All the Crew can say is whoa!

Spotted during the Dizzee Rascal Air Max 90 launch at Nike Sportswear’s 1948 space was this enormous sculpture by UK artist Benedict Radcliffe. Commissioned by Nike, Radcliffe reworked his usual bicycle/vehicle designs into a full-scale Air Max wire piece, measuring at 3.5 meters long and perfectly reflecting the classic Air Max silhouette.  A good one for the AM heads out there!

via Hypebeast.

Sound-Revolution Top 50 Tracks of 2009

2009 has certainly been a refreshing year for music, big names Arctic Monkeys and Kasabian releasing hyped albums, while new kids The xx and Wild Beasts made their mark on the British music scene. Needless to say, some acts were more pleasing than others. Whether it was 80’s sounds from uprising bands or innovative attempts from big names, 2009 has been a year of some brilliant new music and plenty of uncreative dross. Sound-Revolution explores the best 50 tracks of the past year.

#50

Wavves – So Bored

Wavves - So Bored

California based lo-fi band, Wavves have made an impact this year. For a band formed in 2009, ‘So Bored’ is one of the most original and creative tracks of the year. Debut album Wavvves has been a great success for Nathan Williams, with help from touring assistant Ryan Ulsh, and of course, a little bit of Pitchfork exposure…

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#49

Jamie T – Sticks ‘n’ Stones

Jamie T - Sticks N Stones

A catchy, remeniscent song about British culture. Jamie Treays ‘ 2009 album Kings and Queens was subject to critical acclaim, Sticks ‘n’ Stones being the stand-out track. Who can really argue with a song that tells a story through an up-tempo summer-time party track?

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#48

Muse – Uprising

Muse - Uprising

2009 marked the year of The Resistance for Muse, a big-name band experimenting with new styles. The Resistance, despite varied critical response, was a pretty successful and solid album, regardless of a change in style. The futuristic sounds of Uprising, the album opener, definately deserves a place in the top 50.

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#47

Röyksopp – Happy Up Here

Röyksopp - Happy Up Here

Short but sweet. Happy Up Here, as implied, is one of the most cheerful and uplifting tracks of the year… if not the decade. The Norwegian duo certainly know how to make a varied album, 2009 release Junior is a diverse electronic album, filled with ambient, chillout and uplifting tracks.

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#46

Paramore – Ignorance

Paramore - Ignorance

Paramore are by no means a new band, however, 2009 has seen Halyley Williams and co. gain a very healthy fan base. Twilight’s impact on their success, with it’s cult following of teenage girls has certainly transferred to the band’s success, however, shouldn’t be taken away from the success of brand new eyes.

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#45

HEALTH – Die Slow

HEALTH - Die Slow

Noise rock band HEALTH released Get Color in September. It gained a good reception from all major online critics, including Metacritic and Drowned In Sound. The eccentric sound of HEALTH is an example of the truly refreshing music of 2009.

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#44

Editors – Papillon

Editors - Papillon

The idea of Editors going electronic, understandably left many fans left slightly skeptical surrounding the outcome of Editors 2009 album release, In This Light and On This Evening. As ever, when a typically indie band follows trend and tries an electronic-esque style, response is varied; however, Papillon proves that a switch in style can certainly be perfected.

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#43

Gallows – Misery

Gallows - Misery

Hardcore punk kings, Gallows, are at the forefront of the British hardcore scene, and the release of 2009 album Grey Britain helped keep the five-piece on top of the game. Vocalist, Carter, wrote Misery when he was at his ‘lowest ebb’. The breakdown and downright instrumental aggresson puts this super-heavy track nicely in the top 50.

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#42

Golden Silvers – True Romance

Golden Silvers - True Romance

Light hearted alternative rock makes great listening, and this debonair trio know exactly how to create mellow, warming music. The 70’s disco style of several songs throughout True Romance, including the album titled track gives the song a nostalgic, yet positive sound. An up-beat, serene track that’s enough to place a smile on any face.

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#41

Jay Z + Alicia Keys – Empire State of Mind

Jay Z - Empire State of Mind

Jay-Z is without a doubt one of the biggest names in rap, and The Blueprint 3 is an album packed with great production and plenty of renowned guest vocals. The Blueprint 3 is a great universal album, less cultured than the majority of rap, opening Jay Z’s music to a wider audience who can appreciate and absorb the great vibes of tracks such as Empire State of Mind.

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#40

Frank Turner – The Road

Frank Turner - The Road

The Road is a great acoustic folk record from UK solo artist Frank Turner. Since starting out in 2001, Frank Turner has gradually built up a solid fan base, focusing on a genre of music that gets little exposure. The first single release from Poetry of the Deed has recieved recognition from the likes of Radio1 and NME

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#39

2562 – Lost

2562 - Lost

2009 has been a great year for dubstep, bringing the genre to the attention of the UK audience, as well as the likes of US hip-hop stars, Snoop Dogg and The Wu-Tang Clan. 2562 is situated in Amsterdam, a greatly talented dubstep producer with an incredible album, Unbalance.

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#38

Placebo – Ashtray Heart

Placebo - Ashtray Heart

2009 has been a great year for Placebo. The three-piece had success with their latest album Battle For The Sun, with the replacement drummer, Steve Forrest, and a successful UK tour including Reading and Leeds Festivals. Ashtray Heart, was the original name of the band, and now also a great single.

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#37

Grammatics – Relentless Fours

Grammatics - Relentless Fours

This four-piece from Leeds have proven themselves in 2009. Grammatics are a band that clearly understand music; their self-titled album is lyrically and instrumentally complex and dynamic – a musical journey. Touring with Bloc Party has given them great exposure. Relentless Fours is a beautifully crafted six minutes of orchestral indie rock.

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#36

Dan Black – Symphonies

Dan Black - Symphonies

2008 first gave way to Dan Black, after his previous band The Servant split up. Dan Black went on to create HYPNTZ, a mash up of Rihanna and Notorious B.I.G. 2009 saw the release of the solo pop artist’s debut album Un, still waiting on significant success, Dan Black is a great electropop artist.

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#35

Biffy Clyro – That Golden Rule

Biffy Clyro - That Golden Rule

Released ahead of November release, Only Revolutions, That Golden Rule let fans know that the forthcoming album was going to be speical. The distinctively heavy sound of That Golden Rule and powerful guitar riff makes it a great alternative rock track.

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#34

Dirty Projectors – Stillness Is The Move

Dirty Projectors - Stillness Is The Move

Dirty Projectors’ 2009 release, Bitte Orca has recieved an insane amount of critical acclaim. End of year lists including the likes of Pitchfork have placed this album in the top 5 of the year. Stillness Is The Move is the most pop-orientated track from the album, surrounding the fear and comfort of ’settling-down’.

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#33

Green Day – East Jesus Nowhere

Green Day - East Jesus Nowhere

2009 album release, 21st Century Breakdown was one of the big artist releases of the year. With a huge tracklist of 18 tracks, the likliness of a few great songs was high – East Jesus Nowhere was one of these. With a a heavy opening guitar riff and powerful chorus this is the Green Day we know well.

