song yourself. Boy 8-Bit takes the road of simple stabs and claps to prove that he doesn’t need a whole heap going on to show off his production skills. As for the XX remix, unruly percussion leads to heavenly hits of xylophone that still excite me on what’s probably my thirtieth listen.

5. Zombie Nation – Mystery Meat Affair (Shadow Dancer Remix) (youtube)(beatport)

Kind of hard to explain why I like this one so much. There is a certain bounce that no track has come close to in this remix. Shadow Dancer are usually hit or miss for me, but this is just a great song.

6. Lily Allen – It’s Not Fair (Style of Eye Remix) (youtube)// The Fear (Duke Dumont Remix) (youtube)

Style of Eye can be sometimes cheesy, but usually on point. The vocal chops and repetitive bassline work wonders on a dance floor, but it’s the breakdown that kills me every time. A highlight of his amazing essential mix, this track is one of the best examples of his versatile ability. I was very shocked at first to find out that the latter remix was done by Duke Dumont and not somebody, like, Flying Lotus. Definitely ahead of the curve with this effort, a repeated vocal sways through lush synths and hard-hitting kick drums for some excellent head-bobbing business.

7. Simian Mobile Disco – Cruel Intentions (feat. Beth Ditto) (Joker Remix)

The favorite artist this year by the XLR8R staff, a “musical prodigy” dubbed by the Fader, this guy is destined for big things. This was one of his more poppy releases to date, but still does a great job in showcasing his groovy, funky, “purple” style. I’ve heard it on a big system, and the drop is truly jaw-dropping.

8. Phoenix – Listomania (Classixx Version)

It was a big year for the Classixx boys. Remixes and releases galore, this one definitely was the standout of their year’s catalogue. The first synth pads you hear are entrancing, then you’re taken by the disco groove. It’s infectious. I think the main line is only two notes. I guess that’s dance music…

9. Bag Raiders – Turbo Love (Shinichi Osawa Remix)

“Too much going on” you might say. A sonic overload for sure, this one grinds away to near oblivion. However, Osawa manages to sneak in some melody amongst the distortion, and just enough to win me over. This track reminds me of such a happy time, when high school was coming to a close; everyone was enjoying summer. A complete “hands in the air jam”, I highly recommend a listen.

10. Motorhead – Ace of Spades (Mustard Pimp Remix)

If this is electro’s last stand, I would be damn proud if I were electro. Quite possibly the heaviest drop I’ve ever heard.

5 Favorite Artists

1. L-Vis 1990

The single most creative force in electronic music this year. It was around April, and I had heard many of L-Vis’s older tunes before, but when I first heard the mechanical, grinding bass that is felt the second United Groove drops, I knew something big was happening. With his samples, he takes a more global approach, using world music, spoken word, reggae tunes, and old-school house to try and appeal to a wide audience for a type of music that is not necessarily accessible. This is only a fraction of his merit. The United Groove 12 that hit shelves late in May inspired a string on releases all through the summer, each one more interesting and versatile than the next. Everything from his music videos, to the UK Funky House mix, and remixes for Crystal Fighters, Diplo & LBL, and the peak of his year with Gucci Vump (twice!) have enhanced his discography, reputation, and prowess as a creator of more than one type of media. Favorite of 09? L-Vis 1990 has got my vote. *Note – much credit goes to Bok Bok as well, as they have most of the time been in collaboration with each other on production and promotion, and I’m sure the two wouldn’t be where they are without each other.

2. Untold

Personal preference aside, Untold has been this year’s most influential dubstep producer. As Joe Nice so aptly put it, “for me Untold tunes are brave, in fact, they’re fearless”. His somewhat minimalist style combatted the oversaturation in the “wobble” market, and his sounds are consistently fresh. In a way, he is an example of the way the genre is so hard to define. That being said, his tunes could not be more exciting, unique, and refreshing.

3. Joy Orbison

While all of my selections have something to with the cultural context they made music in, this young man embodies the thought of “right place, right time” in no discredit to his music at all. As described by Martin Clark aka Blackdown, his single Hyph Mngo is a “gloriously epic celebration of light and heat”. He finally got some great recognition during the early to mid parts of the summer, where the warmth of his music really rang true with emotions of the people in clubs across England and worldwide. Having heard some upcoming cuts and snippets of forthcoming remixes due out in 2010, I believe Orbison has a very promising musical future.

4. Renaissance Man

From backgrounds in house and production, the duo of Jaxxon and Downtown has birthed something even they weren’t expecting. Stripping down all pre-concieved notions and stigmas about “blog house”, RM hit studios this year with quality in mind. Every tune sounds excellent, and maintains a groove that runs through the entirety of their catalogue. As Tommy Sunshine said, “from a guy who grew up in Chicago, you are re-inventing house music and I love it”.

5. Skream

Not a newcomer to the game by any standard, this man probably maximized the quality to output ratio this year in terms of music. I can’t say I dislike any song he dropped in the entirety of 09. Another reason he tops my list for this year is the gold that’s now on his wall. His In for the Kill remix is my favorite of this year, and he deserves nothing less than gold for his glorious effort perfectly utilizing skill and context.

Honorable Artist Mentions -

Douster, Kingdom, Major Lazer, Noob, Julio Bashmore, Oh No, OJ da Juiceman, Bok Bok, Passion Pit, Atlas Sound, Roska, Slugabed, Dirty Projectors, Nosaj Thing.

3 Favorite Albums

1. Phoenix – Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

2. The xx – The xx

3. Here We Go Magic – Here We Go Magic

Favorite Mix/Mixtape

Ultragamma – Curb Crawlers Mixtape 001 (direct via Curb Crawlers, write-up and tracklist here).

The thing about this mix is, just seven minutes into it it’s already your favorite mix of the year. At least that’s what happened to me. I had always loved the work of people Madlib, Dilla, and people like FlyLo but this mix was my proper introduction to the wonky, glitched out hip-hop that’s creating quite a stir at the moment. Some of the mixing is dodgy, but remember, Ultragamma is working around 100 bpm, not 130. The mistakes show that he’s using two decks, working a selection that leaves me speechless each and every time. My go-to mix for about two months straight, I gotta hand it to Toronto’s Ultragamma. Biggup B. Sek @ CC too, keep it up!

Honorable Mix Mentions –

Joy Orbison – BSRkR01 (zshare)

Kingdom – Mix for Discobelle (sharebee)

Favorite Label

The 4 H’s (Hemlock, Hessle, Hotflush, Hyperdub).

I’m sorry, I couldn’t choose one. Dubstep was really my favorite music to watch this year, and each one of these labels has had an integral part in its success. Hemlock, Hessle, and Hotflush kept cranking out releases of stranger kinds of dubstep, while Hyperdub cemented its place in history with the 5 year compilation. I hope to see even more from each one of these guys in 2010.

Favorite Blog

Pipedown.

