Tracks of the Year 30-11

More Tracks of the Year. This time 30-11. Top ten will follow early next week as I've got a busy weekend ahead! I'm sure you can't handle the excitement.

30. Ray Mang-Look into My Eyes (buy)

'Look into My Eyes' swirls around with steady handclaps and melodic keys which chuggs around beautifully.  My favourite 12" release on DFA in 2010.

29. Fantastic Man-Look This Way (buy)

This EP was only released last week but it quickly got my attention for it's mix of disco, house and old school sounds from 4 exciting artists. My highlight was Fantastic Man's 'Look this Way' for it's house reworking of the Erykah Badu track. I just love how the beat alternates throughout from deep house and two step.MINT.

28. Sammy Bananas-My Body (download)

Sampling R.Kelly and making a track into a Casio style banger doesn't sound particulary easy. However Sammy Bananas makes many tracks using old R&B/Hip Hop samples into electronic nuggets. He hit gold with 'My Body'. I'm not sure if it even came out this year. But get on it.

27. Kez YM-A Cup of Ocean (Gerd Dub Bounce Remix) (buy)

Gerd slowly slipped back onto many people's radar's in 2010. Admittedly I'd never heard of him, but the middle-aged Dutch man was a big techno head back in the early 90s apparently. Aswell as releasing several 12" with notables remixes by people such as DJ Koze, he also did his fair share of remixes. His rework of Japanese upstart Kez Ym hit the spot as it title suggests, a bouncy house track to get everyone going. 

26.  Surfer Blood-Harmonix (buy)

Surfer Blood scored a big Pitchfork hit in 2009 with 'Swim'. Their album followed in early 2010 and it didn't disappoint with plently of uplifting sunshine harmonies. However with 'Harmonix' they proved they have much more to them than that.

25. T. Williams-Heartbeats (Mosca Remix) (buy)

Another late edition to the list, where UK Funky (what a shite name that is) meets deep house/techno under this remix from Mosca with vocals by jazz singer Terri Walker. I like how this remix attempts to blur what we expect from traditional genres. Put it this way, it would usually take more than a twist of my arm to listen to something called 'UK Funky'.

24. iLIKETRAINS-Progress is a Snake (buy)

The Leeds quartet released this autumn one of the albums of my year, full of soaring tales of regret and disappointment. On 'Progress is a Snake', they lament people's failure to understand the mistakes of human history and their unwillingness to change. Once again they base topics of songs on history and human fallibility. I could have included the majority of this album in the list, but it's best served to listen to the full length in it's entirety.

23. No Age-Glitter (buy)

No age returned in 2010 with 'Glitter' a midtempo track full of screehing feedback and muffled vocals. Sort of what I expected from them. The album is well worth a look.

22. Joey Negro Presents Kola Kube-Why (Hot Toddy Remix) (buy)

 

Anyone reworking a 'classic' must have doubts about how it will all work out. No problems here as Joey Negro and Hot Toddy served up 4 belters on this release on exciting new label Surround Sounds. My favourite was the nice chugging deep rework from Hot Toddy. This will not be going far from my rather thin bag of vinyl in the near future!

21. Alicia Keys-Unthinkable (I'm Ready) (buy)

I've always had a bit of a soft spot for Alicia Keys since her worldwide mega hity 'Fallin'. Whilst the content of each album isn't always to my taste, she is always capable of a wonderful track, such as the excellent beatless B-side 'Dreaming' released last year. Drake co-wrote 'Unthinable, I'm Ready' apparently, which makes it more the surprise how good this track is. A song full of lust that has reached the surface and won't go away.

20. LCD Soundsystem-Home (buy)

LCD's album had many great moments, but my favourite was 'Home'. Sounds of a man tired, at the end of a long road, hoping home is round the corner, where only the future matters.

19. Anton Miller-Can't Hide It (buy)

The house legend returned with the excellent soft deep house of 'Can't Hide It'. It was called upon release 'the true and pure sounds of house music'. What that is, I'm not sure, but it's an excellent track. Probably the DEEPEST I've heard in a long time.