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#32

Enter Shikari – Zzzonked

Enter Shikari - Zzzonked

Enter Shikari have enjoyed 2009, the year of their second album, Common Dreads, and a large-scale UK tour. Zzzonked illustrates the band’s continued desire to cause musical havoc, on top of their newly emphasised political stance.

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#31

Duck Sauce – AnYway

Duck Sauce - AnYway

The electro-house soundtrack to the summer of 2009. The collaberation of Duck Sauce, A-Trak and Armand Van Helden, brought us a funky house track remeniscent of 80’s disco. Hopefully Duck Sauce will be a project that continues throughout 2010.

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#30

Muse – Unnatural Selection

Muse - Unnatural Selection

The mid-album track on The Resistance, Unnatural Selection, contrasts in many ways to the rest of the release. Less innovative than the rest of the album, Unnatural Selection is a raw sounding typical Muse track; fast-paced guitar riffs, powerful vocals and an epic breakdown.

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#29

The Ghost of a Thousand – Bright Lights

The Ghost of a Thousand - Bright Lights

The follow up to the band’s debult album; This Is Where The Fight Begins, brought us a heavier sound than we were used to, but certainly not a disappointing one. New Hopes, New Demonstrations is one of the best metal albums of the year, by a band that are still overlooked despite recognition from Q and Kerrang.

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#28

The Skints – Culture Vulture

The Skints - Culture Vulture

Still practically unheard of, The Skints have released an amazingly powerful reggae punk album this year. Only recieving recogntion from Sound-Revolution and Punktastic, Live.Breathe.Build.Believe is a politically relevant and musically sublime debut album, that could potentially open-up a genre to a whole new audience.

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#27

The Dead Weather – Treat Me Like Your Mother

The Dead Weather - Treat Me Like Your Mother

Alternative rock group, The Dead Weather, is a supergroup, featuring Alison Mosshart, Jack White, Dean Fertita and Jack Lawrence. Along with one of the best music videos of 2009, Treat Me Like Your Mother, is a lyrically powerful track, with raw sounding, garage rock elements.

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#26

Sonic Boom Six – The Concrete We’re Trapped Within (It’s Yours)

Sonic Boom Six - The Concrete We're Trapped Within (It's Yours)

Sample-tastic City of Thieves, is a political punk-rock album. The five-piece (after vocalist and guitarist Ben Childs recently left the band) have made great progress this year. For a band differing so greatly from commercial and mainstream punk, SB6 have played a UK tour and even got the opening slot at Reading and Leeds festivals.

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#25

The Prodigy – Take Me To The Hospital

The Prodigy - Take Me To The Hospital

Invaders Must Die was without a doubt one of the most energetic, rave albums of 2009. Take Me To The Hosptail is an electronic, breakbeat anthem, and a track within an album that will surely be played in years to come. A host of fantastic live performances at festivals across the world helped place this track in the top 50.

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#24

Them Crooked Vultures – No One Loves Me & Neither Do I

Them Crooked Vultures - Mind Eraser, No Chaser

The second super group in the top 50 is Them Crooked Vultures. Some of the biggest names in music including Josh Homme and Dave Grohl form the alternative hard rock group, and regarding the ridisculously high expectations from music fans, Them Crooked Vultures delivered, with an album filled with instrumental talent.

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#23

The Drums – I Felt Stupid

The Drums - I Felt Stupid

Brooklyn based duo, The Drums, were named “New York’s official Collest New Band” by NME, on top of recogniton from Rolling Stone and The New York Times. 2009 saw the release of The Drums’ debut EP, and with NME’s seal of approval we can expect to see these contageous indie rockers visit the UK in  2010.

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#22

Miike Snow – Animal

Miike Snow - Animal

Swedish electropop group Miike Snow have recieved great amounts of exposure this year, with two greatly recieved singles, Animal and Black and Blue, both tracks from the debut, self-titled album. With band members producing tracks for the likes of Britney, Kylie and Madonna, the high standard production levels are to be expected.

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#21

Mumford & Sons – Little Lion Man

Mumford & Sons - Little Lion Man

Indie folk outfit, Mumford & Sons, started up in 2007, and 2009 and has seen the release of debut album, Sign No More and ever-more popular track, Little Lion Man. Indie folk is rather different to the majority of tracks that gain commercial success, but this powerful folk song has offered a refreshing outlook on music for many listeners.

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#20

Alexisonfire – Young Cardinals

Alexisonfire - Young Cardinals

Alexisonfire are one of the biggest names behind the Post-hardcore tag, 2009 release, Old Crows Young Cardinals, re-enforcing their stature. The powerful vocals of Dallas Green and harsher vocals of George Pettit create tracks of melodic chaos.

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#19

Dizzee Rascal – Bonkers

Dizzee Rascal - Bonkers

Dizzee Rascal has taken the hip-hop scene by storm this year, with the release of his latest album Tounge N’ Cheek. Numerous releases including Bonkers contain elements of house and electro, forming an album full of party-perfect tracks. Previously focusing on rap and grime, Dizzee’s turn to pop has resulted in a great year of success.

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#18

Passion Pit – The Reeling

Passion Pit - The Reeling

US five-piece, Passion Pit, have reached out to the world with their electro-indie 2009 release, Manners. Catching on to the flow of electro influenced indie that emerged from the UK in early 2009, Passion Pit were successful in delivering a fresh sound to the UK and Europe with tracks such as The Reeling.

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#17

The Horrors – Scarlet Fields

The Horrors - Scarlet Fields

The bizzarre sounds of Primary Colours immediately grabbed the interest of the UK audience in April 2009. The horror-punk sounds of Scarlet Fields delivers a sound similar to no other band, making it without a doubt one of the most original tracks of the year.

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#16

The Big Pink – Too Young To Love

The Big Pink - Too Young To Love

Electro-rock duo, The Big Pink, are known for gritty beats and dreamy vocals. 2009 album release, A Brief History of Love, showcased The Big Pink’s talents to create epic sounding, abstract tracks, and earned them the place of sole support for Muse’s The Resistance tour.

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#15

Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Zero

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Zero

Electro-pop group, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, have made their impact on pop music this year with the release of their album, It’s Blitz! The American bands third album has been listed in the top 5 best albums of 2009 by Spin and NME. The three-piece have transferred their music over to the UK audience through appearing at various music festivals.

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#14

Animal Collective – My Girls

Animal Collective - My Girls

Late 2009 has seen a great amount of critical praise head in the way of New York, experimental indie group, Animal Collective. The release of Merriweather Post Pavilion has really captured the European audience with its addictive melodies. My Girls has been voted the #1 track of 2009 by Pitchfork.

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#13

Metric – Help I’m Alive

Metric - Help I'm Alive

Metric are one of the most addictive bands of 2009. The release of their fourth album, Fantasies, has been shortlisted for the 2009 Polaris Music Prize. The band is lead by the female vocals of Emily Haines, with simplistic lyrics and riffs that will stay in the memory.