Easily the most professional, good-looking, quality content music blog I’ve come across all year. It may help that the tastes of the writers stay close to my own, but you can just see the effort they put into the site. Every post is on point, always focused on promoting the artists they love and sharing good vibes. In addition, they have a streaming tv channel that showcases their talents as djs and producers, as well as quality charts every month.

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Brookah

10 Favorite Originals

1. Major Lazer – Pon De Floor (vimeo) (iTunes)

Yes, it’s number one. And the reason that people will shit on me for having it as my number one is the same reason it’s number one: you’ve heard it so many times, you’ve heard so many remixes, etc. You’ve heard so much of it because it was so great. Diplo/Major Lazer were able to perfectly balance out the hype for this track. I still remember watching his SXSW Levi’s show on youtube just so I could hear this track, then “How I Like It” surfaced which gave us a taste, then the actual track was released and is still played a ridiculous amount. Whether or not you hate it now, this was the biggest track of 2009.

2. Fake Blood – I Think I Like It (beatport)

I was not at all a fan of this track when I first 10 times or so that I heard then track. Then one time I heard it live and the happiness and energy of the track (the vocal sample especially) just hit me, such a happy track. Fake Blood never disappoints and this was a delightful change of pace from the mysterious man himself.

3. D.I.M. & TAI – Lyposuct (youtube) (beatport)

The second most played song at Lollapalooza (second only to the Crookers remix of ‘Raven’) and deservedly so. Two drops make for a fun song that isn’t the least bit repetitive. The first satisfies my love of free-forming basslines that go as they please while the second is just filthy. Not to mention the kick ass drums in between. Such an exciting song, still feels new every time I listen to it. Props to D.I.M. and TAI for this.

4. Laidback Luke & Lee Mortimer – Blau (beatport)

Another track that did a great job hype-wise. I still remember when Orpheus posted a rip of the track months ago and rather than listen all the way through I heard the trancey buildup and turned it off. Damn, that was a mistake. Huge drop and an incredible remix package really made this song great. A solid track from two people with giant years: Laidback Luke and Lee Mortimer.

5. Untold – Anaconda (youtube) (beatport)

The first time I heard this track I had no idea what to do with it. What were these drums? Is this a drop? What the fuck is going on? Then, like some other songs, one time it just clicked for me and I realized the genius of the track. I’ll never forget when Crookers dropped this at Lollapalooza and no one in the crowd knew what to do or how to dance. Classic track and a great year all around for Untold.

6. Cragga – Please Mr. Postman VIP (youtube)

For a song as heavy and blaring as this one it really has some emotion that very few songs have. It takes an original (and very famous sample) and really makes the girl’s pleading so much more powerful and vivid. The drop-off that starts at 2:05 and comes back around 3 minutes in with her pleading is brilliant. Cragga is able to give this song emotion that the original didn’t even touch. Brilliant.

7. Major Lazer – Can’t Stop Now feat. Mr. Vegas & Jovi Rockwell (iTunes)

Just a solid tune. I get my sing-a-long on every time. Croon bitches, croon.

8. Emalkay – When I Look At You (beatport)

Up there with ‘Pon De Floor’ in terms of being overplayed but it still packs the punch. Hearing Bassnectar drop it live was so incredibly epic. Just a huge tune all around, you can’t argue with that. Emalkay delivered one of the must-play tracks of 2009 for any big DJ.

9. Excision, Datsik – Swagga (beatport)

Whoa. I first heard this at full blast and had no idea what was going on. It was so fucking angry and I loved it. A new wave of dubstep has arrived and I’m not afraid to ride it out on Excision and Datsik’s shoulders.

10. Boys Noize – Gax (beatport)

This song is the perfect beginning to Boy’s Noize’s “Power”. It sounds like the beginning of a journey and the track is a journey itself. It’s this beautiful melody that comes back and forth in waves and winds up leaving you entranced in its spell.

10 Favorite Remixes

1. Gucci Vump – Sha! Shtil! (L-Vis 1990 Remix) (beatport)

I absolutely despised this song the first 15 times I listened to it but like other songs on my list (this is really becoming a theme) it clicked once for me. Not sure if any other song has energy as giant as this song does while still being so subtle. It takes a lot for someone to win me over after hating a song for so long but if anyone could, it was L-Vis 1990.

2. The Prodigy – Take Me To the Hospital (Rusko Remix) (beatport)

This song’s energy is just as giant as ‘Sha!’ but this one might just be a bit less subtle. This track oozes power and is just a dirty, perfectly split drop of dopeness. Rusko dropping this at Hard NYC was big stuff.

3. Foreign Beggars – Contact (Noisia Remix) (beatport) (vimeo, Noisia bit starts at 2:25)

I have often discussed what exactly I would do if I heard this live and these have been me and my friends’ conclusions: we would most likely rage as hard as we can in every direction and, if given the opportunity, likely jack someone right in the fucking face. This song makes me want to bring harm to people and that’s why I love it so much. Noisia’s attention to detail really shows on the late drum drop, some brilliant stuff to be found there. Don’t sleep on the whole album by the Foreign Beggars either, it’s some solid British hip-hop.

4. Digital Manges – Manges (Sharkslayer Dub)

This song was good enough that Tiesto played it and that somehow it was able to survive that giant hit of credibility and stay on this list. Not that Sharkslayer deserved to be blamed for Tiesto’s actions, they’re just victims of circumstance. Discovered via Major Lazer’s Essential Mix, been on my recently played ever since.

5. Crookers – Business Man (feat. Wiley & Thomas Jules) (DZ Remix)

People can knock dubstep all they want for being formulaic, 140 bpm, the same song structure, similar drops with only half beat drops the second time around, etc. but if they listen to this they might have to shut up. One of the more creative tracks of the year this song has drops on drops (snacks on snacks) and mixes it up every time. When presented to the guys at my college radio station I was told that the drop at 3:11 sounds “like an angry chainsaw”. Thanks DZ for pounding out this incredible track and showin’ Squeeg some love throughout ’09. We <3 u.

6. Maluca – El Tigeraso (Sticky K Remix) (beatport)

“What fucking bpm is this?” That was the first thing that came to mind when I heard this track (it’s 164). “Holy shit this is awesome.” That was the second thing. One of the crazier drops of the year coupled with a half-count hip-hop ass second drop makes for an awesome track. Really captures the energy of Maluca and the wackiness of Sticky K all in one.

7. Samantha Fu – Theme from Discoteque (Mixhell Edit)

I really hesitated to put this track due to how recently it was released. I was nervous that this track was simply a phase but the more I listen the more I realize how legit this track is. An awesome intro before the track drops coupled with a gorgeous guitar inserted at 1:06 gives the song a fantastic vibe (that guitar twist at 1:20 is so beautiful!) The original was baller but Mixhell spruced it up quite well.