18. The Walkmen-Angela Surf City (buy)

Having a track like 'The Rat' hang over may have it's good sides, but it can also have it's bad, as people will always be expecting you to produce something similar if not better. I think with 'The Rat' it's nigh on impossible as it's one of the best rock songs of the past ten years. However 'Angela Surf City' on their excellent new album, Lisbon certainly has a go. It shudders into life when lead singer Hamilton Leithauser screams "You took the high road, I couldn't find you' which is almost as anthemic as the high points on their biggest hit.

17. Joy Orbison-Ladywell  (buy)

Joy Orbison returned with some what of a surprise with his latest 12" (this time on his own label), two Detriot inspired house tunes, of which 'Ladywell' was a highlight. The 'oohs' on this release is catchy, in a more altogether different way than his big hit of last year, Hyph Mngo. Sold out everywhere on 12". Seek and ye shall find. Probably.

16. Women-Eyesore (buy)

'Eyesore' is the excellent conclusion to Women's 2nd album. Full of now familiar screeching guitars, high pitched melodies, little interludes and a hard hitting end, it's the best Women song to date.

15. Moody-It's 2 Late 4 U & Me (buy)

On his last release, the one real club jam was this 9 minute stormer. I'd like to think he's got other tunes like this still in him (see Shades of Jae, J.A.N. etc), as this was a rework of an earlier tune he's been working on. It's still fucking ace though, and it officially came out this year, so there.

14. Caribou-Odessa (buy)

An excellent start to an excellent album. 2010 was Caribou's year. Hitting us in January, it marked what would be the most successful year to date for the genre-hopping Canadian.

13. Trujillo-Baby Your Still The Same (Social Disco Club Feat. Lucy Walker Sexual Flashback Mix) (buy)

Stringently only releasing records on vinyl is happening less and less now, so it's usually a surprise when a record label insists on doing so. This release was well worth getting wax instead of a shitty disposable mp3. All three tracks are absolute gems, from the tenderness of the original to the balearic ten minute haze of Mark E's remix, it's all good. I decided to go for the 'sexual flashback remix' from social disco club. It gave the track a bit of urgency on the dancefloor (not that it necessarily needed it). Wonderful.

12.  Tracey Thorn-Oh! The Divorces (buy)

A distressing tale of modern woes is sung effortlessly by Tracey Thorn on 'Oh, The Divorces'. Tales of relationship breakdown are a common topic in pop music, however, getting divorced, who gets to keep the children and who gets visitation rights aren't. An album focusing on middle-aged issues, but for all who enjoy Thorn's fantastic voice and songwriting.

11. The Radio Dept.-Heavens On Fire (buy)

The Radio Dept. returned in 2010 after a four year abscene with a new album which was full of angst about the challenges that life throws up. 'Heaven's on Fire' was a lead single and a clear highlight and one of the best pop songs of my year. 

Tracks of the Year 50-31

My tracks of the year. 50 of them. Many have sneaked in at the last minute whilst others will count themselves unlucky not to be included (I'm sure their hurting right now). Feel free to add your opinions and better yet suggestions for tracks I should have listened to. Cheers!

50. Ramadanman- Work Them (buy)

Ramadanman continued in 2010 where he had left off the year before with an impressive amount of impressive releases. Off all his cuts, 'Work Them' did it for me for it's sheer intensity coupled together with it's epic breakdown of euphoric noise, when all you can do is wait for it to go off and hope you survive.

49. Gayngs-The Gaudy Side of Town (buy)

Justin Vernon (aka Bon Iver) certainly kept himself busy with guest spots in 2010. He grabbed the headlines guesting on Kanye's megahit with Jay Z etc etc. but it was his soothing vocals to a project entitled 'Gayngs' which grabbed my attention. Taking their cue from Manchester and Salford's very own 10cc; 'The Gaudy Side of Town' is a sultry 7 minute smooth jam. Another impressive release from Chad Van Gaalen and his Jagjaguwar label.

 48. Surround Sounds-Beyond the Dance (12" Extended Mix)  (buy)

New label Surround Sounds is featured twice on my list, firstly with 'Beyond the Dance'. Labelled 'boogie-house' by Piccadilly Records (no, im not sure about that either), the track is a late night dancefloor killer. Just wait for the bass to drop! A label to keep your eyes out for.