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#12

The Antlers – Kettering

The Antlers - Kettering

One of the most beautiful bands of the year, The Antlers have come out of nowhere with an album that has crossed the world in no time at all. Pitchfork initially outlined the greatness of their album Hospice, an album fronted by truly incredible vocals from Peter Silberman. Hospice is an album that every listener should give a chance.

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#11

Bat For Lashes – Daniel

Bat For Lashes - Daniel

The chillingly beautiful Daniel by Bat For Lashes is the fronting single from 2009 album, Two Suns. Hertfordshire based Natasha Khan uses her voice over dreamy and orchestral instrumentals with a solid beat pattern, creating a rythmic and glamorous end product.

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#10

The Temper Trap – Sweet Disposition

The Temper Trap - Sweet Disposition

Indie rock band hailing from Melbourne, The Temper Trap, have delievered a contageous and elegant debut album. 2009 album Conditions is full of catchy, fun anthems, fronted by the powerful falsetto vocals of Dougy Mandagi. Sweet Disposition is a powerful single that has captured them a great deal of positive attention.

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#9

F**k Buttons – Surf Solar

F**k Buttons - Surf Solar

This two-piece experimental duo have released an oddly danceable, abstract, album. Tarot Sport is an album of up-beat electronic tracks, busily produced offering a distorted sound, while maintaing positive melodies. Surf Solar is a highly abstract track that in all its complexity is suprisingly very listenable.

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#8

Wave Machines – I Go, I Go, I Go

Wave Machines - I Go, I Go, I Go

The feel-good track of 2009, I Go, I Go, I Go, is an all-year happy track, that through its simple yet powerful vibes is enough to turn anybody’s day around. Wave If You’re Really There is a simplistic album full of memorable indie tracks from the Liverpool based Wave Machines.

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#7

White Lies – Fairwell To The Fairground

White Lies - Fairwell To The Fairground

2008 saw White Lies gain some large scale recognition with To Lose My Life… their debut album release. 2009 release, Fairwell To The Fairground, is an epic indie track, with powerful vocals and an incredible breakdown, “keep on running, there’s no place like home, there’s no place like home”. White Lies are a band that everyone can’t wait to see more from in 2010.

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#6

The Horrors – Mirror’s Image

The Horrors - Mirror's Image

The hauntingly dark Mirror’s Image is the opening track from The Horror’s 2009 critically acclaimed album Primary Colours. Mirror’s Image creates a mood that persists throughout the entirety of an incredible album that subverts the sounds of generic indie rock, replacing it with sinister horror punk.

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#5

Wild Beasts – Hooting & Howling

Wild Beasts - Hooting & Howling

Kendal based Wild Beasts released their 2009 album Two Dancers in August. Two Dancers has been subject to a great amount of critical acclaim from almost all major critics, Hooting & Howling being the first single release. Wild Beasts are a very powerful band who are vocally sublime, with equally excellent lyrics.

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#4

Phoenix – 1901

Phoenix - 1901

French indie-rockers, Phoenix, have released a stunning 2009 album, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix. With incredible, catchy tracks such as 1901, and Lisztomania, along side down-beat instrumentally beautiful tracks; Love Like A Sunset Part 1 and Part 2 – it’s difficult not to be admirable of the success Phoenix have had over the past year.

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#3

Kasabian – Underdog

Kasabian - Underdog

West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum was one of the most hyped albums of 2009, but regardless of the wait Kasabian fans had between Empire and the 2009 release – it was definately worth it. Underdog is an indie anthem from one of the biggest names in British rock, thanks to an incredible year of remarkable live and studio music.

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#2

Florence + The Machine – Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up)

Florence + The Machine - Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up)

One of the most successful groups of the year, Florence + The Machine, have released a brilliant debut album, Lungs. The album has been in the UK charts for 22 consecutive weeks, and that on top of a host of amazing festival performances marks them as one of the best breakthrough acts of 2009. Florence Welch seems pessimistic about her future music career, but new material anywhere close to the spectacular sound of Lungs will only further excel the groups reputation.

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#1

The xx – Islands

The xx - Islands

Sound-Revolution’s breakthrough band of 2009, The xx, have imposed themselves on the UK music scene this year. Practically unheard of in January, debut album release xx resulted in huge-scale critical acclaim, with incredible amounts of backing from BBC Radio1. xx is an extremely mellow album, with experiemental melodies and electronic aspects. The sound of The xx is very minimalistic, but its simplicity has acted as a refreshing change from the generic sounds of alternative rock; illustrating how bands can be successful when they strip down elements of their music and simply focus on the raw, simple sounds. It will certainly be interesting to witness how The xx’s music evolves in 2010.

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Dizzee Rascal’s tongue in cheek is a celebration of the rappers new found lifestyle.

The East London rapper is enjoying success, freedom and wealth at the moment and that is being reflected in his music.

Previous albums from Dizzee have be centred around the harsh living conditions in certain areas of London, and the struggle to get somewhere and avoid being beaten up, stabbed or worse.

On “Tongue N’ Cheek” little emphasis is placed on street respect with the main focus being living and enjoying life.

Many of his original fans are however still living a  lifestyle which parallels earlier albums such as “Boy In Da Corner” and “Showtime” and there will undoubtedly be those who find themselves despairing with his new work and labelling Dylan Mills a sell out.

The rapper will however find himself gaining many new fans as number one hits from the album “Holiday” and “Dance Wiv Me” have opened doors and made the album commercially successful.

Distorted synthesizers are coupled with high tempo beats to create a sound that Dizzee has almost come to own with tracks like “Oldskool” having gone before it.

The album is also more sexual than any album before it, hence the name Tongue N’ Cheek.

The brashness and lack of charm from the artist does however seem defeat the purpose of tracks such as “Freaky Freaky” and are more likely to scare girls away than create any appeal.

Hits from the album such as “Bonkers” have however solidified the artists status as a British Rap star and very few artists can sell the same numbers as the former Grime Artist.

His creativity and will to take risks and break barriers has been seen throughout his career and Tongue N Cheek will only add to his commercial reputation and help create headlines for the right reasons.

Released: 20 September 2009

20. Florence + the Machince – You’ve got the love
Normally I’d embargo covers from entering such lists on principle but this is such a break from the original that it deserves a mention. The xx remix of the Florence’s cover (still following?) adds their unique duets to the mix which undoubtedly improves it even further but I felt Florence needed a mention here.

19. The Young Lovers – Love you madly [download BN] [download MF]
Joshua Harvey, better known to us as Hervé, took a bizarre but hugely effective Balearic turn with this solo project with the odd bit of blues thrown in it makes for quite an unusual listen. This was the most club-friendly of the album and, unsurprisingly, the best track.

18. Empire of the Sun – Walking on a dream
Ah now where would we be without bands dressed in outrageously surreal costumes and face paint and accompanied by sci-fi backdrops? Nowhere is the answer. Best song off a hit-and-miss album but a thoroughly enjoyable and catchy tune which was never far from my playlists this summer.