8. Rusko – Cockney Thug (Caspa Remix) (beatport)

Yes, the original had a ton of energy (and an awesome youtube video to go along with it). But this remix picked up this energy, doubled it, and turned it towards the dark side. Another great ‘Caspaaaaaaa’ sample before an ill drop. Grrrr.

9. La Roux – In For The Kill (Skreams Let’s Get Ravey Mix)

The first time I heard this track I listened to it on my iPod speakers and was really confused as to what the deal was. What was this remix? An instrumental with a few drums? Then I went into my car with the bass on full blast, accidentally left the track on, and mid phone call had to turn off my iPod because the bass was making my phone tremble. Hearing it live hurts my chesticles. I mean that in a very, very good way. This was the year of the female vocals over big ass tracks and along with Ellie Goulding, La Roux was queen (and Skream her king).

10. Blake – What I Like (Knuckles Insomniac Remix)

I heard this track for the first time about a month and a half before I was finally able to ID it. Toadally Krossed Out had included it on its Scion mix (pre-tracklist) and I still know that it drops 12:19 into the mix from all the times I fast-forwarded to it. Just an absolutely insane drop that has some insane energy. Nearly two months, Diplo’s Lolla set, and Macgregor’s Top 3 Lolla list later I was finally able to get the track and boy was I happy. Knuckles you crazy.

3 Favorite Albums

1. Major Lazer – Guns Don’t Kill People, Lazers Do (iTunes)

This CD has two of my top original tracks which would seem to be reason enough for it to be my favorite album but the rest of album is just as good (if not better). ‘Cash Flow’, ‘Hold The Line’, ‘Jump Up’, ‘Keep It Goin’ Louder’, ‘Mary Jane’, and ‘When You Hear The Bassline’ are all fantastic tracks in their own right. Seeing the majority of the album done live with almost all the featured artists at Hard NYC only solidified this album’s supremacy in my eyes.

2. Raekwon – Only Built 4 Cuban Linx PT II (iTunes)

Talk about giant expectations. My most long-awaited hip-hop album (fuck ‘Detox’ Poppa Glock) was finally released and somehow defied my giant expectations. This was by far the better of the two big crack rap releases of the year (the other being Clipse’s “Till The Casket Drops”) and nearly every track is fantastic. One of the few albums this year that I could listen to straight through with ease. Raekwon delivers.

3. DOOM – Born Like This (iTunes)

Yes, I am pretty biased. DOOM is my favorite MC ever but I really do think this album was fantastic (I know Mr. Scribbles may disagree). The tracks are indeed shorter but this was the year of the short track albums (Oh No’s “Dr. No’s Ethiopium” is the 4th best of the year) and this one fulfilled my giant expectations.

5 Favorite Artists

1. L-Vis 1990

No doubt the winner in my eyes. Released several huge EPs (Compass/Zahonda, United Groove, Night Slugs) and one of the best remixes of the year (‘Sha! Shtil!’) and his Fabric Live Promo Mix. Well done.

2. Renaissance Man

They were my leading candidates to start the year, dipped a bit in the middle of the year, but finished really strong. Their remix of Harvard Bass’ ‘81’ is beautiful, and the Spraycan EP and What Is Guru/Aloha is incredible. Awesome vibes.

3. Afrojack

Dutch bass was my favorite genre of the year and Afrojack really epitomized that. His ‘Moombah’ was in everyone’s mixes (including mine) his ‘Cool’ remix was some deep house and he helped provide the bassline for Pon De Floor (with “How I Like It”). Not too shabby.

4. Harvard Bass

Great year for the SoCal man. Started the year out well with the “Caked/81 EP” and his ‘Lightworks’ remix was sick as well. He had a decent start to the year but he was my favorite artist in the last 3 or 4 months of the year. In the last few months he came out with his ‘Maximus’ remix, his ‘Rush Hour’ remix, his ‘Whole Sh-Bang’ remix, and his ‘Mega’ remix. Damn.

5. Kid Kaio

Ahhh Kid Kaio, I love you. As readers of this blog surely know I posted the shit out of Kid Kaio this year and for good reason, he is the shit. ‘Wedouwedo’ remix was bigness, ‘This Sound Is’ kills it with drums, ‘Get Mad’ was one of the coolest sounds of the year, and ‘American Boy’ is beautiful. Keep it real.

Honorary Mention/Special Category/Best New Artist:

Beataucue.

Sure, many of their songs sound very similar, but they all sound fucking awesome. They came out of nowhere and went buckwild. Their ‘Papi Chulo’ remix, ‘Peanut Club’ remix, ‘Pumpin’ remix, and obviously their ‘Pon De Floor’ remix were all huge. Good job boys.

Favorite Mix

Nic Sarno – Large Mix (via Chemical Jump)

Yes, I may love this mix so much because it was what got me through finals but the more I listen to it the more I love it. I can barely ID any of the tracks and Nic Sarno has yet to release a tracklist (release one already!) but I still love it. Not at all a two hour mix of bangers, this is much more sophisticated: different musical styles, a break and switch of genre at one points, Nic weaves a web of music that leaves you trapped with no choice but to listen.

Favorite Label

Sound Pellegrino

Sometimes life just isn’t fair. Sound Pellegrino proves that point. “Esperanto/Eurovision EP”, “For Weirdos Only/Freak Mode EP”, “Caked/81 EP”, “What Is Guru/Aloha EP”, “Wedouwedou / Give It Up EP”, “Sha! Shtil!” / “The Boogieman EP”, “Compass” / “Zahonda EP”, “Minimood/Rawmania EP”, and “Boriqua EP” ALL IN ONE YEAR?!?! Unreal. How do you have so much talent on one label and just never fuck up? I applaud you heartily, Sound Pellegrino.

Favorite Blogs

Musical:

Curb Crawlers.

When 3 of your 4 contributors are L-Vis 1990, Renaissance Man, and Dubbel Dutch you might be doing something right. Never short on some downtempo, awesome vibes, Curb Crawlers just doesn’t quit. Not to mention their new CC Mixtape project is boss as hell (I see you Julio Bashmore).

Non-musical:

BONER PARTY!!!!

It’s fucking brilliant. I will never get sick of fine ass women and ridiculously witty captions. The amount of Chicago/Wicker Park humor may be what entices me so but the titty excess may also do the trick. Sample wisdom: “You will never be as happy again as you were when you could freely stick your hand down your pants in public.” Never.

Thanks again to everyone for taking the time to read this blog and helping us make it a special place. Bring on 2010.

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Edline

10 Favorite Originals

Emalkay – When I Look At You (beatport)

A truly majestic song. Doesn’t matter how many times I hear it, I love that drop.

Dom Kennedy – Showtime

By far my favorite artist of the year. His Future Street/Drug Sounds mixtape is gold, every song is incredible and his flow is like non other. His flow on his first two lines is godly.

Datsik, Excision – Swagga (youtube) (beatport)

Deadmau5 – To Play Us Out

SonicC – Stickin’ (youtube) (beatport)

I can dance to this song any day.