47. Jamie Woon-Night Air (buy)

Burial-produced 'Night Air' created a mini crossover hit for relative London-based newcomer Jamie Woon. What is essentially a dark pop song is moulded by Burial's sharp arrangement and turns out to be a perfect foil for Woon's high pitched wail. His album will follow next year and it will be interesting to see if he gets Burial on board again. If it all works this well, the result could be very exciting indeed.

46. Erykah Badu-Window Seat  (buy)

The video may have caused a stir (and got Miss Badu in a bit of trouble) but the track was what did it for me. The track is a slow laid back jam for a slow summer afternoon. Wonderful.

45. Broken Social Scene-Meet Me in the Basement (buy)

On a really special and at times beautiful and subtle album, Broken Social Scene changed tact with 'Meet Me in the Basement'. A three-minute uplifting instrumental stomp, once it sets off there really is no stopping it. Crescendo after crescendo builds and it's a shame when it all ends so soon.

44. David Dondero-Building the New Berlin Wall

A song yet to be released, but it has been a big hit in David Dondero's live set of late and was a highlight of the Conor Oberst organised 'Concert for Equality' which wanted to highlight the oppressive legislation introduced by some border states against immigrants and actual U.S citizens. Lets hope it secures a release in the very near future.

43. Perfume Genius-Mr. Peterson (buy)

Perfume Genius emerged with his broken tales from many misguided and painful experiences from a tortured youth. Describing a relationship with an older man, it was never going to end well with the old man jumping off a building just before sharing a Joy Divison LP. Certainly bleak, but touching and beautiful. 

42. Tensnake-Coma Cat (buy)

A breakthough year for Tensnake. His brand of updated disco hit the heights with Coma Cat in early 2010. Almost impossible not to like, it's catchy hook was also impossible to ignore and before the summer was out, it was everywhere.

41. Jimpster-Inside The Loop (Buy)

'In the Loop' is an absolute classic timeless house tune and Jimpster at his best. Just watch out for those old school handclaps!

40. Wild Nothing-Your Rabbit Feet (buy)           

After the success of Wild Nothing's full length debut Gemini, their main man (well their only initial member), Jack Tatum quickly released a 3 track EP Evertide. It's highlight was 'Your Rabbit Feet',  a continuation of the great work from their album; shimmering guitars, a melodic bassline and a yearning, pleading voice. This EP was unbelieveably only one of 75 to launch a new label. Fortunately it has been re-released as new EP entitled Golden Haze. Get on it.

39. Pursuit Grooves-Whisper (buy)

I'll have to tip my hat to a mate of mine as until about 3 weeks ago, I'd not heard of Pursuit Grooves and didn't really care for this kind of music. However this EP and this track I've warmed to. 'Whisper' is a very dark track indicating it's no party song, but a very deep soulful dubby track. It is me or does it sample a song from the Smashing Pumpkins' Siamese Dream? Put my mind at rest please.

38. Kaine feat. Kathy Diamond-Loves Saves the Day (Mario Basnov Vocal Remix) (buy)

I was suprised to learn that Balearic smash 'Love Saves the Day' wasn't on Permanent Vaction as it sounds like the usual sort of tune they would churn out for breakfast. Mario Basnov's subtle vocal rework gives the track an 80s disco feel but with the added bonus of the production quality of today. Kathy Diamond is often the go to girl for tunes such as this as it pleasing to see her display he vocal talents here again.

37. James Blake-CMYK  (buy)

Now safely in the public consciousness after being tipped as one of the sounds of 2011 by the BBC, James Blake hit plently of heights with 'CMYK' earlier in the year. Watch this kid go.

36. The National-Bloodbuzz Ohio (buy)

The most successful year to date for The National began with the release of their 1st single 'Bloodbuzz Ohio'. Track contains some of my favourite lyrics of the year"'I still owe money to the money to the money I owe". You should already own this album and have played this song to death.

35. Midlake-Rulers, Ruling All Things (buy)

Midlake's new album, which dropped in early 2010 certainly didn't hit the peaks of their predecessor The Trials of Van Occupanther, however it did have it's moments, none more so than 'Rulers, Ruling All Things'.