17. Sébastien Tellier – Kilometer (Aeroplane remix)
I was a huge fan of Tellier’s Sexuality last year but always yearned for a few dancefloor translations of some of the best tracks. Then Aeroplane came along, probably my favourite DJs of 2009, with their disco slant and a killer bassline that turn Séb into a club anthem.

16. Sub Focus – Rock it [download BN] [download MF]
By far the best drum and bass act of the year and this version of Daft Punk’s Robot Rock was a masterpiece. With his first album out last month I’m sure 2010 will be another year of triumph for Nick Douwma.

15. Erol Alkan & Boys Noize – Waves
I remember the exact moment when I first learned that these two giants were collaborating and dammit they did not disappoint. Waves was the better half of the EP with it’s undulating layers and frenetic climax that hand hands in the across the country.

14. Dizzee Rascal & Armand van Helden – Bonkers (Doorly remix)
Undoubtedly a huge crossover smash and a tune that rode the crest of the dance/electro invasion of the charts this year. A brilliant tune but it’s Doorly’s dubstep take, with it’s ear bleeding bass and massive break downs, that keeps me coming back after the hype died down.

13. Kid Sister – Get fresh (Alex Gopher remix)
I think I might be the only person that would put this in their top lists but I just love it. Absolutely brilliant housey remix from the French master.

12. Gui Boratto – No turning back
Amazing. Following in the footsteps of Beautiful Life from his first album, this is the perfect way to craft vocals and techno together.

11. The Prodigy – Omen
I waited with baited breath for the return of Essex’s finest and, despite my doubts, was not disappointed. Omen was the best from an album that spelled a fine return to form.

So I posted about my latest hip-hop mix, and how I hoped it would inspire you to dance like no one is watching. And I know most of you reading probably think it’s a nice idea, but still, you stay in your seat. And I’m sorry, that’s simply not good enough. The world would be a better place if everyone took a dance break once in a while. So as I learned in teaching school, you should always model the activity before you ask someone else to do it. So, here goes:

Damn, I feel better. My blood is pumping, my muscles relaxed and my heart feels lighter. All that from one good song kick-ass club thumpah.

So after the jump, a video message to all my homies – on facebook, on Jezebel and of course here on the blog- complete with how to get my gift for YOU.  And of course, a few select jams to help get you up and out your chair.

Thanks for coming along for the ride

A few select jams

I love Eve so much. I was so happy when she showed up on Glee a few weeks ago.  I understand her destiny is beyond hip hop, but damn, what a loss to the hip hop community.

I will always include a west coast jam.  This song is so Cali, because it’s all about shakin’ that ass on the fresh coast.

There is something tribal about this jam, it inspires moves I didn’t even know I had.

Timbaland feat. Nelly Furtado and Soshy – Morning After Dark

Timbaland is back with a new album naming it Shock Value 2, a little lazy in the creative end in coming up with new name for the album. Nevertheless, Timbaland delivers attractive tunes as with his latest single ‘Morning After Dark’ featuring Soshy and Nelly Furtado yet again. Wicked beats, crazy synthesizer with the Timbo flavour, somehow or rather you’ll be moving your body to the beat. A track that will be heard all over the radio stations pretty soon.

Dizzee Rascal – Holiday

Dizzee ‘Dirty’ Rascal’s latest single from his ‘Tongue N Cheek’s album ‘Holiday’ is a fun and popping tune that basically talks about holiday which is perfect for this season. Rascal is still doing his thing by rapping and sort of singing through the chorus. Synthesizers are really famous these days as the strong synth melody can be heard throughout the song. The song ended with a twist which sort of telling you that your holiday should end up in the club. Did I say that the track is produced by Calvin Harris?

Name: Skeamz
Age: 20
Occupation: Producer
Ends you rep: North London
 
ILG: Explain to me how you got the name Skeamz?
 
Skeamz: You know what, it comes from when I was younger and I always cheated on chicks lol (realist talk) and I got called scheming by one chick so I thought ok cool, chopped it up, added a z and misspelled it and got Skeamz.ILG: Alot of people believe that your beat got Chipmunk where he is what is your current relationship and do you have plans to work again?
 
Skeamz: To be honest I aint spoke to Chippy in a while you know, Chips a cool guy and I respect what he’s doing, iI rate him highly, as for me being the reason he is where he is, you could say the same for me, we helped each other out a lot in different ways, I would work with chipmunk again if he was on it. Lets see what the future brings.

ILG: What was the first tune that you made?
 
Skeamz: Arrghhhhh, ummm i’ve made bare tunes lol ….. I Think it was called Skeaming Riddim. It was a freestyle beat , I think Double S jumped on it. 
 
ILG: I understand that aswell as being a producer you work is this because you feel it is not possible to make a substantial amount of money to live on from Grime Music?
 
Skeamz: If your signed up to PRS then it depends on how much work your willing to put in, I mean if your stuffs being banged on kiss week in week out or on albums etc then it can be well off for you, and also selling your beats to people aswell is a nice little income if you’ve got regular customers, not enough people buy beats though!
 
ILG: What is your proudest achievement since you have been doing producing Grime?
 
Skeamz: I would say working with Wiley….. Because when I started I used to listen to Wiley a lot, he is the pioneer of the scene itself, so I consider myself very blessed.

ILG: Who is more important the MC/DJ/Producer?
 
Skeamz: Producers, without a doubt, without beats there wouldn’t be Mc’s or Dj’s ….. but then its all a big circle isn’t it ?

ILG: I did a youtube search and was amazed at the amount of tunes that you have made do you have plans to release a Cd?
 
skeamz: I’ve had plans to release a Cd for like a year now, I think 2010 is the year your going to hear a lot from Skeamz. I got a good relationship with most of the scene now so its just a question of me dishin out the right beats to people and getting tuff vocals back. But I defiantly want to get a Cd out in 2010 !

ILG: You recently made this tweet “Master shortie is shit , taio cruz is shit , pop music is shit , anyone who done grime and is now makin pop is shit ,safe!” So what do you think of Tinchy, Wiley and Chipmunk?
 
Skeamz: I Think Master Shorty Is Shit. I Swear I saw him say he was the best Uk rapper on twitter ? some joke ting. But you know what, I will admit I said pop is shit, I respect what them man are doing cause I know Chippy and Will but its just not my personal preference to listen to pop music, Stryders doing the most, but I rated him more when he was on this “tings in boots” tip and not these funny man pop songs!

ILG: What are you views on illegal downloads?
 
Skeamz: Its just one of those things you kno! its annoying when its your music cause your losing out on money that you worked hard for, but at the same time it gets you a lot of publicity if your unknown. It works two ways. But still STOP DOWNLOADING ILLEGALLY …

ILG: What was the last thing you downloaded?
 
Skeamz: Absynth & Massive (Plugins)

ILG: Have you ever considered being a Mc?  
 