Curren$y – The Pledge (In & Out) (youtube)

Curren$y is a favorite here at Squeegie, and I would reccomend picking up his latest cd, the Jet Files. Curren$y has been one of my favorites for a long time now and this cd doesn’t change anything. He gets on the chillest songs and this is one of my favorites.

Noah D – Seeeriousss (youtube) (beatport)

Jack Beats – U.F.O. (K-Hole Riddim) (youtube)(beatport)

BBU – Chi Don’t Dance (youtube)

10 Favorite Remixes

Ellie Goulding – Starry Eyed (Jakwob Remix)

I’m in love with Jakwob’s unique sound. He kills almost every song he remixes/makes and this song is a true testament to that. I’m a big ol’ bitch for epic ass songs with female vocals, and each drop progressively melts my face. I cannot begin to explain how many times I have played this song.

Passion Pit – The Reeling (Sammy Bananas Remix)

This is 7 minutes of true joy. I saw Sammy Bananas drop this real late night, and it consumed my body. The only word to describe this song is groovy.

OH SNAP!! – Plus Size Model (Jakwob Wobble Edit)

I have waited so damn long for this song to come out. Listen after listen, I am still suprised/amazed by the second drop. Never before has a song been able to do that for me.

$hw@yze – Buzzin’ (AC Slater Remix) (zippyshare)

I am all about when shitty songs are remixed into gold. AC Slater turns this terrible Shwayze song into gold.

Tiesto – Kaleidoscope (High Contrast Remix) (mediafire)

Yes, another soft epic. If I heard this being played at a concert during the late night, I would get naked.

Sublime – Doin’ Time (Zeds Dead Remix)

An incredible take on this already amazing song. So chill yet so heavy.

Busta Ryhmes – I Got Bass (Stagga Remix)

I loved the original, and seeing bassnectar drop this song, I immediately  needed to have it. The original chopped up “damn this shit crazy, bangladesh” would have been enough to satisfy me, but Stagga had to destroy the song as well.

Chromeo – Night by Night (Skream Remix)

This is a new and improved ‘In for the Kill’. Skream takes a good original with sick vocals and adds some huge bass. Gotta love the guitar solo in the middle. His crisp, banging kicks get me every time.

La Roux – In for the Kill (Skream’s Let’s Get Ravey Mix)

Heaviest song I’ve ever heard.

Imogen Heap - Hide and Seek (Enigma Remix)

This original was a big guilty pleasure of mine and I was just waiting for someone to put a dubstep take on it. God damn I love this song.

5 Favorite Artists

1. Dom Kennedy

Between his flow, lyrics and incredibly chill attitude, dom kennedy is by far my favorite artist of the year

2. Jakwob

His unique wobble noises bring me so much joy each time I play one of his songs. Definitely get at under the sheets, been listening to it a lot lately. I can see him easily making constant bangers throughout the coming years

3. Ac Slater

Keeps killing every song he makes while changing up the style to keep it interesting.

4. Rusko

I keep hearing how incredible this guy is live, so hopefully in the coming year I’ll being seeing senor Rusko. Been really into dubstep this year, and Rusko has been a big part of that.

5. Jack Beats

Favorite Mix/Mixtape

Dom Kennedy – Future Street/Drug Sounds (fileflip)

Favorite Blog

Kid City.

Really good blog that has a big variety of music. I really dig pretty much everything they post. Definitely show these guys some love, they deserve it.

Also would like to make an honorable mention to dubjunks.com I’ve been obsessed with dubstep this year and dubjunks is satisfying that need for incredible heaviness.

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Mr. Scribbles

10 Favorite Originals

1. Basement Jaxx – Raindrops (Beatport)

This song never fails to make me happy—I’ve always had a soft spot for tracks that are so melodic they border on cheesy, and this is no exception.  Plus, that hook is so damn catchy.

2. Raekwon - New Wu  (feat. Ghostface Killah & Method Man) (youtube)

Tell a friend- it’s that symbol again.  Originally released as a shitty quality track called “Wu Ooh”, this song marked the full-fledged return of what’s left of the Wu Tang Clan.  The sample is sick on the beat, and Rae does his usual work on the track.  Cuban Linx II killed it.  The Chef is back.

3. Dan Auerbach -  The Prowl (youtube)

I know we don’t post a whole lot of rock music on Squeegie, but Dan Auerbach, lead singer of the Black Keys, put out a solo album this year, and it’s sick.  This track especially, with it’s growling bass line and over-driven vocals, proves that rock music is not at all dead.

4. Oh No - The Funk (youtube)(Beatport)

Oh No, brother of hip-hop production genius Madlib, is someone I only really got into during the fall of ’09, but man does he make some sweet ass beats.  His album “Dr. No’s Ethiopium” has a sort of afro-centric feel to it, with samples from traditional music, funk and soul.  This song, as its name implies, is just so damn… funky.

5. Curren$y - Scared of Monstas

The beat.  ‘Nuff said.

6. The Flaming Lips - Silver Trembling Hands

“At War With The Mystics” was good, but 09’s “Embryonic” does a better job of capturing the psychedelic sound of the Lips—they seemed less concerning with making an album that would sell, and so there seems to be less pop on the album, with the Lips choosing instead to go with balls-out, mindfuck rock music.  This track highlights that quite well, especially during the “…when she’s high…” breakdown portion.

7. Doctor P - Gargoyle (youtube)(Beatport)

Where did this guy come from?!  Dude’s got a real distinct style, with monstrous bass and lots of fun noises in the higher notes.  That descending melody over the disgusting bass is what does it for me.

8. Nosaj Thing - IOIO (youtube)(beatport)

The whole Flylo school for kids who make beats good has been excelling this year- Nosaj Thing being no exception.  Loving the creeping synth on the melody, and as always the beat bumps.

9. Blakroc - Dollaz & Sense (feat. Rza & Pharoahe Monch)(youtube)

Blakroc is a huge deal, because as an entity it proves that rock and hip-hop can be combined without resulting in rap metal.  And because it’s a straight up sick album.  Real drums sound great for a change on the beat, and the RZA rapping over Dan Auerbach is pretty much a wet dream for me.

10. Caspa - Lions Roar (youtube)

The song itself says it best – “Nobody told me the lion’s roar could be done through a loudspeaker.  I concede my defeat.”

10 Favorite Remixes

1. Deadmau5 feat. Kaskade - I Remember (Caspa Remix)

This is probably my favorite of Caspa’s remixes, for its ability to be super melodic but still bang hard as hell.  Plus, the combo of the Mau5 and Caspa is phenomenal.

2. Imogen Heap - Hide and Seek (Enigma Remix)

Imogen Heap has an awesome voice, and Enigma’s remix of her hit is haunting, showing a softer, more melodic side to Enigma’s dubstep rarely seen as he usually churns out wonky bangers and such.  Not to say it’s a “soft” track, though, the bass is quite heavy.