34. Marius Våreid-Vallefaret (buy)

Scandinivian cosmic disco this time from Maris Vareid. It's gentle beat builds slowly against soothing synths which beams effortlessly. No surprise that this release was from Prins Thomas' label.

 33. Four Tet-Sing (buy)

Kieran Hebden once again displayed his ability to take on the dancefloor and the headphones at the same time and create catchy beats and infectious hooks with little tiny vocal fragments. In my opinion this method reached it's peak on 'Sing'.

32. Les Savy Fav-Sleepless in Silverlake (buy)

No Les Savy Fav album will ever live up to their live shows which are brutal and frenetic where we see a display of how fucking mental lead singer Tim Harrington really is (crowd surfing on a mattress last time I saw them). Their new album felt less like a new album but a continuation of the last album Lets Stay Friends but unfortunately nowhere near as good. It still had its highlights though, none more so when they moved into poppier fare with the mid-tempo 'Sleepless in Silverlake'.

31. Mark E-Nobody Else (buy)

Mark E once again treated us to plently of outstanding 12" releases on a variety of excellent labels. Released on Gerd Janson's Running Back, 'Nobody Else' is what did it for me, full of his signature disco-heavy bass together with a more electronic feel than his usual productions.

Albums of the Year

I sometimes wonder how one individual could choose 30 albums of the year. I listen to music for as much as possible each and every day, but I can never find the time to soak in everything that requires a look at. I guess liking a wide amount of music has it's pitfalls. One day I'm searching through the latest 12" releases at Piccadilly and Boomkat or consulting lists on Juno and the next I'm reading reviews of the latest alternative/indie releases on Drowned in Sound. It certainly can become overwhelming. This doesn't even give a mention to all the music of the past to discover (which seems to be more with each passing year, often with the reaction of "how the hell did i miss this!"); and of course enjoying the music you already known. With the internet making music more and more disposable, albums can easily be ignored. Tracks can now be downloaded by themselves and any 'filler' tracks can be discarded. Listening to an album nowadays is now a matter of discipline or an old habit. 'Shuffle' certainly messes with the concept of the album; but the strength of the music in my opinion will always overpower this when the quality is there and make you listen to the album how it was intended. I may have criticised albums of the year lists and the motives behind them on a recent post, but the simple reason I have decided to do lists such as these is to share music others may not be aware of, and hope for recommendations from others. Anyway, enough chit chat.
So here I give you my top ten albums of 2010.

10. The Drums-The Drums (buy)

They may have split critics and fans of their original EP 'Summer', but the Drums self-titled release is full of enough pop hooks, harmonies and tales of woe to be judged as a success. The upbeat/downbeat music/lyrics create an engaging listen however the simplicity and sincerity of it all may be questioned. But its great pop music, so who cares?

The Drums-Me and the Moon

9. Women-Public Strain (buy)

Whilst Women's debut self titled album was a heady mish mash of melody, catchy riffs, and noise; Public Strain aims for a more coherent structure and with greater continuity. The songs may appear slightly bleak (even those Beach Boys-esque vocals can't lift the mood);  however this a display of a band developing their sound and trying new things. The record may not have the instant satisfaction of their 1st record, but overall it is a much stronger full length, one which will be appeciated more with each listen.

Women-China Steps

8. Mark E-Works 2005-2009 Selected Tracks & Edits (Vol 1. & Vol 2) (buy)

I know it's not a new album, but seeing that I haven't a compilation list I have had to include Works by Mark E because it is that good. I was pretty late to cotton on to the edit king from Birmingham. How foolish I was. This compilation includes the classics (apparently they are) of 'RnB Drunkie', 'You' and 'One Way Your Way' over the two volumes. To top it all off, he's djing as part of the End of Year Riot! hosted by The Unabombers on 27th December at Legends. It's a fantastic lineup and well worth dancing off all that xmas indulgence for more ... indulgence.

Mark E-RnB Drunkie

7. Caribou-Swim (buy)

A late change. There was plently of records I needed to give a go and this was one of them. I guess end of year lists can be good in some ways that it gives the reader a chance to explore recommended music (if you ignore all the shite that goes along with it etc.). 'Swim' is certainly one I shouldn't have waited this long to listen to and now it's high up (and rightly so) in many leading media outlets for albums of the year. Beautiful electronica music that's both uplifting and reflective in perspective. Get your hands on it.