Skeamz: When I was in year 11 I tried it for a hot sec , I was D.E.A.D. Infact I was dead at music fall stop back then

ILG: You have worked with a lot of big Mc’s who was the hardest to work with?
 
Skeamz: None you know, its more a case of just making a banger, if its a banger they wont long it off, although sometimes i’ve had to wait a while for a vocal from people but it happens I guess!

ILG: What software do you use to make your beats and what advice would you give to up and coming producers?
 
Skeamz: I use Fruity Loops 9, I used to use 8 but 9 is better somehow, I cant tell you how because I don’t know lol. In respects to advice, id say jus keep doing your thing, if anyone tells you your dead keep going, everyone used to be rubbish when they first started! MOST IMPORTANTLY, be original !

ILG: What Producers are you feeling at the moment?
 
Skeamz: Silencer, Teeza, Goose, G.Tank  
 
ILG: What would you say has being the most memorable moment in Grime history?
 
Skeamz: Ummmmmmm ,I don’t know you know that’s a hard one

ILG: 2010 is fast approaching what are you plans for the new year?
 
Skeamz: I would say musically 09 has been very quite for me, but that’s because i’ve had a lot going on, so i’m going to flood the scene in the new year, vocals from Mc’s and instrumentals! I got big plans man I jus need to turn them into real life!

ILG: What was your first introduction to Grime?
 
Skeamz: Wiley – Eskimo (Instrumental) Oh My God , Don’t Get Me Started !! Oh and Dizzee Rascal – Street Fighter (Instrumental) when I heard those tunes I was like right this music is hotttttttttt !
 
ILG: What Grime Mc would you most like to work with and why?
 
Skeamz: I Would Say J2K, he’s sick! He’s a very talented guy, his flows nuts and I like the energy he brings to tunes!

ILG: How often do you hit the studio and make tunes?
 
Skeamz: I Make Tunes In The spare room in my house I got a little set-up, nuttin big but it works, i’m in studio when I can be! I do try!

ILG: Who will win the 2010 World Cup?
 
Skeamz: England !
 
ILG: Georgi Kinkladze or Paulo Di Canio?
 
Skeamz: You Went In! Di Canio!

ILG: If there was a Lord Of The Producers who would you send for?
 
Skeamz: Whoever I was put up against! nah but I could send for anyone, you’d be surprised the way I have some producers styles on smash!

ILG: Nike air max 87/90/93/95 or 97?
 
Skeamz: 87′S are sick i’ve got a good 6 pairs

ILG: What do you think grime is missing? (live events/sets/radio)
 
Skeamz: Raves! there used to be bare Grime raves but one by one they’ve all disappeared!

ILG: What do you think of abortions are you for or against them? 
 
Skeamz: I think its one of those ones were you and the person who’s pregnant need to talk, I wouldn’t say I was against them

ILG: In 5 years will we have a grime scene?
 
Skeamz: As long as we don’t get a grime version of Soulja Boy

ILG: You had a track on the Wiley album how did you hook that up?
 
Skeamz: Its weird , it was actually DJ Maximum who said to me yeah you got any riddims for wiley so i made one , messaged wiley , and he was feeling it , that guy works soooo fast, imagine like he banged it out like the next day! we weren’t going to release it at first but thought we should see what response it got, it got some good feedback so he told me it was going on his cd! the rest is history

ILG: What does Skeamz do on a daily basis what is your daily routine?
 
Skeamz: I live a hectic life! I work full time as well as being Skeamz, so id say, I wake up, go to work, come home, chill with the misses, and make beats, go sleep, repeat it all over again! its mad!

ILG: Big ups:
 
Skeamz: Big up Goose and Dj Merciless, hang tight everyone doing there ting man!

ILG: Who do you think I am?
 
Skeamz: I Aint Got A CLUE! 
 
Make sure you check out Skeamz on myspace to hear some of his latest beats, follow Skeamz on Twitter to get updates on his future releases and see what he is getting up to. Facebook users make sure you add Skeamz aswell!

DECEMBER

Details

Zoe Saldaña is featured in the December issue of DETAILS  Magazine…looking FLY

Dashboard Confessional

Dave Brubeck

David Guetta has had a great year with the release of his album “ONE LOVE” which included the hits “When Love Takes Over” and “Sexy Bitch (Ft Akon)”

De La Soul

Me, Myself and I

Deadmau5

Death Cab For Cutie

Debussy

Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen,

Comet, Cupid, Donder, Blitzen…

TUNE.

Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer

Destiny’s Child

Diana Ross.Diddy.

Dizzee Rascal.Drake

The December issue of ESQUIRE features a SICK spread with Mr Robert Downey Jr. – one of my favourite actors

If you haven’t already seen it, peep the trailer for SHERLOCK HOLMES starring Downey Jr., which is released on Christmas Day…

That is all for now. Hope you’re all slowly getting into the Christmas spirit.

Bonita Applebum,  Cosmic DJ, is back. That’s right, crazy music in the purse lady is back and better than before, as if it was possible. I’m just finishing up the final mix of the year: Bonita’s Back. This completes the ‘09 trinity, just in time to help you shake off your holiday funk.

Whether you are a hard core hip-hop head, an ass-shaker or just a curious bystander, this latest mix will make you a believer. Featuring hip hop from all over the map, this music will uplift your soul and put a smile in your heart.

So after the jump, a sampling of the artists included and info on how to get a copy of Bonita’s Back.

Made for bumpin’ in your system

This is the music that helps me work it out. It’s made for a system with good bass output. I’m all for i-pods for listening to music on the go, it’s a great way to really listen to lyrics. But first and foremost, this music is meant to be blasted.  Loud enough for the bass to vibrate your chakras, loud enough to loosen the pain from your body as you release your mind. On bad days, I take long drives and pump these mixes on the stereo in my car. It always helps. And sure, I get looks. Especially from grumpy, buttoned-up older people who have no time for my shenanigans.  I just respond thusly:

And just try to sit still to one of these mixes. It is impossible. Because I am an ass-shaker first and foremost — it’s the dancing that really gets my shit out. I dance like no one is watching on a regular basis. I pop my chest, snap my shoulders, pound my fists and drop it like it’s hot- as called for by the jam, of course. It’s not about looking good for others, it’s about dancing until it feels better.  Or as Tribe called Quest so eloquently put it:

Stomp til your soul is lifted
Get with it, rhythm’s with it
Get inside the groove and get nasty
Funky nasty, crazy classy

So without further ado:

Blitz the Ambassador is from Ghana, currently in NYC:

This dude, Cadence, is Canadian. I’ve never heard of the other dude, Lynn Olagundoye, but he speaks some wicked truth so simply.  His is some of the best flow on the mix which is really saying something because it’s chock full of excellent lyricism.

And just in case you think this album is too heavy, don’t worry. I’m still the smart-ass you have grown to know and love. xo

Hook me up!