3. Young Jeezy - I Got This (El-P remix)

El Producto snuck in surprisingly at the end of the year with this massive, massive remix of Young Jeezy.  Let’s just say this man really knows his kick drums. I’ve enjoyed his remixes in the past, especially of Kidz In The Hall, but none have been so sick as this one, featured on the Adult Swim ATL RMX tape.

4. Chromeo - Night by Night (Skream Remix)

I first heard this epic remix live when I saw Skream in Denver in October. He stopped a track suddenly midway through, loaded up the remix and said “this is my Chromeo remix”. And then the building fucking exploded.

5. Passion Pit - The Reeling (Calvin Harris Remix)

Calvin Harris and Passion Pit seem made for each other, with each producing their own happy brand of electro-pop.  The slap bass is what makes me love this remix more than the already awesome original.

6. Harvard Bass – 81 (Renaissance Man Remix) (direct via CC)

The accordion.

7. Crystal Fighters – Xtatic Truth (L-VIS 1990 Remix) (direct via CC)

That chromatically descending bass line is so juicy, and when combined with the vocals of Crystal Fighters it makes for a superb remix.

8. Gucci Mane – Dangers Not A Stranger (Diplo Remix) (direct via Mad Decent)

The first from Diplo’s remixtape of Gucci mane is a wonderfully coked-out 80’s masterpiece of a remix.  Gucci’s off-key singing is somehow justified through Diplo’s remixing talent

9. Barletta – Panther (Zed’s Dead Remix) (direct via Kid City)

This track won a remix competition, and for a reason.  That shifting, sawtooth bass is huge, especially after the part when the panther growls.

10. Sidney Samson – Riverside (TC Remix) (youtube)

Starting with a tight dubstep beat, TC’s remix of Riverside quickly goes into bananas D’n’B territory.  I love how the rhythm is changed on that oh-so-catchy melody.

3 Favorite Albums

1. Blakroc – Blakroc

I love the Black Keys, and I love hip-hop music. It stands to reason that I would love their lovechild. The beats are real, quality music, and the feature list is damn strong.

Standout tracks for me: On The Vista (feat. Mos Def), Hope You’re Happy (feat. Q –Tip. Billy Danze & Nicole Wray), Coochie (feat. ODB & Ludacris)

2. 5: 5 Years of Hyperdub

Kind of a cop-out, I realize, because this compilation is stacked with some of the best names in electronic music, including Burial, Kode9, Flying Lotus, Joker & Ginz, Mala and Samiyam. Hyperdub has been keeping it too real.

Standout tracks for me: Joker & Ginz – Stash, Joker – Digidesign, Quarta 330 – Bleeps From Outer Space

3. The Flaming Lips – Embryonic

The Lips are still going strong, and staying true to their weird Oklahoma roots. Listening to a track like the mind expanding “Watching the Planets”, with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs Karen O, proves that Wayne and the gang are still very much out of their minds. I’m also really glad they ditched a good amount of their pop vibe on this album

Standout tracks for me: Silver Trembling Hands, Convinced of the Hex, Worm Mountain, Watching the Planets (feat. Karen O)

5 Favorite Artists

Dan Auerbach/The Black Keys/Blakroc

Dan Auerbach and co. had a great 2009. He released his awesome solo album, and then the Blakroc project came around. These guys keep churning out the best blues-rock around at a constant rate. I dig.

Del Tha Funkee Homosapien

Maybe I just lost track of Del, but I feel like I hadn’t heard much from him in a while before 2009. 09, however, saw Del churning out quality hip-hop at an almost Lil-Wayne-ian rate, with the release of two full length solo albums (Funk Man and Automatik Statik) and his collaboration album Parallel Uni-verses with Tame one. Most MCs don’t put out that much music in five years, let alone one.

Basement Jaxx

The Jaxx had my number 1 track of 09, so it stands to reason they would make it into my favorite artists. “Scars” was their first release since 06’s “Crazy Itch Radio”, and it proved the group is still going strong, with solid tracks with Santigold, Yoko Ono and Jose Hendrix.

Hudson Mohawke

Hudmo pretty much exploded onto the scene late 09, with his release of “Butter”. The album showcased his sound, and a very new sound that was; blending electronica, trip-hop, and the best and worst sounds of the 1980’s, Hudmo is like a collision between Flying Lotus and Rick Astley, and lord is it a glorious combination.

Honorable Mention: The Flaming Lips

Do you really need another indicator that I fucking love “Embryonic”?

Favorite Mix/Mixtape

Mishka Presents: Keep Watch Vol. XII: Rusko (mediafire)

From the opening track, Rusko’s massive “Cali Anthem” I was hooked. Rusko has always been one of my favorite dubsteppers, and this mix is a great showcase of his skill as a DJ and remixer, as well as his impeccable taste in dubstep.

Favorite Blog

Hush House.

09 was the year of dubstep for me, and no one enhanced my collection better than the guys over at Hush House. They’re always working to support the little guy (i.e. Dub Fiend, L.A. Boxers…etc) while still posting the hardest tunes from the biggest names in the biz. Biggups gents!

Favorite Record Label

Sound Pellegrino

2009 saw the creation of Sound Pellegrino, a label which throughout the year brought us the juiciest in tastefully made electronic music. With a roster of artists including Solo, Mowgli, Renaissance Man and L-VIS 1990, Sound Pellegrino cranked out some of the solidest tracks of the year.

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Orpheus

10 Favorite Originals

This was way too difficult. We write about genres of music that produce tracks that are made to be recycled and have a very short life. These are the ones that stood out for me:

1. Emalkay – When I look At You (youtube) (beatport)

While choosing a number one remix was verrrry difficult, I didn’t hesitate for a second choosing the number one original. I don’t know of a fuller song.  Emalkay produced perfection in my mind. ‘Nuff said, I guess, can’t beat perfection.

2. Datsik, Excision – Swagga (youtube) (beatport)

“HOLY SHIT!”

3. Felix Da Housecat – Kickdrum

Young master Boys Noize played this joyous one at Abbey Pub in Chicago in March. Annnny system, for some reason, does this song justice. Guess the frequency just works out, but as the sounds get bigger and bigger, it invades your body more and more. Felix Da Housecat has been inside of me, so I figured he deserved that recognition.

4. Doctor P – Sweet Shop

Puts my tongue on the floor everyday. Big ups Doctor P, looking forward to your future.

5. Telephoned – Turn My Swag On (Ft. Telli Federline)

This might be the only good thing about Soulja Boy, that piece of shit. Because of his shitty music, legitimate musicians can salvage some goodness and musical value from the depths of his garbage lyrics and all around offensive demeanor.

6. Sidney Samson – Riverside (youtube) (beatport)

This is just something else.

7. Toast – Puppy Phat

I’ve never heard anything like this. Except for other Toast songs.