Caribou-Leave House


6.  The Fall- Your Future, Our Clutter (buy)

A return to form? I really hate this term (even though I'm sure I've used it in the past). It seems a lazy way of explaining that you like this release, but didn't even bother listening to much of an artists recent prior releases. Your Future, Our Clutter is not a return to form but a ode to stability. The band now has had the same lineup for over 3 years and it shows. The tightness of the music is a perfect foil for Mark E Smith's rants about youth and his time holed up in a hospital. A great rock record, the old man ain't going out quietly.

The Fall-Y.O.F.C. Showcase

5. Retribution Gospel Choir-2 (buy)

The majority of Alan Sparhawk's career has been a quiet one. For over 15 years, he and his wife Mimi Parker have pleasured our ears with the subtle, slow and beautiful sounds of Low. They have 'rocked out' a couple of times, most notably on their 2005 release The Great Destroyer. With his side project, Retribution Gospel Choir he really does put the foot down. It's rock n'roll reminscent of the best of Neil Young and they wear their influences proudly on their sleeves, most pefectly captured in the 43 second track '68 Comeback'. New Low record next year too.

Retribution Gospel Choir-White Wolf

4. Wild Nothing-Gemini (buy)

Last year, the revialist sounds of early 90s alternative rock was filling the airwaves (Cymbals Eat Guitars, Japandroids, Surfer Blood). However there was also a nod to the jangly pop sounds of the Smiths and My Bloody Valentine with the added element of shoegaze (The Pains of Being Pure at Heart). So it was no real surprise, when Wild Nothing burst onto the scene this spring with their excellent full length Gemini. Composed single handedly by Jack Tatum, this was bedroom music of the highest quaility. Infectious dreamy pop with an ode to the dreary (On 'Pessimist' he groans "Boys dont cry, they just want to die"). However, the album is upbeat pop about young love and those long hazy summer days.

Wild Nothing-Live in Dreams

3. iLIKETRAINS-He Who Saw The Deep (buy)

Iits been a long time coming but it's a welcome return from I Like Trains. After releasing the epic slow burner 'Sea of Regrets' in late 2009, the band accepted that their next album would have be self-funded. Using the website pledge.com they were able to raise enough funds by their excited fans to do the album justice. What we are left with is a quality collection of songs, once again reflective in their mood and a full of yearning to re-write the wrongs of the past. The Leeds quintet were rightly praised after this release and a tour in February is already filling me with excitement. Shame I'll have to get over to Liverpool to catch them.

iLIKETRAINS-A Father's Son

2. The Walkmen-Lisbon (buy)

Lisbon was probably the most excited I was for a album release in 2010 (I ordered it on vinyl from the States). This was on the back of a strorming set at All Tomorrow's Parties back in May and the rediscovery of You and Me, arguably THE album of 2008. While it would have nigh on impossible to match the epic beauty of their previous release, this is still a strong album and a close second for my album of the year. It ranges from the immediacy of 'Angela Surf City' to the reflective beautiful 'While I Shovel The Snow'. Stunning.

The Walkmen-Juveniles

1. The National-High Violet (buy)

The National have this year gained the widespread acclaim and exposure they have always deserved. With each album, they just get better. Words don't do it justice. If you haven't heard it yet, get on it. This is an essential purchase. The album has now been re-released with a bonus disc. Everyone should have this in their Christmas stocking this season.

The National-Sorrow

Other notable releases: -

Onra-Long Distance
LCD Soundsystem-This Is Happening
No Age-Everything In Between
Four Tet-There Is Love In You
Surfer Blood-Astrocoast
Broken Social Scene-Forgiveness Rock Record

Sunday Music

Its Sunday, Im bored and relatively hungover so I thought I'd share some tunes I have been enjoying of late.Perfect for a sunday where you aim to achieve absolutely sod all, except maybe a short walk to the boozer later on. 