If you would like a copy email me at: bonitaappleblog@verizon.net.  Jezzies can pm me on Jezebel if they would prefer. As always, the first mix is free. If you would like a copy of all three mixes from ‘09: Hope, Revolucion and Bonita’s Back, I would ask that you me a few $$ to cover postage and supplies.

Thanks for stopping by Jezzies! It’s been a great year. See you at Saturday night social!

Related Posts:

Bonita Applebum: Cosmic DJ

Bonita Applebum: International Cosmic DJ

Yo, Bonita! What’s up with your name?

Awesome breaks remix of the Prodigy’s old school hit Break and Enter today from UK DJ and producer Resistance. Can’t find too much info on the young man but you can check more of his tunes and mixes at his SoundCloud and his MySpace.

The Prodigy – Break and Enter (Resistance mix)

Dizzee Rascal & Armand Van Helden – Bonkers (Doorly vs Resistance mix)

Dizzee Rascal

‘And all I care about is sex and violence

A heavy bass line is my kind of silence

Everybody says that I’ve gotta get a grip

But I let sanity give me the slip

Some people think I’m bonkers

But I just think I’m free

Man I’m just living my life

There’s nothing crazy about me’

This year, Dizzee Rascal has shocked the US music industry with his inimitable style and some addictive tunes. Yet, at only 24, he has remained a British icon for almost a decade. The East London-born rapper mixes grime and electronic music to complement his signature fast-paced, staccato lyrics. Since 2002, Dizzee, née Dylan Mills, has released four albums, all of which have captivated the critics. But his childhood was not as idyllic as his music career. Raised by a single mother, he was expelled from four schools, earning the brand ‘rascal’ from an early age. Consequentially, violence and crime characterized his teenage years.

Although Mills’ struggle is not one with race, he seems to be severely conflicted over the representation of his identity. On the one hand, his lyrics are ostentatious and bold, spattered with constant referrals to money, and reveal his prominent competitive streak. In one of his earlier songs, Money Money, Mills expresses the urge to increase his wealth, adding ‘Don’t get it confused, I will never lose.’ In a later song, Old Skool, he advises to ‘Stand tall even when their hating and their scheming, Yeah watch your money rise right to the ceiling.’ Mills does not shy away from his fame either. In Holiday, he raps:

‘Party around the clock
And when we get there it’s strictly VIP
No need for ID, security know me
No waiting in line, no high entry fee
Don’t worry about nothing when you’re beside me.’

Dizzee Rascal – Holiday

Yet on the other hand, Mills still yearns to be perceived as normal. In his most recent success, Bonkers, he insists that, although ‘some people think I’m bonkers [...] there’s nothing crazy about me.’ However his insistence of normality is farfetched, especially when the following lyrics claim that ‘all I care about is sex and violence.’ At the very least, Mills expresses the desire to counteract the ‘self’ that his industry success has created. In his second big hit and one of my favourite Dizzee Rascal songs, Fix Up Look Sharp, he addresses this concern:

‘I’ve heard the gossip from the street to the slammer,
They’re trying to see if Dizzee stays true to his grammar,
Being a celebrity don’t mean shit to me,
Fuck the glitz and glamour, hey I’m with the Blicks and Gamma.’

Dizzee Rascal – Fix Up, Look Sharp

Despite Mills’ struggle with self-image, his ‘Englishness’ has remained a part of his true identity, and inspiration for countless songs. He stays loyal to his roots, rapping in his signature, quirky cockney and embellishing his lyrics with English street slang. He repeatedly refers to himself as a ‘rude boi,’ terminology that originated in London. In Wannabe, he states:

‘Leave me alone or you’ll be sorry,
Beef ain’t nothing new to me, you wally,
Why don’t you just kick back, be jolly,
Stay at home with a cup of tea, watch Corrie.’

In the end, Mills does not seem to use his race as inspiration for much of his work.  Indeed, there is very little direct mention of the colour of his skin anywhere on his albums, something that seems a rarity for black rappers today. Instead, he focuses on his hometown, a theme that may grow in popularity as the younger generation puts racial struggles behind them and focuses on newer issues of the future. Mills sums up his sentiment in his interview with British newsman Jeremy Paxman. When asked if he was British, Mills replied:

‘Of course I’m British, man [...] It don’t matter about what colour you are, but it matters what colour your heart is.’

Dizzee Rascal interviewed by Jeremy Paxman for BBC Two’s Newsnight Barack Obama Special

ANNA CHRISTOFFERSON

wats going on everyone? was just going tru youtube and i come accross some old skool tunes….. and i was thinking lemme post dem up and share dem with you on my do you remember ? aver listennnnnn…….
peace

now diss is a track by more fire crew called OI

now diss tune is a old skool tune by Dizzee rascal called I luv you one of his first tunes

Now diss tune ere was a on the edge of garage and just about to go into grime its 21 seconds by so solid crew…..

It’s a riot, isn’t it? ‘Bonkers’ is exactly what you’d expect from a van Helden/Dizzee face-off, hammering your knapper with drones and judders while the Rascal does his slightly panicky yelp over the top, and it works because it’s utterly without side. It’s a shameless tilt at the No.1 spot. But it’s only that because Dizzee has worked himself into a position where he understands the tweaks that need to be made for full-on success – and they are just tweaks. Sonically, he’s always been a cartoon Public Enemy – blaring, intrusive noise, sharp lyrics, no let-up – but when he keeps it concise, gives it a hammy title and adjusts his flow into a chorus, Bob’s yer uncle. Sell-out? You bet.

And that much is obvious from Junior’s reaction. She can sing along with an alarming amount of this puppy-dog bouncer, and finds it absolutely side-splitting. You see, when you get to the bottom of it, it’s all big fun.

BONKERS:

Welcome to Part 2! If you missed Part 1 – you can find it here.

Familiar names start cropping up in the top 40, as one would expect, but among the Dizzee Rascal and the Groove Armada, there’s plenty of new stuff, some older new stuff, and maybe the odd thing you haven’t heard. So give it a click below and have a look.

40. The Secret History – It’s Not The End of the World, Jonah

In brief: Tail-end of ‘08 track sneaks its way onto list by virtue of being ace. Smiths-indebted singalong indiepop, but there are also some lush Fleetwood Mac noises in here too.
They say: “I’ve lost some things, and regrets… I’ve had a few. Then again, too few to mention. But seriously, much art is lamentation. And this certainly is.”
Fact: Singer Lisa Ronson is the actual daughter of Bowie axeman Mick Ronson.
Best Bit: Guitar sounds in verse (eg 0.30)
See also: The rest of the excellent Desolation Town EP, mostly streaming on their MySpace

39. Chew Lips – Salt Air

In brief: Kitsune-beloved east-Londoners with a thankfully distinctive take on the dreaded 80s revival.
They say: “The album will very much be the record of 2010. As a body of work it’s going to differentiate us from a lot of the people we’ve been unfairly compared to – it’s future classic pop.”
See also: Plastician remix

38. Ellie Goulding – Starry Eyed

In brief: Much-hyped and all of that, but if ever a song did what it said on the tin, this is it. Wide-eyed, occasionally fidgety but ultimately gorgeous music.
She say: “I only listen to Bon Iver really.” (!)
Best Bit: 1.53 – DROP out.
See also: Starsmith & Ellie’s take on Passion Pit’s Sleepyhead.