8. Bassnectar – Art of Revolution (youtube)(beatport)

First song Bassnectar put out that truly got me hooked. I enjoyed his previous two albums, but this EP…

9. Raffertie – Wobble Horror!

Yikes.

10. Wayne Marshall – Blame It On The Weed

You might think I’m kidding, but I’m deathly serious.

10 Favorite Remixes

1.  Boltan – Creepy (Mightyfools Remix)

This song has continuously rocked me for many months. Picking the number one song of 2009, I decided, is impossible. But there has to be a winner somehow, and this song still gets me in the chest.  That is the one commonality and similarity of all these songs: they all get me in the chest. Mightyfools have had a huge year and this is my favorite release of them all.

2.  La Roux – In For the Kill (L-Vis 1990 RIP Hyperbass Remix) (direct via Curb Crawlers)

Fuck yeah, L-Vis, you are something else.

3.  Sound of Stereo – Heads Up! (Nic Sarno Retrix) (youtube)(beatport)

Another epitome song. When I heard Crookers play this one, I not only nearly shit myself, but I almost passed out from raging around too hard, which has only happened on one other occasion. The abrupt change in this one is beyond massive, I still clench my ass when it drops.

4. Crookers – Businessman (featuring Wiley & TJ) (DZ remix)

I’ve never heard something else like this

5. Little Boots – Meddle (AC Slater and DJ Skeet Skeet Remix Ft. Goldielocks)

AC Slater deserves a top spot for sure, and this, I think, was my favorite of the year.

6. Yolanda Be Cool – Afro Nuts (Douster Remix)//Marc Antoine – Tant Besoin de Toi (Douster Remix)

Douster is a majestic beast, a man of virtue and king of the tropics.

7.  Blaqstarr – Get Off (Jack Beats Remix) (youtube) (beatport)

8.  Burns – Turbo (Jokers of the Scene Remix)

9. Blake – What I Like (Knuckles Insomniac Remix)

10. Adele – Hometown Glory (Chewy Chocolate Cookies Remix) (direct via The Docking Station)

Simply beautiful.

3 Favorite Albums

1. Dem Slackers – Joker EP

2. Renaissance Man – Spraycan EP

3. Bassnectar – Cozza Frenzy LP// Bassnectar – Art of Revolution EP

5 Favorite Artists

1. Skream

What do I even have to say? Dubstep prodigy I guess suffices.

2. Douster

Everything, literally everything Douster put out this year that I got my hands on turned into one of my favorite songs of the moment. It was hard choosing my favorite remix as I could have had at least seven tracks in that list from him. But yea, he is top notch.

3. Bassnectar

Young Lorin makes and plays the smelliest of beats. His Lollapalooza set was transformative.

4. Oliver $

I love his bounciness. Everything he makes I feel is catered to a hyper dance floor.

5. Rusko

I almost felt bad about including him because it almost goes without saying. But I wanted to say it anyway. He is too fucking good.

Honorable Mentions:

Datsik, Emalkay, Oliver Leigh, Hot Mouth, Canblaster, Boys Noize, Jakwob, Crookers, Mightyfools, and Dem Slackers.

Favorite Mix

Mishka Volume XII: Rusko (mediafire)

Favorite Blog

Favorite blog of 2009 has to go to Rub-a-Dub-Dub-Dubbb. Every post these guys make is absolute gold, hard to find tracks, but they stick to the original purpose of the music blogs: to promote and distribute good music in a way that informs and grips the people without robbing the artists silly. Always on point, big ups guys! However, I definitely want to give a shout out to Trashcanpunch and Wizards Are Better.  First two blogs I check everyday.  Big ups to you two!

Favorite Label

Boemklatsch for sure. I fucking love the netherlands and everything they are putting out right now. Dem Slackers just took a hold of me this year. Big time. Great label, all sorts of fantastic releases coming out of there. Mightyfools anyone?

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Poppa Glock

Favorite 10 Originals

Congorock – Runark (youtube)(beatport)

The Bloody Beetroots Feat. Steve Aoki – Warp 1.9 (youtube)(beatport)

Deadmau5 – Ghosts N Stuff (youtube)(beatport)

Jack Beats – U.F.O. (K-Hole Riddim) (youtube)(beatport)

Boys Noize – Jeffer

Fake Blood – I Think I Like It (youtube)(beatport)

D.I.M. & TAI – Lyposuct (youtube) (beatport)

Bassment Jaxx – Raindrops (youtube)

Kidz In The Hall – Jukebox

Curren$y & Wiz Khalifa – Car Service

Favorite 10 Remixes

Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Heads Will Roll (A-Trak Remix) (direct via discobelle)

Drake – Forever (Feat. Kanye West, Lil Wayne, and Eminem)(Steve Aoki Remix) (rcrdlbl)

Ke$ha – Tik Tok (Skeet Skeet Remix) (mediafire)

2pac – California Love (Deadmau5 Edit) (mediafire)

Lil’ Jon – Give It All You Got (Danger Beach Remix)

Rusko – Cockney Thug (Caspa Remix) (youtube)(beatport)

DJ Mujava – Township Funk (Diplo Remix) (mediafire)

Digital Manges – Manges (Sharkslayer Dub)

Jeremih – Break Up to Make Up (Alvaro Remix) (zippyshare)

Naledge – I’m In Chicago Bitch (Million $ Mano Remix) (mediafire)

3 Favorite Albums

Mos Def – The Ecstatic
Boys Noize – Power
DOOM – Born Like This

5 Favorite Artists

1. A-Trak
2. Diplo
3. Boys Noize
4. Deadmau5
5. Jack Beats

Honorable Mentions: Kid Sister, Clipse

Favorite Mix/Mixtape
Chiddy Bang- The Swelly Express (limelinx)

Favorite Blog
Squeegie

Favorite Record Label
Fool’s Gold

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Rodan

10 Favorite Originals

1.  Boys Noize – Jeffer

The cleanest original of the year.  This is the quintessential Boys Noize epic club banger.  Shit was bumping at his Lolla set this summer.

2.  Massive Attack – Splitting the Atom

Massive Attack always does it big.  This is no exception.  What really makes this track, though, is Horace Andy’s vocals.  So eerie.

3.  Zombie Disco Squad – Eurovision (beatport)

Combine Zombie Disco Squad’s minimal prowess with a thumping club beat, and you get a masterpiece.  This merited a lot of remixes for a reason.

4.  The xx – Fantasy (youtube)

Actually my favorite track off the album.  But it’s good for a completely different reason than the rest of the album.  The bass at the halfway point sends me to another planet.  And strangely reminds me of the meditation scene from Fantastic Planet (La Planète sauvage)

5.  Boris Dlugosch – Bangkok (youtube)(beatport)

Some tribal club shit.  And it has such a thick bass line.  Near flawless production.

6.  Pryda – Miami to Atlanta (youtube)(beatport)

The best melodic track of the year.