Pursuit Grooves-Mr Softee (buy)

Taylor McFerrin featuring Ryat-A Place in my Heart (buy)

Donald Byrd-Feel Like Loving You Today (buy)

Half Seas Over-Long Way Down (buy) 

The Big Snooze

Traffic chaos! Treacherous Conditions! Met Office warnings! School Closures! Salt Shortages!  Before you fall asleep, begin a bout of self-harming or finally purchase that 8 feet of rope, here is a warm welcome to the absurdity and hyperbole which descends on us when the Great British Winter begins. No it’s not Daniella Westbrook blowing her nose or Keith Richards’s old coke dealer dropping it from the sky due to lack of sales, its bloody snow. Each year the country that has contributed more than most to the modern world becomes its laughing stock with its inability to comprehend that when it’s a bit fucking nippy outside, snow and ice may follow.
  
Despite the furore over the last few days regarding the Wikileaks affair, the media has displayed their annual field day with the country’s recent ‘cold snap’. While I acknowledge the media’s responsibility to report the problems that snow can bring and the reliance that much of the public has on them for such reports; it curls my toes (more than the cold) the way it is reported. Television reporting many years ago consisted of a muffled voice, a picture of a telephone and a dot on a map to explain where the particular reporter was. Now we are faced with on location reporting for everything. With bad weather; this takes on new levels of simplicity. The way they describe the problems that the snow is causing is like this weather is a new experience in this country. 'Be careful whilst driving’; ‘allow extra journey time’; ‘only make journeys if absolutely necessary’; are the obvious kind of drivel spouted from the reporters self-important little mouths. They may as well have used a crayon and coloured paper to explain what colour snow is.

I sometimes wonder what journeys the media expect us to undertake in such bad weather. In January during the last cold spell, the BBC website posted a page with an easy guide of how to be safe in the snow whilst driving and what ‘essential’ items must be taken. This snow survival kit consisted of a mobile phone; de-icer; a scraper; and some warm clothes. Pretty standard so far, however it also included a shovel and a sleeping bag, presumably for a person who got so sick of the focus on the bad weather and that impending tedious news story waiting for them when they got home that they decided to bury themselves in the snow in their sleeping bag so they die with some relative comfort.

For reporters now, on location reporting consists of asking the general public questions or for their opinion on a particular matter. This bout of laziness may attempt to connect the news to the viewers at home, but it just comes across as a time filling exercise whilst Huw Edwards goes for a bathroom break or Kay Burley rises up from hell. The increase in the bad weather gives the opportunity for us Brits to do what we love above all things, a right fucking moan. And the media networks are all too happy to show it. “Why’s my steps outside my house not gritted?”; ‘Why’s my bus late?’ ‘Why didn’t the trains prepare for the snow?’, ‘Why’s McDonalds closed this morning?’ Because of the increased media coverage about the slightly exciting change in the weather from the usual overcast days we’re used to; the problem heightens and people perceptions of what should happen when a nation experiencing inclement weather becomes blurred.

We seem to be unwilling to accept that when the nation is covered and ice and snow, things probably won’t go on as normal. We all leave the house at the usual time and moan when we are late to work; we all moan when the train is late or doesn’t even show; or we all moan when the school is closed and you have to stay off work. Yes we may be sometimes under prepared when it comes to a bit of snow and ice, but the media often accentuates the problem by spreading the issue all over every news bulletin and giving it terrible titles like ‘the Great British Freeze’. The general public then feel it necessary to make dull conversation about it to any poor bastard who has to listen. Take this quote from a weather blog from a leading national daily newspaper: -

“It's snowing here in Switzerland. 

Contrary to perceptions in the rest of the world, things are not running like clockwork. Geneva Airport has been closed since yesterday evening and looks set to remain closed for some time yet. Buses stopped running in Geneva. Trains are delayed or cancelled. Schools are closed. Roads are icy and the authorities are struggling to keep them clear.

The difference is that certain elements of the media do not howl in glee ('cos ain't it a good story that sells papers) about how inefficient the Government/local authorities/etc. are.

So whilst we may feel like the butt of the world’s jokes when it comes to dealing with a bit of snow; it’s not always the case. We should take it on the chin instead of keeping our bloody chins wagging on about it. I’m sure many of us would love an extra few days off round this time of year anyway (fingers crossed for more snow tonight!). I just wish more of us and the media outlets would have the opinion of our Swiss neighbours and just get on with your day the best you can.

"It's been snowing heavily, what do you expect?”