37. Bike for Three! – All There Is To Say About Love

In brief: Highlight of a rather special collaboration that layers Buck 65’s laid-back rapping on top of some wonderfully bibbly electro.
They say: “The way we made this record was really new for me. Joelle would see a piece of music to completion. And then almost as if she was saying ‘this is my gift to you,’ she’d send me these amazing songs via email. Then it would be up to me to add the lyrics.”
Best Bit: The dreamy intro.
See also: The album More Heart Than Brains.

36. Groove Armada – I Won’t Kneel

In brief: Classy 80s Stevie Nicks chorus action from pop stalwarts’ upcoming “darker” album Black Light.
They say: “I think even people who’ve hated everything we’ve ever made before could absolutely love this record. I’m incredibly proud of it.”
Best Bit: Chorus kicks in at 0.50.
See also: Bloody Beetroots remix which ditches the dark and ups the dance.

35. Felix da Housecat – We All Wanna Be Prince

In brief: Princely (ahem) return to form for the king of electro.
He say: “The dude I am singing about is the Prince about 1978-1991. We all wanna be Prince, that Prince, at least I did.”
Best Bit: Deliciously understated semi-chorus, 0.46.
See also: Slightly shinier remix from Grey Ghost & Deth Hertz.

34. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart – Higher Than The Stars

In brief: Sparkling pick of an exceptional bunch of indiepop gems. Hard not to love.
They say: “Well it was just like for us, what’s the highest thing possible. Higher than the buildings, higher than the clouds, then we figured out that it was higher than the stars, and we just went with that.”
Best Bit: That spine-tingly intro.
See also: Everything else they’ve done. Oh, and here’s another excuse for me to mention Saint Etienne.

33. Delorean – Deli

In brief: Sun-drenched electronic pop from the Basque country via Barcelona.
They say: “We don’t like clubs where people are too aware of themselves. Our parties are more loose. You can just dance and bounce and hug your friends.”
Best Bit: MASSIVE drop out around the 3 minute mark.
Fact: The EP that this came from is called Ayrton Senna. Kudos!
See also: Their remix of the Mystery Jets’ Half in Love With Elizabeth from last year is pretty nice.

32. Vitalic – Poison Lips

In brief: Unsettlingly powerful, dark, deep electro highlight of a triumphant return from electro’s man of the decade.
He say: “Electro Rock was everywhere and I had a stomach ache from it. I’m happy I changed direction. I may make some new rock stuff later, but not now. I am a musician, I’d like to be able to make a Polka, a fanfare, a rock song, a minimal track, a disco song, a movie soundtrack, zouk, punk or whatever.”
Best Bit: I like the bit around 1.47ish. Why? Why.
See also: The album Flashmob.

31. Dizzee Rascal ft. Calvin Harris & Chrome – Holiday

In brief: Which track to pick from the omnipresent twosome? Two-for-one value here. Just pure good fun.
He say: “I wanted to make music that would make people get up, move and jump about, instead of stand around and want to fucking kill each other.”
Best Bit: Oh, come on now, no competition. 3.11!
See also: Any of either of their albums really. I have a soft spot for Calvin’s Flashback.

Added a few new Shazam remixes to my library just the other day…  The disco-pop magicman from Perth, Aus. is at it again! We love him for the classics listed below but these brand new additions (among a few others recently added to his myspace) are spot on. He tours locally throughout Australia. If you get a chance to ever go down under one hell of a dance party may be waiting for you. I know some of my friends are heading to Sydney in the next few months so witnessing a Shazam-set could be a nice little add-on.  Tour dates found here.

Headman – Dirt (Shazam Remix)

Toecutter – Best Party Ever (Shazam Remix)

Bertie Blackman – Black Cats (Shazam Remix)

BONUS!

Sneaky Sound System – When We Were Young (Shazam Remix)

The Tough Alliance – Neo Violence (Shazam Remix)

Dizzee Rascal feat Calvin Harris & Chrome – Dance Wiv Me (Shazam Remix)

Munk – Down In L.A. (Shazam Remix)

Bag Raiders – Shooting Stars (Shazam Remix)

We can now retire this song…and if you’re disgusted with it off the bat at least wait for drop 1, it’s worth it.

Well, we’ve already done best songs of the decade (Stendhal list here, Linus list here).

Let’s try best albums.

Top ten, no order:

Wilco – Yankee Hotel Foxtrot

Sometimes a band’s conflicts lead to trauma and the end of creativity. Every so often, they lead to acts of genius. Yankee Hotel Foxtrot is the latter. Haunting, with the right amount of Jim O’Rourke production foolery to bring alt-folk back to the future. Along with Kid A, this stands as the entryway into the fragmented, technological and alien world of the 21st century.

Track:  “Jesus, Etc.”

Radiohead – Kid A

Speaking of which, it’s practically cliche to say that this is one of the greatest albums of all time, but why the hell not? I would point out, though, that the 00s have led to a decline in melody and a rise in the focus on rhythm — whether in hip hop, pop or rock. In this case, the layered polyrhythms and hidden downbeats frame a world out of sync, out of balance. Yorke’s vocals never sounded better, and although OK Computer opened the door, this is the album that separated Radiohead from the league of ordinary bands.

Track: “Everything in its Right Place”

Bruce Springsteen – The Rising

When an American icon is destroyed, it takes an American icon to speak back. Harold Bloom suggested that no work has yet stepped into the void to respond to 9/11, but I think Springsteen does the job as he does any job — workman-like, plaintive, heartfelt. These are the songs of a man punched in the heart, who doesn’t know what to do. If I think back to the helplessness of the first days of the post-9/11 world, I cannot help but think of this album’s conflicted moans. Sure there’s too many toe-tappers, but Springsteen could only do what he knew how to do.

Track: “My City of Ruins (live)“

The New Pornographers – Mass Romantic

I fell in love with Neko Case when I heard Mass Romantic. “Indie rock” was just another confusing genre with no borders and no standard-bearer. I still said the word “pop” with a disdainful sneer. That changed with the New Pornographers. They were strange, harmonically complex, and unapologetic pop, of a strain that I had never heard. Yet even years later, hearing “Letter from an Occupant” brings the feeling of toe-tapping, sing-along despite its relative age. All the power pop to follow is still playing catch-up to this album.

Track: “My Slow Descent into Alcoholism”

White Stripes – White Blood Cells

Stripped-down garage rock seemed played out but then came Jack White. His not-quite-bluesy, not-quite-country yowl colored the spare arrangements with all the pathos necessary to float a surprisingly “light” album. One imagines the White Stripes of “Seven Nation Army” and “Fell In Love With A Girl” as breakneck, jam band hard rockers. In fact, the album proceeds at a measured pace, clicking through its calculated guitar licks like a Swiss watch. It’s not enough to call it retro; it’s retro through the looking glass, the musical past filtered through the mind of Jack White.