7.  Deadmau5 – To Play Us Out

When I first heard the sample drop at Deadmau5′ set this summer, I could not stop laughing.  Deadmau5 cuts the vocal so well that the drop seems natural at the end of the sample.  When the drop did come, I wasn’t laughing.  Great track on so many levels.

8.  Air – Missing the Light of Day (youtube)

Air remains one of my favorite groups of all time.  Their album, Love 2, did not disappoint me this year.  This track is funky and ambient and all that good stuff.  A bit different than most tracks from the album.

9.  Moby – Pale Horses (youtube)

Moby knows how to use instrumentation–piano chords, bass riffs, strings section.  He got a little darker with Wait For Me, and I liked it.  I want to see more tracks like this in the future.

10.  Bibio – Lovers Carvings (youtube)(beatport)

I can’t figure out Bibio.  He’s folk, then ambient, then indie, then electro.  Sometimes all of the above.  Regardless, this song implements a cowbell and some of the chillest guitar chords you’ve ever heard.  Can’t wait to see what he comes up with in 2010.

10 Favorite Remixes

1.  La Roux – In for the Kill (Skream’s Let’s Get Ravey Mix)

Honestly, this stands as the best song I’ve heard all year.  Skream has an uncanny way of blending bass and vocals.  This song never fails to give me chills.  I first heard it in early April at the Bloody Beetroots / Crookers Chicago sets consecutively (although that was the Phra edit).  I remember singing the lyrics to myself the next day in the shower thinking, what was that incredible track?  It’s going to be difficult for any producer to top this in 2010.

2.  Ellie Goulding – Starry Eyed (Jakwob Remix)

Jakwob took an already incredible original and turned it into one of the best dubstep remixes of the year.  Jakwob is the master of wobble.

3.  Raffertie – Antisocial (Toast Refix)

I remember listening to this track with MacGregor and Mr. Scribbles earlier this year with the full capability of my car’s sound system.  When the bass hit, MacGregor said, “It sounds like God is laughing.”  I think that’s the best way of describing it.  ”Haha, puny earthlings, behold my bass.”

4.  Florence and The Machine – You’ve Got the Love (The xx Remix)(direct via discodust)

I’m addicted to the way The xx uses bass.  So flawless with the vocals.  This is a beautiful song.

5.  OH SNAP!! – Plus Size Model (Jakwob Wobble Edit)

Yes.  Jakwob runs circles around the bassline, reversing it every which way.  This is a serious head rocker.

6.  Funkasaurus – Atom Seed (Solo Remix) (youtube)(beatport)

I love Solo.  This is epitome of minimal destruction.

7.  Imogen Heep – Hide and Seek (Enigma Remix)

One of the best basslines I’ve heard all year.  Again–when the perfect balance of airy, feminine vocals is juxtaposed with deep wobbles, euphoria occurs.

8.  Tiga – Mind Dimension (Pablo Decoder Remix)

Have to give a shout out to my man, Pablo.  This remix is industrial techno madness.

9.  Boemklatsch – Bonafied (Dem Slackers Floor Dance Remix)

One of the few songs I love with a phat fidget drop and a subsequent dubstep drop.  Dem Slackers nailed both genres with this one.  This song helped bridge the gap from house into dubstep for me.

10.  Daniel Haaksman – Pobum Coco (Sharkslayer Bass Dub)

Sharkslayer was hard at work this year.  This track is my favorite though.  It grooves like none other (there’s almost a hint of Boys Noize in it).

5 Favorite Artists

1.  The xx

2.  Bibio

3.  Miike Snow

4.  The Dead Weather

5.  Dirty Projectors

3 Favorite Albums

1.  The xx – xx

2.  Miike Snow – Miike Snow

3.  Moby – Wait For Me

Favorite Mix

La Mixette Vol. 13 – Paul Pre

Favorite Blog

Asian Dan was one of the first additions to my blog list, and has remained the best over time.  Big ups, keep up the quality blogging.

Favorite Record Label

Warp Records <– They are signing the artists of the future.

Honorable Mentions

Shpongle, Hudson Mohawke, Flying Lotus, !!!, Grizzly Bear, Basement Jaxx, Neon Indian, Animal Collective, Valerna, Riva Starr, DJ Doorly, Merk Meny, Brabe, Oliver $, L-Vis 1990, Afrojack, Sticky K, Loefah, Jesse Rose, DZ, Benga, Major Lazer, Bar 9, Mightyfools, The Quietboy, Eli Escobar, Nero, Siriusmo, Lee Mortimer, Designer Drugs, Hatiras, Trumpdisco, Switch, GRUM, Mowgli, James Blake, George Lenton, Modeselektor, L.A. Boxers, Theophilus London, Sufjan Stevens, Renaissance Man, Bassnectar, Passion Pit, Team Teamwork, LAZRtag, Ellie Goulding

This was a very difficult musical year to narrow down into best categories.  Since Squeegie has only seen two thirds of 2009, practically everything we’ve ever blogged about is relevant to the post.  Inevitably, I’m sure I left out some deserving artists, to which I hope my fellow authors pick up where I lack.  With music growing at an exponential rate, recognition for smaller artists is increasingly paramount, and so much recognition is due for the geniuses of ‘09.  Onto the music.

2009 was a year of excitement and disappointment for me.  Dance music is perhaps the most transient, dynamic genre around, constantly trying to push the boundaries of acceptable sound in order to get that “wigging out” effect from the crowd.  In order to do so, however, it must leave a lot of quality music in the dust, because it’s simply not fresh anymore.  In short, the genres known as “electro” and “fidget house” are formally dead.  In addition, most of the artists that originally got me interested in dance music have sold out to big record labels and have lost their signature, small-artist authenticity.

On the other hand, it is beautiful to observe the ripple effect of the dance movement.  A perfect example is The xx, who released their first album this summer—their indie, dream pop sound is complemented by heavy, ever-so-subtly wobbling bass tones.  This trend is spreading, with downtempo and trip-hop music growing in popularity.  Indeed, it seems the test audiences gave bass the thumbs up.  With the boundaries between genres blurring, I predict we will only see more of the eclectic fusions introduced in 2009.

As for 2010, stay alert for Massive Attack’s Heligoland, Stars’ The Black House, the Blue Sky, and, my personal favorite, Gorillaz’ Plastic Beach.

Thanks for supporting our blog.  It is the unique reader-writer reciprocity that allows the blog scene to function.  I hope you keep Squeeg-ing into the new year.

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What?

10 Favorite Originals

1. Röyksopp – Röyksopp Forever (youtube)

The title of this song is somehow an accurate statement.  Röyksopp is the most legitimate electronic duo ever in the history of everything.  Bah.  Oh and look out for Senior—their new album coming out in “early 2010.”

2. Moby – Jltf (youtube)

I still haven’t found out who’s singing… one of a list of four or five… but she has a pretty voice in a way.  Combined with Moby’s utter genius it blows my mind.

3. Jay-Z – Young Forever (Feat. Mr. Hudson) <– For Kate (youtube)

I honestly don’t really like Jay-Z… or most rap of his generation or later.  But I respect this song for Mr. Hudson’s quality use of Forever Young (which I know was done by Alphaville but not sure who actually came up with it) as a chorus to a rap song.  Not to mention the crafty beat.

4. Moby – Wait for Me (youtube)

Another track from the album Wait for Me (along with Jltf), this song has a preposterous beat/meter.  Mad respect for crazy shit.

5. Franz Ferdinand – Feeling Kind of Anxious (youtube)

It’s like nails to my eyeballs.

6. Massive Attack – Splitting the Atom (youtube)

Massive Attack generally gives me a good sense of uncertainty and need to question and analyze.  Splitting the Atom is nothing special for Massive Attack themselves… but like most of their tracks, it’s something special for an introspective stoner who likes awkward beats.

7. Beautiful Small Machines – Counting Back to 1 (youtube)

I just like the singer’s voice and cool vibes.

8. Yeasayer – Ambling Alp (yes.)

Rodan showed me this in the form of a video a few days ago.  I thought the video deserved enough respect to bump the track up to my top 10.  Honestly, watch the video, it’s special.

9. Toast – Shipwreck

Just because we listen to this really loud in the car.

10. Moderat – A New Error

Most impressive bass of the year… with a fucking legitimate beat.  This track may seem a little boring at first glance, but after smoking four blunts and blasting this on a nice system… yeah.

10 Favorite Remixes

1. Crystal Castles – Crimewave (LAZRtag Remix)

2. Ellie Goulding – Starry Eyed (Jakwob Remix)

3. Gorillaz – Dare (Rodan’s Symphonic Remix)

I like to say I took part in the creation of this track because I was laying on Rodan’s couch smoking weed and making idle commentary at every part he added.  I even pitched the idea to make a orchestra-based remix after realizing that we had listened to Röyksopp Forever’s orchestral divinity about 6,734 times that day.  I love the piano sections (though the last bit can be worked on a little) and everything else.

4. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Heads Will Roll (L.A. Boxers Dub Remix)

I love Yeah Yeah Yeahs because they’re cool… And this remix does something I see rarely: leave the artist’s original coolness intact while presenting an alternate take on the song.  Using bangin dubstep.  Win.

5. Dub Fiend – Tetris Dubstep Remix

The Tetris theme is sort of a theme to my life.  I play Tetris like it’s my job, and as embarrassing as it is, the theme has been my ringtone for as long as I can remember.  And then comes the dubstep remix… and there’s nothing left to say.

6. Calvin Harris – I’m Not Alone (Deadmau5 Remix)

7. Lenka – Trouble is a Friend (Sam Roqwell & I Sancho Dark Mix)

8. Eminem – Crack a Bottle (Discotech Remix)

Yeah… I know it’s not that great… It’s meh… But honestly props to whoever can remix this track and not make it sound like a total piece of shit.  (Discotech)

9. Beethoven’s Concerto For Piano and Orchestra Number Five in E Flat (Opus 73)

10. Mighty Mike – Massive Fear (Massive Attack vs. Lily Allen)

5 Favorite Artists

1. Modest Mouse

I wear a Modest Mouse bracelet.

2. Yeah Yeah Yeahs

I gained a sort of new level of respect for them after seeing them at Lolla… even though I only saw them play like 3 songs.  Quality performers though, really.

3. Röyksopp

Röyksopp is the shit.  Years back when I first discovered Trip-Hop and other types of ridiculously win sounding electronic music, I also discovered Röyksopp.  My admiration for them was founded upon the Melody A.M. which actually got me through rough times.  (By rough times I mean not wanting to go to school because school sucks)  But anyway, I later downloaded everything else they made, and through miles of quality riddims (Triumphant) and ridiculous synths (Someone Like Me) I finally emerged a Röyksopp addict.  Their ability to cover multiple genres, sounds, and emotions using the same type of production doesn’t stop at the symphonic glory of Röyksopp Forever.  If you’re intrigued at all at this point, download their Live EP, Röyksopp’s Night Out and see what I’m talkin about.

Also… If you still spell it “Royksopp” you’re fucking retarded.  It’s Röyksopp.

4. Moby

I discovered Moby by watching MTV cribs with my cousin Maia sometime during my short hair conformist phase.  And while many artists have come and gone throughout my semi-long hair skater phase, long hair hippie phase, emo phase, and hipster phase, (I change a lot) Moby somehow stuck.  Maybe that’s because EVERY SINGLE FUCKING ALBUM he releases is completely different from the previous one.  Cupcakes.  And his phases of music styles are most likely why I respect him this much.

5. Animal Collective

Woka woka.  Animal Collective is terrible.

3 Favorite Albums

1. Leonard Cohen – Live In London (iTunes) (Amazon)

Please download this immediately or a giant Mexican will emerge from behind your computer screen and sexually assault you in the butt.

2. Animal Collective – Merriweather Post Pavillion (iTunes)

This album sucks.

3. Team Teamwork – The Ocarina of Rhyme (do it nukka.)

IM MIKE JONES WHO MIKE JONES THE ONE AND ONLY YOU CANT CLONE ME GOT A LOT OF HATERS AND A LOT OF HOMIES SOME FRIENDS AND SOME PHONIES BACK THEN HOS DIDN’T WANT ME NOW I’M HOT HOS ALL ON ME BACK THEM HOS DIDN’T WANT ME NOW I’M HOT HOS ALL ON ME I SAID BACK THEN HOS DIDN’T WANT ME NOW I’M HOT HOS ALL ON ME.

Favorite Mix

What the fuck is a mix?

Favorite Blog

Dylan’s blog :D

Favorite Record Label

All record labels can suck my balls.

Honorable Mentions

!!!, The xx, Wilco, Paul Pre, La Roux, Passion Pit, Enigma, The Flaming Lips, rape.

posted » December 15th, 2009 by MacGregor
tagged » animalcollective . atlassound . bagraiders . benufo . bethditto . bibio . bigboi . bokbok . boy8bit . burial . classixx . darkstar . dirtyprojectors . douster . dukedumont . elliegoulding . floatingpoints . florenceandthemachine . flyinglotus . fourtet . guccimane . guccivump . herewegomagic . jamesblake . jdilla . joker . joyorbison . juliobashmore . kingdom . l-vis1990 . laroux . lilyallen . madlib . majorlazer . mustardpimp . noob . nosajthing . ohno . ojdajuiceman . passionpit . phoenix . renaissanceman . roska . shadowdancer . sharkslayer . shinichiosawa . simianmobiledisco . siriusmo . Skream . slugabed . starsmith . stimming . styleofeye . thexx . ultragamma . untold . zombienation