Track – “Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground”

Dizzee Rascal – Boy in Da Corner

In a decade where anyone could make the Billboard charts, perhaps one of the biggest disappointments has been the failure of Dizzee “Jus’ a” Rascal to break through on the U.S. charts. He has made four great albums, and has clearly separated himself from the pack of grime artists. Dizzee sounds like he’s from Neptune by way of East London, while the beats take choice dubstep samples and turn them into the perfect background for Dizzee’s off-the-wall rhymes. No one is weirder, funnier or brainier than Dizzee, and Boy In Da Corner cemented his status as more than just another wunderkind.

Track: “I Luv U”

Lucinda Williams – Essence

Pop country is fine, but country music’s soul is about too many cigarettes, too much bourbon, cracked fingers and voice boxes cranking out the sound of a forgotten past. If that’s how you define country music, then Lucinda Williams’ voice is its perfect instrument. Her voice is like a winter wind, creaking through the treas from a whisper to a howl — a voice of a woman who has seen much. In a genre of the next new thing, Lucinda Williams is the complete package: perfect songs, perfect voice. One wonders whether the Miranda Lamberts and Taylor Swifts of the world will ever make it that far.

Track: “Essence”

Spoon – Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga

Spoon is the hardest-working band in the business, and they prove it on an album like Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga. Spoon produces great songs with each album, but Britt Daniel makes everything come together on this one. Usually the band is all loose ends and ephemera, but this album sounds tight, from the maracas clacks to the percussion reverb. From the baroque layers of the Jon Brion-produced “The Underdog” to the piano and guitar flourishes on “My Little Japanese Cigarette Case,” no brushstroke is out of place on this masterpiece.

Track: “Don’t You Evah”

Justice – [cross]

Not since Aphex Twin’s Richard D. James Album has an electronic band produced this much menace. What separates Justice’s first album from the waves of Euro-electro-dance-pop to wash upon our shores is its undeniable darkness. Even though its breakout hit was “D.A.N.C.E.”, the album itself plumbs the depths of bass to pull out laden melodic lines, over which hover the highlighted strings samples. Justice is dancing, all right, but their brand of dance music hints at the danger beneath the surface.

Track: “Stress”

Kanye West – Late Registration

Perhaps my selection of Late Registration most typifies the way I went about making this list. I only picked one “flawless” album to go on here (Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga, in case you were wondering), whereas the others all have shortcomings or tracks that I skip. I prefer the ambitious leap more than the cautious tiptoe, and no one did more to break the sophomore slump than Kanye West. The album is sprawling, with Jon Brion’s excellent production and great guest spots from pretty much everyone (Brandy? WTF?). The key again, though, is the ambition — the attempt to bring more electronic manipulation into the old soul samples, the strings in “Gone,” the introduction of Lupe Fiasco –that sets this album apart. On Late Registration, Kanye made himself the work of art, for better or worse.

Track: “Gone”

UPDATE:

Per Linus’ request, the next ten…

Taylor Swift – Fearless
Girl Talk – Feed the Animals
Phoenix – It’s Never Been Like That
Sufjan Stevens – Greetings! from Michigan
Okkervil River – The Stage Names
Joanna Newsom – Ys
Jill Scott – Words and Sounds, Vols. 1-3
Jens Lekman – Night Falls over Kortedala
Johnny Cash – American IV: The Man Comes Around
Outkast – Stankonia

Wiley and Dizzee dropping bars on an unreleased Roll Deep tune, big up the ego thieves for putting this up. Click the pic for the download.

” I miss Grime. Fact. Whether you agree or not its in a better or worst state, i was there swinging my gun finger in the air at Eskimo Dances and witnessing the start of some of the greatest artists this country has to offer you can buy here. Roll Deep were pinnacle to the scene and were one of the ‘major’ crews about. Well to celebrate the release of their Street Anthems compilation showcasing some of their greatest hits we have this free track for you to download which was previously unreleased. This has the original Dan Dadda Wiley along side Dizzee Rascal, Flowdan and more. Listen, download and remissness.”

The track has been heavily rotated on radio and the video is doing the same on TV, having already gathered over 150,000 views of one video alone (there is this particular one which is taken from Wiley’s own Youtube channel, there are then two more videos courtesy of Universal and Island records’ Youtube channels).

The unique production is courtest of Chew Fu, who fuses Electro, Drum & Bass and Grime to create an edgy up-tempo platform for Wiley to step up a level, Wiley sounds as comfortable and in his zone as ever, Wiley’s lyrical delivery is Grime, sounding like he has a point to prove, whereas the structure itself is more suited for a commercial audience. A clever anthem, as well as a much needed approval to end the year with after this years chart domination from fellow Grime rooted artists Dizzee Rascal, Tinchy Stryder (who makes a cameo as Wiley refers to stryderman in the song) and Chipmunk, Wiley is more than an emcee, he has created a legacy in regards to UK urban music, with many strongly beleiving that Wiley should have been where Dizzee Rascal is a long time ago, however everything happens for a reason, each artist has their position, While Dizzee Rascal plays his role in diluting if not ending stereotypes, Wiley has helped build a large family of talent, continously bringing through new artists, such as recent Number 1 chart topper..Chipmunk, Tinchy Stryder has always been tipped for success by Wiley himself, therefore I beleive many do not give Wiley the respect and acknowledgement he deserves, those who feel that he has fallen off, should listen to the lyrics clearly as he is speaking to you.

Wiley has stepped up the work rate and this is the first single from his forthcoming album, he has a new record deal, a new motivation it seems and definitely expect quality new music for a man who will forever be known as a pioneer in defining a sound that the UK can call their own.

The video, like the song is unique, it is has a dark essence to it whilst mixing lighting and colour to maximize effect and emphasis, the effects work well and overall Take That possesses an epic element, a track certainly deserving of support especially from the UK, if this record makes it to number 1, it will bridge the success of this year with the success to come in the next one.

Wiley - Take That ..Available to purchase December 28th!!

Armand Van Helden is coming to Los Angeles tomorrow (Friday) to play at Avalon for the Control party.  AVH is one of if not the most prolific house producers from the US not residing in Detroit or Chicago.  He has released countless classics starting in the middle of the 1990s, and continues to drop heat to this day, including the smash “Bonkers” with Dizzee Rascal and the incredible collaboration with A-Trak as Duck Sauce.  He’s so powerful as a producer because he can make super heavy jackin’ house tracks, with just drums and a few samples, disco/filter house, or poppy, more mainstream tracks.  I included two of my favorite joints from him below.  I first heard “NYC Beat” at the Unruly CMJ showcase a few years back and it tore the place down.  The other track is a vinyl rip of mine from his 2001 single.

Armand Van Helden – NYC Beat (2007)

Armand Van Helden – Why Can’t You Free Some Time (2001)